Author: Retreat NZ

Are you ready to hit the road and enjoy some time exploring the great outdoors of New Zealand? If so, caravanning may just turn out to be exactly what you need. Travelling in a caravan gives you access to all the creature comforts of home, while on the road or in remote camping spots across the country. 

When it comes to caravanning, safety is key. And, if you are new to caravanning or have not been out in your caravan for a while, or simply need a refresher, continue reading our comprehensive caravan safety checklist.  

Importance Of Caravan Safety 

By practising caravan safety, you can: 

• Avoid or reduce the risk of accidents
• Know what to do in case of emergency
• Avoid breaching any traffic, safety or other applicable regulations
• Avoid unnecessary damage to your towing vehicle, caravan or items therein
• Prevent theft or loss of your property while travelling  

Things To Check In Your First Caravan Before Leaving For Your First Trip 

• Caravan And Tow Vehicle Maintenance 

It is important to ensure that your caravan is properly maintained before hitting the road. The same applies to the tow vehicle. Make sure that you check the battery, oil, water and rear-view mirrors before setting off on a road trip. If possible, get a mechanic to inspect your car and ensure that everything is working perfectly. 

Remember to also check the tyres on your vehicle and caravan. Inspect their condition on a regular basis to ensure they have the right pressure for towing – by consulting the manufacturer’s manual. You should also check the wheel nuts, to see if they are properly fastened, before driving off.  

Be sure to pay close attention to your caravan’s brakes after each trip. As a point of note, the brakes should not run hotter than the brakes on your car; as such, any signs of smoke or weird smells coming from the caravan brakes should be treated and investigated. 

• Towing And Driving

For starters, be sure to check whether the caravan you intend to purchase is compatible with your vehicle before purchasing it. 

For safe towing, it is recommended that you get some towing lessons if you are not confident in your abilities. If your caravan has electric brakes, you should also have electronic stability control fitted on the braking system by a qualified mechanic. 

Remember to check the safety chain and coupling connection at every stop you make along the trip. 

You should also stop at a safe distance if there are cars waiting to get past, and always wait for the overtaking lane, instead of going over to the oncoming traffic lane, when overtaking while towing a caravan. 

• Security

It is important that you keep your caravan and car locked at all times when on the road. Check your caravan to see whether all compartments, such as the fridge, cabinets and cupboards, as well as the doors and windows are closed shut or locked if possible. To safeguard yourself from any losses, remember to update your insurance to cover the caravan as well as the contents therein. 

The jockey wheel should be stored away safely, either in the car or caravan or locked into position.

• Fire Safety

As for fire safety, you should always disconnect electrical and water connections when travelling. Furthermore, any gas cylinders should also be disconnected. Your caravan should be equipped with a fire extinguisher and fitted with a smoke alarm – which should be tested every now and then. 

• Loading Up

Always avoid overloading your caravan and/or the tow vehicle. As such, you should stick to the tow vehicle’s towing specifications – and applicable regulations – as well as the caravan’s payload capacity when loading your caravan.  

Final Thoughts 

Caravanning across the country can be a fun and exciting experience. However, in some cases, a lot can and does go wrong. The best way to prevent the worst from happening is to prepare in advance. By following the above caravan safety checklist, you will be able to prepare for your trip around New Zealand and any eventualities accordingly, ensuring safety at all times. 

Check-Out High-Quality Retreat Caravans In NZ 

If you are planning your first caravan road trip, you shouldn’t leave anything to chance. Make sure your caravan is in perfect condition, and minimise any safety risks.

If you are looking for caravans for sale in New Zealand, Retreat Caravans has now partnered with Inside Out RV. So if you are looking for the most innovative, reliable, state of the art caravans backed up by friendly service and a reliable dealership, then get in touch with Inside Out RV today!

Are you planning to buy a new caravan? Where do you plan to take it? What do you plan to do with it? Have you checked out a few different options but aren’t sure what to choose? 

