News & Stories
Know Your Annexe Well Before Purchasing
Annexes are one thing that offers you an experience of outdoors combined with the beauty of dynamics. So whenever you opt for caravanning, make sure you carry an apt annex with you. Annexes will provide you with a room at your favorite camping spot, without much of hassle.
Today, when caravanners step out in the market, they have a range of annexes to choose from. The most traditional annex you will come across is a canvas annexe. This material offers you the desired waterproof material embedded in it. A heavy duty weaved cloth, that is made out of cotton, canvas annexes are particularly sturdy.
You can also pick Vinyl annexes if you are looking for annexes that are environment friendly, durable and completely recyclable. However, if you are looking for some light-weight and easy to carry annexes, Rip-Stop Nylon annexes are the best for you. The ease of putting them up and down is so hassle-free that majority of caravanners prefer to opt for this annexe. Topping that up with an economical price, Rip-Stop Nylon annexes have made it to the must-have list of many caravanners.
There are yet some factors which have to be considered when you are planning to shop for annexes:
- The water resisting capabilities
- Fire resisting capabilities
- Weight
- Durability
- Service or repair centers
- Spare parts availability
- Ease of handling
- A sewn in floor
- Availability of the mud skirt
- Availability of weather proof skirt for the caravan
So what factors do you consider before purchasing an annexe?
Drive Away In Style, With Inflatable Awnings!
Awning for any caravanner is more than just a necessity. At times, it often becomes a comfortable commodity while you are out in the wild, camping and caravanning. These large, tent-like structures, are usually available in different sizes, fabrics and quality. But why do caravanners opt for awnings?
Well, awnings offer you the space to relax, even when you are out camping! They keep you covered, offering you a space that is almost equal to that of a room! So whatever the weather is, you will always have a covered space for a power nap and some time for yourself in the wild!
Awnings usually are not among the first picks on the shopping list of caravanners. Especially those, who constantly keep on moving and driving to places. However, there has been an induction of a new generation of inflatable awnings that has triggered a wave in the market! Going by the characteristics of these awnings, they are small to pack, light to carry and can be assembled and disassembled in nick of time!
Though the traditional awnings will never fade away from the market, but new is the next demand! After all, caravanners who prefer to maximize their relaxation time on site and yet visit several sites right in one holiday season, will always prefer these inflatables. These inflatables are available in the market in various sizes and specifications. If you suddenly have caravanning friends to stay over, and just two berths to sleep on, these awnings will come to the rescue!
Pump it up!
Similar to a traditional pole awning, inflatable awnings are connected to the caravan by supplying the beading into the awning rail. The next move to make is inflating the support beams using the supplied pump. When you want to disassemble the awning, simply reverse the process and you are good to go in nick of time again!
How did it all start?
When these inflatable awnings were launched in the year 2011, there was an instant demand for this! Caravanners were curious to know if the manufacturers of these awnings will launch the drive-away version of these inflatables as well? Ever since then, the manufacturers and suppliers like Australia Wide Annexes have made sure that they cater to the demand of caravanners when it comes to inflatable awnings!! Today, most of the caravanners look for foldables, inflatables, and easy to carry awnings.
Inflatable or traditional, which one is your pick in awnings?
Camp Like a Champ!
Camping is an activity that helps you escape from the daily hectic schedule of yours! However, it might turn out to be some hassle unless you follow some tips to camp like a champ.
1. The Checklist
Nothing can be more annoying than arriving at your destination only to realize that you have left the essentials back at home! These essentials were elements that would have made your camping smoother. So, to avoid this, prepare a list of camping essentials and stick to it. This way, you will have all that you require while you camp.
2. Plan And Research
If you are visiting a place for the first time, make sure that you research the local attractions, and activities well before you leave. If you have kids accompanying along, you surely need to research to avoid any disappointment or last minute hassles. Well, researching will also help you find an apt accommodation and places to visit.
3. The Daylight Campsite
Who wants to fuss during the night, with the installation of tents and camps? Rather, tackle it during the day and save yourself from the trouble. During daylight, you get to choose your favorite camping spot with a clearer view of amenities close by.
