YOUR GUIDE TO RV ACCESSORIES

YOUR MCD GUIDE TO THE MUST-HAVE RV ACCESSORIES

From colourful cushions to power-saving solar panels, the accessories you kit out your motorhome with can make all the difference to your comfort, enjoyment, and safety as you travel. And whether you prefer an off-the-grid experience, or you like to travel with the latest technology and home comforts on board, there’s a stack of extras and attachments for your RV available to help you do just that.

To help you pick out the perfect gear, gadgets and comfy furnishings, we’ve put together this handy guide to some of the must-have accessories for your RV. ⊲

The perfect setup!

RELAX IN STYLE

Getting away from the daily routine, putting your feet up, and enjoying a little time out in nature – with a glass of whatever you fancy of course – it just doesn’t get any better! These essential accessories are all about helping you relax in comfort as you travel.

INTERIOR DESIGN Add a touch of personality and fun to your motorhome or caravan’s interior. Colourful cushions, throw rugs and duvets or caravan and Kiwiana-themed tea towels and mugs can help transform your RV into a relaxing home-away-from-home.

OUTDOOR FURNITURE No motorhome or caravan set up is complete without a good quality set of outdoor furniture for those alfresco breakfasts or evening G&Ts!

TIP: When you’re thinking about which set of outdoor furniture is best for you, consider factors such as easy set-up and take-down, quality (and weather-proof) materials, and the amount of storage space each piece will need.

AWNINGS Extend your living space and enjoy shade and shelter with an easyto-use awning. There are a few options to consider when it comes to choosing the best awning for your motorhome or caravan. The three main types of awning include:

Wall mounted cassette awnings: These are available in a variety of lengths and fixed to the side or roof of your motorhome. The canopy is housed within an aluminium case and uses a ‘roll out’ mechanism deployed with an electric motor or a manual handle.

Fixed awnings: These have a welded metal frame and are finished with a durable fabric or aluminium-slat cover. This type of awning has a roof and three sides, and attaches to the side of the vehicle, so once set up, it stays put until you’re ready to pack down.

Freestanding awnings: As the name suggests, these awnings are set up independently of your RV. The obvious benefit of a freestanding awning is the ability to leave it on site (provided the site is secure, such as a campground), while you head out for the day.

An awning helps extend your living space as well as providing shelter

INFLATABLE AWNING OPTIONS Many motorhomers are now enjoying the benefits of inflatable fixed and freestanding awnings. Inflatable awnings are much faster to put up and take down, and by eliminating the steel poles, the awning package is lighter. With the steel poles gone, damage to your RV in stormy conditions is much less likely. Another big benefit is that, in reasonable weather, one person can put the awning up or take it down.

TUNE IN

Today’s motorhomes and caravans offer a home-away-from-home, with all the mod cons and technology we’ve become accustomed to. With a few key accessories, you can get back to nature without missing your favourite shows, enjoy an alfresco sunset dinner accompanied by your favourite playlist, and connect to social media to share it all with friends!

SMART TVS Having a Smart TV on board is the ultimate in travel luxury and perfect for those rainy days or when you just feel like putting your feet up and watching a movie or your favourite series. When you’re looking for a TV for your motorhome or caravan, it’s important to choose a 12V/24V compatible TV designed for use in an RV. TVs that are designed for motorhomes tend to be a bit more robust and able to cope with the bumps and jolts of being in a moving vehicle.

TIP: To keep your motorhome’s TV in good working order, it’s important that it’s used regularly. A good rule of thumb is to run your TV for at least 10-15 minutes each month. Remember to keep your hardware updated to help prevent it from slowing or freezing.

BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS There’s nothing quite like enjoying your favourite music while you’re sizzling up a steak on the barbecue or enjoying nibbles and drinks with friends. Bluetooth speakers are the ideal option for listening to music while you travel. Just connect with your phone, start your playlist, and sit back and relax. And if you decide to head down to the beach or move inside or out, your speaker can move with you.

