5 Signs Your Site Caravan Isn’t Work-Ready

A site caravan or onsite van is more than a temporary structure — it’s the hub of your project. When it isn’t built for real work, productivity drops and operating costs climb. Here are five signs it’s time to upgrade.

1. Poor Insulation & Climate Control

If your crew is sweating through summer or freezing on winter mornings, your caravan isn’t work-ready. Poor insulation forces air-conditioning and heating systems to run harder - pushing up energy use and increasing daily running costs.

Hardwear vans use Askin Performance Panels and efficient climate control to keep temperatures stable without unnecessary power drain.

2. Limited Space & Storage

A cramped, poorly planned caravan slows your team down. When desks, equipment and storage compete for space, productivity takes a hit.

Hardwear layouts are built around real workflows - with planning desks, integrated storage and smart, usable space.

3. Non-Compliance

If your current caravan doesn’t meet ADR, AS3000 or AS5033 standards, you’re exposed to safety risks, downtime, and costly compliance issues.

Every Hardwear unit is certified and compliant from the ground up, ensuring you operate with confidence on every site.

4. Poor Fuel Efficiency & Expensive Running Costs

If your site caravan constantly strains generators, burns through fuel or relies on outdated electrical systems, your operating costs can skyrocket. Inefficient vans demand more power, more maintenance and more refuelling - all of which erodes project margins.

Hardwear vans are engineered for efficiency, with optimised electrical systems, solar compatibility and high-quality components that significantly reduce fuel consumption and daily running costs.

5. Slow Setup

A caravan that takes days to configure or connect delays your team and increases labour costs.

Hardwear units are plug-and-play - ready to operate from day one.

Final Word

If your current caravan shows any of these signs, it’s not work-ready. Hardwear builds site caravans, work caravans and onsite vans that are durable, compliant and designed to reduce long-term running costs.

Contact us today to upgrade your site facilities.

The Hardwear Van Specs - Built Without Compromise

We don’t cut corners. We build better.

At Hardwear, transparency matters. That’s why we’ve released our full van specification sheet - so you can see exactly what goes into every onsite van we manufacture. No smoke and mirrors, no hidden details just honest engineering and high-end components designed to last.

Every element, from the chassis to the fitout, has been chosen for reliability, safety, and performance in the harshest Australian conditions. Every inclusion is intentional — built for long-term strength and consistency.

Why We Share Our Specs

Because we believe in what we build. Our customers deserve to know what’s behind the walls, under the floor, and powering the systems they rely on day in, day out. Sharing our spec sheet is about setting a higher standard for what’s possible on site - one built on integrity, durability and attention to detail.

Built Right, Every Time

Every Hardwear van is constructed with quality at the core - from certified materials and electrical systems to tested structural components and ISO-aligned processes. We’re proud of what we put in, and even prouder of what we leave out: shortcuts.

We’re here to deliver reliability, performance, and endurance.

Our Promise

No compromises. No guesswork. Just high-quality materials, proven systems, and clear communication at every step.

Download the full Hardwear Specification Sheet on our website homepage HERE

Because when you’re working on site, the details matter.

Australian Made and Built for Australian Conditions

Proudly Australian Made. Built to Last.

At Hardwear, we take pride in building every van right here in Australia. Designed, constructed, and tested locally, our onsite vans are made to perform where it matters most — in the harsh, unpredictable conditions only Australia can throw at you.

From the steel chassis up, every Hardwear van reflects our commitment to quality, reliability, and local craftsmanship. We don’t just assemble offshore components — we build from the ground up with Australian materials, suppliers, and trades.

Why Australian Made Matters

Built Tough for Local Conditions
From red dust to coastal humidity, our vans are engineered to handle Australia’s extremes — keeping crews safe, comfortable, and operational in any environment.

Supporting Local Jobs and Industry
Every van supports Australian manufacturing — from our metal fabricators and electricians to the local suppliers who help bring each fitout to life.

