When you’re planning to live in your caravan for months or years, the basic factory setup rarely cuts it. Most Big Lappers find themselves making modifications before they even hit the road, and others discover what they need after a few weeks on the track.
These modifications range from simple bolt-on additions that take an afternoon to major electrical and plumbing overhauls. The key is prioritising based on your travel style, budget, and technical skills. Some mods pay for themselves within months, while others are pure comfort upgrades that make extended travel bearable.
Here are the modifications that consistently top the wish lists of experienced Big Lappers, ranked by how often we see them and how much impact they make on extended travel comfort.
1. Solar Power Systems
Solar panels are the number one modification Big Lappers make, and for good reason. Factory electrical systems are designed for powered sites and weekend trips, not for weeks of free camping in remote areas.
Most Big Lappers start with a 200-400 watt system, though many wish they’d gone bigger from the start. A decent setup with panels, MPPT controller, and installation runs $1,500-3,000 depending on capacity and panel quality.
Install more solar than you think you need. It’s much cheaper to add panels during the initial installation than to expand later.
The sweet spot for most couples is 400-600 watts, which covers LED lights, water pump, 12V fridge, phone charging, and laptop use during sunny weather. Families or those with higher power needs often go up to 800-1200 watts.
2. Lithium Battery Upgrades
Standard lead-acid batteries are the biggest limitation in most factory setups. They’re heavy, don’t like deep discharge, and lose capacity quickly in hot weather.
A 100Ah lithium battery gives you roughly the same usable power as a 200Ah lead-acid setup but weighs half as much and lasts five times longer. Expect to pay $800-1,200 for a quality 100Ah lithium battery.
Most Big Lappers find 200-300Ah of lithium storage hits the sweet spot for extended free camping. It’s enough power for 2-3 days without sun, assuming reasonable power management.
Lithium batteries need different chargers than lead-acid. Make sure your solar controller, mains charger, and vehicle charging system are lithium-compatible before upgrading.
3. Water Tank Expansion
Factory water tanks range from pathetically small (60-80L) to barely adequate (120-150L). For extended free camping, most Big Lappers want 200-300L minimum fresh water capacity.
Adding a second tank is the most common approach. A 100L poly tank with pump and plumbing typically costs $400-600 installed. Some caravanners add an external tank that can be filled at water points and gravity-fed into the main tank.
Don’t forget grey water storage. Many factory setups have tiny grey tanks that need emptying daily. A larger grey tank or portable grey water container makes free camping much more pleasant.
4. Air Conditioning Upgrades
Factory air conditioners are often undersized, noisy, or poorly positioned. Upgrading to a more powerful, quieter unit makes a huge difference in hot climates.
The most popular upgrade is from a 2.2kW to a 2.8kW or 3.5kW reverse-cycle unit. Expect to pay $1,800-2,800 for a quality replacement with installation. Popular brands include Ibis, Truma, and Dometic.
Consider ducted air conditioning if your caravan layout allows it. It distributes cooling more evenly and reduces hot spots, especially in larger vans.
Some Big Lappers add a second smaller unit for sleeping areas, allowing them to cool just the bedroom overnight instead of the entire van.
5. External Shower Setup
An external shower is essential for washing off sand, salt, and mud before entering your living space. It’s also the best way to shower your dog or rinse diving gear.
Basic external shower points cost $200-400 to retrofit. Better setups include hot and cold taps, a pull-out hose reel, and privacy screening. Some caravanners install full external bathrooms with enclosed shower cubicles.
The key is positioning. The shower needs to drain away from your site and your neighbour’s site. Many Big Lappers use a shower base or mat to contain overspray.
6. Annexe or Awning Walls
Your awning creates shade, but walls create a room. Annexe walls transform your outdoor space into a bug-free, private extension of your caravan.
Full annexes cost $800-2,000 depending on size and quality. They’re heavy and time-consuming to set up, so many Big Lappers prefer partial walls or a simple front panel for privacy and wind protection.
