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7 Best Essential Motorhome Accessories For Off-grid Living

Avtex sat-nav

7 Best Motorhome Accessories For Off-Grid Living

 

10 Best Essential Motorhome Accessories For Off-grid Living

Motorhome GPS Unit

A GPS unit specifically designed for motorhomes and campervans, can help you navigate to remote locations and avoid roads that are not suitable for your vehicle.

Avtex Motorhome GPSAvtex Satnav

There are several benefits to using a motorhome-specific Sat Nav when traveling in a motorhome. Some of these benefits include:

Avoiding low bridges and narrow roads

One of the biggest challenges of driving a motorhome is navigating roads and bridges that may not be suitable for large vehicles. A motorhome-specific Sat Nav can help you avoid these obstacles by providing custom routing that takes into account the size and weight of your vehicle.

Finding campsites and other amenities

A motorhome-specific Sat Nav can help you find campsites, parking, and other amenities that are suitable for motorhomes.

Real-time traffic updates

Many motorhome-specific Sat Navs provide real-time traffic updates, helping you avoid traffic jams and other delays on the road.

Off-road navigation

Some motorhome-specific Sat Navs also provide off-road navigation, allowing you to explore more remote locations.

Large display

Motorhome-specific Sat Navs often have larger displays, making it easier to see the map and directions while driving.

Wireless connectivity

Many motorhome-specific Sat Navs offer wireless connectivity, allowing you to connect your smartphone or other devices for hands-free calling, voice control, and other features.

Overall, using a motorhome-specific Sat Nav can make your trip safer, more enjoyable, and less stressful by providing you with the information and guidance you need while on the road.

Generator

A portable or built-in generator can provide electricity when you’re off the grid.

maxpeedingrods mxr 3500Maxpeedingrods MXR3500

There are several benefits to using a petrol generator when touring in a motorhome. Some of these benefits include:

Backup power supply

A petrol generator can provide a useful backup power supply for caravanning ‘off-grid’. It can be used to power appliances and charge batteries when mains hook-ups are not available.

Convenience

Petrol is a widely available fuel source, so it can be convenient to fill up your generator when filling up your motorhome.

Range of outputs

Petrol generators are available in a wide range of outputs, with those suitable for caravanning generally rated in the 300 to 900-watt range. This allows you to choose a generator that meets your specific power needs.

Portability

Many petrol generators are portable, allowing you to easily move them around and use them in different locations.

It is important to use a petrol generator with due consideration to fellow campers, as they can produce noise and emissions1. It is also important to choose a generator that is both safe and effective for use with your motorhome.

Overall, using a petrol generator when touring in a motorhome can provide a reliable and convenient source of backup power, allowing you to enjoy the freedom of off-grid living.

Solar Setup

A solar setup, including solar panels, a charge controller, and ample battery storage, can harness and utilize solar renewable energy.

Bluetti PV200 Solar PanelBluetti PV200 Portable Solar Panel

There are several benefits to using a solar setup when touring in a motorhome. Some of these benefits include:

Eco-friendly

Solar power is a renewable energy source that doesn’t produce any emissions or pollution. Using a solar setup in your motorhome can help reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Cost-effective

Solar panels are relatively cheap and easy to use, making them a cost-effective way to generate electricity while on the road.

Off-grid living

A solar setup can provide enough current to keep your leisure battery charged when you have no hook-up, allowing you to enjoy the freedom of off-grid living.

Low maintenance

Solar panels require very little maintenance, making them an ideal choice for motorhome owners who want a hassle-free power source.

Reliable power source

Solar panels can provide a reliable source of power for low-draw devices, such as alarms and trackers, even when your motorhome is in storage for months.

Overall, using a solar setup when touring in a motorhome can provide an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and reliable source of power that allows you to enjoy the freedom of off-grid living.

Portable Power Station

A portable power station can provide electricity for your devices and appliances when you’re off the grid.

Allpowers Energy Solutions For All

Allpowers Portable Power Solutions

There are several benefits to using a portable power station when touring in a motorhome. Some of these benefits include:

Backup power supply

A portable power station can provide a useful backup power supply for caravanning ‘off-grid’1. It can be used to power appliances and charge batteries when mains hook-ups are not available.

