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Do you love road trips? I am sure you enjoy the occasional trips and adventures in your caravan. But is your love for caravanning strong enough to encourage you to leave behind your city life and stick to the road? I guess not. But for the Pine family, their calling for a caravan lifestyle was too much to ignore. This is why they traded in their Sidney lifestyle for one that involved a caravan.

Matt Pine worked as a sports scientist for top Aussie Rules side Sydney Swans, while Kass co-owned Boheem Design in Surry Hills for around 11 years. Both of these are lucrative work profiles that very few people would consider giving up. As of now, Luca is being home schooled by Matt so that he doesn’t have to depend on conventional education methods. Plus, this ensures that his education is not affected by the long caravan tour. Kass also helps out on the financial front by working remotely for Boheem Design on a smaller scale.

“After chatting with my business partner, we agreed I could access equity I had in our graphic design business to purchase our caravan and Jeep, and then it was a case of reducing our debt so we had as little expenses as possible while we were on the road. This prompted us to make the decision to sell our house in Lilyfield. Fortunately we sold at a good time and we were then able to use the profit to make a couple of new investments,” said Kass.

Life on the road can be a daunting task, especially if you have to keep up with your social as well as personal contacts. With proper financial planning and strong determination, it is possible to plan a long caravan trip. As for the Pine family, they have covered a good distance at a leisurely pace with the trip taking them through Townsville, west through the Outback and Queensland, north into Katherine and Kakadu, onwards to Darwin and Kimberley in West Australia.

The Pine family has done what every caravanner wishes to do at some point of time. Despite having a few financial constraints, they were able to pull off a seemingly difficult trip and have absolutely no regrets about it. Probably, the biggest supporting factor for them was their luxury caravan that has the best caravan awning and other accessories on it. Without such additions, it would not be possible to enjoy homely comfort during a caravan trip.

If the Pine family can do it, so can you. So when are you leaving on your caravan adventure? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

Yes, this is definitely true. You are not viewing a concept. This is an amphibious caravan that not only performs well over land, but it can float. Now you can even explore lakes and rivers that are close to the camping grounds. This particular caravan doesn’t turn heads when it is being towed over land. But the moment it is put in water, it attracts a lot of well deserved attention.

The amphibious caravan is capable of cruising at speeds of up to 5.6mph which is good enough to cover substantial area. With this caravan, you can enjoy a nice day at the lake. At the moment, this may not accommodate a lot of people, but this is definitely a great design to start with. The caravan can be easily lowered into the water by removing a few screws and attachments. The innovative design provides complete freedom for campers over land and in water.

The amphibious caravan weighs 390 kilograms and has a waterproof chassis constructed from fiber glass reinforced plastic. When the caravan is in water, an electric motor is used to power the caravan. The bed that is placed inside the caravan can be converted into benches and the retracting sunroof makes it easy to pull back to soak up sun rays.

The interesting thing to note here is that the caravan does not have provisions for a caravan awning as of now. Although one can argue that when this caravan is deployed in the water, there would not be any need for awnings. Common sense dictates that one cannot setup an awning in the water. But what about the time when the caravan is on the ground? I am sure some consideration must have been made for this.

A traditional caravan awning will not fit this. It needs a specialized awning that will be able to justify the needs be it on the ground or when the caravan is in the water. No matter how complex the design, Australia Wide Annexes can always come up with a custom caravan awning that will not only justify the intended use, but it will have adequate aesthetic appeal as well.

Check out the video of this amazing floating caravan and see it in action.

Camping and caravanning in Australia has traditionally witnessed more participation from the domestic market. But it seems that international tourists, especially the Chinese, have taken a liking to the outdoor adventure in this country. This has led to a trend of increasing number of foreign visitors choosing caravan parks and camping sites to luxurious hotels. It seems that they want to escape the hustles and bustles of city life for enjoying amidst nature’s bountiful offerings.

Caravan parks have come a long way and are no longer just about pitching a tent on a “good site” at the camping grounds. While you can still camp at the sites, the entire park is properly integrated with the latest amenities, technology, and facilities to ensure a comfortable stay. For those who wish to have regular accommodation options in the parks, they can always opt for cabins instead of setting up a full-wall caravan awning or a full caravan annexe. Although most international tourists prefer cabins, they would be able to enjoy the natural landscape better if they camped up near their caravan.

Caravan and Camping Association NSW chief executive Lyndal Gray shared her views with The Daily Telegraph on the increasing use of caravan parks and off-road accommodation by international tourists. She said, “Parks now offering everything from “basic two-man tents up to luxury five-star cabins right on the waterfront. While Chinese tourists are leading the charge there was great opportunity to tap into the American, Canadian and European market. A lot of work is being done to entice Chinese and other international tourists to take road holidays in Australia.”

In order to assist Chinese tourists better, Chinese language tools including basic greetings in Mandarin and information sheets for Chinese guests in simplified Chinese have been provided at the parks. The sole aim of this effort is to make everything more accessible and user friendly for the foreign guests. Most parks are even working on a Chinese version of their websites so that it becomes easy for tourists to get the required information and make their bookings accordingly.

