News & Stories

Did you actually think that simply putting up a caravan awning would give you the comfort you require? What about the flooring? This is one aspect that many people don’t consider initially. By the time it strikes them, it is either too late or they run out of good options. In either case, the perfect flooring is not obtained for the awning.

I am sure that you would not want to walk on rough ground inside the awning. The most important thing about choosing awning floors is not the kind of comfort that you are looking for, rather the ground on which the awning would be set up. It might seem a bit weird, but you need to understand the type of ground on which you would be erecting the awning.

Without proper flooring, you would run the risk of getting cold feet in addition to the hassles of rising damp from the ground below. Damp, in particular, causes a great deal of condensation inside the awning, which spoils the indoor climate. The best awning flooring is one which provides superior comfort and protection from the ground. Since everything depends on the type of ground on which you would setup the awning, it is best to check out the place or at least inquire about it before going there.

Experts suggest that an ideal awning flooring is not just one carpet or cover, rather it involves 4-5 different layers. These layers include:

• Start with the base cover which directly covers the ground. It should extend 30 cm beyond the awning on all four sides. The increased length of the cover provides protection from mud and wet grass in addition to make cleaning quite easy.

• The next layer is made up of plastic tiles. Not only do they provide sufficient insulation from cold and dampness, but also create a comfortable surface to walk on. The best thing about these plastic tiles is that they can be cut with a saw to suit the dimensions required for your awning.

• You may add a layer of tarpaulin for added protection against elevating damp. But this may not be a mandatory requirement. Use this only when the ground is very damp.

• The next layer needs to be a thick fibre underlay with adequate insulation properties. This layer acts as an insulation between the lower layers and the top most carpet. For damp or cold grounds, this insulating layer is a must as it ensures high comfort levels.

• The final and top most layer needs to be a carpet. Ideally, the carpet should not bunch up or slip and should offer comfort even when walking barefoot on it.

There are several brands offering different caravan awning floorings. Choose the one that suits your need and your budget. After all, it won’t make sense to go for a highly insulated flooring if you intend to park on dry grounds with moderate dampness. Make sure that you take out time to plan your caravan trip by paying attention to the finer details. This will help to get all the comforts of home even if you are miles away from it.

Camping and caravanning in Australia has traditionally witnessed more participation from the domestic market. But it seems that international tourists, especially the Chinese, have taken a liking to the outdoor adventure in this country. This has led to a trend of increasing number of foreign visitors choosing caravan parks and camping sites to luxurious hotels. It seems that they want to escape the hustles and bustles of city life for enjoying amidst nature’s bountiful offerings.

Caravan parks have come a long way and are no longer just about pitching a tent on a “good site” at the camping grounds. While you can still camp at the sites, the entire park is properly integrated with the latest amenities, technology, and facilities to ensure a comfortable stay. For those who wish to have regular accommodation options in the parks, they can always opt for cabins instead of setting up a full-wall caravan awning or a full caravan annexe. Although most international tourists prefer cabins, they would be able to enjoy the natural landscape better if they camped up near their caravan.

Caravan and Camping Association NSW chief executive Lyndal Gray shared her views with The Daily Telegraph on the increasing use of caravan parks and off-road accommodation by international tourists. She said, “Parks now offering everything from “basic two-man tents up to luxury five-star cabins right on the waterfront. While Chinese tourists are leading the charge there was great opportunity to tap into the American, Canadian and European market. A lot of work is being done to entice Chinese and other international tourists to take road holidays in Australia.”

In order to assist Chinese tourists better, Chinese language tools including basic greetings in Mandarin and information sheets for Chinese guests in simplified Chinese have been provided at the parks. The sole aim of this effort is to make everything more accessible and user friendly for the foreign guests. Most parks are even working on a Chinese version of their websites so that it becomes easy for tourists to get the required information and make their bookings accordingly.

