15 Must-Have Accessories and Gadgets For Your Camping Holiday

Here at Shield Total Insurance, we are constantly on the lookout for those handy additions that can make life on the road and on site both easier and more enjoyable. In a market that’s packed full of clever gadgets and gizmos, it can be difficult to choose which ones are the best. But don’t you worry; we’ve given it a good go! Here are the 15 must-have accessories and gadgets for your camping holiday this year, as chosen by the Shield Total Insurance team.

Pro-tec Towing Jacket

Launched at the NEC Show back in February (2018), the Towing Jacket is a unique two-piece construction that is specifically designed to protect the front of a caravan whilst it is in transit. This brand new product is made from Pro-tec’s specially-developed fabric Caravanshield™ - a material that is custom-made to be waterproof, breathable and is guaranteed not to scratch. Protecting against stone chips, dirt and insects, black exhaust marks and road grime, this is an essential bit of kit when it comes to ensuring your caravan arrives on site in tip top condition!

“We are thrilled with the response we’ve had from the Towing Jacket so far. We wanted a product that met customer demands at a sensible price. First reactions indicate that our customers think we’ve got the balance right.” Paul Smith – Managing Director, Pro-tec

RRP: £199 Website: www.pro-teccovers.co.uk

ACSI Campsite Guide 2018

Since 1965, Dutch campsite specialist ACSI has been inspecting campsites and providing campers and caravanners across Europe with the details of the finest campsites for their holidays. Now they have published their first ever campsite guide specifically for British and Irish readers, with detailed reviews of 2,300 campsites in Britain, Ireland, France, Spain & Portugal. The new guide also comes with a CampingCard ACSI (worth £14.88) for low season discounts of up to 50% at over 3,330 annually inspected campsites!

"As Europe’s leading camping and caravanning specialist since 1965, ACSI has strived to ensure our customers and readers have had the best holidays. Along the way we have embraced technology and innovation to provide the best, the most reliable, the most up to date information for absolute peace of mind." Ramon van Reine, Managing Director, ACSI

RRP: £19.99 Website: https://webshop.acsi.eu/en

Sweepovac

As all of us know all too well, camping holidays mean mess … and lots of it! Everything from crumbs and your pet’s hair, to grass and dirt all make for rather untidy floors and upholstery. With the Sweepovac you are getting the ultimate fitted vacuum for your caravan or motorhome that combines powerful suction (five times the power of most handheld vacuums), re-usable bags and a clip-on hose that extends from 6ft to 18ft. RRP: £199 Website: www.sweepovac.com/motorhomes-caravans

Transcool Portable 12-24 Mains Evaporative Cooler

Perfect for use in your caravan, camper or tent, this clever little air conditioner is totally portable, lightweight and very quiet. Simply fill it with a small amount of water and plug into a cigarette lighter socket and enjoy low, medium or high speed cool air. This product comes with a replacement evaporative filter pad, external water tank and 24-month warranty, too! RRP: £349 Website: https://transcool.info/product/transcool-ec3-plus-portable-evaporative-air-conditioner-copy/

Motorhome WiFi – 4G Pack 1

For on-demand secure internet connection for your unit, look no further than this great value 4G solution from the Motorhome WiFi team. Combining a portable MiFi device with an indoor window antenna, this can be powered and recharged from USB, controlled from your smartphone/tablet and allows connection for up to 10 devices at a time! Motorhome WiFi offer a free connectivity consultation for anyone who would like assistance in navigating the complexities of obtaining a reliable internet connection in their touring vehicle.

