Travel & Product Tips

Camping Light Buying Guide

A camping light is essential when heading out for the camping trip because not every campsite is powered.
Whether fishing, cooking, walking, or simply sitting, you cannot move a step without the light.

October 19, 2021

How to Choose The Best 4WD Awning For a Relaxing and Fun Camping Trip

Driving to the amazing outback, beaches, bushlands, or campsites of Australia with your friends and family in a car or caravan is super fun.

September 27, 2021

Caravan Renovation & Interior Decor Ideas

A caravan is said to be your home on the wheels when camping. But does your caravan actually feel like one? If not, you need not get a new model for your caravanning trip; instead, renovate the existing one.

September 14, 2021

How to Install a Caravan Awning Clothesline

Are you taken aback by the worry of so much laundry you will have to do after a Caravan trip?

September 01, 2021

Buying a Caravan: How Much do Caravans Cost

Thinking of hitting the road in a caravan with your family and friends? If you do not own one, you must wonder how much it would cost to get a caravan. Also, whether buying a used caravan will be a good deal or not.
Find out below which caravan to buy, new or used caravan, and look at the caravan price guide.
Buying a Caravan

New Versus Used Caravans

While buying the caravan, consider both new and the used caravans. Buying a new van is a great option as you get a great warranty and a host of features that puts life at ease.
However, if you get a well-maintained used caravan that fits your needs and budget, you can also go for it. But when buying, ensure performing thorough checks. Here's our ultimate checklist that would guide you in buying a used caravan.

Caravan Price Guide

The price of the caravans generally differs according to their size and features. From smaller and used caravans to high-end caravans with all the home comforts, many caravans are available.
Here is our caravan price guide. Have a look at what you can get in every price range.

Less than $40,000

Generally, the caravans you get in this range are second-hand. This caravan option is perfect if you are a first-time caravanner and do not want to spend much. Often these smaller and affordable caravans do not hold an ensuite within. However, you do get the bathroom facilities if camping in the caravan parks.

$40-$60,000

If you are an occasional caravan enthusiast, you can get the perfect caravan in this range for your caravanning adventures. You will mostly find small to medium used, single axle pop-top, or full height caravans. While buying, consider inclusions, space, and understanding the size and weight of the caravan. Also, you can even consider a new caravan at this price range with fewer features.

$60-$80,000

You get to choose from multiple new caravan options in this price range, perfect for accommodating two or four people. You can choose medium to large size caravans. The caravans are bigger and longer, around 18 to 20 feet long, and come with twin axles and extra features like an ensuite, bigger water tanks, and much more. At this price range, you will be able to include some off-road components.

$80-$100,000

Hardcore caravanning enthusiasts, frequently traveling to the great Australian outdoors with family and friends, can get a new family caravan in this price range. You will find the large-sized caravans that offer extra space and extra comforts for your adventure.

$100,000+

In this price range, you will get the caravan with all homely comforts. This premium range of new caravan models is available in medium and large sizes. They come with a twin axle, full ensuite, bigger space, and a host of creature comforts.
In this price range, you get a greater choice of caravan layouts, interior, and appliances. You can even add off-road components you wish to add like solar panels, battery, and suspension.

Conclusion

With the caravan price guide, you might be clear of what is offered in each price range. Whichever price range you are considering, before buying, do thorough research. If buying a used caravan, make sure to know that the caravan has a good service history and is suitable for your vehicle.

August 24, 2021

Caravan Awning Care Guide

While camping, a caravan Awning is an ultimate protection shield. But, even this protection shield requires protection from weather conditions, grime, and other unwanted elements. Often we neglect taking care of the caravan awning. But it takes a minute for these factors to damage the caravan awning.
Here are some caravan awning care tips that would help you prevent damage and prolong its life.
Caravan Awning Care Guide

Caravan Awning Care Tips

1. Give a Quick Clean Off

Whenever you roll up your caravan awning using a dry broom, lightly sweep off the dust, cobwebs, loose dirt, tree sap, bird poo, tree leaves, and mud from the awning.

