Campervans & Motorhomes

Campervans and motorhomes are becoming an increasingly popular way of touring. They are ideal for holidays in Caravan Parks - you simply drive onto your site and start enjoying your holiday.

Both campervans and motorhomes are specially modified or designed vehicles. They are fully self-contained, with power steering and air conditioning standard on most vehicles. The vehicles are easy and safe to drive, with no towing involved. There are more than 50,000 registered campervans and motorhomes in Australia. Models are available or can be designed to suit the needs of any couple or family. For most campervans and motorhomes, no special licence is required.

CAMPERVANS

Campervans are commercial or off road vehicles that have been customised for touring. Five types of conversions are available:

• Standard Campervans
  This is a standard commercial vehicle that does not have the roofline changed. The interior of the vehicle is modified to include a double bed, kitchen and possibly additional seating. Most are fitted with swing out kitchens. This enables the cooking to be done outside the vehicle - then the equipment swings back into the unit when not in use. Vehicles modified in this way can be used for business or commuting during the week and then taken away on weekends or longer holidays. They are easy to drive and park.

• Pop-Top Campervans
  This is a modification of the standard campervans to incorporate more headroom. The existing roof is cut open and a specially constructed pop-top roof installed. This gives you plenty of headroom when the roof is raised. When travelling, the roof is lowered and secured to the vehicle. When you wish to use the campervan for accommodation, the roof is raised. A vinyl skirt between the roof and the body of the vehicle provides protection from inclement weather with zippered sections that open to allow airflow through the campervan. Gas struts or easy lift handles enable the roof to be easily raised or lowered.

• High Roof Campervans
  Serious travellers often prefer the convenience of a full height campervan. The roof of the vehicle is removed and a specially constructed fibreglass module installed on top of the roof. This creates additional headroom that enables movement throughout the vehicle when you are holidaying. The extra roof area makes little difference to the handling and fuel consumption of the vehicle. When parking the unit under a carport or other type of storage, ensure there is sufficient clearance for the vehicle.

• 4WD Campervans
  Some of the more remote parts of Australia are only accessible by 4WD vehicles. 4WD vehicles can be modified to give all the benefits that campervans can offer - with the advantage of 4WD. Beds and kitchens can be installed, as well as a pop-top roof. The modifications that can be done depend on the size of the vehicle and can be customised to suit individual needs.

• Bus Conversions
  Small 18 to 25 seater buses have proved popular to convert for touring. Manufacturers specialising in this type of conversion can build in all the comforts found in campervans and motorhomes. This can include a pop-top or high roof. Your Camping and Caravan Industry Association conversion specialist will ensure the conversion conforms to both State and Federal legislative requirements.

MOTORHOMES

Three classes of motorhomes are built in Australia. Each can vary in size from around 5 metres to over 10 metres in length. The three classes are:

Class C Motorhomes This class of motorhome is built using a commercial vehicle with a cabin and a full chassis. A frame is constructed over the chassis which is extended over the cabin (the driver section of the vehicle) with this section becoming a double bed. This ‘bed overcab’ layout creates a much greater living area in the motorhome. Access to the driver cabin is by stepping through to the cabin’s interior.
Class B Motorhomes These are specially designed so that the unit has a walk-through from the cabin area to the body of the motorhome. Motorhomes of this class have modifications to the existing cabin to achieve this walk-through access. The beds, kitchen, ensuite and storage cupboards are built into the body on the chassis behind the cabin.
Class A Motorhomes This class of motorhome is built on a supplied chassis. The driver’s cabin and the body of the motorhome are built from the chassis upwards as an integrated unit. This motorhome is the top of the range and the body design can be customised to suit individual needs.

A motorhome is built on a chassis supplied by a vehicle manufacturer. Each wall and roof section is built around a welded aluminium frame. Panels consist of plywood with fibreglass on one side and a laminated surface on the other, sandwiched together using a machine press to give lightweight but extremely b walls and roof which are fully insulated. The fibreglass surface is used on the outside with the walls and roof being joined by fibreglass mouldings. Internally, the laminate finish provides a quality and durable surface.

MOTORHOME INCLUSIONS

Motorhomes have all the inclusions needed for an extended and comfortable holiday. They come equipped with full sized kitchens, dining and lounge areas, toilet and bathroom as well as under-floor storage. They are designed to accommodate a minimum of four people.

4WD MOTORHOMES

As with campervans, motorhomes can be 4WD, providing the chassis used is available in a 4WD variant. A 4WD motorhome will allow you to see the remote parts of Australia in total comfort.