GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #25 | Page 11

RV FEATURE OFFROAD AND ON SONG MIRROR IMAGE THE MYTH: THE MYTH: My caravan has the word ‘offroad’ or similar in its model designation, so I’m all set for Cape York! FALSE times Let’s be realistic. A caravan is basically a house on wheels. Yes, they are designed to be reasonably rigid and have some amount of flex, but just because it says ‘offroad’ doesn’t mean it’s going to handle the likes of Cape York or worse. Unless you’re referring to some of the specialist offroad caravan manufacturers, ’offroad’ usually means the van has upgraded chassis and suspension, with higher ground clearance, but that’s often where it ends. Towing mirrors are mandatory, no ifs or buts about it. check TRUE The Australian Design Rules require drivers to have a certain rearward field of vision, and unless your van is particularly narrow, the only way to meet these requirements is with tow mirrors. While a rearview camera will show you what is directly behind the trailer, it will not show the crucial areas alongside the trailer and its rearmost corners. The only way to know for certain if you'll need a WDH is to drop your van on the towball. / 11