Not only are such trends opening up lucrative opportunities for Australia’s tourism sector, but it is also providing immense scope for caravan rentals as well as an increase in the number of caravan awnings for sale. These offer cheaper accommodation options with the freedom to put up camp anywhere as long as the ground is levelled and the surrounding is clean enough. With various options available for caravan awnings and annexes, ranging from basic amenities to full-fledged constructions, tourists can get the homely comfort that they seek.

Caravanning is turning out to be a big business in the country and is a highly profitable sector with immense prospects in the near future. The industry itself has been evaluated to have a value of $9 billion by 2020. So you can understand the market potential that is gradually opening up for caravanning. Prices could increase with demand, so if you have not bought your caravan awning / annexe already, then make sure you get one for your caravan soon.

Do you remember the first time that you towed a caravan? It was pretty strenuous right? The first experience of handling a caravan can be daunting and it is only with time that one can master its manoeuvrability. But even after you learn how to control the caravan and the towing vehicle, you need to take care of the towing speed or else you could end up in a road accident.

If you travel in highways that have specific minimum speed limits (that are high), then it would be difficult to keep the caravan stable. There are uneven surfaces, potholes, reverse camber corners, etc that can cause the vehicle to lose its balance. Such conditions often lead to accidents. Are you willing to risk that? Moreover, by traveling at high speeds, you would make it difficult for other vehicles to overtake you while being in the safe speed limit.

The best towing speed for caravans is between 80 – 90 kph. Many consider this the ideal speed for towing caravans as it allows the drivers to keep pace and stick to the schedule without tiring themselves out. The towing vehicle as well as the caravan are much more manageable at this speed and it gives ample opportunities to other vehicles for overtaking it safely. If you drive too fast, then other vehicles would have to exceed your speed to overtake you. This can prove to be a dangerous affair.

Occasional burst up to 90-95kph to build momentum on gentle downhill stretches with a climb at the end of them is perfectly safe. Maintaining a proper speed also helps in managing the fuel consumption. Going too slow or too fast would increase the fuel consumption, eventually leading to frequent refills and increased expenses. Just sit back and relax and maintain the speed of the caravan at 80kph for a stress-free ride.

Towing the caravan at high speeds can also pose a problem due to the load being carried. You need to take into account the weight of caravan awnings, furniture, equipment, and the people traveling in the caravan. This would give you a better idea on the type of handling required in order to safely manoeuvre the vehicle. A good way to keep a check on the caravan’s balance is to frequently glance at the side mirrors for detecting excessive traffic as well as movement of the caravan itself. If you notice even a slight deflection, slow down and then gradually pick up pace while keeping an eye out for the caravan.

Just follow these tips and you should be able to tow your caravan without any hassles. Check the overall that you would have to tow. This includes the weight of the caravan, the people traveling in it, and all the equipment as well as accessories that have been add to it.

Towing the caravan with the fridge on gas can be dangerous, often leading to fatal circumstances. The major risks include leakage of gas and combustion of petrol vapours by the gas burner. None of these situations are favourable, at least from a safety perspective. It is best to turn off the gas connection to the fridge before moving.

In the event that the pilot light gets blown out and the automatic shutoff to your caravan’s fridge fails, then you will have gas leaking all over the place. If adequate ventilation is not available, then the gas could concentrate inside the caravan and increase the risk of combustion. The problem could be worsened if you are unaware about the leakage.

Check the pilot light and the automatic shutoff to your fridge regularly to detect faults in time. There have been cases where the pilot light has been known to cause explosions because the 12 volt batteries can ignite the leaked gas vapours. Just imagine the extent of damage that will be done if the leaked gas gets concentrated inside the caravan. I am sure that your can’t even bear the thought of the outcomes.

You could install a fridge switch which is a motion sensitive component that turns the fridge off when it stops. This system will also work when the switch is connected with a relay that is powered by the towing vehicle’s ignition switch. In my opinion, the best thing that can be done is to keep the fridge switched off and ensure proper ventilation by keeping the windows open. This will allow all the leaked gas to slowly escape out and prevent the development of a combustible environment.

