4WD vs 2WD: How To Choose The Best Campervan For Your Road Trip

Essential features for a road trip campervan

If you’ve already started researching different campervans for hire, you’ll notice there are lots of options to choose from. Britz has a campervan for every type of traveller, and there’s one that’s just right for you. Let’s take a look at some of the considerations to factor in when picking out the best campervan hire to explore Australia. 

• Number of travellers:  When you’re looking at different campervans for hire, you’ll need to think about sleeping arrangements for each traveller.  Britz campers come in many different sizes, from compact vans for solos or couples, to motorhomes that can comfortably sleep up to six people. 

• Storage needs: The amount of storage space you need is another important consideration for van travel. If you’re planning on bringing outdoor gear such as surfboards, bikes, or bulky hiking packs, you’ll need space to store these.

• Toilet and bathroom facilities: If you’re staying in campgrounds only, you may not need these. However, if you’re free camping, you’ll need to have a bathroom onboard.

• Cooking facilities: Do you plan to prepare and cook some or all of your meals as you travel? If so, you’ll want to choose a campervan that allows for this with facilities such as a cooktop, oven, microwave, and fridge.  

 

 

4WD vs 2WD campervans

Most vehicles, including campervans, have a 2WD system. This means the engine sends power to two wheels, either on the front or rear axle. In a 4WD, all four wheels are powered by the engine. Let’s have a look at some of the advantages of each:

 

Advantages of 4WD campervans

One of the most obvious advantages of a 4WD campervan is the opportunity to explore parts of Australia not accessible with a 2WD. Because all four wheels receive power from the engine, it is better suited to low traction road conditions and off-road driving. That means you can travel to more remote locations, drive on beaches and gravel roads, and better manage hills and off-road driving conditions.  

 

Advantages of 2WD campervans

While a 4WD campervan can take you into more remote areas, a 2WD has other advantages. These include better fuel efficiency, better drivability on regular roads, and a wider range of campervans to choose from. 2WD campervans also have the added benefit of a 240V mains power connection. 

 

Things to consider before booking

When you think about a campervan road trip, what springs to mind? Laid-back luxury or all-out adventure? Main highways or off-the-beaten-track? Free camping in the outback or under the shade in a holiday park? Your answer may help you decide whether you’re best suited to a 4WD or 2WD campervan. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors worth considering when choosing which is best for you. 

 

Where you are travelling

Australia’s landscape is incredibly diverse. You’ll want to make sure the campervan hire you choose is suitable for the roads you’ll be travelling. If you’re planning to spend time in the outback or driving on beaches or gravel or dirt roads, a 4WD is the best option.

 

Budget

The hireage cost of campervans can vary considerably depending on factors such as size and available amenities, and the length and time of year of your trip. Smaller campervans without any bells and whistles will typically be cheaper than a large campervan with a full shower, bathroom etc. 

You may also need to factor in considerations such as remote location fees – which apply to Britz campervan hires in Broome. In addition, if you want to pick up your campervan from one location and drop it off at another, you’ll need to pay a ‘one-way’ fee. 

When you are booking your Britz campervan online, you’ll be able to compare prices of different campervans and choose one that best fits your budget. 

To secure the best price, it’s a good idea to try and book in early. Often, with a bit of planning, you can plan around a great deal or shift your dates slightly to find the best price. 

TOP TIP: Read more about how to hire the best campervan for your budget. 

 

Itinerary

While it can be fun to be spontaneous and see where the road takes you, it’s important to know that 2WD campervans can only be driven on sealed/bitumen roads. With this in mind, it’s worthwhile planning a travel itinerary so that you know what roads you’ll be travelling.  

Read more about road restrictions for both 2WD and 4WD campervans.  

 

Safety

With any road trip, safety should always be top of mind. Here are a few things to be aware of as you prepare:

• Weather: Always check the forecast before you set off. It’s particularly important to check for storms, heavy rain, or extreme heat. Be aware that some unmaintained outback roads can become unusable in these conditions. 

• Road rules and regulations: If you’re unfamiliar with driving in Australia, it’s a good idea to have a thorough understanding of the driving rules before you hit the road.  

