Planning a road trip to a site located in uncharted territory? A proper off-road caravan is built to endure the adversities of the outback. Let’s take a look in more detail at what makes off-road caravans such a suitable travel companion.
Off-road caravans have the ability to cruise tough terrains and give the traveller peace of mind to travel and camp freely for extended periods.
Most of the off-road caravan parts are engineered to withstand tough conditions. Before buying or leasing an off-road caravan, it is essential to check the state of its main parts to guarantee a long life.
Wondering what the essential parts of an off-road caravan are? Below is a highlight of the crucial parts of an off-road caravan:
- Chassis and Frame
- Suspension system
- Wheels and Tyres
- Coupling/Hitch
- External Armour
- Battery, Water, and Solar
1). Chassis and Frame
A sturdy chassis is crucial as it is a foundation to the make-up of an off-road caravan. There are conventional configurations for the chassis components.
These include 150 x 50 mm RHS members for an A-frame, 75 x 50 mm raisers and 100 x 50 mm RHS chassis rails. Some off-road caravan manufacturers weld a second rail to reinforce the first.
Proper set-up and reinforcement of the chassis parts help increase the strength and stability of an off-road caravan.
Manufacturers are increasingly using aluminium and an alloy of aluminium and steel for manufacturing chassis for extra strength and durability.
2). Suspension System
This system comprises of shock absorbers and springs. These should be high-grade, given the conditions that off-road caravans are subjected to. Suspension should be tough enough to endure the rough terrain without any issues.
They are also vital in providing the much-needed ground clearance for seamless navigation.
Sturdy coil springs are also essential for an off-road caravan as they help minimise the transfer of vibrations and shock to other parts of the caravan.
3). Wheels and Tyres
You want your off-road caravan fitted with tough tyres that will last, right?
With many tyre brands available in the market, an off-road caravan should be fitted with tyres made of tough and highly vulcanised rubber. Such rubber tyres wear off slowly and can last you for thousands of kilometres.
Choosing large wheels also helps provide good ground clearance. Such clearance helps to prevent damage to other chassis members.
High-grade off-road tyres provide more traction and easier movement on just about any terrain, as well as enhancing all-round performance.
4). Coupling/Hitch
Couplings for off-road caravans are vital for a 360-degree articulation. Most of these couplings comprise vertical and horizontal articulation to support extreme rides.
These couplings are also engineered using easy hitching designs that require no hole or pin alignment.
Though there are several ball couplings available for caravans, those meant for off-road caravans need to offer vertical and horizontal articulation.
5). External Armour
The material used in building the body of an off-road caravan is also important. Most bodies will be made of aluminium because it’s relatively lightweight.
The construction of the frame is also important, as well as the process of building the cabinet. Take the time to understand how the body of the off-road caravan is attached to the chassis.
6). Battery, Water, and Solar
These are also vital systems in an off-road caravan as they guarantee an easy time while in the middle of nowhere. A battery capacity of 200 Ah is sufficient for energy backup whenever you are in a remote area.
Some off-road caravans are also fitted with 300W solar panels for continuous power supply. A standard 190L water storage system also ensures a constant supply of clean water whenever you are on a trip.
Travelling and camping enthusiasts should understand the anatomy of an off-road caravan. This way, they will know what to check or enhance before setting out on a trip.
The chassis is the foundation of any off-road caravan, while the suspension, wheels and tyres, coupling, external armour, solar, battery, and water system are also an important part of an off-road caravan’s structure.
If you are planning on going on a road trip with your family, then there is no better way to experience our great country than with your very own caravan.
For the best new or used off-road caravans for your next holidaying adventure, then look no further than Luxury RVs WA.
We have over 40 years of experience in the caravan industry ranging from sales and custom vehicle building through to service and repairs.
Please call our super-friendly customer service team today on (08) 9509 6083 or contact us through our website for all your caravanning requirements.
