Caravan Chairs & Recliners


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The team here at Caravan Helper, like most caravanning enthusiasts, have an ideal image in our heads of what the perfect caravan experience should be like.

In our minds it obviously includes a nice and warm sunny day, nothing spectacular, unless we are imagining touring the south of France or along the Spanish coast. For British caravan trips, the best any of us can hope for is that the rain stays away and that the clouds clear.

In order to enjoy the decent weather, the barbecue and to have a comfortable time, we have opted for a nice recliner to relax on.

Chairs and recliners are essential pieces of caravanning furniture. Even if your caravan already has comfortable and plentiful seating, you will still need to invest in some furniture to sit by your caravan when the weather is fine and under your awning when it is less good.

In the following post, therefore, we have put together a selection of what we think are the best caravan chairs and recliners you can buy right now. We have taken storage space into consideration because you obviously have to think about where you are going to put your outdoor furniture when they are not in use, you are on the road or you need to protect them from adverse weather conditions.

Best Caravan Chairs and Recliners

The first chair on our list is this great recliner from Crusader. As anyone who has been caravanning for a while will agree or who is a newbie that’s been looking at many of the other posts we have on Caravan Helper, will know that Crusader is a very popular and reputable manufacturer of caravanning accessories.

This particular chair from Crusader has a very sturdy steel frame and is therefore able to cope with a maximum load of 100kg. For added comfort, the Lollipop chair has a pillow and headrest built into it and it benefits from an impressively high back.

The important element and thing that makes this chair such a great piece of furniture to have when you are on the road is the fact that it has a total of 6 different reclining positions. So, whatever your preference is for any particular day, you will be able to adjust this chair to suit your mood and needs.

It also benefits from being made from a textilene, a heavy-duty water and weatherproof material.

Highlander are another name that you will find mentioned a lot on Caravan Helper and various other sites. They are renowned for producing and supplying high quality accessories for camping, caravanning and other leisure pursuits and this folding chair is another fine example of that fact.

Listed as a number one best seller, this chair is made from a very strong steel frame and despite it only weighing 2.2kg, is capable of holding a maximum weight up to 16st or 100kg. It also benefits from having a weatherproof and easy to wipe down polyester material with a PVC coating. It folds into a nice and compact package when it’s time to put it away and therefore can be stored away behind units or down the side inside your caravan or even in your towing vehicle if necessary.

If you are looking for something a little sophisticated and have a slightly higher budget, you may want to consider investing in this pair of Isabella Thor chairs.

Isabella has been producing tents and other camping and caravanning equipment since 1957. They have always tried to be as innovative as possible with their products and although this chair is not going to change the landscape of relaxing outside, we think it is rather nifty to say the least.

The frame is constructed from aluminium and is covered in a black Polyweave material, that is 40% polyester and 60% PVC coating, to give it a weatherproof quality and make it easier to clean with a damp, clean cloth. Although it is a little heavier than some of the other chairs on this list, at 5.5kg, it benefits from being able to take a slightly higher maximum load of 120kg.

The exciting part about this chair and the thing most will be interested in, particularly to get the best out of those lazy days at the caravan site is the fact that it includes a headrest and a total of 8 different reclining positions.

Chairs and recliners are, as we are sure you’ll agree, an essential part of the quintessential caravanning experience. If you are in the market for one or more, then, we hope our guide to what we think are the best caravan chairs and recliners of the bunch out there was helpful.

Whatever your budget, if you decide to opt for one of the above, we just know you will have an even better time on the road.



Gifts for Caravanners


At Caravan Helper, we love to give gifts as much as, or even more so than, we love to receive them. It’s quite likely you are the same.

Maybe you stick to the traditional times of the year to send gifts, for those special occasions. It could be that you prefer to give gifts more off-the-cuff and when they are least expected. Regardless, there is a real joy to giving gifts? Choosing something specifically with the other person in mind.

It doesn’t really matter sometimes who it actually is that you are buying for, you just want to see and hear their reaction and no that you did well. Even those that individuals that are difficult to buy for, either because they have just about everything they could want or need, or because they just have strange and unusual tastes. Part of the fun in finding gifts for those people in your life is that it’s a challenge.

We understand though that not everyone loves that kind of challenge. One thing’s for sure, if you are looking to buy a gift for a caravanner and are trying to think outside the box, we may be able to help.

In the following post, we have put together a great list of gifts that are perfect for the caravanners in your life. Maybe you are a caravanner yourself and it’s for your partner or a friend, either way, we hope our list at the very least gives you some inspiration and makes you smile. Some of these gifts range from being quite straight forward and very practical to some more unusual and quirky items. We did say they were perfect for caravanners, didn’t we?

Gifts For Caravanners (Some Great Choices)

These are really fun. To some people, they may look a little tacky, but we love them. Ted Smith is the in-house designer for Puckator these really cute salt and pepper pots in the shape of traditional caravans. They are made from 100% ceramic and have been given a high gloss glaze as a finish to really bring out the design sharply and vibrantly.

Whether you buy these as an at-home or on the road accessory for their caravan, we don’t know many caravanners who wouldn’t love these. The only real downside that you need to be aware of is that they can’t be used in the microwave or dishwasher. But, really…who is actually putting salt and pepper pots in microwaves and although it means they will have to be washed by hand…it’s a small price to pay really for such a cracking set.

This is what we meant by fun and practical. We saw this and knew we had to feature it in this post. It’s basically a 100% natural cotton storage sack that can be used for storing things or as a laundry bag, depending on what you need it for most.

At 50cm by 75cm it has a reasonable volume and with drawstrings on either side is very easy to open and close as necessary. It is machine-washable and you can iron it on the reverse.

However, as great as those qualities and features are, one of the main reasons why we highlighted it is the fact that on the front it has the words ‘Very Important Caravan Stuff’ with a silhouette image of a caravan. We also thought it was kind of funny that in the title of the listing on a certain online retailer where this is available that they felt it necessary to state that it was ‘supplied empty’.

Needless to say, when you go caravanning you can never have enough bags and storage solutions. This is a nice colourful one with undeniably charming silliness.

If you have the chance, we guarantee you will enjoy reading the little poem that features on our next item, this funny and practical tea towel. The hilarious bit of wordplay all about caravanning is penned by Helen Piddock-Jones and very much encapsulates the upsides and downsides of touring.

Tea towels are one of those versatile items that, although they are designed to dry dishes, are used in various ways – particularly when you are in the middle of a Cheshire caravan park and need a dry cloth for something. Made from 100% cotton, it is machine washable and measures at approximately 47cm by 76cm. It really ticks all the boxes and tickles us and along with the hilarious poem, there is also a nicely drawn image of a caravan and camping site and a lot of the things that all caravanners are familiar with.

Our next item is also extremely funny, though a lot less practical than the other gifts featured before it. Basically, it’s a wall or door sign that has the cheeky statement ‘Get A Life…Get A Caravan’. The sign measures 21cm by 10cm and is made from PVC and come with its own yellow cord for hanging it attached.

Again, another funny item, but this one is incredibly practical because it’s a t-shirt. The tee is emblazoned with one of those ‘ evolutions of man’ style images, but instead of showing a gradual change from ape to man, it shoes ape to man and caravan. It’s made from 100% cotton and machine washable.