Bluetooth soundbars are another great option – either for music or to enhance your TV sound. Remember, when you’re considering a soundbar for your RV, choose a model that offers 12/24V compatibility.

BROADBAND Staying connected to the internet as you travel is easier than ever thanks to the latest in portable WiFi technology. A good connection is a must-have not only for emails or web browsing, but also for accessing streaming services like Netflix and YouTube. ⊲ ⊲ 61

To get connected you’ll need a portable modem that can be used with a 12/24V adaptor. There are a number of portable WiFi routers especially for RV travellers now on the market, as well as WiFi plans to suit your level of useage.

TIP: NZMCA members can receive discounted data and mobile rates from Wireless Nation.

FOODIE FUN

Travelling by motorhome is the ultimate way to enjoy alfresco breakfasts, lazy lunches, and romantic dinner under the stars. Even the most basic of meals taste so much better when you’re enjoying them parked up somewhere relaxing and scenic. Here are our top picks for must-have foodie accessories:

CHILLY BINS Even if you have a fridge in your motorhome, a chilly bin is a good accessory to have on board. Keep extra drinks and food cool, use it to pack up a picnic for a day at the beach, or for storing fish or seafood from your fishing trip.

Tips for choosing the right chilly bin: • If you use your chilly bin for picnics at the beach, look for a brand that includes handy cup holders. • To make it easier to carry, choose a chilly bin that has an extendable handle and wheels. • For long-lasting cooling, look for chilly bins made using high-quality polyurethane foam insulation.

BBQS Whether you stay at campgrounds or prefer freedom camping off the grid, a portable barbecue is a must-have motorhome accessory. Some motorhomes include slide-out barbecues – the perfect way to store and use your barbie!

There are a few features to look out for when you’re thinking about choosing a barbecue for your RV: • Construction: Look for a quality stainless steel or enamel finish • Size: Big barbies are great for home, but for your RV you’ll need to consider storage and weight. • Ignition: Many barbecues now come with push-button ignition which means no need to worry about a lighter or matches. • Cooking surface: Although you will want your barbecue to be as compact as possible, you’ll also need to ensure the grill size is sufficient for your needs. ⊲

Cooking on the go!

KITCHEN EQUIPMENT From collapsible kettles to gas-cooker toasters, there are lots of great products now available to help set up your RV kitchen. If you’re new to motorhoming, it can be tempting to stock up with all the latest goodies and gadgets. Our advice is to start out with the basics and build up as you go. Here are a few tips to help get you started:

First up, think about how often you’ll be cooking in your RV. If you’re a master chef who loves to cook, you’ll need more (and better quality) equipment than if you prefer to use campground kitchens and barbeques.

Choose lightweight items such as melamine or high-quality plastic plates and drinkware. These are not only less likely to break, but they also help keep your RV’s payload weight down.

Look for collapsible and stackable products to help you maximise the space in your cupboards.

BATHROOM BASICS

Keeping your bathroom and toilet hygienically clean needn’t be a big or arduous task. With the right products on hand, it takes just a few minutes a day.

SURFACE CLEANERS One of the most important things to remember when cleaning your RV bathroom is to use the right products. Many of the surfaces and fixtures in your RV bathroom are manufactured from plastics, lightweight acrylics, or composite materials. That means it’s important to use non-abrasive cleaners. Don’t be tempted to use products that contain bleach as these can cause irreparable damage.

It’s best to head to your local RV accessory supplier and invest in good quality surface cleaners that will leave your bathroom clean and fresh.

TOILET HYGIENE There are a host of products available to help keep your toilet and waste tank sanitised and fresh. These include:

• Toilet fluid and rinse: This can be poured into your RV toilet to help dissolve waste and remove odours. Look for a brand that is environmentally safe and can be used in flush and waste tanks. • Pods or sachets: These handy pre-measured doses are ideal for treating toilets and cassette systems. They can be dropped into your waste tank and will dissolve on contact with water. • Rinse: Once you’ve cleaned and sanitised your toilet, you may also like to use a rinse for extra freshness and to help lubricate the bowl to prevent staining.

