Caravaning is one of the best ways to explore the great outdoors. But you know what’s even better? Being able to enjoy this outdoor adventure with your family. If you have a family or plan to start a family soon, one of your top considerations in choosing a caravan is making sure it’s as family-friendly as possible.
A family-friendly caravan makes it possible to take family holidays that everyone will love and enjoy. In this article, we’ll explore some of the basic things to consider in choosing a family-friendly caravan for yourself:
Safety first
While safety is important for any type of caravan purchase, it’s a bigger consideration when you want a family-friendly caravan. The caravan’s safety depends on factors like the style of the hitch, the van’s suspension systems, anti-sway features, and the braking system. You also want to consider other factors like the vehicle’s low capabilities, rearview mirrors, camera, and setup of the caravan’s electrical and gas systems. These factors contribute to the overall safety of the caravan and are vital considerations in choosing a unit.
photo: Cub Campers
Amenities and features
As much as you can manage, you should try to make your caravan a home. This means the caravan has to have basic amenities and features to ensure the comfort of everyone. Start by making a list of the must-have features in your family caravan. This may include a large kitchen, fridge, bathroom facilities, entertainment systems, and so on. Consider this list when checking out a caravan to make sure it meets the basic needs of your family.
Size and layout
When caravaning with family, the last thing you want to do is worry about “who sleeps where”. This is bound to happen if your caravan is undersized. Consider the current size of your family (and what it could be in the near future) before purchasing a family caravan.
You also need to consider the size of the living quarters and the overall layout of the caravan. Make sure it is big enough for the number of people that will be staying in it.
A family-friendly caravan should also have ample storage space so that you can properly pack for your family trips. There is nothing as bad as not being able to pack all you need for a family trip because there’s no space in your caravan to put them.
Weight and towing capacity
A family-friendly caravan will likely be pulling a lot of weight due to the amount of load it has to carry. Ensure the caravan and tow vehicle can tow this weight easily without jeopardising safety. Check with the manufacturer to determine the optimal weight capacity of your vehicle before making a decision.
On-road or Off-road
In choosing a caravan for your family, you should consider how you’re likely to use it. On-road caravans are built for the paved blacktop road that takes you from your front porch to a caravan park. However, if you intend to explore some off-road terrains with your family, you’re better off with a rugged off-road caravan built to withstand the rough conditions of such terrains without putting your family at risk.
