Frequently Asked Questions
Design Philosophy and Durability
Designed as a fully-fledged, offroad caravan in an
easily manageable package, this new design caters
for enjoyment.
We understand the importance of a good night's sleep
and an inviting place to prepare food & have therefore
created this, in a package that's simply 'go anywhere,
do anything'!
With a fixed, extra length double bed, a kitchen /
galley and more than adequate storage space, you'll
be entirely
self-sufficient with water and electricity, without needing
to pop up roofs or fold out beds. This durable caravan
can be towed by any vehicle as it weighs little more
than a large trailer.
1. Why should I buy an Outback®?
2. What type of vehicles can tow these caravans?
3. Will I be able to see around the caravan with my car?
4. Does the Outback® need brakes?
5. Do I require a special Drivers' License?
6. How does the power system work?
7. It looks so small - what if I get claustrophobic?
8. What if I'm really tall?
9. What do we do when it rains?
10. What do I do with the kids?
11. Do I need a heater or cooler?
12. Do I need a fridge, freezer or cooler box?
13. How do I shower?
14. Can I customise my caravan?
15. How do I determine ride height?
16. How does loading affect ride / hitch weight?
17. How much does one cost?
18. Can I rent a caravan instead of buying one?
19. What if my question isn't on this list?
1. Why should I buy
an Outback®?
| Outback® |
| |
| a. Mass |
| With a curb mass of less than 400kg, a carrying
capacity of 350kg and a GVM of 750kg, it's a
pleasure to tow and to move around off the tow
vehicle. |
| |
| b. Windage |
| Minimised as it comfortably fits in the towing
vehicle's profile. |
| |
| c. Fuel Consumption |
| Minimum effect due to its lightweight and compact
profile. |
| |
| d. Stability |
Excellent even in speeds in excess of 120kph,
due to low mass & ALKO Independent rubber
sprung axle.
|
| |
| e. Set-up Time |
| 1 - 5 minutes. |
| |
| f. Breaking Camp |
| 1 - 5 minutes. |
| |
| g. Comfort |
| High performance insulation on the floor, sides,
roof and bulkhead make it cool in the summer
and warm in the winter. |
| |
| h. Kitchen |
| Ample space provided with a full width counter
top. |
| |
| i. Storage |
| Plenty of extra equipment can be hauled in
cabin while travelling. |
| |
| j. Accessibility |
| Extra equipment easily accessible when stopped. |
|
| Other Caravans / Trailers |
| |
| |
Most trailers are double the weight, affecting
the tow vehicle performance & ability to
perform offroad.
|
| |
| |
| Considerable due to the size of most caravans. |
| |
| |
| Adversely affected due to the increased weight & windage. |
| |
| |
| Towing speed usually restricted to 100kph.
Due to its high tow hitch mass, higher speeds
may create instability with a 'nose light' vehicle. |
| |
| |
| 20 minutes. |
| |
| |
| 20 - 30 minutes. |
| |
| |
No temperature regulation as only canvas poptops
or fold outs are used.
|
| |
| |
| Very limited space available on a small, stand
alone table. |
| |
| |
| Storage space only available under bunks and
in overhead lockers. |
| |
| |
| Equipment is very difficult to get to unless
structure is folded out. |
|
Top of Page 2. What type of vehicles can tow these caravans?
Any
type of vehicle can tow both models. The Outback® series
is designed for the tracks and trails of Southern Africa
and is usually towed by a 4 x 4 or a robust bakkie,
from a Suzuki to an F250! They are very stable and
are easily
towed with even the smallest passenger cars. Top of Page
3.
Will I be able to see around the caravan with my car?
You
are required, by law, to have two mirrors capable of
seeing behind you. The Outback® has a width
of 1450mm and if you have two side mirrors, here is
an easy
test to see if they will be adaequate: Roll down the
windows and measure between the inside edges of the
mirrors.
If the distance is greater than 1450mm, you
will be able
to see past the caravan without extension mirrors.
If it is less than 1450mm or if you don't have two
side
mirrors, you will need mirror extensions. Top of Page
4.
Does the Outback® need brakes?
Current
regulations state that trailers and caravans with a
gross mass (GVM) of less than 750kg do not require
a brake system (the GVM equals the weight of the trailer
plus the weight of the cargo). If you would prefer
a braked axle, we can supply and fit the system. Top of Page
5.
Do I require a special Drivers' License?
New
Department of Transport regulations require a driver
to obtain a Caravan Towing License when towing trailers
and caravans in excess of 750kg. Top of Page
6.
How does the power system work?
