News & Stories

The Easy Way to Remove Decals from RV

When we paste decals on our RVs, we seldom realize it’s gonna be a pain when we will rip them off. Pulling them straight out may not be a very good idea. You might leave some residual adhesive there on your RV’s exterior which is very difficult to wipe off or you might not get the decal off neat.
Remove Decals from Your RV

Just like there is a seamless process of pasting a decal which ensures no bubbles pop in the decal and it spreads evenly on your RV exterior, there is a smooth procedure to take them off as well.

Warm it up

Warming a decal up is the first thing to do if you want to get it off easily. Warming it up makes the changes at the molecular level which lets it easily peel off. You could warm the decal up by using a hairdryer, steamer, a heat gun, etc. If you do not have any of the above equipment, you could simply park your RV under direct sunlight. The sunlight would also heat it up and make it easy to peel off.

Peel it off

Once you have heated it up well, it is time to start removing it. Your fingernails would do, yet we recommend a scalpel-like tool, razor, even a credit card would do. Make sure you do not scratch the RV surface. Although, how smoothly the decal would peel off would depend on the size of the decals, how old it is, and the temperature of the air it has been warmed to.

Left-over Adhesive

After you remove the decal, there would be a sticky left-over adhesive on your RV surface. To get it off you would need gloves and paper towels. There are several adhesive removers available on the market.

Oxidation

Oxidation is a common thing when you remove a decal. Even after getting rid of the left-over adhesive, some marks could be seen. These marks are oxidation discoloring of the area around the decal. To remove oxidation, you need oxidation removers which are available on the market. Use a 100% terry cotton towel with oxidation removers to rub the oxidation marks on the surface. Don’t let the oxidation remover dry on the surface, quickly rub it with the terry cotton towel.
Just follow these simple steps and your RV would look as good as a new one. To know more about such amazing ideas for your camper trailer or RV, keep looking out for our blogs section.

August 26, 2019

Everything You Want to Know About Wheel Chocks for Your RV

If the gun was a great invention, a safety catch was a greater one. Agree to that? If yes, you’d know why wheel chocks are more important for your RVs. Wheel chocks save your RV or trailer from rolling away, although there is already a harness that keeps your RV from going awry—parking brakes. Well, there are chances that parking brakes may fail and thus using chocks, parking your RVs or trailer gets reinforced.
Wheel Chocks for Your RV

These chocks are basically wedges made of different materials and fit right under your RV tyres and make them stable. What else you need to know about RV chocks? Follow here-

Why you need chocks?

Chocks provide more stability to your parked RV and that primarily is the best reason you should use them. Many 5th wheels or trailers do not have a parking brake and this makes chocks more important. The emergency/parking brakes of your tow vehicle might not be strong enough to keep the caravan hooked.
Avoid parking on gravel and on steep slopes and seek flat surfaces, using chocks on flat surfaces are less riskier than using them on former.

How to use wheel chocks?

There is simple physics acting when using wheel chocks. These wedges resist the force against the tyres, keeping your trailer/RV steady. The best surfaces to park your trailers to use chocks is concrete as it gives most friction to them, and also ensure the surface is flattest. This helps in reducing the pressure against the chocks. Wet, icy, gravel, dirt, all these surfaces make the trailers unstable making the chances of skidding higher.
Another important thing while using chocks is parking your trailer in an area less windy and is surrounded by trees. Strong winds could disrupt the stability of the parked trailer and throw it off balance.

Installing chocks is a simple process,

Park your trailer/RV in a secure location.
Pull the emergency brakes.
Now place the chocks near the tyres against the incline and in case of a flat surface, you do not need to place against the incline.

And you have successfully chocked your trailer.

How many wheel chocks you require?

The 2 factors that ascertain the number of chocks is the weight and the incline. Small trailers might need 1 or 2 chocks, but as the size of the camper/RV goes up the number of chocks needed may go up to 4. Although 4 is not the maximum number and you should refer to the owner’s manual to get a better idea. Using more chocks (on every tyre) means more stability.

How to choose the best chock for your trailer?

More than installing, choosing the right chock for your trailer is more important.
Size of the type- Keep in mind the size of the tyre of the trailer before picking the chocks. A small chock may get run over making it redundant and causing an accident.
Quality- Do not save on chocks, they are safety catch. Low-quality or even in some cases plastic chocks can break from the weight of the trailer. Plastic chocks are typically cheaper and may entice you to buy in one.
Specific- Buy chocks which are specific to your trailer or motorhome as they guarantee protection.
Material- Durables materials such as aluminium or rubber is a better choice to pick the best chocks. Aluminium does not rust and is durable and chocks made of it have teeth as well which provides better grip. Rubber and other synthetic materials are also a better choice as they do not corrode and easily breakable.
Chocks are important equipment for camping and should not be ignored. An emergency brake might do the job as well, yet chocks provide greater stability and security to your parked trailer.

August 13, 2019

4 Amazing and Best Off-road Caravans to Choose

Nothing could satiate the thirst of all you off-road caravan lovers, then an adventurous off-road trip in the outback, and above all a solid, sturdy, and built-to-last best off-road caravan. There are various things to keep in mind before going to an off-road caravaning.

off road caravan

Many of you caravaning lovers might be knowing, the Sunshine State—Queensland which is Australia’s outdoor adventure capital is also home to Australia’s best off-road caravan names such as AOR, Bruder. If you are planning to buy a solid off-road caravan for your future off-roading endeavors and are in Queensland consider the following caravans:

Note- The following do not cover all the features of the caravans and only highlight a few key features.

Bruder X

Bruder X stands 300 mm taller than the 2100 mm-tall EXP-6 and is 2 meters less wide than it. According to the Bosschieter brothers, the manufacturers of Bruder X, what motivated them to design this beast was the need for greater thermal insulation in as many people chose to travel to areas with temperatures as low as 20 degrees. Like the Pop Top EXP-6, Bruder X has a hardtop with dimensions 6723mm x 1920mm with customized features including multi-link independent air suspension, a super-strong rolled tube chassis, and two nine-tonne recovery points, and dual-compression rubber body mounts. The design of this caravanning beast also includes hi-tech convenience features such as a one-touch operated rear tailgate and awning and a height-adjustable kitchen that is accessible from both inside and outside.

Bushtracker 20ft

The Bushtracker is also known as the Rolls-Royce of caravans. Like the luxury car, Bushtracker stands for statement and style rather than being all ‘featured up’. This brings another fact that Bushmakers are heavy and costly with about 2800 Kgs of weight. Every Bushtracker is custom-built and thus here we are considering the 20ft. This one has a hot-dipped galvanized 150mm x 50mm, and a 300mm extended A-frame that connects to a laminated double chassis. Bumping up weight is 2 full-sized 16-inch spare off-road wheels and tires. Also, three separate 90-liter water tanks: 2 for drinking and 1 for greywater, three 150W roof-mounted solar panels, tandem load sharing suspension with 12-inch brakes, and 60-tonne tensile axles, a 300Ah lithium battery system with 60amp solar regulator and 60amp battery charger. Also, this demonstrator had a 220-liter compressor fridge/freezer, 4kg front-loading washing machine and electric bi-fold step, and electric awning. Now all that is heavy!

Kedron TopEnder TE’7

One of the oldest caravan manufacturers of Australia—Kedron made one of the most expensive caravans—Kedron TopEnder TE’7. The price tag of this behemoth is past $200K. This beast has a speed sensor located on the rearmost axle. It automatically flicks over to highway mode if goes beyond 20km/h in ‘parked’. In the same way, it will switch to highway mode at speeds over 80km/h. A second pump is fitted, for inflating tyres on both the caravan and tow vehicle. All six wheels on the TopEnder TE’7 have disc brakes. Most Australian caravans are equipped with a drop-down picnic table, but this beast has two on each side, making a total of 4. To the outside, there is are a plethora of features such as a bike rack, a TV locker, a slide-out kitchen, a shower, and much more. The roof is almost filled with an auto-tracking satellite dish, plus 8 solar panels for seamless power connectivity of over 1000W. The TopEnder is designed to meet all your water requirements with six freshwater tanks which hold a total of 480 liters, plus one tank for greywater.