There are four different colours avail and it comes in many sizes, so it shouldn’t be too hard finding the right combination in tones and fit.

There you have it folks. We know it was not the most expansive or exhaustive gift, but we do hope it has given you some ideas of what you could get as a gift for the caravanner in your life. Even if you don’t pick one of the items we have listed above, you now have a good idea of what is out there.

 



Caravan Roof Vents                     


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All caravans need proper ventilation, not for just when they’re in use but also when they’re shut up or stored away. One of the most practical ways to ventilate any caravan is to install a caravan roof vent.

Caravan roof vents are crucial throughout the changing seasons. In the summer they allow air to circulate through your van, making hot months slightly more bearable. Likewise, when the cold weather sets in, particularly during a noticeably wet season, such vents work to keep condensation to a minimum.

With several people inside your van, you may find an increased build-up of heat. This combination of body temperatures will reach its peak during the night, and without a vent to allow this heat to escape it begins to escalate inside the van. Therefore, you’re more than likely to wake to condensation each morning.

Over time, prolonged effects of this will lead to damp and mould. Therefore, when you do shut up your caravan for a while, even just a few days, you may discover some nasty surprises growing on the walls when you return. This means rather than just getting into your caravan and setting off, you’ll probably find yourself having to thoroughly air your van and carry out some minor alterations beforehand.

This is a list of five of the best caravan roof vents available on Amazon, which will ensure that your caravan gets the ventilation it deserves on a continuous basis. More importantly, they’ll provide you with a much healthier caravan and a more comfortable environment in return.

Caravan Roof Vents – Our Top Choices

One of the higher priced vents here comes from the company Fiamma and is aerodynamic in structure due to its elegant profile top.

Designed using high-quality UV ray-resistant materials, this 45.5cm x 45.5cm crystal version of vents ensures users have added privacy.

If you’re looking for further privacy, there’s an option to purchase an additional Rollo Vent which can be fitted with ease.

With the ability to install on roofs which have depths of 2.5cm to a maximum of 4cm, any noise and vibrations are said to be significantly reduced during high speeds.

Complete with permanent airflow ventilation as well as a fly/mosquito screen, this vent is a straightforward product to install. It also offers a great deal of light through to the caravan when it’s in place; though you may decide a blackout screen would be a great addition during those particularly sunny months!

Customers who have purchased the Fiamma Crystal Vent claim it is one of the easiest of vents to install and is a good quality product, offering increased ventilation all throughout the caravan. It’s worth noting though that there aren’t any screws supplied with this purchase.

A little cheaper is the MPK White Roof Sky Light model which is excellently designed with a fabulous double skin to improve the free airflow, even when the dome is closed.

With a robust double skin opaque dome, it also has telescopic locking handles boasting a five-way opening system for added convenience.

Consisting of a white woven fabric and finished with a pale cream plastic frame, this product is predominately aimed at letting more natural light into your caravan. It’s therefore great for those areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, especially as there’s no attached blind for shade.

This 400mm x 400mm MPK model comes complete with a removable fly screen, ensuring that it’s only air that you let into the van, not pesky flies or other bugs in the meantime!

Customers purchasing the MPK White Roof Caravan Sky Light not only find this lightweight but sturdy model easy to fit, but also a great looking product once installed. Though this model is also sold without any screws, it’s considered easy enough to find the best products to fit this vent with.

If you’re keen on the Fiamma brand but don’t need such a large sized vent, or you’re not looking to spend quite as much, this white vent, also by Fiamma, is a cheaper and smaller model at just 28cm x 28 cm.

Perfect for those smaller spaces, this roof light can adequately air smaller caravans while allowing a reduced source of natural light into them.

What’s more, this model does not require any drilling of holes into your caravan for it to be installed due to its internal installation system.

Designed for those caravan roofs with a maximum of 8.5cm, there is also an optional extension kit that can be used with this model.

This vent comes complete with a permanent airflow ventilation system and added fly/mosquito screen and is made using UV-resistant and superior quality impact materials for added peace of mind.

Customers purchasing this smaller vent find it an easy to fit model, as well as being great at creating a good air flow throughout the caravan. The excellent quality of this product is also highly rated by many.

Staying with the same size as the smaller Fiamma vent, MPK offers their own 280mm x 280mm Roof Vent Sky Light at just a couple of pounds cheaper.

Once again, like its more substantial and expensive counterpart, this MPK model has a practical five-way opening system, and a strong double skin opaque dome, with those all-important telescopic locking handles for added reassurance.

Boasting the same properties as the larger MPK vent, such as a removable fly screen and increased light capacity, this model also promotes free airflow through the double skin properties even when the dome is closed.

Once again, screws and fitting instructions aren’t included as part of this package, but installation is straightforward and hassle-free.

Customers purchasing this smaller MPK vent are more than happy with this model, finding it easy to fit, despite having no supplied screws to hand, and overall consider this a high-quality model.

Finally, proving that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get adequate ventilation in your caravan, Caravan Stuff 4 U sell a rather simple but effective mushroom style vent, with an accompanying 80mm connector. At less than a tenner, there’s no reason why any caravan must suffer from lack of ventilation!

Sitting 55mm high above the van’s roofline and at 195mm in diameter, this white and most basic of vents is the perfect model for those who have a smaller caravan, or who are perhaps a little reluctant to spend more money on a bigger product currently.

It’s also a great choice of vents if you aren’t entirely confident about installing such an addition to your precious caravan and want to start out small, perhaps purchasing a more extensive model after successfully introducing this one.

Customers find this mushroom vent a great little addition, which is simple to install and perfectly priced.

Final Thoughts on Caravan Roof Vents

Regardless of the size or make and model of your caravan, there’s no denying that proper ventilation is essential to ensure you can regularly release any built-up heat present in the van. A caravan oof vent will also encourage a good supply of air flow throughout the caravan, both when in use and when unoccupied.

With all these products offering adequate ventilation all year round, by fitting such a product you ensure that you don’t encounter any costly problems later down the line, alongside making the inside of your caravan more pleasant as a result.

Check out our article on caravan sealants.

 

 



Caravan Toaster


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We can’t really imagine starting our day without a nice hot cup of coffee or tea and some lovely, brown slices of toast. How do you prefer yours? Are you a black and charred kind of person or do you like it just warmed through but not looking much browner than it did when you put it in?

Whatever your preference, a bit of toast and your favourite toppings can be a great way to turn the start a reasonable day into an excellent one. It’s the versatility more than anything we love. You can have it with jam, marmalade, lemon curd or even chocolate spread to get your sugar hit first thing. Or you can have some freshly toasted bread as part of your full-on, carb and protein delight that it is a full English breakfast.

Best Toasters for Caravans

First on our list is from a brand that will be familiar to regular visitors to our site or caravanning enthusiasts. Sunncamp have a sterling reputation for producing cost-effective, high-quality camping and caravanning goods. This low watt toaster is another great example.

With slick looks and a very practical, space-saving design, this is practical 2 slice 240v toaster, that has a total wattage of 800W. It comes with all the standard toaster fare, such as a crumb tray that is easy to slide out, adjustable power dial to help you get the toast you prefer, auto shut off and pop up controls.