Convenience

Portable power stations can be charged from multiple sources, including solar, AC, 12-volt, and generator2. This allows you to charge your power station throughout the day and have it ready to provide extra power in the evening when you need it.

Flexibility

Some portable power stations offer the ability to add additional batteries, giving you a comprehensive motorhome portable power pack to take on tour.

Eco-friendly

Battery-operated power stations are more eco-friendly, particularly when powered by solar panels.

Quiet operation

Portable power stations operate quietly, making them a good choice for use in campgrounds where noise levels need to be kept low.

Safe for indoor use

Portable power stations are safe for indoor use, allowing you to use them inside your motorhome without worrying about emissions or other safety concerns.

Overall, using a portable power station when touring in a motorhome can provide a reliable and convenient source of back.

Cellular Signal Booster

A cellular signal booster can help you stay connected even in remote locations.

Avtex sat-nav

Avtex AMR 985 Mobile Internet

Using a phone signal booster for WiFi and phone calls when touring in a motorhome can provide several benefits, including:

Improved call reliability

A cell phone signal booster can help reduce dropped calls and improve the overall reliability of your phone connection.

Extended battery life

When your phone doesn’t have to search as hard for a signal, it uses less battery power, which can help extend the battery life of your devices.

Faster data and internet speeds

A stronger cell phone signal can result in faster data and internet speeds, allowing you to browse the web, stream videos, and use other online services more efficiently.

Better coverage in remote areas

A cell phone signal booster can help improve your phone’s coverage in remote or off-the-grid areas, ensuring that you always have a reliable connection no matter where the road takes you.

Overall, using a phone signal booster when touring in a motorhome can provide a more reliable and enjoyable experience by improving your phone’s connectivity and performance.

Extra Fuel Storage

Extra fuel storage can ensure that you have enough fuel to get to your destination and back.

Having extra fuel storage when touring in a motorhome can provide several benefits, including:

Increased range

Extra fuel storage can increase the range of your motorhome, allowing you to travel further without having to stop and refuel.

Convenience

Having extra fuel on hand can be convenient, especially when traveling in remote areas where fuel stations may be scarce.

Peace of mind

Knowing that you have extra fuel on hand can provide peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your trip without worrying about running out of fuel.

Cost savings

Carrying extra fuel can allow you to take advantage of lower fuel prices when they are available, potentially saving you money on your trip.

Overall, having extra fuel storage when touring in a motorhome can provide increased range, convenience, peace of mind, and cost savings.

Extra Water Storage

Extra water storage can ensure that you have enough water for drinking, cooking, and washing when you’re off the grid.

Having extra water storage when touring in a motorhome can provide several benefits, including:

Increased self-sufficiency

Extra water storage can increase your self-sufficiency, allowing you to travel further and stay in remote locations for longer without having to worry about finding a water source.

Convenience

Having extra water on hand can be convenient, especially when traveling in areas where water sources may be scarce or unreliable.

Peace of mind

Knowing that you have extra water on hand can provide peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your trip without worrying about running out of water.

Cost savings

Carrying extra water can allow you to take advantage of free or low-cost water sources when they are available, potentially saving you money on your trip.

Overall, having extra water storage when touring in a motorhome can provide increased self-sufficiency, convenience, peace of mind, and cost savings.

 

Energy-Saving, Rechargeable Lights

Energy-saving, rechargeable lights can provide illumination while conserving battery power.

LED Re chargeable Lights

Re-Chargeable LED Lights

There are several benefits to using rechargeable LED lights when touring in a motorhome. Some of these benefits include:

Energy efficiency

LED lighting is more energy-efficient than traditional lighting, which can help reduce your power consumption and save money on electricity bills.

Long lifespan

LED lights have a longer lifespan than traditional lights, which means you won’t have to replace them as often.

Eco-friendly

LED lights are more environmentally friendly than traditional lights, as they produce less waste and consume less energy.

Brighter lighting

LED lights can provide brighter lighting than traditional lights, which can improve visibility and safety when driving or camping.

