Camping Tips

When you’re on the road in a caravan, the last thing you want to do at the end of a long day is stress about putting together a meal. To take the stress out of cooking on the road, we’ve prepared a list of five easy meals you can put together on a single burner in under an hour.

Pesto Pasta

Pesto pasta is one of the most delicious and convenient quick meals for cooking in a caravan because you can always keep at least a meal’s worth in the cupboard. Simply cook pasta, strain and then stir through some pre-prepared pesto. If you’d like to add a bit of meat, stir through a tin of tuna or fry up some diced chicken and then reheat the pasta by adding it to the same frying pan.

Vegetable Soup

Vegetable soup is a great way to combine a fresh selection of heirloom vegetables from a local market with a few stock cubes and some of your favourite spices to make a winter warmer that can easily feed the family.

Spicy Cous Cous

Many have trouble with cous cous, but there’s no need to stress. In fact, for those that would rather spend their day driving their off-road camper trailer deep into the great outdoors, it can be a lifesaver. Cous cous will cook itself simply by steeping in boiling water, and if you’re in a hurry, you can even add it straight to instant soup for a protein and carbohydrate hit. If you’ve got a bit more time, try frying up a few diced vegetables and bacon with a sprinkle of coriander, cumin and chilli.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Here’s a recipe for spaghetti and meatballs that will please the kids and mum and dad. First, cook and drain the spaghetti, leaving it to one side. Now cook some meatballs in a frying pan. You could get the kids to roll them or buy them premade, it’s up to you. If you’re feeling fancy, fry up some onions and garlic with the meatballs. When they’re cooked, stir in your favourite jar of pasta sauce and the pasta and voila!

Stir Fried Chicken and Vegetables

It’s possible to make a great stir fry in your camper trailer if you follow a few basic steps. Firstly, use a decent wok. Secondly, prepare all of your ingredients before you turn on the heat. Thirdly, keep it moving. The final trick is to cut your vegetables to a size and shape that’ll cook quickly and be fun to eat. If you are cooking a stir-fry that will contain meat, often it pays to cook it first and let it rest for a few minutes while you cook the rest of the ingredients. You can use premade marinades and sauces to make it easy, but if you’re in the mood for something basic and delicious, soy sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil might be all you need.

Need a Caravan Upgrade? 

Cooking meals in a caravan kitchen doesn’t have to be a challenge if you’re working with a modern caravan. At PMX Campers, we stock the latest and greatest in caravan and camper trailer technology on the West Coast. Call us today on 08 9455 1454 or contact us online.

Caravans and camper trailers are packed with useful and exciting features that are constantly being improved and expanded upon. It is for a reason that modern caravans are more sought after than old ones, and modern off road camper trailers are increasingly popular because of how many features can be fitted into a durable and efficiently folding space. In this article, we will explain how a few popular and useful features work.

Caravan Features

Caravan features are based upon different design specifications to folding camping trailers, because of the shape. 

Ensuite

Most modern caravans are fitted with an ensuite containing a toilet and usually a shower. These features are made possible through a chemical grey and black water treatment system which allows them to accumulate waste without leaving bad smells.

Kitchen

Slides, hinges and locking mechanisms make kitchens in caravans and camper trailers work in all kinds of interesting ways. Keeping appliances on rolling shelfs stops them from clogging up the limited bench space and keeps them secure during transit. Removable burner covers are another feature that creates extra bench space in caravans. 

Convertible Lounge

This feature is almost as old as the first caravans and refers to the mechanism that converts a lounging area into a bed.

Camper Trailer Features

Soft floor camping trailers revolutionised the camping scene when they first hit the market and are still extremely popular with travellers today. They are cost-effective, versatile, low weight and highly amenable to family camping holidays. More recently, hard floor camping trailers have hit the market, and their durability and toughness has made them the go-to-choice for off-road enthusiasts.

Hard Floor Camper Trailers

Hard floor camper trailers include an expanding bed section that has a hard floor which doubles as the roof of the trailer. This feature increases the comfort of the main sleeping space while also acting as a hard shell which protects the trailer contents on the road. Hardfloor campers are easier to setup than soft floor campers, and roof racks and/or solar panels are easier to mount on top of the trailer.