4. Plan For Wet Weather
Camping often involves activities like fishing, swimming, kayaking, rafting and other water sports. But what if rains roll in? You need to be prepared for the worst! Well, you can simply stuff in some board games in your backpack and enjoy even when the rains pour down! Not to forget, these board games play a heroic role in enhancing the bond with your fellow campers.
5. The Food
It might get expensive if you are traveling, and eating out at the same time. Rather, you can simply carry eatables that are easy to cook and mouth-watering to taste. This way, you will not have to spend hours searching for an apt hotel or a restaurant to eat at. You might even set up a fire and roast some of your favorite eatables to make it all the way more adventurous and real.
These camping tips are very easy to follow, yet very effective. Not only will they save you from a lot of sudden issues that might rise up during camping, but they will also add up to the whole experience of camping.
5 New Year's Resolutions Every Keen Caravanner Should Try
Christmas is the time of year that involves a lot of indulgence in sweets, cakes, turkeys and everything delicious. After a lot warming celebrations, what exactly do plan to vow for, this year? None? Well, as a caravanner, you should have some! Here are 5 New Year's resolutions you should try to keep up to witness an admirable impact in your lives!
Trigger Up Your Caravanning
Without the need of traveling for hours, you can go caravanning to so many sites across Australia! This means that a mere weekend is enough for you to shut the world down and put on that relax mode along with your caravan. Give the laundry, the ironing, the vacuuming and all those household chores a break and spend some weekends with your inner self!
Caress Your Caravan
Pour some love on to your caravan! Spend some free time with it, a bit of oiling, some wipe down and some washing and here you have a shiny caravan, parked adorably in the backyard! Let the locks of your caravan witness some WD40 spray! And don’t forget to clean the bird droppings constantly else the paint of the caravan might chip off!
Adapt it as a Lifestyle
Pack up your bikes behind the caravan and leave for your favorite getaway destination along with your caravan! A lifestyle like this will make you appreciate the nature and bring you a step closer to it!
Save Money
Rather than digging a hole in the pocket by planning annual holidays, why not take your caravan in an exotic part of Australia, park it at a location that embraces you with cool breezes and a mild temperature. By doing this, you will not have to pay for the flights, hotels, foreign currency exchange and even touring. You will have everything right within your reach, at the least possible prices!
Spread the Love
Get your friends to make them understand and witness this amazing experience! Spread the love of caravanning and help everyone make memories during the trip that will be treasured for the rest of the life. You will be surprised by the fact that how caravanning simply glued everyone together and how well people get along with it! Families and friends spending time in their caravans, away from the home, embraced by the nature, is sheer joy, peace and adventure!
So as a caravanner, make sure you take these 5 vows and move ahead for an enhanced caravanning lifestyle!
Tent Camping VS Caravan Camping
Camping is a great getaway for numerous reasons, one of them being exploring the nature and going for a peaceful trip! There are people who prefer camping, but there are also people who’d rather opt for caravan camping than tent camping! Let’s see what both of the camping have in stock for you!
Tent
Tent camping is a great way of escaping the hectic schedule and busy life of the city! Using a tent, not only can you just savor that feeling of truly being outside, but you can also keep yourself sheltered! You may find yourself hearing the rains, the trains, the winds and witnessing the heat of the sun.
You can find a range of tents in different shapes and sizes and pick out the most apt one as per your budget and needs! However, make sure tat you consider the weight of the tent if you plan to go backpacking!
Security at times turns out to be a bit of an issue since the zips and the canvas aren’t always the best protection against thieves and intruders! Do not forget to check the weather before backpacking your tent and hopping on to an adventure!
Campervan and Caravan
Cut down the hassle by simply using a caravan or a campervan! All you need to do is simply pack everything and anything you would want to have around during the trip and leave!
If you are traveling with your family, you all get to sleep safely with all the cooking and storage facilities without you having to pack and re-pack anything constantly!
You get to introduce yourself to the campsites with all the amenities loaded right back in your caravan or campervan! It also offers you the ability to move around with all the necessary items geared up and hassles being nil!
One added benefit of caravan camping is that you can always add up extra living space by fixing up an awning and making space for yourself during your trip! In case you are not aware of the whereabouts of the best platform that can offer you to the most apt awnings is Australia Wide Annexes.
