Are you a beginner driver of an off-road caravan or motorhome? Are you looking for some helpful tips? You’ve come to the right place. This article will give you helpful tips for driving an off-road caravan, from basic driving tips to how your caravan handles different terrain.
Basic Tips
1). Always use both hands – It’s easy sometimes to take this rule as a given. It is an important rule, especially when driving long distances on back roads and tracks. For your safety and that of your passengers, make sure you have both hands on the wheel.
2). You should take breaks every so often, especially if your journey is long. This will ensure that you have enough rest to continue on your long journey. You can also check on your caravan.
3). Use Mirrors – Make sure to maximize your mirrors, especially when you are reversing. They are there for a reason, after all!
Terrain Tips
Off-road caravans are built for extreme conditions and can traverse all types of terrain. To ensure safe and sound travels, you must prepare your off-road caravan to handle these conditions.
These are just a few examples:
1). Rocky Landscapes & Slopes – To avoid troughs and peaks on rocky slopes, ensure that your caravan’s keel is as straight as possible. If you feel the need to resist steering wheel feedback, try not to.
2). Steep downhill descents – You don’t need to hurry when you descend steep slopes. You should slow down and make use of your engine breaks. You can also use the electronic hill descent control on your caravan, but you should still be careful and attentive.
3). Steep uphill Ascents – It is important to pay attention and be careful when ascending steep slopes. Use the correct gears and speeds to climb the slope without bumps or bounces. You should always back off if you come across crests and humps.
4). Sandy Landscapes – It can be difficult to drive over sand. Driving over sand can be difficult. However, it is a good idea to reduce the pressure on your tires. A pressure of 120kPa will allow the contact area to be greater so that the tire can glide on the surface better.
Sand textures can be soft or firm depending on how they are made. The patterns that your tires leave in the sand can help you identify the texture. The sand will be firm if the tracks of your tires are well-defined and easily visible. If the tire tracks leave narrow vees then the sand will be soft.
5). Mudholes – Be prepared to encounter mudholes or other debris, such as tree branches. The same strategy applies to driving on sand: ensure your tire pressure stays low and maintain steady momentum.
Driving At Different Time Of The Day
You may find yourself driving for long periods of time on long trips. These are some tips for driving your off-road caravan at various times during the day. These tips will keep you safe during your caravanning trips
1). Night driving – Night driving is dangerous. You might be confronted with unexpected dangers like animals suddenly appearing on your road. When driving at night, keep your speed to 60 km/h. It is best to keep it simple and pleasant.
2). Dusk Driving – If you don’t need to drive at night, it is a good indication that you should stay up all night in order to avoid any road hazards or obstacles.
3). Sunset Driving – This tip works especially well when driving on bush tracks. It is usually not a good idea to drive along bush tracks towards the setting sun when nocturnal wildlife is emerging. If your sun visors are not able to block the sun, stop and take some photos of the sunset. Then, you can drive again.
There are many important things to consider when driving an off-road caravan. It is important to pay attention to environmental conditions, as well as to ensure that you have plenty of rest and care, especially if you are driving for a long time.
It can be very exciting and liberating to drive on an adventure. We hope that the tips and tricks we shared will make your trip more enjoyable, but also safer.
There is no better way than your own caravan to explore these areas and more. Apache Caravans is the place to go if you are looking for the best off-road caravans.
Our experience spans over years in the caravan industry, including sales and dealerships through to repair.
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Call our friendly customer service team at 1300- 272-243 or contact us through our website with all your caravanning needs.
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