Truss Chassis vs Standard Caravan Chassis: Which One Is Right for You?

If you’re researching caravan chassis designs, you’ve probably come across the term truss chassis. But what does it actually mean, and how does it compare to a traditional caravan chassis?

At Adelaide RV, it’s one of the most common questions we receive from customers. The answer comes down to how you travel, the floor plan you choose, and the features that matter most to you.

In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between a standard caravan chassis and a truss chassis, explain the benefits of each, and help you decide which option best suits your adventures.

What Is a Standard Caravan Chassis?

Our standard semi-off-road caravans are built on a 6-inch Bluescope steel box chassis, designed and manufactured in-house for the Supreme and Leader ranges.

One of the defining characteristics of a standard chassis is the wheel arch. Because the caravan body sits lower, the wheel arch extends into the interior of the van.

This means you’ll typically find:

• A wheel box beneath the kitchen
• A wheel box underneath seating areas
• Slightly reduced internal storage

While this does take away some storage space, it provides excellent practicality with a lower overall ride height.

Standard Chassis Specifications

For Adelaide RV’s semi-off-road models:

• Approximately 600mm body clearance
• Around 2.95m overall height
• Proven strength using Bluescope steel construction

It’s worth noting that ride heights will vary between manufacturers and touring caravans may sit slightly lower than semi-off-road models.

What Is a Truss Chassis?

A truss chassis is a modern alternative that delivers the same strength and durability while significantly reducing weight.

Rather than stacking multiple box chassis sections to achieve a flat floor, the truss design uses an engineered framework that maintains structural integrity with less material.

The biggest advantage?

A Completely Flat Floor Because there are no wheel boxes protruding into the caravan, you gain valuable storage throughout the interior.

This means:

• More storage under lounge seating
• More usable kitchen cabinetry
• Better use of every centimetre inside your caravan

For travellers carrying extra camping gear, clothing or longer-term travel essentials, this additional storage can make a noticeable difference.

Why Does a Truss Chassis Sit Higher?

Creating a flat floor means the caravan body needs to be positioned higher above the wheels.

Compared to a standard semi-off-road caravan:

That’s approximately 200mm of additional clearance.

This added height can provide extra confidence on uneven terrain while also creating the internal storage advantages that a flat floor offers.

Things to Consider Before Choosing a Truss Chassis

While the additional clearance and storage are major benefits, there are a few practical considerations.

Overall Height

A taller caravan means you’ll want to think about:

• Shed or garage storage
• Carport clearance
• Height restrictions when travelling

Planning ahead ensures your new caravan fits comfortably wherever you intend to store it.

Towing Height

Many customers ask whether raising the caravan also raises the tow hitch.

Fortunately, Adelaide RV addresses this by fitting the coupling in a recessed position, allowing it to maintain a standard towing height despite the higher chassis.

This means you don’t generally need to worry about compatibility with your tow vehicle simply because you’ve chosen a truss chassis.

Which Caravan Floor Plans Require a Truss Chassis?

Some layouts simply work better with a completely flat floor.

At Adelaide RV, the following floor plans are designed around a truss chassis:

• 22’6″ Leader Gold LE Double Door
• 21′ Slide-Out models
• Spirit models with slide-out walls
• 22′ Rear Club layouts

These layouts rely on uninterrupted floor space to achieve their internal design and functionality.

Can You Add a Truss Chassis to Other Floor Plans?

Yes. Even if your preferred layout doesn’t require a truss chassis, you can choose to upgrade.

Many customers opt for the truss chassis to enjoy:

• Additional 200mm ground clearance
• Increased internal storage
• Flat floor throughout the caravan
• Lighter chassis construction without sacrificing strength

This makes it a popular upgrade for travellers looking to maximise both practicality and off-road capability.

Standard Chassis vs Truss Chassis: Which Should You Choose?

Both chassis options are built for Australian touring, but they each offer different advantages.

Standard Chassis

Ideal if you want:

• Lower overall caravan height
• Proven, traditional construction
• Excellent semi-off-road capability

Truss Chassis

Ideal if you value:

• Maximum internal storage
• A flat floor design
• Additional ground clearance
• Reduced chassis weight with the same structural strength

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your travel style, storage needs and preferred caravan layout.

See the Difference for Yourself

Understanding the differences between a standard chassis and a truss chassis is much easier when you can see them side by side.

If you’re still deciding which setup is right for you, visit the Adelaide RV showroom and chat with our experienced team. We’ll walk you through both options, explain which floor plans suit each design, and help you choose the caravan that best fits your adventures.

Whether you’re planning weekends away or extended trips around Australia, selecting the right chassis is an important step towards getting the most from your caravan.