Why you should buy a more eco-friendly caravan

On the one hand, caravan buyers today have more choice than ever before, but on the other hand it's never been more confusing for consumers when it comes to which type of caravan to buy, particularly when it comes to the frame and body construction.

Today, caravan buyers can choose from tried-and-true timber frame (stick and tin) or aluminium frame construction, to more advanced polyurethane and fibre frames, and full composite, sandwich panel construction. Regardless of the construction method, each has its pros and cons. But which is better?

Celebrating its 20th anniversary and a fierce advocate for 'stick 'n tin' manufacturing in the past, Melbourne's Concept Caravans recently bit the bullet and introduced a new Ascot model built with a new polyurethane framing material.

Concept Caravans' National Operations, Dealer, and Marketing Manager, Conrad D’Cunha, said the change was in response to a drive towards more environmentally friendly construction, including moving away from timber.

“Timber is getting harder to source,” he explained. “We don’t do logging here in Victoria anymore. We are now importing timber. But there is a cost to move to environmentally-friendly construction like fibre and composite; the question is, will the market handle the pricing difference?”

“People have been using aluminium frames for a long time, but the Australian market still has a substantial amount of timber frame caravans in it. You might hear people raving that they don’t want timber in their vans, but that is not necessarily true; people are still buying timber frame vans in droves," he said.

"But there is a transition happening, and there is no question about it. We, as manufacturers, have to look at products that are more sustainable. We are evaluating several alternatives and have a few different evaluation units operating in the field to gauge durability and functionality.

"For instance, the requirements and demands of a caravan located in far north Queensland vastly differ from those of a caravan in Victoria or Tasmania. Caravans travelling through the tropics are more susceptible to condensation than those travelling in the south. These are all considerations we are testing for before we decide on the best solution.”

As Conrad explained, the traditional timber framed (usually Meranti) caravan with ribbed aluminium cladding has been the preferred standard in Australia for decades, and for good reason.

Typically, timber was readily available and reasonably light. But importantly, it is also flexible which means the caravan frame can adapt to changing temperatures and ‘move’ to a small degree on bumpier roads. This adaptability also allows manufacturers more option when it comes to customising or altering a van's layout.

Further, timber, when compared to alternative construction methods, remains the cheapest option. Traditional ribbed aluminium cladding is also a relatively lightweight and affordable material, which is why it's still used today.

As has been well documented, the biggest drawback to timber-framed vans is the potential for rot when exposed to moisture. Even though proper sealing goes a long way to minimising water ingress, buyers are increasingly reluctant to take the chance with timber.

Industry stalwarts like Millard and Kedron Caravans have used aluminium-frame construction for decades. As well as being less susceptible to rot, aluminium is durable and strong. However, aluminium-framed vans are typically more expensive than timber-framed vans.

Aluminium is also prone to fatigue over time, which would require replacement. Although aluminium-framed caravans built by reputable manufacturers should last decades.

Melbourne's Masterpiece Caravans was one of the first to adopt timber-free 'Fibroplast' wall framing, and others have followed including Great Aussie Caravans, which claims it is the only Aussie manufacturer to offer all three: timber, fibre and aluminium frames.

Although lighter than timber and boasting eco-friendly credentials, the 'Fibretech' frame option can in some cases add $10,000-$20,000 or more to the price of the van.

Fibre-frames as well as composite or sandwich panel construction are also a good option when it comes to coping with the challenges of climate extremes, from tropical humidity to cold winter camping.

Condensation is a common problem in caravans in tropical climates, often leading to mould growth and deterioration of structural materials. Non-porous composite panels are more resistant to moisture, which can enhance the caravan’s lifespan and promote a healthier indoor environment.

Composite panels, with their foam cores, also provide excellent thermal insulation, reducing heat transfer and keeping the caravan warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This not only enhances comfort but also reduces energy consumption for heating or cooling.

It's clear that further research and testing in harsh Australian conditions is required before we can be certain of the long-term durability of caravans built with fibre frames and other new composite materials. It will also help alleviate any concerns about their resistance to prolonged UV exposure, structural integrity under harsh conditions, and potential delamination over time.

Eco-friendly materials are costlier to produce, and the manufacturing processes often require advanced machinery and highly skilled labour. While the extra upfront cost is a barrier for many buyers, long-term benefits including reduced fuel consumption, enhanced durability, and improved comfort in extreme climates.

The purchase decision also depends on an individual buyer’s priorities and travel needs. While a traditional timber-frame van may suffice for occasional use and shorter trips, the extra expense of fibre-frame and composite construction is more easily justified for frequent travellers dealing with a variety of conditions.

Perhaps the marriage of an aluminium or composite frame with full fibreglass insulated wall construction, offers the best of both worlds?