CARAVANS
ADVICE
CHOOSING YOUR RIG
CARAVANS
The humble caravan is the most popular type of RV in Australia, though it’ s not so humble any more. Dishwashers, spas( yes, spas), washing machines and bathrooms can all be found in Aussie vans. Ultimately, a caravan is only limited by its size and, importantly, the potential weight of the finished product. After all, if a van ends up so heavy that it can’ t be legally towed by any vehicle on the market, it’ s nothing but a fancy backyard bungalow.
Before deciding if a caravan is right for you, carefully consider your needs and how you will travel. If it’ s just the two of you, do you need that ostentatious 24-footer or will a well-appointed, comfortable 18ft van do the job just as well? The heavier the van, the harder your tow vehicle’ s engine will have to work and the more fuel it will drink. The ongoing costs in tow-vehicle maintenance and fuel need to be part of the equation.
Speaking of the tow vehicle, don’ t assume the car in your garage is up to the task. Matching the tow vehicle to the caravan – ensuring one can legally and safely tow the other – is one of the most important factors in play. Get it wrong, and you’ ve got a problem on your hands. Internet forums are lousy with such tales of woe.
The need to periodically hitch and unhitch your van is inescapable, and there may be certain items you’ ll have to purchase to improve the towing experience, such as a weight distribution hitch and extension mirrors.
But once you’ ve matched your tow vehicle to your caravan and everything is well set up, what are the advantages of choosing a caravan over a motorhome or camper trailer? First, a trailer such as a caravan can be left at the holiday park when you want to go for a drive around town. This mightn’ t sound particularly beneficial, but consider
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Caravans come in all shapes and sizes; inside a large offroad van; some caravans are designed for light offroad travel; dishwashers are among the many touring comforts gracing caravans today.
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ADVENTURES