Top Campervan and Motorhome Accessories

In a way, because it’s the spine of the experience, buying a leisure vehicle is often the simplest part of getting yourself set up for life on the road, whether you opt for a caravan, a campervan or a motorhome. There are many other much smaller bits and pieces you might want and need to buy to go with your new vehicle, and making sure you’ve got what you need requires some thought. 

Top Motorhome and Campervan Accessories

In this edition of our blog we’re picking out ten must-have accessories that will contribute to your on the road life being as great as you hoped it would be - and we’re starting with an absolute classic.

1.    Sat nav system

Perhaps the most popular of the accessories we’re listing here, sat nav (otherwise known as GPS and, sometimes, as Tom-Tom) has become widespread over the last couple of decades. Satellite navigation completely removes the problem of driver and map-reading passenger arguing over which turn to take. You program in your destination and this clever little box with an easy-to-read screen plots your route using, yes, you guessed, satellite technology, offering cues to directions and turns. It will even speak these to you! It’s invaluable!

2.    Awning

The awning is ‘an old favourite’, enhancing the possibilities of living space for years. In simple terms it’s a covered extension which is affixed to the side (or on some models the rear) of your vehicle - once you’ve got yourself parked up, of course. Awnings can be quite large – sometimes creating a considerable amount of additional living and sleeping space – though they can also be more modest, offering a sheltered area for ‘sitting out’. 

There are two types of awning (and there is plenty of advice out there about how to fit an awning rail to a vehicle that doesn’t already have one, so don’t panic). A ‘drive-away’ awning allows you to disconnect the vehicle from the awning and drive off, leaving the awning behind like a tent. A ‘fixed’ awning is permanently attached and cannot be left free standing. Both of these fittings will provide great extra value for travellers.

3.    Outdoor shower

Caravans and motorhomes are, in almost every single instance, covered as far as a washroom is co0ncerned. However, campervans often don’t have a shower on their interior due to the space constraints. If you park up at a campsite you may find that there is a facilities block which offers access to showers and other bathroom facilities – but the addition of a portable outdoor shower to your campervan kit is a really sensible move. There are solar-powered showers available, for that extra comfort. Outdoor showers are also great for campervan lifers who like to rinse off sand after spending their time down at the beach, or mud after going on a hiking trail. Also great for making sure the dog is nice and clean! 

4.    Portable barbecue

Your campervan is likely to contain quite limited cooking space – fine for certain meals and certain situations, but on occasion you’ll want to go ‘all out’ and prepare something a little more substantial. A portable barbecue could be gas or coal powered, and either will provide you with a great way to cook ‘al fresco’. You should always make sure you check campsite rules before lighting up, and there is no excuse for leaving a mess behind whether you are in a campsite or out in the wild. You should always dispose of barbecue remnants responsibly.

5.    Folding furniture

Taking along a bit of folding furniture will help you make the most of the available space under (or in) your awning, and also out in the open if you don’t have one. You’ll quite often be travelling during the summer months, which will almost certainly mean the opportunity to soak in some sunshine. Your folding furniture will probably comprise of a table for dining and socialising, and some chairs – enough for the travelling party but perhaps also a couple extra so you can host the new campervan companions you meet along the way!

6.    Portable lighting

We’ve mentioned al fresco dining and socialising in the last couple of sections, and a great way to ensure you can actually see what you are doing during these activities is to take along some portable lighting. These are available in a huge range of styles, with both standard battery, rechargeable and even solar options available. It’s also worth taking along an LED torch and headlamp, as you may need to find your way around your campsite at night.

7.    Levelling ramps

Although most campsites are on pretty level ground, there will be nuances which might affect your comfort. Almost your best secret weapon for success in the leisure vehicle life, levelling ramps will negate the problem of parking on an angle. Gone will be the annoyance of sleeping on inclined ground, and the problems associated with drainage and appliances like your sink and your fridge working properly. Before you buy you should think about your vehicle’s weight and size and the type of ground you will be parking on, so that you can make sure you get the most suitable ramps for you.

8.    Thermal blind

Campervans obviously do not have the same heating properties – or systems - as a bricks and mortar home does. They also are unlikely to have the facility that motorhomes and campervans do. Once you have accepted this fact you will want to do what you can to make sure you can regulate a campervan’s internal climate – in other words, to make things as comfortable as possible. Thermal blinds are a great tool to help keep temperatures pleasant, and they are easy to affix to the windscreen and front side windows. In winter they will reduce heat loss and in summer they will deflect sunlight to keep the cab cool. 

9.    Tyre air compressor

You’re in the middle of nowhere and you find that you’ve got a tyre that’s looking a bit saggy due to a slow leak. With an air compressor you can pump up to the correct pressure with very little inconvenience or effort. Plugging in to the vehicle’s !2-volt adapter socket (often the cigarette lighter) these simple devices are easy to run and you will never again have to pay for a few minutes of air at a petrol garage.

10. Emergency kit

From time to time every driver experiences a vehicle breakdown of some kind. An emergency kit is a great way to mitigate against the inconvenience of breakdowns (though it won’t prevent them, of course). Your kit should include things like jumper cables, tow straps, bungee cables, a seatbelt cutter, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and more. 

On the road trips are hugely enjoyable, and time away travelling is the perfect way to escape the rigours of domesticity and routine. Just like normal life, though, you will get the most out of it if you have the right accessories and extras. Whatever these items are - sometimes small, sometimes bigger, sometimes essential, sometimes just for fun – adding them to your on the road life will increase your possibilities. Browse with us to see the vehicles we’ve currently got in stock and once you’ve found something which interests you then get in touch. We’ll be more than happy to talk!