off road caravan versus camper trailer.

Brighton · Newbie

off road caravan versus camper trailer.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

I've seen some van towed through rough roads . You have to juggle the cost of changing suspension a little . Larger dia wheels ? Then deterioration. Over buying another . May not be that much different ? Up in NT I saw some very well equiped camper trailers too . So many variables it's not funny . It's a personal choice in the end ..

Lancelot Link · Senior Member

I have an "Off-road Caravan" and would only take it on really bad gravel roads. I would take it on good tracks. As far as campers go, to take it "off road", it would have to be a really good one. Do your research and determine want you want. I have seen some really great camps with an off road trailer, tandem, with a tent attached, kitchen and throw up awnings, I just wish I was younger to do it all again today with the today stuff!

Hewy54 · Senior Member

The main problem is the definition of off road.
Many off road caravans will handle dirt and gravel ROADS.
The problem arises when people want to take towed vehicles onto tracks.
Corrugations can be a killer on suspension and on the internal fixings of a caravan.
We have seen many caravans in some remote areas that were able to get there easily with some careful driving to conditions.
The problem you run into is not the road to the area, it is the track to the camping spot. The Gibb River Road is easily driveable in most off road caravans, but if you want to get to some of the "nicer"campsites it will involve a trip on some of the access tracks. The problem here is that the van may handle the road or track condition, but it will not handle the ramp angles and the turning circles.
We have a Vista Crossover XL which is an off road hybrid, but in reality it is a 12 foot baby caravan with exceptional build quality and suspension. On some of the access tracks we have found it tight to get in and out. we have bush pin stripes on the van and have bottomed out on several occasions.
I believe the limiting factor on off road ability is the physical size of what you are towing. The height, length, width and weight will limit you.
My advice to people is that if you need the comforts that go with a larger caravan (anything over 16 foot), get yourself a decent comfortable van, forget whether it will go off road or not, then get a decent swag and lightweight camping gear so that you can leave the van for a few days and enjoy the adventures of remote areas, then return to your creature comforts.
We have found that about 80% of our travel is on the blacktop, 15% on dirt/gravel roads and only 5% on the off road tracks.

PeterD · Guru

The type of thing that would suit you is something like the AOR series. They have a cross section not much more than a camper trailer but have some of the comforts of a full size van. There are several companies making similar models (Particularly those located on the Sunshine Coast.)

Brighton · Newbie

thanks to all who replied your input to our question has been answered cheers newbie