2023 Best New Product/Accessory finalists announced

We've already announced the finalists for Best New RV in the 2023 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 battery-powered portable reverse-cycle air conditioner, to a super-light ute canopy and 'one key' caravan solution. There are also novel solutions to the problems of drying large loads of washing and rainwater run-off when caravanning, from some of Australia's smartest RV minds...

The finalists in the remaining two categories will be announced in coming days, with the four category winners for this year's caravancampingsales Innovation Awards due to be announced in early December. For more about the 2023 Innovation Awards, click here.

EcoFlow Wave 2

Most RVs sold these days come with an air-conditioner fitted, but what if you own an older van without one fitted? One neat solution, apart from going to the expense of having one fitted, is the latest lithium battery powered portable air conditioner from EcoFlow.

Described as the most powerful, battery-powered portable air-conditioner on the market, it's relatively easy to lug around from any room in the house to caravan, providing quick cooling and heating in smaller enclosed spaces by either plugging into mains power or using the optional 1159Wh rechargeable lithium battery pack that attaches at the bottom.

There's only a little bit of set up time with the inflow and outflow hosing and drainage tanks, and the whole unit operates off a smart phone app to make it even more user-friendly.

1 Key Caravan

One of the most annoying things about modern caravans is the different and often confusing amount of keys you need to carry for all the different branded external locks.

NSW-based 1 Key Caravan has come up with a neat solution to easily convert all your RV's locks to the one key, making life not only easier around the campsite but also improving overall security around your van.

Founded by a locksmith, the 1 Key business is not far off offering all owners of modern caravans a full 'one key' solution, and 1 Key customers are also supporting local businesses with the replacement components both engineered and manufactured locally. 

Thule Epos

There are countless towball-mounted bike carriers on the market, but Thule has come up with a trick new version it describes as "the most versatile" foldable platform bike carrier on the market.

The Swedish outdoor and vehicle accessories giant also says its new Epos is "the only bike carrier that fits any frame design and bike geometry plus provides easy, independent loading and unloading".

Both foldable and tilt-able, the Epos' telescopic bike attachment system is designed to securely transport bikes of any type or size, as well as secure them in a multitude of positions.

There's also a foot pedal tilt function that allows access to the vehicle's rear cargo space with the bikes mounted, while there are also base mounted wheels and grip handles to help move it around when it's folded up.

RainAway

The Australian designed and manufactured RainAway tackles the annoying problem of rain water pooling and gushing over the front of the caravan awning and causing unwanted puddles.

Simple in its design and set-up, the RainAway is made from waterproof marine grade upholstery and fits across the front of the pull-out awning, with 25mm nylon, double sewn ribbing for added durability.

It attaches in minutes to the awning poles, using straps and buckles, and there's also a connection for a hose to direct the water into a jerry or bucket for collection.

Mode 4x4

Composite caravan specialist Zone RV is tackling the problem of overweight towing and 4WD rigs with its latest range of lightweight Mode 4x4 ute canopies.

Promoted as "the lightest 4x4 canopy on the market", the Mode 4x4 units are built from composite materials as well as aluminium and come standard with a dual (left and right) undermount tool box, dual whale tail latches on each of the two gullwing side doors, and dual rear tail lights. 

They're designed to fit most popular utes, and are also compatible with most roof rack makes and models. The canopy dry weight is just 220kg, and they're rated to carry up to 350kg internally, with a static roof weight of up to 350kg and a dynamic roof weight of up to 150kg depending on fit-out.

All-in-One Awning Clothesline 

After receiving a finalist nomination with his Reverse Aid kit back in 2021, Queensland's Graham Pilgrim is back in the mix in the 2023 Best New Product/Accessories category with his latest RV-related invention, the All-in-One Awning Clothesline.

Taking some of the hassle out of drying bed sheets and towels when caravanning in free or remote camps, the All-in-One Awning Clothesline weighs just 2.6kg and takes up less storage space than a more conventional portable clothesline. It also won't blow over in the wind, and can dry more washing at the one time including larger items like sheets and towels.

The clothesline is relatively easy to install and requires no drilling or other tools to assemble, with all the special bits required for set-up included in the box.