Guide to Choosing the Best Off-Road Caravan
What separates off-road caravans from other types of caravans? Are all caravans appropriate for off-roading? What are the things you need to know about choosing the best off-road caravan? These are some of the topics we will explore in today’s blog post.
When you take a caravan off-road, you get to explore something very few people do in their lifetime. You will discover parts of nature that are completely untouched and not ruined by tourists. You will be able to thoroughly enjoy nature as it’s meant to be.
With that said, not every caravan is meant for off-roading. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the best off-road caravan:
Suspension system
Pay special attention to the suspension system and make sure it is designed to specifically handle off-road conditions. Regular caravans with a leaf suspension system are fine for bitumen but when it comes to rugged off-road terrain, you need a lot more capability and a leaf suspension system is usually not appropriate for the job.
Choose a caravan with an independent suspension system with appropriate shocks. Independent suspension will allow the wheels to move independently and provide you with greater stability and comfort while you navigate challenging terrain.
Good quality chassis
A chassis is the very foundation of your vehicle. Make sure you choose a caravan that is made from Australian-made steel. Many companies use imported steel that is cheaper but you are never sure about the quality of the material. In addition to the origin of steel, you should also pay attention to the steel gauge. Make sure it is a heavy-duty gauge.
Appropriately Sized Water Tanks
If you’re going to take a caravan off-road, there are high chances you will not have access to fresh water or power for a few days. That is why you need to be prepared by having enough water and power to survive and stay comfortable. Appropriately designed off-road caravans have a lot of water storage that is typically much greater than traditional caravans.
These caravans typically also have provisions for the installation of solar panels as well as appropriate wiring on board to ensure that you are never without power even when you are off-road.
Off-road Tyres
Needless to say, off-road vehicles should have greater ground clearance compared to regular vehicles. You should also pay attention to the quality of the tyres. Tyres that are specifically designed for off-road driving are typically bigger and provide the desired traction in a variety of different terrain. These tyres also have more sidewall protection and offer much better performance compared to regular tyres.
Warranty
Take a close look at the warranty offered by the manufacturer. Make sure the warranty doesn’t become void when you take it off-road. Many manufacturers that market their caravans as off-road vehicles often have certain restrictions in their warranty terms. They won’t honour the warranty if you take the vehicle through challenging terrain. This is why you need to make sure that the manufacturer offers a full off-road warranty.
Roof, temperature control and other comforts
Make sure the roof is of good quality. After all, the caravan is your home when you are away from civilisation and if it starts leaking, you will be exposed to the elements and won’t have anywhere to go.
Similarly, you need excellent temperature control if you plan to go caravanning with your family. In addition, there should be ample storage space to allow you to carry plenty of food and other things you might need during your adventures.
Final Thoughts
There are dozens of caravans manufacturers that market their caravans as appropriate for off-roading but they don’t tell the complete truth. If you go through their warranty terms, you will find that warranty is only offered for easy dirt roads and if you take your vehicle to challenging terrains and something gets damaged, their warranty won’t cover that damage.
This is why you should pay attention to the parameters discussed above when looking at various manufacturers to choose the right off-road caravan.
Retreat Caravans has been active in this industry for more than 15 years and is known for high-quality, comfortable, convenient, secure, sturdy and safe caravans that are designed for offroading. If you are looking for the best off-road caravans in Australia for your next big adventure, you can’t go past Retreat Caravans. Please check out our full range of caravans below, all carefully designed with you in mind:
