Whether you're a full-time nomad or a weekend warrior, where you park your van between trips, is just as important as selecting your next destination.
While a custom caravan shed is an attractive option for caravan owners, there are a few things you should consider before you start building. In this article, we'll explore some of the most important design tips to help you create the perfect shelter for your caravan or campervan.
6 Shed Design Tips for Caravan Owners
1. You’ll Need More Height Than You Think
When designing a caravan shed, the overall height of your caravan is a critical factor to consider. You need to take into account the height of the caravan, including the aerials and air conditioners, when building a shed. It's always a good idea to add a bit of extra height to the shed in case you upgrade to a larger caravan or campervan down the track.
Once the shed is built, it cannot be made taller, so it's advisable to go as high as your local council allows (within reason). Going 300mm or 600mm higher will not add much to the cost, and it will give you peace of mind that you have plenty of clearance every time you back in.
Additionally, you need to be careful of aerials or other features that may be higher than the air conditioner. For example, if you have a caravan with a height of 2.8 meters and an air conditioner with a height of 300mm, you will need a shed with a minimum clearance of at least 3.1 meters. It's always best to measure the height of your caravan and all its features before building a shed to ensure that you get the right height.
2. You'll Need More Depth Than You Think
It's surprising how many people underestimate the overall length of their caravan when designing a shed. Take into account the entire length of the caravan, including the drawbar, when calculating the depth of the shed. Allow extra room to walk around the van with the door closed, so the shed should be a little longer or wider than the caravan.
For example, if you have a caravan with a length of 7 meters and a drawbar of 1 meter, you will need a shed with a minimum depth of 8+ meters. Remember to factor in extras like spare tyres or bike racks on the back of your van - it might cost a little extra but the convenience of not having to remove these things before/after every trip is well worth the investment.
3. A Common Mistake For Roller Doors
Keep in mind that the height of your shed doesn't correspond to the height of your door opening. Additionally, the door's height isn't always the same as the clearance height as the roller door itself can take up some space. To prevent any costly misunderstandings, ensure you specify your required clearance with your shed builder. (Remember, it doesn’t hurt to factor in some extra space!)
4. Access Tips
Another critical factor to consider when designing your caravan shed is the access point. Having a wide and tall opening, with a roller door being an excellent option for this, is essential to ensure ease of getting your caravan in or out of the shed. You may also need to consider the slope and surface of the driveway leading to the shed to ensure that it is safe and easy to navigate.
5. Consider A “Drive Through” Shed
If you have a larger caravan that may be difficult to reverse into a tight space, and your block permits, a "drive-through" shed with a second door in the rear can be an excellent addition to your storage space. This type of shed allows you to drive your caravan in from one side of the shed and drive out from the other side, without having to reverse your caravan.
6. Smart Door Placement For Better Space Utilisation
Most shed companies will place the doors in the middle of the front of your shed, creating a lot of dead space either side of your van. This approach leaves little or no room for storage cupboards, workbenches, or even space for your caravan accessories. To make the most of the space, offset your roller door to one side of the front of the shed. This will make access easier and give you significantly more space for storage along the other wall.
In Conclusion: Designing the Perfect Caravan Shed
Properly planning and designing your shed is essential to ensure that your caravan is protected and ready for your next adventure. It's always a good idea to consult with a professional shed designer or concreter to ensure that your shed meets all your needs and local council regulations.
By following these six design tips, you can create a safe, secure, and functional storage space for your beloved caravan or campervan.
Designer Sheds is an Australian-owned custom shed company that designs and delivers custom shed kits Australia wide for no more than the cost of most stock-standard shed kits.