Compliance You Can Trust
All Hardwear vans meet or exceed Australian Standards for safety, electrical systems, and worksite compliance — so you can deploy with confidence.

Sustainable and Reliable Supply
Local manufacturing means less freight, faster turnaround, and a smaller footprint — helping us deliver smarter, more sustainable solutions to our customers.

Built Here. Built Right. Built for You.

Whether it’s a site office, accommodation unit or lunchrooms, every Hardwear build represents Australian innovation at its best — tough, reliable, and ready for anything.

We’re proud to wear the green and gold and stand behind every van we make.
Because when it’s Australian made, you know it’s made to last.

Ask the Hardwear team about our Australian-made onsite van range.

Solar-Ready Vans. Quiet Power, Built In.

A smarter power solution for Australian worksites

Hardwear’s new range of 48v solar-equipped onsite vans delivers next-generation power for worksites across Australia. Each unit comes fitted with a Victron 48v solar system - providing a reliable, renewable energy source that reduces reliance on diesel generators without compromising performance.

Quiet, Efficient, and Always On

Our solar systems are designed to run critical power loads silently and efficiently, keeping your operations online around the clock. From lighting and air-conditioning to communication systems and medical equipment, Hardwear’s solar integration delivers dependable, low-maintenance power - wherever the job takes you.

Why Solar Beats Generators

Reduced Fuel Costs
Every hour your generator runs, it burns fuel and money. Solar slashes runtime and fuel use by powering most systems during daylight hours - a clear win for long deployments.

Silent Operation
No more constant engine noise. Hardwear’s solar panels capture energy quietly, letting crews work, rest, and meet in peace. Ideal for medical, accommodation, or office units where calm and focus matter.

Cleaner, Safer Energy
No exhaust fumes. Less heat. A healthier, safer environment - especially important for medical or command setups in enclosed spaces.

Lower Maintenance
Generators demand regular servicing and fuel management. Solar doesn’t. With minimal moving parts, it offers more uptime and less downtime - no more mechanical headaches.

Seamless Integration
Our 48V solar systems work hand-in-hand with existing generator setups. During the day, solar powers and charges; when demand spikes, the generator automatically supports the load. Uninterrupted, automatic power - no switching, no fuss.

Power Where You Need It

Every Hardwear van is built for adaptability. Solar systems can be integrated into site offices, accommodation units, command centres, medical vans, and lunchrooms - enabling flexible, off-grid operation in even the most remote or demanding environments.

Panels are mounted low-profile to handle transport, wind, and dust, while integrated battery systems store excess energy for use at night. The result: a van that runs longer, costs less, and performs cleaner - day in, day out.

The Future of Onsite Energy

With solar-equipped onsite vans, Hardwear is redefining how Australia’s worksites power up.
Less noise. Less fuel. Less downtime.
More independence, efficiency, and sustainability - built in.

👉 Ask the Hardwear team about our 48v solar-ready models today.

Custom Fitouts for Onsite Vans, Work Caravans & Site Caravans

Not every project is the same and not every facility should be either. At Hardwear, we design custom fitouts for work caravans, site caravans and onsite vans that perform in the toughest Australian conditions. Whether you need a mobile site office, accommodation unit, medical facility or command centre, our vans are built for compliance, comfort and durability.

Why Custom Fitouts Matter

Generic site caravans can’t always keep up with the demands of real projects. A custom fitout ensures your facility is designed to support productivity and safety - from dual-entry access for high-traffic sites to server cooling for tech-heavy projects, or additional storage and drafting benches for civil works. Hardwear solutions are built for the way industries actually work.

Built for Compliance and Reliability

Every Hardwear caravan starts with a proven foundation: Australian-made, ADR-certified, and compliant with AS3000 and AS5033 standards. Our custom fitouts integrate industry-trusted components from AL-KO, Armstrong Flooring, Narva and Askin Performance Panels - chosen for their durability in mining, construction and renewable environments. That means your van isn’t just compliant - it’s battle-tested and built to last.

