The vast array of accessories for caravans on display at your local retailer might make it difficult to buy your first tourer.
There are many options available, including lightweight tableware and awnings to suit your needs.
But there is an easier way to navigate this maze. It is possible to divide accessories into two groups: the essentials that you cannot leave home without and the items that may be of interest later and will enhance your caravanning experience.
This guide will show you how to budget and estimate the approximate cost of these items.
Fresh water containers
You could opt for a simple, lightweight white water container you can take to the tap. But, there are many caravan parts & spares options.
Although they are more costly than small white containers, you won’t need to carry water. And you’ll only need to refill it once a day since they’re larger.
These cylinders have 2 tyres along the edge, so you can pull them together. The handle clips to the top and bottom.
Aquaroll, the original rolling water carrier, is now a household name. It has become as ingrained in caravanning circles as Sellotape’s brand. Aquaroll was introduced 50 years ago and hasn’t been able to capture the market.
Aquarolls are available as a 29-litre or a 40-litre size. They are available in two sizes: beige (dull & boring) and metallic silver (smart & bright). Fiamma also makes a 40-litre wheeled water can of a completely different design. The wheels are at the bottom; the handle is at the top.
Royal, an accessory company for Caravans, produces an Aquarius water tank that is similar in design to Aquarolls. It’s bright. Kampa, which makes awnings as well, also makes a 40-litre container that is pale grey.
Get rid of waste water in containers
You have the option of either carrying them to the site’s trash emptying point, or pulling them along on wheels.
Royal’s 40-litre Waste Warrior, is bright green. It has two wheels at its base, and a handle at top. Royal also makes a basic, black waste water tank that holds around 10 litres.
Aquaroll’s waste master holds 38 litres. The Waste Master can be ordered in either metallic silver or beige, as well as the fresh-water container.
Kampa also produces a wheeled water container. It is built on sturdy wheels and can hold 40 litres.
Leisure batteries
You will need a battery if your caravan is not designed to be connected to the mains. Leisure batteries are what you call caravan batteries. They are usually 75 to 110amp-hour in capacity and cost between £50 (for the 75Ah), and £90 (for the 110Ah). Like most things, it is worth shopping around to find the best price. This is especially true for batteries.
Caravan steps
All new caravans include a step made of sturdy plastic. You may not find a step on a used caravan. You have many options when it comes to buying one.
There are steel steps that fold, metal steps that don’t fold, and a variety of steps that double. You can also find steps that come in boxes that can contain small items.
A caravan step can cost anywhere from £7 to £87 (this is for a Fiamma folded aluminium one). You don’t have to go beyond the most basic and cost-effective options.
Tow mirrors
The law requires drivers to be able to see from a distance of at least 20 metres behind them and four metres in front of their clothing. Mirrors are used to extend the field of view from both sides of caravans. They attach to your car’s mirrors.
There is a huge variety of styles and types. Two things will influence which one you choose. You need one that fits snugly on your car’s doors (which can vary in form). You should also consider the cost of mirrors. However, you should remember that the more you spend, the better your structure will be. That means less vibration, which can cause distortions in the image.
Each mirror will cost around £10, while prices for larger models can reach around £30. It is best to shop around for the best deal, just like with batteries. You should also test the mirror before buying. Most caravan accessory shops will let you see if it fits on your car’s mirrors.
Why you need to use mirrors
If your caravan is larger than your car, you will need extension mirrors. You should not leave home without them. Mirror-less caravan towers could be subject to a penalty of up to £1000 and three driving license points.
Number plate
As a legal requirement you will need an additional number plate to be able to place on your caravan when on the road.
These can be bought at Halfords or Caravan Accessories shops. They are also available from car dealerships. To get a numberplate, you will need to provide proof of ownership.
Corner steady winding handle
It’s both the cheapest and most important item on your list. It’s possible to enter your caravan with no steps, but it is impossible to do so without turning down the corner steadies. The caravan’s rear will tip towards the ground if you walk on it. You can get a decent corner steady winding handle for around £10
Toilet chemicals
They are an amazing invention. Chemical toilets are simple to empty and clean. There is a variety of chemicals that can be added to the top tank or waste. The top tank additives are slightly fragrant to prevent odour and maintain the toilet’s functionality.
Caravan mains cable
All new caravans include mains cables. Most caravans are 25m long. You might find a caravan for sale that still has its original mains cable. It may also have been built before standard practice was to provide caravans with cables.
Caravan gas cylinders
Two types of gas are used by caravanners: propane and butane. Propane comes as a red cylinder, while butane comes as a blue cylinder.
You will need propane if your caravan is to be used in frosty temperatures. Butane doesn’t vaporize in below-zero temperatures.
Propane
Calor propane gas can be purchased in various sizes. 6kg is the most common, but it also comes in smaller 3.9kg and bigger 13kg cylinders.
It is cost-effective: The first cylinder you purchase will cost £29.99, plus the gas. Refill agreement charges are charged at £29.99. Calor will supply you subsequent full cylinders for free in exchange for your empty one. The contents are your responsibility.
The cost of replacing a 3.9kg or 6kg cylinder is £15.49. A 13kg cylinder costs £25.49.
Butane
Butane is available as a 4.5kg (£15.99), 7kg (7.49), and 15kg (£32.99). There are several gas cylinder suppliers on the market. However, Calor is the preferred choice for caravanners. It’s available at most campsites and accessory shops.
What size should you choose?
Caravanners prefer to use 6kg propane or 7kg Butane.
Calor Lite
Calor and BP offer lighter-weight cylinders since March 2008.
Calor Lite empty weight is 4.5kg The empty BP Light 5kg cylinder weighs 3.7kg. The Calor 6kg cylinder is 9kg empty. It is worth saving 5.3kg per gas cylinder, both in terms your caravan’s weight and the ease with which you can handle them.
Calor uses a stronger grade of steel to make Calor Lite cylinders. This allows for thinner walls and lighter cylinders.
BP Gas Light
BP also produces lighter-weight gas cylinders than regular ones. These cylinders, called BP Gas Light, are half the weight of standard steel cylinders. These cylinders can be seen through the semi-translucent fibreglass so you can see how much is left.
The problem with BP cylinders, however, is that they aren’t sold on campsites or at caravan dealerships. They are only sold at Homebase stores which have 300 so it’s easy find one. The benefit is that you can clearly see the gas level. They come in two sizes: 10kg or 5kg.