What Is a Low-Profile Caravan?

Camping is a pleasant and cheap way to go on holiday. Many families choose a caravan for more comfort rather than a tent, while the motorhome requires a much higher budget.

Here are some tips for this attractive project.

As the name suggests, this type of caravan has a unique feature that makes it a “hybrid” of caravanning: its roof can be folded and unfolded as desired.

Variable height

While the width and length of a low-profile caravan follow the same rules as those of its more traditional counterparts, its height is variable:

    – folded height: from 1.95 m to 2 m;

    – interior height: from 1.90 m to 1.95 m;

Installation

Once you arrive at your destination, the installation of the small caravan is identical to that of the others. It only takes a few extra minutes to unfold the roof and carry out the associated installations:

    – Set up the extensions: if it is a rigid system, the walls are raised – after the roof has been lifted – to create an addition of insulated polyester partitions;

    – or deploy the fabric: in the case of fabric walls, waterproof fabric is used to link the interior to the polyester roof.

Good to know: you can opt for an electric automatic roof lifting system (optional) which will add slightly to the total weight (about 15 kg more).

    – The interior doors are truncated and require a clever system of extensions (hinge-lock-clip) to be operational, as do certain shelves and the tops of partitions.

Advantages, disadvantages and price of the low-profile caravan

Depending on your needs, you will choose a smalls caravan if its advantages are worthwhile.

For example, a low-profile caravan is not necessarily the best compromise if you stay at the same campsite for a month (you would only see the disadvantages of this type of model!).

Advantages of the small caravan:

    – An “all-purpose” size: with its height not exceeding 2 m, your caravan will pass:

        ◦ under the gantries of most car parks;

        ◦ in the frame of your garage: for optimal winter storage.

    – A significant source of savings:

        ◦ it goes under the tolls = no surcharge;

        ◦ it is more aerodynamic: less wind resistance, both lateral and frontal = fuel savings.

    – Easier to drive: by less bulk and less wind grip.

Disadvantages

    – Longer installation time.

    – Smaller door: the entrance door is lower than on conventional models (watch your head!).

    – Ventilation and insulation can be limited: some older models do not have top or cross ventilation (because a roof light is not always possible). Similarly, the fabric used in entry-level models cannot compete with a wall containing up to 3 cm of insulation.

    – Low chassis: the ground clearance is very low. Although changing the wheel is no more of a problem than with a conventional model, the risk of getting stuck (speed bumps, ledges, etc.) is higher.

Conditions for towing a caravan

Type of car

There is no ideal car for towing a caravan. However, a profile can be defined:

    – a rear-wheel-drive car with a powerful diesel or petrol engine;

    – large saloon and family cars, such as minivans, offer good road holding, which is essential.

Good to know: if you opt for a folding caravan, you can tow it with a smaller vehicle!

Should you be looking for a small caravan, Roma RV offers a wide range of luxury and high-quality caravans that provide your family with the performance, elegance, personalised features, and high standards that they deserve.

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