The prospect of buying a new caravan and travelling in it can be very exciting. However, before you head out to purchase a new caravan, it is important to get your essentials right and make an informed purchase decision.
Buying a caravan is a hefty investment, and it is a big decision you must make, considering all essential aspects in mind. It is not as simple as walking into a showroom and buying the first thing you like; you must consider and research multiple elements before making your purchase so that caravan you buy is right for you.
However, with the number of options available, making a choice can be overwhelming. There are many different types of caravans and trailers available in the market. Let’s have a look at a few varieties so you have an idea of what they offer and can choose the one that suits your requirements.
Types of Caravans
Caravans are easier to manage than camper trailers as they require little set-up time when you want to pull up somewhere and put up camp. Here are the different kinds of caravans available in the market.
The Conventional Caravans
We begin with the most basic variety first; the conventional caravans. A standard design is a rectangular house on wheels that can vary in length. These are dual or single axles, based on their size and functionalities. The size of a conventional caravan can vary between 3 and 10 metres.
As you would expect from a basic design, the conventional design is a self-contained unit with a kitchen, lounge or dining area, a bedroom, and a bathroom. You can install other features like annexes or attach awnings.
These caravans are ideal if you plan to go for extended, more comprehensive trips. They are convenient as everything is readily available and can be set up in very little time.
The Hybrid Caravans
Next, we have the hybrid caravan, a cross between a camper trailer and a caravan. These caravans can pop up at the top for added height but have solid walls, providing fixed horizontal space.
Hybrid caravans are usually a little smaller than standard caravans but certainly bigger than a trailer, so they have more features. For instance, while a standard caravan has a proper bathroom, a hybrid version may have just the toilet facility.
Moreover, since the space is compact, some features are similar to camper trailers, like a pull-out kitchen. You may find different variants of hybrids in the market.
While some are small and designed along the lines of a camper trailer, others have a more detailed layout and resemble standard caravans. They may not be as tall, but the height factor is not an issue since they have a pop-top feature.
These caravans are also lighter and hence easier to tow and navigate. So, if you want a caravan that can easily be navigated in tight tracks, hybrids are the ones to consider. They also offer better fuel economy and hence are lighter on the pocket in terms of fuel expenses.
The Expandable Caravans
Expandable caravans, as the name implies, can be expanded. They have sections in their walls that can be expanded. These sections are usually present at the bed ends or on the side. They allow you to add space when required. So, you can tow a smaller vehicle but expand it when required.
The Pop Top Caravans
The pop-top feature is also available in a hybrid version. In such a design, the top part of the caravan can be popped out to add height to the caravan. The rest of the caravan resembles a standard version in design and layout.
If you want a caravan that can travel on tracks with low clearance, the pop top design is most feasible, as the small height makes them easier to manage in such tracks.
The Fifth Wheelers
Lastly, we have the largest version of all; the fifth-wheeler. The name is derived from the fact that a wheel or turntable is used to connect the caravan to the towing vehicle. These caravans are enormous and need a car with a high towing capacity. In some cases, only a truck is capable of towing the caravan.
Since the size of the caravan is big, you can also expect it to have more features. The fifth wheelers are usually considered luxury caravans since they come with many amenities not available in standard caravans. If you have a large family to accommodate or want a comfortable journey and have the right towing vehicle, these are the ones to buy.
Can I Buy a Camper Trailer?
Camper trailers are great for exploring the outdoors more comfortably. They come in different styles and designs. A few examples include the soft floor camper trailer that folds out into a tent with the ground as the floor, the hard floor camper trailer with a solid floor, a forward fold trailer that offers extra space, and the pop-up camper trailer with pop-top roof and extendable beds.
If you want a camper that is similar to a caravan yet smaller in size, consider getting the pop-up camper trailer.
How Do I Choose the Right Caravan?
Choosing the right caravan depends on a variety of factors. To make the right decision, you must consider your budget, the size of your family, your planned destinations, the features you require, and the towing vehicle if you do not plan to invest in a new one.