Custom Solutions Across Industries

Hardwear fitouts support the industries that keep Australia running:

• Construction & Civil - site offices, crib huts and ablution blocks tailored to daily site use.

• Mining & Resources - medical units and accommodation vans designed for remote deployment.

• Infrastructure & Transport - mobile command centres and project coordination hubs.

• Renewables & Energy - off-grid facilities adapted for solar, wind and hydro installations.

Wherever your project is based - inner-city or remote outback, our caravans are designed to perform.

The Hardwear Difference

With in-house design and manufacturing in Pakenham, Victoria, we deliver custom fitouts without long delays. Our experience means we know what works, and just as importantly, what doesn’t. Each van is engineered to meet compliance, built for rugged conditions, and tailored to your project requirements.

Final Word

When you search for work caravans, site caravans or onsite vans, Hardwear offers more than standard models. Our custom fitouts provide facilities that are safe, reliable and designed for the realities of Australian projects.

👉 Contact Hardwear today to discuss your next van fitout.

Work Caravans vs Site Caravans: What’s the Difference?

Across Australia, the terms work caravans, site caravans and mobile site offices often get used interchangeably. But whatever you call them, the purpose is the same: to provide durable, compliant and reliable onsite facilities that keep projects moving.

At Hardwear, we specialise in building caravans that perform in the realities of Australian worksites - from inner-city construction projects to remote mining camps and renewable energy installations.

Why Work Caravans Matter

Work caravans are more than just temporary shelters. They’re the operational hubs where crews plan, rest, meet and manage day-to-day activities. Hardwear caravans are designed with compliance and comfort in mind - insulated and equipped with the essentials needed for long shifts on site.

Site Caravans Built for Compliance

Every Hardwear caravan is engineered to meet or exceed Australian Design Rules and electrical compliance standards. That means peace of mind for project managers and safety for crews. From flooring to lighting, every component is selected for durability and reliability.

Caravans for Every Industry

Hardwear caravans support:

• Construction and Civil - site offices, crib huts and ablution blocks.

• Mining and Resources - accommodation units and medical facilities for remote projects.

• Infrastructure and Transport - command centres and project coordination hubs.

• Renewables and Energy - tailored facilities for solar, wind and hydro sites.

Final Word

Whether you search for work caravans or site caravans, Hardwear delivers facilities that are more than compliant - they’re built to perform. Wherever your project is based, our caravans provide safe, comfortable and productive spaces that keep crews moving.

Contact the team to discuss your caravan requirements.

Why Custom Fitouts Matter in Remote Worksite

When you're managing a remote or high-demand worksite, "off the shelf" rarely cuts it. Conditions are tough. Requirements are specific. And the people relying on your infrastructure, from engineers to emergency crews - need a workspace that performs without compromise.

That’s where custom fitouts come in.

At Hardwear, we build every unit to do more than just tick a box. We collaborate with clients to tailor mobile offices, medical units, accommodation and command centres to the exact needs of the job. Because in remote, rugged, or high-risk environments, details matter.

Need a dual-entry setup for safety? Done. Require a full-size drafting bench, extra cooling or anti-slip commercial flooring? We’ve done it all. Our approach is design-led, engineer-approved, and driven by experience across mining, construction, renewables and emergency response sectors.

The advantage isn’t just comfort - it’s compliance. Every Hardwear build meets or exceeds ADR regulations and is certified to AS3000 and AS5033 for electrical and solar. Our materials and partners including AL-KO, Narva, Armstrong Flooring and Askin Performance Panels, are trusted by industry leaders and chosen for their resilience in real-world conditions.

We know what works in high UV, red dust, freezing nights and 40-degree days. And we build accordingly.

When you go custom, you're not just buying a box on wheels. You’re investing in a mobile workspace that saves time, reduces risk and supports the team doing the hard yards on the ground.