The only downside was that some customers seemed to receive faulty products, but when you read more reviews, it seems as though these instances were probably just unfortunate, as most seem happy with the purchase.

Overall, the Sunncamp low watt toaster is a great choice for any caravanner on a tight budget.

The next item on our list is from another giant of the caravanning world, Milenco. The Swiss Luxx is a 2-slice toaster has a slightly lower wattage than the previous model, at just 700W.

Along with the low wattage, it has an adjustable browning control. Simple and hassle-free, this is just a good quality toaster. It won’t sing the national anthem or tell you the time, but at under 20 quid, what do you really expect from a toaster?

Next up is the 2-slice toaster from Quest, another name many caravanners will be familiar with. This features an easy to clean crumb tray, cancel button, power indicator light (so you always know it is working properly) and an adjustable browning control dial

At just 750W and 230V it is another great choice and is actually slightly cheaper than the model above.

Pennine may not be a brand you’ve heard of but this 2-slice toaster has a low wattage rating of 800W that comes with the obligatory slide-out crumb tray, adjustable browning dial, auto pop up button and defrost button.

Although it is one of the most expensive on our list, when you consider it is only just over the 20 quid mark, it’s really not that pricey at all. Not at least compared to the next model…

The most expensive of all the caravan toasters on our list is this, the second model.

As you’d hope from the slightly higher price tag than the others on the list, this comes with some nifty features. As well as the normal crumb tray, shut off button, power indicator light and adjustable browning dial, it also features reheat and defrost functions.

Brand that knows how to make high-quality accessories for caravanning.

The only word of warning we would give with this toaster is that it has the highest wattage of any on our list. Though 900W is hardly incredibly high, you need to consider how this will fit in with the other appliances you intend on taking with you.

What’s Different About the Toasters on This Post to Standard Models?

If you’ve read any of our other guides regarding electrical appliances (Microwaves, Fridges, Kettles, Heaters), you will know why it is important to invest in caravan-specific items with low wattages rather than simply taking your stuff from home with you on the road. It’s largely due to the fact that most caravan sites that offer electric hook up, only offer a limited power rating. It is also important to choose a small toaster for the caravan, as space is in limited supply inside a caravan.

For instance, in this country, you will find that many sites offer 16A rated hookups, while others offer 10A and 5A.

Regardless, with any of these ratings, it is important that you save power as much as you can and although your toaster on its own might not cause problems with the power supply, if you use it in conjunction with your kettle, it could trip the electrics, or even worse.

So, although it might seem a weird thing to highlight, if you want to avoid the embarrassment of being the one that tripped the electric hook up or blew a fuse, you should invest in a low wattage caravan toaster.

In the following article, we will highlight some of the best on the market. (You can also find our picks on other low wattage appliances like caravan kettles and microwaves, elsewhere on this site)

Conclusion

So, if you are one of these people (that is, normal) that can’t start their day without a bit of toast with a cuppa of your favourite hot beverage, then you definitely need a low wattage toaster while you are on the road.

Rather than look through hundreds of items online, we’re sure you’ll find the right caravan toaster for you from the list above.

Although we fell in love a little with the last Quest model, maybe because it offers the fullest range of functions for a slightly higher price tag, you really can’t go wrong with any of these products.

The choice is yours, our friends. Warm and perfectly brown toast awaits you!



Caravan Nose Weight Gauge


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The caravan nose weight, otherwise known as the vertical force exerted onto the tow ball of your car when you have your caravan attached to it. It is normal and essential for the caravan weight should place some downward pressure on the rear of your touring car, as this aids the read tyres to grip to the road and ensure your car has full control over steering the outfit.

Ensuring that you have the right caravan nose weight is crucial though for towing a caravan safely with stability.  If it’s too heavy, the load pushing down on the tow ball can cause the front of your towing car to lift, affecting your steering; while if it is too light, the caravan can cause your towing car’s rear to life.

If either of these problems is not addressed, it can lead to serious accidents. Therefore, all caravanners should invest in a caravan nose weight gauge. In the following article we will highlight some of the best available gauges available right now. Before we look at these great products though, we will look at the subject of nose weight in greater detail.

Caravan Nose weight Gauges

The first caravan nose weight gauge we have highlighted is this excellent value model from the highly reputable caravan accessories manufacturer Milenco.

As well as being manufactured by Milenco, it is noteworthy that this is the only gauge approved and calibrated to the British standard. This device provides you with technical superiority, reliability and accuracy that you apparently can’t get from other items.

It features a clearly marked and very big scale, so you can make an accurate reading. It is compatible with weights up to 130Kg and can be accurate up to and past 1000 uses.

Another big name in the caravanning world, Kampa have a sterling reputation for designing and producing high-quality caravan accessories and equipment. This nose weight gauge is no different.

It has been calibrated to weights between 50kg and 100kg and features a scale that is large and easy to read and measures the nose weight in 10kg increments. It’s made from aluminium is is very strong and durable and the soft head will not cause any damage to your hitch.

This gauge from Kampa also benefits from being incredibly compact and easy to store when it’s not in use.

The next caravan nose weight gauge on our list is this excellent model from Maypole. We’ve feature Maypole on many different lists across this site, and we’ve highlighted this one because of their reputation for high-quality camping and caravanning accessories and equipment.

It benefits from having a clear and easy to read scale that measures from 50 to 100kg, is made from high-quality and robust steel. Although no gauge is completely accurate, this one has a reported accuracy of within 3%.

This is another great nose weight gauge from Kampa, it’s sturdy, and has a soft head that won’t damage your hitch. It’s easy to secure it to the towing head and use and has a very clear scale.

Reich offers a digital nose weight gauge with their 22664 model. With the use of two 1.5v AAA batteries, this will provide you with a digital readout each time.

This product ensures the utmost precision when it comes to accurately loading. Thus, it helps you avoid the more common of problems that tend to be associated with non-digital wheel nose gauges.

Combining an excellent design with improved practicality, the Reich 22664 will take a maximum load of 115kg. With dimensions of 170 x 68x 120.5 mm, its temperature range is 0-50°c.

Working on a single axle caravan, this is highly rated by many customers as being better to use than that of the usual spring-loaded devices!

What Should the Caravan Nose Weight Be?

The recommended caravan nose weight should be about 7% of the caravan’s laden weight, which usually falls between 75 and 100Kg.

Finding the Correct Nose weight

There are three numbers you need to be aware of to work out exactly what the nose weight should be when you are towing your caravan. Those numbers are:

  • The maximum nose weight of the chassis
  • The maximum nose weight of the tow bar
  • The maximum nose weight of the towing vehicle

The lowest number of these three is the number you should avoid exceeding.

Measuring Caravan Nose weight

Although this can be done in several different ways, the two most common methods used are:

  • Using bathroom scales
  • Using a caravan nose weight gauge

As we are focusing on using a caravan nose weight gauge for this post, that’s what we will be referring to onwards.

The basics of using a nose weight gauge to calculate your caravan’s nose weight involve loading the caravan as normal, making sure it’s on a level flat and stable surface and then attaching your chosen gauge following the instruction manual.

