Blog What’s the Best Off Road Caravan for Retirees?

So here you are, googling off road campers and wondering if this dream has an expiry date – one that passed a decade or two ago without you noticing. After all, the knees aren’t what they used to be and ol’ mate has a back issue so bad that you have the physio, chiro and GP on speed dial…

All this time, caravanning has seemed like THE activity for a more mature set. You spoke about it countless times – how when you finally retired, you’d hit the road together, and life would be a grand adventure once again. But now you’re wondering whether all those grey nomads you’d passed over the years had been secretly miserable. You’ve reached the stage where comfort and convenience are paramount – so how on Earth does one find a caravan that will provide a comfy home on the road?

While it might seem daunting now, fear not. Yes, growing older means you need to think more carefully about the set-up that’s right for you, but it doesn’t mean your travelling days are over. Once you know what to look for, you’ll be able to easily bypass the caravans designed for gap year buddies or families of five – dog and kitchen sink included!

Retirees are a key caravanning demographic. That means there are some fabulous caravans designed with you in mind. The best caravan for retirees is one that makes your off-road adventures manageable and yes, fun!

Caravan Buying Considerations for Retirees

To make your travels as easy as possible, there are a few key factors you need to consider.

• How easy is the caravan to set up and pack down?
• How well does the caravan perform in all conditions, including off-road?
• Which features are essential to make travel to diverse locations safe and enjoyable?
• Are there any specific needs that must be taken into consideration?
• What is your budget?

To help you make the right decision, work through the list in more detail, noting down your needs, wants and concerns. Take your list to the nearest JAWA showroom and compare what you’ve written to the models on the floor. Don’t forget to speak to the JAWA team about your requirements and plans. With an in-depth understanding of each caravan available, they can guide you through the decision-making process.

Yes, there’s a lot to think about! But by taking the time to research and consider your options, you’ll have everything you need to choose the ideal caravan for you. Let’s get started.

Easy Set Up and Pack Down

At the end of a long day driving or exploring roadside stops, the last thing you’ll feel like doing is spending another hour setting up your caravan. To make set up and pack down a breeze, look for the following features.

Lightweight and compact

Towing a caravan can be a drain on the driver and on your vehicle. Drivers need to concentrate harder to adjust to the increased size, load and changing driving conditions while towing. Wear and tear on your towing vehicle also increases the bigger the size and weight of the caravan.

Opting for a lightweight caravan reduces stress on both driver and vehicle while increasing manoeuvrability for things like turning tight corners or finding a nice spot at the campground.

Pop top and pop out features

A pop top caravan offers greater convenience without abandoning comfort. Their smaller size means they’re lighter and easier to tow, saving you on fuel. In addition, the lower height makes them easier to store at home. Once set up, modern design means the interior remains comfortable and spacious.

Be sure to choose a pop top caravan that includes Push Button Electric Roof Actuators as standard. With the flick of a switch, all the work will be done for you. Pop top campers without this feature typically require more physical exertion to set up (and pack down) which may pose a problem for those with back and/or shoulder issues.

Slide-out kitchens

A durable and easy-to-use slide-out kitchen makes cooking easy – no need to wait your turn at the communal BBQ. When you’re viewing a caravan in the showroom, have a go at sliding the kitchen in and out. Is it easy to do? Is the kitchen stable when in place?

Fit For Purpose Storage

Well-designed caravan storage will maximise the amount of space available while also ensuring that it’s fit for purpose. For example, a well-designed pantry will allow you to easily access everything you need without unpacking most of the cupboard. This is especially helpful when you arrive after dark or in bad weather.

Off-road Capability

If your travel plans include taking your caravan off-road, the brand and model you choose must be up for the job. Not only will this make the journey safer, but it will also be much more comfortable.

As a retiree, there are some key features to look out for.

Strong Chassis and Suspension

A robust chassis with independent suspension built for challenging terrain helps ensure that your camper is well-supported. The chassis takes the load of the camper, and the suspension helps smooth out bumps in the road – absolutely essential for Outback driving where the corrugations are legendary!

Make sure your chassis and suspension are off-road rated. Your back will thank you!

Ground Clearance

A camper with sufficient ground clearance is important because it helps you avoid irregularities in the road. This minimises the chances of damage to your undercarriage. It also reduces the likelihood of having to dislodge awkward sticks and other nuisances from under the camper.

All Terrain Tyres

Investing in the best quality all-terrain tyres you can afford makes good sense when you consider that only a few centimetres squared of each tyre touches the road at any one time. This means the entire load of your vehicle and caravan are reliant on six very small pieces of rubber. A good quality tyre will give you better traction on all surfaces, so it’s worth the investment.

Essential Features For Travel To Diverse Locations

When travelling to a variety of locations in Australia, you’ll likely encounter different risks and challenges. To keep your marvellous adventure from turning to disaster, it’s important to be prepared.

Think about the conditions you may encounter on your travels and what you’ll need to safely tackle them.

