There is a lot to think about when you’re contemplating hitting the open road in a caravan. How do you weigh your caravan? How do you keep it clean? This FAQ page will help answer all of those questions and more, so that you can hit the road feeling confident and prepared. Whether this is your first time travelling in a caravan or you’re an experienced pro, we’ve got you covered.
General
Caravans come in all different shapes and sizes. Therefore, the width can vary. In Australia, you’ll find the maximum width of a caravan to be 2.5 metres.
A generator for a caravan would need to be a minimum of 2,000 watts. When considering the size of the generator to purchase, you will also want to take into account the wattage requirements of the appliances that you will be using. If you are considering running your air conditioner, for example, you will need at least 2.5 kVa
A generator can be a great solution for power outages or when travelling in remote areas. It is important to select the right generator for your needs in order to ensure that you are getting the best performance and value for your money. Also, think about where you will store it in terms of weight distribution.
Here are some tips for storing a caravan in winter:
- Fully unpack your caravan
- Clean your floor matting
- Clean out your water tanks
- Keep your caravan powered
- Clean the exterior and store your caravan with a cover
For more tips, check out our blog article on the 12 Best Tips for Storing Your Caravan.
There are built-in gas or diesel heaters, with ducted heat outlets, that can be installed by the manufacturer at the time of construction. A diesel heater will have a small storage tank added to the drawbar, a gas heater will use the gas cylinders already included on the drawbar. Both are very safe, efficient methods for when reverse cycle cannot be used.
Caravan weight can be found by contacting your nearest weighbridge, or a mobile weighing service that might be able to come out to your caravan.
It is important to weigh your caravan empty, without water or gas, to find your tare weight. If you want to know how much you are fully loaded, weigh the van with the vehicle, to find out your GCM (gross combined mass). This is determined by the vehicle manufacturer and should be available from the car books or your dealer. It will be the legal maximum combination of the ATM (aggregate tare mass) of the caravan, and the GVM (gross vehicle mass) when the car is loaded with passengers, fuel, accessories, and equipment.
You can fill caravan water tanks at a variety of locations, including petrol stations, rest stops, and campgrounds. Some towns and cities also have public water spigots that you can use to fill your tank. Always be sure to check with local authorities before filling up your tank in order to avoid fines or other penalties. Remember to pack your own tap, hose, and connections.
There are a few things you can do to stop condensation in your caravan. One is to install insulation around the windows and doors, which will help keep the warm air in and the cold air out. You can also install a dehumidifier, which will pull the moisture out of the air and help reduce the amount of condensation. You can also make sure to ventilate your caravan well by opening up the windows and doors regularly. This will allow fresh air to enter and help dry out any excess moisture. Finally, dry out your shower after use, and don’t leave wet towels inside for too long.
There are a few factors to consider when choosing a car to tow a caravan. The weight of the caravan is the most important. In addition, you'll need to check the towing capacity and maximum tow ball weight of your car. The combined mass of both should not exceed the car manufacturer's stated GCM.
Most small cars won't be able to tow a caravan, so you'll need something with a bit more power. Larger 4WD or SUVs are generally good choices for towing a caravan. If you're not sure what your car can handle, it's best to consult with your dealer or an automotive expert.
For more advice check out our blog article on Best Cars for Towing Caravans!
Checking caravan fuses is a relatively easy process. Most caravans have a fuse box that is located inside a cupboard near the door. The fuses will be labelled, making it easy to identify which one you need to check. Your caravan owner's manual should also contain more in-depth information about this.
A caravan fridge uses a lot of gas. In fact, it can use up to two times more gas than a regular fridge.
This is because a caravan fridge has to work harder to keep things cold when you're on the move. It's also important to make sure your caravan fridge is well-sealed, or else it will use even more gas to keep the cold air in. Some new caravans have the option of using a 12v ‘compressor’ fridge, to avoid using gas if you have adequate solar panels and battery storage.
Good caravan tyre pressure will depend on the weight of your caravan and the type of tyres you are using. For example, if you are using caravan tyres with a maximum load capacity of 1,000kg, the tyre pressure should be set to 38psi. However, it is always best to check the specific tyre pressure recommendations for your caravan tyres.