5 Caravanning Essentials That Will Simply Smooth up Your Trip!
People love caravanning around Australia! After all, who doesn’t like to experience an exotic getaway topped up with the scenic beauty of the Australian continent? A caravan road trip not just unwinds you, but also leads you to discover some fabulous places. However, when you plan a caravanning trip, you need to make sure you have these caravan essentials which will smooth up your trip, especially when you are up for Western Australia. Here is a caravan checklist that would serve you as a ready reckoner for a caravan road trip.
1. Spare Tyres
Rough desert plains, trickling streams, grass fields and even rocky roads, you have to deal through a lot while caravanning. All this is usually not easy to tackle, and this is the very reason why spare tyres are a must-have. After all, they take a lot of brunts and may gradually wear down. Thus, be prepared for a flat tyre or else you’d be left in the middle of nowhere, stranded and confused.
2. Extra Fuel
Australia has a vast landscape covered by plateaus, plains, mountains, valleys and plains! So when you finally decide to explore this vast natural piece of beauty, you would not like to run out of fuel. Make sure your caravan is well stocked with fuel backup!!
3. First Aid Kits & Fire Extinguishers
Preparing for the worst is the best precaution you could ever take. Any outdoor adventure can have mishaps and can leave you in the middle of nowhere. So when you know that you will be spending some peaceful time in remote yet vulnerable places, make sure that you have a first aid kit with all the essential medications. Top these with flashlights, ropes, survival knife, fluid containers, extra clothes and fire starting tools. Not to forget, a fire extinguisher is another essential thing you need to carry. A fire can spark up without warning, and you must have the resources to cease it.
4. Annexes and Awnings
Remember to take the comfort of your home while you leave for a caravanning adventure. Annexes help you create cozy spaces that provide comfort on your caravanning trips. Make sure that you carry quality annexes and awnings to camp at your favourite landscape. You can contact some excellent quality awnings & annexes providers like Australia Wide Annexes, which also offers an onsite installation service in all locations throughout Australia.
5. Electric Hook-Up Cables
You’d be lucky enough to get electricity at some campsites and to make use of it, you will have to carry your supply of hook-up cables to connect and hook up to the points. After all, electric appliances like boilers, heaters and ovens offer a significant convenience on a camping trip.
So now, before you plan a caravanning trip, make sure what you pack for a caravan trip and consider the above points.
5 Things You Should Do Before You “Kick the Bucket”
Charles Dickens once said, “To a young heart, everything is fun!” This is true in all senses. But the reality is that our bodies fail to remain youthful. As we age we lose a bit of ourselves and our ability to do things wanes gradually. This is why people often say that we should make the most of our lives while we have the chance to do so. After all, just before kicking the bucket, no one wants to regret having not done a particular thing even when he had all the opportunity in the world to do so.
Death is unpredictable so it’s futile to ponder over it. Take each day as a new beginning and plan ahead with the same enthusiasm as is noticed in a child. If you have been the typical 9-5 working individual with a pretty monotonous life, then this is the time to wake up from the slumber and add spice to your life.
Here are 5 things that you definitely need to do before bidding farewell to the mortal world.
Capture Every Moment
Life flashes by too fast to actually store each and every precious moment in your mind. What’s the next best thing? Capture the moments in your camera. Yes, always keep a camera with you because you never know when you might have a memorable moment. Years later when you look back at your life, your pictures will tell your story not only to you but to your family when you have passed away.
Relish Everything that You Eat and Drink
You are always at the risk of having some disease or the other that would prevent you from consuming certain food items. At that point, there is nothing that can be done except to just watch others relish their food while you are compelled to simply stare at it. Why sulk then when you can have all you want to eat, right now?
Be it a simple burger or a gourmet meal at a fine dining restaurant, savour everything like it was your last meal on earth. Let every flavour tingle your senses and give you an experience that is out of this world. Also, do not hesitate to try stuff because you might not get this opportunity again in life.
Go on a Wild Holiday
We all go on holidays, right? But have you ever been on a wild holiday. Plan at least one trip where you may try your hand at exploring new places, indulging in adventure sports, meeting with the locals, becoming a part of their culture and simply enjoying life as it comes. Everybody has work to finish and deadlines to be met, but never neglect the one thing that deserves your utmost priority – YOU!