2. Do not Roll Up Wet Awning

Rolling up the wet caravan awning damages the awning fabric. When rolled up wet, the moisture on the caravan awnings leads to mold, mildew, and stains.
Therefore, make sure to leave the awning open until it dries out completely.

3. Use A Proper Caravan Awning Cleaning Product

Cleaning the caravan awning cannot be done using any regular household detergent. The harsh chemical weakens the fabric and wears down the waterproof surface of the awning. To be on the safer side, use products that are specially made for cleaning the caravan awning.
Xtend Outdoors Camco Pro-Strength Awning Cleaner is an excellent caravan awning cleaning product. The solution is suitable for cleaning every type and fabric of the awning. It restores the awning appearance by safely removing stains, mold, and grime from the awning.

4. Cover Your Awning

When storing your caravan, make sure you cover your awning as well. If not covered, exposure to the weather, dust, dirt, and other elements can damage it in no time. So, protect it using a proper awning cover and keep it safe for your next caravan trip.

5. Ensure 'Pull Down Strap' is in The Centre

Before rolling up or rolling out the caravan awning, make sure the pull-down strap is in the center. Otherwise, you might end up getting an uneven roll or stretching fabric from one end.

6. Wash Your Caravan Awning Gently

While cleaning, do not rub the awning hard. Using a soft brush, gently wash the awning. You need to clean it thoroughly, but without putting pressure. Otherwise, you might end up damaging the awning on your own.

7. Keep it Safe

When not in use, the caravan awning requires extra care. Heavy winds could rip it off, and harsh UV rays at the campsite could weaken the awning fabric. So, to prevent your awning from such damage, roll it up whenever you feel there is no use.

Conclusion

To make the most of your caravan awning, ensure giving it special care, attention and cleaning it with awning cleaning products.
Whether you want to refresh your caravan awning or remove stubborn stains from the caravan, at Xtend Outdoors, we have cleaning products for every purpose.

August 19, 2021

A Guide to Measure Awning Size

Caravan awnings are a fantastic way to extend your living space and enhance your camping experience. But when it comes to choosing the awning for your caravan, make sure the awning is the right fit as every caravan model has different dimensions. If not measured correctly, you are most likely to have a stressful experience outdoors. Here is how you need to measure a caravan awning.
A GUIDE TO MEASURE AWNING SIZE

How to Measure a Caravan Awning?

Now, the question arises of how to measure a caravan awning? You need to use the caravan's 'A' measurement to get the correct awning size. Wondering what is the 'A' measurement, where it is, and how to measure it?

What is 'A' Measurement?

'A' measurement is ground to ground measurement. It is the distance from the ground, all around the caravan's awning rail, and back down to the ground.

Where to find the 'A' measurement?

You can find the 'A' measurement in your caravan's instruction manual. The manual has all the dimensions of the caravan listed within.

How to measure the 'A' measurement?

But in case, if you do not have the instruction manual in hand, you can measure the 'A' measurement manually. It is pretty simple. You just need:

a tent peg,
a ball of string/wool, and
a tape measure.

Now, start measuring.

Step 1:

Knock the tent peg to the ground at the rear side of the caravan's awning rail.

Step 2:

Tie the end of the string to the peg.

Step 3:

Extend the string along the awning rail till you reach back to the ground in front of the caravan.

Step 4:

Once the string is on the ground at the front, ensure it has not torn or detached from the peg at the back and cut it.

Step 5:

Measure the length of the string in centimeters using a tape measure. The measurement is your 'A' measurement and awning size.

Measuring a Porch Awning

Porch awnings differ from others in terms of set-up, size, and weight. These do not wrap all around the caravan. So, it is measured differently than other types of awnings. To know the porch awning size, you need to measure:

The height measured from the ground to the awning rail.
The length of the straight awning section at the top.