The Outback® comes wired with a 7-pin trailer connector,
including the auxiliary power supply which is used
to maintain a charge to the battery. The
towing vehicle
must be wired with the 7-pin connector and should have an auxiliary feed to
the connector to supply power to the battery.
We locate our battery under the countertop at the rear of the trailer, on the
curb side. This location is near the axle so that it doesn't add to the hitch
weight. The electrical load on the caravan allows the lights, pump and inverter
to run off the battery for about 3 days without charging - this is usually
long enough for an offroad holiday that is constantly on the move. There is
enough
room to add an extra battery, increasing the capacity to 80AH and 5 to 7 days
use, without charging. Top of Page
7. It looks so small
- what if I get claustrophobic?
It is actually bigger
than it appears. The cabin holds a extra length double
bed and has 1.2m of head room. Someone tall can sit comfortably on the
bed and still have plenty of headroom - it's similar in size to the inside
of
a mid-size
car. Top of Page
8. What if I'm really tall?
The
Outback® / Road Runner® has an extra length
double bed (that's 2m long and 1.37m wide) - you'll
have plenty of room! Top of Page
9. What
do I do when it rains?
Camping with an Outback® is similar to tent camping.
The caravans come supplied with a 2400mm x 3000mm awning
over the kitchen / galley.
A side
mounted rally
awning or full tent is an optional extra.
Top of Page
10.
What do I do with the kids?
That depends... How many do you
have and how big are they? The Outback® is
generally intended for two adults, but babies and younger children
can snuggle in with mum and dad.
If you have older children and teenagers, they can stay in a tent
and the adults can stay in the Outback®. They get a little
privacy, and you don't have to sleep on ground! If you have a large
family,
it has
extra
room to haul along
everyone's sleeping bags, chairs and equipment. The kitchen / galley
is available to prepare family meals and the extra storage area
leaves the
vehicle free
for
day trip supplies. Top of Page
11. Do I need a heater
or cooler?
Heater: These caravans are designed so that
the body heat of 2 people, coupled with the caravan's insulation,
enables you to sleep comfortably
in subzero
temperatures. They are insulated and weather tight, so body heat
is usually enough to make
it comfortable in a short time. In cold weather, simply bring
along
an extra blanket if you feel the cold!
Cooler: Any vehicle sitting in the sun will heat up but since
you won't usually be sleeping during the day, the nights are
the only
issue.
With both side
windows open, cross ventilation will ensure that you stay cool.
If you'd still prefer
to be cooler, we are currently designing an 'evaporative water
cooler' option.
Top of Page
12. Do I need a fridge,
freezer or cooler box?
As experienced travellers,
we have found that it's far better to keep your fridge mounted
in the towing vehicle, where
it's readily
available,
even
if you leave
your caravan in the camp. Top of Page
13. How
do I shower?
There are many excellent units available
that may be discreetly placed away from the camp, ensuring
your privacy.
As one
is always concerned
with the
conservation of water, showers tend to use a lot of
water (15 to 20 litres each time) & 3
showers could use up your water supply!
If they are independent
of the van, they can be placed close to a natural source,
giving endless
streams
of hot
water. Top of Page
14. Can I customise my
caravan?
We are more than happy to modify the
caravan to suit your needs - we can engineer them to
suit fishermen,
divers,
cyclist,
hunters, bikers
and quad
riders and
we have modified some units to suit people with disabilities. Top of Page
15.
How do I determine ride height?
The standard
ball height for vehicles should be between 350mm
and 465mm. The Outback® is set at 450mm and
it is not usually necessary to make any adjustment.
If your vehicle
has a particularly
high tow
hitch, a
drop plate should be used
to tow the caravans in a near horizontal position. Top of Page
16.
How does loading affect ride / hitch weight?
The
loading of the Outback® takes place over the
axle - the food, crockery, cutlery, pots and pans will
generally
be stored
in the
galley area, the
gas bottles are just behind the wheels and the 60 litre
water tank fits under the
floor,
directly over the axle.
In the cabin, the clothes are
packed into the lockers and with a 350kg carrying capacity,
you
can use it to
carry all
your heavy
gear in the foot well area of the bed (inside the cabin).
Ground clearance under the
axle is 330mm fully loaded and tow hitch weight is
40 - 50kgs. Top of Page
17. How much does
one cost?
Please click
here to request a quotation. Top of Page
18.
Can I rent a caravan instead of buying one?
Not
at present but future plans will include rental
with the possibility to buy the vehicle after the
rental period. Top of Page
19. What
if my question isn't on this list?
Please
contact us at sales@crosscountrycaravans.co.za -
we'd be happy to answer your question! Top of Page |