AOR Quantum Hardtop

The Quantum Hardtop comes from one of the best names in the industry—Australian Off-Road. The Quantum Hardtop has primarily targeted southern Australian off-road enthusiasts who love the quick set-up camping. Southerners also seek more thermal insulation and greater security. The Quantum Hardtop also comes with twin 100AH lithium batteries instead of AGMs which are heavier and less effective, a ceramic induction indoor cooktop with a 2000W inverter to power the induction cooktop away from mains power. Although many believe the Quantum Hardtop has crossed the off-road line and they might be true as well but on the surface. The QH goes over 7ft, and this height surely makes it difficult to pass through low branching trees and even to squeeze in garages. Anyway, coming below the waistline at the pointy end of the 150mm x 50mm Supagal-treated, powder-coated A-frame, there is off-road coupling and a sturdy dual-wheel. On the inside, the first thing you notice is the in-house-developed entry door. AOR decided to make its own doors. Entering inside the Quantum Hardtop is roomier as opposed to what you find from the outside, there is a lot of space.

August 10, 2019

Tips to Increase Battery Life of Caravan

If the engine could be called as the ‘heart’ of a caravan (vehicle), the battery could be called as the allegorical brain. Battery works like the brain, right from igniting the engine on the turn of the key to lighting your caravan up, it electrifies everything around the camper.
Battery Life of Caravan

Most of the amateur caravanners often end up in confusion as they think both the car and caravan batteries perform the same function. Flooded, absorbed glass mat (AGM) and gelled electrotype are the three types of caravan batteries that power your appliances.
Handling a caravan battery or also known as a leisure battery is very different from your regular car battery. A leisure battery has to power 12V appliances and all other devices in your caravan for an extended time, which is not the case with a car battery unless used in case of emergencies.
Well, if you want your caravan battery to dissipate steady power for a prolonged period, you need to maintain it.
Here are certain tips to ensure proper maintenance of caravan batteries:

Avoid drainage of battery

You are required to check battery usage and should avoid running it off charge for prolonged periods. Different batteries come with different warranties and deep discharge cycles: 20-300 cycles for flooded, 400-500 for gelled, and 600-800 for absorbed glass mat that come with a five-year guarantee. Make sure you charge your batteries when they fall below 75%.

Ensure your battery doesn’t stink

How to charge a caravan battery? It is something obvious most of us spend time thinking of. You would notice a rotten egg odour when your battery is overcharged. It is due to the sulphur gas that it emits; so disconnect from the power supply as it may lead to ignition. If you do this, then stop overcharging your batteries as it affects the performance of the battery in the long run. Moreover, you should keep checking the temperature of your battery when it is on charge and always beware of that stale smell.

Avoid using equipment that requires high power

You should limit the use of appliances that require much power such as TV and microwave. These appliances are to be charged often that leads to faster deterioration of the battery due to drainage, and you may find yourself in an unfortunate situation soon as it drains the power all of a sudden.

Cleaning and inspection

Inspect your batteries every two months to ensure proper cleaning. You can start with checking the battery cells individually and clean the battery tray, terminals and connectors. Check whether your battery needs to be topped with distilled water after you unplug the vents if it’s a non-sealed battery. It would be best to use petroleum jelly to clean your batteries as recommended by most of the caravan manufacturers.

Final Word

Caravan batteries seem to be an important part of your extended outdoors. Well, the longevity of your battery depends on how well you maintain it. Follow the tips mentioned above to ensure smooth usage over prolonged periods and have the best caravan battery ever.

July 31, 2019

4 Tips to Fully Enjoy a Caravan Show

We get all excited when there is a caravan show around. Most of us either pack it all up for the show at the last hour or do not give much head to it. We attend the show, come back and realize later, it could have been more fun.
Well, if you have had this feeling lately, you are probably falling short of a sound plan, need to deploy a little more common sense, and you have done a little less digging on the information.

Here are 4 tips to follow, to fully enjoy a caravan show.

Plan it ahead

Don’t jump the gun, take time to plan out your trip. Ponder on questions such as the budget of the trip, what would be the headcount, are you looking something specific on the show? Buy your tickets in advance, they are usually cheaper than what you would be paying at the gates.

Pick odd days

Caravan shows span over a week or less, but most caravan shows wrap up in 3 days. Usually, you would see a huge influx on the opening day of a show and a similar or more volume on the last day. If it is a weekend expect a buzzing crowd. Pick weekdays and the days that fall in the middle of the show spell.

Know everything beforehand

Do thorough research about the exhibition/show to know which dealers are participating. If you have already decided to buy a product, you can still research on other manufacturers as well. Compare the prices, specs and features take a look at them during the show.

