Frequently Asked Questions
General Information:
- Roof hatches closed and locked.
- Cupboards and drawers securely closed.
- Windows closed and locked.
- Shower door secured.
- Secure all appliances.
- TV off bracket and stowed securely.
- Refrigerator packed securely – door locked.
- Fire extinguisher fitted and locked.
- Gas cooker locked and stove top lid secured.
- Gas bottles turned off.
- Tyres – check pressure and adjust.
- Brakes checked and adjusted.
- Check all wheel nuts are present and tight.
- Water tank filled.
- Lights operating correctly.
- Wheel bearings checked.
- Remove jockey wheel.
- Ball coupling securely locked in position.
- Doors locked – steps raised.
- Jacks and supports raised.
- Release handbrake – remove wheel chocks.
- Safety chains secured.
- Adjust towing mirrors.
- External boot locked.
- Electric extension between car and van attached and checked.
- 240V electrical lead disconnected.
- Front and rear (if any) protector shades securely locked down.
- Anode on water heater checked (if fitted).
Yes! Regent Caravans is a member of Caravan Industry Association in Victoria.
Construction:
All Regent Caravans are semi-imported. The chassis, external shell and furniture are constructed using the latest technology by our parent company in China, to an average completion of 50-60%. The fit-out of components, appliances, all plumbing and electrical is completed in our advanced manufacturing assembly facility in Somerton Victoria.
The caravans are put through a rigorous inspection process maintained through our own Quality Management System, to ensure our customers have a high quality, compliant to Australian Standard product, to withstand Australian Conditions.
At Regent Caravans, we strive to build our products to a drive-away specification, which means you need not purchase a vast array of options just to get on the road. Every one of our customers is unique, and as such our products can to be customized around their individual needs. During the sales process, our dealers will suggest certain options based on your requirements. As a guide our most popular options tend to be additional solar and battery requirements, grey water tanks, internal fans, bike racks, external BBQ and Generator storage solutions.
Considerable research and expertise have been invested into the design and in-house production of Regent’s lightweight but immensely durable floor and body sandwich panels. The floor is a critical element to the construction of any recreational vehicle. The floor not only supports the walls, but all of the internal elements of the vehicle. Strength is paramount to ensure rigidity, long life and durability.
Our floors are constructed by means of single piece 42mm thick sandwich panel. A fully welded aluminum frame provides the backbone of the floor. A durable layer of vinyl is bonded to a 3mm thick fiberglass skin, followed by 30mm thick XPS high density foam, lastly the bottom layer is another 3mm fiberglass chequer plate finish to provide protection against road debris.
The walls and roof form the remaining components of the external structure, providing a lightweight, fully insulated and aesthetically pleasing vehicle.
Our walls and roof are constructed by means of single piece 32mm thick sandwich panel, ensuring no gaps for potential water ingress. A fully welded aluminum frame provides the backbone of the structure. The internal layer is 3mm thick fiberglass skin offering a bright interior which is easily cleaned, followed by 25mm thick XPS high density foam, lastly the external layer is another 3mm fiberglass which provides a smooth easily washable great looking exterior, with the added protection against hail.
Timber constructed vans, often known as stick and tin are manufactured largely from meranti timber frame with various types of external cladding glued to the frame. This is the general method of caravan construction for the last 40 odd years. The largest problem facing the stick and tin design is that they are prone to leak water; especially after years of movement and slight gaps forming between the cladding. This leaking leads to water damage of the timber and, in turn, frame rot, which often occurs outside of a warranty period, causing expensive repair costs.
A far more modern approach to caravan construction is sandwich panels. The sandwich panel is often around 20-40mm thick and will have a fibreglass outer layer, polystyrene middle (think ‘expander foam’), and a thin inner layer made from aluminium or fibreglass again to sandwich it on the inside. Sandwich panels are lightweight and incredible at insulating the inside of the van from the ambient temperature outside. The timber frame of the stick and tin style van is gone, replaced with an aluminium frame of higher strength and rot free. The simplest way of thinking about a sandwich panel is to imagine a wall, with the outer cladding, middle insulation, and inner walls, with framing throughout. The panel is then pressed at a high pressure along with glue to bond the inner and outer together (with XPS foam in the middle), and now you have the entire wall of the van in one piece. Adding windows is simple, as you just cut the window frame out of the side, and glue it in; no timber to worry about.