Expanding Internal Space

Both kinds of camper trailer are renowned for having large expanding internal spaces. Generally, soft floor campers expand to be larger than hard floor campers. However, they are usually more complicated to setup.

Side Access Kitchen

The smart lockable side access drawer kitchens are one feature of modern camper trailers that is hard to overlook. These kitchens are accessible and functional without deploying the living space of the camper, making it possible to pull over and have a hot lunch without extraneous effort.

PMX Campers are Western Australia’s Comfortable Camping Experts

As a business owned and operated by camping and off-road enthusiasts, PMX Campers has a thorough understanding of the form and function of the most desirable features in caravans and camping trailers. To find out more, call us today on 08 9455 1454 or contact us online.

Whether you’re an experienced camper or new to the outdoors and seeking a way to travel in comfort and style, taking a portable home stocked up with luxuries and amenities is an appealing prospect. If you’ve never owned a caravan before or you’re buying a new one, there are a few features you should look for and when you are choosing your new paradise on wheels.

Ensuite

One of the greatest features of modern caravans and mobile homes is the availability of toilets and ensuites. Of course, not all ensuites are made equally. Most camper trailers have the ensuite attached to the annex, whereas most caravan dimensions have room for the ensuite to be inside. Both systems are functional and will meet your needs, but when you are browsing, don’t be afraid to try the different offerings out for comfort and accessibility.

Power System

In the modern world, no caravan or mobile home is complete without a solar ready power system on board. They come in different capacities based around the battery bank, so pay attention to whether the power system is expandable and how many watts worth of solar input it can handle. If you’re confused by all of the maths and jargon surrounding solar panels, there are always experts around who can help you with the particulars.

Storage

Caravan specifications vary widely both in terms of maximum occupancy and available storage space. Roof racks are often available extras, particularly with hard floor camper trailers that expand on storage space. Soft floor camper trailers, however, usually offer more internal storage space than their hard floor counterparts, and caravans are limited principally by their dimensions. It’s all a matter of how much stuff you are taking with you to your dream holiday destination.

Another thing to pay attention to with trailers and caravans is the presence of lockable compartments that are accessible on the road. These trays and cupboards can be particularly useful for storing items you may wish to easily access, whereas compartments without locks are susceptible to theft.

Weight

Weight is one of the most crucial factors to consider when buying a caravan. Every car has a maximum towing capacity, and it is worth considering the extra weight of modifications, belongings, solar panels and extra batteries when you are determining what sized trailer to purchase for your adventures.

Talk to PMX Campers for Personalised Information

PMX Campers are Western Australia’s expert camper trailer and caravan retailer. We offer a wide range of caravans and camper trailers to suit every budget and niche. To find out more about our offerings and get advice for your dream home on wheels, call us today on 08 9455 1454 or contact us online.

Cleaning a caravan is not the same as cleaning a car or cleaning your home. It’s better to not be taken by surprise the next time you open it up, so learning how to clean a caravan is something every caravan and camper trailer owner should learn.

Double Check for Food

When your caravan gets home, it will likely be parked for several months and may not even be opened in this time. The fridge will presumably be turned off, so it should be emptied and cleaned as the first point of call. Surfaces around, and including your stove, should also be taken care of, as food scraps and stains will rot and not only be difficult to clean but potentially very smelly. It’s also important to clean every surface that has come in contact with food as well, including your cookware, eating utensils and bowls.

Wash Your Linen

The best way to think about caravan cleaning is to be always planning your next escape. When you’re desperate for a getaway, you’ll thank yourself for having done the hard yards when you put your caravan away. If it’s put away with fresh sheets and doona covers, you’ll be able to hit the road at a moment’s notice and enjoy a clean, comfortable bed at your beautiful destination.

Be Careful with Caravan Windows

Take particular care of the seals around caravan windows as they are susceptible to damage that will affect the waterproof nature of your mobile home. When cleaning the windows, use a gentle window cleaning product and make sure they are dried thoroughly with a squeegee. As a final step, it is useful to dry the seals to avoid potential problems with pooling water.

