Travelling across the vast and beautiful landscapes of Australia in a caravan is an adventure that many Australians dream of. It’s a way to explore the nooks and crannies of our stunning country, all while keeping accommodation costs low. With the cost of living on the rise, it’s no wonder that caravanning has surged in popularity as a budget-friendly travel option.
However, as the weather cools and the desire for comfort grows, caravanners are on the lookout for innovative ways to enhance their mobile homes without breaking the bank. Enter the clever hack from one resourceful travelling couple that has the caravanning community buzzing with excitement.
The couple’s ‘brilliant’ idea? They’ve managed to create a sheltered space attached to their caravan’s awning for a fraction of the usual cost. Typically, adding an enclosed area to a caravan can set you back around $700, but this savvy duo did it for just $99. Curious how they did it? They shared their secret on a Facebook group, and it’s surprisingly simple.
The hack involves purchasing the Dune 4WD 2m Awning Tent from Anaconda, which is priced at $99 for club members (regularly $400). This product is designed to add a closed room to your existing awning, providing an extra sheltered space for lounging or sleeping while camping. It’s a breeze to set up, sliding onto the track of your awning with ease.
‘Don’t want to pay the price of a big expensive awning! $99 from Anaconda! Attaches to the track on our awning,’ the couple explained, highlighting the product’s usual association with 4WD camping. ‘This will be perfect for those yucky days,’ they added, envisioning a cosy retreat from less-than-ideal weather.
The response from the caravanning community was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the idea as ‘genius’ and ‘amazing’. The simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the hack clearly struck a chord, as fellow travellers chimed in with their approval and gratitude for the shared tip.
While some questioned the waterproof nature of the awning tent, the original poster reassured them, ‘We haven’t used it yet, ours will be for playing cards in when the kids are in bed and storing bikes, I just had a look and it says they are waterproof. You are able to sleep in them.’
This caravan hack is more than just a money-saver; it highlights the ingenuity of travellers who refuse to let a tight budget dampen their spirit of adventure. It’s a reminder that with a little creativity and resourcefulness, the dream of comfortable and affordable travel is well within reach.
Have you come across any practical caravan hacks or budget-friendly travel tips? How do you enhance your caravanning experience without overspending? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Also read: Caravanning just got easier with Kmart’s $14 storage trick