There is an almost endless list of questions that comes to mind when you first think of buying a new caravan. After all, it’s going to be a home away from home and you want to stay in something that is comfortable and suits you and your family.

There are two things you will realise once you start looking at options: 

1. There are a lot of options out there.

2. Caravans are a big investment and you don’t want to have to replace them every few years. 

In short, you need to do a lot of research before buying one. This short blog post will explore the factors you should consider before buying a caravan and tips for choosing the best caravan for you. 

Things to Consider Before Buying A Caravan

By now, you probably understand that it’s important to research various options or you might end up with an expensive lemon. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. How you’re going to use the caravan

2. How you’re going to tow the caravan

3. What size is appropriate for your needs

4. What are the internal fittings you need

5. What kind of suspension is appropriate for your situation

6. Are you planning to keep it on the bitumen or do you also plan to take it off-road

7. Are you fine with buying a used one

One of the most important things that matter, in the long run, is the amount of time you’re going to spend inside your caravan. You might be willing to make some compromises if you only plan to take it out on weekends every now and then but if you’re going to spend a month or longer in your caravan, it should have the necessary creature comforts to keep you energised and allow you to enjoy your trip. If you plan to travel with children, you will need to have enough space inside to ensure everybody is comfortable.

It seems obvious but you should first check out the maximum weight that can be towed by your existing vehicle. You don’t want to end up in a situation where you don’t have the right vehicle for towing the caravan you have set your heart on. There are a ton of features that can be fitted inside a caravan, so you have flexibility on that front. The only thing that matters is the amount of money you are willing to spend. 

You should first decide on your budget and then, start including the features that are a must and others that would be nice to have. For example, there are a ton of options when it comes to caravan suspension. You can choose a leaf spring suspension or an independent suspension or dozens of other variations. Independent suspension is much more expensive compared to leaf springs but these need less maintenance and are much cheaper. If you plan to keep your caravan on the bitumen, leaf spring suspension should be sufficient for your needs.

How to Choose the Best Caravan for You

Caravan’s are an expensive purchase and you want to get it right the first time. Here are a few important things you should look at when choosing a caravan:

1. Always research a variety of models even when you love the first caravan you have seen.

2. Research different types of caravans as well as their market prices before stepping inside the dealership.

3. Decide on the layout that works best for you.

4. Stay away from deals that are too good to be true.

5. Be wary of online auctions. Never buy sight unseen.

6. Buying a used caravan is appropriate but you need to do a variety of checks to avoid buying a lemon.

7. Don’t ignore the after-sales service when choosing a dealership.

The first thing you need to decide on is the layout of the caravan. Make sure it is comfortable and appropriate for everyone who is going to travel  with you. Always shop around to find the best prices. Focus on long-term reliability instead of just the initial price. Pay special attention to the reputation of the manufacturer/brand to get the best value for your money. 

Never buy something you haven’t personally seen and make sure you carefully go through the warranty terms and conditions and always choose a reputed dealer with a lot of experience in the industry.

Final Thoughts

Overall, there are dozens of caravans available in the market at various price points and choosing the right one can quickly get overwhelming due to the sheer number of available choices. This is why you should begin by fixing a budget and focusing on the criteria covered in the above sections. It will allow you to buy a good quality caravan at the right price. 

Check Out High-Quality Retreat Caravans in NZ!

You can now buy Retreat Caravans in New Zealand. We are known for high-quality, reliable, secure and comfortable caravans.

If you are looking for caravans for sale in New Zealand, Retreat Caravans has now partnered with Inside Out RV. So if you are looking for the most innovative, reliable, state of the art caravans backed up by friendly service and a reliable dealership, then get in touch with Inside Out RV today!

There is no denying that camping or caravanning is the best way to explore everything New Zealand has to offer. Modern-day caravans are packed with all the necessary comforts and the towing vehicles are powerful enough to make your journey safe. Having said that, you still need to be aware of the major rules (legal and community) to follow for a safe and enjoyable caravanning experience. 