Those who have had no accidents or mishaps while travelling with the fridge active on gas are very lucky indeed. However, this is no reason to be casual about it. If you have not been harmed till now, there is no guarantee that you will remain safe all the time. Do not take such a big risk with your life and the safety of your travelling companions.

Turn off the fridge (and other appliances that rely on gas) while travelling. If you need chilled beverages or cold items, then you can always park up at a good spot, setup your caravan awning, and wait for the fridge to do its work. I am sure that you can wait for some time to get those cool delights. Do not take the risk of travelling with the caravan fridge on gas if you value the safety of your travelling companions. A few precautions can help you to stay away from harm’s way.

If you are a caravanner, then you understand the importance of a caravan awning better than anyone else. This accessory provides you the comforts of home even when you are miles away. Probably the best thing about owning a caravan awning is that you can set it up where you park the vehicle. With several motorized options coming out in the market, it has become possible to set up these things almost instantly with no effort at all. Everything is taken care off by the click of a single button.

Before you get all excited about buying a caravan awning (if you haven’t bought one till now), make sure that you know your needs. You wouldn’t want to end up with an awning that is not compatible with your lifestyle. For example, a full awning looks pretty neat with a full setting, but it will do no good to a person who only needs a small sheltered space. The additional investment as well as bulk of the accessory doesn’t really justify his actual needs. It is, therefore, important to get the most appropriate caravan awning for your caravan.

Canopy Awning

If you have seen roller blinds, then it would be difficult for you to understand the dimensions of canopy awnings. These awnings provide a limited sheltered area which is good enough to get some shade. This is great for people who travel alone or in small numbers and do not require a fully equipped personal space. In terms of convenience, this is quite easy to set up and can be put away within a minute.

Porch Awning

Porch awnings provide extended personal space that resembles a porch area. It might not be a complete set like a full awning, but it definitely gives more space than a canopy. This space can be used as a personal porch where you may place your muddy shoes or you may also place chairs and remain dry on a rainy day. You should buy this awning only if you intend to make good use of this space. Not only would it need more investment, but it would also require some efforts to set up.

Full Awning

This awning is just like a portable home and covers the entire length of the caravan. With this awning, it is possible for you to make space for sleeping as well. If required, this space can be used as dining area or even a lounge. Due to the availability of this awning in different sizes, you can get larger sized options in case you intend to travel with a large group. However, a larger one means that the size of the fabric will similarly be larger which increases its weight. This can induce difficulty in the transportation of the awning.

Some Important Tips

The caravan is an expensive accessory and may not be strong enough to withstand all damages. Most of these damages are hard to anticipate. It is therefore advised to take a good look at your caravan’s insurance policy to see whether it includes cover for your caravan’s awning. Whenever in doubt, make sure that you consult professional experts for the best advice on the awnings that will suit your need perfectly.

Caravan kitchens are crafted with immense attention to details such that one cannot differentiate between a home kitchen and a kitchen setup in a caravan / RV. Just because the kitchen is designed inside a caravan doesn’t mean it cannot be spacious. In fact, almost all caravan kitchens have a lot of space without any compromise being made on the essentials. If you find your kitchen excessively messed up, then it’s probably because you have not managed things properly.

Follow these simple tips to maximize the space in your caravan’s kitchen.

Prioritize the Items

Prioritizing items starts right at the beginning when the plan for the road trip is being made. You really need to control yourself from taking every item with you on the trip. Just take the bare minimum with which you would be able to cook food easily without the need for elaborate preparations. Similarly, you can manage eating food out of a bowl or a single plate. There is absolutely no need to take your entire collection. Keep it simple, keep it minimalistic, and you should be good to go.