Inquire

Inquire as much as possible about the product you are interested in. This will help you decide which product to buy. Get all the details from the exhibitors and make it a planned purchase.
Planning ahead, picking the right day and time, a little bit of research and inquiring thoroughly would surely make your trip to the caravan show a delightful experience.

July 19, 2019

What to Look For When You Are Renting a Caravan

Well, in case you are not a proud owner of a caravan and you are looking for better options, renting a caravan is the best thing to do. At times renting a caravan could be a much better option than owning it. Yet if you own one, you won’t rent another. Although renting a caravan is a good idea, it is not as easy as it may sound.
Caravan Checklist

There are several small and big factors you need to consider before renting a caravan. We have tried to list what you should look out for while you checkout caravans.

Transmission

The first thing you would want to know before renting a caravan is whether it has a manual or an automatic transmission. The transmission that you drive is mentioned on your driving license and you can’t drive a vehicle which has a transmission other than that. Half of the vehicles caravan rental companies have are manual and the other half is automatic. Make sure you pick the right type of transmission before you go ahead to check out other things.

Bunks

Most caravans are good to accommodate a reasonable number of people, but when it comes to sleeping, it becomes tricky. You should always check for the number of bunks a caravan has before renting it. Most of the caravans have 4 bunks, in case the group is sizeable, you should check for motorhomes or maybe multiple caravans as well.

Budget

Renting saves a lot as compared to buying a caravan. Likewise, rentals come in a range, which lets you pick the caravan that fits in your budget. Typically a caravan with better and more amenities charge higher rent, also the newness of the caravan affects the rentals.

Drive type

Based on the type of drive, there are 2 kinds of caravans available: 2WD and 4WD. These 2 caravan drive types are available for renting as well. Most of the people opt for 2WDs as they are a great option for a paved road. If you intend to travel offroad on the Australian outbacks, you need a level up. 4WDs have more power as it provides torque to all the tyres. They are great to tread the treacherous terrains as well as on paved roads. 4WDs are expensive and rules and restrictions when rented.

Amenities

Just like the number of bunks and drive type, the rent of caravan is driven by the amenities inside it as well. Every caravan comes with different layout as well as different features. Some have a fridge, TV, tables, curtains and the likes and some offer just the basics. Depending on your budget you can pick the caravan that fits your needs.
There could be more factors which can decide on renting a caravan, although transmission, bunk, budget, drive type and amenities are the major ones on the campervan hire essential checklist.

July 12, 2019

How to Fix the Lights of Your Camper Trailer

With the evolving designs, engines, and shapes of trailer campers, the trailer lights also change. Today, we have LEDs in place of the globes and much more complicated devices, yet the trailer lights i.e. the running/brake lights and indicators are in the same arrangement; wiring running through the light fittings and a plug connecting to the tow vehicle.
There could be many reasons the trailer lights can go awry but most of the time it can be fixed by anyone who has little skills.
Camper Trailer Lights

Tools required

A digital or an analogue multimeter, you could also get a 12V globe test probe.
400-grade silicon carbide
Wet & dry paper
And needless to say screwdrivers and pliers.

Check the plug and socket

A very basic and a preliminary check-up when the trailer lights are out is, checking the plug and the socket. The trailer plugs are quite vulnerable to abrupt movements caused by rough terrains. Functioning trailer lights depend on earth return to the negative of the battery and if this gets disturbed the trailer lights might just don’t work or become inconsistent.

Check the globe

Most of the times the trailer lights stop working is because either the internal element is broken or the globe has gone black. In case that is not the problem, check the globe with a multimeter. To gauge the globe by a multimeter, either look for a near shot circuit (good globe) or a very high resistance - an open circuit (gone globe). Another way to check it is by plugging the globe into a light fitting which doesn’t work or hooking it up with a 12V battery and put a 12V supply to it.

Light Fittings

If the globe is intact, the next step is to check the light fittings. Many times water gets inside the light fittings which cause the light fittings to go awry. With the wet and dry paper clean the insides of the fitting.

Check Voltage

The next thing you need to check is the voltage. Check it with a multimeter by setting it on 12V DC or higher. Check across the contacts as well as each one to earth/trailer chassis. It might show a defective negative/earth cable rather than the positive supply. If that shows a problem than the wiring issues is the trailer plug and socket. In case it is not, you might have to seek professional help.