• What are the roads like?
• Should I carry spare water and fuel?
• What recovery equipment might I need, and do I know how to use it?

Here’s what to look out for when choosing a camper.

Water Tank Capacity

Does the camper have enough water storage capacity for the trip you are planning? If not, is there an obvious way to increase the capacity? If the answer is no, don’t even consider it. As we get older, our risk of becoming dehydrated increases, so it’s simply not worth the risk.

Solar Panels and Battery System

Solar panels are one of the modern luxuries of caravanning. They offer so much in the way of safety and convenience. Solar power allows you to stay well-nourished with fresh food and keep refrigerated medicines cool. And with a good set-up, you’ll be able to travel off-grid for longer and explore further.

Ventilation

It’s all very well roughing it in a stifling metal box on wheels when you’re a twenty-something drifter. It’s quite another to do so after 60! One of the underappreciated joys in life is fresh air and a well-ventilated space, so don’t compromise on this. Good ventilation is also an important health and safety consideration, helping to support optimal oxygen levels and better sleep.

Heating and Cooling

Heating small spaces can be fraught with risk, depending on the method you choose. To cut the risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning, choose a caravan that comes with pre-installed heating and cooling as standard. The best models come with a combination of air conditioning, fans and a heater so that you can choose the best option for the circumstances.

Consider Your Specific Needs

Now that you’ve considered the general principles of choosing the best caravan for retirees, it’s time to get specific. What may be inconsequential for one camper is an absolute dealbreaker for another, so take the time to consider the personal requirements you’ll need to have an enjoyable trip.

• What is your preferred sleeping arrangement? For example, do you need a king mattress to stretch out on or would a cozy queen with room for two to cuddle suffice? Are you able to climb off the end of a bed or do you need space at the side of the bed for this?
• Do you need convenient access to the bathroom in the middle of the night? If so, think about the layout of the caravan and ensure that you’ll have an unobstructed path in the dark.
• Are you comfortable cooking outdoors in all weather (under an awning, of course) or do you want indoor cooking facilities, too? For example, you might like to make a mug of warm milk just before bed and prefer not to go outside.
• Do you need access to specialised bins for the disposal of medical waste?
• Do you require space for medical equipment, for example, an oxygen concentrator?
• Are you able to easily navigate the spaces in the caravan and access items from storage units?

Special considerations for those with back and knee problems

If you suffer from back or knee problems, consider these things before deciding on a caravan.

• Independent Suspension: Each wheel moves independently, absorbing jolts and minimising bumps. This makes driving some of our regional and rural Aussie roads much less of a pain (in the back).
• Step Height: Check that you can climb up and down the stairs without difficulty.
• Handrails/Grabrails: Ensure that your preferred caravan has conveniently located handrails or the ability to have them installed.
• Open Floor Plan: Avoid campers with a cramped or convoluted floor design. Opt for open-plan layouts that give you lots of room to move.
• Easy Access To All Amenities: Check that you can easily access and use the bed, bathroom, kitchen, and storage areas.
• Comfortable Furniture: Test out the bed and seating to ensure that it’s comfortable and supportive enough.
• Easy To Use Awning Systems: We’ve said it before, but make sure you can use the awning system fitted on the caravan of your choice. Have a go in-store – that’s what the demo campers are there for.

Remember to focus on user-friendly features to reduce strain.

Budget Considerations

Finally, it’s important to consider your budget. After years of hard work and saving, you’ll want to invest in the caravan that offers maximum value.

While it may be tempting to save money by buying the cheapest caravan on the market, remember that features that are essential to your safety and comfort are often sold as ‘add-ons’ in these situations. All too often, buyers forgo a particular feature to save a buck, only to find themselves longing for it down the track. If you plan on doing a lot of offroad camper travel, choose a caravan that comes with all the important inclusions as standard. You’ll be glad you did.

Which JAWA Camper is Best for Retirees?

Choosing the right caravan can greatly impact the quality of your caravanning experience. JAWA offroad campers are engineered and built to handle Australia’s uniquely challenging terrain. Our multi-award-winning design prioritises a superior customer experience and excellent value for money. That’s why our vans come with everything you need for a comfortable journey included as standard – the kind of features other brands call “optional extras” are non-negotiables here.

And when you buy a JAWA, you join the JAWA family! You’ll enjoy the very best after-sales support and no matter where your caravan adventures take you, we’re here when you need us.

JAWA Stealth 16

Stealth 16 is a very popular pop top hybrid caravan with retirees, especially those looking to pack a range of features into a tighter budget.

 

JAWA Infinity 15 Escape

Purpose-designed for Aussie conditions and packed with upgraded inclusions, Infinity 15 Escape offers retired couples the ultimate comfort and convenience on the road.

Visit a JAWA Showroom

The best way to choose a caravan is to get up close and personal with the demo models. We invite you to visit us at your nearest JAWA showroom, check out our range, and chat with our friendly, knowledgeable staff about any remaining questions you might have.