We've announced the finalists for Best New RV in the 2021 caravancampingsales Innovation Awards, and now it's time to reveal the six contenders for the Best New Product/Accessory category.
Once again, there's plenty of clever design and creative thinking on display, from a non-electronic reversing aid and plug-free heated sleeping bag, to a beautifully-built rooftop tent and stylish, environmentally friendly annexe mats.
The finalists for the other two categories will be announced in coming weeks, with the four category winners for this year's caravancampingsales Innovation Awards set to be announced on December 8 (for more about the inaugural Awards, click here).
There's no fancy powered roof lift on the Melbourne-built Boss RT1, but it doesn't need one with a stress-free set-up that incorporates a sturdy lightweight ladder, strut assisted front-hinged lid and user-friendly pole and bungy cord system.
It's one of many delightful surprises we discovered with this Melbourne-built rooftop tent, that also boasts top-notch construction, countless high-quality components and a comfy, insulated sleeping area that's spacious enough to stand up in.
It's expensive and on the heavy side compared to some of its fibreglass rivals, but what price quality and durability when touring tough Outback conditions?
We tested out these novel caravan reversing aids earlier this year, and while while it feels like you're back at school when doing the initial measurements and mathematical formulas, they're an effective way to get you thinking about what's required to safely and successfully back a large van into a tight spot.
While a handy learning tool for anyone keen to master the art of reversing, the Reverse Aid is especially suitable for first-time caravanners, especially those with larger tandem-axle vans.
OzTent, the inventor of the original '30 second' tent, has done it again with the Redgum sleeping bag, which it claims is the world’s first non-electric heat adjustable sleeping bag.
Using the patent pending 'Hot Spot' technology first used in its camp chairs, the sleeping bag features six pockets that allows users to adjust the warmth to the outside temperature and their particular needs.
The unique reusable heat pouches heat up to 53 degrees Celsius in a matter of seconds and have been tested for up to 500 uses, so should keep you warm for more than a few wintry trips.
Not only are these polypropylene outdoor mats available in a variety of colours, patterns and sizes to suit different caravan exteriors, they're unique in that they're made from 100 per cent recycled materials and are also ethically produced.
Just as important, NSW-based DLG Australia says the stylish mats are made from a UV treated, mould resistant, reversible, long-lasting and breathable fabric, to help keep any underlying grass alive.
With more people getting away on camping trips, ARB has come up with a slick and versatile new built-in kitchen and food prep solution, that's designed for installation in a wide variety of vehicles including dual-cab utes, 4x4 wagons, custom camper trailers and service bodies.
The multi-purpose Slide Kitchen fits into ARB's standard dual-cab drawer set-up and includes an extendable benchtop, gas stove, utensils drawer and kitchen sink.
It's built to last with a kitchen-grade, stainless-steel benchtop that boasts a 30kg weight limit, and for tradies there's an optional replacement drawer that can be swapped out with the kitchen when you're not camping.
There are plenty of portable battery packs on the market, but Redarc's new GoBlock stands out with its smart design and packaging, along with 'world first' technology that allows fast recharging in as little as two hours while driving.
With 50Ah or 100Ah lithium-ion battery options, the GoBlock is a good alternative to a permanent vehicle dual-battery system, and comes loaded with cutting-edge tech including Bluetooth smart phone monitoring of the battery status and a Start Battery Recovery (SBR) feature that enables safe recovery of a flat vehicle start battery.