HAVE YOU PURCHASED A NEW CARAVAN & NOT SURE WHAT YOU NEED?
Useful caravan accessories help make your road trips a lot more comfortable. They are also essential to ensure that your tow vehicle & caravan are safe both on the road and while parked. Having the right caravan accessories can significantly improve your overall caravanning experience.
To help you decide which accessories are best for your tow vehicle & caravan, we have listed our TOP 10 most useful accessories.
1. ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEM
Most modern caravans will have built in electric brakes fitted to the van. An electric current to your brakes comes from a brake controller mounted inside your tow vehicle, to make them work. Any trailer or caravan that exceeds 750kg or more must be fitted with a form of independent brakes.
Electric brake controllers ensure the safety of the occupants in the tow vehicle as well as other drivers on the road. They allow more control over the braking force of the caravan or trailer and limit
the pressure on the tow vehicle’s brakes. Noticeable differences when driving with an electric brake controller include less push from behind, easier and quicker stopping. You should also notice a reduction in the jarring of the linkages. By using an electric brake controller, the likelihood of jack-knifing and being overtaken by own caravan or trailer is reduced.
GTM |
<750kg Single axel |
750kg – 2000kg |
2001kg – 4500kg |
Electric Brakes Required? |
No Brakes required |
Yes – must be fitted with an efficient brake system considered to have brakes operating on the wheels of at least one axel |
Yes – must be fitted with an efficient brake system must have brakes operating on all wheels |
Brake Away System |
NA |
NA |
The brake system must cause an immediate application of the trailer brakes in the event of the trailer becoming detached from the towing vehicle. Under these circumstances, the brakes must remain applied for at least 15 minutes. |
2. REVERSE CAMERA SYSTEM
There are styles & several mounting options for the reverse camera such as on the rear of your car to provide a view of your trailer hitch and tongue – allowing you to hook up with just one person.
A second camera on the rear of your caravan can also allow you to see behind the van, great for merging and overtaking PLUS seeing those tight caravan park sites you need to reverse into.
We can also add cameras to the side of your van to ensure you have a clear view from every angle.
3. SOLAR SYSTEM
Solar panels provide an additional power source for all your gadgets and appliances. This is a good option to charge your devices and your battery. If you want to save energy, installing a solar panel is a great way to do it.
They are ideal for fixed installation to caravans where power is required to charge battery banks that service multiple appliances. Solar panels can be utilised to extend battery run time when powering multiple accessories. A number of factors that can influence this include: the time of year, weather conditions, battery capacity and how long you run your appliances.
4. DUAL BATTERY SYSTEM
Dual Battery Systems are an essential part of many people’s set up as they give a dedicated power source for items such as fridges, lights, compressors and inverters without risking the starting battery.
It can also be used to charge devices like mobile phones, iPads, tablets, cameras. If you can charge it via USB – your dual battery system can keep it powered up.
5. UHF RADIO & ANTENNA
A UHF radio is an essential, non-negotiable tool for any remote-area traveller. Having a good way to communicate with people that you are traveling with and to call for help (in the case of something going wrong!) is a great idea. A small investment could save you from being stranded making sure your trip doesn’t end in disaster!
Choosing the right UHF antenna is important as more powerful antennas can broadcast signals further and clearer. However a lower gain or less powerful antenna can broadcast better in hilly terrain, as the angle of the aerial matters less. Lower gain antennas are 3db or lower, for distance over flat terrain a 6db UHF (ultra high frequency ) antenna or higher will suit better.
Even with a lower gain aerial/antenna it still won't guarantee the signal will be carried 100% clear over a hill. Hills and buildings can still weaken signals but a lower gain antenna will increase the chance of carrying a full clear signal beyond any obstacles.
6. PRE-TRIP WIRING INSPECTION
Did you know that performing regular Caravan 12v wiring repairs & maintenance ensures the safety and comfort of you and your family, and extends the life of your caravan, 4wd or motorhome.
Have you been experiencing problems with your electrics? Accessories not operating or charging like they should be?
Having regular wiring inspections will protect your valuable investments and help prevent costly repairs caused by neglect or void of warranty.
7. ACC SOCKETS & MERIT SOCKETS
12 volt power outlets around your car & caravan can make life so much easier. 12 volt sockets can be installed in the spots where you need them rather than running cords everywhere and losing power to fridges & risking overloading etc.
We design each circuit accordingly to suit what you intend to run. Everything from sockets to run fridges outside under the awning, from internal sockets for Cpap machines and tv's. Usb sockets for charging phones etc.... Merit sockets if you have 12volt items running this system. The correct installation of Triple, Double and Single 12volt Acc sockets can add ease to your free camping experience.
8. ANDERSON PLUG CHARGING SYSTEM
Anderson Charging systems (generally 50amp type) we can customise your setup make your battery system able to be used in ways you never thought possible.
Common uses for Anderson Plugs:
1. Charging Caravan or Camper Trailer Batteries while driving
2. Connecting Electronic Stability Control in caravan to tow vehicle
3. Connect Solar Panel to vehicle or caravan charging system
4. Alternative to cigarette sockets for powering 12 Volt accessories such as a fridge or air compressor
9. LIGHTING
With limited visibility at night on bush tracks or outback roads, good quality driving lights are critical for safe navigation.
LED Light Bars: The amount of vision provided by a 1m LED light bar is massive, nothing else can beat the amount of spread and distance at low watts and amps like an LED off road light bar.
Driving lights: Driving lights are usually installed at the same level as vehicle headlights, or higher. They are used in conjunction with headlights, adding extra illumination that is particularly beneficial for country driving.
Daytime Running Lights: Increasingly prevalent on cars in Australia, daytime running lights switch on automatically when the engine starts in order to increase the visibility of the vehicle to other road users in daylight.
At ELITE CAR SOUND & AUTO ELECTRICAL we offer a wide range of caravan accessories from the top and most trusted brands. The team at Elite specialise in offering a one-on-one consultation to ensure we find the right solution for your needs, tow vehicle, van or trailer setup, planned travel and budget.
With years of experience in the industry we can make the process an easy one for you!! We will explain what each product does, how it works, why you need it or why its optional, the advantages/disadvantages & we will ensure that most importantly you are comfortable & confident in your decision.