Caravan & Camping Buying Guide | Expert Advice for South African Adventurers

Caravan & Camping Buying Guide

Buying caravan and camping gear is a considered decision — the right equipment makes the difference between a frustrating trip and an unforgettable adventure. This guide answers the most common pre-purchase questions we hear from South African campers, so you can buy with confidence.

How to Choose an Awning or Trailer Tent

What size awning do I need?

Awning size is primarily determined by your caravan or vehicle's side length. Measure from the front corner to the rear corner of the side you plan to attach the awning to — this is your roll-out length. As a rule of thumb, choose an awning that is 0.5–1 m shorter than this measurement to allow for proper tensioning and drainage. Common sizes range from 2.5 m to 5 m.

Also consider projection (how far the awning extends outward) — a 2.5 m projection is a comfortable starting point for most families.

Trailer tent or freestanding tent — which is better?

Trailer tents are ideal if you want a larger, more permanent sleeping and living space that sets up quickly and packs away off the ground (keeping your kit dry). They suit families and frequent campers who return to the same sites. Freestanding tents are lighter, more portable, and suit hikers or campers who move between sites regularly.

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What material should I choose?

  • Canvas/cotton blend: Breathable, handles condensation well, and stays cooler in South African heat. Heavier when wet.
  • Polyester/nylon: Lighter, dries faster, and more affordable. Look for a hydrostatic head rating above 3,000 mm for reliable waterproofing.
  • PVC: Used on high-end trailer tent floors and walls for maximum waterproofing and durability.

Which Caravan Fridge or Cooler is Right for Me?

What are the main types of caravan refrigeration?

  • Compressor fridges (12V/220V): The most efficient option for South African conditions. They cool quickly, maintain temperature in ambient heat up to 43°C, and can run off solar or a battery bank. Ideal for extended trips.
  • 3-way absorption fridges (12V/220V/gas): Quiet and versatile, these work well when stationary on gas. Performance drops in high ambient temperatures. Best for caravan parks with power hookups.
  • Portable cooler boxes (12V): Entry-level option for weekend trips. They keep contents cool rather than truly cold, and draw continuous power.

What size fridge do I need?

For a couple on a 7-day trip, a 40–55 litre compressor fridge is usually sufficient. Families should look at 60–80+ litres. Remember that a fuller fridge is more energy-efficient, so size down rather than up if you're running on battery power.

Can I run a compressor fridge off solar?

Yes — a 40 L compressor fridge typically draws 30–50 Ah per day. A 200 W solar panel paired with a 100 Ah lithium battery will comfortably power a fridge through a South African summer day.

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Caravan Electrical Setup Basics

What electrical components does a caravan need?

A self-sufficient caravan electrical system typically includes:

  1. Battery bank: Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries are the modern standard — lighter, more charge cycles, and deeper discharge than AGM/lead-acid.
  2. Battery charger/DC-DC charger: Charges your leisure battery from your tow vehicle's alternator while driving.
  3. Solar charge controller (MPPT): Regulates power from solar panels into your battery bank. MPPT controllers are significantly more efficient than PWM.
  4. Inverter: Converts 12V DC battery power to 220V AC for appliances like laptops and kettles. Size it at 20–30% above your peak load.
  5. Distribution board/fuse box: Protects individual circuits and makes fault-finding easier.

12V or lithium battery — which should I choose?

For most new setups, lithium (LiFePO4) is the better long-term investment. Although upfront cost is higher, lithium batteries offer 2,000–5,000 charge cycles (vs 200–500 for AGM), can be safely discharged to 20% (vs 50% for AGM), and weigh roughly half as much.

Do I need an electrician to install my caravan electrics?

In South Africa, any 220V (AC) wiring must be done by a registered electrician to comply with SANS 10142. 12V DC wiring can be done by a competent DIYer, but professional installation is recommended for safety and insurance purposes.

How to Choose Solar Panels for Your Caravan

How much solar do I need?

Start by calculating your daily power consumption in amp-hours (Ah). Add up the draw of each appliance (fridge, lights, phone charging, etc.) multiplied by the hours used. Then size your solar array to replenish that usage within 4–5 peak sun hours (the South African average).

Example: 60 Ah/day ÷ 4.5 peak sun hours = 13.3 A required → a single 200 W panel (≈11–13 A output) covers most needs, with a second panel as backup.

Rigid vs flexible solar panels — what's the difference?

  • Rigid monocrystalline panels: Higher efficiency (18–22%), longer lifespan, and better performance in high heat. Best for permanent roof mounting.
  • Flexible panels: Lightweight and easy to mount on curved surfaces. Slightly lower efficiency and can degrade faster if not ventilated underneath.

What is MPPT vs PWM charge controller?

An MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controller extracts up to 30% more power from your panels than a basic PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) controller, especially in partial shade or high temperatures. For any setup above 100 W, MPPT is strongly recommended.

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Delivery Times & Coverage Across South Africa

Where do you deliver?

We deliver to all major centres across South Africa, including Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, and surrounding areas. Remote and farm delivery is available — contact us for a quote to your specific address.

How long does delivery take?

  • Gauteng (Pretoria/Johannesburg): 1–3 business days
  • Other major centres: 3–5 business days
  • Remote/rural areas: 5–10 business days (varies by courier availability)

Large items such as trailer tents and caravan awnings may be delivered by a dedicated freight service. You will receive a tracking number once your order is dispatched.

Can I collect from your store?

Yes — we are based in Pretoria. Click-and-collect is available. Please contact us to confirm availability and arrange a collection time before visiting.

After-Sales Support

What warranty do your products carry?

Warranty periods vary by brand and product category. All warranties are handled in accordance with the South African Consumer Protection Act (CPA), which provides a minimum 6-month implied warranty on goods. Most of our branded products carry 12–24 month manufacturer warranties — check the individual product listing for details.

What if my product is faulty or damaged on arrival?

Please inspect your delivery at the point of receipt and note any damage on the courier's waybill. Contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos of the damage and your order number. We will arrange a replacement, repair, or refund in line with the CPA.

Do you offer installation or repair services?

We can advise on installation and connect you with trusted fitters in the Pretoria/Tshwane area for awnings, solar systems, and caravan electrical setups. Contact us for referrals.

How do I get in touch?

Our team is here to help before and after your purchase. Visit our Contact page to reach us by phone, email, or our online contact form.

Still have questions? Our team has decades of combined experience in caravan and camping gear — we're happy to help you choose the right equipment for your next South African adventure.