Caravan Nose Weight Guide

The easiest way to adjust the nose weight is by balancing out the load placing in your caravan. If you find that the nose weight is too high for instance, you should try and move some items back towards the axle line. Avoid moving them any further back than this as this could cause even more instability. If you are still finding that the nose weight is too high, and you’ve tried redistributing the load across the axle, you may have to unload some things or move them to your towing vehicle, if possible.

If the nose weight is too low, on the other hand, you again have to move things – this time moving them forwards so that more weight is on the tow ball.

Expert Loading Tip – When you are trying to load your caravan and towing car, so that it doesn’t exceed the nose weight limit, is to place the leisure battery and gas bottles on first. These are generally two of the heaviest things you are likely to be touring with. So, by putting them in first and making sure you have room for them, you will make it easier to know what else you can and can’t load.

Nose weight gauge may not have been something you even knew you had to worry about and while it is not quite as tricky as you may have thought, it’s still something that deserves your attention.

If you don’t take the noise weight into consideration when you are loading your caravan and towing car, you could have a serious accident, that if it doesn’t cause damage to anyone else or their vehicles on the road, causes costly damages that you need to repair.

With the above post though, you not only know what the best caravan nose weight gauges are on the market, but also the right way to check and measure the nose weight. We hope our caravan nose weight gauge reviews have helped you. If you wanted to know the combined weight of your car and caravan then you should find the nearest weighbridge to you and see what the weight is.

Need some more towing tips and advice then check out these articles!



Best Caravan Kettles                          


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Perhaps one of the essential appliances in any caravan is its kettle and toaster (tea and toast go together)! There’s nothing better than reaching your destination, getting unpacked and settling down to that perfect cup of tea before you explore your surroundings.

However, with a limited mains supply in every caravan, alongside most caravan sites unable to provide an extensive amp supply, purchasing any old kettle for use in your caravan isn’t an option here. Most UK sites offer a maximum of 16 amps, but there are those, particularly older sites and continental ones, where you may only get ten amps or even six amps in some circumstances. This is why we have also looked at other items that are made for low power usage such as microwaves, TV’s and heaters.

The ideal best electric caravan kettle will be one that is specifically designed to be a low wattage kettle, so to not drain your power supply nor, more importantly, not trip the electrics in your caravan. It may surprise many to learn that caravan kettles are the most common items for throwing out the electric supply at many a caravan site. Those caravanners unfortunate to trip the electrics in this way will undoubtedly be able to tell you how quick it is to become very unpopular with neighbouring pitches.

These are seven of the best caravan kettles which you can find, all designed to ensure you get that perfect cup of tea each time. This means no more shuffling red-faced across the caravan site to request a member of staff put the supply back on again because your current ill-equipped best caravan kettle has tripped the electrics!

Best Caravan Kettles (12v, Low Wattage Electric and Lightweight)

Fineway offers a low wattage electric kettle which is simplistic in design and structure but works to ensure no tripping of the electrics when in use. Compact in size, when used to capacity the Quest one-litre kettle adequately supplies two good sized cups and is perfect for filling an entire walking flask.

Cordless and with just the right amount of lead supplied, you can store as much of the excess cable under this kettles base unit if you prefer or, for practicality, this model is thoroughly compact and can be tucked away neatly in a drawer or cupboard when not in use.

Customers find that this Quest product even allows them to boil the low power kettle as well as using one or two other appliances at the same time, such is its low wattage.

Key Feature: Simple to use.

Bargains Galore sell a 2.5 litre stainless steel camping kettle which they claim is perfect for when travelling and therefore a great addition as a caravan kettle. Available in a selection of vibrant colours, this is a fast boiling caravan gas kettle which will whistle to let you know when it has reached the required temperature.

Lightweight in design, you may want to keep this out on display just because it looks great but, if you prefer to store your kettle away after each use, this one allows you to fold the handle down – making it a great space saving product.

Aimed at those with gas hobs rather than electric, this is also the better caravan gas kettle if you travel with a gas stove or need an alternative to an electric kettle in case of possible power cuts.

Hard wearing and low priced, at 2.5 litres you’re guaranteed many ongoing cups of tea with this caravan kettle!

Key Feature: No need for a power supply.

This one-litre cordless electric kettle for a Caravan from Denny International is a powerhouse of a travel kettle and, with an impressive class A energy level, it’s efficient for all caravans.

With additional extras such as auto-switch-off at boiling point and a safety-cut out for overheating or boil dry, this detachable jug kettle is designed to ensure you don’t overfill your low power kettle and only boil what you need, which is great when using it in your caravan.

Priced extremely low, considering its many features, this cordless kitchen kettle has received some rave reviews from caravanning customers, especially as it doesn’t overload the power when on site. However, though it does an excellent job, it’s worth noting that some find the size of this kettle slightly bigger than they initially thought, so it’s perhaps not one for storing away.

Key Feature: Energy efficient.

Livivo’s one-litre cordless kettle is another visually simplistic product and straightforward enough to use. This electric kettle is reasonably priced and boasts simple controls and is easy to clean.

With an auto-switch-off when it has boiled this detachable jug kettle offers peace of mind with its built-in safety cut-out, ensuring should you overheat or boil dry the kettle, it will automatically cut itself off from your power supply.

Complete with a pilot light and a transparent water level gauge, the Livivo model makes it easy for caravanners to boil the kettle in a quick space of time and is sufficient enough for around two good sized cups. A great choice for a low wattage kettle for your caravan.

Customer reviews suggest that this kettle is overall a good enough kettle which does what it says it does on the box!

Key Feature: Quick boiling.

This stylish looking electric kettle from Kampa is a stainless-steel model. With a low wattage which makes it ideal as a functional caravan kettle, this kettle allows for a more generous amount of water to be boiled each time.

Complete with a removable and washable filter for convenience, there are two water level indicators and a concealed stainless-steel element as standard to the Kampa model.

Though one of the higher priced models on the list, the additional water capacity and its 360-swivel base more than makeup for this fact, alongside some quality customer reviews.

Several customers claim the increased sturdiness of the Kampa kettle is hugely beneficial for caravan use, mainly when compared to some of those lighter weight and perhaps flimsier of travel kettles, as such. It’s also claimed to be a quieter model which boils in a reasonable amount of time.

Key Feature: Larger water capacity.

Pennine sells a low wattage kettle which falls into the mid-range price and is a wonderful addition as a caravan kettle. Though it doesn’t offer much in the way of added features, being smaller than most, just under a litre to be exact, it produces just the right amount of water when full for a good two cups.

A simplistic two-toned colour kettle, this easy to use the product would look at home in many a caravan, fitting in with the decoration or standing out to suit personal preference.

Favoured by many for its ability to work well in the caravan due to its low wattage, many customers report not having to worry about powering it up in the caravan and even use one or two other appliances simultaneously.

Perhaps one of the most basic of kettles on the list, the reviews on the boiling time and durability of the Pennine kettle are encouraging, with the concept of this somewhat lacklustre product doing a fantastic overall job.

Key Feature: A long-lasting product.

Quest has a dual voltage travel kettle which offers a modern take on the average travel kettle and would look at home in any caravan.

This all-inclusive product comes complete with two plastic cups which means the perfect cup of tea for two each time from its 0.5 litre capacity.

