JAWA Vans Going Off Road Camping? Why a Single Axle Caravan is the Camper for You

Finally, your time has arrived, and you’re planning the big trip – you’ve found a caravan that looks like it will go the distance, but it’s single axle.

You’ve looked for advice. Someone experienced, maybe, you think.

Old mate Dave down the road pulls his shiny dual axle from the shed and hits you with, “Nah mate, this is what you want. Bigger is always better, know what I mean?”

He winks as he chucks you a cold one and says, “Me and the missus have been taking this beaut up the coast to Port Macquarie for seven years now. Never an issue!”

“Oh yeah,” you say. “And how’s she go off-road?”

“Nahhh, we’re not into that sort of thing, mate,” he says. “Why’d you want to go off-road? There’s nothing there anyway…”

You trudge home, disheartened but unsure why.

Something IS out there. It’s been calling you for YEARS.

Now you just have to find the caravan built to take you there.

What is a single axle caravan?

A single axle caravan has one axle and two wheels (one on each side of the caravan).

Old mate Dave’s van has two axles and four wheels (two on each side of the caravan) – perfect for flying up the smooth surface of the Pacific Highway at speed.

Pros of a single axle caravan

Single axle caravans have a number of advantages over dual axle caravans, especially when it comes to long trips or off-road adventures.

• Easier to tow: They’re lighter, so less taxing on the driver and towing vehicle.
• More manoeuvrable: You’ll find it easier to navigate narrow or challenging roads, reverse or even get up the driveway. Once a dual axle is committed to a direction, it can be hard to get it back on track, whereas a single axle is responsive in tough situations.
• Easier to maintain: With fewer moving parts, there will be less hassle in keeping your caravan roadworthy.
• Cheaper to buy and maintain: Single axle caravans are more affordable upfront and in the long run. For example, when two tyres are doing the job four might do, your service and repair bills will be lower.
• More fuel efficient: Lighter vans mean your fuel bills will be lower, potentially saving you thousands of dollars over the course of the caravan’s life.

Cons of a single axle caravan

Despite the obvious benefits of a single axle caravan when travelling off-road, there are some downsides to keep in mind.

• Potential to sway: This can happen when travelling at speed or in very windy conditions, particularly in budget single axle caravans that were not carefully designed. JAWA campers are built for stability, with thoughtful design ensuring a well-balanced camper in all conditions.
• Smaller with less internal living space: Thoughtful design is needed to optimise living space. JAWA campers offer single axle manoeuvrability with clever design that maximises spaciousness. From 12ft to 18ft models and hard top, pop top and pop out options, you’ll never feel short on space in a JAWA caravan.
• Lower weight capacity: While single axle caravans can hold less weight, JAWA campers are designed to carry everything you could need for your trip in thoughtfully constructed storage spaces. You won’t need to leave anything essential behind!

Why choose a single axle caravan?

If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-manage caravan you can take almost anywhere, you can’t go past a single axle caravan.

Designed with off-road conditions in mind, these caravans are the only choice for drives on narrow or steep roads, turning in tight bush campsites or tackling off-road tracks.

A well-built and designed single axle caravan gives you all the functionality of a dual axle caravan, without the limitations. It’s your partner in exploring the great Aussie outdoors, taking you places a dual axle could never go, so you can see the things Dave will never see…

The Aussie outdoors is calling… Will you answer?

JAWA – the campers as adventurous as you are

Now that you’ve decided that a single axle caravan offers you the most versatile caravanning opportunities, it’s time to check out JAWA.

Each JAWA camper in our range has been carefully designed and built to tackle the toughest Aussie conditions, taking you places other caravans wouldn’t dare to go.

Visit one of our showrooms today to experience the JAWA difference for yourself. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you find the perfect model.

Have a question about our single axle campers? Get in touch here.