The Future of Off Road Caravan Technology: Innovations to Look Out For
Australia boasts many stunning natural locations, so it isn’t surprising why many Australians enjoy spending time outdoors. A caravan holiday is one of the best ways to experience the outdoors, evidenced by the growing popularity of the RV industry in the country. As a result, many Australians embark on an off road caravan experience to explore hidden gems and discover more of the country’s natural beauty.
Therefore, innovation has to keep up with Australians’ taste for adventure. Caravan manufacturers in Australia have begun introducing innovations and technologies to make caravanning safer and more enjoyable for these enthusiasts. Discover what these innovations are and find out how that impacts your decision on which off road caravan to buy.
What Makes an Off Road Caravan?
The above is a legitimate question due to the variety of caravan options on the market. However, is the extra investment in an off road caravan worthwhile?
In the last decade, several off road caravans have been manufactured and hit the road. The need for off road caravans is prompted by the road conditions, especially in the Australian Outback. These areas are undeveloped, with some roads not built for modern vehicles. In addition, the extended length of time spent on corrugated roads can take its toll on most vehicles, even caravans are only made for road touring.
Traversing corrugated roads is no joke. Simple details such as getting the proper chassis for the vehicle or ensuring that the interior cabinetry does not break down impact your off road driving experience. These are vital aspects that off road caravan manufacturers consider in their design and development. Therefore, an off road caravan isn’t just about switching the tires to make it off-road-capable. Several components make up the vehicle – from the suspension to the engine and the interiors.
Visually, many clues would distinguish an off road caravan from one that is not. But there are more elements you cannot see from the outside that make it suitable for off road conditions. The latter is far more critical, especially if you are buying your first off road caravan.
Emerging Off Road Caravan Technology
Australia’s caravan industry continues to grow. And as such, there have been rapid developments in technology and innovation to keep up with the growing needs of avid caravan users. Some of these innovations are not suited to the everyday traveller, but most of the new technologies are embraced by serious caravan enthusiasts.
To help you pick out your next off road caravan, here are some of the new caravan technologies for off road purposes that you should consider.
- Reduced Caravan Size
One of the biggest challenges to driving a caravan is learning how to handle the vehicle’s sheer size. For experienced caravanners, this is hardly an issue, but to those new to caravanning, it takes a lot of work to lug around a massive vehicle. Hence, caravan manufacturers have developed many reduced-size caravans to ease maneuvering and handling.
The smaller caravan sizes attract caravan buyers because they look sleeker and improve fuel efficiency. In addition, the cost savings on fuel is an attractive prospect for budget travellers looking to spend more time travelling in a caravan.
- Improved Power
The lack of power or efficient battery management is one of the primary reasons why not more Australians embark on an off road caravan journey. When you choose to go off road, you deprive yourself of access to charging stations to give your caravan extended power. It means that your off road caravan should be self-sufficient so you can survive several days on your off road sojourns.
Therefore, one of the most significant innovations in off road caravan technology is the 12V technology. Many Australian manufacturers have implemented this technology to provide improved battery management and access to power. Different manufacturers use different battery management systems – from solar to batteries and portable generators. The goal is to make off road caravans more self-sufficient so that you don’t have to worry about going off-grid for a more extended period.
The great thing about these new rechargeable batteries is that they are reduced in size and weight. Despite that, they have increased usable capacity. In addition, these batteries release power bursts to improve power management and increase their lifespan.
In addition to a much-improved battery system, power within the caravan also contributes to its extended power capacity. For example, many new caravans are built with LED lighting systems, which are more efficient. Hence, off road caravanners can keep their power consumption in the caravan to a minimum, so the battery management system does not need to work as hard.
- Solar Power
The addition of solar capacity in new off road caravans will boost the fuel efficiency and power performance of new caravans. According to Geoscience Australia, the country receives 58 million PJ of solar radiation annually. Therefore, incorporating solar power into off road caravans makes sense to allow caravan enthusiasts to drive and stay off-road for longer.
A few decades ago, early adopters would spend a great deal of money to incorporate solar panels into their homes. Now, solar panels are more accessible, and having a built-in solar power system in your off road caravan makes it more cost-effective to run. It is also a practical feature in your caravan for those campsites that don’t have (or don’t permit) generators.
- Communication Systems
Efficient navigation and communication systems are a must for off road caravans. Since many of these off road destinations are off-the-beaten paths, venturing into them can be unpredictable. Therefore, it is vital to have a reliable communication system when unexpected things happen.
In addition, navigation systems can make off-road driving more accessible and manageable. For example, you can plan your route based on where and how often to have a rest stop. They also provide detailed information on your fuel and how long you can keep driving with your current fuel capacity.
- Dust and Water Sealing
These innovative features are a must for off road caravans to ensure the users’ comfort. At the same time, protection against dust and water ingress ensures the structural integrity of the caravan so it can last longer. Therefore, it is beneficial when you venture into regions with severe dust road driving conditions.
The Bottom Line
Buying an off road caravan is different from buying your first car. It’s crucial to do your research to ensure that your vehicle is capable of off road conditions. With the emergence of new technologies for off road caravan manufacturing, you should look into these new technologies as you search for your next caravan. These technologies and features improve your caravan experience so that you can conquer any road conditions safely and efficiently.