This blog post is focused on exploring the legal requirements and road rules when towing a caravan as well as helping you with useful tips on caravan towing in New Zealand.

Tips on Towing a Caravan in New Zealand

The most important factor that matters when it comes to safe caravanning is the compatibility between the towing vehicle and the caravan. Here are a few more tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable caravanning experience every time your caravan on an adventure:

Using the right tow vehicle — Choose a towing vehicle that has enough power to safely tow your caravan. Every vehicle has a maximum towing load recommended by the manufacturer. Make sure you respect this maximum limit.

Tow bar & hitches — Make sure the tow bar or hitch you are using is rated for the kind of load you want to pull. Not all the tow bars available in the market are capable of towing heavy caravans. When in doubt, do not shy away from speaking to a specialist to choose the right equipment.

Proper weight distribution — Before setting out on a trip, make sure the tow vehicle and the caravan are perfectly level. Proper weight distribution is necessary to ensure safe travels.

Controlling sway — Caravan sway happens due to a variety of reasons including underinflated tyres, improper weight distribution, and several other reasons. Use the right sway control equipment to keep everything in line and travel safely.

Driving — While you will continue to learn the rules of the road while taking your caravan out, it is important to be aware of the legal requirements and to stick to them. Make sure to keep a distance of at least 50 metres from the next vehicle and always respect the speed limit.

Vehicle Requirements When Towing a Trailer

Make sure you are aware of the towing ability of the vehicle before you take it out on the road. Here are a few things you need to know about legal requirements when towing:

Maximum towing capacity — This information should be available with the vehicle. You should know the unladen weight or unloaded weight as well as the laden weight. Determine the maximum load that can be towed by subtracting the unladen weight from the maximum safe-laden weight. 

Loading the vehicle — Make sure to follow the loading instructions provided with the vehicle. Do not overload as it can damage the wheels, chassis, brakes, or even the body of the caravan. Overloading also has the potential to invalidate the warranty on your vehicle.

Weight limit — If you have a restricted or learner’s licence, the maximum amount of weight you can drive is 4,500 kg and for a fully licensed driver, the maximum weight limit is 6,000 kg.

Stopping ability — If you’re driving at 30 km/h, you should be able to bring your vehicle and caravan to a stop within a distance of 7 metres. This is the NZTA requirement.

Road Rules When Towing on the Open Road

If you are using a light vehicle for towing a trailer on an open road, make sure you stick to the maximum speed limit of 90 km/h.

Make sure everything is secured tightly and there are no loose items in the caravan. Make use of nets, tarps, or straps to secure the load inside.

When it comes to load overhang, it is permitted to overhang the load by up to 4 metres as measured from the axle. However, you must flag an overhang of 1 metre or more in length. Use a yellow, orange, fluorescent red, or white flag and make sure the size is at least 400 x 300 mm.

During the nighttime, your trailer must have red lights at the rear. As far as the sideways extensions are concerned, it is allowed by up to 1.25 metres when measured from the centreline of the trailer. If the side extension is above 200 mm, it needs to be flagged.

Final Thoughts

Overall, caravanning or camping is one of the most popular leisure time activities in New Zealand. However, a planned fun activity can quickly turn sour if you do not follow the established rules. Make sure the tow vehicle and the caravan are compatible, and always respect the maximum speed limit and maximum towing capacity requirements. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to speak to an expert to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Check out High-Quality Retreat Caravans in NZ!

Retreat Caravans are now also available in New Zealand. We have an excellent reputation for designing and building safe, secure, and comfortable caravans to ensure the best adventures for our customers.

If you are looking for caravans for sale in New Zealand, Retreat Caravans has now partnered with Inside Out RV. So if you are looking for the most innovative, reliable, state of the art caravans backed up by friendly service and a reliable dealership, then get in touch with Inside Out RV today!

