You may be wondering, what is a composite caravan? Why would I want a composite caravan? In this article, we’ll share some advantages and answer all the questions you may have surrounding this exciting new caravan construction method.
What is a composite caravan?
Composite is a new caravan construction method that is taking the industry by storm. Composite caravans are constructed with composite panels that are stronger, lighter and more durable than your traditional caravan.
Composite caravans vs aluminium frame caravans
The main difference between a composite caravan and a standard aluminium caravan is the way they are constructed and the materials used. Many composite construction caravans consist of three different layers. Two of the layers comprise of fibreglass glass reinforced polyester. The final inner layer is made from structural XPS foam, which stands for eXtruded, high strength, closed-cell Polystyrene.
How composite caravans are manufactured
Composite caravans often use a one-piece construction method. This means the flooring, walls and roof all comprise of just one panel. Furniture is CNC machined for precision, assembled free-standing for strength, and then attached as the walls are added, using a strong polymer adhesive which results in a secure structure. The noticeable difference from standard caravan construction is the absence of an aluminium or timber frame.
Benefits of composite caravans
Composite is leading the way in new caravan manufacturing innovation. These benefits of composite caravan construction include:
Lighter & stronger
Composite panels are lightweight, meaning you’ll notice a difference in the overall weight of your caravan. Owning a lighter caravan has many benefits. More vehicles will be able to tow them and depending on the individual caravan weights, you may be able to load more items into it!
Better protection against the elements
The great thing about composite panels is that it is a one-piece construction method. Fewer seals and joins in construction will reduce the chances of any water seeping through. Plus, the strong composite outer layer provides superior protection against hail, compared to your standard aluminium frames.
Fuel efficiency
Having a lightweight caravan has many benefits, one of which is fuel economy. A caravan that’s lighter to tow will offer your tow vehicle greater fuel savings.
Discounts on insurance
Composite caravans are built for Australian conditions. Did you know some insurance providers may offer you a discount on your premium for having a composite caravan?
Visit Lewis RV to check out our composite caravans
Composite caravans are the future of caravan construction and offer many benefits over traditional caravans. If you’re in the market for a new caravan, be sure to check our composite range at Lewis RV.
With our wide range of options and prices, there’s sure to be a caravan that fits your needs and budget. Come see us today and check it out for yourself.
FAQs
A composite caravan is a type of caravan constructed using composite panels. These panels are typically made from a combination of materials like fibreglass, foam, and aluminium, which are bonded together to create a strong, lightweight, and durable structure.
There's no doubt that composite construction methods are the future of caravan construction. They offer superior strength and rigidity, superior thermal and acoustic insulation, and are much lighter than traditional materials like aluminium or timber frame.
There are some challenges to using composite sandwich panels in caravan construction, mainly related to cost and availability. However, as manufacturing processes improve and the cost of materials comes down, we don’t doubt that composite sandwich panels will become the industry standard for caravan construction.
Contact Lewis RV to learn more about the different composite caravan models currently in production. We are more than happy to help you build the perfect composite caravan for your needs.
When selecting the best composite caravan, it's important to consider factors such as build quality, insulation, weight, and durability. Ensure that the materials used in the composite panels are of high quality, offering both strength and excellent thermal performance. Additionally, the caravan’s overall design and layout should meet your travel needs and preferences.
Composite caravans offer several advantages over traditional caravans, including better insulation, increased durability, and lighter weight. This makes them easier to tow, more fuel-efficient, and capable of withstanding various weather conditions better than caravans made with traditional materials.
Maintaining a composite caravan involves regular cleaning, checking seals and joints, and ensuring that all mechanical components are in good working order. Due to the durable materials used in their construction, composite caravans generally require less maintenance than traditional caravans, but regular upkeep is still essential for longevity.