Extremely lightweight, and reasonably priced for both kettle and accompanying cups the Quest model is easy to plug in and go and is considered one of the more commonly used of kettles for caravanners.

Low in wattage making it ideal for use on many sites, this low power kettle has an indicator light and auto cut-off switch for built-in safety.

If you aren’t looking for any added features or heavy usage, then this is wonderful for making the odd cup of tea with, here and there. However, some customers find this model a little awkward at times regarding its short cord and lack of accompanying base.

Key Feature: A complete package.

As we noted at the top of this page, kettles go together with toasters. That is why when we came across this next product, we had to include it on this page. From the extremely reliable and reputable Kampa comes this exciting caravan kettle and toaster set. So, that’s arguably two of the most important pieces of equipment in one money-saving double-pack.

This pack consists of a stainless-steel kettle and stainless-steel 2-slice Deco toaster with the following key features:

Kettle Key Features

  • 1000-Watts (Low Voltage)
  • 1.7-litre capacity
  • Concealed element
  • Cordless with 360-degree base

2-Slice Toaster Key Features

  • 1000-Watts (Low Voltage)
  • Reheat, cancel and defrost options
  • The electronic variable timing control

With the above key features in mind, this is a great solution if you are just kitting out your first caravan or have recently upgraded and wanted fresh items. What could be more satisfying than waking up in the morning and making you and the fellow tourers travelling on board with you, a nice cup of tea or coffee and some toast?

Kampa is known for making high quality goods, and considering the price tag, this is a great way to kit out your caravan for little to no money.

Conclusion

We hope that the above article has helped you choose the best low wattage kettle for the caravan as we have looked at some of the best low voltage kettles available to caravanners.

Thanks for reading our article on the best caravan kettles.



Best Caravan Levelling Ramps


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Most caravan sites have accurately level pitches these. However, you may still encounter in your caravanning adventures, some places with uneven ground.

At Caravan Helper we know that this is an all-too-common occurrence, and if you are new to caravanning and would like to avoid it, we are here to help.

In this article we will discuss why it’s important to ensure that your caravan is pitched on level ground in the first place, ways you can do it and highlight some of the best caravan levelling ramps available right now.

Caravan Levelling Ramps (Let’s Look At The Best Ones)

Thule are a very popular and highly reputable caravan accessories manufacturer and we’ve featured several their items on various guides and posts on Caravan Helper. These levelling ramps from the company are perfect for use with caravans and motorhomes.

They can hold a combined weight of 5 tonnes between them and have three different heights -44mm, 78mm and 112mm. At a size of 560mm by 202mm, these have the ideal large surface area to create a more stable surface for you to roll your caravan tyres up. They come with a very durable and practical storage bag so that you can keep your ramps safe and clean when they are not in use.

Fiamma is an equally popular and long-running manufacturer of accessories and equipment designed to be used with recreational vehicles. They are based in Italy, where they were established, and these 136/133 Level Pro ramps are the first of a number highlighted in this list.

They are made with a highly durable and UV-resistant PU that also benefits from anti-corrosion and anti-skid properties. Unlike wooden devices, these will not crack and provide you with an easy way of ensuring your caravan is level on uneven surfaces.

Like the Thule model above, these can hold a total weight of 5 tonnes between them and are therefore ideal for most caravans and motorhomes.

The next product we want to highlight is again from Fiamma and slightly more expensive than the last. Given they can hold a maximum weight of 8 tonnes between them, we still think they are a great investment.

Much like the Level Pro, the Levelling System Magnum is made from a material that is rustproof, UV-resistant and has been coated with an anti-slip finish. They have a self-locking overlap function and can also be stacked one on top of the other to achieve an even greater height if a surface is very uneven.

The last Fiamma item on our list is their original Level Up kit. This comes with a practical storage bag that helps to keep your ramps clean and secure when they are not in use.

As a standard, they feature three different levels and are made from a lightweight and rustproof material in-line with other Fiamma ramps. A little pricier than the last two, but obviously, price should only be one thing that you consider when deciding which ramps are best for you.

Maypole are another company we’ve sung praises about on Caravan Helper and with good reason. They’ve got longevity in the industry and seem concerned with designing and manufacturing items with caravanners and campers in mind.

This Twin Level Ramp set is no exception and has been made to hold up to heavy-duty use and can bear the load of 4 tonnes between the two ramps. They offer a maximum levelling height of 80mm and are easy and incredibly safe to use.

Another great product from Maypole, this kit contains two sturdy caravan wheel ramps that have three different heights – 40mm, 70mm and 100mm, so they’re ideal if you are looking to level off your caravan at a height over the 80mm offered by the model above.

You need to be careful, as you do when buying any of these levelling ramps, that they can hold the weight of your vehicle. This set can hold a total of 2.5 tonnes.

By far the priciest item on our list, this last set of ramps is from Milenco. Milenco is another reputable and firmly established brand within the caravan accessories industry and their commitment to high-quality products is evident in the Quattro huge level ramp kit.

Not only do these offer 4 different heights, but they benefit from a special design that cups your wheels, negating the need for caravan wheel chocks when you are securing your vehicle at the appropriate height.

Help Levelling Your Caravan Using Ramps

Although these ramps are easy enough to use, we thought we’d provide you with a helpful link to this great video from Towergate, that shows you how to level your caravan.

As mentioned earlier, if you are looking for an alternative to using a glass of water or a spirit level, you should consider this great 2-Way Mini Caravan Levelling Aid Indicator. It’s incredibly easy to install and is a more permanent and easier way to check the horizontal and vertical level of your caravan with greater accuracy.

Considering the price, we think this is a bargain.

Why Bother Making Sure Your Caravan Is Level?

You may be wondering why this is important. It’s more than just a case of ensuring you are sleeping on a bed or sitting on a table with a slight slope. We know there’s a lot of people who wouldn’t find that a problem. This is also about ensuring that your appliances work properly.

If you look at the user manual on most modern appliances, you’ll find that it says something along the lines of ‘ensure the appliance or device is placed on a level surface. So, even the manufacturers suggest it.

For bigger appliances like your caravan fridge cooker, microwave and any portable heaters you have, this is a clear safety precaution. However, there’s other items that are less dangerous to use on a slope, but are just impractical and even if you could use them, doing so could result in problems with either your warranty or insurance if they are not used in the correct manner.

So, ensuring your caravan is on level ground will help ensure you are safe while caravanning, that your appliances work properly and that you are comfortable.

Different Ways to Level Your Caravan

There are several different products you can use to make levelling your caravan relatively easy. Obviously, the method and tools you use depend on your towing confidence and ability.

 

 

    Jacks are pieces of equipment that are placed underneath your caravan wheel and screwed upwards to make your caravan level. This option may suit you if you are not very confident in your towing abilities, as levelling ramps (mentioned below) are quite small. Jacks also give you a greater amount of control and precision on the height you want to set your caravan too.

  • Caravan Levelling Ramps. Another common way to level your caravan and the one we recommend if you are confident in your towing abilities is by using a levelling ramp. There are two varieties of ramp available right now, one with steps at different heights and more simple sloped ramps. These ramps work by enabling you to drive your caravan wheels up the ramp until it is level and then you simply use caravan wheel chocks to stop it from rolling backwards down the ramp again.

