Essential Caravan Accessories
Don't hit the road without these must-haves. From safety essentials to comfort upgrades.
Why Accessories Matter
The right accessories make the difference between a frustrating trip and a relaxing adventure. Australian conditions demand quality gear—from towing safety to off-grid power systems. This guide helps you prioritize what to buy first and avoid expensive mistakes.
1. Towing & Safety
Critical gear for safe travels
Weight Distribution Hitch
Prevents sway and improves handling. Essential for caravans over 1,500kg ATM.
✓ Advantages
- •Safety boost: Reduces sway by 70-90% in crosswinds and emergency maneuvers
- •Better handling: Improves steering control and reduces fishtailing on hills
- •Vehicle protection: Maintains tow vehicle level, reducing wear on rear suspension
- •Insurance benefits: Some insurers offer discounts for using weight distribution systems
✗ Considerations
- •Setup time: Takes 10-15 minutes to install chains and adjust tension bars each trip
- •Not universal: Must match ball weight rating and caravan weight (check specifications carefully)
- •Learning curve: Requires proper installation training to avoid damage or incorrect tensioning
Overloading: Legal Consequences
Australian police and transport authorities conduct random roadside weighbridge checks. Exceeding your vehicle's ATM, GVM, or GCM ratings carries serious penalties:
- •Fines: $300-$1,500+ per offense (varies by state and overload percentage)
- •Demerit points: 3-6 points in most states (can lead to license suspension)
- •Vehicle defect notice: Forced to unload before continuing travel (can't drive until compliant)
- •Insurance void: Claims denied if accident occurs while overloaded
- •Court appearance: Severe overloading (20%+) can result in court summons
Mobile weighbridges are common on major highways during holiday periods. Always weigh your loaded rig before long trips.
Towing Mirrors
Legal requirement in most states. Clip-on or strap-on models available.
✓ Advantages
- •Legal compliance: Mandatory in most Australian states when caravan extends beyond vehicle
- •Clear visibility: Full view of caravan sides and rear eliminates blind spots
- •Collision prevention: See cyclists, motorcycles, and vehicles in adjacent lanes
- •Vehicle versatility: Adjustable designs fit different tow vehicles without permanent mounting
✗ Considerations
- •Wind noise: Noticeable whistling at highway speeds (80-110km/h)
- •Vibration issues: Can shake on rough corrugated roads, affecting visibility
- •Paint damage risk: Clip-on models may scratch vehicle mirrors if not padded properly
Electric Brake Controller
Mandatory for caravans with electric brakes. Choose proportional for smoothest braking.
✓ Advantages
- •Smooth braking: Proportional controllers sync caravan brakes with vehicle for no jerking
- •Legal requirement: Mandatory for all caravans equipped with electric braking systems
- •Adjustable gain: Dial settings let you match braking power to different load weights
- •Emergency override: Manual slider activates caravan brakes independently in emergencies
✗ Considerations
- •Installation costs: Professional installation recommended ($150-250 labor) due to wiring complexity
- •Calibration needed: Must be adjusted each time you switch caravans or change load weight
- •Dashboard space: Takes up room on dash or requires under-dash mounting (reduced accessibility)
Where to Buy
Caravan RV Camping - Australia's Largest Range →[Affiliate link placeholder - will be activated once approved]
2. Power & Energy Systems
Off-grid power solutions for independence
Solar Panels
100W minimum for weekend trips, 200-400W for extended off-grid camping.
✓ Advantages
- •Free energy: No fuel costs after initial investment, typical 5-7 year payback period
- •Excellent output: 100W panel generates ~400Wh/day in good Australian sun conditions
- •Silent operation: No generator noise, perfect for peaceful campgrounds and wildlife areas
- •Resale value: Increases caravan value by $800-1,200 when selling
✗ Considerations
- •High upfront cost: Quality panels $200-1,200 plus controller $150-400 and installation
- •Weather dependent: Output drops 40-60% on cloudy/rainy days
- •Installation complexity: Roof mounting requires drilling, sealing, and waterproofing expertise
- •Durability concerns: Glass panels can crack on rough corrugated roads (flexible panels an option)
Lithium Battery
Lighter, longer-lasting than AGM. 100-200Ah capacity for most needs.