Consider an annexe with zip-out panels. You can quickly set up just the sections you need, which is perfect when weather conditions change.
Mesh walls are popular in tropical areas for bug protection without blocking airflow. Canvas walls provide better privacy and wind protection in cooler climates.
7. Inverter Installation
An inverter converts 12V battery power to 240V mains power, letting you run standard household appliances when you’re not connected to mains power.
Most Big Lappers install 1,000-2,000 watt pure sine wave inverters. This covers laptop computers, phone chargers, coffee machines, and small appliances. Expect to pay $400-800 for the inverter plus installation.
The key is choosing what to power through the inverter versus running 12V alternatives. A 12V fridge uses less battery than running a 240V fridge through an inverter, but some appliances only come in 240V versions.
8. TV Antenna Upgrade
Factory TV antennas are usually basic digital aerials that struggle with weak signals. Upgrading to a directional antenna with booster improves reception dramatically in fringe areas.
Popular upgrades include the Winegard Pathway X2 automatic satellite dish ($800-1,200) or a manual satellite setup for around $400-600. These give you consistent TV reception across Australia, though you’ll need different dishes for different regions.
Consider your viewing habits before investing in satellite. Many Big Lappers find streaming services over mobile data or downloaded content meets their needs better than live TV.
9. Bike Rack Addition
Bikes are essential transport around large caravan parks and perfect for exploring areas where your caravan can’t go. The challenge is carrying them safely.
Rear-mounted bike racks are most common, typically carrying 2-4 bikes on the back of the van. Expect to pay $300-800 for a quality rack. Make sure it doesn’t block access to your spare tyre or rear storage.
Some caravanners prefer roof-mounted systems or internal storage in the front boot, though these options have weight and access limitations.
10. Kitchen Modifications
Factory kitchens are designed for weekend trips, not daily cooking for months on end. Common upgrades include better bench space, additional storage, and improved cooking facilities.
Popular modifications include pull-out bench extensions, spice racks, knife storage, and additional drawers. Some Big Lappers replace the standard cooktop with a larger model or add external cooking facilities.
Focus on storage solutions before adding appliances. Better organisation often eliminates the need for a bigger kitchen.
External kitchens are increasingly popular, giving you cooking space outside your living area. They range from simple slide-out BBQ setups to full outdoor kitchens with sinks and storage.
11. Weight Distribution Hitch
While not technically a caravan modification, weight distribution hitches transform towing behaviour for heavier vans. They distribute trailer weight across all axles of your tow vehicle instead of just the rear axle.
Popular systems include Hayman Reese ($800-1,200) and Equal-i-zer ($1,200-1,800). The difference in stability and control is dramatic, especially in crosswinds or when overtaking.
Weight distribution hitches are essential for caravans over 2,000kg or when your ball weight approaches your vehicle’s maximum rating.
12. External Storage Boxes
You can never have too much storage on extended trips. External boxes keep dirty or bulky items outside your living space and provide easy access to frequently used gear.
Popular options include front boot extensions, side-mounted tool boxes, and rear-mounted cargo carriers. Aluminium boxes cost $300-800 depending on size, while fibreglass units are lighter but more expensive.
The key is weatherproofing and security. Your storage boxes need to keep water out and valuables safe, especially in caravan parks where theft can be an issue.
Check your van’s weight limits before adding external storage. Full boxes add significant weight, especially when loaded with tools or spare parts.
- Solar power and lithium batteries are the highest-impact modifications for extended free camping
- Water capacity upgrades pay dividends in remote areas where water is scarce or expensive
- Comfort modifications like air conditioning and external showers make hot weather bearable
- Storage solutions and practical additions like bike racks improve daily life on extended trips
- Plan modifications based on your specific travel style and prioritise high-impact upgrades first
- Consider installation complexity and warranty implications before starting major modifications
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