With fully electric caravans coming more freely available, caravan appliance designs have followed suit like this clever 4-in-1 Microwave with Induction Cooktop combo from Hawk we spotted at the Melbourne Outdoor Living and Caravan Expo in a Freebirds Clan East twin single bed full electric caravan with recliners.
Tucked neatly beneath the bench-top, the versatile 4-in-1 Microwave with Induction Cooktop comprises a microwave, grill, convection oven, and air fryer modes–for quick reheats to full meals on the open road.
Integrated Induction Cooktop
The integrated induction cooktop adds another level of convenience, providing fast, efficient, and precise stovetop cooking. It’s a fitting match for the Freebird’s 48V power system, making the most of available space without compromising on performance.
With a boxed weight of 27kg and cut-out dimensions of 500 x 455 x 348 mm, it fits seamlessly into the layout, offering a modern cooking solution that combines efficiency, safety, and ease of use – ideal for life on the road.
When you visit amazing, remote destinations like Yardie Station on the Ningaloo Coast, water is a precious resource that must be shared. One way to tackle it is via a handy Dual Tap Manifold, a.k.a, splitter spotted by Colin Hopgood, traveller, plumber and inventor of the B.E.S.T. water filter.
But this quality splitter doesn’t just help when water sources are limited, it can also save yourself a soaking at pack-up and provide a great storage hack when storing hoses, cutting down on mess when pulling up stumps at camp.
Here’s how Colin Hopgood from B.E.S.T. water filters uses this versatile water sharing device!
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.
