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Caravan Upgrades That Are Worth Every Cent: Our Top Picks After Two Years on the Road
Here are our top picks for caravan upgrades.
When you first buy a caravan, whether brand new or second-hand, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement (and the shiny accessories). But not every add-on is worth the money. After more than two years of travelling full-time around Australia, we’ve learned exactly which upgrades truly make life on the road easier, safer, and far more comfortable.
Here’s a list of the caravan upgrades that we’d invest in again in a heartbeat.
1. Lithium Batteries and a Solid Solar Setup
If you’re planning to free camp or spend time off-grid, lithium batteries and a reliable solar system are absolute essentials.
Most new vans come with one or two solar panels and a 100-amp battery—but that setup won’t sustain you for long without power. We run two 200Ah lithium batteries (400Ah total) and four 220W solar panels, plus a 400W solar blanket for extra backup.
That combination keeps us powered through everything from induction cooking to the air fryer. The only thing that sends us back to town is water!
Tip: Go for as many solar panels as your roof allows, and invest in a good inverter (5,000W+ if you plan to run high-draw appliances).
2. Extra Water Storage
Water is always the limiting factor when you’re camping off-grid. We have three water tanks, one for drinking and two for general use, which gives us around 7–10 days of freedom before we need to refill.
Simple habits like turning the tap off while brushing your teeth or using a spray bottle for dishes stretch your supply a long way. Some travellers even keep paper plates for the longer free camps to save washing water.
3. A Comfortable Mattress
If you’ve ever slept on a standard caravan mattress, you’ll know they’re not designed for comfort. We upgraded ours on day one with a Dreamer RV mattress topper, and it’s honestly one of the best decisions we’ve made.
After long travel days, nothing beats climbing into a comfy bed. It’s made a huge difference for my back and Kev’s sore hips, save 15% off at Dreamer RV using the code allaroundoz, it’s well worth the upgrade.
4. Diesel or Gas Heater
We originally thought we’d always chase the sun. Then we spent a winter down south. Trust me—there’s nothing romantic about a freezing van!
Adding a diesel heater means we can comfortably free camp year-round without relying on caravan park power for warmth. It’s an investment in comfort and independence.
5. Sirocco Fans
If you’re debating between cheaper fans and Sirocco ones, go Sirocco. We tried the cheaper versions early on and they failed within weeks. Sirocco fans have run perfectly for two and a half years now, and they’re brilliant for airflow without needing the air con.
6. Drawers Instead of Cupboards
This might sound simple, but drawers make a huge difference in daily convenience. They’re easier to organise, easier to reach into, and help maximise your storage space. Just make sure you check the added weight to stay within your limits.
7. Water Filtration System
If you’ve travelled through regional or remote Australia, you’ll know that bore water is common and often not pleasant to drink. Installing a dual-stage water filtration system means clean, safe water for cooking and drinking, even in the most remote spots.
It’s one of those upgrades that quietly pays for itself over and over again.
8. Starlink Internet
If you work remotely or want to stay in touch with family, Starlink is a game changer. We’ve used it across Australia and it’s been incredibly reliable, except under dense tree cover (looking at you, Daintree).
For anyone needing connection on the road, it’s absolutely worth it.
9. WiTi Security System
Peace of mind is priceless when you’re leaving your van unattended. The WiTi system includes alarms, GPS tracking, and even locks the brakes if someone tries to tow your caravan away.
We also use the WiTi Bluetooth brake controller, and their customer service has been outstanding. Thankfully, we’ve never needed the security features, but knowing they’re there makes a big difference.
10. Dust Reduction System
If you travel off-road, a dust reduction system like the Carafan is a must. It pressurises your van so dust can’t get in while driving on unsealed roads. Some manufacturers (like Urban Caravans) include them as standard—but if yours doesn’t, it’s well worth adding.
Upgrades That Weren’t Worth It
Not everything we tried paid off. The biggest waste of money? Over-decorating. Anything that’s not secured will constantly need packing up before travel days, and those kilos add up quickly.
Also, the “wannabe” Sirocco fans? Definitely not worth it. Buy quality the first time and you’ll save money and frustration.
Final Thoughts: Choose Practical Over Pretty
The best upgrades are the ones that make daily life easier. Before spending money, ask yourself:
- Does it save time or effort?
- Does it increase comfort or independence?
- Does it add safety or peace of mind?
Do a few shakedown trips before you commit to major upgrades. Live in your van for a week or two—even on the driveway. You’ll quickly see what’s worth upgrading and what’s just “nice to have.”
What About You?
What’s been your best (or worst) caravan upgrade?
I’d love to hear about it email me at gday at allaroundoz dot com dot au or join our friendly Facebook groups:
You can also explore more caravan planning tips, destinations, and gear guides at allaroundoz.com.au.
And if you prefer to listen on the go, tune into Big Lap Chats Podcast Episode 29 wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the full chat on YouTube.
