Is Bigger Always Better? What to Consider When Choosing Between 13-15ft and 18ft Caravans
If you are considering making your foray into the world of off-road travel, it’s easy to be tempted (if funds allow), by the biggest, most luxurious caravan in the showroom. But the truth of the matter is, there is much to consider when looking at hybrid caravans and deciding which size will suit your needs best. Even if you are in the enviable position of being able to afford the largest caravan on offer, with all the bells and whistles, it doesn’t necessarily follow that it’ll be the best caravan for you.
The first thing to consider of course, is your vehicles towing capacity, and whether you’ll need to upgrade your car or add towing accessories. Obviously, the bigger the caravan, the more robust your car will need to be. Secondly, weigh up whether you will be comfortable towing a larger, heavier caravan, or if a smaller, lighter one would be easier to manoeuvre.
There is also the issue of where your caravan will be stored when not in use to think about. Whilst 13-15ft caravans come in pop top styles that can be easily stored away in a garage or beneath a carport, larger 18ft caravans are invariably hard tops. The advantage of opting for a smaller caravan with a pop top, besides being more compact and easier to store, is that they are much lighter, making them easier and more economical to tow. This is an important long-term factor you’ll need to consider, especially if you are planning extended periods away from home.
Your intended use for your caravan will also dictate which size is more suited to your needs. For example, a solo traveller or a couple probably won’t need as much living space or storage as a family. That being said, an 18ft caravan isn’t the only option available for a family. Some 15ft caravans are perfectly capable of comfortably sleeping a family of 4, whilst a 13ft caravan may be more suited to a family of 3.
The good news is that if one of your ‘must-have’ items is an ensuite shower and toilet, you can have this in whatever size caravan you choose. Whilst all caravans usually come equipped with alfresco cooking facilities, one of the advantages that comes with an 18ft model is the option to also cook inside the van during inclement weather. It also goes without saying that a larger caravan will have greater storage capacity and is a better option if you need to take bulkier items like surfboards or bikes, but some cleverly designed 13-15ft caravans might actually surprise you with their storage capabilities. Do your research and visit showrooms so that you can see what each caravan has to offer.
The long and the short of it is there is a lot to consider when buying a caravan to ensure enjoyable, comfortable and safe travel whether you are travelling solo or with your family because when it comes to caravans, bigger isn’t always better!
