Blog Make Sure Your Caravan is Really Covered for Off-Road Adventures

Off-road caravans have surged in popularity in recent years. It’s no longer just grey nomads hitting the road once they retire. Van life is for every age and every stage of life!

The industry has experienced significant growth with hybrid, off-road, and multi-terrain caravans drawing much of the attention. Modern caravans are constructed for function and comfort, no matter if you’re sticking to the highways or tackling off road camping. And with solar panels, ensuites and kitchens, modern hybrid caravans offer the comforts of home, no matter how far from it you wander.

Whatever kind of caravan adventure you seek, it’s important to understand how your warranty works before you hit a bump in the road!

Understanding Caravan Warranties

Don’t overlook the importance of your caravan warranty! We’re all guilty of skimming over the fine print, but the last thing you want is to discover that you’re not covered.

Caravans typically come with:

• a manufacturer’s warranty: This generally covers defects in workmanship and materials.
• a structural warranty: This generally covers the floor, walls, roof, and chassis.
• appliance warranties: If your caravan is fitted with appliances (fridges, stereos etc), these usually come with their own individual manufacturer’s warranties.

Is Off-Road Travel Covered?

If you’re buying a caravan with plans to take it off-road, check the warranty carefully first. Your definition of off road travel may be significantly different from the manufacturer’s definition – and this can leave you with repairs your warranty won’t cover. It’s not uncommon for a caravan to be marketed as a great option for tackling rugged terrain and off road adventure but include restrictions on off road use in the warranty.

Here’s what caravan expert Scotty from JAWA Off Road Campers says: “Other manufacturers offer limited off-road warranties for multi-terrain models – but unfortunately, customers often believe they’re buying an off-road van, which can lead to warranty hassles down the track. JAWA offers a full off-road warranty on our campers. They’re designed and built for off-road environments and feature a heavy gauge 150×50x4mm hot dipped galvanised steel chassis for strength and corrosion resistance.”

Multi-terrain vehicles are typically built with a thinner 120x50mm gauge and may have a hole-punched chassis to reduce the weight of the trailer. They are much more likely to come with a limited warranty, so always check that the caravan you choose can handle the off-road adventures you’re planning – and that the warranty covers them.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions

Buying a caravan is a significant investment, so you want the protection of a strong warranty. If you’re unsure about the terms of the warranty and what’s covered, ask for clarification. If you’re looking at a multi-terrain van, ask for a clear definition of what this means. Is off-road use limited to unsealed roads, or are you free to tackle 4WD tracks?

Whether it is sales, product support or servicing, our friendly team is on hand to work with you and answer your questions. One thing you can be sure of when you buy a JAWA, our care doesn’t stop at handover – our after sales service is top notch.

Investing in a heavy-duty, Australian-designed JAWA caravan that can tackle the toughest terrain is the key to unlocking Australia’s best off-road adventures. From the Frew River 4WD track in the NT to a Kimberley adventure along the Gibb River Road, your trusty JAWA will get you there!