Avoid Round Containers

Any cube or cuboid shaped container will take up less space in the caravan as compared to round or odd shaped containers. It is important for you to understand that storage efficiency has greater significance than presentation. I personally prefer containers that stack up. These can be stacked one inside the other which reduces the storage space considerably. You could also opt for reusable bags. These are gaining popularity due to their eco-friendliness and cost effectiveness.

Store Loose Items Carefully

Store all loose items such as cutlery in drawers or boxes before hitting the road. Take some time out before the journey to plan the storage of the items so that they don’t crack or take up excessive space. All sharp objects such as knives need to be kept away so that they don’t end up in the wrong places and cause harm. Tape off some items together if required. At least this would ensure that they remain intact without moving around a lot.

Let Your Creative Juices Flow

Creativity is the best way to maintain a spacious environment inside your caravan. If the kitchen is of appropriate dimensions, then you could use hanging bags or even jars screwed to the ceiling as storage containers. Keep things out of sight as much as possible as it would keep the place tidy and free from clutter. You could also come up with designs that incorporate cleverly crafted furniture with hidden compartments or concealed storage spaces. The possibilities are limited only by the extent of your creativity.

Clean Your Caravan Kitchen Regularly

Keep your caravan’s kitchen clean and make sure you give it a scrubbing every now and then, even if it is not in active use. Long periods without use can cause bacteria and microbial filth to accumulate. There is also the possibility of development of moulds and mildew. Treating the damaged parts is more cumbersome and expensive than cleaning the caravan periodically. It takes care of the clutter too. A clean and well managed caravan kitchen will definitely appear spacious and have a much pleasant ambiance as well.

There are caravans, and there are unusual creations which may either surprise us or give us quite a shock. We all love caravans. Who wouldn’t want to relax under the cool shade of a caravan awning while being parked up in a nice spot? This is a much needed family time that everyone should experience at least once. Avid caravanners put a lot of effort in customising their caravans and making them as unique as possible. Not all of their attempts can be said to be “pleasing”. But it’s your creation, so enjoy yourself as heads turn at the sight of your caravan.

Check out some of the most unusual caravans that exist today.

The Double Decker Caravan

Now this is an interesting concept. A double decker caravan for the “big family”. There is enough space for a lot of people to be together. Is it practical? I am not sure. For a start, it would require a powerful towing vehicle and its manoeuvring would not be an easy task. Can you imagine the load that the vehicle would have to tow? If you own this caravan, you have a lot of courage my friend.

Cloud Shaped Caravan

Is this a cloud shaped caravan or some weird geometrical design? It may look like a white caterpillar from the outside, but the interiors will simply blow your mind away. The interiors, with all the modern equipment and satin white finish, have a surreal futuristic feel to it. I am quite intrigued about the possibility of adding a caravan annexe or awning to this thing. It would take a lot of creativity and skills to actually come up with an awning for this caravan.

Mini-Caravan

I hate to say it, but this looks like a caravan for people from the “forever alone” clan or maybe those who are introverts and like to spend some time with themselves. In either case, the caravan is small enough to be taken around easily and is comfortable enough to provide homely comforts to a single person. The challenge with this caravan is finding a suitable caravan awning for it. You could approach awning manufacturers and get a custom made awning. However, I feel it won’t be necessary as such.

Watermelon Caravan

The one who came up with this design must surely love watermelons. There is nothing over-the-top fancy about this caravan except for the watermelon themed paintjob. The modifications have been done over an existing conventional caravan, so the basic features would still be present. There is no visible awning rail for attaching caravan awnings or annexes, but I am sure something must have been figured out by the owner.

Brick-in-the-Wall Caravan

What was the owner of this caravan thinking? My best guess is that he might have been listening to “brick in the wall” by Pink Floyd and got the inspiration to come up with something as cranky as this. At first sight, you might miss it, thinking it to be a graffiti on the wall. This is an actual caravan that has been painted in a rustic manner to give it the appearance of a graffiti. Although I am curious to know whether this caravan has become stationery or by some miracle, it may actually be towed away.