Tyre pressure is an important factor in ensuring a safe journey when towing a caravan. Under-inflated tyres can lead to increased wear and tear and can also affect the handling of your vehicle. Over-inflated tyres can cause the vehicle to bounce along the road, which can be dangerous when travelling at speed. It's also important to release the tyre pressure down when you are off road or on corrugations to protect the van and contents from damaging vibrations.
A caravan brake system usually consists of two parts: a brake controller mounted in the car and electric brakes fitted to the caravan.
The brake controller is connected to the car's braking system and sends a signal to the electric brakes when you apply the brake pedal in your car. The electric brakes then apply pressure to the caravan's wheels, slowing it down.
If you don't have an electronic brake controller, you can still use a caravan by coupling it up to a motorhome or another vehicle with an electronic brake controller. The other vehicle will act as a 'brake booster'. When you apply the brakes in your car, the pressure will be transferred to the caravan's brakes through the tow ball.
In order to register a caravan, you need to go to your local Department of Transport (DOT) office and provide proof of ownership, such as the title or registration. You will also need to provide proof of insurance and pay applicable taxes and fees. Caravans do not have ‘standard vehicle codes’ allocated brand new, so the caravan has to be inspected and certified by a licensed inspector to be able to register it if it is brand new or has expired. Caravans are issued a single trailer plate rather than twin plates.
If the caravan is not brand new and you are renewing the registration, DOT will simply need the payment for renewal on the notice issued to you by mail, just like a vehicle. A transfer of ownership will require proof of ownership documentation and forms signed by the seller and buyer, available online from DOT.
The maximum permissible speed limit varies depending on the state. The maximum speed limit in each state is as follows:
- Western Australia: The maximum speed limit for towing a caravan is 100km.
- New South Wales: If your caravan is under 4.5 tonnes, your maximum speed is up to the prevailing speed limit of the road.
- Victoria: Drivers are expected to follow posted speed limits of the road and adjust their speed according to the road conditions.
- Queensland: Drivers are advised to follow posted road speed limits
- South Australia: Drivers are expected to follow posted speed limits of the road and adjust their speed according to the road conditions.
- ACT: Drivers are expected to follow posted speed limits of the road and adjust their speed according to the road conditions.
- Northern Territory: Drivers are expected to follow posted speed limits of the road and adjust their speed according to the road conditions.
- Tasmania: Drivers must abide by the speed limit of the road as long as it’s safe to do so.
For more information, check out our blog covering Caravan Towing Speed Limits in Australia.
There are a few ways that you can change the style of interior lights on your caravan. One is to buy lightbulbs that are a different wattage than what is currently in your caravan. This will typically make the light brighter or dimmer, depending on the bulb you choose. Another way to change the lighting is by using a different type of light fixture. And finally, you can also change the light covers themselves to find a colour or style that better suits your taste. If you are not licensed to carry out electrical work, you should always get in contact with an electrician or caravan service centre to carry out the work.
Caravan Cleaning
There are a few ways to clean red dust from a caravan. One way is to use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Another way is to use a damp cloth or sponge. A third way is to use a soapy water solution.
There is no definitive answer to this question since different people may have different preferences and opinions on what constitutes the "best" caravan cleaner. However, population options include vinegar, bleach, and regular household detergent. Check out our tips on caravan cleaning in our blog article, How to Clean Your Caravan Following Your Australian Trip.
There are a few different ways to clean caravan water tanks. Some people use a bleach and water solution, while others use vinegar and water. You can also purchase tank cleaning products from most camping or RV stores.
Whatever method you choose, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions closely. And always wear gloves and goggles when cleaning your tanks, as the chemicals can be harmful if ingested or come into contact with your skin.
There are a few different ways to clean your caravan's interior, depending on what type of material the interior is made from. For example, if your caravan's interior is made from fabric, you can clean it with a vacuum cleaner or a steam cleaner. If your caravan's interior is made from plastic or metal, you can clean it with a household cleaner or a car wax. Whichever method you choose, be sure to read the instructions carefully so that you don't damage the material.
