Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer

Caravan Coupling: Definition, Types and How to Buy One 

Have you ever wondered how many types of caravan couplings there are? Do you know how to choose the right caravan coupling? 

There are almost endless choices and not all coupling is right for every combination. There are several factors that should be considered before choosing a particular coupling. 

In this blog post, we will explore the concept of caravan coupling, its different types and how to go about choosing the right one.

What Is Caravan Coupling?

In simple terms, caravan coupling is that piece of equipment that connects your tow vehicle to the caravan. Usually, the tow vehicle is secured to the caravan with the help of high tensile bolts with specific torque values.

Contrary to popular perception, not all types of coupling is suitable for every road. You need a more articulating coupling for the rugged outback whereas a standard coupling is alright for bitumen.

Types of Caravan Coupling

While there are many different types of caravan coupling, these can be broadly categorised into on-road and off-road couplings. It is important to choose the right one to have an incident-free trip.

On-Road Coupling — A vast majority of these couplings are ball couplings. These are simple but extremely effective and do not require much maintenance. They are rigid but do the job when it comes to driving on the road. However, these are not designed to withstand the wear and tear associated with off-road terrain. 

They can’t articulate independently of the tow vehicle and if you use this type of coupling for off-road caravanning, it will eventually break. 

The biggest advantage of this coupling is its cheaper price. If you don’t plan to take a caravan off-road, you could use this particular type of coupling but if you need to take a caravan off-road, be ready to spend additional money on a specially designed off-road coupling.

Caravan Coupling How You Can Buy One

Off-Road Coupling — There is a large variety of off-road couplings available for sale at various prices. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $300 to more than $1000 on a good quality off-road coupling.

The biggest difference between off-road and on-road coupling is the articulation capability of the head which allows it to move freely both horizontally and vertically. 

Tow ball coupling — This type of coupling offers 360° head articulation

Poly block coupling — This offers 360° rotation but 70° vertical oscillation

Pintle hook and ring coupling — This is designed for heavier vehicles such as military or farming vehicles.

How to Choose the Right Caravan Coupling

First and foremost, you need to choose a coupling based on where you are going to take your caravan. If you’re planning to drive on bitumen for the majority of your time, a standard coupling is perfect for you. These couplings are cheap but only work on level roads.

If you plan to take your caravan off-road, it would be better to spend the money on a specially designed off-road coupling. Pay special attention to its weight rating and make sure it matches the maximum weight capacity of the caravan. 

In addition, also pay attention to the ease of disconnection. You don’t want to spend a lot of time disconnecting the caravan after each trip.

Final Thoughts

Overall, there is a huge variety of couplings available in the market at various price points. Couplings designed for on-road use are cheaper compared to off-road couplings. 

It is recommended to buy a good quality off-road coupling as it will work well on bitumen as well as on difficult terrain. Whatever coupling you choose, make sure it is right for the terrain and matches the maximum rated weight capacity of your caravan.

Visit RV & Caravan Centre for Your Caravan Servicing Needs

RV & Caravan Centre has been serving caravan and motorhome owners for more than 25 years. We are an MVRL licensed repairer. We offer a wide range of RV products and accessories.

Please give us a call today on 1800 782 236 to learn more about our caravan services or leave an enquiry.

 

 

Caravan Coupling: Definition, Types and How You Can Buy One 
Google Rating
3.8
Based on 155 reviews
×
js_loader
Google Rating
3.8
Based on 155 reviews
×
js_loader