Whether you are looking for a used caravan or a new one, you need to be aware of several things before finalising your decision and making the purchase. For an Australian, just hearing the word caravan brings up images of travelling the long roads, adventuring on the beach or in the brush. However, there is a significant difference between the caravans that can go off-road, those that go for a mild off-road and on-road, and those that need to stay on the road. On-road or touring caravans are primarily used for travelling on sealed roads, with occasional excursions across well-maintained dirt roads. They are also equipped only to link up to power and water at all times. On the other hand, off-road caravans are an entirely different breed of caravans; they are specially designed to withstand punishment, can be taken off the beaten track, and keep moving! These caravans can also provide off-grid capabilities, meaning you can get off the beaten path and don’t have to stay in caravan parks. Semi-off-road caravans strike a balance between the on-road and off-road ones. Here we try to provide you with the information you need to decide what type of caravan meets your requirements.
On-Road Caravans
A touring caravan is not made for rough 4wd tracks. They are designed to be driven primarily on sealed roads and well-maintained gravel roads. They can handle a bit of a rough patch, but not a full-on off-road track. Able to handle most good roads in decent weather, they cannot be considered for anything that resembles real off-roading. Their suspension will do an excellent job of tackling the on-road duties, but anything more strenuous should be strictly avoided. For reliable on-road performance, most on-road caravans include a beam axle, shock absorbers, and leaf slipper springs. Smaller trailers only have spring suspension; there are no shock absorbers or dampers because the leaf spring also serves as a damper. These caravans are usually the lightest.
Off-Road Caravan
Compared to an on-road caravan, off-road or outback caravans are built to withstand more abuse. Usually, these caravans are more expensive and heavier than on-road caravans. That’s because these caravans are constructed of sturdy, high-quality materials. To accommodate the harsh conditions of Australia’s outback, off-road caravans have higher ground clearance and stronger underbody protection. Even in adverse weather, these trailers may be safely and comfortably towed across all terrain. They have airbags, coil-spring independent suspension, adjustable dual shock absorbers, and more powerful dust sealing capabilities. In general, independent suspension systems are more effective than live-axle systems but are also more expensive. If you intend to spend a lot of time off-roading, it is advised that you get a caravan with an independent system. Off-road caravans are usually the heaviest.
Semi-Off-Road Caravans
These caravans have grown in popularity recently as more people have demonstrated a desire to go on the roads less travelled but not too rough or rugged. Despite having semi-off-road suspension, they are like regular off-road caravans. The suspension of this caravan functions essentially like the suspension on a car. The spring used in caravans made for semi-off-road terrain is often a standard leaf spring. With the chassis lifted high enough, they can negotiate rough terrain because of their larger wheels and better ground clearance tyres. One benefit of semi-off-road caravans is that you can travel off-road paths thanks to their larger tyres and superior suspension, but you cannot travel entirely off-road. These caravans are, however, still lighter than the off-road ones.
Selecting the Best Caravan
By now, you would have got a good idea about the types of caravans available to you out there. We hope we have made the process of selecting your caravan easier. The ideal caravan is out there for you. It is just that you have to select it. It is usually the usage that decides which caravan is right for you. You may be planning an off-road adventure or want to try a simple road trip away from the city or a judicial mix of the two. You have to decide which is best for you based on your needs. It’s vital to conduct your research before buying a caravan. Think carefully before making the final decision; while it might be satisfying to buy a caravan you want rather than what you need, you must ensure that you stay within your budget. It is tough to justify going above your budget for something you rarely use as the manufacturers intended.
If you are looking for a new or used caravan & a new or used motorhome, visit. We have something for everyone. Our experienced team will ensure that you get the right caravan for your requirements without breaking the bank. Or, if your heart refuses to listen to your brain, our expert team of finance specialists will be available to guide you on the best finance for the purchase at here.
