Ultimate Guide to Caravan Supplies in Australia [PDF Checklist]

Why Is Caravan Supplies Checklist So Important?

Thanks to innovations and technological advancements, the caravan supplies manufactured today meet the needs of travel life and provide excellent comfort. Caravan supplies have transformed this outdoor leisure activity from portable refrigerators, caravan solar panels, ice boxes, and more.

So, the proper caravan supplies are essential for caravan travel. For example, a coffee maker equipped in the caravan can use 12V directly or run through an inverter to brew a cup of hot coffee for you. Many people, including caravan travel adventurers, want to stay connected with friends and family while out and about via a laptop or mobile device.

As you can see, the caravan supplies provide comfort, convenience and fun for the travel enthusiast. As a result, many options allow you to explore new places and meet new people. Whether travelling alone, as a couple or with your family, a caravan will surely get you going.

So, stocking up on caravan supplies ahead of time and downloading this checklist will make your outdoor travel experience even better.

>>Download The Caravan Supplies Checklist PDF

Guide to Caravan Supplies

Investing in high-quality caravan supplies is essential for those who want to enjoy life in a caravan - everything you need for your caravan, from spare parts to emergency handling equipment and other supplies.

You can outfit your caravan with everything to make it feel like home. In addition, to help you better choose caravan supplies, we have divided them into the following categories for your reference.

• Caravan Kitchen Supplies
• Caravan Bathroom Accessories
• Caravan Living Essentials
• Caravan Safety Equipment
• Caravan Power Sources
• Caravan Spare Equipment
• Caravan Emergency Supplies

Caravan Kitchen Supplies 

Once you have your caravan and outdoor space, ensure you have everything your hungry campers need. Consider bringing a portable refrigerator to preserve perishables and reduce food waste. Getting a portable grill to cook outdoors quickly is also a good idea.

Other kitchen essentials include the following must-have items:

Food is a big part of any trip, but it's even more important in a caravan. You have a lot of choices for making your food since there are kitchens in your unit (and maybe even outside!) and a campfire. Your foodie dreams will come true while you enjoy nature if your kitchen is well-stocked with the right tools, dishes, and pantry items.

Your list will differ from ours depending on the length of your trip, where you're going, how many people travel with you, and their tastes. But check out our list of the things you need in your caravan's kitchen to get ideas for your own.

Caravan Bathroom Accessories 

Most likely, you'll use your bathroom more than the ones at rest stops and hotels when you're on the road for a long time in a trailer. Why use a different bathroom when you already have one?

It can take a lot of work to figure out what bathroom items to bring with you and what bathroom ideas will work with the space you have. Here are some bathroom items for your caravan that will help you on the road.

The caravan should have basic bathroom facilities to ensure people's basic physiological needs. A simple outdoor shower may be helpful if your caravan lacks one.

If your car doesn't have a toilet, buy a portable toilet. Portable toilets are famous because they are small, sturdy, convenient and easy to carry. At the same time, this toilet is easy to clean. It is essential not only to buy a good portable toilet but also to ensure it is well-maintained. Trash cans, water tanks, and flush tanks are necessary for maintaining hygiene.

Caravan Living Essentials 

What you think of life necessities may change based on who is coming with you. For example, you might only want to bring two chairs if you're going on a caravan trip as a romantic break. But if you're going with family or friends, especially meeting them at the site, you must ensure you bring enough gear for everyone.

In addition to the above caravan supplies, some living assistance equipment is also needed to improve the quality of caravan life. 

You can use a portable or extendable clothesline outside of your vehicle. This way, you can conveniently hang wet clothes to dry.

Weather problems are one of the many problems when travelling by caravan. Whether the weather is hot or cold, a portable air conditioner is essential to keep you comfortable while travelling in your caravan.

A water tank provides a water source for cooking, washing and hygiene. So, how is water stored in a caravan? Most well-equipped caravans have three water tanks: a clean, a grey, and a black water tank.

The clean water tank stores water for washing vegetables, cooking and drinking. The grey water tank collects and treats domestic wastewater on RVs, such as drainage from wash basins and general drainage from toilets. Black water tanks are used to collect wastewater discharged from toilets.

Caravan Safety Equipment 

Safety should always come first when you take a caravan trip. Even though the great outdoors is a great place to get away from it all and rest, it can also be dangerous and unpredictable. No matter how much you know about camping or how new you are, you need the right gear to ensure your caravan is safe and secure.

This part will discuss the safety gear that every waggon should have, such as gear to prevent fires and keep you safe.

The primary purpose of equipping your caravan with essential safety equipment is to ensure personal safety. Wheel chocks are placed on the caravan's wheels to prevent it from moving freely. Your caravan will be more stable and safer, especially when parked on a slope.

Caravan jacks are designed to suit the specific circumstances of your caravan, as you cannot just choose one vehicle jack at will.

GPS is essential for any road trip. Suppose your GPS has a "caravan mode". In that case, it will calculate a particular route based on the size of your caravan, allowing you to easily traverse cities, towns and highways without wandering over small bridges and narrow spaces.

