Must-Have Caravan Accessories For Any Adventure

Are you a great Aussie traveller planning a caravanning holiday, but you’re not quite sure which caravan accessories are the most appropriate to take along with you? 

There are so many caravan accessories online that it can be challenging to determine what you need versus what you want (but don’t need). Don’t worry. We’re here to help. 

First, you need to make sure you have the basics either packed or installed and in good working order: 

• Caravan awnings screens (roll out awning, wall kit, anti flap kits, awning wall).
• Caravan annexes and annex matting.
• Caravan battery boxes.
• Bike racks.
• Shower kits.
• Sleeping bags.
• Camping mat.
• Freshwater filters.
• Water tanks (grey water tank) and water hoses.
• Kitchen accessories.
• Picnic tables.
• TV antenna.
• Hot water system or water heater.
• Repair kits.
• Caravan step.
• First aid kits.
• Fire extinguisher.
• Reversing camera.
• Air conditioner or gas heater (depending on the season).
• Portable toilets, if required.

Next, check your braking systems are in good condition, that your caravan toilet and caravan water are both working, and make sure you have a spare wheel or two that’s within easy access. 

Then, check out the list below. We’ve come up with a list of our highly recommended, must-have caravan and camping accessories for any adventure, whether you’re heading away for a weekend or a year travelling coast to coast.

Clearview Towing Mirrors

Image credit: Opposite Lock

When you’re hitting the open road with your caravan in tow, you want to make sure everything is safe and secure. Caravan towing mirrors are crucial to safety. They are a complete replacement for your vehicle’s conventional side mirrors, designed to be installed in the same location and have two mirror areas. 

The top mirror has a flat, reflective surface that allows you to see down the sides of your caravan without moving your head. While the smaller, bottom convex mirror helps reduce blind spots by providing you with better vision out to the lanes on each side of your vehicle. 

They can also be manually folded towards the vehicle for convenience when parking. These mirrors are available to fit a range of vehicle makes and models.

Portable Fridge

Image credit: BCF

It doesn’t matter if you’re travelling for an overnighter or for a month; having a portable fridge and freezer is ideal for added comfort, particularly during warmer weather when cold drinks are a necessity. They’re not only great for use in the car while driving, but also once you arrive at your destination, keeping your meat, dairy and other food fresh and cool. 

When choosing an upright fridge freezer, you want one that’s lightweight and durable. The CFX3 by Dometic is a popular choice for caravan fridges, with aluminium spring-loaded handles making it easy to carry and adjustable cooling temperatures making it convenient in all types of weather. 

Thanks to its high-resolution colour display and soft-touch buttons on the front, it can be controlled and monitored with ease. It even has fridge accessories, like an integrated ice machine.

Compact UHF Radio

Image credit: Opposite Lock

When it comes to caravan RV accessories, you need to have a UHF radio, and the more compact, the better. You can use it to communicate with other drivers, find out about road conditions in your area, and even talk to each other when one of you is parking the vehicle. It’s also crucial for safety if you’re heading off-road. 

One of our favourites is the 5 Watt TX3510S as it is dependable, easy to install and has a range of additional features, including digital signal processing, advanced signal management, dynamic volume control, and dynamic volume control.

LED Flood Lamp

Image credit: Opposite Lock 

A lack of light can be one of the biggest problems when caravanning. You never know when a dingo or snake might come peeking in at your campsite. LED floodlights are a great choice to cover a large area with light. 

They’re generally easy to install and will come with an arm bracket so you can position it at the right spot. LED flood lamps range in wattage, and if you’re after low-level lighting, you’ll find that a 10-15W light is sufficient enough. 

LED floodlights have other benefits, too — they’re more energy-efficient than other types, they perform great in low-light settings, and they have a long life expectancy (bulbs can last up to 50,000 hours).

Caravan Cover

Image Credit: Autobarn 

Caravan covers will protect your vehicle from the elements such as rain, dirt, tree sap, and UV rays and while they’re a great idea, you need to ensure you buy the right size and material or you’ll find they are difficult to put on, or inefficient. 

Make sure your motorhome cover is breathable and waterproof, so moisture doesn’t accumulate in the vehicle, and it remains protected from heavy downpours. You also need to measure the length of your camper from front to rear to get the sizing correct. 

The Elements Caravan Cover, for example, is designed to fit 4.3m to 4.8m caravans. Shopping for vehicle accessories online, you can also find a camper trailer cover or pop-top cover online, depending on your needs.

