Seeking a reliable and solar ready portable power station for your campsite or worksite from a trusted industry icon? Welling & Crossley (W&C) have you covered with their beautiful range of five new models. Building on nearly a century of expertise that began with portable petrol generators, W&C has introduced this silent, off-grid power lineup to meet growing demand.

W&C Power Stations offering A Model for Every Adventure

The Portable Power Station line-up appeals to campers and home users alike, starting from the handy WC-BG600–with solar input via an Anderson plug and 600W of pure-sine wave inverter capability that’s perfect for recharging devices and campsite video nights or recharging devices to the WC-BG5500, an astonishing 5.3kWh powerhouse on wheels that can quietly power your entire RV including your air-con.

Spotlight: The Versatile $WC-BG1200$ Portable Power Station

The Camper Deals team are particularly eager to inspect at the 1200W-rated WC-BG1200 the next model up from the WC-BG600. The WC-BG1200 offers 2400W in surge capacity when you’re switching on high power devices and 1152Wh of lithium storage. Weighing in at just 14kg, we reckon it’ll have enough grunt to power and charge just about everyone’s devices via two fast charging USB-C outlets, four USB-A outlets, two DC5521 outlets and three 240V power points—with sufficient power and pure-sine wave inverter capacity to warm up your camp before starting your day with a cuppa and a slice of toast. 

Flexible Recharging via Solar, Car, and Mains Power

As with the WC-BG600, charging the WC-BG1200 on the go is easy via an included DC Car Charger Cable and an Anderson Plug input that will support up to two 100W solar panels between 18-25V DC. Recharging at up to 20A for fast recharge times off-the-grid. And faster again, when you’re hooked up to mains camp. What’s more, if you find yourself in a bind, the WC-BG1200 can even charge a car battery. 

Built to Last, The LiFePO4 Battery Advantage

W&C uses reliable LiFePO4 battery chemistry for all Portable Power Stations within its range: “The all-new portable power stations are designed to meet diverse power needs with progressive sustainability in mind,” says a spokesperson for Welling & Crossley.

“All models deliver power silently and have a portable and light-weight design which caters perfectly for the camping and caravanning lifestyle.”

Looking for a 12V lithium battery for your caravan that delivers safety, long life, and smart performance? The EcoStore 200Ah available through EcoWatt Energy is purpose-built for caravanners and off-grid adventurers who need reliable power that goes the distance. 

Tested in real-world conditions and refined through decades of innovation, the EcoStore 200 sets a high benchmark for portable power. With improved safety systems, fast charging, high cycle performance, and Bluetooth battery monitoring. 

Uncompromising Safety 

At the core is a Grade A EVE prismatic cell system, managed by a smart, hardware-controlled 200A Battery Management System. This guards against overcharging, over-discharging, short circuits and extreme temperature swings. With a rugged IP67-rated ABS case, it’s tough enough for the demands of caravan travel and remote touring. 

Long-Lasting Cycle Performance 

Built to last, the EcoStore 200 delivers a 5000-cycle life at 80% depth of discharge, making it a smart investment for travellers who need long-term performance and dependable energy storage for solar, inverters, fridges, and other 12V caravan systems. 

Bluetooth Battery Monitoring Made Easy 

Stay in control of your power system via the EcoWatt Energy Connect app, which puts live battery stats like charge state, voltage, temperature, and current at your fingertips.

This built-in smart feature means no extra shunts, screens or guesswork. 

Key Technical Specs 

• Battery Type: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) 

• Nominal Voltage: 12.8V 

• Usable Capacity: 200Ah (2560Wh) 

• Cycle Life: 5000+ @ 80% DoD 

• Max Continuous Charge/Discharge: 200A (1C) 

• Peak Discharge: 760A+ (1.5s) 

• Cell Type: EVE Grade A Prismatic 

• BMS: 200A Smart Bluetooth (JBD) 

• IP Rating: IP67 Waterproof 

• Weight: 19.5kg 

• Dimensions: 490 × 170 × 250mm 

• Case: ABS 

• Certifications: IEC62619, UL1642A, UN38.3, ROHS 

• Warranty: 5-year full replacement

Trusted Power for Your Next Trip 

Whether you’re upgrading your caravan battery system, building an off-grid setup, or just want more control over your power, the EcoStore 200Ah is a high-performance lithium battery you can count on. It’s safe, smart, and ready to go wherever you do. 

