Comfort vs Performance – How to Choose an Off Road Caravan
With so many brands of hybrid caravans and different features available, it’s hard to know which one will have everything you’re after. Do you sacrifice a little comfort and space to see the hidden natural sites? Or do you sacrifice the off road tracks for extra storage and a bed to splay out in? Let’s dive into the main comfort and performance features for caravans and how to choose the right one.
Comfort Features
Bed and mattress
A comfortable bed is an absolute must for caravan camping. Especially for long trips across states, a proper mattress and plush bedding will help restore your body and calm your mind for the adventures ahead. Some caravan models even have room for a full king-size mattress. Others may have fixed-in bunks so you can take the whole family.
Fridge and kitchen
Cooking while camping should be convenient. You want the sort of things you might look for in your own home kitchen, like a reliable fridge with plenty of space, storage drawers, cupboards and shelves, a multi-burner stove, and lots of bench space for prepping and serving. These are usually external, but some caravans may even have internal kitchen features, including a microwave.
Bathroom
A private internal ensuite with a shower, toilet and sink is truly a luxury when you’re off grid. Of course, a proper hot water system is the cherry on top of your camping experience. A comfortable caravan means you don’t have to dig a hole in the middle of the night or hunt for a public bathroom for a shower.
Air conditioning and heating
Aussie summers can get very intense, which can make it very uncomfortable while you’re inside a caravan – especially at night. A good air conditioning system (paired with a reliable power source) will make it easy to relax. The same goes for heating during those winters in southern states.
Performance Features
Chassis and underbody protection
The chassis, which is the foundation of a caravan and has vital caravan parts connected to it, should be able to withstand exposure to off road terrain, like mud, saltwater, rock, and sand. A hot-dipped galvanised steel chassis is coated in molten zinc, strengthening the metal, giving it a protective layer, and preventing it from rusting. Pairing it with an underbody deadener keeps it robust and durable.
Suspension system and shock absorbers
For all the off-roaders going up steep mountains, rocky creeks, corrugated road, and tricky bushland, a heavy-duty independent suspension system and dual shock absorbers are a must. It keeps your caravan stable, easy to manoeuvre, and vibration minimal.
Wheels and tyres
Caravans, especially if you’re going on 4WD tracks and off road access camping sites, need to have tyres and wheels that can handle different kinds of terrain – and last. They should be equipped with mud terrain off road tyres and alloy rims to improve handling, especially on those tough corners.
Tough exterior
Of course, the caravan exterior itself needs to handle the elements too. However, it also needs to be lightweight so that towing and handling is manageable. An aluminium frame and composite panel construction is vital to the performance of a caravan.
Which Features Do You Prioritise?
List your non-negotiable features first, then your wants. Glampers want a proper internal bathroom and comfy bed. Adventurer-types need all the tough performance features and easy manoeuvrability to hit the off-road tracks. Foodies and families require lots of bench space and kitchen appliances. Heavy-packers and activity enthusiasts seek tonnes of storage space. Long-haulers need a reliable, long-lasting caravan.
Is There a Caravan That Does Both?
Customers might think it will be hard to find an off road caravan that has all their personal must-haves. But what if you didn’t have to sacrifice comfort or performance for the other? Can you really carry all those comfort features and still have a manoeuvrable, quality, off road caravan? That is what JAWA Off Road Caravans is all about. They’re designed specifically for Australian weather and landscapes, while offering all the luxuries to keep you comfortable and entertained.
JAWA caravans have an extensive list of standard inclusions. Along with the features listed above, their caravans have comfortable internal seating, lots of lighting, stereo and TV, solar panels, batteries, reverse cameras and so much more. On top of inclusions, JAWA will also give a thorough handover so that you get the most out of your caravan.
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