July 08, 2019

How to Earth Your Camping Generator in 3 Steps

Camping on a site with electric hookup could be luxurious, but not adventurous. Why? Well, building a campsite resonate a core human emotion of establishing a civilization. Doesn’t it? Building a place to live, gathering resources, lightening it up.
Camping Generator

Moreover electrifying your tent by a portable camping generator gives exactly the same thrill as pitching a tent. How to use a camping generator depends on the question, if generators need to be earthed? Earthing protects you against an electric shock, in case there is a faulty electrical device. Well, most of the modern camping generators do not require earthing, yet some of the older ones do need earthing. Earthing requires connecting an electrical circuit to the ground.

Before understanding how to earth your portable camping generator, we should understand which tools are required to earth it.

Wire Strippers

Even pliers can do the same work, or for that matter a simple blade as well. Yet a wire stripper recommended, why? A wire stripper is neater and faster.

Hammer

You need to nail a copper rod in the ground and how hard the ground is, is the only factor that lets you decide if a hammer would suffice or you need something heavier such as a sledgehammer.

Pliers anyways

The copper rod needs to be firmly bent to secure it to the earthing pole. Pliers are the best thing for this job.

Spanner

You need a spanner to screw the earthing bolt.

Copper Earthing Wire

A heavy-duty green insulated copper wire is the best pick for the job. The copper earthing rod should be at least 4 ft. long.

Step 1

Hammer the earthing rod at the spot you pick to earth the generator at the campsite. Leave an inch on the top of the rod to secure the connector. In case the ground is hard, you could dig a started hole. You could also punch the rod at 45 degrees or even horizontally if the ground is too firm.

Step 2

Once the earthing rod is in the ground, you need to strip back the copper wire using the wire stripper to expose the copper. Now, using the pliers bend the copper wire to secure it around the earthing rod.

Step 3

Once again using the pliers strip the other end of the copper wire and connect it to the earthing bolt which is on your generator. It would be done by unscrewing the earthing bolt, winding the copper wire around it with the pliers and fastening the bolt with the wrench.

And you have successfully earthed your portable camping generator.
Hope you found how to earth a camping generator helpful. For more such camping tips, keep looking out for new blogs at https://www.xtendoutdoors.com.au/blogs/news

June 28, 2019

Outback Camping: How to Avoid a Snake Bite

Australia is home to some of the most venomous snakes in the world, eleven deadliest species are found here. And if you are an outback camper, you might get a chance to face one of them. Well, a face-off is better any day than a quick ophidian bite.
Snake Bite

Bushwalking on a treacherous outback could be an unwelcoming invite for the reptiles. However, there are ways you could have an absolutely safe outback camping and here are some ways you could avoid getting bitten by a snake.

Know about them

The best way to avoid such an encounter is having information beforehand. Do your research about the wildlife of the area you are planning to camp. It helps in getting familiar about the reptile wildlife, their appearance, habitats and venomosity.

Mind your hands

Be careful while you walk through the low-hanging branches beware of what you hold on to. Snakes often slip in on the branches and you might not even recognize a branch or a twig and try to grab a venomous a Joe Blake.

Pitch at a clean spot

An important aspect of camping is pitching your tent at a clean spot, especially while you are outback camping. There could be a dearth of clear grounds for obvious reasons. Avoid areas with tall grass and rocks, they are the perfect haven for these serpentine reptiles.

Protective clothing

There have been researches which show that 90% of snake bites are to the ankle. Despite the heat, wear long covering clothes such as trousers, thick hiking socks and boots.

Avoid swimming in swelled up water bodies

A downpour swells up the water bodies and may cause an influx of undesirable fauna. Snakes can swim and if you are in the water, things might become difficult for you. Avoid swimming in water bodies after a recent downpour.

Mind your feet

Although you are wearing protecting clothing and boots, watch your steps as you walk. Avoid stepping over dried branches and logs, they are a great nesting and resting places for these deadly creatures.

Walk away rather a standoff

On an outback adventure, an ophidian faceoff is possible but it is recommended not to make it a standoff. In most of the Australian states, snakes are protected by law and so, there is no point killing them and makes sense to step away.
Do not speak their language- A well-known fact about snakes is, they can’t hear. But these deadly crawling creatures are naturally equipped with amazing sensors and can sense vibrations, and they take vibrations as a hostile action. Do not run, or stomp or do anything such thing which can offend them.