You also need to take care of the awning's position regarding your caravan's doors, windows, and hatches.

The caravan door must be under the straight awning section so that it opens inside the porch.
If only half of the window is coming inside the straight length section, you can either take the whole window inside the awning or leave it outside. Please measure the length accordingly, taking/leaving it.

How to Put up a Caravan Awning?

When it comes to putting up a caravan awning, read the instructions carefully and move step by step. Also, before you start with the set-up, collect all the awning parts at once.

Conclusion

Are you finding the awning set-up complicated? Do not worry. Along with the exceptional caravan awnings, made with high-quality materials, at Xtend Outdoors, we also provide installation service all over Australia. So, enjoy without stressing over the set-up of caravan awning. With us, you can get installed a right-sized caravan awning anywhere in Australia.

August 13, 2021

How to Safely Reverse a Caravan

While camping, caravan reversing is one of the trickiest maneuvers a caravanner has to
perform. If you are a newbie, maneuvering the large, heavy vehicle could be difficult. But with the reversing rules and steps, you will be able to smoothly reverse the caravan anytime, anywhere, and enjoy a stress-free trip with your family.
Safely Reverse a Caravan

General Reversing Rules to Remember

While reversing the caravan, the most imperative rule to remember is the opposite rule. It
means that to reverse the caravan in a particular direction, you have to steer towards the
opposite direction. Like to move the caravan to the right, rotate the steering wheel gradually towards the left and vice versa.
Make sure to move the steering wheel slowly to prevent oversteering. If you oversteer in one direction or observe the caravan is taking a circle, stop at the same moment and start moving ahead in a straight line. Keep moving until the caravan is completely straightened behind your car. Ask someone to stand in front of the vehicle and guide you if the two rear corners of the caravan are not in the straight line.
If your caravan is wider than the vehicle, install towing mirrors. These would provide you with a clear view while maneuvering the vehicle.

How to Reverse a Caravan?

Now that you are aware of reversing rules let us understand how to reverse a caravan onto a pitch step by step.

Step 1: Find your Turning Point

When starting with the caravan reversing, the first step is to mark the turning point. Get out from the caravan and stand at the starting right corner of the parking bay. Then take two steps ahead and four large steps to the right. It is the point where you need to start reversing. To get your caravan on this, reverse the right rear caravan corner.

Step 2: Turn the Steering Wheel

Once you have reached the turning point, hold the steering wheel from the bottom and rotate it to the left. Then, please bring it back half a turn and start reversing. Make sure the right-hand corner of the caravan backs into the parking spot.

Step 3: Reverse the Steering Direction

Once the caravan's right wheel reaches the right corner of the parking, rotate the steering wheel gradually to the right. Reverse the steering direction to avoid jack-knifing. If you jack-knife, stop, start moving forward and bring the steering wheel to the center. Safely reverse the caravan once the caravan and vehicle are aligned.

Step 4: Park and Apply Brakes

Before continuing, check how far you can go. Ensure there is enough space for your caravan awning (excellent caravan accessory to avail additional space at the campsite). This avoids getting damages and some foot space outside the caravan. After checking, park your caravan. Then, activate the handbrake and ensure if the caravan is at levels and the wheels are stable and immovable.

Conclusion

Reversing the caravan is not complicated. By following our step-by-step guide, you can reverse your caravan onto a pitch without a hitch.

August 07, 2021

Guide To Caravan Hot Water Systems

Nothing feels more relaxing and comforting than a hot shower after a long tiring day. With caravan hot water systems, it is possible to get the same when on the road. You can have access to plenty of hot water anytime at the campsite by installing the hot water system into your caravan.
When it comes to choosing the caravan hot water system, there are multiple options available.
Solar-Powered Caravan Hot Water System

Electric Caravan Hot Water System

If you are looking for an instant hot water solution for your camping trip, nothing other than the electric caravan hot water system will match your needs. When on the road, this water heater system provides a steady stream of hot water straight from the tap for showers and various camping purposes. But to get the readily available hot water from the system, make sure you have access to a sufficient power supply at the campsite.
The electric hot water system is extremely energy and water-efficient. It instantly heats the water when it passes from the tap and only when required. Installing this system in your caravan would save your time in stopovers for refilling the water tanks.

