Gadgets for the caravan

Wednesday, 09, Dec 2009 08:04

If you have ever been to a caravan show such as the annual extravaganza at the NEC, one of the most noticeable things is the sheer number of stands offering gadgets of all kinds for the caravan. From devices that can move your trailer by remote control to ingenious cleaning systems there are a plethora of toys that can make your stay that much more comfortable.

One of things that makes caravanning so pleasurable is the quality and variation of related gadgetry. If you are a newcomer to caravanning you may find our handy guide a useful starting point when researching the world of gadgets. While for those of you who have been there and done it we've taken a look at getting the best out of gadgets such as solar panels and digital TV.

Awnings

Awnings are arguably the number one accessory for caravanners. With the potential to double the living space, create and inside/ outside vibe as well provide shelter from wind, sun and rain they are invaluable pieces of kit. Ranging in price from UNDER £100 to £2000 and upwards, making the right choice for your needs is key.

Look out for models with ventilation panels to ensure a comfortable indoor climate. Also consider weight, if you aren't able to transport your awning in your towing vehicle, a lightweight awning would be preferable to cut back weight in the caravan when travelling between destinations.

Vacuum cleaners

The very nature of a caravan - packing a lot in to limited space - means there are myriad cracks and crevices that are difficult to clean. Fear not as there are some clever gadgets out there to help you get into those hard to reach places. Hand held vacuums are easy to store and battery operated so they are far easier to manoeuvre than their mains powered equivalents.

There are many models on the market, but try and go for one with a high voltage, which will give better suction and power performance. Also, check what the battery life is and how long it takes to recharge.

Some of the newer models have crevice tools and extension wands, specifically designed to catch dirt, leaves and bugs.

Solar chargers

With environmental awareness on the up, caravanners may wish to use renewable energy sources to recharge leisure batteries. The main components to get started are the solar panels, which can be mounted using non-intrusive adhesive to avoid roof penetration, the battery and a solar-charge regulator which controls charge between the panels and the battery to avoid over-charging and ruining the battery.

It is important to be able to position the panels at an angle towards the sun for maximum exposure. Go for a model with a foldable stand for convenient storage. Some models also have built in regulators, which reduce the space needed to store the kit when not in use.

Think about how you will secure the panels when they're in use, as valuable pieces of kit that are exposed on the roof, you could think about chaining them with a padlock.

Freeview

With the big digital switchover already happening throughout the UK, many of you may be wondering how to set up freeview in your rig.

The main difference between analogue and digital signals is that, whilst it is possible to a get grainy low quality image with analogue, the digital signal provides either perfect picture or none at all. It is therefore important to invest in the right equipment.

You will definitely need an aerial - free standing aerials, similar to those you find on the roof of a house are recommended, because, unlike analogue signals, the band that the digital signal is broadcast on is very narrow. You will also need a special receiver or digibox to convert the transmitted signal before it gets to your TV. If you aren't on a mains hook up, you'll need a 12v model.

For even more useful items including where you can shop, have a look at our feature on the top ten caravan gadgets