In addition to the wheel chocks, caravan jack, and GPS device mentioned above, some caravan devices can ensure safety.

• Parking mat protects the ground and prevents sinking into soft surfaces.
• Hydraulic guide wheels make it easier to position the caravan.
• Hitch lock or heavy-duty caravan hitch lock improves the security of your caravan.
• Fire extinguisher specially designed for caravan use.
• Smoke alarms that can provide early warning.
• Lighting for safe navigation in the dark.

Caravan Power Sources 

Many power supplies will work with your caravan. Make sure you consider the trips you want to take before choosing.

240V Power Supply

It doesn't matter what kind of trailer you have - entry-level, off-road, top-of-the-line, etc. - it will be built to work with 240V mains power. The power that runs your home and the power that's in RV parks is the same.

When you connect your caravan to a wall outlet, you won't have to worry about running out of 12V battery power. You can use any gadget in your caravan, even high-draw ones like hair dryers or coffee makers, without any problems.

12V Power Supply

You'll need to use your 12V battery setup when you go to remote areas that don't have caravan parks or mains power. This will depend on the caravan and the choices made when it was bought or built. Your choice of battery is unique because every traveller has different needs that can change a lot.

Batteries store power and, when appropriately charged, can power many small modern tools for short periods. These include lights, TVs, and radios, but not high-power appliances like kettles and toasters.

Gas

Even though gas-free motorhomes were just released and are becoming more popular, most modern caravans still have at least one gas device. These include gas cooktops inside, gas grills outside, and gas space heaters.

There may be times when you need to bring more than one gas cylinder with you if your rig has gas tools. You can easily switch or fill them out again because these are the same tanks you would use for your home barbeque.

Diesel

The number of diesel appliances is lower than the number of gas appliances. However, you could use a diesel engine or space heater to warm your caravan. If your caravan has diesel tools, you must get diesel and bring it with you on trips. Diesel fuel is generally kept in jerry cans attached to the vehicle's outside.

Solar Energy

The sunlight hits solar panels, which then turn it into electricity. This electricity is controlled by a solar regulator and kept in a lithium battery. For 12V DC appliances, the battery can be used, but for 240V AC appliances, you will need a transformer.  

Solar power is a common way to charge your 12V batteries when you're not home. Solar energy doesn't make noise or give off fumes, is good for the environment, and doesn't cost much after the initial setup.

A solar system that is well taken care of can power most normal 12V tasks. Solar generators are the best way to power a caravan because they are quiet, clean, and can be used unlimitedly.  

Solar panels, portable power stations, and solar generators made by Jackery are the best on the market. A solar generator is a type of solar power device that includes a portable power station with solar panels. It doesn't give off harmful gases and works very cleanly, so it doesn't hurt the earth. 

Jackery Solar Generators, combined Jackery Solar Panels with Portable Power Stations are a reliable source of green energy for use in caravans, RVs, off-grid homes, and backup power for homes. With twelve layers of protection, Jackery Solar Generators keep charging devices safe with a clever BMS system and a pure sine wave inverter.

Caravan Spare Equipment 

With a caravan, you can have a home away from home while on the road. But, just like any other car, a caravan can have motor issues or just plain old wear and tear. This is why it's essential for everyone who owns a caravan to have a total stock of extra parts on hand.

A caravan cover is essential for a car. When resting, it is recommended to use a caravan cover for shade and protection. It provides an extended shelter from the sun's heat and prevents you from getting wet when it rains. There is also a personal place for you and your family to relax.

Driving and towing caravans on main roads can be dangerous, mainly when relying on your mirrors to change lanes and turn. That's why you need towing mirrors to ensure safe towing. Clip-on tow mirrors are available in various sizes. Towing mirrors help prevent accidents by helping you see hazards, change lanes safely, and make it easier to steer your caravan.

Caravan Emergency Supplies 

Accidents, injuries, and safety issues happen all the time, and having a caravan that is fully prepared to respond to potential problems or accidents will help keep your family, friends, and fellow travellers safe.

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit contains various tools and medicines for emergency aid. A first aid kit can provide emergency medical assistance during caravan travel, reduce injuries, and provide emergency and ongoing care to victims of accidents or illnesses.

Repair Kit

Repair kits are essential when driving a caravan. If nails, stones, etc., damage your caravan tyres, you can repair them using a kit. The repair kit aims to make repairs quick, easy and convenient, extend tyre life and avoid costly tyre replacement.

Here are some recommended items to bring in your tool bag.

• Wrenches are great for changing batteries, wheels and gas bottles.
• A screwdriver is always a necessity. You never know when you may need a screwdriver for a maintenance check.
• Various types of tapes, such as heavy-duty, insulating, etc.
• It might be safer to have a warning triangle around your caravan when you sleep at night. It will help others see your caravan and prevent accidents.

