Caravans are definitely having a resurgence aren’t they? Gone are the days of sad little beige boxes on wheels, accessorised with enamel mugs, Billy cans and dowdy forest green camping chairs. These days they’re bright and bold and totally cool.
These days you can buy so many lovely caravan accessories that truly reflect your lifestyle.
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Cool Caravan Accessories
When we first started caravanning — many moons ago — the only things that were available were nasty melamine dinner sets from Argos (sorry Argos). These days, you can get colourful crocks from brands such as RICE.
And funky furniture from companies like Joules, who have taken the humble picnic chair — which used to only be available in green or grey — and given it a gorgeous new look, with floral and graphic print fabrics.
Cool Camping
To be honest, when we’re out and about in Dolly, setting up our camp is one of the most exciting — and integral — parts of the whole camping experience for us.
Festooning the shelter with bunting and fairy-lights and setting the table with gorgeous melamine crockery, in beautiful patterns and shades, is all part of the fun.
Being able to create a comfy and stylish home-from-home — at a campsite or festival — is definitely one of the draws of caravanning for me. I love having all my home comforts around me (as do the boys).
Spending time at the van, relaxing and having a little bit of peace and quiet — particularly amidst the chaos of a festival — is literally one of my favourite things in the whole world.
I love the fact that you can buy gorgeous homewares for camping too, these days.
And melamine crockery — which used to be so dated and twee — has been given a fresh new look with bold, bright patterns and colour.
What Caravan Accessories Do You Really Need?
Whether you’re new to caravanning or looking to enhance your experience, equipping your caravan with the right accessories can make a big difference.
Here is a list of essential caravan accessories to consider:
Safety and Maintenance
- Wheel Chocks: To stop the caravan from moving when parked.
- Stabilisers: For preventing the caravan from swaying.
- Fire Extinguisher and Fire Blanket: Essential safety equipment.
- First Aid Kit: For any minor injuries or emergencies.
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Essential for family safety.
- Levelling Ramps and Spirit Level: To ensure your caravan is level when pitched.
- Water and Waste Containers: To manage water supply and waste disposal.
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System: To ensure tyres are at the correct pressure.
Power and Electrical
- Leisure Battery: Provides power when you’re not connected to the mains.
- Solar Panels or Portable Solar Kits: For sustainable and free energy.
- Extension Leads and Adapters: For hooking up to various power sources.
Entertainment and Connectivity
- TV and Aerial: If you can’t bear to be without your nightly soaps!
- Satellite Dish: For better reception in remote areas.
- Wi-Fi Booster or Mobile Hotspot: To stay better connected.
Security
- Hitch Lock and Wheel Clamps: To deter thieves.
- Alarm System and/or a Tracker Device: Additional security for your caravan.
- Security Marking Kit: Mark your caravan’s windows and roof with an identification number.
Navigation and Travel
- Sat Nav with Caravan Mode: Provides routes suitable for caravans. Google Maps doesn’t offer this service, unfortunately.
- Towing Mirrors: Extend your view when towing.
- Reversing Camera: Makes parking and reversing easier.
Comfort and Living
- Awnings: Extends living space or provides a shaded area outside the caravan.
- Caravan Steps: To easily get in and out of the caravan.
- Furniture: Lightweight, collapsible chairs and tables for outdoor use.
- Heating and Cooling Systems: Portable heaters or fans.
- Insect Screens: To keep bugs out.
- Blackout Blinds or Curtains: For privacy and keeping out unwanted light.
Storage and Organisation
- Storage Boxes: To organize and store items.
- Hanging Organizers: For shoes, toiletries, or other small items.
- Caravan Covers: Protect your caravan from the elements when not in use.
Kitchen and Cooking
- Portable BBQ or Grill: For cooking outdoors.
- Awning Kitchen Cupboards: A valuable extension to a tiny caravan kitchen.
- Gas Bottles and Regulators: Fuel for cooking and heating.
- Collapsible Kitchenware: Save space with foldable pots, pans, and bowls.
- Coolbox or Fridge: To keep food and drinks chilled.
Remember, the specific accessories you’ll need can depend on where you’re traveling, the length of your trip, and your personal preferences.
Always make a checklist before setting out and ensure all equipment is in good working condition.
Caravanning has certainly taken on a new lease of life, that’s for sure.
There’s a revolution afoot!
I predict that, before too long, you’ll see more than just the odd coloured caravan on the road. People are realising that the humble touring caravan can be taken and used to create something lovely.
Cheap to buy — even cheaper to run; they’re a total blank canvas for you to create your perfect home on wheels; ugly little tin boxes like Dolly 1 and Dolly Too are enjoying a new lease of life.
As are we.
Here’s to fun and freedom!
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