Owning a caravan allows you the freedom to escape and pursue an adventure whenever you want. While getting away is relaxing and enjoyable, your caravan may not be able to offer you sufficient power – this is where a solar power system comes in! Getting a solar panel system for your caravan is one of the best investments you can make. 

While the installation is not cheap, solar panels offer numerous benefits and can even provide your caravan hot water! Solar energy is a green and renewable energy source, meaning you will not have to worry about electricity when you’re on the road for extended periods of time. 

Do you plan to install solar panels on your caravan? Our guide will help you choose the right solar panel for your caravan. Please keep reading below:

What Are Caravan Solar Panels?

There are various types of solar panels. Caravan solar panels are solar panel systems that are typically connected to the roof of your caravan. These panels convert sunlight into direct current or DC electricity. Solar batteries then store the electricity so it is available for use whenever you need electricity. An inverter will then convert the DC power into AC electricity which you can use via your caravan power points. 

Caravan solar panels come either as portable or mounted solar panels, so this gives you the option to decide what is most convenient for you. 

Common Types Of Caravan Solar Panels

There are 3 different types of solar panels available that come in various sizes. The common types include:

• Glass solar panels: These panels have been around for an extended period and are best suited for commercial and household installations. Glass solar panels have a rigid frame and are mounted on the roof. Roof-mounted glass panels are more prone to damage.

• Mobile solar panels: Some individuals choose mobile solar panels as they are semi-flexible, lightweight, and offer different advantages. These panels are more expensive and cost up to four times more than other solar panels. These panels do not require mounting brackets as you can use silicone to apply them directly to a curved roof.

• Folding solar panels: These solar panels are a popular choice among caravan owners. They are easy to store in your caravan, and you can easily pick up and move them around camp to a position with more sunlight. Their flexibility allows you to maximise the energy they absorb from the sun. 

Benefits Of Using Caravan Solar Panels

The benefits of using caravan solar panels include:

• Silence: Unlike generators, solar panels are not noisy and do not produce exhaust fumes. They are a clean energy source, silent, and can add resale value to your caravan.
• Low maintenance: All you have to do is keep your solar panels clean. Not much can really go wrong with them as they have no moving parts.
• Durable: Solar panels are pretty durable and can last up to 25 years.
• Long battery life: A fully charged battery prolongs the life of your solar panel, so always ensure you charge the batteries.
• Reliable: Solar panels generate power from the sun, so they are a reliable source of electricity and can work anywhere.
• Freedom: You do not have to worry about not having sufficient generator fuel or being tied to a camp with electricity. You have the freedom to travel anywhere as the sun is always available, except at night of course.
• Free electricity: When you install solar panels, all the power generated is free.

How To Choose Solar Panels For Your Caravan

Always do your due diligence before purchasing solar panels for your caravan. It would be best if you prioritised value for money when shopping for a solar panel for your caravan. Consider getting a regulator and charge controller if you want a large panel. Here is how to choose a solar panel for your caravan:

• Solar power rating: Different panels have different ratings. Your energy consumption will help you determine the right panel for your caravan. 

• Power usage: Consider how much power all your appliances use in a day as it helps you determine the right solar panel for your caravan. Note that the battery capacity (amp hours) equals the energy (watt-hour), so you need to get a panel with a battery capacity that can sustain your energy consumption.

• The power needed through the seasons: Determine how much power you need during the different seasons to get the right solar panel system. For example, you will use the aircon a lot more during summer and the heating a lot more during the cooler months.

Final Thoughts

Solar panels are ideal for providing power to your low-draw devices when your caravan is in storage or keeping your leisure battery topped up during summer. They are a clean energy source and allow you the freedom to travel without worrying about running out of electricity.

Check Out High-Quality Retreat Caravans In NZ!

Caravans allow you the freedom to be on the move while still offering you that home away from home feeling. At Retreat Caravans in NZ, we have state-of-the-art luxurious caravans that are perfect for your next getaway. 

