What is a Hybrid Caravan?

If you have been contemplating buying a caravan, you may have heard the term ‘hybrid’ and be wondering what that means. As the name suggests, a hybrid caravan has features of its predecessors and as such, is a mixture of a camper trailer and a caravan. Hybrid caravans tend to be smaller than a standard caravan and are great for travelling off road. Like anything, they have their pros and cons and will not be suitable for every caravanner. In this article we explain exactly what a hybrid caravan is, the key differences with other caravans, benefits and disadvantages to help you decide if a hybrid caravan is right for you.

What Exactly is a Hybrid Caravan?

A hybrid caravan is a combination of a camper trailer and a caravan. They can also be known as off road caravans or hybrid camper trailers. Structurally, hybrid caravans have the hard permanent walls of a caravan with the towing and suspension abilities of a camper trailer. They tend to be much smaller than a caravan and often have pop out or fold down sections. To maximise living space while keeping them compact, hybrid caravans usually have pull down beds and tables.

Features of a Hybrid Caravan

Hybrid caravans are specifically designed by taking features from standard caravans and camper trailers to create a van that is a blend of comfort and stamina, allowing travel to more remote locations.

It is these key features that make a hybrid caravan ideal for caravanners looking for the sleeping and living comfort of a caravan with the bonus of rough terrain suitability. Features of a hybrid caravan include:

• Compact design: Hybrid caravans are smaller in width and height than traditional caravans so they are easier to tow and manoeuvre. The hybrid caravan wheels tend to align with the wheel tracks of a 4WD to allow for easier access in rugged terrain. They usually measure 2.25 metres in width but can vary in length. Hybrid caravans have a compact design with fold down beds and hideaway tables.
• Off road capabilities: Hybrid caravans are built with stability and sturdiness in mind to handle the effects of off road driving. These caravans usually have features like a heavier chassis, off-road suspension, increased ground clearance, and all terrain tyres. They are specifically designed to be compact to handle rough conditions.
• Durability: The hard shells of hybrid caravans are purpose built with strong materials and reinforced structures to withstand the elements and provide security from snakes and wildlife. Most hybrid caravans have aluminium checker plate bodies, skid bars and stone guards to handle tough terrain.
• Amenities: Like standard caravans, hybrid caravans can have all the amenities of hot water, solar power, a shower, and air conditioning. While it is more common for a hybrid caravan to have an outdoor kitchen than one indoors, there are some models that have mini kitchens inside.
• Power capabilities: Most hybrid caravans have built-in battery management systems, water storage and solar power for remote camping. To ensure ample power, hybrid caravans can also be customised with extra electrical outlets up to 240v.

Key Differences Between a Standard Caravan and Hybrid Caravan

In order to fully understand what a hybrid caravan is, it is a good idea to compare it to a standard caravan to see the differences. We look at the differences between standard caravans and hybrid caravans here.

Standard caravans

Standard caravans are typically larger than hybrid caravans and offer a high level of comfort and convenience. Like a home on wheels, standard caravans have all the modern facilities including indoor kitchens, ensuites, spacious living and sleeping areas. Given their larger size they have a decent storage capacity, although hybrid caravans often have more. Because they are larger and heavier, standard caravans are harder to manoeuvre than hybrid caravans and limited to on-road driving. Standard caravans are generally more expensive than hybrid caravans.

Hybrid caravans

Hybrid caravans are smaller and weigh less than standard caravans which makes them easier to manoeuvre and drive off road. They offer a mix of indoor and outdoor living with a larger focus on outdoors than standard caravans. Most hybrid caravans have pop out features or a pop up roof which allows for extra living space but they still provide smaller living rooms than a standard caravan. Hybrid caravans have innovative storage solutions like slide-out unit drawers, slide out fridge and cooking facilities located outside the main cabin. With most hybrid caravans featuring outdoor cooking, they are more suitable for caravanners who like the outdoors. Hybrid caravans often cost less than standard caravans.