✓ Advantages
- •Long lifespan: 10+ years vs 3-5 years for AGM batteries (better long-term value)
- •Weight savings: 50% lighter than lead-acid batteries (important for ATM limits)
- •Fast charging: Charges 3-5x faster than AGM, reaching full capacity in 2-3 hours
- •Deep discharge safe: Use 90% of capacity vs only 50% on AGM (effectively doubles usable power)
✗ Considerations
- •Expensive: $800-2,500 upfront vs $200-600 for AGM (though better value long-term)
- •Cold weather limits: Cannot charge below 0°C (problem in alpine/snow camping areas)
- •BMS required: Needs battery management system to prevent damage ($100-300 extra)
- •Charger upgrade: May need DC-DC charger upgrade for optimal performance ($300-600)
Power Inverter
Converts 12V DC to 240V AC. 1000W sufficient for most appliances, 2000W for microwaves.
✓ Advantages
- •Run 240V appliances: Power laptops, phone chargers, TVs directly from 12V battery
- •1000W capacity: Handles most devices like fans, laptops, TV, and small kitchen appliances
- •2000W for cooking: Larger models run microwaves, coffee machines, toasters
- •Pure sine wave: Safe for sensitive electronics (computers, medical equipment, audio gear)
✗ Considerations
- •Power loss: 10-15% energy lost in DC-to-AC conversion (inefficiency reduces battery life)
- •Battery drain: Large 2000W inverters drain 100Ah battery in 30-60 minutes of heavy use
- •Radio interference: Can cause static/buzzing on AM/FM radio when running
- •Heat buildup: Requires ventilation space to prevent overheating and thermal shutdown
Pro Tip: Calculate your daily power consumption before buying solar. A 200W panel generates ~800Wh/day in good Australian sun—enough for LED lights, 12V fridge, phone charging, and water pump.
3. Water & Plumbing
Clean water systems for health and comfort
Inline Water Filter
Removes sediment, chlorine, and bacteria. Essential for tank filling at campgrounds.
✓ Advantages
- •Removes contaminants: Filters sediment, chlorine, bacteria from campground taps and bore water
- •Better taste: Eliminates chlorine smell and metallic taste from town water supplies
- •Plumbing protection: Prevents sediment buildup in taps, shower heads, and water heater
- •Long cartridge life: Replaceable filters ($30-60) last 6-12 months with regular use
✗ Considerations
- •Pressure loss: Reduces water flow by 10-20% (noticeable in showers)
- •Regular replacement: Cartridges must be changed every 6-12 months ($30-60 ongoing cost)
- •Freeze damage risk: Cold temperatures can crack plastic housing if water inside freezes
Water Pressure Pump
12V pump provides consistent pressure. 10-15 LPM flow rate ideal for showers.
✓ Advantages
- •Consistent pressure: Maintains 40-60 PSI for comfortable showers even with low tank levels
- •Quiet operation: Most quality models run under 50dB (quieter than conversation)
- •Auto on/off: Pressure sensor activates pump when tap opens, shuts off when closed
- •Good flow rate: 10-15 LPM sufficient for shower and kitchen tap running simultaneously
✗ Considerations
- •Battery drain: Draws 5-8A at 12V during use (long showers can drain battery quickly)
- •Dust vulnerability: Can fail in dusty/sandy conditions without protective housing
- •Cycling noise: Pump repeatedly cycles on/off if taps drip (annoying at night)
Food-Grade Hoses & Fittings
Don't use garden hoses for drinking water. Buy food-grade white/blue hoses.
✓ Advantages
- •Safe drinking water: No chemical leaching (BPA-free, lead-free materials)
- •UV resistant: White/blue color resists sun degradation better than garden hoses
- •Standards certified: AS/NZS 4020 approved for potable water contact
- •Cold flexibility: Remains flexible in winter temperatures (won't crack like cheap hoses)
✗ Considerations
- •Higher cost: $50-150 vs $20 for regular garden hoses
- •Kinking issues: Can kink if not coiled/stored properly (blocks water flow)
- •Fitting leaks: Brass fittings can leak if overtightened or threads damaged
4. Interior Comfort
Upgrades for better living on the road
Mattress Upgrade
Factory mattresses are often thin. Invest in quality sleep—it's your holiday bed.