"Our 4G Pack 1 is a popular alternative to our permanently fitted 4G Pack 2 for customers who want the portability of a suction mounted antenna. This is especially popular with caravan owners as the system is transferable between the tow car for use in motion. Data plans are available such as 12GB of data valid for 12 months for just £35." Adam Blacklin – Founder/Connectivity Expert, Motorhome WiFi

RRP: From £179.99 Website: www.motorhomewifi.com

Cadac Grillo Chef Barbecue

Leisure barbecue specialists Cadac are known are for their excellent products – and this one is no different. This sturdy little table top unit combines the South African brand’s “BBQ Big Five” – Easy assembly with minimised build time, easy clean surface that is dishwasher safe, new Greengrill technology that’s environmentally friendly with a ceramic, non-stick, non-toxic coating, interchangeable modular tops and Thermogrill heat dispersal technology for that consistent BBQ flavour! RRP: £129 Website: www.towsure.com

Easy Windbreak Tool

Whether you are a camping enthusiast from the novice family camper right through to the hardened outdoor adventurer, we’re confident that you’ll love this tool. Designed to help you keep control of your windbreak whilst you hammer it into place, the Easy Windbreak Tool protects both your hands and the wooden poles. RRP: £9.99 Website: http://windbreaktool.com

Isabella Charging Plate

For wireless charging for your smartphone and tablet, look no further than this handy little invention from Isabella – the much-loved manufacturer of high quality camping gear. Connect this plate up to the mains and pair with the wireless multi-receiver (£45) to begin charging your device simply by laying it on top. You will be able to charge two smartphones simultaneously or one tablet! Please note: To charge your iPhone you will also need to purchase a receiver cover (£50) RRP: £80 Website: www.isabella.net/uk/home  

Falcon Wi-Fi Rear View Reversing Camera

This cable free Wi-Fi camera with a built in rechargeable battery can be viewed on your Apple iPhone or iPad or any Android phone or tablet – Pretty cool, eh? RRP: £225 Website: www.falcontechnology.co.uk

Turtle Mat – Washable Dirt Trapper Doormat

Say goodbye to muddy floors with these cute doormats from Turtle Mat. They’ll keep your caravan, motorhome or tent cleaner for longer by protecting your floors and carpets against nasty things like mud, dirt and dust! RRP: £25 upwards Website: www.turtlemat.co.uk

Gaslow Refillable Cylinder System

Specifically designed to fit all caravans, campervans and motorhomes, this system is the ideal gas solution as it can automatically shut off when 80% capacity is reached – preventing a scenario of dangerous overfilling. Unique safety features such as a built-in excess flow valve which prevents full flow of gas if the regulator hose ruptures and an internal brass filter which stops impurities contaminating the system, makes this an essential product for campers. RRP: From £239.90 Website: www.gaslowdirect.com  

Powrtouch Caravan Mover

Coming with the Powrtouch five-year guarantee, these products represent the most clever, precise caravan movers available today. The slim-line gear box is specifically designed to fit caravans with shock absorbers and the device’s aluminium rollers provide unbelievable grip and durability. A real “must have” for caravan owners we feel. RRP: From £699 (fitted) with a free Powrbar! Website: www.powrtouch.com

Z-Edge Z3 Dash Cam

Consistently voted one of the best in its class, this dash cam is exceptionally easy to use and is great value for money. Spot-on for use in your motorhome or car, this product’s major plus points are outstanding image quality and a memory loop recording function that ensures vital clips aren’t deleted. RRP: From £79.99 Website: www.amazon.co.uk

Isabella Carpet – Premium Frigg

Perfect to match your Isabella awning, this luxury item is made from smooth nylon threads and PVC. Best of all, these carpets are suitable for any awning and as they are lightweight, can therefore be easily folded away and cleaned. RRP: Starts at £104 (2.5m x 3.5m) Website: www.isabella.net/uk/home

Magic Knife 8

The original Magic Knife product is perfectly suited to all of your culinary camping needs. From meat and fish through to fruit and vegetables, nothing is too much for this kitchen gadget. For all you campsite chefs out there!

“Remember, the knife is very light. Take just the 8” blade knife and you can cut anything from fresh bread to butternut squash. Great for all meat preparation and filleting fish.” Phil & Lesley Danks – Partners, Magic Knife

RRP: £35 Website: www.magic-knife.website