Amphibious Caravan

This is definitely a caravan for those who love the water and the outdoors. It might not be a caravan in the conventional aspect. It has two rows of seats where people may simply sit and enjoy the view outside. I don’t think this was made to fulfil the needs of an actual caravan. This appears to be more of a touring vehicle.

In-Love-With-Nature Caravan

This caravan has some pretty good graphics with an “in-love-with-nature” theme. Apart from the eye catching graphics and visual appeal, this is a simple caravan with all the basic features and an awning rail to support a caravan awning. It looks spacious enough to accommodate a group of friends or a small family.

Is this Even a Caravan?

I am not confident enough to call this a caravan. It looks more like an additional compartment for the towing vehicle. The closest resemblance that I can think of is a taxi, but one that has been attached externally to a towing vehicle instead of being a part of it. It doesn’t have a lot of visual appeal. Maybe the construction of this so called caravan makes it unusual. What do you think?

Chrome Owl Caravan

If you check the image above, the first thing that would come to your mind is a chrome owl. The image may depict the back portion of the caravan. However, the interesting thing here is the full-body chrome plating that gives it a surrealistic look. On a bright and sunny day, this would appear like a mirage and rest assured that a lot of heads will turn. I personally recommend that you get one of these for your road trips. To be honest, I have fallen in love with this caravan.

The “Globe-al” Caravan

This is a huge dome painted in the form of a globe. I am not sure about the comfort that you could get inside this so called caravan. But it can definitely accommodate a lot of people. At least that is what I am able to perceive from its size. Even the entry point requires elevated stairs to allow access. This caravan would probably need a mini-traveller or a truck to tow it. Maybe this isn’t meant to be towed away. But it is one of the most unique and unusual looking caravans in the list.

Caravanners who take along annexes and awnings to set up their own personal space out in the wild are faced with the issue of inadequate lighting. The most common light source used in led caravan annexes light and awnings is the usual caravan light. Other than a custom electrical work done for the annexe, there are not many options known to people. You may use a solar powered lantern but I am not sure whether it would provide sufficient lighting.

LEDs work perfectly for caravans and caravan annexes. Not only do they provide sufficient lighting inside the annexe, but they are flexible in terms of placement. Moreover, they consume less energy than other conventional lighting sources. LED strips are pretty sturdy and have waterproof covering on them to prevent sudden damage due to water. Nowadays, some camping and caravanning stores keep premade lengths of these LED strips. These pre-cut strips come with Velcro and fixing straps for convenient placement and faster installation at site.

As per my understanding, a regular annexe should require approximately 5 meters of LED strip lights. You need to measure out the centre bracing rib of the roof of the annexe if you need a centrally positioned light. Or else you could get more length of LED strip lights and line it up along the inside edges. Personally, I would prefer going for a centrally positioned light. Once you have positioned and fixed the light strips in place, you only need to connect it to a power socket.

LED lights are pretty soothing in nature and they consume less power. All of this makes them the perfect addition to your caravan’s annexe. You can even use left-over strips of LED to light up other areas such as wash basins, headrest for beds (to be used as reading lights), etc. There are numerous applications that can be made for this simple yet highly effective lighting source. Remember, if you don’t get the pre-cut version, you can always ask your electrician to make up a lighting kit for you that you may setup whenever you require.

I hope this was helpful to you. Don’t forget to share your opinions, views and ideas with us in the discussions thread below.

Who doesn’t love camping? Whether you are travelling in a group or simply traversing the road in your caravan, you would have to camp at some point of time. Camping may seem like a daunting task at times, but if things are managed properly, then it should not prove to be a hassle. I guess the most common problem faced by campers is lack of energy sources, specifically electrical energy sources.

When you are out in the wild, you need to manage with whatever electrical energy reserves that you have. Surely you can bring in large supplies but it will only slow you down and disposal will be an issue when you have used up the entire energy. What do you do then? This is where solar power comes in to save the day. With today’s solar-powered technology, you can bring some 21st-century conveniences with you when you go camping.

