Camper King

The summer holidays are in full swing and that means families up and down the country will be packing up cars and motorhomes ready to hit the road to their favourite campsites. In this month’s blog we’re taking a closer look at the most popular accessories for caravans and campers in 2023. It might just inspire you to explore how you can upscale your camping experience this summer and beyond! Let’s dive in:

What are the most wanted accessories for campervans this year?

Awnings are a popular addition this summer and we can see why! They are great if it rains to help keep people and kit dry (and it’s certainly rained this summer…) and if the sun shines you have some extra shade too. People buying brand new or nearly new vehicles are adding Supaguard paint seal protection to ensure their purchase stays looking in tip top shape for as long as possible. There’s also an upholstery option too which is ideal for those with kids, dogs or a love of red wine and spaghetti bolognese! Accidents and spills do happen so it’s worth taking steps to stop it being a disaster. 

Security devices are popular this year too, with wheel locks and steering wheel locks both being added on to people’s packages. And finally, it might not be that exciting, but people always need gas bottles! Otherwise, you might find your campaign experience a little cool, both in terms of food and water… Make sure you add them to your pre-holiday prep list.

What are the most popular accessories with families?

By far the most popular accessory we’ve seen this year for families are the drive away awnings. These give you so much extra space for setting up storage or eating areas and some even some with bedroom annexes for the kids. Perfect for making a family camping holiday that bit more comfortable, and you can use them to reserve a pitch while you explore in your camper. Then there are CADAC’s portable gas grills. These are perfect for anyone who loves BBQing for their family and doesn’t want to have to resort to disposable grills when they are on the road! They are so easy to use, pack up small and are easy to clean as well, and our customers love them. 

And what about for younger couples and groups of friends? 

The awnings are also popular with young couples who love to set up social spaces in there - fairy lights and cosy blankets to play music, cards or even watch a film on a tablet! We also sell lots of bike racks to active couples who love setting off to explore the countryside on two wheels. The most popular brands this summer are Fiamma or Thule, both are excellent companies and make great kit, so we recommend them both. The younger customers also sometimes add a towbar so they can tow a small trailer behind them for extra supplies and kit! 

Do older customers choose anything different from the rest? 

Our more retired customers tend to be very organised, with all their planning done well in advance, and they also want convenience. We’ve been selling quite a few wind-out canopies to older customers for exactly that reason. They are a lot quicker to set up than your traditional drive away awnings and are so easy to pack away as well! 

Has anything changed after Covid or last year’s heatwave?

The heatwave last year means that people are interested in climate control options and how they can use awnings to create shade! Of course, we’ve since had a summer that’s been largely cool and wet, so we’d advise customers to just be prepared for anything. From our point of view, the knock on effect of Covid-19 means we’re still seeing a shortage of supply on new and used stock. That's because it’s harder to source the chassis that the campervans are built on - fingers crossed it changes soon. 

And finally, what are the team’s favourite accessories?

  • Jake Hall - for me it  has to be an awning! They double your living space for your holiday and when you get good at setting up on site you can have them up in just 15 minutes (that’s for the inflatable awnings) so you won’t waste loads of time you could spend relaxing or exploring.
  • Steve Howard - I’m picking caravan motor movers as I think they are essential if you want to remove the stress of moving your caravan around. It makes your life a lot easier when it comes to setting up on the caravan pitch, hitching up to your vehicle or storing the caravan away. 
  • Neil ? – I’ve chosen the CADAC Safari Chef, from the brand we mentioned earlier in the blog. This is a compact little gas BBQ that’s easy to store away without taking up too much space and can be used on the beach or on the site. Great for rustling up a light meal for the family!

If you’re on the hunt for a campervan or caravan for a summer adventure or to take on the road when the schools return and the campsites are quieter, just drop us a line. Our team will be delighted to help you explore the options and find the perfect model for your needs.