Having the freedom to stop and take a break whenever you want is something that not every holiday can be made of. But when you travel on your own accord with a caravan packed with both luggage and people the experience changes drastically. Not only do you have total freedom through the entire holiday, but you also get to spend less even when you go on a longer holiday.
You choose where you want to go with your caravan, not just when you're planning your holiday but on the go too. This way you can choose to go through city traffic and situate in a parking lot or find a peaceful place close to nature. You also get to be a part of a wonderful community that is always there to help. But no caravanning experience is complete without some caravans accessories.
Caravan Accessories
Awning
If you want to experience some level of camping but you don't want to bring a tent with you, installing an awning to your caravan can be a good in-between solution. Awnings are one of the most popular caravan accessories since they can provide a shade for you without feeling as limited when it comes to space.You get to enjoy sitting in your chair all relaxed without fighting for space with your partner or even your gear like you would in a tent. With a proper awning, you get the much-needed space and privacy without any compromise whatsoever.
Towing Mirrors
You may be experienced towing small trailers with your car, but when it comes to towing a caravan things are different. While you're still doing the same thing, the size of a caravan requires you to equip your vehicle with towing mirrors. You may not be even towing in the literal sense but the length of your caravan will make it feel like you are.Towing mirrors can help extend your view at the sides and you don't even have to get any tools out when it comes to installing them. You can get clamp-on towing mirrors which you can remove when you park and put them back on again when you need to continue with your journey.
Steps
You may not think of steps as important as some other caravan accessories, but they can be quite helpful. Some caravans come with steps but others don't which is why it's important to get some as they can help you or others get in and out of the caravan more easily. Steps are usually used by the elderly or kids as they typically have a hard time getting in and out, especially if your caravan has high ground clearance.
Towbar
If your motorhome is not one where you can both enjoy a cup of coffee and drive, you should ensure that you add a towbar to it, unless it already has one. Without it, you won't be able to bring the caravan where you want to go. Just make sure the towbar can bear the weight of the caravan and what's in it.
Containers
Having water on board is as essential as having fuel in the tank. For this, you need to equip your caravan with two types of containers, fresh water and wastewater containers. The former is used to hold drinking water while the latter is used to store water for the shower and toilet. Whilst at it you'll want to get separate wastewater containers too.
Racks
If you want to explore the wild on two wheels instead of four, you should consider getting a bike rack for your caravan. Without one, you wouldn't be able to bring your bicycle(s). Even if you do have space inside your caravan to put a bike in, you should still go for a bike rack since this caravan accessory makes it safe for you to transport bicycles.
Pumps
To bring the water up to your sink or shower head gravity needs to work in your favour. Well, since that isn't the case, you'll need pumps to help transfer water from the tank to your kitchen or your toilet. Just make sure when connecting the pumps to the hoses you don't mix things up as it can get quite messy.
Gas Cylinder
You'll definitely need to cook when caravanning unless you don't make frequent stops at fast food joints or restaurants. If that's not the case, you'll need to hook up your caravan with the supply needed to cook your food and in this case, this could be propane or butane. A propane gas cylinder is going to be less affordable than a butane one but it is a better option in cold temperatures, especially below zero conditions.
Motor Mover
For beginner caravanners, adding a motor mover to your caravan can be extremely helpful. A motor mover is a caravan accessory that is clamped to the chassis of your caravan and it helps propel the wheels as you turn, making it easier to maneuver your caravan. This can be extremely helpful in areas where you don't have enough room to turn around freely.
Jack Pads
When you're not moving you'll want to stay firmly situated in place and jack pads can help you with that. Jack pads help stabilise your caravan on any terrain be it grass, gravel, or even softer surfaces. These caravans accessories are easy to install and they are made available in different shapes and sizes. Again this type of caravan accessory is meant to be used by beginner caravanners more than experienced ones.
Wheel & Hitch Lock
A hitch and/ or a wheel lock is an anti-theft device that can help keep your caravan from getting nicked. No matter if you have it attached to your vehicle or not, a hitch lock helps cover the hitch making it difficult to steal. When combined with a wheel lock a hitch lock provides a great level of protection.