The next time you plan on camping, make sure to take along these solar powered gadgets and reduce the hassles along the way.

Solar/Dynamo Powered Camping Lantern

Let there be light! Proper lighting can be a little difficult to manage while camping and the only viable alternative to electrical light is to light up a camp fire. But that could take up time. Solar powered lanterns offer bright luminescence with multiple charging options. This makes the lantern a really versatile gadget. The lantern is equipped with a small solar panel (placed on the top) which absorbs solar energy throughout the day. Alternatively, there is a hand crank which can be used to charge up the lantern manually (just like in the good old days).

Solar Powered Bluetooth Speaker by MicroSolar

Is you speaker always running out of energy? This solar powered Bluetooth speaker wont let you down. Now you can take your favourite tunes along with you on your camping adventures without worrying about energy backup. This gadget absorbs solar energy (with the help of small solar panels at the top) and is capable of delivering 8 hours of playtime on a single full charge. Since this device is Bluetooth enabled, you can connect it with other enabled devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops.

Solar Powered Camping Shower

When you are in a camp, there are some comforts that you need to sacrifice. Hot water baths are definitely one of them. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a hot shower out in the wild after a tiring day of exploring the wilderness? The solar powered camping shower is a convenient gadget for getting hot water for showers. It harnesses the power of the sun for heating upto 20 litres of water which is directed though a 2 metre cord (with a spout at the end). Now you can enjoy a hot water shower anywhere with this amazing solar power camping shower gadget.

Wenger Solar Charger

When you are out camping, running out of battery can be the worst thing that can happen to you. However, a solar powered charger is the simplest and lightest option available. This charger can be rolled up or laid out completely flat (for attaching to tents or even backpacks). It can power up to 4 devices simultaneously with its 5 pronged USB cable. There are variants available for this product and all of them can be converted into a solar powered flashlight by simply adding a 3 Watt LED light to it.

Solar Panels for Caravans

People often take caravans when they go camping. These caravans act as your personal space wherever you go. They have a world of amenities in them and offer a lot of convenience. Adding solar panels to them makes a whole lot better in terms of deriving energy from a sustainable and clear source. With solar panels, you can run the lights, water pump, television, laptop, computer, caravan awnings (powered), etc. throughout the year or for extended touring period. If you intend to spend a long time on the road, then you should definitely get your caravan equipped with solar panels.

Vivo 2.4W Solar Powered Backpack

The backpack is your sole companion on your camping adventures which stays with you all the time. What if this backpack could help you to recharge your electronic devices on the go? This is exactly what Vivo has achieved with its solar powered backpack which is high on features and is pretty stylish also. The backpack has solar panels on the back which utilize solar energy to power a rechargeable battery that can fully charge an iPhone 5 and still have enough to power other devices.

Caravans usually have an onboard gas system for allowing cooking to be carried out inside it. Not only is the gas system useful in cooking, but it also keeps the caravan warm. This can be pretty useful, especially when the weather outside is cold. The caravan’s gas system needs to be managed carefully to avoid any explosions or other fatal outcomes. This requires periodic maintenance and immediate repairing of damages that are detected.

Why Is Caravan Gas Safety So Important?

No matter how careful you might while handling the gas system, it is a volatile substance eventually. Without proper safety measures, it would be difficult to ensure the maintenance of a safe environment within the caravan. While it is important to conduct periodic maintenance for the system, it is even more important to get it done by professionals to avoid any mess-ups later.

Secondly, all caravans need to have proper ventilation to prevent build-up of gases inside the caravan itself. The vents need to have a permanent design which would allow the ventilation to be maintained throughout. It is best to leave these vents open and under no circumstance should you even think about blocking them. If there is a carbon monoxide build-up inside the caravan, then these open vents would allow the gas to move out and prevent it from getting concentrated to dangerous levels.