Checking Your Caravan is Level

The easiest way to check that your caravan is level is by using a spirit level and placing it on a flat, hard surface inside your caravan. It really is that simple. Failing that, if you don’t have a spirit level you can just use a glass of water for a rough estimate.

If you are interested in a more permanent solution to checking the level of your caravan or motorhome, you may want to consider the 2-Way Mini Caravan Levelling Indicator from ABC, highlighted further down this page.

In Summary

As we noted at the outset, most modern camping and caravan sites will have level pitches and hard standings for you to park your caravan on, but when you come across a less maintained and older site, it is a good idea to have a set of levelling ramps at your disposal.

We know it’s not always fun to look through hundreds of Amazon products, which is why we hope you manage to find the right levelling ramp kit for your motorhome or caravan. You now have all the information you need to make the right choice, and how best to level your caravan in the first place.

Almost falling out of bed when you try to settle down for the night will both be a thing of the past, as will any of the safety risks of trying to use appliances on those uneven surfaces will be a thing of the past, meaning you can get down to what you want to do in the first place – enjoy the caravanning lifestyle.



Caravan Awning Heaters


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One of the delights of taking a caravan on holiday is the fresh air, and it’s never more enjoyable than in the quiet of the evening. Nothing beats settling down under your awning for a few drinks or a meal, or to simply sit around, relax and chat, and it’s all the better if you have heating. You will, of course, have heaters in your caravan so it can be cosy and warm in there, but what about outside, under your awning? You definitely need an awning heating system!

Before you consider what awning heater you need to think about whether you want a caravan side skirt to help keep the heat in and which size awning you have.

There are many options for awning heaters that you can hang or mount outside – and some of those we have chosen are also certified for use indoors – so let’s check out the best we could find, and see if there’s one here that would do the job for you.

Best Caravan Heaters (Our Selections)

This model, from the extensive Firefly range, is electrically powered, so you need a hook-up for it to do the job. It is designed for patio use as a patio heater – and you could make use of it at home if you wish on your patio – and is perfectly suited for use in awnings. It’s also certified for use indoors as well as out, so you get even better value for money and extra heat for your caravan.

It hangs from a chain, and is finished in a nice sliver shiny surface that is rather attractive, and heats by way of a 1.5kW halogen element which promises around 3000 hours of use, so that’s a lifetime for most caravans. The element also provides light, and the durable aluminium casing will last the distance.

Cheap to run – the makers claim 18p per hour – and convenient, it’s sensibly priced and will give you plenty of heat for a comfortable evening under the awning. Infrared heaters are a great choice.

Key Features – halogen, 1.5kW, electric, aluminium, attractive

We’ve chosen a second model from the Firefly range to demonstrate a different concept, that of the wall-mounted infra-red heater. This one can provide up to 2kW of heating power – or as little as 650W if you want less – and also provides light thanks to the silent and efficient heating elements. It comes with fittings to attach to a wall permanently, but can also be used occasionally and is suitable for awnings.

Electric again, this one needs to plug in, it is quick to heat up and cheap to run – infrared heaters are by far the most cost-effective method – and also easy to use.

It is worth remembering that it does need to be under some form of cover, as it is not waterproof. This one comes from an extensive range of such heaters so Firefly is a brand worth checking out, and it is competitively priced for a quality item.

Key Features – wall mounting, suitable for awnings, not waterproof, infra-red, 2kW

If you’re looking for a simple solution to your awning heating, what about this neat and compact oil-filled radiator? Now, these are not the most efficient forms of heating – and they take a long time to get up to speed – but this one is cheap and cheerful, and will provide you with sufficient heat for sitting outdoors as long as the weather is not absolutely freezing!

It is a 700W model so is perfectly capable of providing additional heat for your caravan, too, and it’s a simple plug in and go model with a variable heat dial and simple on and off switches. The 7 elements give off plenty of heat, and it uses low enough power to not trouble your supply, but it’s not as attractive as some of the awning heaters we have featured, and may cost more to run.

Key Features – oil filled, electric, 700w, 7 elements

So let’s say you’ve pitched your van somewhere remote, quiet and beautiful, and you want to keep your battery power for lights. What do you do for heat? You use a gas powered awning heater such as this inexpensive and simple model from SunGas. This one uses universal gas canisters you can buy all over the world and has instant on and off, and is very versatile and compact too.

This high-performance gas heater can provide up to 1kW of heat – thanks to a reflective dome that directs all the heat towards you – and is safeguarded by a cage across the flame area. It’s small, will last a long time and cheap to run, and also cheap to buy. The only warning we would give with this is that as it is a love flame it needs to be used under supervision, but bar that it’s a great choice of awning heater and for other uses, too.

Key Features – gas, universal canister, easy to use, cheap, 1kW

Back to electric awning heaters with this one from Explorer, and it’s a slightly different concept to those we have seen so far. In fact, it’s a simple fan heater – the sort you may use around the home for occasional heat – and is a 500W model. That’s not the most powerful we’ve seen here but for use in a small awning – or in your caravan – it will do a decent job, as long as you have the electric power source it needs.

It is light and compact, so perfect for a caravan or awning, and also features an auto-off function for if it gets too hot, which is a nice and welcome safety feature. This one will not be as cost-effective as the halogen infrared heaters we listed earlier, but for additional and occasional heat we see no problem with it, especially at what is an excellent price.

Key Features – fan heater, electric, 500W, cheap, overheat protection.

Our final choice, from the Kampa range which includes a variety of camping products, is this electric ceramic fan heater, and it’s worth a closer look if you are happy with this type of heater as it is very cheap indeed. This one has special ceramic elements that are very efficient, and is designed for use in compact spaces so would be perfect for a caravan, or an awning, or even in a tent if you have the power source.

It’s very small and – at 1500W – powerful for its size and price. In fact, at the price, we reckon buying two would give you enough heat for even a good-sized awning. It’s easy to use with an adjustable heat selector, and is very effective given the type of heater it is. Fan heaters are not to everyone’s taste, but the simple fact remains this one is powerful and very cheap, so it’s certainly worthy of a second look.

Key Features – fan heater, ceramic, 1500W, compact, price

That’s six very usable heaters that you can put in your awning for a little extra heat, and enjoy those evenings with a bottle of wine long after dark! Is there one here for you, and which would we recommend? Let’s consider the options!

Our Conclusion

First, let’s address the one problem that is always evident with caravans and awnings: power. You most likely have a power supply from a leisure battery or similar, or you may have settled at a site that offers you a mains electricity supply. That being the case, five out of our six selections will work for you.

If you don’t have electricity, or want to save what you have in your batteries, then the only one you can use is no. 4, the SunGas heater. It operates from a standard gas canister that you can buy at any hardware or camping store, and that is universal pretty much across the world, and provides you with a sensible amount of heat, too, so you might want to check it out further in case you end up somewhere with no mains power supply.

Back to the electric models, then, and there are a couple we like. The first one we recommend you look at more closely is the last one on the list, the Kampa fan heater. It’s cheap, it’s simple and yet it’s also surprisingly powerful and effective, and if a fan heater suits you, then we can’t see anything wrong with what is a superbly priced little heater.

