Owning a caravan is one of the best decisions you can make in your life. This portable home gives you plenty of opportunity to explore new places and have some amazing alone or family time away from crowded cities. Sleeping in them is comfortable and you’re hidden away from insects and animals at night. But to make your vacation even more pleasant, enjoyable and safe, you should buy a few accessories. Things like a caravan TV antenna or a cover can add to the full experience.
TV Antenna
It doesn’t mean that you have to miss all of your favourite TV shows and sports events while you’re travelling with your caravan. If you buy a good TV antenna you can enjoy them anytime, anywhere. When travelling all over Australia you may have difficulties catching a good signal because you’ll be catching signals from many TV transmitter towers all over the country.
But the right antenna can solve your problems. One of the best TV antenna manufacturers in Australia is Winegard. They’re a top-tier seller that will make your travels much easier. Their products are made of high-quality materials. That’s why they’re one of the most popular choices. Plus, they’re easy to install. Grab all of the components, get the easy-to-work-with Winegard caravan TV antenna manual and start assembling.
These antennas are bi-directional. This means they catch vertical and horizontal digital signals. You get a lot of channels while on the road. Some of them even pick up HD so you can enjoy your time off with a clearer picture. The sensor on the antenna has 2 antennas that are amplified separately. This way you get maximum digital VHF/UHF programming.
Another great thing about these Winegard antennas is that you can easily wind them up and down on the caravan roof from inside the caravan. This means no ladders or chairs to get you up or down. They also don’t weigh a lot. The average weight is around 3kg. There are also other brands on the market that will do the job. When looking for this caravan accessory you should take several things into consideration.
Where will you use it? Where will you install it? Can you do it by yourself? Do you want it installed permanently? What’s the frequency level you want? TV transmission towers in Australia can emit CHF (very high frequency) or UHF (ultra-high frequency) signals. Some antennas catch just one, and some can catch both signals at the same time.
The shape of the antenna you choose will determine which ones you’ll get because the VHF ones travel horizontally and the UHF travel vertically. VHF antennas are budget-friendly but if you’re travelling on a long route often, it’s better to invest in a UHF antenna. These devices can be directional or omnidirectional. Directional ones take the signal from the closest antenna and omni-directional can self-orient and receive signals from many directions.
Check the installation manual before buying your antenna, especially if you plan to install it yourself, to be sure it’s going to be simple and easy. Some of them retract and fold, and some are easily removed when not in use. Some have a low profile, and you don’t have to dismantle them. Which one works best for you depends on the size of the caravan, the TV inside and the frequency it uses.
Caravan Cover
The caravan cover is a great way to protect your vehicle when you’re not on the road. It can stand up to rain, snow, dirt, mould, wind, tree sap, bird droppings and harmful UV rays. All of these things can damage the caravan’s exterior, and sometimes its interior. There are several different covers for different vehicles so keep this in mind when shopping.
Size is one of the most important elements to consider. Always measure the length of the vehicle and exclude the bumpers or extra toolboxes. In order to prevent damage to the windows and other external elements, the fit must be just right—neither too loose nor too tight. If the caravan is between sizes, go for the bigger one because you can adjust the cover later.
If the vehicle stays outdoors, the cover needs to be wind and UV-resistant. Make sure the straps and buckles are sturdy and have reinforced stitches. A lot of covers have breathable panels and are made from waterproof materials. This mainly goes for the top, because the sides need to be breathable to prevent mould and mildew. Choose a thicker, heavier material because it’ll resist the wind and will fit better.
Navigator
Travelling with your caravan is all about adventure and discovering new places. You’ll often go into unknown terrain, so you’ll need some navigation to get there. Riding with a navigator is much easier than driving with a map. Just like the Winegard caravan TV antenna manual, follow its lead and you’ll get there in no time.
These devices use the signal from the GPS (Global Positioning System) to give you the best possible route to your destination. It also shows the time you get there, possible traffic, and how many km you have until you get there. Some of them give you the current speed and accidents on the road ahead of you. Plus, voice directions are much better than having to look down at a map on each turn.
The navigators can be built-in or removable and have several parts:
- Display;
- Processor;
- RAM;
- Data storage.
Tow Mirrors
It’s important to have tow mirrors when you’re towing a caravan. There are several types of mirrors you can choose from. Clamp-style mirrors are a popular choice because they’re simple to install and are very stable. They can also have different shapes. Strap mirrors are quick and easy to set up and fit on the mirrors.
Suction mirrors can be very practical. They stick to the caravan’s mirrors and can be adjusted with the vehicle’s electronic mirrors. And last but not least, electric mirrors. They’re operated remotely and are perfect for solo travellers who need to adjust them on the go. You can also choose between a flat and a convex mirror. Always go for the convex one because it gives you a wide-angle image. The flat one has a smaller field of vision.
Australia Everyday Living 