The problem with carbon monoxide is that it is an odourless, tasteless and colourless gas. It is also deadly in nature and can cause death if the concentration is high inside the caravan. This is why modern caravans are equipped with carbon monoxide testers as well as smoke testers to make sure that all the appropriate security measures are implemented.

What is the Ideal Frequency of Getting the System Checked / Serviced?

The ideal frequency for getting your caravan’s gas system checked is once every year. This is not your average check-up where some pressure is applied to check for leakage. The person responsible for checking the gas system would perform a far more comprehensive check-up than usual, which includes monitoring the way the flame burns, monitoring the direction and movement of carbon monoxide inside the vehicle, etc. All of these checks are required to ensure that no fatal outcomes occur during the gas system’s operation.

How to Identify Improper Gas Combustion?

Improper gas combustion can be detected by checking the colour of the flame. A yellow flame indicates improper combustion which could lead to the build-up of carbon monoxide inside the caravan. A large blue flame indicates that everything is in perfect condition. So whenever you have a yellow flame, make sure that you get the system checked by a professional before it’s too late.

How to Detect Problems with the Gas Fridge?

The cooking system is not the only component that utilizes gas, the gas fridge also uses it in order to function properly. For identifying problems with the gas fridge, you need to inspect the actual vent (placed on the outside) and check for carbon build up. A carbon build up is usually marked by a black mark on the side of the caravan. If this happens, then get your caravan checked immediately and shut off the gas system completely till everything is inspected by the professional.

Caution! - Position Your Caravan Awning Carefully

Some vans have the gas fridge / vent towards the awning’s direction. So whenever you have a full awning or an annexe, then incorrect combustion could cause a build-up of carbon monoxide inside the van which would prove to be fatal. So before installing a caravan annexe or an awning, make sure you check the vents and outlets for the gas. This small precaution can help you to avoid dire situations and ensure the safety of your caravan’s gas system.

Caravans don’t have to be boring. With a little creativity and some research, you can pimp your ride and customize it in any manner that appeals to you. There is only so much that can be done by adding caravan awnings and annexes. Surely you can change the design of the awning / annexe a little, but for creating an outstanding impression, you really need to go that extra mile and come up with something different without compromising on efficiency.

Check out some really cool caravan customizations. Would you like to own any of these?

Safari Trailer

Source:https://in.pinterest.com/pin/78390849735317284/

Painted in vibrant colours and reflecting the theme of nature, this is indeed a safari trailer which can make heads turn on the road. It does have a touch of vintage elements in its design.

Vintage Trailer

Source: http://arrowintheeye.com/page/3

This is clearly a vintage design with rustic elements. If you have had the fortune of living in the good old days, this caravan would definitely bring nostalgia inducing memories.

Tiki Hut Camper

Source:https://in.pinterest.com/pin/78390849740610219/

A wood based theme along with wooden fixtures and accessories gives it the appearance of an actual hut, a Tiki hut to be specific. If you have been to a Tiki hut before, this should definitely give you a similar experience.

Cinderella’s Ride

Source:http://bitcheswithhitches.blogspot.in/2013/10/cinderella.html

Now this is a caravan fit for a princess. Aptly named, Cinderella is a uniquely designed caravan with exquisite interiors, fabulous décor, and a design that emanates regal vibes. Want to ride in this exquisite caravan?

The Time Traveller

Source:http://tinyhousepins.com/fahti-600-funky-little-travel-trailer/

If you consider the design of this caravan, there is nothing spectacular. It’s rather simple actually. But it is this very simplicity and the contours of the design which make it a time traveller. Well, it may not be a time traveller out of modern sci-fi, but it is definitely similar to one of the early models which you might have seen in movies.