✓ Advantages
- •Better sleep quality: Factory mattresses often just 75mm foam (too thin for comfort)
- •Multiple options: Memory foam, pocket spring, or hybrid designs available
- •Custom sizing: Can be made to exact caravan bed dimensions (non-standard sizes)
- •Health benefits: Proper support can reduce back pain and improve holiday enjoyment
✗ Considerations
- •Expensive: Quality mattresses $400-1,200 (budget option vs premium memory foam)
- •Storage issues: Thick mattresses (150mm+) may not fit in bedding storage compartments
- •Heavy: Difficult to lift for accessing under-bed storage (20-30kg for queen size)
12V Ventilation Fans
Roof-mounted fans reduce condensation and keep air moving on hot nights.
✓ Advantages
- •Condensation control: Reduces moisture buildup by 60-80% (prevents mold and mildew)
- •Cooling effect: Keeps interior comfortable on 35°C+ days with cross-ventilation
- •Two-way operation: Intake mode pulls fresh air in, exhaust mode removes cooking odors
- •Solar options: Solar-powered models available (zero battery drain during day)
✗ Considerations
- •Installation complexity: Requires cutting roof hole and proper sealing (professional install recommended)
- •Battery drain: Draws 0.5-2A continuously on high speed (solar panel recommended)
- •Rain sensor failures: Can malfunction allowing water ingress if not maintained
Storage Solutions
Hanging organizers, collapsible bins, and drawer dividers maximize limited space.
✓ Advantages
- •Space maximization: Utilize vertical walls, cupboard doors, and awkward corners
- •Collapsible designs: Bins store flat when empty (saves space between trips)
- •Organization: Drawer dividers and hanging organizers keep items tidy and accessible
- •Travel safety: Prevents items shifting and breaking while driving on rough roads
✗ Considerations
- •Weight addition: Multiple bins and organizers add up (watch ATM payload limits)
- •Quality varies: Cheap organizers tear or break quickly (invest in durable options)
- •Securing required: Must be strapped or clipped down to prevent movement
5. Kitchen & Cooking
Essential gear for meals on the road
Portable Camp Stove
2-burner stove for outdoor cooking. Gas or dual-fuel (gas + unleaded) for remote areas.
✓ Advantages
- •Outdoor cooking: Keeps caravan cool and odor-free on hot days
- •2-burner capacity: Handles most meals (frypan + pot simultaneously)
- •Dual-fuel options: Gas or unleaded petrol for remote areas without gas bottle refills
- •Wind protection: Most models include wind guards for efficiency in breezy conditions
✗ Considerations
- •Storage space: Typical 40x30cm footprint takes up valuable cupboard space
- •Gas bottle weight: 4kg LPG bottles add weight (consider ATM limits)
- •Indoor use illegal: CO poisoning risk means outdoor-only operation
12V Fridge/Freezer
Compressor fridges use less power than 3-way absorption models. 40-60L capacity for couples.
✓ Advantages
- •Power efficiency: Compressor models use 50% less power than 3-way absorption fridges
- •Deep freezing: Reaches -18°C for frozen goods (ice cream, meat, ice)
- •Off-road safe: Works at any angle (no level surface required like absorption fridges)
- •Dual-zone models: Separate fridge and freezer compartments available
✗ Considerations
- •Expensive: $600-1,500 depending on capacity and features
- •Continuous power draw: 3-5A at 12V (solar panel and battery essential for off-grid)
- •Compressor noise: 30-40dB humming (noticeable at night in quiet campgrounds)
Compact Cookware Set
Nesting pots, frying pan, utensils. Look for hard-anodized aluminum for durability.
✓ Advantages
- •Space-saving design: Nesting pots stack inside each other (stores in 20cm space)
- •Durability: Hard-anodized aluminum lasts 10+ years with proper care
- •Easy cleaning: Non-stick coating reduces scrubbing and water usage
- •Complete kit: Includes pots, pans, utensils in one purchase
✗ Considerations
- •Coating degrades: Non-stick wears faster over campfires vs gas stoves
- •Hot handles: Aluminum transfers heat (pot holders essential)
- •Limited capacity: Typically 2-3 pots (not ideal for families of 5+)
6. Navigation & Connectivity
Stay connected and navigate safely
GPS Unit (Caravan-Specific)
Routes around low bridges, weight limits, and narrow roads. Essential for larger vans.