June 26, 2019

8 Absolutely Amazing Australian Winter Getaways

Here are the winters once again, that time of the year to chill. The temperatures would drop in the coming months but there is nothing like winters to enjoy the outdoors.
Here are 10 places in Australia that you would love to visit during this winter.

Melbourne, Victoria

Right on the southern tip of the Australian continent, the second most livable city, 7 times in a row, Melbourne comes alive in the winters. Check out Queen Victoria Winter Night market, Melbourne Book Market and if you happen to be in the city at the end of July, become a part of the Open House Melbourne.

The Blue Mountains, New South Wales

If you seek tranquillity or even if you are an adventurer at heart, nothing could beat The Blue Mountains in New South Wales. Located at the foothills of Sydney’s metropolitan area, the Blue Mountains is an amazing getaway for a hiker or a camper.

Bridestowe Lavender Farm, Tasmania

Not too far from the mainland, the island state of Tasmania is the ultimate destination for a winter trip. Hardly a drive of an hour from Launceston, Bridestowe is known for its Lavender fields. The beautiful fields give a purple hue as if the fields are photoshopped.

Daintree Rainforest, Queensland

Located at the North East coast of Queensland this tropical rainforest comes out anew in winters. A World Heritage Site listed by UNESCO, the rainforest preserves fauna and fossils of the major stages of Earth’s evolution. Driving is the best way to explore Daintree as the distances between attractions are significant.

Hunter Valley, New South Wales

Formally known as the Hunter region, this region of New South Wales is one of the largest river valleys on the NSW coast. This scenic area contains the Hunter River and has some incredible vineyards and is also known as Australia’s best wine regions. Hunter Valley is an absolute delight for the tourists and attracts 2.5 million people every year.

Hobart, Tasmania

Another stunning place to visit on the island state of Tasmania is, Hobart. The capital of Tasmania, Hobart is the most populous city of the island. A great place for hikers, with Mount Wellington to fathom and in case you are less of an adventurer check out the Museum of Old and New Art.

Charlotte’s Pass, New South Wales

Erroneously known as Charlotte’s Pass, Charlotte Pass is Australia’s highest Alpine terrain. The coldest location of Australia, you could find snow almost around the year, although winters could be chilling, yet it is a great place to ski. There are over 15 accommodation services in the Charlotte Pass village, making it a tourist-friendly altitude.

Mount Buller, Victoria

Located in the Alpine region of the state of Victoria, Mount Buller is a great place to visit for snowsports enthusiasts. The close proximity to Melbourne makes it popular with snowsports.
Don’t just duck under your blankets this winters and check out these amazing winter getaways.

June 18, 2019

A Mini Guide on Porch Awnings to Help You in

Camping trips probably could never be amazing without a worry-free tent up by creating your own space anywhere you love to. Well, an absolutely delighting way to do that is pitching up a caravan porch awning. Here is everything you want to know about caravan porch awnings in a nutshell.

Caravan Porch Awnings

Porch awnings as you must have used, attach to the outside of your caravan and create an extra area to relax. They come in different kinds and every model has its own unique benefits. Porch awnings are simpler to set up and are smaller, lighter, and easier to handle.

Why Caravan Porch Awnings?

A caravan porch gives a great outdoor space to enjoy your camping spot, it could be a beautiful landscape or a pretty sunset. A porch awning-
Creates a living space that could be utilized for activities, cooking and eating or simply a much required shaded seating. You might just love to stay in your caravan, yet beyond a point, you might feel cooped up and want an open yet enclosed space.
Another amazing utility of a porch awning is, it provides space for storage. You can store anything in the porch awning space that you can’t store, in either your caravan or around your caravan parking spot.
As compared to full-size awnings porch awnings are smaller and lighter which makes them easy to set up. It takes about 15 minutes to pitch your porch awning. If you go on shorter camping trips, a porch awning is the best thing to carry along.

Types of porch awnings

There are various porch awnings for caravans on the market and you can choose your awning from different fabrics, frame materials, styles, and sizes. These different porch awnings have a different set of benefits.