TOILET PAPER Did you know that household toilet paper isn’t good to use in your RV toilet? This is because it’s not designed to break down quickly, which means it can cause blockages – a sure fire way to put a dampener on your holiday! The good news is, most RV supply stores stock toilet paper designed especially for motorhomes and caravanss. It does cost a little more – but it’s also designed to rapidly dissolve so you won’t have to worry about unclogging the loo while you’re enjoying your holiday. ⊲

Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals on your RV’s bathroom surfaces

Extend your off-road adventures with an e-bike

OUT & ABOUT

One of the great things about the RV lifestyle is the endless array of beautiful trails, tracks, and national parks waiting to be explored. Here are our top picks to help you do exactly that!

E-BIKES E-bikes are the new black! Park up your motorhome or caravan, jump on your e-bike and you can carry on exploring around town or off the beaten track. With so many makes and models now on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are a few factors to consider when you’re looking for the perfect set of wheels: • Buy from a recognised dealer or agent who can offer backup. You can pick up a cheap bike on TradeMe or other platforms, but you need to be sure you can get replacement parts. Look at the company behind the brand and make sure you feel comfortable that they’re established and trustworthy. • Assess what you want to do most with your bike. For example, if you want to go off-road, think about whether the tyres will be adequate.

Research whether the bike is suitable for New Zealand conditions. • Check that the lithium cell battery is high quality. Some cheaper brands use low-quality batteries which don’t last or end up having issues in the first year or two. • Find out how much a replacement battery costs. • Always try before you buy. Take the bike for a test ride if you can, and see if it feels good to you.

BIKE RACKS If you plan to take a bike with you on your RV adventures, you’ll need to have a bike rack installed on the back of your motorhome or caravan. The type of bike rack you’ll need will depend on factors such as the size and weight of your bike, how many bikes you want to carry, and whether you want an electric model that does the heavy lifting for you. HIKING GEAR If, like most RV travellers, you love exploring walking tracks and trails as you travel New Zealand, it’s worth stocking up on a few items of quality hiking gear. Here are a few items to consider adding to your kit: • Good quality hiking shoes or boots (make sure you ‘break them in’ before you hit the trails!) • A drink bottle • First aid kit • A head torch • Polypropylene top, leggings, and socks for extra warmth • Sun protection

POWER UP

Whether you prefer to stay mainly at campgrounds or love spending time off-grid, having a good supply of power is a must-have for your comfort and safety. Here are a few of the most in-demand accessories to help you keep the lights on and the kettle boiling!

SOLAR PANELS Solar panels are an ideal secondary source of electricity, allowing you to charge up whilst on the go or parked up off-grid. The electricity generated by a small solar panel can keep a small battery topped up, while a larger panel set up can charge batteries while producing enough power to run 12V appliances like fridges, lighting, and basic electronics. Many companies offer good RV solar installation services, and there are also plenty of kits you can buy to install yourself.

When it comes to deciding how many solar panels you need for your RV, there are a few factors to consider including: • How long you want to travel off-grid • The types of appliances you’ll be powering • How many people are on board Find out more about solar power and how to get set up.

LITHIUM BATTERIES While AGM batteries (lead acid) were once the battery of choice for RV travellers, the new generation of lithium-ion phosphate batteries (LiFePO4) are becoming increasingly popular. And with good reason. Lithium batteries have a longer lifecycle and weigh much less than AGM batteries. They’re also very safe and are easier to monitor thanks to built-in battery management systems (BMS) with Bluetooth capability (which means you can check your battery’s vitals with your smartphone). Find out more about the benefits of lithium batteries.

INVERTERS A DC to AC inverter allows us to use appliances that run on ‘home electricity’ in our RVs using our batteries. Inverters convert direct current (DC), like the power from an RV house battery, into alternating current (AC). In simple terms, an inverter increases the 12-volt DC voltage received from the battery and changes it to AC so the power at the plug is 230-Volt AC. Find out more about selecting the best inverter for your needs. 

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