Gas Caravan Hot Water System

Gas caravan hot water system is ideal for off-road travel and camping. Similar to the electric water heater, this gas caravan hot water system quickly heats the water. It provides you with a hot water supply whenever required. It is one of the most economical options among water heaters. You need not invest in batteries or solar panels to operate.
This water system is solely powered by gas for operating. It will require a sufficient amount of gas and a steady flow of clean water at the campsite. So to run the system easily, you will have to carry gas cylinders. But often, when exposed out to the elements, gas cylinders attract dust, oil, rust, and even get destroyed.
To protect them from such unwanted environmental damages, cover them using Xtend Outdoors Gas Bottle Cover. The cover is water-resistant and is made with heavy-duty, breathable fabric to ensure strong protection against the outer elements.

Solar-Powered Caravan Hot Water System

The solar-powered caravan hot water system solely operates from the sun's heat, which makes it an environmentally friendly solution.

Solar Shower Bags

Often the weight of the Solar-Powered Caravan Hot Water System unit is not ideal for the caravan. You can opt for the alternative, solar shower bags. These are easy to use and fit in the caravan. You can place them outside in the sun and bring them in once the water inside it warms up.

Conclusion

Caravan hot water systems are life-savers. Keeping in mind your budget and needs, you can choose any of the above as every water heater would fulfill your hot water needs at the campsite. We highly recommend you to seek professional help during installation and also make sure to maintain it with regular service.

July 20, 2021

How to Protect Your Roll out Caravan Awning From Damage

Roll-out caravan awnings are a great innovation in the awning range. Using these awnings saves the caravanners from struggles faced during camping, along with homely comfort and convenience.

Your Awning Needs Protection Too!

The roll-out caravan awning is sure to protect you from the weather, but at the same time, even the awning needs protection from the weather. Sudden weather changes at the campsite, like strong winds and rain, could severely damage the awning in a moment and ruin your entire camping trip. With some extra care, you can easily prevent the awning from damage and extend its life. Here are tips on how you can protect your roll-out caravan awning.

Tips to Protect Your Roll Out Caravan Awnings

Peg it to The Ground

The constant pressure of the wind on the awning increases the chances of wear and tear. If you think the weather at the campsite is gusty or even if the light winds, storm, or rain are expected to blow in, make sure to peg the awning roller bar to the ground. It provides the awning extra and strong support to fight the gusty winds at the campsite.

Use Caravan Rafters

Investing a few seconds to place your caravan roof rafters to the awning can save you a lot of time and effort further in the trip. These rafters help you avoid the common caravanning problems, water pooling, and wind flaps. When attached, the rafters provide a gentle curve to the awning that allows rainwater to run off easily and tightens the awning fabric, which reduces the wind flap.

Use De-Flappers or an Anti-Flap Kit

To fix the flapping of the awning due to winds or rains, secure the awning vinyl with de flappers or an Anti-flap kit. These provide additional support to the overall awning and prevent damage from flapping during winds or rain.

Set the Awning Roller Bar Correctly

It is the most important tip to protect your roll-out caravan awning from damage. Set your awning roller bar to the three o'clock position initially. It will be difficult to change if it is not at the ideal position and will cause water pooling and wind flapping.

Conclusion

Not all the roll-out caravan awnings could withstand the harsh weather conditions. Choosing the right Roll Out Caravan Awning is essential; otherwise, after every trip, either you will end up changing the entire awning or pay for the repairs. Xtend Outdoors Roll Out Caravan Awnings are lightweight and made with excellent, sturdy materials that could easily take the pressure of strong winds at the campsite. Our awnings are robust and can be used for the long term.