Based on frame material

Steel - In case you plan not to move your caravan often like being parked in one area for months at a time, this heavy-duty material is a great choice. Steel withstands extreme weather conditions and stays strong for a long time.
Aluminium - is lightweight and thus makes the porch made of it, a great option to set up and take down. It is also perfect to travel with it frequently.
Fibreglass - Fiberglass is similar to aluminium, which makes the porches made of it, lightweight and easy to handle and store.
Air - Inflatable porch awnings are the newest innovation in the caravan market. These porches are quite easy to construct. You need to do inflate the pipes inside the awning with an upright or battery-powered pump. They are the lightest which makes them very convenient to move along.

Choose Your Awning

When it comes to choosing your awning, consider the 2 main factors; budget and features.
Budget - The most important factor to consider when buying a porch awning is your budget. If you have a light budget consider porch awnings which are smaller and lightweight and if you are planning to considerably spend then pick larger porches with high-quality materials.
Features - Porch awnings come with different features. Consider questions such as how frequently you would use the porch awning, how often do you plan a camping trip? Do you prefer a space to eat outside? Do you need storage space for your camping trips? Do you like to have fresh air while you relax? Do you prefer a quick and easy setup or you seek a more durable awning? Answering these questions would make it easier to decide what kind of porch awning you want to buy.

Maintaining your porch awning

Maintaining your porch awning is equally important. Regular maintenance of your porch awning helps in increasing its life. Fold it every time you take it down, make sure no moisture remains in the material before you pack it up for a long time. Always separate the poles from the canvas and never put them too close together. This would prevent marking and punctures.

June 07, 2019

Camper’s Mini Guide to Stay Hydrated

Being hydrated while doing any kind of physical activity, be it for leisure or a goal is absolutely important. Our body is made of 75% water, yet it requires water just after a half an hour workout. One such activity could be—camping if you choose to go the rigorous ways- tent camping, backpacking/hiking, canoe camping.
Here is a guide to staying hydrated while on a camping trip.

How much water to consume?

The answer to this question depends on various factors such as the climate you are in, the altitude at which you are, the level you have exerted, your body’s water needs. At moderate temperatures and modest activity levels, drinking water to satisfy your thirst should be adequate. But you need to increase your intake in case you are camping in extreme heat or at a greater altitude. You should up your intake to one litre every hour if you are camping in a hot, dry climate or at elevation. The fluid loss also takes place when you exert more thus you need to up your water intake to replace fluid loss from perspiration and respiration. No two campers require exactly the same amount of fluids to and so use personal experience to stay hydrated.
Guide to Stay Hydrated

Tips to staying hydrated

Here are some amazing ways to treat dehydration.

Begin with hydrating- Right before you leave for camping, get yourself hydrated and an hour before you start, drink at least half a liter to 1 liter of water. In case you start early in the morning, the first thing to is hydrate yourself, as the previous night’s sleep makes you dehydrated.
Small Volumes- During camping or hiking, you are recommended to consume smaller volumes of fluids instead of chugging larger ones. You can set a time duration (an alarm preferably) which reminds you for fluid consumption.
Keep it handy- Always keep your water handy. You never know when you would need to hydrate yourself or a fellow camper, pack your fluid such that it is not a hassle to retrieve it when you need it.
Mineral up- Camping may result in losing essential minerals from the body and so, it needs to replenish them from time to time. Avoid sugary drinks to make up for the lost electrolytes, instead, make your own good drinks for dehydration. Another way to keep the electrolyte levels up in your body is by consuming salty snacks. So, do not forget to pack Doritos or Lays.

Signs your are Dehydrated

Your body gives out signs for everything, yes even if you are dehydrating. The major signs of poor hydration are-

Colour of urine- The best way your body signals you are dehydrated is, by the change in colour of your urine. Check for the colour of your urine, if it has turned dark, you surely need to hydrate.
Dry mouth- If you get a dry mouth, it means you need to hydrate.

What to do when dehydrated?

The very first thing for body dehydration treatment is to search for shade (hoping you are not camping in a desert). Take rest while your body cools down. You can boost the cooling down process by soaking a bandana or a piece of cloth in water and covering the head with it. Once you are considerably cooler rehydrate yourself with fluids you are carrying along.
Hope the mini guide on staying hydrated on a camping trip helps you. To get more such camping tips, visit www.xtendoutdoors.com.au

May 17, 2019

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