Not only are such trends opening up lucrative opportunities for Australia’s tourism sector, but it is also providing immense scope for caravan rentals as well as an increase in the number of caravan awnings for sale. These offer cheaper accommodation options with the freedom to put up camp anywhere as long as the ground is levelled and the surrounding is clean enough. With various options available for caravan awnings and annexes, ranging from basic amenities to full-fledged constructions, tourists can get the homely comfort that they seek.

Caravanning is turning out to be a big business in the country and is a highly profitable sector with immense prospects in the near future. The industry itself has been evaluated to have a value of $9 billion by 2020. So you can understand the market potential that is gradually opening up for caravanning. Prices could increase with demand, so if you have not bought your caravan awning / annexe already, then make sure you get one for your caravan soon.

Caravans don’t have to be boring. With a little creativity and some research, you can pimp your ride and customize it in any manner that appeals to you. There is only so much that can be done by adding caravan awnings and annexes. Surely you can change the design of the awning / annexe a little, but for creating an outstanding impression, you really need to go that extra mile and come up with something different without compromising on efficiency.

Check out some really cool caravan customizations. Would you like to own any of these?

Safari Trailer

Source:https://in.pinterest.com/pin/78390849735317284/

Painted in vibrant colours and reflecting the theme of nature, this is indeed a safari trailer which can make heads turn on the road. It does have a touch of vintage elements in its design.

Vintage Trailer

Source: http://arrowintheeye.com/page/3

This is clearly a vintage design with rustic elements. If you have had the fortune of living in the good old days, this caravan would definitely bring nostalgia inducing memories.

Tiki Hut Camper

Source:https://in.pinterest.com/pin/78390849740610219/

A wood based theme along with wooden fixtures and accessories gives it the appearance of an actual hut, a Tiki hut to be specific. If you have been to a Tiki hut before, this should definitely give you a similar experience.

Cinderella’s Ride

Source:http://bitcheswithhitches.blogspot.in/2013/10/cinderella.html

Now this is a caravan fit for a princess. Aptly named, Cinderella is a uniquely designed caravan with exquisite interiors, fabulous décor, and a design that emanates regal vibes. Want to ride in this exquisite caravan?

The Time Traveller

Source:http://tinyhousepins.com/fahti-600-funky-little-travel-trailer/

If you consider the design of this caravan, there is nothing spectacular. It’s rather simple actually. But it is this very simplicity and the contours of the design which make it a time traveller. Well, it may not be a time traveller out of modern sci-fi, but it is definitely similar to one of the early models which you might have seen in movies.

The “Cricket”

Source:https://in.pinterest.com/pin/112660428154608817/

This is what you call innovation. A caravan that attaches to the back of a vehicle and can be completely detached as well as erected on its own legs. Introducing the “Cricket”. You can pull up an awning shade which is a bit unconventional, but still manages to get the job done. The caravan has space for one person (or maybe two kids). From a design perspective, this is really cool. Maybe we would be able to see some developments in the base design with added functionalities and features.

Butterfly Wings Camper

Source:https://in.pinterest.com/pin/438749188668222288/

If this doesn’t impress you, nothing will. From the front or the back, it will appear to be similar to a regular caravan. That’s only till you open up the sides and watch the caravan grow wings, and that too in style! The opened up sections are covered with what appears to be a modified awning or an annexe which has been designed exclusively for this caravan. Nevertheless, this is one the most interesting designs that I have personally come across.

Highway Palace

Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=539216479455283&set=a.115748448468757.7197.107959415914327&type=1&theater

A caravan that’s meant for people who need a little more space than usual. There is nothing modern about it. But the sheer design and the construction of this caravan is sufficient to grab anyone’s attention. There is also a hint of power that is portrayed by the caravan’s structure.

More than 14000 claims are made to the insurance department owing to caravan accidents every year. Out of these more than 135 claims pertain to rollover where 80% of the claims are classified as a total loss. The majority of the accidents occur due to some form of incompatibility of the caravan with the towing vehicle and the specific requirements of the customer.

Even though you may have taken every precaution possible, you can never rule out the possibility of an accident. However, it is possible to reduce the risk of accident by selecting your caravan carefully and ensuring that it complies with the specifications as mentioned in the manual. In order to understand the severity of the accidents and their causes, check the most common causes of rollover accidents below.

• Lost control on highway                                                          30%
• Wind caught van and lost control                                          14%
• Hit gravel/verge and lost control                                           10%
• Overtook third party and lost control                                   10%
• Lost control on dirt/gravel road                                              8%
• Wheel fell off caravan/car                                                        6%
• Lost control in rain                                                                    6%
• Overtaken by third party & lost control                                 4%
• Tyre blowout on caravan/car                                                   4%
• Van came off towball                                                                 4%
• Mechanical failure                                                                     2%
• Swerved to miss animal                                                            2%

Of all the rollover cases, 91% account for loss of control. In such situations, the entire caravan and the vehicle begin to fishtail and the driver is unable to bring it back into normal conditions. This is an indication that some vans are not configured correctly in terms of stabilization. It is common for drivers to panic when the caravan starts to sway, but it should not difficult to control it if the caravan has been matched with the towing ability of the vehicle at the time of purchase.