Reduced power use

The range of LED lamps offers reductions in power use as well as the option to increase light output. This enables the leisure battery to last longer on rallies where mains power is not provided and also has the benefit of brighter lighting if required.

Overall, using rechargeable LED lights when touring in a motorhome can provide energy efficiency, long lifespan, eco-friendliness, brighter lighting, and reduced power use.

Self-refill gas system

A self-refill gas system such as Safefill or Gaslow allows you to refill your gas bottles at any LPG Autogas fuel station.

There are several benefits to using a refillable gas system when touring in a motorhome. Some of these benefits include:

Cost savings

Refills work out around a third of the cost of buying a new bottle whenever you run out of gas.

Convenience

A refillable gas system can be topped up and refilled at Autogas-supplied petrol stations, making it easy and convenient to keep your gas supply topped up.

No more heavy bottles

Fitting a refillable gas system to your motorhome means no more lugging heavy bottles around.

Easier off-grid travel

A refillable gas system makes it easier to travel off-grid without the fear of your gas supply running out.

Easier travel in Europe

Traveling in Europe becomes more convenient with a refillable gas system, as there are no empty tanks to dispose of.

Overall, using a refillable gas system when touring in a motorhome can provide cost savings, and convenience, and make it easier to travel both off-grid and in Europe

10 Best Essential Motorhome Accessories For Off-grid Living

Paper Maps

Paper maps can provide a backup navigation option in case your GPS unit fails or loses signal

2024 Easy Read UK Road Atlas2024 Easy Read UK Road Atlas A3

 

 

Taking paper maps with you when touring a motorhome can provide several benefits, including:

Backup navigation

Paper maps can provide a backup navigation option in case your GPS unit fails or loses signal. This can help ensure that you always have a reliable way to navigate to your destination.

Detailed information

Paper maps often provide more detailed information about the local area, including points of interest, scenic routes, and other attractions. This can help you plan your trip and discover new places to visit.

No reliance on technology

Paper maps don’t require any batteries or electricity to operate, so you don’t have to worry about running out of power or losing signal. This can be especially useful when traveling in remote areas.

Easier route planning

Paper maps can make it easier to plan your route and visualize your journey. This can help you avoid getting lost and make the most of your trip.

Fun and educational

Using paper maps can be a fun and educational experience, especially for children. It can help teach map-reading skills and encourage exploration and discovery.

Overall, taking paper maps with you when touring in a motorhome can provide a reliable backup navigation option, detailed information about the local area, and a fun and educational experience.

10 Best Essential Motorhome Accessories For Off-grid Living

 

10 Best Essential Motorhome Accessories For Off-grid Living

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Best Motorhome Accessories UK for 2024

Avtex sat-nav

Best Motorhome Accessories UK for 2024

7 Best Motorhome Accessories for 2023

Motorhome travel is a great way to explore the world and enjoy the freedom of the open road. With the right accessories, you can make your motorhome even more comfortable and convenient. Here are 10 of the best motorhome accessories for 2023:

 

Omnia Stovetop Oven

With some motorhomes only having small ovens – or in the case of some ‘vans, no oven at all – a product that will allow you to rustle up an on-tour feast will come into its own. Enter the Omnia Stovetop Oven1. As the name implies, this portable product sits on the stove (or another heat source, although it doesn’t work on an induction hob) and allows you to rustle up plenty of on-tour feasts. Easy to use – there’s no installation required – it’s a hassle-free way of being able to cook. You can also buy a range of accompanying accessories, including silicon molds and muffin rings.

Omnia Oven


Campingaz 360 Grill

This Campingaz 360 Grill offers you a great way of having a barbecue on tour. It’s perfect for cooking up delicious meals while enjoying the great outdoors.

Campingaz 360 Grill


Inofia Sleep Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper Single

This luxury gel foam RV mattress is perfect for getting a good night’s sleep while on tour. It’s comfortable and supportive, ensuring that you wake up feeling refreshed and ready for another day on the road.

Inofia Sleep Gel Matress topper


Rewire Security Insurance Approved Thatcham GPS Tracking Device

The installation of a Rewire Security Insurance Tracker is an important process and it needs to be handled by a certified engineer. We provide nationwide installation service to our customers; our Thatcham-certified mechanics will come to your door, home or workplace, and install your tracking device to ensure that your Rewire Security insurance tracker works without a hitch.