If you are looking for caravans for sale in New Zealand, Retreat Caravans has now partnered with Inside Out RV. So if you are looking for the most innovative, reliable, state of the art caravans backed up by friendly service and a reliable dealership, then get in touch with Inside Out RV today!

A caravan holiday entails more than just a road trip. It involves exploring the depths and breadths of your destination at your own pace. It’s a fun, exciting and memorable experience you share with your family and/or friends. However, you must prepare well for a caravan trip. You cannot just go on a caravan trip on a whim. 

Preparing For Your Caravan Adventure

You can only experience the true benefits of a caravan holiday if you prepare well for the time you’ll spend on the road. The safety of your touring party, their security, entertainment, and enjoyment throughout the road trip depends a lot on how well the preparations are made.

And in many ways, preparation boils down to packing the must-have items and gear and following a few golden caravanning tips. Read on for our caravan holiday essentials and tips.

Caravan Checklist: Things You’ll Need

A caravan checklist consists of everything that your caravan should have before setting off on your road trip. While every holidaymaker will require a custom list, there are plenty of items that every list should have. Such items include:

#1. Spare Tyres – It’s a good idea to have spare tyres for your vehicle and caravan. Keep in mind you’ll find it difficult to access roadside assistance whilst in the far corners of New Zealand. 

#2. Caravan Insurance – Caravan insurance will help safeguard your finances. The last thing you want to do is be out of pocket for damage to your caravan or other people’s vehicles and property in case of a dreaded accident.

#3. First Aid Kit – You need a first aid kit to cater to a potential health emergency. Importantly, all parties on the trip should also learn to use the kit effectively and safely.

#4. Hitch Lock – Hitch locks are a safety and security device that prevents tampering with the hitch. It gives you peace of mind that your caravan is always safe regardless of the campsite you choose to spend a night at.

#5. Towing Mirrors – Towing mirrors improve your visibility by orders of magnitude, which in turn, improves safety. This is a must-have for any caravan holiday.

#6. Outdoor Table And Chairs – Simple collapsible outdoor chairs and a table will make a world of difference when you want to prepare meals, eat, or even relax around the campsite. You must have a table and chairs in your caravan.

#7. Gas Bottles – You’ll need fuel for cooking and in some cases, heating water in the caravan. Ensure the gas bottles are topped up before setting out on your caravan expedition.

#8. Washing Up Liquid – Don’t forget to pack washing-up liquids to clean your dishes and clothes. Sanitation is especially important when travelling on the road for weeks. 

#9. Waste Water Tank – As you can expect, most campsites in NZ frown upon improper disposal of wastewater. With this in mind, ensure your caravan has a wastewater tank with enough capacity. Additionally, ensure you have a wastewater kit to help evacuate the wastewater. 

Caravan Tips for Better Holidays

Tip #1: Plan Your Route Before Hand – Planning is an important aspect of caravan holidays. This is especially true if you’re new to this kind of holiday. Research your route and plan accordingly. Have a clear knowledge of where and when you will have stop-offs, places you want to visit, and much more. 

Tip #2: Create A Caravan Packing List – It’s important to create and use a packing list during the packing process. A packing list is the cornerstone of smart travelling. You want to purchase all the necessary items you’ll potentially need on your travels. 

However, a caravan trip calls for light packing. After all, you’ll be spending a considerable time on the road in a confined space that is available in a caravan. Ideally, you should travel with the bare minimal creature comforts without compromising your health and safety. Having a packing list will help you stick to a predefined number of items when packing up. 

Tip #3: Create A Caravan Checklist – Before you set out on your journey, ensure you have all the necessary gear for a caravan trip. For instance, you can create a checklist for different categories including general safety and equipment, health and medical, food, cookware, cleaning and entertainment. 

By creating a caravan checklist, you ensure your caravan has all the necessary travel gadgets you need for a fun-fill memorable experience.