Try Your Hand at Something that Scares You
There is always this one thing that everyone is afraid of. So what if it scares the hell out of you, try it! The experience will be second to none and who knows, maybe your fear will be gone forever. All it takes is a little nudge and you would never know when you have crossed the obstacle. Let’s say you are scared of snakes and you can’t even think about coming close to one.
Ask one of your friends to accompany you to a zoo or a snake farm and under careful vigilance of the handler, try to hold the snake with your hands. I know you are going to lose your mind over this (with a very real possibility of fainting) but it will give you an adrenaline rush like no other. Whatever you do, just make sure it is done under supervised conditions or you would place yourself in a very risky situation.
Buy a Caravan
Have you ever been on a road trip? If yes, then just imagine the level of fun and enjoyment that you would experience when you go on such a trip in your very own caravan. You would have a cocktail of emotions when you buy your first caravan. Owning this small personal mobile space is something you should definitely indulge in. Caravan trips are not only fun, but you could literally live your life in one.
You could also attach awnings and annexes to make more space for yourself. The caravan is sufficiently equipped with a washroom, sitting area, beds, couches, mini-kitchen and closets. All of these are key components to provide you the comfort of home on your road trips. You can also take along these vehicles to caravan parks where you won’t need to book any accommodation. Just plug in the necessary connections to your caravan and you have your very own place in a holiday park. How cool is that! Buy one early so that you can spend some quality time with your family after your retirement (and before that also).
How to Install a Reversing Backup Camera on a Caravan
A reversing backup camera for the caravan is a pretty useful accessory that can help you avoid a lot of unnecessary hassles. The most important benefit of this gadget is assistance in backing the vehicle without bumping into obstacles. If you imagine the difficulty in parking a caravan (with the towing vehicle) while carefully maneuvering it onto the spot, installing a caravan rearview camera can work wonders and reduce the frustration that is often associated with this activity.
Just follow these steps for caravan reversing camera installation without much trouble.
1. First of all, you need to drill a hole in the body (backside) to connect the camera to the lead. A 20 mil. step saw should work fine for this. Make sure you check the pathway that would be used for making the necessary connections.
2. Now you need to fit the bracket that is supplied with the reversing camera. This would require the use of screws to secure the bracket in place. Once the screws are in place, it would be a good idea to seal them completely by using a silicone sealant around the screws.
3. When the camera has been mounted, just adjust the angle as per your preference and tighten the side screws with the help of the Allen key that comes with the unit.
4. With the above steps taken care of, you need to tape or attach the lead for carrying the signal from the back of the caravan to the towing vehicle (near the driver). The lead (after being taped off completely) needs to be passed along the length of the chassis (under the van), and then zip ties the portions of the lead as you move along.
5. Now that the lead has been laid out, it is important for you to check the surroundings and find out how the cable can be laid out without being exposed excessively. In order to achieve this, you would have to make optimal usage of cupboards and other similar structures behind which the lead can be concealed. Just remember that the hole needs to be drilled into the floor.
6. When you pass the cable through the floor, seal it for a tight fit with the use of a good-quality silicone sealant. Make sure you have pulled all the required lengths of the lead before applying the sealant.
7. With the lead extended to the rear, establish the final rear connection.
That should take care of the installation of the reversing backup camera. It did not take a lot of time to do, right? Once the connections have been established, test it for efficiency and back up the vehicle a couple of times to check whether the camera’s angle is comfortable for your viewing. You need to be a little careful while backing up because the camera is connected to the rear end of the caravan and not the towing vehicle, so it would be a good idea to practice it before going on a trip.
Best Places for Caravanning during Rainy Season
Rains and caravanning might not seem to be the ideal combination. But, if you are really eager to go on a caravanning vacation, any season is the right season. The rainy season has its own share of fun filled experiences and adventures. So, do not miss out on this amazing chance to enjoy with your friends and family.
What to do on a Caravan Holiday when it rains?
Do you want to go out on caravanning vacations but are afraid of the monsoon forecasts? Do not let the rain dampen your spirits. Be prepared in advance and set out on your adventure trip. Rainy season will provide you a unique caravanning experience that no other season can offer. From the soothing smell of petrichor to enjoying solitude in nature’s haven, you can indulge in a whole lot of experiences. Do not believe us? Read for yourself and find out wonderful ways to spend your time while caravanning in the rainy season.