Our favourites, however, are undoubtedly the two Firefly models which are both infrared heaters. One hangs from above, the other mounts on a wall or can be stood down, and both feature very efficient and cheap to run halogen elements that are ideal for use in awnings and caravans. You may pay a little more for these, but they come highly recommended from many satisfied users.

So, check out our selection of awning heaters again, and get yourself one so you can enjoy those evenings under your awning! If you want your awning to be even cosier, then get yourself some carpet for your awning.



Caravan Hitch Cover


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There are so many accessories available these days for caravans and everything connected to towing one. So, may in fact that it can be quite intimidating trying to suss out just which are necessary purchases, and which are not. A caravan cover, for instance, is something that very few people would argue as being anything other than essential.

The same applies to awnings in their various shapes and sizes. These are ideal accessories when you want to extend the covered space your caravan provides further. Even awning covers are a necessity to make sure your awning lasts if it possibly can. However, there are some caravan accessories and items that are not as necessary to invest in.

Although some people consider caravan hitch covers to be in this category, we here at Caravan Helper would disagree.

A caravan hitch cover is more than just an aesthetic accessory that makes your caravan look a little better when its parked up and if you’re interested in finding out the best of the plethora of caravan hitch covers on the market right now, you’ve come to the right place.

Now you know why we recommend that you invest in one, what are the best caravan hitch covers out there right now?

Caravan Hitch Covers (Some Options)

First on our list is this extremely affordable hitch cover manufactured by Maypole. Maypole are a very reputable supplier of caravan accessories and this hitch cover is no different. It has been manufactured using heavy-duty, high-quality PVC plastic that has been reinforced for increased durability. It is very easy to use and comes with all the necessary adjustable straps and buckles.

This is another cost-effective hitch cover made from high-quality nylon-like material. Rather than having straps or buckles, this has an elasticated cord and drawstring on the underside that enables you to adjust it for a tighter, secure fit.

Made from 600DD Oxford cloth, this silver-grey hitch cover from Eluto it’s a little bit pricier, but comes with a storage bag to keep it in when it is not in use. It’s again, easy enough to attach using the string provided, you just feed it through the eyelets and tie them off around the hitch,

This next cover is another universally sized one that offers weather resistance and protection for your hitch. It comes with a bungee cord that you use to secure it tightly around your hitch, so it won’t blow away and leave it exposed.

The next high-quality hitch cover on our list is by Ducksback and is constructed from heavy-duty 600DD polyester that is water-resistant and has a hard-wearing PVC backing. This hitch is designed to fit most hitches and is secured using webbing straps that tie through an attached loop that fits underneath the hitch.

As good quality as the fabric in this cover is, it is not protected against UV rays and therefore, the colour will fade in time.

Streetwize products are often featured on Caravan Helper because of their affordability and the fact that they are well-made. This caravan tow hitch cover is no different and is made from a heavy-duty nylon fabric that is weather-resistant and will keep dirt, grime ice, snow, tree sap, bird droppings and so much more from building up on your caravan hitch and causing it to deteriorate.

This caravan tow bar cover also benefits from having resistance to UV rays so will not fade in the same way others do over time.

From the appropriately named Bags and Covers Direct Limited, comes our second-to-last caravan tow bar cover. This cover is available in a variety of attractive colours to suit almost everyone’s preferences and is made from a 600DD polyester fabric that will keep out the rain, dirt, tree sap and other mess that can interfere with your hitch. It is easy to fit using straps and webbings. As it does not been treated with UV stabilising chemicals, the colour will fade in time.

The last hitch cover on our list is this official Andes product and the company have a good reputation for designing, producing and supplying high-quality accessories for caravanning and camping. Designed to fit most hitches, and consists of eyelets and a drawstring cord for tight and secure fixing.

When you are looking for a bit of a cheeky hitch cover that stands out among the others, consider this hitch cover by Grove. Recognize your caravan from a distance with the big white letters on a bright red background that say ‘keep calm and caravan’.

The hitch cover is made of high-quality nylon with a durable and water-resistant PVC coating. At its widest point, the hitch cover measures about 32 inches and at its highest point the hitch cover measures about 24 inches. Large enough for your average hitch.

Personalised Caravan Hitch Cover

We’ve already considered that as well as providing protection caravan hitch covers help to add a bit of pizazz and aesthetic value to your caravan outfit. They help to cover over the clunky, unsightly looking mechanical components. Therefore, it’s not surprising that you can invest in personalised caravan hitch covers, like those available at:

https://bags4everything.co.uk/product/personalised-tow-hitch-cover/

Personalised Tow Hitch Cover

From Bags4Everything, you can invest in a personalised cover for a large or extra-large tow hitch, by emailing the company with your favourite picture. The cover itself has been constructed using the strongest available PVC-based material and will protect your A-frame or hitch from all weather conditions and are easy to fit with side-release clips 2 webbings.

Protection from the elements

The hitch is a very important component when it comes to towing a caravan. Therefore, it makes sense to keep it in as good condition as possible. Besides regularly assessing it for damage, damp, cleaning it properly and oiling it from time to time, you will also need to protect it from the elements and dirt.

Rain and other adverse weather conditions can slowly, but surely wear your hitch out. So too can dirt, grime and other messy build-ups. Therefore, if you want to avoid paying out for a replacement sooner than you expect, you should invest in a cover. They have very real benefits.

They Protect You, Those Travelling with You and Other Caravanners

Tow hitches attract a lot of dirt, oil and grime and when they get wet they just get dirtier and messier. They also have very sharp points and edges. The last thing you, someone in your travelling party or another caravanner wants is to either have their clothes dirtied up, ripped or otherwise torn by your exposed tow hitch.

Unfortunately, it may not just be clothing that suffers, as exposed tow hitches can cause accidental cuts and scrapes. So, a caravan hitch cover, with padding and thick material, is a safe way to not only protect the hitch itself but you and others from nasty injuries.

Why Cover Caravan Hitch

On this page, you will find many caravan hitch covers that are worth investing in. But you may wonder, why should you cover your caravan hitch? Although they do add to the aesthetic value of your caravan outfit, the main reason you should always cover your hitch when you’re pitched up is protection.

When you leave the hitch uncovered and exposed to whatever Mother Nature throws at it, it will eventually suffer from corrosion and other water-related damages. This, in turn, makes it increasingly unreliable and harder to operate. In the end, you may have to replace it. Therefore, avoid this unnecessary cost by investing in a hitch cover.

There you have it folks, our pick of the bunch. We are sure you’ll be able to find the best caravan hitch cover for your own setup. The one piece of advice we’d offer before you buy one is to just make sure that the dimensions will fit the size of your hitch. Although they have universal sizing, there are always exceptions. So, avoid disappointment by checking the measurements first. Once you know a cover will fit your hitch, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t invest in one. If you’ve never used one in the past, you’ll quickly see why so many people do not caravan without them.

For more towing related information, check out our articles on the best caravan towing mirrors or rearview cameras.

Don’t forget your hitch lock!



Awning Carpet for Hard Standing


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When you take your caravan for a fun break, you are taking as close to a home from home as you can. You will undoubtedly have your caravan equipped with all you need to make sure you and your family are as comfortable as can be. What you might have overlooked, however, is what happens outside the caravan, perhaps under your awning.