Tip #4: Carefully Consider Storage In The Caravan – Space is limited in caravans. On the other hand, you will enjoy your time traversing and exploring NZ when your caravan is comfortable and spacious. With this in mind, you need to be economical with space. 

As such, invest in space-saving ideas and gear. For instance, buy collapsible storage boxes, stackable storage tubs, hanging hooks, magnetic strips, a hanging shoe rack, etc. Space-saving gear will make your life a lot easier throughout the journey.

Tip #5: Find Your Campground – While there a numerous holiday parks to choose from, you should choose your campground carefully. Every campground has a set of rules for campers. You should check up on the rules of any potential holiday park you want to visit and choose the campground you think is suitable for your needs. 

Final Thoughts

When you have your caravan essentials right and follow the golden caravanning tips, you will enjoy your holiday a lot more. As a matter of priority, ensure you have all the caravan essentials before setting out on the road.

Check Out High-Quality Retreat Caravans in NZ!

As you can appreciate, a great caravan holiday is highly dependent on the quality of the caravan you use. As a company, we’ve been in the business of building tough, luxurious, and innovative caravans for over 15 years. As such, we know all too well that your road trip needs a vehicle developed to take on the off-road as much as sealed roads.

We also appreciate that our customers need top quality touring caravans to go further and journey for longer, enjoying their expeditions in ways no other caravan can allow. If you’re in the market for an innovative caravan that will take you to any destination in New Zealand, look no further than Retreat Caravans!

Retreat Caravans has partnered with Inside Out RV so if you are looking for the most innovative, reliable, state of the art caravans for sale in New Zealand, backed up by friendly service and a reliable dealership, then get in touch with Inside Out RV today!

There are multiple caravan parts and accessories you should buy to make your caravan more comfortable. Investing in the right parts will make your trips more exciting, and make your caravan feel a lot more like a home away from home. 

So how do you choose useful caravan accessories? Read on to learn more.

8 Most Useful Caravan Accessories You’ll Need

If you are constantly on the move, buying the right accessories should be your priority. Here are the most useful caravan accessories you will require:

1. Caravan jack: You must have a caravan jack with you in case you get a flat tyre while caravanning. Ensure you get the appropriate caravan jack as a regular vehicle jack will not get the job done.

2. Solar panels: Investing in solar panels ensure you have an additional source of power for your appliances and gadgets. A solar panel is also an excellent way to save energy. 

3. Wheel chocks: Typically, wheel chocks prevent your caravan from moving accidentally. Placing wheel chocks under your caravan wheels ensure your caravan is stable, especially if you park on a slope. They are also useful in levelling your caravan.

4. Clothesline: You can purchase expanding or portable clotheslines that you can use outside your caravan. Clotheslines are fairly affordable and pretty convenient, especially if you travel for an extended period. This allows you to hang your wet clothes out to dry as you camp.

5. Weight distribution devices: These devices are created to balance the weight across the axle and trailer. They help improve the tow of your vehicle’s braking and steering while minimising the swaying. Weight distribution devices are vital to increase your safety and balance your caravan.

6. External showers: It will be best to buy an external shower if your caravan does not have an internal shower. This provides you with much more convenience than trying to locate a campsite with a shower block.

7. Annexes and awnings: Caravan annexes and awnings are necessary if you plan to camp. They equally come in handy when you stop to take a break as they prevent you from getting wet when it rains and offer you shelter from the sun’s heat.

8. Portable heaters and fans: One of the major inconveniences you will face while caravanning is weather problems. Therefore, consider buying portable heaters and fans to keep you comfortable as you travel. With these two items, you can still enjoy your trip regardless of the weather being hot or cold.

Caravan Tips For Better Holidays

• Have RV supplies ready: Always ensure you have all the essentials ready. While the right clothing and sunscreen are important, ensure that you have the proper navigation equipment, insurance, mirror extenders, first aid kits and know the caravan speed restrictions.