Clean the Outside from the Top Down

When you are cleaning the exterior of your caravan, start with the roof. To avoid damaging your rubber window seals, don’t use a pressure washer, but start with a regular hose or buckets of warm water. Additionally, you don’t want to stand on the roof of your caravan as it is not something they are typically designed to handle. Use a step ladder and a long handled sponge or broom to reach the entire roof. Once the roof is clean, move down and clean the sides. There are specialist caravan cleaning products that will not damage the rubber seals in the same way that some other motor cleaning products will. Take care to remove all foreign organic material including tree sap, bird poo and algae, as these materials will become harder to clean over time.

Contact us for More Great Tips

If you’re in Perth and want help with your caravan, look no further than PMX Campers. We’re owned and operated by caravan and camping enthusiasts, so we know the ins and outs of keeping them in tip-top shape. Call us on 08 9455 1454 or contact us online.

When it comes to camping, some people prefer near the beach while others prefer to head inland and see the sights.

Both places have their charms that you’ll be attracted to. Whichever you prefer, or even if you love both, here are somethings to consider when choosing your next camping destination.

Coastal Camping

There’s nothing quite like camping on the WA coast. With thousands of kilometres of stunning coastline and beautiful beaches, Western Australia is one of the best places for beach camping.

The first positive, of course, has to be the swimming. Who wouldn’t want to swim in the clear, blue waters of the Indian Ocean? Kids also love the beach and they’ll always find something to entertain them. Some things to consider, however, is the potentially dangerous wildlife and strong ocean currents that can make swimming difficult.

On the plus side, sand is much more comfortable to sleep on than rocks, and the tent pegs are easier to knock into the ground. There’s also the sound of the waves on the beach to lull you to sleep at night.

If you don’t like having sand everywhere, perhaps coastal camping isn’t for you. It helps if you have access to showers and freshwater.

Inland Camping

Bush camping in WA is usually less crowded, and depending on where you go, there is always something spectacular to see.

City folks particularly love to get into the outback because life can be so different to living in urban areas.

Some of the downsides could be a lack of amenities, snakes and spiders, and weak mobile coverage. Being more isolated can become areal drawback if you get into trouble and can’t use your phone.

On the other hand, the bush offers more diverse terrain and scenery. There are mountains, deserts, forests and secluded waterholes where you can feel like the only people on Earth.

Imagine sitting around a camp fire in the desert watching a beautiful outback sunset. Make sure you carry plenty of water; it’s pretty dry out there.

Seasonal Choices

The time of year you camp can have a big impact on how much you enjoy yourself.

The beach can be cold, wet and windy in winter, although you’ll find it’s less crowded than in summer. The outback can have intolerable heat in summer, and don’t forget those flies everywhere.

If you match your destination to the optimum time of year, you’ll have a more positive experience in both places.

Many people find spring and autumn is the perfect time to camp on the coast and in the bush. It mostly comes down to personal choice.

The Camping Experts

At PMX Campers, we have a range of caravans, soft floor camper trailers and hard floor camper trailers for bush and coastal camping. We’re passionate about camping, caravanning and the great outdoors, and we’re happy to share our wealth of knowledge with you. Call us on 08 9455 1454 or contact us online to enquire about the best option for you.

Camping with the family can bring everyone closer together, and camping in Western Australia means you have a diverse range of terrains and activities available without having to go too far from a nearby town.

With that in mind, here are some helpful camping tips to make your time away as stress-free as possible.

A Little Planning Goes a Long Way

A little planning and research before you leave on your camping trip can make your holiday more enjoyable for everyone.

Gather the family and consult a map of Western Australia to see where you want to go and what sights you’d like to see. Once everyone has had a say, you can plan your trip from there.

Take into consideration the amount of time you have and perhaps stay closer to home to minimise travelling time. You don’t want to spend more time in the car than you do camping and having fun.

Camping close to Perth means you’re still getting away from it all while reducing your travelling time, and there’s plenty to see not far out of the city.

