Travel & Product Tips

Although we are social animals and we can’t be a recluse, but at times we end up being all alone. It could be as eventful as an unfortunate event or at times being the mere “newcomer” to a place or sometimes we just want to be with us. Well whatever the reason may be, there should not be any reason which should be a constraint to enjoying ourselves.

Albeit there are some activities that are more fun doing in a group, like caravanning with friends and family, yet it can be enjoyed to a great extent even being ‘single’, as setting alone is much better than sulking over being solo.

Here are some tips for caravanning alone.

Who's gonna help reversing

Travelling alone has its own worries fixing flat tires, reversing the trailer, safety etc. You just need to gather some confidence by learning a few pointers. Get towing tips from the professionals before going from your trip. They will teach you everything from loading to safety thus making you all ready to set the sail alone.

Make some new friends

There are people out there in the world who share your passion and likes. Connect to them and make some new friends. You could set a caravanning club and arrange road trips.

Tag-Alongs

There are some vendors who provide you company by charging some fees. This would be paid companies that you could tag-along. Another amazing way to get company.

Get together on get together's

Caravanning travellers have a ritual whenever they are not alone, in the evening there is an unofficial gathering and people gather around a common spot. This gives an amazing opportunity to talk and share information. Nothing could be more fun and informative than sharing. This could give a lot of insight on- travel spots, the goods and bads of a journey, knowing about efficient detours and itineraries and at the end making acquaintances.

Choose your vehicle

Being alone doesn’t mean you should get on anything. Travelling alone gives you a chance to pamper yourself. Make a list of whatever you want in your vehicle and get a camper that suits you the best.

All the assistance you need

Being a single girl caravanning is no more a limitation. There are several caravanning parks that provide good assistance for- reversing, treading difficult terrains and other kinds of bottlenecks.

Travelling alone is not that bad as we think. Its just that one has to be more open to consider and adapt new things.

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   Quirk it up

•  Colour it up!

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  Simplicity is the Key

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  Cleaning

Awning turns out to be one of the most important accessions for any caravanner to possess. Not only it offers increased space and shade to wherever you are camping and caravanning, but it also marks a safe area for your kids and family in the outdoor and gives them a space that can be used effectively. Awnings are made out of vinyl, canvas and other materials that smoothly allow you to escape the rain and heat by simple extensions and no hassle. Very easy to set up and store, awnings turn out to be a trustworthy accessory while you are out camping. To make sure your awning doesn’t wear out, here are some tips that will keep your awning in top condition for long. 

Mild Detergent to be used as cleanser

To make sure that the fabric of your awning doesn’t wear out or get damaged due to the accumulated dirt and debris, use a mild detergent. A bleach free detergent is recommended as bleach reduces the life of the fabric, resulting in damaged awnings. Right when you are about to wash the awning, ensure that the bird droppings are removed else they get soaked and make the fabric harder and corrosive.

To make sure that the fabric of your awning doesn’t wear out or get damaged due to the accumulated dirt and debris, use a mild detergent. A bleach free detergent is recommended as bleach reduces the life of the fabric, resulting in damaged awnings. Right when you are about to wash the awning, ensure that the bird droppings are removed else they get soaked and make the fabric harder and corrosive.

Annual service

No matter if you use your awning frequently or not, annual service is a wise idea. A through annual service will leave your awning with lubricated sliding arms, repairs and checked spring tensions. Annual service of the awning helps in maintaining the functionality of the awning.

To Prevent Rain Water Drips, Rub Wax Over Awning Stitching

Coat the stitching of the awning with wax to avoid rainwater from dripping inside. Also, don’t forget to apply a coat of wax to the area which isn’t exposed after the awning is rolled up. This prevents the sun damage.

Keep it Steady by Tying the Awning Down

Ensure that the awning is tied down properly else a sudden wind gust will destroy your awning. You can always act wise and paint the pegs of the awnings so that they remain visible and you could easily spot if they have come out of their position or not.

Don’t Allow Water to Accumulate 

Avoid keeping your awning extended during a downpour. If you keep it extended, then water will definitely get accumulated and this will result in deteriorating of the fabric. The fabric also weighs down and it can further lead to a total collapse.

A Good Quality Awning is Worth an Investment

Whenever you are out shopping for an awning, invest in a premium quality awning. This will simply eliminate the major aforementioned issues and ease down your task of maintaining the awning. You can then save out on costly repairs, damages, and frequent servicing.

Awnings turn out to be a great adtion to your caravan. Not only they add a comfort factor to your caravan, but also make the whole caravanning experience more enjoyable. Awnings are a versatile and durable accessory that can prove to be a boon during your caravan trip to your favorite outdoor. After all, you can’t drive all day long and then as soon as you park your caravan, sit back in the caravan itself. Spread out the awning and install it. Add a new layer of shade and protection and enjoy your favorite outdoors. You can not only add a room to the exteriors of the place you are camping but you will also have a bit more to explore and admire.

