trailer shelters, vans and caravans for camping

see also:

  • I don't sell any of these nor do I receive any remuneration if you buy them, and I have not personally reviewed all of them, they are listed here to give you perspective
  • if you drive towing a trailer or caravan, your chances of mishaps increase substantially and you may lose everything if this occurs in a remote setting - not to mention delays to medical care
    • 4WD and trailer/caravan roll overs can occur unexpectedly such as a rear tyre blowout, even on relatively flat roads and will likely end your trip!
    • Risk of trailer sway and roll over
      • Youtube: footage of overtaking vehicle losing control with excessive van sway and then rolling the caravan at speed on bitumen
      • Youtube: a selection of caravan incidents
      • addressing causes of trailer sway:
        • ensure trailer is not too long - choose the shortest trailer possible
        • ensure optimum mass distribution - mass should be mainly low down over the trailer wheels - not at the front or rear of trailer
        • tandem wheels should have same road grip and hence same load - and thus trailer must be LEVEL
        • avoid long distance from rear wheel of vehicle to hitch point (avoid tow bar extensions) and avoid rear overhang loads over hitch point
        • ensure low centre of gravity for both tow vehicle and trailer
        • ensure correct tow ball mass of 5-10%
          • too heavy and trailer will be too stable and not turn with tow vehicle plus less load and hence grip on the vehicle's front wheels
          • inadequate tow ball mass although making trailer easier to maneuver, makes the trailer unstable
        • ensure correct tyre pressures as determined by load on each wheel
          • too low - increases risk of trailer sway, squirm and float
          • too high - increases trailer bounce and loss of grip
        • SLOW DOWN - 90kph is much safer than 110kph!
          • reduce speed and thus reduce trailer momentum (momentum = mass x velocity) and shorten your braking distance
          • take care downhill as trailer momentum and gravity forces tend to have trailer “overtaking” tow vehicle which increases sway - ensure you reduce speed at start of downhill parts and increase the proportion of braking to the trailer brakes!
          • take extra care in wet weather or with gusty winds (eg. passing a truck)
          • take extra care on bumpy roads that bounce the trailer around
    • ensure your vehicle is appropriate for the towing and braking needs and the tow ball load is appropriate and you learn to drive appropriately towing a van
    • driving after sunset dramatically increases risk of hitting a camel or similar large animal, if you swerve suddenly you may end up with a rollover or into a tree
    • motorhomes and caravans occasionally catch fire
      • AC inverters and other electrical systems can start a fire
      • gas leaks are common
    • if your negligence results in an incident which causes harm to others, you do risk life long guilt and also potentially imprisonment!
    • if heading to a non-bookable campground in peak periods, you may need to get there a day or two BEFORE a long weekend as sites large enough for caravans quickly run out!

Introduction

  • traveling around Australia with a caravan
    • in 2024 as a young family of 4 in a small rig caravan is likely to cost $AU90,000-120,000 per year ($2000/wk) in expenses assuming no disasters and you are budget-minded
      • see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvoWOmMra-o
      • note, you would spend a substantial part of this if staying at home, paying rent and not traveling so it isn't all bad unless you have a disaster and lose your vehicle or van, or worse.
    • another couple in Apr-Aug 2024 travelled from Albury to Adelaide to Perth, Broome, Darwin, Adelaide and back with a 22 Prado towing 2.5t caravan:
      • 104 days, 16121km, 2637 litres of diesel (~6km/L or 16L/100km) at av 100kph at an average of $2.02 per litre = $5,327, half of the 50 different camps were free, total accomm costs $1786; Total cost excluding groceries $10,183 ($1454/wk)
    • use Petrolspy or fuel map app to plan fuel stops and save money by avoiding the expensive petrol stations
    • if you confine travel to 10am-4pm each day at 90-95kph (aim for max 400km/day) to save fuel and you will minimise chances of hitting a roo or worse - you can reduce vehicle weight by not having a roo bar and you may achieve 20L/100km with a Prado towing 2.5t caravan
    • with a caravan, definitely need a grey water tank to use a lot of rest areas otherwise you need bush camps like gravel pits etc
    • you should consider making an advanced vehicle service bookings in a capital city (eg. Perth and Darwin) perhaps 2 months in advance to reduce chances of breakdowns en route

Design options