Ensure the manufacturer meets all Australian Standards and Australian Design Rules. This will ensure you don't have any problems registering your vehicle or applying for insurance claims in the event of an incident or accident?
The quality of the chassis and springs, in both materials and construction, are critical to the longevity of your caravan or RV's life. Ensure they are built for roads you intend to travel on.
Seals in good condition will help prevent water and dust from entering your unit and will save you a lot of time cleaning which you would like to prevent when on holidays.
Ensure all tyres including those on the vehicle, caravan, trailer and RV tyres are of good quality and in good condition. Good trailer tyres can often be used as spares for your vehicle and make towing easier and travelling safer.
Awnings allow for more living space, shelter and with walls added can provide protection from the sun, wind and rain and provide a great deal of added comfort when travelling. It is important to consider that you have the right quality canvas for the purpose of its use, for example roofs require heavier duty canvas than walls. Remember, the extra weight awnings and annexes can add to your unit.
A range of mattress types can be included. Inner spring mattresses are often more expensive than foam mattresses however last years longer and often provide more comfort. Which ever mattress you prefer ensure the travel cover of your camper trailer is deep enough to accommodate it.
A huge range of optional add-ons can be included when purchasing your caravan and RV, or fitted afterwards. It is important to keep track of the extra weight of all of the add-ons as this can affect longevity and safety. Add-on's can include, but are not limited to: stone guards to protect your caravan or RV from the damage from rocks & stones being flicked up when driving; tool boxes (ensure not to exceed manufacturers weight specifications); boat/roof/bike racks; electric brakes; storage boxes; solar panels, etc.
With all the types of caravans, motorhomes and camper trailers manufactured in Australia only a small portion of these manufacturers warrant their products for proper off-road use. Features of off-road RV's include:
There are three main layouts within caravans and RV's which are most commonly used to help distribute weight evenly. Layouts include - rear kitchen with front bed; rear bed with front kitchen; mid kitchen with either front or rear bed
Don't forget to look at and understand the differences and advantages of other design aspects of your RV including:
Windows, doors, floors and walls: It may be worth considering when looking at windows whether they are tinted or not and if they can be locked. Tinted windows reduce heat, glare and UV rays while windows with locks increase security and reduce insurance premiums. Good doors will reduce the transfer of cooking fumes and steam throughout your unit and will also add extra security, while easy to clean floors and walls may save you many hours of cleaning when trying to enjoy your holiday.
Bathrooms and toilets: Ensure that bathrooms and toilets are covered with appropriate material which will prevent any water damage from occurring. Appropriate materials to prevent water damage include ceramic tiles, vinyl tiles, lino or entire fibre glass bathroom units.
Caravans and RV's are full of ingenious designs to make the most of the limited storage space available. It is worth ensuring you are able to secure everything down when you are on the road to prevent damage should an object become free.
Some of the safety features worth considering when purchasing your caravan may include, but are not limited to: smoke detectors, over pressure relief valves on gas cylinders, fire extinguisher, fire blankets, residual current device – also known as an earth leakage detector, gas leakage detector, water purifying filter, security locks on doors, window locks, a jack, spare tyres and tyre changing accessories.
Depending on the weight and size of your motorhome you may be required to obtain either a light rigid or medium rigid drivers licence. You are not required to hold a special drivers licence to tow camper trailers, tent trailers or caravans however you may find participating in a towing course an invaluable experience.
Dealerships:
Visit the Where to Buy page for a list of dealers, manufacturers and other suppliers that can help you find the caravan or RV of your dreams.
Shows and Events: Checkout the Shows & Events page - these can be a great way to find products, get a feel for what's available and compare lots of different options.
Hiring will provide you with the ability to change your mind or to proceed with the purchase confidently. View a range of hire companies in the Where to Buy page where you can hire product to test prior to making your final purchase decision.