Awnings are made out of high quality materials which make them strong enough to sustain during rainfall, ruthless sun and a windy day. By installing an awning, you have a small place where you can sit back and sip on your favorite coffee. As a caravanner, you can have your hands on different kinds of awnings available in the market. The types of awnings include:

• Roll Out Awnings
• Dometic Awnings
• Inflatable awning

When you consider buying roll out awnings, you can be sure of controlling the amount of sun or shade you get at the place you are camping. In nick of time, you’d be able to stretch them up and cover your space, or pull it back so that you can soak up the sunshine. Thankfully, these awnings do not have any support poles that may block the sun or the scenery.

These days, you can approach companies like Australia Wide Annexes to get different colors and custom sizes in roll-out awnings. They can even provide you with retractable awnings and other varied awnings, as per your needs and budget.

Dometic Awnings are yet again known to be strong and very durable. They usually come with heavy duty adjustable arms and are quite affordable to purchase.

Inflatable awnings on the other hand are topped with ready-fitted piping in a strong material which, once inflated to an appropriate pressure, complete a solid structure. These inflatable awnings are available with their own tent structures which basically is a groundsheet that has been stitched in, and a connecting point for the foot pump that is used to inflate the entire structure.

So which awning is your pick?

Buying a caravan is a one of greatest decision you will ever make. This will obviously involve a lot of money as well. Hence, yo must make sure that you think of all the considerations that can affect your purchasing decision. The reasons might include the budget, comfort offered by the caravan, and the amenities. Determine your priorities as per the purpose of your trip and smooth up your caravanning experience.

What all things do you actually have to consider:

• The size of the caravan!

If you are planning to go for a lengthy travel topped with comparatively short stays, than a short van can be a perfect pick for you. But, a longer stay might demand a longer van.

• Towing Capacity

If you already have a caravan, consider its towing capacity. If it is not enough, then you should probably go for a new caravan, in exchange of the old one. However, you must realize the fact that a little extra fuel will be required to tow a heavier caravan.

• Comforts and Luxury!

Traveling can be adventurous and comfortable at the same time. All you need to do is make sure that the caravan you are traveling with is well equipped with the comfort elements and luxuries you would need on your way, during your trip. You might have to consider the following facts:

• Number of beds that will be adequate for the whole trip?
• Type of beds- island bed, folded beds, single beds.
• Who all are coming along? Children? Grandchildren? Or are you expecting visitors?
• How do you plan to cook? Barbecue? Microwave? Whatever your plan is, make sure that you carry the essentials and manage the space well in the caravan.
• Do you need a toilet or water board? Are you going to carry water re-fillers? If yes, consider the amount of water you might want to use outdoors, according to the number of members traveling along.

Caravanning is one of best things you can do to unwind yourself from your sedentary lifestyle. However, you need to set you priorities so that once you are in the outdoors, you don’t face any hurdles and end up with a smooth travel experience.

So, what are your priorities while caravanning?

Planning to explore what the nature has to offer to you? If yes, buying a caravan is the best decision you’d ever take in your life. Once you own a caravan, it would turn out to be a perfect companion for your weekend escape, which will take you to your favorite destination. A caravan gives you the freedom to relax and unwind from your sedentary lifestyle, which of course is quite necessary.

Caravans come with a range of layouts and designs. You need to choose wisely which one will fit your requirements to the core.

Here are 5 things you should consider to Get Your Family the Best Caravan

1. The Caravan Layout for your Family

The caravan manufacturing industry caters to the requirements of every caravanner. If you are someone who usually would travel with family, then make sure that you choose a caravan that gives you an option of bunk beds, so that your kids already have their permanent little space every time they are out with you caravanning.

You won’t have to pack and lay out their beds every day. Choose a caravan that gives you enough space for all such requirements.

2. A Caravan Awning for Adding Extra Space

Never forget to buy Caravan awning while you are caravanning. A perfect caravan awning will complement your whole trip. Who knows you can get an amazing double bedroom space at you favorite camping spot along with your caravan. Australia Wide Annexes offers you a range of quality awnings that can be carried to provide you an extra room while you exploring your favorite outdoors.

3. Storage - Must for your family

When you are traveling with your family, you will always need an extra space for storage. Before finalizing any caravan, make sure that it has a lot of potential space in it. You can choose the Caravan with space underneath the beds and sofas as well. Just lift it and check if that would be sufficient for you.