Chassis, Suspensions and External Options:
Ultimately, you intended destinations, coupled with your type of tow vehicle will determine if you need an off road, semi-off road or touring caravan.
Touring caravans are designed to be both lightweight and strong for easy towing and stability. These vans are best suited for travelling on bitumen roads and well-kept unsealed roads, which makes them ideal for people sticking to major highways and caravan parks. A touring caravan are usually fitted with an onboard battery, solar panel, water pump and ensuite, which provides for an overnight stay and limited free camping. They are compact, with low ground clearance, making them a great choice for travellers with mobility issues.
Semi Off-Road caravans are the perfect option for travellers seeking independence and extended free camping. These caravans are designed with a strengthened chassis, independent suspension, and larger tyres for additional ground clearance. This makes Semi Off-Road caravans great for travelling to remote camping spots on rougher dirt roads. Semi Off-Road caravans are typically equipped with solar and battery systems, freshwater tanks, and a grey water tank for the ultimate self-sufficient holiday.
Off-Road caravans are made to ‘Go Bush’ and can withstand rough unsealed roads and extended Outback camping. These caravans are purpose built with a heavy-duty chassis, tow recovery points, long travel trailing-arm independent suspensions with shock absorbers, heavy duty brakes, and quality off-road tyres. They also come with an articulating coupling hitch for secure towing in a range of on and off-road conditions.
Off-Road caravans are equipped with multiple solar panels and lithium batteries, freshwater tanks, and a grey water tank for lengthy free camping in remote locations. Protection is provided through stone guards, strengthened interior cabinetry, and covers for pipes, tanks, and electrical components. These caravans tend to be heavy and as such require appropriate tow vehicles to drive and operate safely.
As standard equipment on all Regent vehicles, we fit ALKO Independent Rubber Suspension (IRS), otherwise known as torsion suspension.
The ALKO IRS has been proven in tough Australian conditions – from dirt tracks to bitumen freeways, from desert highways to off the path tracks.
The AL-KO IRS axle uses simple and effective engineering to provide a smooth, stable and safe towing experience. Unique to the AL-KO IRS axle is the hexagonal outer axle tube, which houses three rubber elements held in place by a triple-fluted inner tube axle. Road shocks are dampened through compression of these rubber elements via suspension movement between full bump and rebound.
The unique self-dampening characteristics of the rubber element slow down the suspension rebound, which ensures a smooth ride over all types of road surfaces.
As an option on all models, Regent offers an independent trailing arm off-road suspension manufactured by Tuff-Ride. Engineered and built for Australian conditions, fitted with EFS heavy duty shock absorbers, the Tuff-Ride suspension enables you to easily take on the most challenging of terrains.
Electrical:
Free camping has become increasingly popular over the last decade, avoiding overcrowded holiday parks and getting off the beaten track.
Caravans have improved in technology, with appliances being designed to use less power than ever before. Depending on the size of your caravan and the number of occupants, being self-sufficient with power can be achieved. Most new 2021 Regent caravans are fitted with one lithium battery and 1 solar panel as standard. Upgrading to a second battery and solar panel will assist in maintaining power for longer periods depending on weather conditions. A portable solar panel can also be connected via and Anderson plug underneath your caravan which is a standard feature.
If you wish to run your air-conditioner when free-camping, the best option is a generator. In normal conditions a generator with a 2000W output will suffice.
Plumbing:
Service, Warranty and Maintenance:
Regent Caravans are proud to offer a 5-Year Structural Warranty, alongside a 2-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
If work is required on your caravan that is covered by warranty, you should immediately contact your nearest Regent Dealer, or Regent directly. Please be advised that Regent will not reimburse costs of repairs performed by other companies without prior written consent.
A warranty claim must be accompanied by a proof of purchase, full details of the fault and maintenance records.