Embrace the rain and nature’s bounty and make memories that you’ll cherish forever.
Places for caravanning during Monsoon
The rainy season brings with it challenges of the hot and humid weather conditions. But if you are accustomed to such weather, it shall not be a deterrent for you.
- Choose a place for caravanning such that you are completely aware of its routes and road conditions. In any other season, it wouldn’t be much of an issue. But, the rainy season can submerge roads and create treacherous courses. It is thus safe to know plan beforehand.
- The rainy season puts forth the risk of cyclones and impassable roads due to creek orriver flooding. You must not try to cross water courses unless you are sure that they are safe. Consider the depth of water and drive carefully while crossing any water course.
- Plan your trip such that you have access to local indoor attractions along your journey. They can be anything like eateries, cafes, museums, galleries or theatres. This will help you in spending quality time with your loved ones in case the weather conditions deteriorate.
You should be careful while planning for a caravanning holiday during the rainy season. You must stay updated with the weather forecasts and maintain a safe distance from dangerous areas. Caravanning and rains are not exactly made for each other. But, with the right people and proper planning, you can turn it into an experience you’ll cherish for life.
Happy Caravanning!
Australia's Caravan Industry Worth $19 Billion, and Growing
The recent news is that the caravan industry in Australia is presently worth about $19 billion and has been growing from strength to strength. Entrepreneurs who are into the caravan business has been recently witnessing huge business and exceeding their sales expectations. As the market was cited to be of the low range which was around $80,000, such cheaper versions were tried to be pushed with less focus being given on the higher end ones like the caravans that cost about $140,000.
The Surprise Element
However, the market demand stated something else just opposite to the prediction. It is the higher end models that were selling fast, when compared to the low end ones. A good number of high end models were sold just at the caravan show that is termed to be phenomenal.
Caravan Business on a Roll
It can be safely said for the time being, the home-grown caravan industry has been enjoying great success with over 586,000 RVs (recreational vehicles) getting registered all over the country, which is cited to be a increase by about 4.5% from 2014, according to the 2015 Caravan & Camping State of Industry Report. Most of the sold ones over 528,000 are said to be caravans.
In 2015, 11 million overnight camping and caravan trips had been undertaken across the country, which again is a 7% increase from 2014, as stated by the report.
Facts About Caravan Industry
In camping and caravanning, the ‘grey nomads’ are no more stated to be the dominant players. Nowadays, 64% of the domestic trips are made by those people between 20 and 54 of age. According to the industry specialists the caravanning industry to the country’s economy is worth over $19 billion. What is regarded to be wonderful about this aspect is that 90% of the camping and caravanning activity is said to be undertaken in the region areas. This means that for small communities as well as regional towns, it is undoubtedly a significant economic activity. Moreover, the entrepreneurs of this business are unfazed with the challenges that emerge from the caravan business especially in the on-demand digital market place.
- The caravanning industry is said to possess the capability to adapt the products and be nimble towards the requirements of the consumers.
- The industry professionals are also of the opinion that the camping and caravanning industry has been experiencing a renaissance period.
With rich history to boast this industry is known to have great diversity as well as product for the different markets that keeps them in demand and being viable. Such disruption models are expected to form part of mix right into the future. However how successful it can be is something that only time would tell.
Australia’s top Beachside Caravan Parks
Beaches and caravans!!! How amazing does it sound? Indeed, very much!! Here Australia Wide Annexes have a list for you, that you must check out if you really want to explore some of the best beach parks around Australia!
Port Elliot Holiday Park:
Image Source: big4
This beautiful holiday park is located between two visually arresting beaches, and is popular for the breath-taking sites it offers to all its visitors. Once you reach here in your bright, shiny crisp caravan, you will realize that you can not just park your caravan here, but you can also opt for camping!! Close by the park, you have an access to magnificent hard-sand beaches of Port Willunga, Maslin and Christies. Port Elliot Holiday Park has a huge capacity of 255 caravan sites with some intense scenery around! The park is topped up with some modern amenities that especially include a children’s playground and a modern kitchen! However, you will find the place to be quite enough for you to relax and have some quality time!!