Rewire Tracker


Best Sat-nav for motorhomes

An Avtex sat-nav is essential for navigating while on tour. There are many different options available, as well as route planning, the Avtex Sat Nav will guide you with the height, width, and weight of your van. Ensuring you aren’t confronted with a low bridge or weight restriction.

Avtex sat-nav


Internet in a motorhome

Staying connected while on tour is important for many people. The Avtex AMR985 Mobile internet solution for Caravans and Motorhomes is designed especially with motorhomes and caravans in mind.

Avtex sat-nav


Dryzone Moisture Damp Meter

Dual-purpose Damp meter with easy-to-read backlit LCD display helps to identify damp quickly and accurately in Wood and Building Materials. Measuring range: Wood: 6%-60%, Building materials: 0-40%.

 

Dryzone Moisture Meter Detector
Dryzone Moisture Damp Detector Meter

 

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The Hidden Peril For UK Ferries!

Fremantle Highway on Fire in the North Sea

The Hidden Peril For UK Ferries!

Calmac Ferries Caledonian MacBrayne

The Hidden Peril For UK Ferries!

The Fremantle Highway was sailing from the German port of Bremerhaven to Port Said in Egypt when it caught fire about 17 miles north of the Dutch island of Ameland.

An unnamed K Line spokesperson was quoted as saying “There were 3,783 vehicles on the Freemantle Highway, including 498 EVs. The spokesperson did not give any information about the make of the vehicles on the ship. Whilst this example is extreme the factors involved in a thermal runaway fire in an enclosed space such as a ferry are very real, alarming, and a considerable risk.

Fremantle Highway on Fire in the North Sea

Amidst mounting apprehensions over the potential fire risk, there is growing concern about the ‘hidden threat’ posed by the transportation of electric and hybrid vehicles on board Scotland’s ferries.

What is the problem?

Lithium-ion batteries, while powering electric vehicles efficiently, are a fire hazard if damaged, overcharged, or exposed to extreme temperatures. If a fire were to break out on a ferry carrying EVs, it could pose significant safety risks to passengers, crew, and to the vessel itself.

A lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery fire thermal runaway refers to a dangerous and uncontrolled chain reaction that occurs in lithium iron phosphate batteries when they experience overheating or damage. During thermal runaway, the battery’s temperature increases rapidly, leading to the release of oxygen and high-energy electrolytes. This, in turn, further accelerates the reaction, creating a self-sustained and escalating cycle.

The Ferries and Eurostar

Several car-carrying operators, including Caledonian MacBrayne, have expressed their concern over carrying EVs and some European ferry companies have even banned them on board theirs. Prevention is the key to minimizing the risk of thermal runaway fires in these batteries. Calmac website statement on Evs.

 

It is essential for the transportation industry to continuously assess and address the safety concerns associated with new technologies, such as electric and hybrid vehicles, to ensure the safe transportation of passengers and goods on their ferries

Safety

This brings the question, do you feel safe on a ferry knowing that there are electric vehicles on board? Personally, I’m going to think twice before I decide if I should take a ferry while these issues are unresolved. Even Eurostar doesn’t escape these risks. Interestingly there seems to be no information or cautions on traveling with Eurostar, yet with their previous experience with fires in the tunnel I would have thought it to be a major concern!

All transport companies say that they take passenger safety very seriously and it is their premier concern, but after recent events with the Fremantle Highway in the North Sea, I fear that it will take a tragedy before any decision is made on EVs and ferry transport in the UK. It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when.

Not enough people are asking these questions with regard to their safety. These issues need to be addressed NOW. But alas I think it will take an EV fire on board a ferry before anything is done to prevent one!!

Available Information on the Ferry Companies and EVs

Calmac Website on Evs (This does not go far enough)
Nothing specific on DFDS, Eurostar websites
Amazingly Brittany Ferries provide 220V 16A EV charging points. These are actually used for refrigeration trucks) on board their ferries, the charging phase of these batteries is when they are most susceptible to catching fire.

 

 

 

 

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