Caravan Weights
There are a few factors you need to take into account when calculating caravan towing weight in Australia:
- The weight of the caravan itself
- The weight of the tow vehicle
- The weight of the passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle
- The departure angle of the tow vehicle and caravan (the angle between the vertical and the horizontal)
- The braking system of the tow vehicle and caravan
- Most importantly the combined mass of both the car and caravan when fully loaded
We’ve put together a full guide covering everything you need to know about Caravan Weights and Towing Requirements in more detail.
GVM stands for Gross Vehicle Mass. It is the maximum allowable weight of a vehicle and its load. The caravan's GVM should never be exceeded. When buying a caravan, it is important to check that the GVM has been correctly stated by the seller, as it will affect the type of vehicle you can tow it with.
If you are purchasing a caravan that is already on the road, you can find out the caravan's GVM by checking the registration papers or contacting the manufacturer. The safety of both yourself and your passengers depends on staying within the GVM limit for your caravan. Exceeding this limit can cause instability and even lead to loss of control while driving.
ATM stands for aggregate trailer mass. It's a term used in the caravanning world to describe the total weight of a caravan and its contents. This figure is important to know because it helps you determine how much your caravan can tow. You'll need to make sure the ATM of your caravan doesn't exceed the ATM of your vehicle. If it does, you risk causing damage to your car and/or caravan.
Gross trailer mass (GTM) is the maximum weight of a caravan, including the weight of the tow vehicle. The GTM includes the weight of the caravan itself, all the items inside it, plus your luggage and water tanks. It's important to know your GTM because it will affect how much your caravan can safely weigh. You must never exceed your GTM while towing a caravan.
It depends on the caravan. Some caravans are very light and can be towed by a small car, while others are much heavier and require a larger vehicle to tow them. Generally speaking, a caravan will weigh between 1,500 and 4,000kg.
The main difference between ATM and GTM is that ATM is the aggregate trailer mass, while GTM is the gross trailer mass.
The aggregate trailer mass is the total weight of a vehicle and its load, while the gross trailer mass is the weight of a vehicle and its load excluding the weight of the tow vehicle.
Off Road Caravans
There are many factors to consider when trying to determine the best off road caravan. These include features, warranty, materials, and more! Lucky for you, we’ve done all the research to help you determine the best off road caravan in our blog.
A semi off road caravan is designed for people who want the flexibility of being able to take their caravan on rougher tracks, but who don't want to go completely off road. They usually have a higher ground clearance and are better equipped to handle uneven terrain.
They can be great for getting away from it all and exploring more remote areas, but they do come with a higher price tag than regular caravans. So if you're not planning on doing a lot of roughing it, it might be worth considering one of the more traditional options.
There is no right or wrong answer to this question – it depends on your personal needs and preferences. An off road caravan can be a great option if you plan to do a lot of camping and outdoor activities, as they are designed to handle rougher terrain. However, if you primarily plan to use your caravan for short trips around town or on paved roads, an off road caravan may not be necessary.
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, such as the size and weight of the caravan, the type of terrain it is being used on, and the power output of the tow vehicle. However, as a general rule off road caravans are likely to be heavier than those designed for use on paved roads.
This is because off road caravans need to be able to handle rougher terrain and may feature more robust construction materials and thicker chassis rails. Additionally, they often come with enhanced ground clearance and all-terrain tyres, which add extra weight. All of this means that they can be more challenging (and sometimes unsafe) to tow on public roads.
Yes, it is definitely possible to convert an on road caravan into an off road caravan. However, it's a fairly complex process and it's not something that can be done by just anyone. It's important to have the right knowledge and experience in order to do the conversion correctly. It will require a trailer builder or engineering company to change the suspension under the chassis, upgrade the wheels and brakes to go offroad. Remember, not all on road caravans have a chassis that is strong enough to be converted.
There are a number of things that need to be considered when converting a caravan from on road to off road. Some of the most important factors include the towing capacity and weight of the vehicle, the type of suspension system that is used, and the type of tyres that are fitted.
Got anymore questions?
Our team is always here to help with any caravan questions you may have. Get in contact online or call us today on (08) 6555 7755