ACCESSORIES

Dometic CFX3 

Dometic has released its new generation portable fridge/freezer range, the CFX3. Available in multiple single- and dual-zone models ranging from 35- to 95-litres, the CFX3 promises increased energy efficiency, has an improved user interface and even a dedicated compartment for ice trays – the first of its kind on the market. It has both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi remote control functionality, with the new generation CFX3 app providing more information to monitor temperature and power consumption.

RRP: From $1249

As the mercury soars you might find you need to advance your caravan’s 12V fan situation. This Mini-Evaporative Cooler Fan from Road Tech Marine takes things up a notch, using evaporated water to deliver a continuous flow of cool air to your person. It takes 500m of water, and is rechargeable so you can move it to where you need it around camp.

RRP: $99.95

RTM Mini-Evaporative Cooler Fan

Not all caravans come complete with a washing machine, and not all caravanners like to set up in caravan parks just to use the laundry. In this instance, a product like the Scrubba Washbag comes into its own. Fitted with a flexible internal washboard that the manufacturer says provides a machine-quality wash in minutes, clothes are cleaned by rubbing then rinsed and hung out to dry. Weighing just 142g and folding to pocked size, it’s ideal for life on the road.

RRP: $64.95

Scrubba Washbag

Caravanning in the warmer months often involves days spent at the beach. But if you don’t want to fry while churning through your summer reading, a sturdy beach shelter is a must. Oztent has released its Malamoo 2 Hub Beach Shelter, which it claims can be set up and packed down in mere seconds. The Malamoo 2 Hub Beach Shelter has a large floor area, measuring 2m by 1.5m, so there’s plenty of room for two people to enjoy the shade offered by its UPF 50+ cover. The Malamoo has a compact packed size of 120cm X 15cm X 15cm.

RRP: $139.95

Oztent Malamoo 2-Hub Beach Shelter

Summer is the perfect time for caravanning, but it can sometimes be punishingly hot, particularly this season as heat waves continue to affect parts of the country. You don’t want to be cooped up inside your van in the air con all day, which is where the Chill Towel comes in. Made from a unique technical fabric that cools and holds water, the Chill Towel is ideal to sling around your neck to keep you cool at camp. Simply wet the towel, wring it out and wave it for a few seconds, and you’ve got a nice cool towel to help you beat the heat.

RRP: From $19.95

Coolcore Chill Towel

This 250W Portable Solar set-up from Safiery (via Drifta) with a Victron 20A Smart Solar Controller claims it can be your total power solution. The panel is said to operate at a high panel voltage (63.2V) and can get the most out of the sun even in cloudy conditions with a claimed 98 percent efficiency. Paired with a Victron 20A Smart Solar controller that has multiple modes including ‘Expert Mode’ which, when chosen, can monitor the battery, and if a drop-in voltage is sensed it triggers fast-charging to replenish it.

RRP: $1290

250W Portable Solar with Victron 20A Smart Solar Controller

It’s the culinary camper’s conundrum: need enough cookware to cook up a feast at camp, but storage space is limited. Enter stackable pots. The Smartspace kit includes three Teflon-coated, 3mm aluminium pots and one detachable handle, plus heatproof silicone mats. The square design means they fit side by side on smaller stove tops, allowing you to use all burners at once. The sturdy stainless-steel lids have refrigeration seals to store leftovers.

RRP: $247

Smartspace stackable cookware 

When it comes to optimum positioning of your caravan at camp, it helps to know where the sun will rise and set, and what angle it’ll come in at during the day. This helps you capitalise on shade and get the best from your solar power set-up. Take the guess work out of it with a quality smartphone app like Sun Seeker. It shows the sun’s hourly direction, sunrise and sunset times, its equinox, winter and summer solstice paths, when ‘golden hour’ will be, the sun’s arc throughout the day, and more.

RRP: $14.99

Sun Seeker app