Caravan upgrades worth buying sooner: a lithium battery, portable solar and better water gear

Five upgrades to buy early

1. 1. Lithium battery

   Replaces a heavier lead-acid or AGM house battery.

   It weighs less than lead-acid for the same capacity, and more of its charge is usable. That means longer between powered sites.

2. 2. Portable solar panel

   A folding panel you stand in the sun.

   You can park the van in shade and angle the panel at the sun. Move it during the day to follow the light.

3. 3. Flat-storing hoses on a reel

   Water and grey-water hoses that pack flat.

   They take less space than round hoses and do not kink. A reel keeps the drinking-water and grey-water hoses apart.

4. 4. Water filter

   An inline carbon or sediment filter for filling the tanks.

   It catches sediment and improves the taste of campground tap water.

5. 5. Diesel heater

   Dry heat for cold-weather camping.

   It lets you travel through winter in comfort. The heat is dry, so it also helps dry wet clothes.

More upgrades to consider

• Cordless vacuum: A small stick vacuum for sand, pet hair and bugs.
• Satellite internet: Internet where there is no mobile coverage.
• Off-road coupling: A coupling built for rough tracks.

Think twice before buying these

• Bulky pots and pans: They take up a lot of cupboard space. Pots that nest inside each other pack smaller.
• Sewer hose support racks: They are only useful at sites with a sewer connection.
• Complicated camp kitchen set-ups: A simple folding table is quicker to set up.
• Cheap clip-on mirrors: They can vibrate and scratch paint. Strap-on mirrors hold steadier.
• Gadgets you might use: Every item uses space and payload. Buy it once you know you need it.

Where to start