✓ Advantages
- •Caravan-safe routing: Avoids low bridges, weight limits, and roads too narrow for caravans
- •Offline maps: Works without mobile coverage in remote areas
- •POI database: Shows dump points, water refill locations, RV-friendly campgrounds
- •Turn-by-turn directions: Clear voice guidance specifically for towing caravans
✗ Considerations
- •Expensive: $200-600 upfront plus $50-100/year for map updates
- •Screen glare: Difficult to see in direct sunlight (even on high brightness)
- •Less intuitive: Not as user-friendly as smartphone apps like Google Maps
UHF Radio
Essential for remote travel, convoy communication, and emergency contact (Channel 18 for convoys, 5 for emergencies).
✓ Advantages
- •Remote communication: Essential for Outback travel and convoy coordination
- •40 channels: Ch 18 for convoys, Ch 5/35 for emergencies, Ch 40 for road conditions
- •Good range: 5W output reaches 5-15km depending on terrain (flat vs hilly)
- •No ongoing costs: Unlike satellite phones ($30-80/month service fees)
✗ Considerations
- •Antenna installation: Roof-mounted antenna provides best range but requires drilling
- •Terrain limits: Range drops to 1-3km in hilly areas or dense forest
- •Channel congestion: Popular channels get crowded near major tourist areas
Starlink (Future Option)
Satellite internet for remote work/connectivity. Growing in popularity for grey nomads.
✓ Advantages
- •Anywhere coverage: Satellite internet works across all of Australia (no towers needed)
- •Fast speeds: 50-150 Mbps sufficient for Netflix, Zoom calls, and remote work
- •Grey nomad trend: Growing popularity among remote workers and long-term travelers
- •No landline needed: Works anywhere with clear sky view
✗ Considerations
- •Very expensive: $349-924 hardware + $75-174/month service fees
- •Power hungry: Draws 50-75W continuously (major battery drain, large solar setup required)
- •Sky view required: Dish needs unobstructed sky (won't work under dense trees)
[Affiliate link placeholder - will be activated once Starlink reseller program approved]
Priority Buying Guide
| Category | Budget Option | Premium Option | Priority | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⚠️ | Towing Safety | $500-800 | $1,200-2,000 | CRITICAL |
| ⚡ | Solar Power | $400-800 | $2,000-4,000 | HIGH |
| 💧 | Water System | $300-600 | $800-1,200 | HIGH |
| 🍳 | Kitchen Setup | $800-1,500 | $2,500-4,000 | MEDIUM |
| 📡 | Navigation | $200-400 | $600-1,000 | MEDIUM |
| 🛏️ | Interior Comfort | $500-1,000 | $1,500-2,500 | OPTIONAL |
Who Needs What?
🏕️ Weekenders
Powered campgrounds, 2-3 day trips
- ✓Towing safety gear
- ✓Basic kitchen setup
- ✓Water hoses & filter
- ✗Solar (optional)
🌄 Off-Grid Adventurers
Remote camping, 1-2 weeks between towns
- ✓Full solar setup (200W+)
- ✓Lithium batteries
- ✓Large water tanks
- ✓UHF radio
👨👩👧👦 Families
School holidays, kid-friendly campgrounds
- ✓Entertainment systems
- ✓Extra storage solutions
- ✓Outdoor kitchen setup
- ✓Safety gear (fire blanket, first aid)
Buying Tips Checklist
Buy quality for safety items (brakes, hitches, mirrors). This isn't where you save money.
Start with essentials, add luxuries later. Prioritize CRITICAL → HIGH → MEDIUM → OPTIONAL.
Consider resale value. Quality accessories like solar panels and lithium batteries add value.
Check compatibility. Verify weight ratings, voltage (12V vs 24V), and size before buying.
Read reviews from Aussie caravanners. Conditions here differ—what works in the US/EU may not suit our climate.
Budget 15-25% of caravan price for initial accessories. A $70k van typically needs $10-18k in gear.
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