Every component is connected within the caravan and camping world. Consider the rise of off-grid capability; new power systems are revolutionising how we camp, with climate control being a major driver. But this new technology has a ripple effect, influencing everything in your caravan from the solar panels on the roof to the hubs on your wheels.

The Weight Challenge of Modern Off-Grid Systems

The core issue is weight. Powerful systems that support high-draw appliances for climate control require multiple solar panels and large, heavy batteries. These systems are significantly heavier than the traditional 12V setups used for just a fridge and lights.

Thankfully, manufacturers are working towards the same thing. Advancements in air-conditioner efficiency, for example, mean they are compatible with a wider range of power systems. This makes air-conditioned comfort accessible to more caravanners towing with different size 4WDs and diverse setups. However, every saved kilogram counts, which is where suspension and hub design come in.

Lighter Brakes, Longer Life: The Role of Heat Dissipation

A key “under the bonnet” advancement that saves precious weight is modern hub design. By increasing available payload, holidaymakers who are looking for a lighter setup can enjoy all the off-grid comforts without fitting a second axle on their caravan.

A prime example is the hub assembly seen in the Holroyd HX3, which supports a 3-tonne aggregate trailer mass (ATM). According to Anthony Harrison from Holroyd, the HX3’s clever fin design is critical. “It draws heat away from the braking system,” Anthony explains. “That gives you longevity and a much lighter braking system, so now people get that payload.”

Strength and Stability: The Engineering Behind the Hub

The heat-dissipating fins are just one part of the story. The entire assembly is engineered for durability and balance, featuring:

• Australian Steel: All Holroyd HX3 hubs are fitted with a locally CNC-machined 63mm square stub for optimal balance
• Off-Road Ready Brakes: The electric brakes use off-road magnets designed to withstand severe corrugations
• Premium Components: The hubs use marine-grade oil and Japanese bearings that maintain their shape and performance under repeated, heavy rotation

Proven Performance: Industry Leaders Adopt Lighter Hubs

This technology isn’t just a concept; it’s being proven in the field. Leading Australian suspension manufacturers like ALPHA and ARV Suspensions (makers of ‘The Titan Range‘) offer Holroyd 3T HX3 hubs within their ranges.

At last year’s Tough Tested event, this Essential Caravan Highlander was fitted with a 3T-rated Titan-X suspension featuring this exact hub. The Highlander’s outstanding performance is great news for off-road enthusiasts who want the weight savings of a single-axle design without sacrificing the latest off-grid comforts. It proves that the right hub design is a critical link in the chain for building a capable, modern, and payload-efficient off-road caravan.

No doubt about it, the humble ute tray is a faithful companion whether you’re on the job or hitting the tracks; thankfully, Dometic keeps pace with the Dometic CFF50L PDZ, a convenient dual-zone fridge-freezer that fits flush within ute-trays compatible with most work vehicles and off-road ready 4WDs.

Fast cooling, the Dometic CFF50L PDZ reliably performs in all weather conditions efficiently tapping into popular in-vehicle power systems for extended solar and battery-friendly for extended periods off-grid.

Tie down points, wire baskets for easy packing

Controlling and monitoring your fridge-freezer is easy, either with a Bluetooth-controlled APP or via the comfortably tactile pushbuttons that direct the clear and clean digital display, with cooling capabilities ranging between +10 °C to -18 °C).

Easy opening tabs provide fast and easy access into each LED-lit zone, while strong ergonomic handles ensure that the Dometic CFF50LPDZ is both safe and easy to lift, and secure to tiedown. Wire baskets simplify packing whether its your workplace lunch, mid-trail snack or for a refreshing weekend away with friends.

