Your questions answered: Do I need caravan disc brakes?

At caravancampingsales we get a lot of queries from potential and existing caravanners about what to buy and the value of adding some popular extra-cost options.

This time around we have readers enquiring about whether they should spend up big on disc brakes and lithium batteries; how much payload they actually need; and the pros and cons of single and tandem axle, or pop-top and fixed roof 'vans...

Answer: Better for what? Few single axle caravans are longer than 18ft in body length, so if you're looking for a full size family or touring caravan, you’re probably looking at tandem axles.

If you’re just a travelling couple, you can tow a shorter single axle van down narrower tracks to more remote places, turn it around easier and use less fuel in the process without the extra rolling resistance of two extra tyres.

On the other hand, a tandem axle van is more stable on soft surfaces (like sand) by sharing its weight over four contact patches and if properly loaded, is less susceptible to side winds and road camber.

The downside? Double the brake wear; another pair of wheel bearings and tyres to maintain, or to deflate/inflate depending on the unsealed/sealed road surface.

Question: Do I need caravan disc brakes?

The downside to disc brakes is that they are usually an extra-cost option. They also require a separate, smaller drum brake to operate as a safe hand-brake.

However, if they're a standard fitting on the caravan or camper you're interested in, then go for it.

Question: How much payload do I really need?

Answer: How many places have you been to where there is no local store or supermarket nearby? OK – time’s up!

So you don’t really need to carry a polar expedition’s worth of food supplies, empty your local liquor store and carry an Olympic pool-full of water, do you?

And unless you're expecting an invitation to Buckingham Palace, easily washable, comfortable clothes including shorts and a pair of long trousers will do. Don’t forget a warm top for those cold evenings and chill breezes and something waterproof too.

We wash out our socks and smalls daily in the shower and rig up an internal clothes line so they can dry during the day, meaning two pairs of each is enough. If you run out, most supermarkets sell them.

Pre-cooked frozen meals that you can heat and eat quickly after a long day’s travel are a good idea, but any cash saving you might make by purchasing food or liquor in advance can be eaten away by the extra fuel you will burn transporting it with you, not to mention the extra cost you will incur by keeping it cool and the room its storage will take up.

We also take a pair of sandals and a pair of boots to cover all eventualities.

This is definitely a case where less ultimately may be more.

Question: Are lithium batteries worth the expense?

Answer: If your caravanning is mainly on bitumen in between 240v plugs at caravan parks, probably save your money and put the savings towards a better van.

However, if you like remote areas, free-camping and enjoy getting away from crowds for longer than a night, then lithium starts to come into its own.

Lithium batteries charge faster, are smaller and weigh much less and last longer than conventional lead-acid batteries.

The downside? They cost more and may require different wiring to charge properly.

But if they're a reasonably priced option on a new van, tick that box...

Question: Is a pop-top or a full-height caravan better?

Answer: In theory, a pop-top caravan creates less wind drag so should save fuel on a long trip. In reality, it’s not that simple.

A full height van can have a more aerodynamic profile, so it will actually cut through the air easier, depending on the bulk of your tow vehicle. It also requires no set up, so you park for the night, step inside, rain or shine, and you’re done! You also have more overhead cupboard space to store things and it’s thermally better in cool climates.

A pop-top is easier to store, as it will fit under many carports and garages, cut through overgrown tracks better and in some cases it will weigh a little less than a full-height van.

It’s also better in hot weather, as by opening up the vinyl skirt ventilation flaps you can releaser hot air faster and it stays cooler at night for sleeping.

The other downside of pop-tops is that there are very few on the market longer than 18-20ft, so they are out for family travel.

If you're trying to save money by choosing a pop-top, don’t hold your breath. I’ve calculated that the difference in savings of towing an equivalent pop-top per 100km travelled is less than a cup of Macca’s coffee!