This is where you should have caravan awning carpet. Why do we recommend this? Quite simply, it is much nicer to step out onto a soft carpeted area than it is to suffer stones or cold concrete – if you are on hard standing – especially in bare feet! There are many examples of awning carpet available, in a full range of different types and sizes and covering all budgets, so we took a look at some for you.

If you want your awning to be extra cosy then we would also recommend you invest in an awning heater and a draft skirt that goes along the bottom of your caravan to help give your awning an extra cosy feel.

Caravan Awning Carpets For Hard Standing – Some Selections

Our first selection should give you an idea of what this type of item is all about. It comes in 3-metre wide sections, and in various lengths – 2.5m, 3m or 6m – and it either blue or green. This flooring is made from close weave material, which allows the circulation of air while keeping the worms beneath – which is very much what you want!

The material is carefully chosen and crafted so that it can be laid on grass without killing it – unlike some flooring it is approved for campsite use on grass as well as on hard standing – and it is soft underfoot. It comes with a set of pegs so you can secure it on soft ground; you simply lay it out and it’s ready for use. Hose it down with water to clean, leave it to dry, fold it up and you’re ready for when you next need it! It’s a decent price, and good quality.

Key Features – various lengths, air circulation, easy to wash, pegs

This item is a different concept to the above. What you get is a pack of six interlocking mats, which you slot together to form your flooring. The mats are made from very durable high density EVA foam, which is soft to walk on but also hard-wearing, and they are non-slip so you have that added benefit. They allow the air to circulate, so you can use them on most surfaces without concern.

The pack contains 6 tiles, each measuring 61x61cm, so you get coverage for a total of 24 square feet of flooring. These are also often used as a workout mat, so would be useful for a home gym. If you are looking for a compact and simple way to create flooring outside your caravan then this could be the answer, but while supremely comfortable, they are perhaps not the most attractive.

Key Features – 6 mat pack, 24 square foot, easy to clean, easy to put together

While all of our selections are designed for outdoor use – and are essentially waterproof – they can also make great flooring for if you have a tent alongside your caravan, or perhaps a gazebo. This item – from MP Essentials – is very similar to the first one in that it is made from close weave, breathable material and is ideal for use on grass without causing permanent damage.

This one is available in a range of sizes – 2.5m up to 7.5m lengths, and all 2.5m in width – and is surprisingly easy to lay. It’s also easy to wash – once again, you just need to hose it down leave it to dry and you’re ready to move on – and also comfortable underfoot. It is fitted with eyelets for pegging down but you will need to supply the pegs, and it’s a good quality flooring at a sensible price.

Key Features – durable, waterproof, breathable, 2.5m width, up to 7.5m length

This is another example of the awning carpet type, and it is from Olrpo, who offer a variety of such products. It comes in 2.5-metre wide sections, and in various lengths – 2.5m up to 6.5m – and it is rot proof and UV retardant. This flooring is made from close weave material, which allows the circulation of air while keeping the worms beneath – which is very much what you want!

The material is carefully chosen and crafted so that it can be laid on grass without killing it – unlike some flooring it is approved for campsite use on grass as well as on hard standing – and it is soft underfoot. It comes with holes for pegs so you can secure it on soft ground but you will need to supply pegs; you simply lay it out and it’s ready for use. Hose it down with water to clean, leave it to dry, fold it up and you’re ready for when you next need it! It’s a decent price, and good quality.

Key Features – various lengths, air circulation, easy to wash, UV resistant

This is another example of the awning carpet type, and it is again from Olrpo, who offer a variety of such products. This particular item measures 2.5m x 4m and is finished in blue, and it is rot proof and UV retardant. This flooring is made from close weave material, which allows the circulation of air while keeping the worms beneath – which is very much what you want!

The material is carefully chosen and crafted so that it can be laid on grass without killing it – unlike some flooring it is approved for campsite use on grass as well as on hard standing – and it is soft underfoot. It comes with holes for pegs so you can secure it on soft ground but you will need to supply pegs; you simply lay it out and it’s ready for use. Hose it down with water to clean, leave it to dry, fold it up and you’re ready for when you next need it! It’s a decent price, and good quality.

Key Features – 4m length, air circulation, easy to wash, UV resistant

This is another of the woven type – it is important as it allows the air to circulate and therefore is accepted on grass by clubs – and it’s a quality item that we think belongs on a shortlist. Ideal for outside your caravan, inside an awning, gazebo or tent, or simply as an outdoor floor on rough ground, this one is sensibly priced and very popular with customers.

It is also made from partly recycled materials, so you’re doing your bit for the environment when you choose this one, and is 2.5m wide with various lengths ranging from 3.5m to 8.0m, so is suitable for even the largest of areas. It comes with a handy bag into which it folds, is easy to clean and use, and while not the cheapest here, is certainly one of the best.

Key Features – 2.5m width, up to 8m length, breathable, folds into carry bag

While all of our selections are designed for outdoor use – and are essentially waterproof – they can also make great flooring for if you have a tent alongside your caravan, or perhaps a gazebo. This item is very similar to many others in that it is made from close weave, breathable material and is ideal for use on grass without causing permanent damage.

This one is available in a range of sizes – 2.5m up to 5m lengths, and all 2.5m in width – and is surprisingly easy to lay. It’s also easy to wash – once again, you just need to hose it down leave it to dry and you’re ready to move on – and also comfortable underfoot. It is fitted with eyelets for pegging down but you will need to supply the pegs, and it’s a good quality flooring at a price that is competitive in this company.

Key Features – 2.5m width, up to 5m length, breathable, waterproof, easy clean

 

Our final selection is the second of the tile type of flooring, and it is very neat and effective and is a great choice if you want cushioned awning carpet. What you get is a pack of four interlocking mats, which you slot together to form your flooring. The mats are made from very durable high density EVA foam, which is soft to walk on but also hard-wearing, and they are non-slip so you have that added benefit. They allow the air to circulate, so you can use them on most surfaces without concern.

The pack contains 4 tiles, each measuring 50cm x 50cm, although we feel that to make a sensible sized floor you would need more than one pack. These are also often used as a workout mat, so would be useful for a home gym. If you are looking for a compact and simple way to create flooring outside your caravan then this could be the answer, but while supremely comfortable, they are perhaps not the most attractive. Although this is not a caravan awning carpet that is cut to size, its one of our favourites as its just so flexible and easy to clean.

Key Features – 4 mat pack, 50x50cm, easy to clean, easy to put together

That’s our selection of awning carpets and tiles, so which is for you? Let’s have a look!

Our Choice

It comes down to whether you want a carpet type or the interlocking mats. Both have their merits, but we prefer the carpet for convenience and ease of use especially if your awning is a smaller one. Also, you tend to get more for your money. If you want a very large area, the one to go for is the Crusader, no. 6 among our selections, as it can be as long as 8-metres. Alternatively, our first selection – from Crocodile – is good value as it also comes with pegs.

The choice is yours, so have another look and invest in a floor covering that will make your caravan holiday that little bit more comfortable.

If you are on a hard standing you might also want to look at the best awning pegs for a hard standing.