Travel & Product Tips
Install an Annexe, MSA Fridge Slide, And Upgrade to Electric Brakes with one visit from a technician
How to Level Your Caravan
Camping Light Buying Guide
Whether fishing, cooking, walking, or simply sitting, you cannot move a step without the light.
How to Choose The Best 4WD Awning For a Relaxing and Fun Camping Trip
Caravan Renovation & Interior Decor Ideas
How to Install a Caravan Awning Clothesline
Buying a Caravan: How Much do Caravans Cost
Find out below which caravan to buy, new or used caravan, and look at the caravan price guide.

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.
Caravan Awning Care Guide
Here are some caravan awning care tips that would help you prevent damage and prolong its life.

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.
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.
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.
- 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.
How to Safely Reverse a Caravan
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.

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.
Guide To Caravan Hot Water Systems
When it comes to choosing the caravan hot water system, there are multiple options available.

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.
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.