• Road trip itinerary: Planning your itinerary will make your holiday better, especially if you have kids. You do not necessarily have to follow everything on the itinerary, but it makes your trip easier and you know what route to follow and the best stops and sights.

• Choose the right destination: When caravanning, you want to select the appropriate destination. For instance, if you would like to go to the beach, you need to pick a location with some of the best beaches.

• Pack for all weather: The weather can be quite inconveniencing and unpredictable. Therefore, ensure you pack for different weather, so you are prepared should the weather change.

• Have a checklist: Consider creating a checklist for all the items you require before the trip. Having a checklist ensures you do not forget anything and even more importantly, avoid bringing unnecessary items.

Final Thoughts

It is vital to have all the useful caravan parts and accessories before setting out on your trip. You should also ensure that you pack the proper RV supplies for your trip. The proper accessories will make your trip more comfortable.

Check Out High-Quality Retreat Caravans In NZ!

At Retreat Caravans, we have high-quality caravans that ensure you enjoy your trip and have fun while still being safe. Our caravans are durable and comfortable and will allow you to have a relaxing road trip, wherever in New Zealand your heart takes you.

If you are looking caravans for sale in New Zealand, Retreat Caravans has now partnered with Inside Out RV. So if you are looking for the most innovative, reliable, state of the art caravans backed up by friendly service and a reliable dealership, then get in touch with Inside Out RV today!

While caravan insurance is similar to car insurance, there are several things you need to consider before choosing an insurance provider for your new or used caravan. This guide is intended to help caravan owners, especially off-road caravan owners, better understand issues surrounding caravan insurance and how to choose the best policy based on their specific circumstances.

While some insurance companies that offer car insurance also offer caravan insurance, it’s likely that you have not worked with a specialist caravan insurance provider. Specialist caravan insurance companies are a popular option because they are more familiar with caravans than general car insurers.

Overview

Caravan insurance companies offer numerous cover options for you to choose from, with different premiums that reflect the amount of risk they are taking by covering you. A caravan is like a home on wheels than just a car, so there are a lot more aspects included in policies like furnishings and contents.

Do I Need Insurance for my Caravan?

While it’s not a legal requirement to have caravan insurance in New Zealand, it’s highly recommended for various reasons. Just like regular cars, caravans are expensive assets and the time they spend on roads and highways touring around New Zealand puts them at risk of damage from accidents, fires and other unfortunate events. Also, because of their size, caravans are typically parked outside, which is less secure than being parked in a garage.

By not having insurance cover, you are forced to spend your own money on repairs in case you have an accident of some sort. Having caravan insurance offers you peace of mind about not having to spend your own money when your caravan is damaged.

What does Caravan Insurance Cover?

Caravan insurance is often described as a mix between home and vehicle insurance. On top of the caravan body and all its parts (e.g. doors, roof vents, skylights), caravan insurance covers also include the standard manufacturer installed equipment and furniture (e.g. heater, stove, fridge), accessories (items sold with or permanently fitted to the caravan like satellite dishes, awnings, solar panels, and reversing cameras) and any modifications that your insurance company is willing to cover (e.g. custom rims). It also covers liability for damages and injury suffered by other road users in the event of an accident.

The insurance policy can also cover other things like roadside assistance, trailer cover and other essentials that are not included in the main cover. If you use your caravan as your primary place of residence or for work purposes, you’ll need to check with the insurance company that the policy covers this, as not all policies do.

Caravan Insurance Cover Options

Caravan insurance policies come with various cover options, with different premiums and terms for each. Just like general car insurance, most caravan insurance companies offer both third party and comprehensive cover. Caravan insurance companies commonly provide additional cover options like storage cover, illegal conversion, theft and third party fire.

How is My Premium Decided?

Caravan insurers consider four factors when calculating what premium you’ll pay for your caravan insurance, which is the value of your caravan, the type of cover you choose, the additional cover options you choose and any cover you add on to the base cover for specific items. A comprehensive policy offers the highest level of cover but charges the highest premiums. In contrast, the third party cover is the most affordable in terms of premiums, but it only covers the basics. 