July 06, 2021

Top Caravan Annexes by Xtend Outdoors

When on the trip, we often require additional space for relaxing, storing the luggage, or for some recreational activities. Caravan annexes are the quickest and lightweight to increase your living space at the campsite. Not only does it double the space, but it also provides privacy and protects you from the weather elements.

Caravan Annexes at Xtend Outdoors

Now the question arises, how to choose the right caravan annex. With so many options available, you are sure to get confused. At Xtend Outdoors, we offer a great range of caravan annexes made with breathable and durable materials. Depending upon your caravan type and need, you can easily find the perfect one. Let us look at some of the top caravan annexes:

Top Caravan Annexes

Australia Wide Inflatable Camper Annexe

Our inflatable caravan annexe is the best yet simplest addition you can have for your wind-up camper. It is specially designed, keeping in mind the ease of setting up. You have to simply slide in the sail track, inflate using a hand pump, and peg to the ground.

Australia Wide Inflatable Annexe

Unlike the traditional caravan annexes, these caravan annexes do not add much weight to your caravan. It is easy and quick to set up, as you just need to fill it up with air using a manual hand pump. This caravan annex incorporates multiple features and can be installed underneath a roll-out awning or on its own. It even consists of a sunroof that allows the sunlight to enter, creating a perfect room to live in.

Australia Wide Inflatable Free Standing Annexe

Our free-standing inflatable annex is the best caravan annex for your four-wheel drive or a panel van. It is like a room that can be either attached to the vehicle or left free-standing on the ground. Due to its modern and innovative design, it takes just a couple of minutes to assemble this caravan annex on the trip.

Australia Wide Rollout Awning Walls

Nowadays, every caravan has a new-gen roll-out caravan awning attached to it. So, instead of setting up a whole caravan annex, you can easily modify your roll-out awning into an annex by attaching walls to it. These are easy to set up and provide utmost privacy as well as protection. This outstanding caravan annexe is custom designed to suit every roll-out or wind-out caravan awning.

Australia Wide Camper Room Walls

If you are looking for a caravan annex for your wind-up camper, our camper room walls are the ones you should go for. Depending upon your needs, you can either zip the canvas for a protected area or roll it up to allow the cool breeze to let in and enjoy the open surroundings. These walls are sure to offer the utmost convenience and comfort at the campsite.

Electric Rollout Awning Annexe

Our annexe is designed for an electric roll-out awning that extends and retracts with a push of a button. The setting up of the annex is also convenient. It comes with anti-flap kits and rafters. This caravan annex is suitable for the 2019 model Jayco Silverline and Journeys.

Australia Wide Shade Annexe

You can have a fun time and relax at the campsite without compromising your surroundings' beautiful views with our Australian Wide Shade Annexe. This caravan annex protects you from the harsh Australian sun, exhibits proper ventilation, and will not tear easily.

Conclusion

Caravan annex is a life-saver. If you wish to have a fun-filled, hassle-free, and relaxing trip with your family in the great Australian outdoors, make sure you have attached an annex to your caravan.

June 29, 2021

How To Avoid Caravan Snaking

Caravan snaking is dangerous that can lead to serious accidents or disruption. Regular caravanners might be aware of it. But if you are new and thinking what it is, then while towing, when the caravan destabilizes and starts swaying from side to side (like a dreaded snake) is known as caravan snaking.
If not realized at the moment, the swaying motions of the caravan become more prominent, that it starts dragging the tow car. After which, it becomes difficult for the driver to control. The situation is so terrifying that it is sure to blow the mind, moisten the palms and dry the throat of even an experienced caravanner.
How To Avoid Caravan Snaking

When talking about caravan snaking, the most commonly asked questions are why is my caravan snaking, how to avoid and prevent caravan snaking. So, let us understand each of them.

