Choosing a Caravan that is right for You

Before you start choosing a caravan, you need to take a number
of things into consideration including your towing vehicle and
towing equipment.

It is essential that you not only find the caravan that is right
for you, but the combination of the caravan, towing vehicle and
towing equipment must all be suitable. After all you do not want
to spend a lot of money on a big caravan when you only require a
small caravan. You equally, do not want to buy a big caravan and
then try to tow it with a small car not suitable to tow that
weight. Equipping your van and towing vehicle properly is just
as important as choosing a caravan. This will take time,
research and legwork. However, by getting things right initially
is the best guarantee for a stress-free holiday.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT UNIT

There are many options when it comes to choosing a caravan,
camper-trailer or motor-home. Ultimately it is a matter of
finding the unit that suits you, your travel plans, your budget
and the kind of lifestyle you wish to enjoy while travelling.

TYPES OF UNITS

"Normal" Full-height Caravans

Caravans come in all shapes and sizes. Most people touring
Australia travel in caravans less that 7m in length. Caravans
provide a good level of comfort and many are well appointed with
appliances just like home. In a caravan beds can remain made,
fridges can be stocked, everyday utensils are readily available
and clothing can be stored in wardrobes and drawers. Many
caravans are air-conditioned and most are fitted with annexes or
awnings to provide outdoor living areas. There are numerous
options in terms of axles (single, double and even triple), door
position and sleeping capacity. There is also a choice between
on and off-road models.

Folding Caravans and Campers.

These units are constructed of lightweight materials. The
internal appointments are similar to those of a regular caravan.
The roof section is usually raised mechanically to expose canvas
walls, and the ends normally slide out to accommodate the beds.
Some manufacturers call these camper-trailers. On and off-road
models are available.

Pop-Top Caravans

Pop-top caravans are just like normal caravans, except the top
section folds up and down. This makes them easier to tow: the
lower profile means far less drag therefore using less fuel.
They do lack overhead cupboard space though and require slightly
more maintenance. Again, on and off-road models are available.

Camper-Trailers

These units come in a variety of models, Accommodation ranges
from couple-only units through to big family set-ups. When
collapsed, each model fits into a small, easily towed unit. Two
and four-wheel drive configurations are available. Some units
include a built-in bed and many include a camping kitchen.

Campervans

These vehicles are designed specifically as delivery vans that
you see driving around town all day, before undergoing extensive
fit-outs that convert them to a camping van. Sizes range from
small models suitable for couples through to larger units with
good facilities including, in some cases, a shower and toilet.
They are easy to drive and often double as the family car.

Motorhomes

These all-in-one vehicles are nearly always constructed on a
truck base. They range in size from 5 m to 12 m. The smaller
units, which have many of the attributes of a caravan, can be
driven on a normal car licence. The larger units, some of which
are spectacularly appointed with luxury fittings, require a
truck licence. People buy motorhomes for the convenience of not
having to tow, and for the high degree of self-sufficiency they
allow. On the downside, they are difficult to park (particularly
the larger vehicles), and they restrict mobility: every time you
want to use your vehicle, you have to dismantle your campsite.
This can be quite annoying if you want to go shopping or fishing
and your partner wants to remain in camp. Many owners of larger
motorhomes overcome this problem by towing a trailer loaded with
a small vehicle (often 4 wheel drive); others carry bicycles.

Slide-on or Tray-top Campers

These units are great for people who own a utility: they can be
simply attached to the vehicle as needed. They are popular with
off-road enthusiasts, and with travellers who want to be able to
tow a boat or other kind of trailer.

This is the second page of 23 with related information about
making the most of your caravan holiday. Have a look at our
website href="http://www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/caravan-holiday.html"
>www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/caravan-holiday.html for all
pages.

About the author:
Ian Molloy is the owner of Crikey Adventure Tours. Visit his
website href="http://www.crikey-adventure-tours.com"target="blank">www.cr
ikey-adventure-tours.com for more information about this
article and other related topics. His site is full of very
helpful travel information including tips on motorcycle travel,
driving cross-country, travelling with a caravan and other
camping and travel information.