A brand-new caravan is a big investment, but it’s one that promises endless memories on the road with your family or a relaxing escape with your mates. Best of all, with fantastic and affordable caravan parks seemingly everywhere, it’s a holiday option that’s always easy on the budget.
Ready to swap the house keys for the hitch? Getting your setup right is crucial.
Essential Exterior & Safety: Caravan Accessories and Parts
The non-negotiable items for safety, setup, and maintenance are the backbone of your rig. These items form the core caravan parts required for travel, and you'll find a wide selection of these crucial caravan parts to choose from.
Levelling & Stability
Setting up the van starts with stability. An unlevel van can cause your fridge to malfunction and make sleeping uncomfortable. It can also disrupt your plumbing and liquid levels, affecting water tanks, and drainage. A robust levelling system is non negotiable for a hassle-free setup ensuring all your appliances running smoothly.
OZtrail Pick: The Caravan Leveller & Chock allows ensures your caravan remains securely level, protecting internal appliances and providing hassle-free setup every time.
Towing & Security
Protecting your investment is vital. When you're away from your van, security is paramount. Sourcing high-quality security caravan parts is crucial.
- Towing Mirrors: Legal requirements aside, good mirrors are essential for a safe tow, giving you clear visibility down the side of your caravan.
- Hitch Locks and Wheel Clamps: High-visibility security devices deter thieves, providing peace of mind whether you're parked at a service station or leaving the van in storage.
OZtrail Pick: The Digital Weight Control Scale allows you to test your towing weight and ensures you comply with Australian and manufacturer standards, enhancing safe towing and providing peace of mind.
Power & Water Connections
The essentials that link your caravan to power and water sources must be of top quality to handle various park conditions. Investing in durable connection caravan parts will save you trouble later.
- 15 Amp Power Lead: Always use a heavy-duty 15-amp lead for connecting to mains power to avoid overloading and safety hazards.
- Food-Grade Water Hose: Protect your health by using hoses specifically rated as food-grade for drinking water, preventing the leaching of harmful chemicals.
OZtrail Pick: The 10m Drinking Water Hose is designed specifically for transferring safe drinking water, ensuring the water remains clean and free from harmful chemicals.
Upgrading Your Adventure with Quality Caravan Accessories
Moving past the basics, you can enhance your camping experience with this essential range of caravan accessories.
Shade and Shelter: Annexes, anti-flap kits, and floor matting
Your awning is your home's extension. Quality shelter turns a basic campsite into a comfortable outdoor living area. To truly enjoy this space, you need to ensure it's secure and quiet.
OZtrail Pick: The Deluxe Awning Tie Down Kit provides defence against heavy wind and unexpected gusts.
Outdoor Living: Durable, compact chairs and tables
Once your shelter is secure, you need a comfortable area underneath your awning. This includes durable chairs and tables, but most importantly, a clean floor. These items define your usable outdoor space and are key to the caravanning lifestyle.
OZtrail Pick: The Dust Off Mat Step 50cm x 20cm efficiently traps dirt and debris, minimising what is tracked inside the van for a cleaner interior.
The Heart of the Van: Setting up the Caravan Kitchen
The caravan kitchen needs to be easy, efficient, and enjoyable, without cluttering your limited space. This is where clever and compact caravan accessories really shine.
Cooking Appliances: Portable BBQs and compact induction cooktops
Diversify your cooking with appliances that can be used inside and out. The range of caravan accessories for cooking is constantly expanding with smaller, more efficient options.
- Portable BBQ: A compact hooded gas BBQ is ideal for cooking outside, keeping heat and smells out of the van.
- Induction Cooktop: Highly efficient and safe, a portable induction cooktop is great for caravan park cooking when you are connected to 240V power.
OZtrail Pick: The Roam 240V Induction Cooktop which provides fast, efficient cooking at the touch of a button to be used inside or ouside the van.
Smart Storage: Nesting cookware and space-saving dish racks
Every item in a caravan must justify its space. Look for multi-functional and collapsible caravan accessories to maximise every drawer and cupboard.