Streaky Bay Foreshore Tourist Park:
Image Source: caravanparkphotos
One of the popular beach caravan parks of western side of South Australia, Streaky Bay Foreshore Tourist Park is a perfectly placed park that has a lot to offer to the caravan maniacs! It also is located just a few kilometers away from the town’s wharf and the main shopping area. So, in case you feel a need going for a perfect lunch, you can hop in some of the classiest hotels that are located just nearby! The camping ground also offers its caravanners a couple of fully-equipped camp kitchen, an on-site restaurant, a coin-operated laundry and a TV room! What else wold you want??
Cape Conran Coastal Park:
Image Source: marlo
Nothing can be more justifiable than caravanning and camping at Victoria’s Cape Conran Coastal Park, if you are looking for a park that offers you a rustic beachside. Just a 5 hour drive from east of Melbourne, this ‘dog-zoned’ park can be perfect for your pooch as well. Caravanners are often found lazing around here, caught up in fishing, surfing and at times, reading!! the 60 km of isolated sandy beaches are simply perfect for every caravanner!!
Middleton Beach Holiday Park:
Image Source: big4
This resort-style caravan park is an absolute show-stopper for your caravanning trip. Quite close to the major historic coastal town, this park offers a range of water activities including whale-watching, surfing, swimming and much more. The park has a direct beach access and is surrounded by facilities and amenities that will simply smooth up your caravanning experience.
These are some of the best parks that can compliment any beach caravanning trip and make it all the way more fun!!
Simple Joys and Home Comfort! That’s What Caravanning Leaves You With!!
When you consider caravanning, the first thought that strikes you is escaping your daily grind in your amazing caravan and a freedom to explore the best of the roads with all the comfort. No matter if you are a minimalist with a tiny caravan or someone who prefers luxury over everything, before you decide to go out caravanning to your favorite destination, make sure that you follow these caravanning etiquette and make your way with a happy caravanning! These simple rules will definitely be your key to a harmonious caravanning!
Think before you waste!!
Image Source: pinterest
While caravanning make sure that you are well aware of the fact that you don’t want to run out of water during your trip! Imagine a situation when you’d have to take a dump early in the morning but you still have to struggle to find a lake because running taps screwed the water store!
The Toilet Roll!
Image Source: patrasevents
Though a touchy subject, make it a point that you use the toilet roll decently; just in case you don’t wish to run out of it and then look for sloppy papers to wipe stuff out! Make it a point to use only three rolls a day, so that you can balance it’s supply.
Pitch!
Image Source: pitchup
Socializing is never a harm unless it crosses the line. In case you are caravanning nearby other caravanners, make sure you pitch a fish rod or a temporary fencing! It will completely be fine to mark your territory so that none of the caravanners hamper your privacy and stop you from doing the same!
Barbecue Rule!
Image Source: bushtrackerforum
Rather than lighting up the wax cottons or grass for the purpose of barbecue, fry the sausages and stuff with a gas-powered plant that is connected to your caravan! This will save you a lot of efforts and slog!
The Traffic Rule:
Image Source: dailymail
Nothing will even bother the non-caravanning fellows in a traffic queue! Not even the fact that your caravan needs a bit of extra space to avoid hazards and accidents! So act wise and maintain at least few inches. Pull out your caravan if you see a train building up ahead or behind! You seriously don’t want to get stuck in a traffic jam!
Keep it low! Hush-hush!!
Image Source: giphy
While driving at night, move like a mouse. Keep the radios and the ghetto speakers low. You don’t plan to shake the town up with those blasting amplifiers.
Dogs:
Image Source: hoburne
Love for the four-legged friends is always immense. If you plan to take them along, make sure you mark their territory and not let them roam around. A 2-yard circumference is more than fine for them to have fun!! Lastly, clean the doggy-poop before it becomes a public humiliation during the caravanning.
Chemical Toilets:
Image Source: practicalcaravan
Chemical toilets are a boon while out on caravanning! Every time you take a dump, just assure and re-assure yourself that you will flush thoroughly once you are done and dispose of the ingredients as soon as possible! This way, you won’t have to carry down the stock of the remains, the not-so-needed ones!
These 8 easy rules..and here you go!! Happy caravanning to you!
Image Source: tnako