Why do static caravans have wheels?
In this blog post, we will answer the following question: Why do static caravans have wheels? We will explain the differences between static caravans and manufactured homes. We will also discuss the possibility of moving your static caravan.
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.
What is a static caravan and why are they built with axles and wheels?
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.
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 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 percent of the double-width caravans will move!
Would you like to move the location of your static caravan?
Static caravans can definitely be moved if you like. They are a 100% mobile element, which is transported without the need to disassemble it before, and it is not necessary to fix it to the ground by any element. Therefore, you do not have to do any work to do the installation.
In this sense, 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. They are not mobile.
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.
Can you tow a static caravan on its wheels?
The simple answer is no, it is not recommended to tow a static caravan on its wheels. It will not resist the journey!
Towing a static caravan can be quite a challenge, and moving one with your car is almost impossible, as most static caravans can weigh at least six tons.
Our recommendation would be to hire a company that has a low loader truck, the right experience and equipment to tow a static caravan. Aside from the fact that you may need an escort to move a caravan of this size, only a professional team could guarantee a simple, efficient and safe move.
What are the differences between a static caravan and a touring caravan?
The touring trailer is what most people imagine when the word “trailer” is mentioned – a trailer-style house that is designed to be towed by a vehicle (usually a car). Touring trailers are almost always made to be both light and strong, otherwise, the trailer will not be secure and you might have trouble towing.
On the other hand, static trailers are not meant to be towed across the country. Instead, they’re designed to only be transported once – straight to a vacation or trailer park – where they’ll stay for an extended period of time.
In short, a static caravan stays in one place while a touring caravan is towed and can be taken anywhere you want.
What are the differences between a static caravan and a prefabricated house?
Usually, the concepts of “prefabricated house” and “static caravan” are confused with each other. Both constructions share some common characteristics, but there are also numerous differences.
| Criteria | Prefabricated House | Static Caravan |
| Mobility | Prefabricated houses are fixed constructions, anchored to the ground, which need a previous foundation as well as a license for their construction and location. This class of houses can only be located on developable land, although it always depends on the urban regulations of each municipality. | Static caravans are completely mobile. They are a class of industrialized, self-supporting and monobloc housing, equipped with a galvanized steel chassis that incorporates a reversible drawbar or rudder and pneumatic wheels. With all this, they are 100% easily transportable. Likewise, in accordance with their manufacturing and installation criteria, they do not need to be attached or anchored to the ground or to make foundations or any kind of interlocking of civil works. |
| Installation | Prefabricated houses are houses whose sections are previously manufactured and moved to their final location for later assembly. The duration of its assembly varies according to the characteristics of the home and can last several days, or even weeks or months. When selecting this type of construction, it is relevant to assess that, during this assembly period, noise and the transfer of materials can be somewhat annoying, particularly in campsites, whose clients may see their rest and relaxation impaired. | Static caravans leave the factory completely finished, ready for installation. Their assembly does not usually last more than a day, and they come fully equipped and prepared to enjoy them. |
| Design | The prefabricated house is built on the basis of a modular system, they do enable making designs of several superimposed floors, although we must bear in mind that the price may be affected as a more complex design is required. | For static caravans, given their mobility, the addition of upper floors is not recommended, as it would partly lose the ability to be transported easily However, it is possible to join several static caravans, with the aim of achieving a home with more space. Thus, “double” or “twins” homes can be created, or even larger ones, which allows total customization of our home. |
| Residual value | More difficult to resell as well as to refinance them. | Static caravans retain a high residual value, that is, they are easy to sell if you decide to change or renovate your home. In addition, thanks to its built-in rolling elements, you can transport it if you have to change cities, which gives you maximum freedom of action. |
Conclusions
Although static caravans have wheels, they are not meant to be towed across the country. Instead, they’re designed to only be transported once – straight to a trailer park – where they’ll stay for an extended period of time.
In short, a static caravan stays in one place while a touring caravan is towed and can be taken anywhere you want.
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.
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FAQ on Why do static caravans have wheels?
How easy is it to move a static caravan?
Moving a static caravan is easy for an experienced professional who can load the caravan on their truck and move it safely across the city or the country. If you have no experience, be careful with towing the caravan and it is better to ask for help.
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.
Can you live permanently in a static caravan?
Some people live permanently in a static caravan. However, in most cases, they are only used as holiday homes during the summer, as it can get quite cold in a static caravan during winter.
Other FAQs about Static caravans that you may be interested in.
Do you have to drain down a static caravan?
How do I buy a used static caravan?
How can you tell the age of a static caravan?
