Are you looking to buy a caravan for the first time? Perhaps you are an experienced caravanner looking for an upgrade. With endless choices, beginner caravanners may find it difficult to know what features to look for. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned traveller, making the right choice when it comes to a caravan fit-out and other essentials can have a huge impact on how much you enjoy your future camping holidays.
Do you wish there was a list of absolute essentials that would simplify matters for you? Below is a short guide on some of the most important things in a caravan you absolutely must have.
Before any caravanner sets off on a caravan camping trip they need to ensure that the following things are in order:
1). Towing
Check the maximum towing capacity of your vehicle to ensure that the caravan it will be towing is a suitable weight. Remember that all the gear and extras you pack into your caravan will increase the overall weight of the van.
2). Safety
If you have never towed a caravan before, you should know that it takes some getting used to. One of the most important things to take care of is knowing how to handle your vehicle with a very heavy towing weight attached. The size of the caravan and how many passengers there are in the vehicle will play a large role in how the vehicle handles. In addition, a vehicle with a single axle tends to be easier to maneuver than one with a double axle.
3). Space & Comfort
If you are travelling with your family a bigger caravan has the advantage of more space and comfort. Fitting out your caravan with space-saving layouts like bunk beds avoids having to pitch a tent outside for the kids to sleep. In some ultra-spacious models, you can even take along extra sports gear like mountain bikes.
4). Off-Road Capability
If you want to travel to out-of-the-way national parks or bush camps or venture further into the Australian Outback make sure that you choose a model equipped with all the essentials to reach remote locations. If you are planning to travel off-road you should talk to one of our caravan experts in this regard. Some of the things you will need include:
- Specialised Off-Road Chassis
- 4WD Tyres
- Diesel Generator
- Solar Power Capabilities
- Adequate Fresh Water Storage Tanks
- Grey and Black Water Storage Tanks
5). Fuel Consumption
Filling up a tow vehicle can be very costly, particularly at today’s fuel prices. Depending on how far you wish to travel, fuel consumption should be considered when choosing a caravan. A more spacious caravan will be heavier and likely chew up most of your holiday funds compared to a lighter, smaller model.
6). Setup & Pack Up
An important point to consider is how easy it is to unhitch the caravan if you want to be free to drive around in an unburdened vehicle once you have arrived at the campsite. There is no reason to spend hours unhitching your caravan and setting up a campsite. Different caravan models have different levels of mobility. More modern caravans are easier to unhitch and stabilise.
Final Thoughts
The items listed above are a few of the most important must-have essentials to include when choosing a caravan. There are other accessories and equipment that can be included to make camping safer and more comfortable. You can even have your caravan custom-built and fitted with any type of features you deem necessary for the ultimate camping experience.
Visit RV & Caravan Centre for Your Caravan Fit Out and Servicing Needs
RV & Caravan Centre offers fit-outs as well as spare parts and equipment for all types of caravans to make your camping experience more enjoyable. Give us a call today for a chat about your particular camping and caravan requirements and we will give you our expert advice and a free estimate.
Please give us a call today on 1800 782 236 to learn more about our caravan services or leave an enquiry.