Benefits of a Hybrid Caravan

The most obvious advantage of a hybrid caravan is its ability to be comfortable but versatile at the same time. Hybrid caravans are the culmination of the best of traditional caravans and camper trailers. We list the many benefits of a hybrid caravan here:

• They are versatile: Hybrid caravans are versatile as they can be driven in diverse landscapes. Whether you want to go to a caravan park or head off road to secluded locations, a hybrid caravan has the capability.
• They are easy to tow: Because of their size and weight, hybrid caravans are easy to tow which can be an advantage for those nervous to haul a large caravan. With a hybrid being so compact, you also don’t need a lot of towing power which gives you more options in terms of towing vehicle.
• They are fuel efficient: As a smaller and lighter caravan, hybrid caravans will use less petrol and be much more fuel efficient. This can be advantageous when travelling long distances as less fuel means more kilometres you can travel and less expense.
• They are easy to maintain: Hybrid caravans tend to be low maintenance because of their compact design. Less things can go wrong with a hybrid caravan as there are less moving parts.
• They are easy to set up: With many hybrid caravans, setting up is simple. When you stop at your destination, simply pop the top and you are done.
• They offer extra features: Modern hybrid caravans are now offering every extra comfort you could want, from ensuite bathrooms to mini kitchens and air conditioning.

Disadvantages of a Hybrid Caravan

While there are many advantages to a hybrid caravan, there are always drawbacks that may not suit everyone. Here are a list of disadvantages of a hybrid caravan:

• They have limited space: Hybrid caravans are a compact version of standard sized caravans and, as such, have limited space which may not be suitable for larger families.
• They have less luxury: Given hybrids are so small, they are unlikely to have as many luxuries as other caravans. Usually things like internal showers, tv’s or microwaves are additional options rather than standard features.
• They focus on outdoor living: If you are not an outdoor living kind of person, you will not like a hybrid caravan. One of the main features of this type of van is the focus on outdoor living with an outdoor kitchen and fridge as standard.

What To Consider When Buying a Hybrid Caravan

If you are thinking of buying a hybrid caravan, there are a number of things you need to consider. These will have to do with lifestyle, where you plan to travel, and even how many people will be travelling. To ensure you have the best possible caravanning experience, consider these factors when buying a hybrid caravan.

• Who is travelling in the caravan? The number and age of people travelling in the caravan will make a big difference to its suitability. A couple or even small family could suit a hybrid but a large family or those with elderly people may not find it suitable due to the small size and outdoor lifestyle.
• Will you be going off-road or staying on gravel roads? Think about where you will be travelling as that will impact the type of hybrid. If you are planning on travelling on sandy surfaces or tight bush tracks, you may want to consider one of the lighter weight vans with less amenities.
• What is your reason for travelling? Are you planning on travelling for an indefinite period of time or is it just the odd weekender? If travelling indefinitely, remember that hybrid caravans are not usually luxurious and may be better suited to the odd holiday or off road weekender.
• How important is luxury and space? If luxury and internal living space is not an issue, a hybrid is ideal for you.
• Do you like or dislike spending too much time outdoors? If you plan on spending the bulk of your caravanning time when stationary outdoors, a hybrid is designed specifically for that purpose.

Types of Hybrid Caravans

Canterbury Caravans has a large variety of hybrid caravans to choose from.

The X Series Navigator

This new hybrid caravan sleeps 2 and includes luxury amenities such as a washing machine and split ensuite space with privacy separating door as well as island style bed with surrounding cabinetry and additional under bed space. It has off road capabilities, lithium and solar.

The X Series Morphe

This pop top hybrid caravan has all the bells and whistles, including actuator raising roof and fold out bed for easy set up. It has sleeping for two, a built-in internal fridge, a built-in internal fridge, dual Thetford branded 3 burner cookers, inside & out, and a large electric awning.

The X Series Surge

This new hybrid caravan sleeps 4 to 6 and is packed with features for off road camping. Outside is a front toolbox that has a large slide to fit a 95L fridge with the other side available for storage. Walking down the side of the caravan is a picnic table and a pantry locker with a slide out kitchen complete with sink. To the rear of the caravan you have a large lift up dedicated kitchen area with great storage.

Hybrid caravans offer the best of both worlds. You can enjoy an off road lifestyle with some luxury amenities. In order to help you decide if a hybrid caravan is right for you, we have explained what hybrid caravans are, standard features, and what to consider when buying a hybrid caravan. For further information please contact the team at Canterbury Caravans.