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What clever modifications or upgrades have you made to your caravan?

M

Malky

I’m always interested in seeing what other caravanners have done to improve comfort, convenience, or tech on board. Big jobs or small tweaks — it all counts.

For example, I’ve just replaced the old cigarette‑lighter style 12V sockets in my van and fitted modern USB charging points instead. It’s a simple upgrade, but it’s already made life easier.

I’d love to hear what others have done, such as:

  • Upgrading the radio to DAB or Bluetooth
  • Adding Wi‑Fi or a 4G/5G system
  • Improving taps, pumps, or plumbing
  • Carpet or flooring upgrades
  • Extra USB or 12V sockets
  • Lighting changes (LED strips, dimmers, spotlights)
  • Storage mods, shelving, hooks, organisers
  • Heating or ventilation tweaks
  • Security improvements
  • Any DIY fixes you’re proud of
What have you changed, why did you do it, and would you recommend it to others? Photos are always welcome.
 
Every new Caravan we buy before it’s first ever used,I change shower to a thermostatic controlled valve
Present Caravan fridge thermostat controlled fan
Factory fitted Aircon
 
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I added a motor mover bypass switch, so that I could park van up at home, due to space restrictions the mains plug and MM switch being on the off side was impossible to access so added key switch to nearside, allowing mains to be plugged in before final positioning using motor mover, then plug van into mains.
 
I'm not technical so I've added things I can do. So a set of coat hooks to the back of the bathroom door. Two shelves in the kitchen area to keep cups when we set up. Another shelf at the end of the bed for an illuminated clock.
 
A couple of extra shelves in an overhead locker. Small fan to assist fridge cooling in hot weather. Removed sliding bedroom door which kept falling off, and installed a flexible curtain combined with waist height dig guard; saved weight too. Installed external tv and sat point. Replaced el cheapo rear skylight with quality Heki type. Removed Alko wheel carrier.
 
noggin16460 said:
I added a motor mover bypass switch, so that I could park van up at home, due to space restrictions the mains plug and MM switch being on the off side was impossible to access so added key switch to nearside, allowing mains to be plugged in before final positioning using motor mover, then plug van into mains.
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This is one i have in mind, i have the same issue, i thought of a remote switch, save wiring.
 
otherclive said:
A couple of extra shelves in an overhead locker. Small fan to assist fridge cooling in hot weather. Removed sliding bedroom door which kept falling off, and installed a flexible curtain combined with waist height dig guard; saved weight too. Installed external tv and sat point. Replaced el cheapo rear skylight with quality Heki type. Removed Alko wheel carrier.
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I manufactures=ed my own cooling kit from internet parts, worked well.
 
Removed the AlKo spare wheel carrier, and changed the shower head to a Camel one, otherwise nothing else, because it is a Coachman.

Helmet on, incoming. 🤔
 
Hutch said:
Removed the AlKo spare wheel carrier, and changed the shower head to a Camel one, otherwise nothing else, because it is a Coachman.

Helmet on, incoming. 🤔
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Why did you remove the carrier? I have thought about adding as spare wheel carrier as spare wheel is in under bed storage which i could better use for other things?
 
Like Billy said it’s safer not having to remove the wheel when abroad. Plus it’s not easy to remove the wheel as if the van has a puncture you may have difficulty pulling the carrier out without having to lift the caravan and trying to do it when jacked is inherently risky. So I save payload and maintenance by removing the carrier. I carried the wheel just inside the door where it didn’t move at all. On site it went under the caravan chained to the chassis and hidden from view with awning.
 
Hi, both valid points on the carrier, We have a twinner and to lift that at the side of a road would be impossible, let alone, caravans dont come with lifting gear. spare is there for recovery team ( Green Flag ) so am going to live with wheel inside van and think about an alloy replacement for the steel wheel depending on weights? Nice debate peep's.
 
Malky said:
Hi, both valid points on the carrier, We have a twinner and to lift that at the side of a road would be impossible, let alone, caravans dont come with lifting gear. spare is there for recovery team ( Green Flag ) so am going to live with wheel inside van and think about an alloy replacement for the steel wheel depending on weights? Nice debate peep's.
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How much weight difference is there between an alloy and the OEM steel wheel? Why go for an alloy?

If it’s a non OEM alloy buy a quality make as some aftermarket ones may not be strong enough to take the impacts from potholes. Caravan suspension isn’t as forgiving as a cars suspension.
 
I changed the Dometic toilet to a Thetford. Too many problems with the Dometic and spares prices are though the roof. Very pleased with the outcome.
 
Malky said:
Why did you remove the carrier? I have thought about adding as spare wheel carrier as spare wheel is in under bed storage which i could better use for other things?
Click to expand...
I think the other lads have said it all, just try removing the spare wheel from the carrier. The carrier also rubs on the side wall of the tyre. Removing the carrier saves 6.5 kg.
 
I've added a control system that allows me to remotely control and/or read Solar, battery state, mains power and heating. Also added larger solar panel, a 1300W inverter, a LifePo4 battery and changed the battery charger to Victron.
 
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