- Nesting Cookware: Pots and pans that fit perfectly inside each other save drawer space.
- Collapsible Dish Rack: A silicone or folding dish rack for your sink space that can be packed away when not in use.
OZtrail Pick: The Popup Tub 15L Blue is a perfect multi use tub for cleaning up, storage or a laundry basket whilst saving space and weight.
Water Filtration: Essential for remote travel across the range of caravan destinations in Australia
The quality of water can vary wildly. A good filter is a simple way to ensure safe drinking water, a vital safety inclusion among your caravan accessories.
Dedicated Filter System: An inline or under-sink water filter provides clean, good-tasting drinking water, no matter where your journey takes you.
OZtrail Pick: The Inline Water Filter designed to reduces rust, dirt, and algae while removing chemical tastes and odours, ensuring safe drinking water on your travels.
Mastering Space with Storage Solutions
Practical products and ideas to keep your van organised and clutter-free, including a dedicated collection of caravan organisation hacks.
Internal Organisation: Over-door caddies, hanging shelves, and tension rod tricks
Utilise every vertical and unused space for storage.
- Over-Door Shoe Caddies: Repurpose these for storing small bathroom items, cleaning products, or even spice jars on the inside of cupboard doors.
- Tension Rods: Use them in narrow cupboards to hold cleaning bottles or vertically to separate plates and cutting boards.
External Storage: Secure front boxes and PVC tubes for poles and long items
Keep the bulky, dirty, and long items outside.
- PVC Pole Carriers: Durable and waterproof, these tubes, mounted to the drawbar or under the chassis, are perfect for storing awning poles and fishing rods.
- Front Storage Boxes: Ideal for securing generators, tools, and levelling gear.
OZtrail Pick: The Caravan Awning Clothesline allows for a compact solution for drying clothes wherever you adding a touch of convenience and solution to your outdoor adventures.
Creating a Collection of Caravan Essentials: Compact, 'go-to' kit for repairs and emergencies
A small, well-stocked toolbox is a must-have for minor repairs on the road.
Quick Fix Kit: Include duct tape, zip ties, a multi-tool, a tyre repair kit, and spare fuses. Keeping this consolidated means you always know where your emergency essentials are.
Essentials Packed, Time to Hit the Road
It takes a bit of kit to make a caravan feel like home, but once you have these core essentials prepared, you're good to go. You've made the investment, you've got the gear, and the road is waiting. Now all that's left to do is throw the kettle on and relax.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most essential caravan accessories I need for my first trip?
The non-negotiable essentials among caravan accessories include a reliable levelling system (like the OZtrail Level Ramp with Chock), a food-grade water hose, a 15-amp power lead, and a good set of towing mirrors. These core caravan accessories ensure safety and proper setup when you arrive.
How do I ensure my caravan accessories are durable for harsh Australian conditions?
When selecting your caravan accessories, look for items from established brands like OZtrail that are specifically designed and tested for harsh outdoor use. Features like UV-resistant fabrics for shade accessories and heavy-duty steel or aluminium frames for folding caravan accessories ensure longevity.
Is an annexe or privacy screen considered an essential caravan accessory?
While not strictly essential for moving, a quality privacy screen (like the OZtrail Caravan Privacy Screen) or annexe is a highly recommended caravan accessory. It significantly increases your comfortable living space, provides vital shade, and offers privacy at busy campsites, greatly enhancing your overall camping experience.
What kind of portable power caravan accessories should I invest in for off-grid travel?
For off-grid power, the best caravan accessories include a portable power station paired with a solar charging solution. The OZtrail Solar Charger Blanket 200W is a great option as a portable caravan accessory, being highly efficient, compact, and effective at keeping your battery pack charged for extended stays.
Where is the best place to find a full range of quality caravan accessories online?
Shopping for caravan accessories online is generally the best approach, as it offers the widest selection, detailed product specs, and customer reviews. Look for reputable outdoor and camping retailers (like OZtrail) who stock a full range of genuine caravan accessories.