Christmas gift ideas for caravanners

Helinox camping gear

Whether it’s bullet-proof hiking umbrellas or their super-compact, super-lightweight range of camp chairs, tables and stretcher beds, we’re big fans of hi-tech Helinox outdoor accessories.

Not only are they light and compact, when packed up they’ll squeeze into just about any storage spot in the car or camper, and they're so light you can carry them to the beach or favourite campsite without breaking your back. They’re also made from top-notch materials so should last a lifetime.

Good news is there’s some new colours in the range other than black and blue, with the Sunset Chair, Chair One, Table One and Cot One now also available in bright red or a more natural tan colour, or even a military-style ‘camo’ pattern.

Prices for the chairs range from $54 to $168. Click here for more.

SP Connect phone mounts

There are no lack of in-car and other type of mounts on the market today for your smart phone, but few are as versatile, easy to use, or as solidly constructed as the innovative range from SP Connect.

We’ve been using one lately to mount an iPhone 8 to a car windscreen and it's a cinch to use: just slot the phone into the sturdy, slimline case and attach to the suction cup holder using the simple 90 degree, ‘twist and lock’ system.

There’s a knob at the back you can loosen off to adjust the angle of the phone screen, but once tightened and secured to the windscreen, it all holds firmly in place until you decide to remove it.

SP Connect also offer a range of compatible mounts and accessories for running, biking and other activities, so you can switch the phone from the car to a bike mount in a matter of seconds.

Pricing for the phone cases starts at RRP$54.95, with activity bundles from RRP$69.95, and mounts from RRP$14.95

Click here for the full range.

Adina Oceaneer Chronograph

Aussie caravanners are a patriotic bunch -- it's a major reason why around 90 per cent of all vans and motorhomes sold in Australia are built here.

So if you own a homegrown caravan or camper, it makes sense to wear a matching time-keeping accessory also made here...

Operating since 1971 Adina is Australia's only watchmaker, and the company has just released a handsome new 48mm model that's design to withstand most outdoor pursuits.

The stylish Oceaneer Chronograph ZT02 I2XB features an over-sized stainless steel case, with gunmetal finish, and solid ionic plated bracelet.

The watch is dust and waterproof with a 10atm rating, and the movement is powered by a Swiss-made Ronda Z60 battery.

RRP is $399, from the Adina website.

ARB Xmas hampers

Got an avid 4WD enthusiast in your life and feeling generous? 4WD accessories specialist ARB has bundled up some of its most popular off-road products, into more affordable themed ‘hampers’ just in time for Christmas.

One of the cheapest options is ARB’s ‘Stocking Stuffer Bundle’ which includes the Digital Tyre Inflator, Inflation Case and Portable Air Compressor 12V for $395 (a saving of $138).

For $419 (a saving of $85), the ‘Ultimate Weekender Bundle’ includes the Weekender Recovery Kit, TRED Pro Grey/Orange and Recovery Damper.

There's also the ‘Aussie Xmas Camping Bundle’ which packs in a Double SkyDome Swag, two Deluxe Canvas Sleeping Bags, Air Locker Chair with Table and Camping Chair with Table for $995 (a saving for $262).

For further details click here.

Photo printed mug

Personalised gifts are great for family and friends, and they don’t come much more affordable than these photo-printed coffee mugs from BIGW.

Currently priced at just $9.50, you can get a favourite digital photo quickly and easily printed on to the side of a white coffee mug. Not only a great conversation starter around the campfire, it will also ensure the mug is never confused with someone else’s.

As well as a photo, personal messages can be printed, and for the beer lovers and bush walkers, you can also print personal photos on to stubby coolers, drink bottles, beer steins and coasters.

There’s no delivery fee if you pick up from your local BIGW store.

Order online here.

Dometic solar blanket

Foldable solar ‘blankets’ are a great idea if you want to top up your batteries on the move but have limited storage or payload capacity.

RV accessories giant Dometic has just released its first flexible solar panel, which at just over 5kg is around a third of the weight of an equivalent glass solar panel.

The 150-watt PSB150 portable solar blanket is constructed from C60 SunPower monocrystalline cells with anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coating, while other features include a built-in LCD display screen and an IP65 rated, 15A, 5-stage PWM solar charge controller that prevents the battery from over or under charging

The Dometic solar blanket can charge up to six different battery types, and comes with a 5.0m long cable and Anderson connector, plus 1.5m alligator clips and a carry bag.

RRP from the Dometic website is $1199, although you can find it cheaper at online retailers.

Rhino-Rack Compact Batwing Awning

For owners of small to medium vehicles who desire some relief from the sun and scorching heat while venturing out into the Aussie bush this summer, Rhino-Rack has just released a new compact version of its popular Batwing Awning.

Made from a water and mould-resistant lightweight material offering UPF 50+ sun protection, the Batwing Compact delivers 270 degrees of shade around your vehicle and up to 6.4m² of coverage.

Included in the kit are fully integrated, aluminium black powder-coated drop-down legs that can be pegged down at the base in windy conditions, fitting brackets, pegs and guy ropes, and a heavy-duty bag to carry it all in.

RRP is $769, from Rhino-Rack.

Englaon Smart 12V TV

Many homes these days have ‘smart’ TVs that allow viewers to surf the internet, download movies, and access various apps, all from the comfort of their couch.

Now you can enjoy the same technology in the TV in your caravan or motorhome, with the latest 12V Smart TVs from Chinese brand Englaon.

Latest and greatest in the Englaeon range is this 32in Full HD Smart LED TV.

Featuring built-in Wi-Fi and DVD player, the new model will connect to the internet to allow among other things email checking, watching of YouTube videos and Netflix shows, and planning of routes on Google Maps.

The TV works off the latest Android 7.1.1 ‘Nougat’ system and with a 1000:1 contrast and up to 1920 x 1080 resolution, should make the most of the latest Blockbuster movies.

Weighing 5kg, the 32in model comes with all the required accessories including remote control and 12V lead.

The top-spec model is priced at $619.95, but there are cheaper options including a 24in FHD Smart LED TV with DVD player for $429.95.

Check out the Australian range here.