There are many more gear and equipment you may be interested in:

- Hiking gear in Australia

- Fishing gear in Australia

- Must-have camping essentials in Australia

Jackery Solar Generators for Caravans

Take your caravan trips to the next level with Jackery Solar Generators. Jackery Solar Generators are made for people who like being outside and care about the environment and their comfort. They give your appliances a safe way to get power while on the go.

Jackery ensures that their Portable Power Stations use lithium-ion and LiFePO4 batteries for a steady power source. These generators can use the sun's energy now that Jackery Solar Panels are added. This makes them an eco-friendly power source for caravans in Australia.

We highly recommend Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus and 1000 Pro for caravan trips. But first, we should learn the power consumption of some typical caravan appliances.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

Jackery has unveiled the Solar Generator 2000 Plus, a cutting-edge portable power solution with exceptional performance. Thanks to its substantial capacity and formidable power output, this device can sustain the operation of standard domestic appliances for several weeks and fulfil all the power needs associated with caravan adventures.

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus allows adding extra battery packs, which boosts the capacity from 2 kWh to a remarkable 12 kWh, thus enhancing the solar charging capabilities significantly. With the ability to be expanded to 3000W, this solar product offers a 30% higher rated power than other 2 kWh solar goods available in the market.

The Explorer 2000 Plus is an industry's pioneering add-on battery pack that can be recharged using solar panels. This feature enhances versatility, improves charging efficiency, and reduces charging time. The LiFePO4 battery, with its sophisticated technology, guarantees a lifespan of 10 years, even with daily usage limited to once per day.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro, which consists of the Explorer 1000 Pro portable power station and SolarSaga 80W solar panels, can power multiple devices simultaneously during a power outage or outdoor activity. You can charge your appliances using the Explorer 1000 Pro, which has a battery capacity of 1002Wh. The BMS stands out as the industry leader due to its 94V-0 fire certification, foldable handle, and utilisation of pure sine wave technology.

The Explorer 1000 Pro portable power station includes three ports: one DC car port, two USB A connectors, and two 1000W AC outlets. It can supply electricity for more than 93% of the caravan's electrical needs, such as portable stoves, freezers, phones, and other devices.  

The collapsible design of the handle allows for easy transportation and storage. This lightweight power source is perfect for camping trips and can be charged up to one thousand times. A pure sine wave inverter, which offers a clean and uninterrupted electrical signal, can reliably provide your gadgets with stable power without any variations in voltage.

This product, regulated by a Battery Management System (BMS) and operates at an ultra-quiet noise level of 46 decibels, maintains a long-lasting battery life.

What to Consider When Choosing Caravan Supplies?

Undoubtedly, the right caravan supplies will make you feel at home in your caravan life. However, caravan supplies are only sometimes convenient or valuable. So, before you go to the store to purchase caravan supplies, it is good to think about the following.

Actual Demand: The most critical factor affecting the purchase of caravan supplies is the need for caravan life. Choose different caravan supplies based on the number of people in your caravan. In addition, the fewer people involved in caravan life, the fewer caravan supplies needed. If there is a particular need for caravan supplies, they can be increased or decreased accordingly.

Caravan Storage Space: Because caravan sizes are limited, choose smaller caravan supplies or take up less space. For example, you can select folding cookware. But the most important thing is to choose caravan supplies that are needed and frequently used.

Budget: Make a budget for your caravan supplies based on your financial situation. Choose the most needed and helpful caravan supplies without overspending. Among them, the budget is not limited to the initial payment but includes maintenance costs and subsequent repairs.

Brand: Prices for caravan supplies vary by brand. Some budget brands target the lower end of the market, but there are also relatively superior brands that may be seen as status symbols but whose quality is impeccable. Overall, you get what you pay for. There are so many choices in caravan supplies, and the competition is fierce.

Caravan Supplies FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about caravan supplies in Australia.

1. Is it a good idea to have a caravan cover?

UV rays can fade window paint and damage door and window seals. Also, while travelling, your caravan is exposed to other elements such as debris, rain and dust, which can shorten the life of your vehicle.

Caravan covers can provide additional protection but are challenging to install and often result in dampness. However, these troubles can be easily avoided by finding a cover that fits the size of your caravan, is waterproof and has breathable side panels to prevent moisture and condensation from escaping.

2. What are the essential caravan supplies for comfort?

Caravan supplies include items to increase the comfort and convenience of your trip. These may consist of tow mirrors, safety features such as hitch locks, kitchen essentials, outdoor furniture and safety equipment. The specific equipment you need may depend on your travel needs.

3. How do you buy suitable caravan supplies in Australia?

You can find great RV supplies in many places, including RV supply stores, online stores, and even some auto and camping stores. Researching and comparing prices and product reviews is essential to ensure you're getting your money's worth.

Final Thoughts

Caravan travel originated in Australia and has increased over the past 20 years, becoming popular with young people, explorers and families in the West. Such adventures are often described as "life-changing" experiences.

Practical caravan supplies can make your caravan trip more comfortable and warm and ensure the safety of your caravan on the road and when parked. Overall, the right caravan supplies can improve your car travel experience.