Camping Equipment

If it’s been a while since you last went camping, set up your tent at home before you leave just to make sure everything is still intact.

Your first night camping in unfamiliar territory is not the time to discover that you have missing tent pegs or holes in the tent.

The same applies to other camping equipment such as lights, cooking equipment, and air beds and pumps.

Be sure to pack healthy snacks and plenty of food for everyone, as well as utensils and other kitchen necessities. Your online research can include whether there are barbecues and shops at your destination and whether you can buy ice for your portable coolers.

Book Your Site Prior to Leaving

Many people like to stay in caravan parks and organised camp sites, especially when camping with the kids. Many places now ask that you book your site online prior to leaving. This makes a lot of sense since you don’t want to arrive to find everything is booked and you’ve got nowhere to camp.

Booking online also means you can research the camp site to ensure it meets your needs.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Your online research should also cover what to expect from your surroundings once you arrive. Make sure you’re aware of any dangerous terrain, bad weather, and local fauna such as spiders, scorpions and snakes.

If you’re camping at the beach be very aware of tide times, local conditions and sea creatures such as jellyfish and sharks.

Place your tent so that any wind or rain is likely to come from behind.

Speak to Active Members of the Camping and Off-Roading Community

At PMX Campers, we’re passionate about camping and the great outdoors, and we’re active members of the camping and off-roading community. Call us on 08 9455 1454 or contact us online to enquire about our range campers, or seek advice about camping in Western Australia.

Camping and caravanning make for family road trips and can teach your kids how to be more self-sufficient and responsible.

However, your kids still want to have some fun and create memorable holidays, so how do you keep them happy and entertained? Well, it’s time to get creative. Here are some more ideas for a road trip with children and to avoid hearing those two little words that every child will utter at least once in their life – I’m bored!

Are We There Yet?

What parent hasn’t heard that line on a long drive?

With a bit of forethought and planning, you can ensure your kids are so engrossed in back seat activities that they don’t even notice the time.

Younger children will love to play eye-spy or the licence plate game. Make your own variation and play it until they fall asleep. There are also lots of kid-friendly audio books they can listen to, and you’ll enjoy the stories as well. What about a sing-along? All great fun for everyone in the car, and time flies when you’re having fun.

Older children can play games on tablets or mobile phones, watch movies or listen to music. Just be sure to engage with them regularly and point out interesting landmarks so they don’t feel left out.

Caravan Parks

Many caravan parks now call themselves holiday parks,and with good reason. You could stay in the caravan park for the entire duration of your holiday and the kids would always have something to do.

Depending on where your family road trip takes you, caravan parks can have swimming pools and water parks, bike tracks, adventure playgrounds, indoor game rooms, tennis courts, go-karts, and maybe even supervised fishing expeditions and canoes.

Many parks have special school holiday activities for the kids. Check to see what’s available when you make your booking online and stay in a park that has something your kids will enjoy.

Outback Fun

If you’re going further out into the bush, there are still plenty of things to keep the kids entertained.

City kids will love sitting around the camp fire at night, listening to stories and trying to pick out the constellations from the billions of stars up above.

If there’s a lake or waterhole, kids will usually make their own fun. Just make sure someone is there to supervise them.

Most kids love animals, and many places have camel rides or horse riding, sheep shearing, friendly kangaroos and other native animals they wouldn’t get to experience at home.

You could go on a bush walk with an Aboriginal elder and learn all about Aboriginal food and medicine. Or, take the kids four-wheel driving, they’ll love going off-road and bouncing around in the bush.

Ask Us

At PMX Campers, we’re dedicated to helping you enjoy your camping and the great outdoors, and we’re active members of the camping and off-roading community. We’ll offer our expert advice and tips for long car trips with kids. Call us on 08 9455 1454 or contact us online to enquire about our range of camper trailersand caravans to suit any budget and every family.

Camper trailers are a great, compact way to travel, and they’re a better alternative to caravans if you plan to go off-road.

However, their very nature makes them smaller than a caravan and space is at a premium.