For a start, make sure you analyse your towing vehicle and share the specifications with a professional expert. Trust me, the pairing of the caravan and the towing vehicle can prevent a lot of accidents. This analysis would also reveal the maximum towing speed and the maximum permissible safe load that can be managed by the vehicle. Moreover, the dimensions of the caravan needs to be in accordance to the size of the towing vehicle. Any caravan awning or caravan annexe needs to be placed properly to avoid any serious conditions to develop.

By taking a few precautions and getting the right caravan for you, it is possible to mitigate the risks and ensure an enjoyable trip without having to bear the brunt of accidents. Caravan insurance does provide some cover, but nothing can replace the trauma of a bad experience or accident.

The summer season would be upon us in a few months. While most of you have been out on the roads, enjoying some quality time with the family, others have been waiting patiently for the warm months of summer to hit the beaches and explore the sun washed lands.

If you have used your caravan, then you need to get it checked and repaired. You would also need to store the caravan awnings and annexes in a proper manner. In case the caravan has been kept standing for a long time, then it is even more important to get things prepped up for the vacations to come.

Follow these useful tips and you should be able to save yourself from a nightmare of spoiled holiday trips and high repair costs.

Get the Caravan Checked Up By A Pro

Even if you know the techniques of servicing your caravan, now would be a good time to get it checked up by a pro because there might be minor issues that you could have skipped during the inspection. In case any problem is identified, then they can get it repaired in the best manner possible.

Inspect the Pipes

The winter has almost ended, but that doesn’t mean the cold has gone away completely. There could be damp and frost damage in the pipes that could get worse if not checked in time. I am sure that you wouldn’t want to run into any issues with your caravan’s pipes during a trip as it could cause a lot of discomforts.

Clean Thoroughly

A lot of dirt and grime might have settled on the caravan itself. There might even be nooks and corners that need to be rid of dirt and debris. If these are allowed to remain on the caravan, then it could cause damage to the exterior. Make sure you check the manual for compatible cleaning agents and get the entire caravan cleaned at a professional cleaning service at least once. There could be some hard to reach places that you might not be able to clean properly.

Check the Gear

It is very important to check the hitching gear and the wheels of the caravan as any damage in these things could prove to be fatal during a trip. If the signs of corrosion or natural wear and tear are ignored, then they would fail to function properly. I am sure that none of you would like to put your family and loved ones at such risk. Change the tyre if it is excessively damaged. The brakes need to be tested also for ensuring that the caravan is safe to manoeuvre.

Look for Signs of Damage in Your Caravan Awnings

Caravan awnings are an important part of your travel accessories because it gives you a personal space wherever you park the caravan. Make sure you clean it and store it when not in use. After a trip, it is possible for debris to be accumulated on it. Do not allow such debris to be there on the material as it could damage the fabric itself. Before you set out on the trip, make sure to check the condition of the fabric and the awning system so that you don’t run into problems later.

Double Check on Safety and Insurance

Check all the safety measures that have been installed on the caravan and this includes checking the locks, alarm systems, and other safety features. And while you are at it, don’t forget to take a look at your caravan insurance. If it has expired, then get a new caravan insurance. Try to keep everything updated so that you have a backup in case something goes wrong.

Accommodation tends to be a problem when you are on a vacation. Not only do you have to keep up with overbooked accommodation, but you also have to manage he costs that are often charged for them. But despite such accommodation being available, you just cannot get the comfort, personal space and privacy that you are accustomed to in your home. This is the reason behind people considering the use of RVs such as caravans and motorhomes.

But before you invest in an RV, you need to understand the difference between a motorhome and a caravan as they have some distinct features and you should evaluate them to find the one that suits your needs perfectly. You should definitely check your family size, travel requirements, holiday frequency and your budget before you invest in a caravan or a motorhome.

Overall Design

The design is the main difference between the two. While the motorhome is a readymade personal space (with all the comforts of home) attached to the vehicle, the caravan is an independent housing structure that needs to be towed by a second vehicle.

Duration of Usage

Caravans are good options for short stays and can be rented from rental services as and when required. These have to be set up wherever you plan on parking and camping for your stay, so be prepared for some manual work. You could go for an electrically operated version but even then there are some manual tasks such as levelling and stabilizing that you have to do the old fashioned way.

Motorhomes are good for long holidays where you would want to park up your vehicle anywhere without having to erect your portable home every time you stop. And the best part about motorhomes is that the family members can relax in a homely environment even when the entire contraption is being driven around.

Weight

Caravans have to be considered on the basis of their size and weight as they have to be towed around so the towing vehicle should be capable of doing this. Moreover, the manoeuvrability of caravans is difficult owning to the separate housing structure.

Motorhomes, however, have the housing structure attached to the vehicle so it offers a world of convenience to the users. But be advised that the attached motor component in a motorhome will make it expensive.