There are a lot of things to consider when choosing caravan accessories. In the process of communication with many friends, we found that we do not know much about the function of optional parts. In fact, the accessories are not installed the more complete the better, some accessories installed is also superfluous, but also affect the passability of the vehicle, increase the weight of the caravan. Therefore, you can install according to their own needs.
There are a number of factors that you need to consider when choosing accessories for your caravan. The most important thing is to make sure that the items are compatible and in good condition. Another important factor is to consider the available space in your caravan. For instance, if you have a small van, then you should choose accessories that will take up less space. Another important factor is choosing something that will make your caravan more comfortable and convenient to use. Ideally, it should be durable and long-lasting, so you can enjoy it for years to come. Furthermore, the accessories you choose should be compatible with your caravan’s brand and model. This is essential if you want to ensure that the item will last for a long time. You should also look for a wide selection of items to choose from. This will ensure that you can find something that suits your needs and preferences. Finally, make sure that the products you’re buying are within your budget. You look for accessories and add-ons that offer great value for money. This will ensure that you get more value for your money without having to spend too much.
You’ll need a comprehensive array of items when holidaying with a caravan. Obviously, a towing aid is required, but you need to select one that is right for your vehicle. Other essential caravanning items include a fire extinguisher, wheel chocks, caravan jack, sway control device, towing mirrors, extra coolant and oil, a spare fan belt, and insulation tape.
A few recommended equipment on the caravan:
- Caravan leveling and stabilizing.
All caravans will have some type of movement. After all, they are on wheels and suspensions. Plus, they have no foundation. Your caravan won’t feel like a house firmly cemented on the ground. You feel move from side to side when walking or kids playing. This is completely normal, but there are a few ways to reduce the movement. Firstly, the corner steady legs which is the standard equipment for your caravan. It helps reducing the movement, but not enough, especially the large and long caravan. Leveling blocks are essential when you are caravanning. You are going to some sites and scratch your head, wondering how you will get left side of your RV at the same heigh at your right side. The leveling blocks are the answer. Driving up onto the blocks will help you stabilize your caravan from the movement. X chock is not a wheel chock. These chocks are inserted between the tires of your tandem caravan after you’ve completed the leveling process. They help reduce the slight movement of the wheels as you move about inside the tandem caravan. Finally, stabilizing jacks may come standard on your caravan. If not, they are worth purchasing. Just make sure to pay attention to the weight rating so you buy the right jacks for you caravan. These jacks go underneath the frame of the caravan to stabilize the unit. Once your caravan is level, inserting or cranking these jacks will keep your caravan from movement.
- Caravan water system
Nowadays, water tanks in caravan are divided into 3 different types: freshwater, greywater and blackwater. Make sure that everything runs smoothly in your caravan. Freshwater tank is your own supply of fresh drinking water on the road. Not only that, but freshwater tank also allows you to wash your hands, flush your toilet and even wash your cloth. Normally, a 100 litre tank holds enough water for 2 people for about 2 weeks without showering. The fresh water in tank will throughout the entire system of your caravan by water pump and water pipes. But if you’re on-site, you can connect your tank to a mains water supply. Typically, there are two main types of wastewater: grey water and black water. Grey water comes from your sinks and showers while black water is from your toilet. Both of these need to be disposed correctly. As tempting as it might be, you can’t just dump your wastewater wherever you please. Wastewater can impact local waterways which in turn harms marine life and any other wildlife. Also, don’t forget to add chemicals to your caravan toilet and wastewater tank to keep them clean and odour-free. Beware! Water is extremely heavy. While this extra load can stabilize your caravan it will also increase your fuel consumption, and also may put your caravan over the towing capacity.
- Caravan power source
There are 2 power sources for the caravanning, gas, and electricity. Gas is the supply that allows the cooking units and water heater to work. Gas cylinder is most popular how the caravan carries. If we need keep the electrical facilities on caravan working, such as light, fan, air-conditioning, electricity is essential. But electricity power sources are varied nowadays. It can be from batteries, generators and solar power. Some sites, electricity outputs are available to connect to your caravan by RV extend cable.
- Caravan awning
The Most popular caravan awning is a retractable shed installed on the outside of the van body. First of all, it serves to block the sunlight and ultraviolet rays, bringing coolness to people in the hot summer. In rainy days, it is also a good accessory to keep out the rain and get fresh air. Also, an awning is an extended outdoor living room. In the case of camping stationed, open the awning, set up tables, chairs and benches, where people can drink tea and chat, cook and bake. Of course, the awning can also be replaced by box awning, but the box awning is more complicated to setup and put away. If the parking time is long and the number of people is large, the box awning is a good choice. If the parking time is not long, the retractable awning is still a more convenient choice.
- Solar Charging System
The solar charging system is composed of solar panels and a charger. It is not for direct electrical use, but to charge the RV’s secondary battery. Thus, it extends the RV’s parking electricity time and continuously replenishes power to the RV’s secondary battery. When the RV is not used for a long time, the battery will have a slow natural discharge, and the solar charging system will continuously charge the battery to avoid the vehicle not using the power feed for a long time. In the daily use of the RV, solar panels as a current supplement device is still very necessary, although the conversion rate of solar panels is relatively low, and the solar panels will affect the conversion efficiency after falling ash. But it serves as an auxiliary charging system, we can worry less about the battery power loss caused by excessive electricity consumption. In the car using small power appliances, such as car refrigerators, TVs, lighting, etc. solar panels are fully controllable.
- Overhead parking air conditioning
Caravan air conditioner is divided into traveling air conditioner and parking air conditioner. The parking air conditioner is the air conditioner used when the caravan is stopped, and the caravan air conditioner is a high-powered appliance, with a starting power of about 2000 W and a normal use power of 1000 W. The battery commonly used in caravans is generally unable to supply power for it. Caravan parking air conditioning will increase the outer height of the car by about 25-30CM. If you consider the passability of the caravan, and do not like camping users can choose not to install. Instead of caravan parking air conditioner, there are electric fans and mobile air conditioners.
Ultimately, it is important that you choose a caravan accessory that matches your needs and requirements. Before buying any accessories for your caravan, it is important to do some research. By visiting online forums and asking around, you can find out what popular items are most recommended by other travellers so that you can get the most value for your money. Regular cleaning will ensure that your caravan remains in good condition for a long time to come. However, with the right accessories and a few extra precautions, you can easily make sure that your trip is an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone involved.
