Caravanning is a popular way to explore the great outdoors, but the weight of a caravan can impact towing performance, fuel efficiency, and overall safety. Caravan owners can enhance their towing experience and enjoy a smoother journey by reducing unnecessary weight. In this blog, we will provide practical tips on reducing weight in caravans, ensuring a more efficient and enjoyable experience. At the same time, you travel around our beautiful country.
Assess Your Caravan’s Weight
Start by understanding the current weight of your caravan. Contact DwnUnder Weighing for the most accurate weights; however, use a weighbridge if you can use a mobile weigher. Weighbridges will not be as accurate, although you would rather have some idea than no idea! Knowing the starting weight of your setup helps you know what you can and can’t take on your trip.
Pack Light
It’s obvious, right? But sometimes we need a reminder that we can’t take everything! When packing for your caravan trip, prioritise essential items and avoid overpacking. Consider your needs and carefully select items that are necessary for your journey. Minimise duplicates or unnecessary items, opting for multi-purpose equipment whenever possible. Remember, every additional kilogram adds to the overall weight and affects towing performance.
Lightweight Materials and Equipment
Consider using lightweight materials for caravan modifications or upgrades. For example, replace heavy wooden cabinetry with lightweight alternatives such as aluminium or composite materials. Choose lightweight camping gear (check weights of tables, camp chairs, fire pits, etc.), opt for lighter upgrades (solar panels, draw slides, batteries) and compact appliances to reduce unnecessary weight. Find kitchen appliances that have multiple uses! Consider your upgrades carefully, such as outdoor kitchen slides. If you already have a kitchen inside, consider having a Webber/Ziggy instead.
Decorating your van to be Insta-worthy!
Don’t worry, we decorate our van too! It’s our space, our home; we want it to feel friendly and inviting! Just don’t go overboard. Consider what materials you choose, such as timber shelves, which you could replace with rattan ones, as they tend to be lighter; if you want pictures, get them printed into wall stickers. Think creatively about how you can have your beautifully decorated van without compromising your precious weight!
Go Digital
Reduce paper clutter by going digital with all your documents and maps. Use electronic versions of books (use a Kindle), magazines (opt for an E-subscription), and guides (take photos on your phone). This not only saves weight but also reduces physical storage requirements.
Tip: check if you can download your maps; if you are out of reception, you can still know where you are going!
Keep Water Tanks Empty
Carrying excessive water in your caravan’s onboard tanks adds unnecessary weight. Keep the tank empty unless you anticipate limited water availability, filling it only when necessary. Make sure you know where your water fill-up points are! Consider carrying an emergency Jerry Can with water in case you are caught out! Alternatively, only fill 1 water tank if you are concerned about the downward gravity.
Do you have room/weight left in your vehicle?
Where is your GVM sitting? Are you able to relocate some items in the vehicle or vice versa?
Regularly Review and Reassess
Periodically reassess the weight of your caravan and its contents to ensure you maintain an optimal balance. Regularly reviewing your setup allows you to identify areas for improvement and further weight reduction and distribution.
Declutter, declutter, declutter!
Have a lightweight box to put items you haven’t touched; if you don’t use it in 2-4 weeks, is it worth keeping? Donate unwanted items to caravan park camp kitchens or games rooms; I’m sure they would appreciate it!
Reducing weight in your caravan enhances towing efficiency, fuel economy, and safety. You can significantly reduce unnecessary weight by packing light, using lightweight materials and equipment, streamlining supplies, and making mindful choices. Regularly reviewing and reassessing your caravan’s weight ensures a more enjoyable and efficient towing experience, allowing you to focus on the adventure and embrace the freedom of the open road. If you need help with weight distribution or want to know and understand how your set-up sits, don’t hesitate to contact us at DwnUnder Weighing!
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Stay safe, and see you on the road!
Team at DwnUnder