240V and 12V compatible, the Dometic CFF50LPDZ takes advantage of mains plug-in where convenient in a 408mm high profile to suit most ute trays with ample convenient cooling that accommodates up to 64 cans.

Dometic CFF50LPDZ

Most people dream of putting their feet up in retirement. Not Damian Smith. After closing the book on 50 years as a pharmacist, he hit the road with his wife Lyn in their caravan and immediately ran into one of those frustrating problems that everyone knows all too well–the quest for a portable camping BBQ. 

“You love the taste of a good kettle BBQ,” laughs Damian, “but they’re a pain to deal with. Heavy as anything, take up half your storage space, and don’t get me started on lugging gas bottles around.” 

Sound familiar? If you’ve ever wrestled a traditional BBQ in and out of a caravan compartment, or cursed under your breath trying to find space for yet another gas bottle, you’ll appreciate what happened next. 

A portable camping BBQ, built with bushman’s DNA

Instead of just grumbling about it like the rest of us, Damian, who comes from a long line of practical bushmen, decided to do something about it. Four years and countless prototypes later, he’s created what might just be every traveller’s dream: a proper kettle portable camping BBQ that is also light and easy to stow.

“I couldn’t switch my brain off in retirement,” admits Damian. “Lyn and I were loving life on the road, but I kept thinking there had to be a better way to cook outdoors without all the hassle.” 

Compact Cooking

His Adventure-Q Kettle BBQ, which he dubs the “Rolls-Royce”, works exactly like the kettle BBQs we’ve always loved, with one crucial difference. The entire setup packs away into a compact bag that can be stored just about anywhere. 

“It’s not just smaller,” explains Damian. “You can use the Adventure-Q on a variety of heat sources – gas, induction, or electric hotplates – giving you flexibility whether you’re cooking outdoors or at home. It even works in your home oven, so it’s a versatile option you can rely on all year round.” 

The real test came during their travels around Australia. Using a cable-tied cooking pan as his first iteration, caravanners would stop by their campsite, curious about the unusual cooking setup. Word spread quickly, and you know how it is when someone finds a genuinely useful bit of kit.

The timing couldn’t be better. With more Australians than ever embracing the caravan lifestyle, especially retirees seeking adventure, the demand for smarter, more practical travel gear has never been higher. 

Bush Kettle – twig-powered tea!

What started as one man’s retirement project has become a thriving family business. Granddaughter Hayley, grandson-in-law Wilson, and daughter-in-law Aom have all joined the venture, turning Damian’s backyard tinkering into a genuine Aussie success story. 

“It’s been quite the journey,” reflects Damian. “From running pharmacies to designing BBQs, it’s not exactly what I expected retirement to look like, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.” 

The Adventure-Q is just the beginning. Damian’s also developed a clever Bush Kettle that boils water over twigs and sticks (perfect for those who really want to get back to basics), or even indoors over a gas stove—plus a range of travel comfort products born from years of long-haul adventures. 

“We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel,” says Damian. “We’re just making travel a bit easier, a bit more comfortable, and a lot more enjoyable.” 

For a bloke who thought retirement meant slowing down, Damian Smith has never been busier, or happier. 

“Best thing about it is we get to test everything on our own adventures. It’s tough work, but someone’s got to do it.” 

The BBQ and the entire Adventure-Q range are available now through the Daymo website

Meet more Camping Inventors

• Caravan Mattress Topper designed by travellers for a better night’s sleep

Find more Camping Gear

• New Quiet Invertor for Off-Grid Caravanning
• Clean up off-grid with the Dirty Devil spare wheel garbage bag

New from Titan RV, the latest 12V-powered Black Jack – Mini caravan jack uses your van’s Anderson plug to electronically raise your trailer–no cranking needed. Weighing 8.5kg and rated to carry 1000kg, the Black Jack – Mini spotted here at eTime fits a 50mm single or double clamp.

Want more Jockey Wheel Options? Read our full article in the What’s Up Downunder eMagazine