Why do Caravans Snake?

While driving, when the caravans snake, you might feel the sudden loss of control over the caravan or feel like the tow car and the caravan are not moving in sync. Well, this happens due to many factors. Like due to an abrupt change of direction, driving at high speeds, strong crosswinds, blown-out tyres, being overtaken by the larger vehicles on the road, poor towing, or because of the overloaded caravan.
These factors cause the caravan to snake. Which further causes major disruption to others on the road and results in severe accidents.

How to Avoid Caravan Snaking?

For avoiding caravan snaking incidents, you need to fit some extras like:
An anti-snaking electronic stabilizer as a safety device to your caravan: This caravan safety device comes with modern technology that automatically detects even a slight snaking motion and applies the caravan breaks.
Tyron bands: These lightweight bands are attached to the wheel of the car or caravan to avoid snaking in case of tyre blow-outs. The bands hold the wheel and tyre together, allows the tyre to run flat, and helps the driver to retain the lost control.
Towing mirrors: The force of large vehicles coming in speed from behind the caravan causes crosswinds, due to which the caravan starts swaying. By fitting towing mirrors to the vehicle, you can easily see the view behind your caravan. These will help you to prepare for the coming force and move accordingly.

What can be Done to Prevent Caravan Snaking?

The first and the foremost step to prevent caravan snaking is to develop a good towing practice before heading out on your journey.
Make sure the tow car and caravan are linked properly.
Check the tyre condition and replace it if necessary. Also, make sure the pressure in your car and caravan tyres is at the optimum level.
Do not add unnecessary weight to your caravan. Like we often carry items that are not required. And some can be minimized with some arrangements like you can equip your caravan with Xtend Outdoors Caravan Awnings for some shade at the campsite instead of carrying a whole tent.
Check the nose weight of the caravan. Ensure not overloading it.
Drive cautiously. Keep a check on your driving speed.

Conclusion

Caravan snaking is troublesome and can ruin the trip as things get out of control. But, with the right preparation, the right equipment, the right preventive measures, and sensible driving, you can travel without any worries and have an uncomplicated and wonderful trip.

June 22, 2021

Currency

Travel & Product Tips

New Versus Used Caravans

Caravan Price Guide

Less than $40,000

$40-$60,000

$60-$80,000

$80-$100,000

$100,000+

Conclusion

Caravan Awning Care Tips

1. Give a Quick Clean Off

2. Do not Roll Up Wet Awning

3. Use A Proper Caravan Awning Cleaning Product

4. Cover Your Awning

5. Ensure 'Pull Down Strap' is in The Centre

6. Wash Your Caravan Awning Gently

7. Keep it Safe

Conclusion

How to Measure a Caravan Awning?

What is 'A' Measurement?

Where to find the 'A' measurement?

How to measure the 'A' measurement?

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

Step 4:

Step 5:

Measuring a Porch Awning

How to Put up a Caravan Awning?

Conclusion

General Reversing Rules to Remember

How to Reverse a Caravan?

Step 1: Find your Turning Point

Step 2: Turn the Steering Wheel

Step 3: Reverse the Steering Direction

Step 4: Park and Apply Brakes

Conclusion

Electric Caravan Hot Water System

Gas Caravan Hot Water System

Solar-Powered Caravan Hot Water System

Solar Shower Bags

Conclusion

Your Awning Needs Protection Too!

Tips to Protect Your Roll Out Caravan Awnings

Peg it to The Ground

Use Caravan Rafters

Use De-Flappers or an Anti-Flap Kit

Set the Awning Roller Bar Correctly

Conclusion

Caravan Annexes at Xtend Outdoors

Top Caravan Annexes

Australia Wide Inflatable Free Standing Annexe

Electric Rollout Awning Annexe

Conclusion

Why do Caravans Snake?

How to Avoid Caravan Snaking?

What can be Done to Prevent Caravan Snaking?

Conclusion

Currency