How static caravans are made?

In today’s blog post, we will answer the following question: How static caravans are made? We will explain how a static caravan’s structure, walls, floor, roof and frame are manufactured.

How static caravans are made?

Static caravans are made at a factory and then transported and installed at the desired location. These homes are revolutionizing the real estate market, since they have innumerable qualities, such as maintaining a high residual value, a competitive price, and not being considered real estate, which provides legal benefits with respect to conventional homes.

Static caravans are identified with a chassis number and a plate number, this being the one that is usually reflected both in the documentation that accompanies the home and on a plate located next to the entrance door.

A static caravan is now a built-in series in a completely standard way. Here are the different elements of the construction of the static caravan: e of the static caravan:

  • Roof: Topped by steel tiles and insulated with glass wool. 
  • Floor: Mounted on wheels. A wooden or plywood floor insulated with at least 60 mm of glass wool.
  • Exterior walls: Wood (class 3) or vinyl. 
  • A galvanized frame (less sensitive to rust).

The manufacture of the static caravan structure

The main structure of a static caravan is quite similar from one manufacturer to another. The static caravan is made up of a floor mounted on a frame with wheels (compulsory to meet the mobility condition defined by legislation) on which the walls and the roof are positioned.

Manufacturing is industrialized and static caravans are therefore assembled on a production line. There are two construction techniques: “house” type assembly or “monobloc” type assembly.

The “house” type assembly consists of first assembling the exterior walls, then positioning the partitions and furniture to finish. In this case, the partitions are said to be “non-structural”, that is to say that they are not used to hold the roof.

In the case of the “monobloc” type assembly, we first assemble the partitions and furniture, then we close the static caravan by the walls.

The manufacture of the frame and the floor of the static caravan

To be mobile, the frame is made up of an axle on which the wheels are mounted and a drawbar (also called drawbar) allowing the static caravan to be moved. The galvanized metal axle (anti-corrosion) supports the wooden joists on which the wooden floor is studded. Today, in fact, the “wooden” frame takes over from the “steel” frame, without modifying its main function.

On the insulation side, most manufacturers offer a floor incorporating an insulation type thermo bubble, polystyrene, glass wool, mineral wool, etc. And for more comfort, several manufacturers also offer reinforced thermal insulation, ideal for 4-season use.

The manufacture of the walls of the static caravan

The walls are made with timber frame studs to which insulation is added (different materials depending on the manufacturer).

Double glazing is available as standard for openings, windows or doors. Depending on the brands and the level of finish you choose, the static caravan will have blackout blinds or curtains, or even exterior swinging or rolling shutters.

Outside, exit the aluminum cladding, now replaced by vinyl cladding with PVC slats, very resistant to climatic conditions and easy to maintain. And to promote the good landscape integration of your static caravan with the environment of the campsite and the region, many manufacturers offer a wide range of colours of PVC cladding as well as wood cladding.

The manufacture of the roof of the static caravan

Yesterday with a flat roof, today in a 2 or 4 slope version, the roof has given a new exterior look to the static caravan. You have the choice between several roof colours, always with the aim of meeting the requirements of the campsite and promoting integration into the landscape.

The insulation of the static caravan

In terms of insulation, many manufacturers offer glass wool insulation ranging from 60 to 200mm thick. For mountainous regions, some manufacturers offer a class C frame as standard, which can support a snow load of up to 300 kg / m².

The different materials for the construction of the static caravan

Static caravan construction has evolved over the years and, to provide maximum comfort and better insulation, its materials have been improved. The structure of a static caravan can be made of copper, steel, wood and even polystyrene.

In what sizes do static caravans come?

Static caravans come in two main sizes; single-width or double-width: 

  • A single-width is your most conventional static caravan. It is generally 5.5 m wide and 27 m long or less. Due to its smaller size, it can be transported where it needs to be in one unit. Depending on the interior layout, this traditional caravan can accommodate between 2 and 6 people. They usually include a laundry room with a toilet, sink, and shower and also a kitchen area with appliances such as a sink, hob, work surfaces, and other necessities.
  • A double-width is slightly larger and measures 6.1m or more in width and 27m or more in length, although it has to be towed in two separate units that will be joined at the assembly.

You can also have a triple-wide static caravan and even houses with four, five or more units, although they are not as commonly built. Single-width static caravan owners often sell or trade their home to a dealer. This size of the caravan is more likely to be marketed than a double-width caravan because transporting them from one site to another is much easier. In fact, only five per cent of the double-width caravans will move!

Conclusions

A static caravan is a type of manufactured home. This means that instead of being built where you will live, it is built at a factory. A conventional static caravan or static caravan is placed in one place and then left there permanently. However, they do retain the ability to be moved when required to do so – and that’s why they have wheels.

The fact that static caravans remain stationary means that they can benefit from more complete installations and better comfort at home. For example, static caravans typically include central heating, double glazing, and fully equipped kitchens and bathrooms. Likewise, while the interior of a touring caravan needs to be repaired to avoid problems during the trip, static caravans open the door to other household appliances and freestanding furniture.

Do you have any questions or comments on the content? Let us know!

FAQ on How static caravans are made?

Why do static caravans have wheels?

Static caravans have wheels so they can be moved during the manufacturing process and on the campsite (at their final destination), with the help of a tractor or 4×4. Usually, static caravans are transported from the factory by a tractor-trailer to the place where they will be occupied and cannot be transported as easily as travel trailers, for example. 

Do static caravans lose value?

Static canvas loses value, just like any car or other type of motorhome does. Generally, a static caravan will depreciate about 15% per year.

Are static caravans a waste of money?

No, static caravans are not a waste of money because the popularity of the static caravans has a clear justification, and it is that with an economic model founded on the construction market, those who previously used their savings to buy a second home in a leisure destination now prefer to invest less money even in something that, incidentally, allows you to enjoy a small home anywhere.

How much does a static caravan weigh?

A static caravan can weigh between five and eight tonnes, depending on its size and how much furniture and gear there is inside the caravan. 

How much does it cost to transport a static caravan?

The cost of transporting a static caravan will depend on its weight and size and the distance it has to be transferred to. You could pay an average of $1500 +  VAT.

Do I have to pay council tax on a static caravan?

No, you don’t have to pay council tax on a static caravan. However, you may have to pay a fee to the park where you are keeping the caravan.

Other FAQs about Static caravans that you may be interested in.

How can you tell the age of a static caravan?

Can I sell my static caravan privately?

What is the best heater for a static caravan?

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