• Adequate supplies: If you’re planning on heading to the outback, into the bush, or to a remote area, it’s important to be well prepared. Ensure you have enough food and water, a charged phone, and plenty of fuel.  

• Fire safety: Parts of Australia are prone to bushfires at certain times of year. It is a good idea to check for fire alerts before you travel. Make sure you are familiar with fire safety tips and campfire safety rules. 

To help make your road trip safe, comfortable and fun, we suggest downloading the thl Roadtrip app. This handy app is loaded with useful tips for preparing for your campervan trip, as well as handy how-to video guides, navigation tools, and 24/7 phone support. 

 

The range of Britz campervans

Britz Australia has a wide variety of 2WD and 4WD campervans to suit your needs. You’ll also be covered with our peace of mind promise which means we always put your wellbeing, comfort, and safety first. Let’s take a look at our great range of campervans:

 

Britz 4WD campervans

 

Britz Safari Auto

Even on the most rugged outback terrain, you’ll enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride in the new 5 Berth Britz Safari Auto. Designed and built exclusively for Britz customers, this 4WD features a roof-top tent that can sleep two, plus a ground annexe with self-inflating sleeping mats for three people.

 

Britz Outback

Fully automatic, robust, and ready to go off-road, the 5 Berth Britz Outback 4WD combines 4WD capability with a comfortable automatic driving experience. This camper comes with free-standing tents which means you can set up camp and keep exploring. 

Keen to compare? Take a look at the specs of each Britz 4WD campervan side-by-side.

 

Britz 2WD campervans

 

Britz HiTop

This campervan is perfect for two people who don’t need an on-board toilet and shower. The Britz 2 Berth HiTop includes a double bed, plus a cooker so you can enjoy making your own homemade meals. It also comes with a sink for cleaning up, and a fridge to keep your food and drinks cool. 

 

Britz Voyager

This campervan is great for two to four people who don’t need an on-board toilet and shower. The Britz 4 Berth Voyager includes a nifty pull-down back bed and is ideal for small families and couples. To help keep you comfortable whatever the weather, the Voyager includes air-con and a heater in the driver's cab.

 

Britz Venturer

Perfect for two people, the Britz 2 Berth Venturer campervan includes a toilet and shower, an external barbecue, LCD and DVD player, plus air-con and a heater in the driver's cab and main cab. The 2-berth Venturer is just the ticket for couples who like to explore Australia in comfort.

 

Britz Venturer Plus

Tailored for a small family – for two adults and one child – the 2+1 Berth Venturer  Plus campervan has everything needed for a fantastic Australian road trip. This campervan comes with a toilet, shower, kitchen, plus an outside barbecue. It also has air-con and a heater in the driver's cab and main cab.

 

Britz Discovery

With a dinette that converts to a double bed and a drop-down double bed above it, this space-saving camper is ideal for families or a group of friends. The spacious 4 Berth Discovery includes a toilet, shower, kitchen and plenty of room for gear. 

 

Britz Explorer

A four-person camper with a toilet, shower, and fixed rear bed, the 4 Berth Explorer is ideal for those who want to leave their rear bed made up. Mum, Dad, and the kids can enjoy the ultimate Australian road trip in this home-on-wheels! For even more freedom, Britz can fit a bike rack on this campervan so you can bring along your bikes, or hire them, for the trip. 

 

Britz Frontier

Planning an Australian road trip with a big family or a few friends? The Britz 6 Berth Frontier is the way to go! This brilliantly big campervan includes a toilet, shower, and three double beds. Choose your sleeping space from the double over-cab bed, the rear u-shaped lounge that converts into a bed, and the double drop-down bed above. This campervan also includes air-con and a heater in the driver's cab and main cab.

Keen to compare? Take a look at the specs of each Britz 2WD campervan side-by-side.

 

 

Know which campervan you want to hire?

Now that you’ve got some advice on which campervan is right for you, it’s time to hit the road! Book your Britz campervan online and then pick it up from any one of Britz Australia’s 10 branches around the country.