The “Cricket”

Source:https://in.pinterest.com/pin/112660428154608817/

This is what you call innovation. A caravan that attaches to the back of a vehicle and can be completely detached as well as erected on its own legs. Introducing the “Cricket”. You can pull up an awning shade which is a bit unconventional, but still manages to get the job done. The caravan has space for one person (or maybe two kids). From a design perspective, this is really cool. Maybe we would be able to see some developments in the base design with added functionalities and features.

Butterfly Wings Camper

Source:https://in.pinterest.com/pin/438749188668222288/

If this doesn’t impress you, nothing will. From the front or the back, it will appear to be similar to a regular caravan. That’s only till you open up the sides and watch the caravan grow wings, and that too in style! The opened up sections are covered with what appears to be a modified awning or an annexe which has been designed exclusively for this caravan. Nevertheless, this is one the most interesting designs that I have personally come across.

Highway Palace

Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=539216479455283&set=a.115748448468757.7197.107959415914327&type=1&theater

A caravan that’s meant for people who need a little more space than usual. There is nothing modern about it. But the sheer design and the construction of this caravan is sufficient to grab anyone’s attention. There is also a hint of power that is portrayed by the caravan’s structure.

Have you come across an inflatable caravan awning for sale yet? These are really useful awnings that can be set up easily without any hassle. The time that is saved can be spent on enjoyment and having fun with your friends and family. Inflatable tents have actually been around for decades, but it’s only in the past two or three years that mainstream tent brands have to embrace the concept.

Inflatable awnings have always provided a great degree of convenience to caravanners with the entire structure getting erected with the help of an inflating tool (such as air pump). Developments in the design of this particular awning type have also resulted in the creation of inflatable drive-away caravan awnings. Isn’t that cool?

What are Inflatable Annexes?

Inflatable annexes are basically come with creating an add-on the room, which can either be attached to the vehicle or left free standing and assembled in just a couple of minutes thanks to its innovative design, inflatable ribs and arches. All doors and windows are fitted with 3 different layers including fine mesh, plastic window and a privacy panel, ladder straps and guy ropes all-round ensure your annexe is also taught when pegging it to the ground.

What are Inflatable Awnings?

Inflatable awnings are basically awnings that come with ready-fitted piping in a strong material which, once inflated to an appropriate pressure, complete a solid structure. Almost all inflatable awnings come with their own tent structures, a groundsheet that has been sewn in, and a connecting point for the foot pump that is used to inflate the entire structure. The presence of isolation valves ensures that the structure does not deflate accidentally.

The pressure inside the awning needs to be maintained within specified limits in order to keep the awning properly erected. Too less or too much air can cause the structure to come up unevenly. When buying an inflatable caravan awning, make sure that you look out for features such as ventilation, the location of doors and windows, etc. It is best if you select the awning as per your preference(s).

Pros and Cons

The pros of an inflatable caravan awning are:

• Compared to awnings with poles, inflatable awnings are much simpler and easier to use. Once the structure is inflated, you would have to peg them down like other tents. But apart from that, everything can be put up in no time at all.
• This is a quick alternative for creating some much needed personal space for living or for using as a temporary storage unit.
• With no bulky metal poles in the structure, the overall weight should be easy enough to manage.
• The absence of metal poles helps to minimize the risk of accidents.

The cons of an inflatable caravan awning are:

• The poles in the support structure are integrated into the design itself and this prevents it from being removed. This adds to the overall bulk which needs to be managed as a single unit.
• From a cost perspective, the inflatable awnings tend to be more expensive than the traditional options which have metal poles in their structural design.

Impact on Caravan Insurance

Inflatable awnings do not come under any of the general provisions in the caravan insurance cover. However, an inflatable awning can be covered under a specialist policy. All you need to do is to ensure that the cost value of the cover is sufficient enough to compensate for any loss that can occur. For a better understanding of the impact of inflatable awnings on your caravan’s insurance cover, consult with a legal expert or caravan insurance providers. They should be able to guide you and explain the applicable terms of the policy as applicable in your region.