USB Charger

Image Credit: AutoOne

Taking electronics on a caravan camper holiday is commonplace – whether it’s phones to keep us connected or tablets to keep the kids busy. But your tech isn’t much good if you don’t have charging equipment and a USB port charger is a way to go. 

The APL48S is a great example and is a triple USB port charger with a Smart IC, suitable for all kinds of smartphones and tablets. Smart IC detects the device and optimises the charge, which reduces the charging time and extends the battery’s life.

Parking Mat

Image Credit: Autobarn

 A parking mat ensures you always park in the right spot, and it’s not only great for use when you’re travelling to make sure your caravan stays in its place at the campsite, but also fantastic to have at home to keep your van secure. 

Parking mats are easy to use and are generally available in bright colours so they are easy to see — like the yellow SPM001. While they’re not too big in size, the colour ensures you see them so you can stop your vehicle at the right time.

Deluxe Camping Chair

Image Credit: Autobarn 

What’s a camping or caravanning holiday without a comfortable camp chair where you can sit and chill by the fire after a day of adventure? Folding camping chairs are an absolute must-have for any camping trip with family or with friends, and they are being developed with more features all the time. 

While basic chairs have armrests and a drink holder, newer versions also include storage pockets, insulated cooler bags, side tables, wine glass holders, and even leg supports. They’re easy to transport and store in between trips, and there are plenty of sizes, colour options and materials to match your needs.

Navigator

Image Credit: Autobarn 

If you’re hitting roads you’re not familiar with, you need a good navigator to help get you there. That means a high-quality, up-to-date system, particularly since roads are changing so often. The Hemamaps HX-2 On/Off Road Navigator is a favourite, and it’s always improving. 

The HX-2 features over 100,000 Hema-X moderated listings including over 40,000 Hema verified points of interest including bush camping sites, campgrounds, caravan parks, hotels, rest areas, fuel stops and plenty more! In addition, on-road navigation with precise turn-by-turn guidance and off-road navigation via Hema’s state of the art Vector mapping. 

Portable Camp Torch

Image Credit: BCF 

A portable camp torch is ideal for your next caravan holiday, and you can use it both inside and outside the van. You can get a magnetic camp torch powered by magnets that need winding up, or you might prefer a general camp torch that operates on batteries. 

The Wanderer Moonbeam 1500 Lumen Rechargeable Lantern is one of our favourites. The lantern is USB rechargeable for easy power on the campsite and features 4 settings: High, Medium, Low and Nightlight. Providing 360 degrees of light, the lantern features a strong handle and hook on base for upside-down use.  

Capable of projecting 1,500 lumens of light to any campsite, it comes with a rechargeable battery that allows you to charge up whilst on the go. Once charged, the lantern can last for several nights of regular use on the low and nightlight settings before needing a recharge.

12V Cordless Kettle

Image Credit: Autopro

When you’re travelling or camping, there’s nothing better than a hot cup of tea or coffee to keep you warm. A 12v camping kettle is the most efficient way to boil a pot while you’re on the go. They can be stored away with relative ease and hold enough water to be used not just for boiling water and the occasional cup of tea, but also in an emergency. 

The best thing about a cordless 12V kettle is that you can use it anywhere your vehicle is. Simply plug it into your car using the cigarette lighter socket, which is included in the package, and enjoy a hot cuppa on the go. These kettles are ideal for camping adventures, and with an overheat protection system and auto shut off, you can rest assured they are safe as well as high quality.

Heavy Duty Caravan Coupling Lock

Image Credit: Autopro 

Coupling locks are used to keep your trailer and caravan safe when you’re parked. Tow ball locks are the most convenient types of protection, and they are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but their fundamental purpose is the same: to keep your caravan from being stolen while it is still tied to your tow vehicle. 

The level of effectiveness of this style of protection is determined by the quality of the unit’s construction and design so you want to make sure you get the heavy-duty variety. These have improved designs, are made from more robust materials, and have a padlock and keys.

Other possibilities

Other great products you might consider include roll-out awning, wall kit, anti flap kits for your awning wall, holding tanks and clothesline, caravan levels and caravan washing machines, a drinking water hose, flooring mat, and a battery charger. Don’t forget your camp storage, and of course, all the camping furniture you need for a comfortable trip.

Summing up

The most effective approach to preparing for your caravan holiday is to ensure you have all of the necessities on hand. From practical camping equipment to must-have caravan accessories, make your next adventure the best one yet. Check out the Elecbrakes website for everything you need for your next caravanning holiday.