1. Electrics of the caravan
12V or 240V? The teardrop caravans are supplied with both a battery (12V) system and a 240V system.
How long does the battery last? It depends on what you are powering. As a general guide we would expect the battery to last for 24h with regular use. Offroad vans now include a solar system which are designed to operate continuously for 3+ days without driving.
What does the electrical system run? Internal lights, awning lights, kitchen lights, USB and socket chargers, water pump, radio, compressor fridge.
2. Electrics of your tow vehicle
What is the trailer pin? Standard 12 pin flat (or 7-pin flat plus Anderson on request).
Do I need to visit an auto electrician? Yes, unless you have had a caravan previously. Most trailer connectors only operate trailer lights. All caravans have extra auxiliary systems which you need to tell your car how to operate. For example, your car needs to charge your auxiliary caravan battery and power your fridge as you travel. For this reason, for all systems to operate correctly, you need to visit an auto electrician before collecting your caravan. Depending on vehicle age, you may require extra components eg. RedArc Smart Start to allow your car’s computer to charge the battery to an optimal level.
Can you recommend an auto electrician? Yes we can. Contact Us.
3. Manufacturer and Warranty
Where are the caravans manufactured? Our factory is based in Turkey, they have a history of manufacturing caravans and motorhomes for the European market for over 40 years. They now export to 43 countries worldwide.
Is there a warranty? Although not required by ACL, our caravans all come with a 24 month warranty. Many parts are also covered by international warranty (eg. AL-KO running gear, brakes, axle etc.). This excludes any post-purchase modifications not supplied by Caretta Australia.
Can you repair/replace parts once we purchase? Yes we are the authorised manufacturer and are recommended by CIL insurance, one of the largest caravan insurers in Australia. There are service locations in WA, QLD or other licensed repair centres nationwide.
How are they constructed? All caravans are made to very high standards of construction. Walls and roof are made from marine ply, sandwiched insulation and fibreglass outer. They are extremely well insulated and are used in very cold climates (Iceland/Norway) and very hot climates (Australia/Middle East).
4. Cooking
What cooking options are there? You can use removable butane cooktops or can have LPG installed. We fit LPG gas cabinets for built in cooktops (eg. SMEV 2 burner glass topped stoves) or bayonet fittings for barbecues.
5. Delivery
How long does delivery take? Like many manufacturers in Australia this year, we have had strong demand. We still aim to supply caravans approximately 16 weeks from order, depending on your location.
6. Tents and Awnings
Do you have any tents and awnings? Yes we sell roof racks and roof bars designed to fit straight edge awnings/drop down sides as well as custom made canvas sections for Oztent RV3 tent attachment or full canvas awnings and kitchen annexes. There are other options available in local camping shops, depending on your budget/preferences.
7. Solar
What solar options do you have? We have flexible solar panels which are roof mounted. They work very efficiently, even in part shade. They are 100W systems and are supplied fully installed ready to charge the battery. Solar and battery systems run systems (including compressor fridge) continuously without any 240V power for several days. Solar is now included in all offroad vans and is an optional extra for on road vans.
8. Why pick a Caretta over other teardrop brands?
How do you compare with other teardrops available in Australia?
Better offroad performance with lower maintenance – Australia tough, not just a couple of leaf springs, engineered to last. Offroad chassis is completely different. Most brands just bolt on some additional shock absorbers.
Optimal balance and design, no heavy checkerplate or equipment on the tow bar (eg. Riptide).
2 full size doors with even larger opening windows than competitors (some have no opening windows eg. Cool Beans or one door eg. Tucana).
Weight - Lightest full camper on the market Tare weight Caretta Offroad 550kg (Tareweight 1140kg Riptide Tsunami, 1020kg Coolbeans). = FUEL ECONOMY = EV compatible.
Best insulation in all sides and roof (most others just insulate the sides).
Priced competitively, functionality not just design - half the price of some other brands (Price comparison 2021 $42k cool beans, $38.5k Riptide Tsunami).
International reputation – exported to 43 countries.
Over 40 years manufacturing experience.
9. Air conditioning
Can they be air conditioned?We prefer to use 12V fans due to power considerations. All air conditioners in Australia use 240V power so you would need a generator to be off-grid. We are working on a new battery powered system which may be available in 2021.
10. Off-road capacity
What is their off-road capacity? The off-road teardrops have been tested for water crossings, steep inclines, sand, mud and corrugated roads. They have travelled extensively 1000s of km in the Australian outback (Simpson Desert, Gibb River Road, Karijini National Park, Far North Queensland, Painted Desert etc.)
The ground clearance is 600mm and all are provided with off-road tyres.
11. Customisation
Can I customise to my own design? Yes! We can customise to your exact design requirements various modifications have been made over the years.
12. Colours
What colours are available? We currently offer 4 exterior colours. White, cream, champagne and grey. Red/Black for additional charge on request.