Last Updated on Travelling in England or to any other country in a motorhome is an adventure for many. The excitement of going long or short distances in your movable home is an exciting prospect. Luckily, there are campsites where you can use various utilities or fill the gas and water tank, along with other essentials. However, some things can make life in a motorhome even more enjoyable and easier – wisely chosen equipment.
You don’t need to have a fully equipped kitchen to enjoy the luxury of travelling; there are motorhome and caravan accessories that can come in handy on the road. This article has collected the best gadgets that can take your caravanning experience to the next level.
Motorhome and Caravan Accessories
Bike Rack
A bike rack is a perfect addition for travellers who are fond of sport and active leisure. Depending on the size of the bike racks, you can store up to 3 or 4 bikes on them. If you are a family of three, it should be the perfect solution as bicycles will not take up any space inside the caravan or your car. While attaching the rack, you should consider the extra weight you add to your vehicle and how it might affect speed and driving difficulty. You should also attach the bicycles in a way that they do not block the view, and it is easy to manoeuvre with them. If you place the bike rack on the back of your campervan or caravan, you might need to add an extra plate number.
Bike racks are handy as they add extra space for items that are heavy and bulky. The last tip is when you take a trip on the muddy road, it is best to cover your bikes for extra protection.
Leisure Batteries
Going on a holiday in a camper van or a caravan, you will need electricity on the road or stationary at the campsite. Since it is not recommended to use your car’s battery to power your devices, it is best to purchase leisure batteries. They provide a power source for 12V devices that includes lights, TV, and appliances. Batteries are one of the most critical caravan or motorhome accessories; that’s why it is better to purchase them from one of the leading brands that can offer advice and recommend the most suitable type.
Depending on what type of leisure batteries you plan to get, make sure to read the instruction on how and when you should charge it. Some of them shouldn’t be fully discharged and should be kept at a minimum 25 or 50 per cent charge. Whether you keep your battery in a van or caravan, you should run regular maintenance; otherwise, the performance will gradually decrease. The prices vary based on the quality, capacity and category of the battery.
TV and Satellite Systems
A motorhome accessory that can offer you entertainment while on your trip is a TV that requires satellite systems. On the road, satellite systems provide better service and range for flatscreen TVs. Both devices do not take up a lot of space: televisions come in different sizes with plenty of features, and the same applies to satellite dishes. Whilst they are not essential; however, it is always pleasant to spend some free time watching your favourite show, especially when the weather is bad.
Toilet
The toilet is mostly a necessity rather than an accessory which can be absent in campervans and caravans. There are various types of toilets you can shop for:
- Portable
- Composting
- Flush
- Vacuum
- Cassette
A portable toilet is very easy to use; it doesn’t need to be connected to electricity and doesn’t require water. It is relatively easy to clean, but it can fill up quickly. As it is the simplest type of toilet for camping or caravanning, the prices are affordable. A composting toilet is also movable; however, the prices are significantly higher than for regular ones. It needs little or no water, and you don’t need to shop for any chemicals letting you save on future costs. Instead, you use wood shavings, coco coir, and peat moss. This toilet naturally decomposes the waste. It also has two parts for your solid and liquid waste. A composting toilet is also odourless and less harmful to the environment.
The next type of toilet is a flush one which is similar to what you have at home. This toilet doesn’t need to be connected to electricity, but it requires water. It also fills up pretty quick and can be stinky. A vacuum toilet is similar to a flush one; however, it requires power and water. It is also less smelly, and you will clean it less often. The last type is a cassette toilet that differs from the rest by its removable cassette where the waste is stored. You will need to add chemicals to the tank to remove the smell and break down the organic matter.
Vacuum
Although you might think you are not at home where you need to clean once a week, your motorhome can get pretty dirty over time, too. Getting a vacuum is one of the most important motorhome accessories to keep your transportable home clean, especially if you have pets or suffer from allergies. Handheld or stick vacuums can be the best options as they are easy to store and use.
Mobile Wi-Fi
Staying away from home can be hard, especially if you don’t see your family and relatives often enough. Having a mobile Wi-Fi device will keep you online to share amazing holiday moments during your adventure and stay in touch with your loved ones.
Water Filter
A water filter is a nice addition to your motorhome; you can install a filter in your vehicle or purchase a filter bottle that you can always refill. You will need to buy new filters from time to time, but it is a nice accessory if you are not sure about the cleanliness of the local water.
Camping Essentials
Motorhome Awnings
An awning is a must-have for caravan or motorhome owners who like wild camping. It is also a perfect solution for those with small vehicles because it expands the territory and creates an additional room in the camp. You’ll easily find a suitable awning on sale for motorhomes and caravans, and the awning can also be used separately, like a tent.
This motorhome accessory offers many possibilities for leisure. You should invest in purchasing camping furniture like fold-up chairs and tables, possibly a hammock, too, if there is enough space. One of the motorhome gadgets that will make your time even more fun is a projector that can be aimed at the awning.
Portable or Fixed Solar Panels
One of the most useful caravan or motorhome accessories is solar panels that can be fixed or portable. There are many advantages if you decide to invest in solar power:
- You will have access to power everywhere
- You will only need to pay once to use solar energy continuously
- The maintenance is effortless and cheap
- You will generate green energy without damaging the environment
The downsides are that you might still need to have a leisure battery to power devices that require a lot of energy, for example, air conditioning. With fixed panels, you can choose whether you need 100W or 200W, and they can be only placed in one place. This means the fixed solar panels can be covered by shadow, branches, or walked on by birds, leading to scratches and other damage. Depending on your location, the weather condition can also impact panels’ performance, especially if it rains or hails.
To avoid these flaws, you can opt for movable panels that can be placed wherever you want. It is easier to use and unlikely to be damaged. Plus, they are not as heavy as permanent panels. However, the main disadvantages are the speed and the amount of energy you get from a movable panel, and it can be easily stolen.
Another option is to find a fixed panel that can be removed and placed somewhere else when you are camping. This way, you will be able to generate enough power during a break to supply your TV, kitchen appliances, and other things before starting on the next leg of your trip.
Caravan or Motorhome Cover
It is important to protect your motorhome or caravan from weather conditions by simply covering it to keep it in good condition for as long as possible. Any quality cover will keep your vehicle clean and dust-free, so it will be like new once you decide to go on a trip. If you plan to take a long break, it is advisable to opt for a full cover; however, you can shop for a top cover if you only stay at home for a few days.
Fridges and Cool Boxes
To keep your food fresh and cold, you can either choose a cool box or a fridge. If you travel long distances and rarely have access to shops, then it is best to purchase a fridge. However, remember that most fridges consume a lot of energy, especially during hot seasons. When it comes to cool boxes, there are regular and electric ones that do not require an excessive amount of power. Whenever you buy any essential electronics, you should opt for good-quality ones because you will have no access to any repair service at times.
Final Advice
You might not have access to a repair service; that is why it is good to have a tool kit and spare parts ready in your motorhome, caravan, or another vehicle. For your safety, it is important to have a map, a list of emergency phone numbers, a first aid kit, and an empty fuel container for if you run out of petrol while on holiday.
Make a note of motorhome gadgets and accessories listed in this article so you will be ready for your next memorable travel. All of them were chosen to make your journey easier, more enjoyable, and affordable.
