It is easy to be intimidated by the number of accessories that are available when buying your first tourer.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for essential security accessories, or extras to caravan comfort, all manner of lightweight tableware, toilet chemicals and caravan parts & spares will be available.
There’s a way to get through this maze. There are two types of accessories: the ones you need to take with you, and those that will be useful later.
We provide guidance on how much you should budget initially, and the approximate price of these items.
Fresh water containers
While you could choose a simple white water container to carry to the tap, we recommend that you look at all of the options.
They are much more expensive than small white containers but you don’t have to carry water. Plus, they can be refilled only once per day.
These cylinders have two rubber tyres on the edges so you can pull them along. There is a clip that clips to both the top and bottom of each cylinder.
Aquaroll was the first rolling water carrier. This brand has been infiltrated caravan communities in the same way that Sellotape did in our language. Aquaroll has not been successful despite its 50-year history.
Aquarolls come with a size for every size, including a 39-litre and a 40-litre. They come in two sizes: beige, which is dull and boring, and metallic silver which is smart and bright. Fiamma offers a 40 litre wheeled water container with a different design. There is an integral handle at its top.
Royal, an accessory company for caravans, manufactures an Aquarius-style rolling water tank. It is very similar to Aquarolls. It is bright blue. Kampa makes awnings. They also make a 40-litre container.
Refuse water containers
You can choose to either carry them with you to the site’s waste water point or pull them along on your wheels.
Royal’s 40 litre Waste Warrior is brightly colored. The Waste Warrior rolls on two wheels at the base and has a handle at it’s top. Royal also makes basic black waste water tanks with handles. It holds about 10 litres.
Aquaroll’s WasteMaster holds 38 litres. Like the fresh water container, Aquaroll’s Waste Master comes in a choice between metallic silver and beige.
Kampa also manufactures a wheeled trash container. It can hold 40 litres and has chunky wheels at the base, just like others on the marketplace.
Leisure batteries
If your caravan isn’t designed to be used with mains hook-up, you will need a new battery. They are called leisure batteries. They range in voltage from 75 to 110amp-hour and cost between £50 and £90 for the 75Ah. You can shop around for the best price on all items, but especially batteries.
Caravan steps
All new caravans have a large, sturdy step in plastic. Some caravans don’t have a step. The options for buying a caravan are surprisingly vast.
There are a number of steel steps available, including folding and non-folding metal steps. Also, you can find double steps as well as steps that can be packed in small boxes.
A caravan step costs anywhere from about £7 to around £87 (that’s for an aluminium Fiamma one). The most cost-effective option is the best.
Tow mirrors
The law stipulates that drivers must see 20 metres from their rear and four metres each side of their outfit. Mirrors attach to your car’s front mirrors and expand the field of vision on both sides.
There are many options for styles and types. Two factors will affect which style and type you choose. The first is to make sure that the mirror fits well on your car’s side mirrors, which can be different in shape. The second is to choose mirrors you are able afford and that don’t break the bank. The general rule is that you will get a better structure for your money, and less vibration, which will distort your image.
You can expect to pay approximately £10 per mirror. Prices go up to around £30 for more expensive models. Like with batteries, it is best to shop around to find the best price. Also, it is important that you test before you purchase. Many caravan accessory shops will allow you to check that the mirror fits in your car’s windows before you make a decision.
Why mirrors are necessary
Extension mirrors must be installed on caravans larger than cars. Do not risk leaving your home without these. You will be fined up to £1000 for mirror-less caravan towers.
Number plate
It is a legal requirement that you purchase an additional car number plate. This will allow you to keep your caravan on the road.
These items can be found at Halfords and caravan accessory shops, but they are also available at car dealerships. It is important to have your vehicle’s owner document to be able to get a number plate.
Corner steady winding handle
It’s not only one of your most essential items, but also one of its most affordable. While you can walk inside your caravan, it’s impossible to reach the back without taking a step. For around £10, you can buy a good corner steady winding handle.
Toilet chemicals
Chemical toilets are a wonderful invention. They are easy to empty and clean. You can also add chemicals to the waste tank and top tank. To prevent odour, top tank chemicals are good for keeping the toilets working.
Caravan mains cable
All new caravans come standard with mains cable. Most are 25m. If you are buying a used caravan, it might still have the original mains wire.
Caravan gas cylinders
Caravanners use two kinds of gas: propane and yetane. Propane can be found in red cylinders and butane in blue.
Because propane is not stable in cold temperatures, you should choose propane to heat your caravan.
Propane
Calor propane gases comes in many sizes.
The cost arrangement is as follows: You will pay £29.99 for your first cylinder and the gas within it. Refill Agreement Charge is the cost of purchasing a cylinder. Calor will supply you additional full cylinders in return for your empty cylinder. You just have to pay for the contents.
You will need to replace a 3.9kg cylindrical. A 6kg cylinder will cost £19.99. A 13kg tube will cost £25.49.
Butane
Butane can be purchased in three different sizes (£15.99, 7kg and 15kg): There are many gas cylinders on the marketplace, but Calor is the most preferred.
What size?
Most caravanners will choose to buy 6kg propane and 7kg butane.
Calor Lite
Calor has been offering lighter weight cylinders, as well as BP cylinders, since March 2008.
Calor Lite’s empty weight is 4.5 kg. The empty BP 5kg cylinder measures 3.7kg. The Calor 6kg Calor cylinder weighs in at 9kg empty. You can save 5.3kg each cylinder. This is not only a weight savings for your caravan, but also in terms how easy it is to transport your gas cylinders.
Calor uses a higher-strength steel for Calor Lite cylinders. This allows cylinder walls to become thinner and lighter.
BP Gas Light
BP also offers gas cylinders with lighter weights than the regular ones. These cylinders are called BP Gas Light. They weigh about half as much as a standard-sized steel cylinder. These cylinders made from fibreglass are semi-translucent and you can actually see how much you have left.
The drawback to BP cylinders are that they cannot sold on campsites/caravan dealerships. The upside is that you are able to see the level gas. You can choose from sizes between 10kg to 5kg.