If you've got a spec - we'll build to it. And if you don't, we’ll help shape it.

Contact the team to find out more.

7 Essentials of a Work-Ready Mobile Site Office

When you're managing a worksite - whether it's a civil project on the fringe of suburbia or a remote mining job in the middle of nowhere, your mobile site office is your nerve centre. It’s where plans are made, calls are taken and decisions are executed. So why settle for anything less than a setup that performs?

At Hardwear, we understand the realities of the Australian worksite. From the red dust of the Pilbara to the concrete corridors of urban infrastructure projects, our mobile offices are designed to go the distance. But what exactly makes a site office work-ready?

1. INSULATION & CLIMATE CONTROL
Australia doesn’t do mild. Whether it’s 40°C heat or frigid winter mornings, your team needs a space they can rely on. Look for offices with insulated walls and ceilings, plus reverse-cycle air conditioning to keep things comfortable all year round.

2. SPACE THAT WORKS AS HARD AS YOU DO
A mobile office shouldn’t feel like a tin can. Consider units with desks, integrated storage, ample lighting and ergonomic layouts. Hardwear vans are designed with productivity in mind - layouts that support project leads, planners and supervisors without crowding or clutter.

3. BUILT FOR THE FILES - NOT THE SHOWROOM
We build for reality. That means tough exteriors, anti-slip flooring, dust-proof seals and industrial-grade power and lighting systems. No gimmicks. Just gear that lasts.

4. COMPLIANCE AND CERTIFICATION
Your mobile office needs to meet safety and electrical standards. Every Hardwear van is engineered to meet or exceed Australian Design Rules (ADR Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018), and complies with AS3000 and AS5033 standards for electrical and solar installations.

5. SPEED OF SETUP
Time is money. A good mobile site office should arrive ready to work - with no need for modification or setup delays. Ours are plug-and-play, tested before delivery and built to get your team running within minutes of arrival.

6. ADAPTABILITY
One size doesn’t fit all. Whether you need a single office or a suite of connected units, at Hardwear we offer modular options, transport flexibility and optional add-ons.

7. REAL SUPPORT FROM REAL PEOPLE
Finally, you want to know the people building your van know what they’re doing - and that they’ll be there if something goes wrong. At Hardwear, we partner with hire companies, project managers and procurement leads across Australia to deliver what’s needed, when it’s needed - no fluff, no delays and guaranteed personal service.

IN SUMMARY
A mobile site office isn’t just a box with a desk. It’s your base of operations and it needs to be tough, comfortable, compliant and ready from day one. Whether you’re looking for a one-off build or a fleet solution, Hardwear builds mobile site offices that keep projects moving.

Want to find out more or get specs? Contact the Hardwear team for a tailored quote.

inside a hardwear van build

When we say our vans are built tough, we mean it. Every Hardwear unit is made to endure the heat, the dust, and the long days of Australian worksites — and it starts with what goes inside.

Our vans are engineered from the chassis up. We use AL-KO components exclusively — chosen for their strength, precision and Australian compliance. From there, each build is framed with industrial-grade materials and lined with Askin Performance Panels, designed to withstand heat, impact, and constant use.

The wiring and electrics? All compliant to AS3000 and AS5033 standards, installed by qualified technicians and ready for solar integration or 24/7 generator setups. Lighting and hardware are sourced from trusted partners like Narva and Armstrong, selected for durability and easy maintenance on remote jobs.

Insulation is standard, not optional - making our units usable in freezing mornings or blistering afternoons. And every layout is optimised for real-world use: desks where you actually need them, storage that fits the tools, and climate control systems that work.

Every van is tested — not just for compliance, but for usability. Because a mobile site office or medical van isn’t just equipment. It’s your team’s base.

We build it like we’d use it. Because at Hardwear, it’s never just a van — it’s a worksite solution, built for the elements and backed by industry trust.