4. The Heating, Cooking, and Electrics for a great experience

Always check if your caravan has enough of power sockets or not. While you are into the wild, you need these sockets to charge your cell phone, and other gadgets. Ovens, toaster, kettles and grills also need the heat. Either get your caravan customized or mention all these requirements to the seller specifically.

5. Water & Toilet

You might want to use two water rollers on a trip because traveling with family would demand that. Consider this factor well and check if your potential caravan has enough of space to carry a couple of water rollers or not. You will also have to make sure if it can get connected to fresh water or not.

With these essential considerations, there are a lot of Caravan accessories like a Bike Rack, Minor Fixtures & Fittings, Outside Electrics, Gas and Shower etc. which you can consider while planning to buy a caravan.

Is there anything else you would like to consider? Choose well! Happy Caravanning!

Caravanning is a lifestyle and has to be followed in style. However, even caravanning has specific etiquettes that should be considered by caravanners so that it runs smoothly and perfectly. If you turn out to be a beginner caravanner, check out these caravanning etiquettes that can simply be followed for a perfect caravanning lifestyle. Once you have considered these etiquettes, you can then jump to considering the easy tips to camp like a champ this holiday!

CARAVAN PARK ETIQUETTE

• While caravanning, if you park your caravan somewhere, make sure that you put in some efforts to talk to people around. This way, not only will you have a company, but you will also be appreciated for your approach and not regarded as a trespasser caravanner.

• Stick to the roads even if you are searching for a toilet. If you step across somebody else’s site, then it might bother them.

• If your furry friend is accompanying you, make sure that they are under control. After all, not everyone is an animal lover. And the parks you enter or park your caravan in should be pet-friendly.

• Never use someone else’s parking site to park your car or caravan without prior consent.

• Don’t empty your kitchen or toilet dump anywhere except the designated dumping stations.

• Once you have dumped the waste, wash down the tank holding a hose pipe.

• Take all your garbage away when you leave from a site.

• Use the play areas that are pre-define by the caravan parks for your children to play.

• Minimize the sound level coming from your campsite after 10 pm and keep it that way till 8 in the morning.

• Follow the park rules before someone else asks you to do so.

DRIVING ETIQUETTE

• While towing your caravan, make sure that you drive in the left-most corner of the lane, without being a hindrance to other travellers.

• Respect the fellow caravanners and park your caravan at the designated spot.

• Consider a polite pull whenever you see traffic building up because of your caravan.

Caravanning can turn out to be very smooth if you follow these etiquettes. This way, it will also be a no-worry activity for people around you. Caravan and camp in style with these etiquettes and leave an impression on the fellow caravanners!

Comfort Essentials!

Backpack

A stuff-it-all backpack is a must! If you purchase a decent quality backpack, it might serve you for years without washing out!

Tent

In case you have that urge to sleep peacefully, while out in the wild, curled up in a warm home, make sure that you keep a tent set up with you! A dome series would be perfect.

Sleeping Bag

A sleeping bag is a comfy essential that an be rolled up into a real small roll and stored easily while you travel and camp! In case you turn out to be someone who needs a cushioning between your mattress and the jagged earth, a sleeping pad is a perfect pick for you!

Clothes

Feet

 A Knife

Carry a knife that can dice onions, cut ropes, and even act as a defensive weapon in times of urgency! There are also some essential gadgets that you have to carry while camping so that they can smooth up your camping experience! You can always make a list of essential gadgets you require while camping.

Fire-starting material

Waterproof Dry Bag

Caravans make a great holiday accommodation! Yet, if you want to increase your living space while you are out on a caravanning trip, awnings are what you should be looking forward to! When you go out to purchase an awning, all you need to look after is the fabric you want, the poles and probably the texture! Once you have bought it, you also need to make sure that it always looks great every time you install it! Here are some Tips for Keeping Your Outdoor Awning Looking Great!

Approach Commercial Awning Cleaners

Call for a commercial cleaner who is well versed with dealing with the awning fabrics! Be it a stain on the awning or a mildew, a professional will cleaning the awning in the most apt way, the way it should be cleaned! After all, an awning requires some spraying, cleaning, rolling and rinsing which can actually turn out to be a hassle for you!

Inspect Awnings For Mildew or Stains When First Opening

Before you leave for your caravanning trip, make sure that you open your awning for once, and check the fabric thoroughly to make sure there isn't any mildew or stains sneaking on the fabric. You need to check for stains and mildew because awnings do develop mildew. Don’t opt for scrubbing, else it will eliminate the water-resistant finish.

Make Sure There Aren't Any Tears

With time,the fabric of your awning might suffer from wear and tear! So make sure that you check for the tears and get the patches or the repair done before the fabric wears out completely!

Avoid Storing While Wet

In case you ever store your awning wet, it is most likely to develop a mildew or the moisture will eventually get the material rotting! Make sure that the awning is dry on both the sides and then store!

