Are you thinking of buying from the range of off road campers currently available? Perhaps you have already bought one, and you have a few questions about how to take care of it. This article outlines some common questions that people have when they’re new to off road campers. Read on to learn more.
What is Tare Mass?
Tare mass of a tow vehicle is the weight of your vehicle at its manufacturer specifications when it is not carrying any load. Tare mass of your off road campers will similarly be specified by the manufacturer, and it refers to your camper trailer without any payload.
What is the ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) of Off Road Campers?
The ATM is your tare mass of off road campers plus its maximum capacity. While off road campers are in motion, they have a maximum weight that they’re allowed to be. This weight is determined by the manufacturer. You cannot legally use your off road campers if they’re above this weight.
ATM = tare mass of off road camper + max capacity (payload)
What Load Capacity is Needed?
There is no one answer to this question, as it will depend on how much equipment, supplies, clothing and other items you usually take camping. The load capacity (i.e. the weight of all your items) plus the tare mass (weight of camper) must not be any more than the ATM. For this reason, it is vital that you consider all the items you might need to bring with you and how much they weigh. As a general guide, you might consider a load capacity of at least 500kgs or more.
How Often Should Off Road Campers Be Serviced?
It is recommended that you get a service done every 5000kms. You should also make sure you get a wheel alignment conducted on your off road camper, as lots of off road travelling can affect this aspect. Off road campers are mechanical vehicles, so servicing should be high on the priority list when it comes to keeping them in the best shape. Another issue is that with some manufacturers, regular servicing is one of the terms and conditions of the warranty.
How Do You Prevent Off Road Campers From Being Affected By Mould?
There are a few things you can do as a decent offense against mould. First of all, make sure you air dry your tent in direct sunlight. Don’t apply heat to your off road camper tents. Always be looking for mould spores, so you can act quickly to prevent an infestation. A clean and dry tent is a mould-free tent. Dirt and mud are usually wet, which can encourage mould growth. Use moisture absorber packs when putting away your off road camper.
What isn’t Covered by a Warranty?
When it comes to off road campers, any defect in the structure of the vehicle will likely be covered. But what is not covered can be anything related to the normal wear and tear of the camper and the items that compose it, including consumable items that wear out over time and need to be replaced. If something happens to your off road camper which damages it or stops it from functioning, that is something that needs to be covered by insurance rather than the warranty. Pre-installed appliances may have separate warranties associated with them.