If you have added special parts and accessories to your caravan like energy systems and aftermarket suspensions, you should consider including them in your caravan insurance cover in order to enjoy maximum benefits.

If you are looking for caravans for sale in New Zealand, Retreat Caravans has now partnered with Inside Out RV. So if you are looking for the most innovative, reliable, state of the art caravans backed up by friendly service and a reliable dealership, then get in touch with Inside Out RV today!

Are you a big fan of off-road caravan camping? Are you planning an upcoming caravan trip? Would you like to get the most out of your future caravan camping trips? If so, you have come to the right place. 

In this article, you will be able to learn some useful caravan camping tips that are bound to enrich your next caravanning experience across New Zealand. Read on below to find out more about the following caravan camping tips:  

• Make a List
• Research 
• Get A Set Of Everything For Your Caravan 
• Save Space 
• Keep Your Van Ready For Your next Trip (Clean the Van, Dry Tent)

Make A List

Every time you go out on a caravan camping trip you learn more about yourself and what you like about caravanning. With that in mind, it is worthwhile for you to compile a list of what you would like to bring on your next trip. Afterwards, you can keep adding new stuff to this list – after each trip – as you continue learning more about what you enjoy on the road and camping.

You can also use this list to create a checklist for every trip you take.  

Research 

Before you go out on a caravan camping expedition, it is recommended that you start by researching the general area you will be travelling to. For the best experience, you should have a good idea of the route you will be driving along, any must-see attractions and suitable camping spots, among others. Your research should also cover local weather conditions and the nature of the soil/ground you will encounter. 

All this information will not only help you create an itinerary but also ensure that you prepare accordingly for your upcoming trip. 

Get A Set Of Everything For Your Caravan 

If you don’t want to keep packing and unpacking your caravan every time you are about to go on a camping trip and after returning from one, it is important that you get a set of everything for your caravan. This applies to things like utensils, bedding, first aid kits, equipment, games, toiletries, camping equipment, and even a bag for your dirty laundry. Having separate stuff for your caravan also minimises the risk of forgetting to pack something from your house during the day of the trip. 

Save Space 

Caravan camping makes it possible for camping enthusiasts to enjoy the comforts of home, out in the wilderness. However, it’s impossible for you to bring everything on your trip due to the limited space in the caravan. To save on space, it is recommended that you follow some space-saving tips. For instance, you can use tiny tic-tac boxes to carry all your spices and herbs instead of using larger spice jars. You can also hang all sorts of stuff including sauces, barbecue tools, insect spray and cleaning rags off a hanging shoe rack. 

To save even more space, and with it, accommodate more stuff in your caravan, always be on the lookout for more practical space-saving tips.   

Keep Your Van Ready For Your Next Trip 

No one wants to start cleaning their caravan just before they are about to go on an exciting camping trip. To save you from this hassle, it is recommended that you clean your caravan and everything in it, just after returning from a trip. This way, it will be ready to go, the next time you plan on going on a trip. 

If you packed your tent while it was wet, remember to erect it at home to ensure that it is completely dry before storing it away; otherwise, you might find it covered with mildew the next time you take it out. 

Summary

Caravan camping is a great way to experience the great New Zealand outdoors. To ensure that you get to enjoy your travelling and camping experience, the next time you plan on going on a trip, be sure to follow the above caravan camping tips. 

Retreat Caravans has partnered with Inside Out RV so if you are looking for the most innovative, reliable, state of the art caravans for sale in New Zealand, backed up by friendly service and a reliable dealership, then get in touch with Inside Out RV today!

To ensure that you get to enjoy the best of the epic New Zealand outdoors, here is a list of the top five caravan parks in the country. Click above for more!

To ensure that you get to enjoy the best of the epic New Zealand outdoors, here is a list of the top five caravan parks in the country. Click above for more!