Store In Travel Mode

When you leave the site, fold and store the awning in the travel mode or it might get the fabric damaged during the travel!

Follow these simple tips and you will never have to look down for a new awning every now and then! So next time you get going for a caravanning trip, prepare your awnings well! In case, you still haven’t grabbed your awning to complement your trip, approach Australia Wide Annexes and they will offer you with the most apt awning according to the measurements of your caravan and your needs!

Camping leaves you with one of greatest pleasures of life. Ah! The feeling of sleeping under the sky full of stars and moon glowing radiantly; what a peace!! So in case you are tired of the city buzz and and are ready for an adventure, camping is surely your thing. While on camping, you must make sure that you follow these handy hacks that will make your camping adventure go all the way more smooth, joyous and hassle-free.

Shaved Soaps:

Quick Fire-starters:

Cook in Foil:

Cork it up:

The Mighty Shoe-rack:

Stuff the Shoes:

Caravan holidays are always fun filled and looked forward to by people. You need to be fully prepared for your journey before you set out. But before you decide that you are prepared, here’s a question for you: What will you do if it rains?

Didn’t prepare for this aspect? Don’t worry, we’ll guide you.

Weather conditions can be treacherous at times and can spoil your mood and holidays. However much you hope and wish for the blue skies and sunshine, there might always be a possibility of rains disrupting your vacations. But don’t get sad, for everything is worth an experience. Here we will list some of the precautionary measures and activities you can indulge in while it’s raining outside. Follow them to avoid getting disappointed later.

Put Up Caravan Awning

Caravan awnings provide you with extra space for accommodation. They are significantly important in the rainy season when you need space to dry your muddy shoes and wet clothes. Also, they provide space for pet animals whose presence in the van would mean utter chaos.

Porch awnings are best suited for such a weather since they are easy to erect and can withstand heavy rains and winds. Waterproof materials used in the caravan awning walls help you remain clean and dry.

If it’s windy, take the side panels out to avoid fighting large areas of windblown fabric or worse, ripping it. Put a plastic sheet on the ground if it is muddy when you are erecting your awning. This will prevent your fabric from getting dirty.

Indoor Activities

When the sky outside is grey, sometimes, all you want to do is sip your coffee while reading a book in the comfort of your van. So, be prepared with all the necessary items for such a situation. Pack indoor games to keep the kids entertained. Also take your iPad, novels, sketchbook and games with you. Savour some alone time in the company of books or enjoy some family time playing games while it’s raining outside.

Local Indoor Attractions

Research and find out about the local attractions of your destination like museums, galleries and theatres prior to your journey. This will help you in keeping some options to spend quality time at without spoiling your mood over ruined plans in bad weather conditions. Explore the local art and culture, watch movies with you family and savour delicacies. Do not go out with a single plan. After all who wants to be frustrated during holidays?

Embrace The Rain

It is not always that we get time to spend in the vicinity of nature. So, embrace the rains as they come. Do not fret over ruined plans and dampen your spirits. Get decked in your waterproofs and go out for a walk. Savour the scent of petrichor as you jump and walk through puddles. Play with your children and make memories that you will cherish for life. Indulge in the luxuries of nature and enjoy your days as never before.

Are you struggling with your roll-out caravan awning? We have seen many people struggle to set up a roll-out awning. As they have increased in popularity, many still struggle. Well, it is rather easy to correctly open and close a roll-out awning if you know how to go about it. Don’t worry about caravan awnings from different brands. The basic mechanism is the same for all brands.

In order to open and close a roll-out awning correctly, just follow these steps.

• Loosen the knobs at the back so that the arms may be brought down into the right position.
• Release the plastic hatch that holds the inner and the outer arm. Once released, the arms can be extended properly to facilitate the opening of the roll-out caravan awning.
• Repeat the procedure for the other support arm.
• Now check the top of the awning. There should be a directional lever. You need to pull that down to the open position.
• With the lever in the open position, you simply need to pull the awning strap with your rod and the awning should fall in place.
• Now that the awning is extended, bring up the support arms and give it a slight push to make sure that it is in place.
• Tighten the knob so that the arm stays in place. Do the same for the knob at the back.
• Raise the awning with the help of the support arms till you get the height that you desire. Remember, you need to lift the awning by the same amount on both sides.
• Tie the strap to one of the awning support arms. This will prevent it from flapping around.
• If you want to remove the support arms from the caravan and peg it to the ground, just make sure you release it from the socket and put it on the ground. Adjust the height as needed.

This takes care of opening the roll-out awning. For winding it up and securing it in place, just follow the steps in reverse and you should be able to get the job done without any hassles. If you are looking for high quality and reliable caravan awnings, then check out this amazing online store.