Not only that, but not everyone is ready for 4×4 adventures and there are 3 common mistakes many people make when purchasing their van.

1. Not understanding towing capabilities

One of the first mistakes people make when buying an off road caravan is not understanding their towing capacity or capabilities. All terrain vans are mostly heavier than on-road models, which means you need to start with the right vehicle and skills to tow safely.

Make sure your chosen vehicle can handle all terrains and has the towing capacity required, with plenty of allowance for water and equipment needed for off grid camping.  4WD’s are a good option as they handle towing in rough conditions better and have greater towing capacities. Keep in mind it’s a legal requirement to tow within your vehicle’s limits, so careful consideration needs to be taken before making your purchase.

Are you new to towing? Do you have the skills to tow confidently in rough terrains? Lugging a caravan changes the way your vehicle performs and particularly when faced with rough conditions.  Tow-ed run excellent hands on courses to give you the fundamental skills needed and the abilities required to drive in 4WD conditions with confidence. It’s also the simple things like, can your partner tow? Being prepared and having the skills for any situation ensures you are not left stranded.

 2.    Buying a van not suitable for true 4×4 adventures

Most manufacturers today have a 4×4 rig in their range, mind you this doesn’t always mean the van is built to handle kilometres of unsurfaced tracks and corrugations. It takes more than checkerplate to make a caravan ready for all terrain adventures. Do your research, learn what features make off road caravans tough­ and ensure your purchase ticks all the boxes. As a start the rig needs to be equipped with the right features:

·      Heavy duty independent off road suspension
·      Robust coupling
·      Tough chassis and drawbar
·      Increased ground clearance
·      All terrain tyres
·      Off grid capable
·      Sturdy body construction

Surprisingly, many manufacturers selling 4×4 rigs don’t cover damage when taken off road. Before purchasing always check that the chassis and drawbar is covered in the warranty for full off road use.

3.    Not Packing The Right Tools & Full Safety Equipment

Once again being prepared is critical and packing the right equipment will help keep you safe and out of trouble. Of course, there needs to be a balance between packing adequate equipment with not overloading your van and exceeding your legal towing limits. In saying that, safety comes first and you need to pack the right essentials and full safety equipment to ensure you are not left stranded in any remote places. Your dealer can help with advice on what to pack, plus 4X4 forums are a great place to get first hand advice.

Finally, you need to ask yourself where will you be travelling? Some people believe they need to buy a 4×4 rig, with no real intentions of venturing off the beaten track.  And that’s okay, not everyone has the desire to explore remote areas. On the other hand there are those who are ready for adventure and planning to explore more challenging terrains. Australia has some of the most beautiful destinations and you may need to travel remotely to get there. So if you don’t want to miss out on these spectacular destinations a 4×4 rig is essential to handle these unforgiving terrains.

Our complete range of camper trailers and hybrids are ready for your next 4wd adventures. With the right vehicle, skills and equipment you can confidently explore the best places Australia has to offer.

For further information, our team is available to answer any questions.

The post 3 Common Mistakes People Make When Buying an Off Road Caravan appeared first on Eagle Camper Trailers.

Looking for a great deal on an Australian made caravan? Then this is for you! There are 2 new Vacationer caravans with 2020 plates up for grabs, so make your way to our dealership to get an exceptional deal.

Vacationer caravans are designed and built right here in Australia and they are renowned for building vans that are tough yet still offer absolute comfort and luxury.

Rough Rider 226C Semi Off Road Family Caravan

This family caravan from Vacationer offers comfortable convenient living for the whole family. All the essentials are included, along with top of the line appliances and features. This 202 model comes with an island queen bed, double bunks, full ensuite, endless gas hot water and many more impressive features. If you are looking to buy a family van then this one’s a must see.

Rough Rider 180C Semi Off Road Caravan

This semi off road caravan is fully capable of handling both on and off road conditions. Includes all the luxury features you would expect from a Vacationer with an incredibly robust exterior making it ready to be put through its paces. There’s no need to compromise on comfort when exploring some of Australia’s toughest conditions.

Start your new adventures  today

Head to our showroom to talk a deal on these 2020 models. Don’t miss this great opportunity to buy a new luxury caravan at a great price!

The post Vacationer Caravans 2020 Plate Clearance appeared first on Eagle Camper Trailers.

It’s no secret that camping is fun! From spending time outdoors to escaping your daily routine you’ll have a blast. Not to mention the positive benefits to your health and well being. The benefits of camping are endless, but we have picked our top 5 reasons you NEED to camp to improve your wellbeing, health and happiness.

1. Camping is great for your health

People who camp regularly enjoy loads of health benefits that come with this fun activity. Generally they are healthier, happier and live longer. From the fresh air to increased exercise and less stress there are numerous health benefits to caravan and camping. The latest research from the Caravan Industry Association of Australia has shown that those who regularly go caravan and camping are not only happier, but also more satisfied, optimistic and energised than those who don’t. Ignoring stress in your life can be detrimental to your mental, physical, and emotional health. So why not take a break and give caravan and camping a go this year.

2. Reconnect with loved ones

We live in a time where work life balance is often out of whack, making us time poor and struggling to find time to connect with our loved ones. Camping is the perfect way to spend quality time with family and friends in a relaxed environment and away from all the modern distractions.

3. Electronics Detox

Technology clearly has its benefits, but do you ever feel you or your family need a break from electronics? For most people we don’t go anywhere without our phones, tablets or laptops. With camping you can ditch the screens, unplug from all electronics and chill out. Excessive screen time can lead to many health issues for both adults and kids, so a digital detox every now and then will have great benefits on your wellbeing. It might also be a surprise that you and the kids can survive without electronics and actually enjoy it!

4. Improve your sleep

Trouble sleeping? Camping could be the answer! Spending less time in natural light and more time in front of screens has affected our circadian rhythm. Which means that many of us are suffering sleep disorders or simply not getting enough sleep daily. The good news is that research from the University of Colorado-Boulder shows that a weekend camping trip can reset your circadian rhythm and return your bodies normal sleeping patterns.

5. Holiday Safely

There’s no doubt that travelling around this amazing country is going to be a much easier and safer holiday. Not to mention Australia has some of the best destinations and experiences, which rival anywhere overseas. With no currency change over, long flights, airports, culture shock, you can spend more time enjoying the sights. Plus travelling with a hybrid caravan or camper allows you the freedom to enjoy more of Australia. Also Medicare covers you while travelling around Australia, so any medical care during your holiday is free. More importantly with today’s state of play, from terrorism to viruses you are much safer travelling right here in Australia.

Today more that ever we are time poor, stressed and out of balance. Being outdoors is great for you health! You get more vitamin D, an increase in endorphins, plus you will burn extra calories without even realising. You can’t lose, why not give caravan or camping a go this year.

The post 5 Reasons You Need To Go On A Caravan or Camping Trip This Year appeared first on Eagle Camper Trailers.