FAQs
The key focus of any offroad caravan is to handle less predictable terrain, unsealed roads, makeshift trails, and more. As such, they’re built to better endure these rougher settings and more easily manage longer periods of time in remote areas.
This is achieved through several design and manufacturing solutions, from a reinforced chassis and frame to heavy-duty suspension and tyres that more easily handle rocks, mud, sand, etc. Offroad caravans are also equipped with more tech and power solutions that work for longer times away from populated areas. Water tanks, solar panels, rechargeable battery systems, and grey water storage are just some examples of this.
They’re also often more effectively sealed against things like dust and water, and many offroad caravans have a higher ground clearance to avoid rock and debris from unsealed roads.
We currently have over 20 different models of offroad caravans available at Freestyle RVs - this includes both new and used models from brands such as Atlas Caravans, Essential Caravans, Great Aussie, Lotus Caravans, and Retreat. We’re sure you’ll find the right caravan to suit your offroading needs among this selection.
The best way to denote the difference between an offroad caravan and a semi offroad caravan is to start with the roughness of the terrain they’re designed for, which informs all other aspects of their design.
Full offroad caravans are designed for harsh offroad conditions, including deep ruts, beaches/sand, creek crossings, and prolonged periods of remote travel. Semi offroad caravans, on the other hand, are more designed for graded dirt roads, gravel tracks, and mildly corrugated roads.
Other differences between the two types include:
- Chassis:
- In an offroad, the chassis is heavy-duty and comes with full underbody protection.
- In a semi offroad, the chassis is reinforced but not usually heavy-duty.
- Tyres:
- Offroad caravans use true offroad tyres with high load ratings.
- Semi offroad caravans tend to use light all-terrain tyres.
- Ground clearance:
- Offroad caravans have high ground clearance with protected underbodies.
- Semi offroad caravans usually have moderate ground clearance.
- Purpose:
- Offroad caravans are built for rough terrain, bush tracks, outback exploration and adventuring, and even long-term off-grid living.
- Semi offroad caravans are better suited to travel in national parks, rural areas with rougher roads, and briefer stints of off-grid travel.
Yes, there are. As offroad caravans make off-track traversal a more comfortable experience, they’re a great choice for adventuring families. As you peruse the range we have, take a closer look at their product feature details, which provide notes on their occupant/sleeping capacity. These can range from room for a couple people to caravans that provide sleeping setups for up to five people.
The vast majority of offroad caravans come with lithium batteries and solar battery systems already installed. Given the purpose of offroad caravans is to get off the beaten track and spend time under the sun, solar panels are a common inclusion.
If you want to have additional lithium batteries and solar systems installed, it’s best to discuss customisation options directly with us or by taking some time to spec your dream caravan.
When it comes to towing a caravan, you’ll need to ensure you choose a caravan that’s at a weight that can be towed by your current vehicle. Generally, you’ll find that a 4WD vehicle is better suited to towing heavier caravans than a standard sedan or hatchback car.
To determine what your vehicle can tow, you’ll need to refer to the manufacturer's manual that will detail this, including a braked towing capacity and unbraked towing capacity.
Braked towing capacity refers to how much the vehicle can tow when the towed trailer or caravan has its own brakes. So, when braking, both your vehicle and the caravan’s brakes will be engaged. Unbraked towing capacity refers to the weight your vehicle can tow when the towed trailer or caravan doesn’t have its own braking. In general, the braked towing capacity will always be significantly greater than the unbraked towing capacity.
When you know the towing capacity of your vehicle, you’ll need to look into caravans that fit into that range. For this, it’s important to know the difference between tare weight and ATM weight with RVs.
The tare weight refers to the as-is weight of the caravan when it comes from the manufacturer; so the interior is empty without a payload (the weight you’re allowed to add to the caravan). When the tare weight and max payload are combined, this results in the ATM weight (Aggregate Trailer Mass). Every caravan has a maximum legal weight, which is denoted at ATM.
So, if you purchase a caravan with an ATM of 3,500kg, your vehicle will need to handle a braked towing capacity of over 3,500kg. Remember that, with a vehicle’s towing capacity, you also need to consider the weight of the tow ball, your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Mass (your own vehicle’s weight when fully loaded) and the collective Gross Combination Mass (weight of your vehicle, trailer/caravan and all loaded mass).
Our range of offroad caravans include RVs that feature independent suspension, such as the 2024 Retreat Fraser Caravan 210R and the 2024 Great Aussie Striker Caravan 1661.
Independent suspension can be a genuine perk for offroad caravanning, with each wheel having its own suspension. This can result in smoother rides, less wear and tear, and a general improvement in comfort as you navigate rough roads and terrain around the country.