To ensure you can fit everything you need into your camper trailer, you need to know how to pack smart. Here we’ll explore some of the best camper trailer packing tips.

Careful Planning

While you’re busy planning and preparing for your camping checklist, make a note of what you’ll need while you’re travelling, and what can be packed deep inside the camper trailer and brought out when you reach your destination.

There’s nothing worse than realising the one thing you need while you’re on the road has accidentally been packed inside the trailer.

Know your Limits

Be aware of how much weight your trailer can legally and safely handle and try to keep the weight evenly balanced from front to rear, considering heavy weights such as fridges, water tanks and spare tyres.

Sometimes too much weight in the front of your camper will overload the rear suspension of your vehicle and make it handle badly. It’ll be even worse on unsealed roads and off-road driving.

Pack all your heavy items evenly across the floor of the trailer and work up to the lighter things on top. Remember, if you’re using water from the tank as you travel, the weight distribution will change.

Accessibility

This is where you’ll need that careful planning. If your main destination is several days away, or even just a couple of days, you’re going to need to stop overnight, so you’ll need to figure out how to grab things without unpacking the entire trailer.

Work out the minimum you’ll need for overnight stays and make sure it’s all easily accessible. It’s handy to pack similar items, such as kitchen and bathroom essentials, and keep them together in plastic bags or with rubber bands to prevent them moving while you’re on the road.

Of course, you’ll still need to sleep in your camper trailer unless you’re planning on pitching a tent, but the less you have to take out, the less you have to repack the next day.

To create extra storage space, make sure anything that’s hollow like portable coolers have items packed inside. There should be no empty spaces inside the trailer. This ensures everything stays where it should, even on rough roads, and it makes maximum use of all available space.

Contact us

At PMX Campers, we’re passionate about camping and the great outdoors, and we want to help you make the most of your camping and caravanning. Call us on 08 9455 1454, or contact us online to enquire about our range of soft floor camper trailers and hard floor camper trailers to suit any budget.

There’s no reason you have to leave your furry friends behind when you go away, and there are plenty of places to go camping with pets. Just knowing that they’re safe and happy with you means you have one less thing to worry about.

Of course, a little extra preparation and planning will make your holiday with your pet easier on everyone.

Does Your Pet Really Want to Go with You?

Be sure your pet is in good health and happy to tag along with you. Most cats prefer to stay home, but there are some who love going on holiday and adapt well to their new surroundings.

Never take your pet with you if it’ll cause them distress, especially older pets or pets with health conditions. It’s best to leave them with family, friends or a professional boarding service. Everyone, including your pet, will be much happier.

Packing for Your Pet

Ensure your pet has their familiar bedding, toys, and anything else you think will help be more comfortable. Pack bowls, plenty of food and water, and maybe some treats to keep them happy.

Dogs will need a leash and a longer rope or chain if you need to tie them up at the campsite. All caravan parks require dogs to be restrained. A harness can also be a more comfortable way to restrain them during travel and at the campsite or caravan park.

Depending on where you’re headed, flea and tick treatments, a dog life jacket and pet shampoo might also be handy. Don’t forget those all-important poop bags for quick clean ups. For cats, a litter tray and plenty of clean kitty litter makes life more pleasant for everyone.

Pet Friendly Camping

Keep in mind that pets are not allowed in any national parks, and you’ll need to check that your accommodation is pet-friendly.

More and more caravan parks are becoming pet friendly these days in response the increasing number of people travelling with pets, but do check when you make your booking.

Remember Other Campers

For safety and good manners, your dog should respond immediately to your voice commands. If they’re not, get some obedience training before you leave. You don’t want your dog bothering others with their bad behaviour or constant barking.

If you’re travelling with your cat, teach it to walk on a leash with a harness, and have a portable cat run for safe downtime.

Expert Advice

At PMX Campers, we’re passionate about camping and the great outdoors, and we have lots of useful tips for pet friendly camping. Call us on 08 9455 1454 to speak to one of our team members, or contact us online for advice and to enquire about our range of camper trailers and caravans to suit any budget.