Australian Made Caravans vs. the Rest of the World
As of 2021, caravan production in Australia has hit a record high in three decades. The number of caravan units manufactured in 2021 was up 15 percent from 2020. As a result, the total number of caravans registered in Australia has reached 750,000, and 90 percent are Australian-made. It isn’t a surprise that Australian-made caravans are selling fast in the country, given that the local manufacturers have in-depth knowledge of the needs of off road caravanners. Therefore, it is easy to incorporate their first-hand knowledge into the design and development of the caravans.
The Growth of the Australian Caravan Industry
The Australian caravan industry is on the rise. This trend has been ongoing for many years, and production has picked up since the temporary factory shutdowns in 2020.
According to the Caravan Industry Association of Australia CEO Stuart Lamont, caravan manufacturing is one of the country’s most significant automotive manufacturing sectors. Approximately 25,000 caravan units are manufactured in Australia annually.
The first couple of months in 2021 signaled the strongest start to any production of caravan units in 30 years. The 3,628 caravans units manufactured in February 2021 were up 15 percent from the production of February 2020.
The caravan manufacturing industry of Australia contributes over 23 AU Billion to the Australian economy annually. Manufacturing Australian caravan units involves an extensive local supply chain that taps into over 6,000 businesses nationwide.
Why Are Australian Made Caravans Superior?
Caravans are a quintessential part of Australian culture. They signify the Australian people’s love of the great outdoors. With its amazing natural wonders and landscapes, it’s no surprise that the people living in Australia would want to drive their caravans out into these areas for exploration.
Given that there are other global caravan manufacturers, what makes Australian-made ones superior? Several aspects are involved in the manufacture of caravans. Each of these aspects must meet specific standards to ensure quality and performance. These factors set many certified Australian caravan manufacturers apart from the rest of the world. Whether you are looking for off road or on road caravans, the following factors make them superior to global caravans.
Materials & Engineering
The superior quality of Australian-made caravans starts with the materials. The best Australian manufacturers employ an aluminum rot-free frame for making caravans. Aluminum frames are durable and long-lasting. In addition, this material delivers superior rigidity you wouldn’t find in a wooden-framed caravan.
There are also several benefits to using aluminum frames in manufacturing caravans. Structurally, the rot-free frames can withstand extreme off road conditions, and other engineering techniques give them added flexibility. Many wooden caravan frames can deteriorate and experience structural damage due to water ingress, and wear and tear. Over time, the caravan made with a wooden frame is no longer fit to use. When the base plate is damaged, the integrity of the entire vehicle could be affected. You won’t have to worry about these things when you use aluminum frames, which is the standard with many Australian manufacturers.
Construction Methods
The construction methods used in manufacturing a caravan are another essential factor determining its quality. Australian manufacturers have a specific construction method that uses an aluminum frame and tig weld for maximum durability and rigidity. Lock bolting is another essential element of the manufacturing process that delivers off road flexibility. It also helps to absorb shock and minimize structural damage to the vehicle.
The aluminum frames of modern Australian caravans are attached to the chassis via Z channel grooves. This method improves off road capability and higher longevity for the unit. In addition, the caravan interior also provides superb quality using the ‘Glue It, Screw It, Seal It’ manufacturing process. This proprietary manufacturing process is specially developed for reliability under any road conditions, even off road ones.
Tig weld is another unique feature of the Australian caravan manufacturing process. This welding method eliminates the need for using rivets for the aluminum frame. As a result, the frame is less vulnerable to cracks resulting from stress, making it more long-lasting. In addition, the Z channel chassis offers a more secure way of putting the frame for the caravan together.
Accreditation
The Caravan Industry Association of Australia is the primary organization that provides accreditation for caravan manufacturers in Australia. The Australian caravan industry is enormous; all manufacturers undergo a meticulous accreditation process to ensure the highest standards and quality control.
The Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing Accreditation Program (RVMAP) is another organization that aims to maintain the quality of caravans in Australia. In addition, to protect consumers, they help ensure the quality of all caravans sold in the country. The accreditation from RVMAP ensures that the following components are chiefly examined: safety components, gas and plumbing, electricals, product engineering, design, and construction.
When buying a caravan, look for accreditation from the two organizations mentioned above. It will ensure that your caravan complies with the existing caravan manufacturing standards. After all, Australia’s off road conditions are harsh, and your off road vehicle must be designed to cope with these conditions. The accreditation certificate is your assurance that you’re getting a quality vehicle.
Rough Conditions in Australia
Australia experiences harsh climate and weather conditions. Caravans not built to endure these conditions are likely to be damaged when traveling on rough, dangerous roads. On the other hand, caravans built by engineers with first-hand knowledge of Australia’s harsh off-road conditions will consider that in the vehicle design process.
For example, modern Australian manufacturers have developed an efficient dust suppression system to minimize dust ingress on the off road caravan. In addition, they have also integrated the most effective insulation materials to keep the caravan interior comfortable for the user.
Australian manufacturers do not just design the caravans; they are engineered to meet the unique caravan needs of potential users. Therefore, it is advantageous for someone in Australia to buy locally-made caravans rather than import from other countries.