Complete Solar Systems and Installations. Solar Maintenance, Upgrades and Repairs.
Caravan and Trailer Services
Caravan and Trailer Services - System fitments
We offer caravan and trailer services for all your power requirements.We have partnered up with Victron and Renogy and can offer complete power soloutions. 12V , 24V, 48V DC systems and 220v Inverter AC systems. Each system for a caravan, off road 4×4 triler or vehicle is professionally designed to ensure that both your saftey and the equipment is correct for your application requirements. Installations are done by a qualified electrician at our premisis in Benoni and the system is thoroughly tested before we hand it over. Once all is working perfectly we give you training on the new equipment.
Not only can we assist with complete solar systems we can do upgrades and add on’s, pre built kits, manintenance and fault finding.
Upgrades
When it comes to upgrades on the power or electrical system for caravans and trailers they can become quite tricky, especially when you are intergrating new technology with older existing equipment. In several cases the newer technology is much more powerfull and the existing system was not built to handle it, if not done correctly this can have several implications.
When new tech is used with old tech it can cause:
- Existing equipment to fail or get damaged.
- Simply not work.
- Excessive power allowed to run through the system damaging the cables. This can cause the cable to burn or even catch fire.
Keeping the new system and the existing system seperate so they can work in parallel providing power to selected appliances is one option that can be done alternatively changing the existing system to work with the new tech is a preferred method for long term use.
Here are a few examples:
- Changing old batteris and upgrading to lithium batteries.
- Replacing lighting to more efficient LED’s.
- Increasing Inverter size for more power.
- Newer battery charging technology.
- Fixed or stand alone solar panels.
Add On's
There are ocassions wher our clients have specific requirements on what systems they would like. You may have either built your own unit, removed one from another installation, pre bought the equipment or imported equipment. We have had on several occasions that our clients have bought a package system that was on special (why not, cant beat a good price!), in these intances we can assist with the installation side of the equipment.
Here are a few examples:
- An additional battery.
- Adding solar to an existing system.
- Installing an AC Distribution board for an Inverter.
- Converters 230v to 12/24v.
- Fridge conversions.
Caravan Power Systems
There are many caravan brands in South Africa which offer various feautures and have different power requirements. Some caravans have the basic layout with minimum power requirements, 12v lights and a 12v combi fridge (12v/220v and gas). Then there are caravans with the medium power requirements, these are the most common. Larger 220v fridge, basin with water pump, microwave, indoor, 220v plug outlets and outdoor lights.
Then the larger caravans which has all the bells and whistles, shower/toilet, aircon and lots of electronic gadgets (eg. electronic van lifters and movers). These caravans are the high power users using both 12/24v and 230v. The overlander or 4 x 4 Caravan generally has both 12v and 220v (Inverter) systems, they are primarily focused on full off grid requirements and use maily high efficency appliances like 12v compact fridge/freezer, 12v pump and gas for heating. The 230v side can be minamilistic mainly for charging equipment or insome cases larger inverter for induction plate/microwave.
As you can see there are many different caravan types however the power usage and consumption is always based on the the user requirements, you can find one user needs a large battery bank and an 3KW inverter while another will be using a 12v system with a large battery, both same caravan make/model.
Talk to us so that we can assist with a tailormade soloution for your requirements and budget!
Here are a few examples:
- 12v DC systems (Fridge/Lights/smaller appliances).
- 12/24v DC and 230v Inverter systems. (Lighting/small and large appliances)
Charging Systems
Great Stuff, you have your caravan or 4×4 trailer power sorted, it can be a 12v DC system or full 12/24DC and Inverter 230v.Now comes the most important part of your system keeping it working for you during your getaway so that you can focus on what you need to – Relax and enjoy time with the family.
We often hear “all i need is a small standyby charger when the caravan is in storage, i use power at the campsite” and yes that is understandable if perhaps you may only use the caravan twice a year. However if you take full advantage of your caravan and use it once a month or perhaps enjoy longer stays, then this is why caravan charging systems become important.
- Campsites do have power outages, especially during busy season, this can and will ruin your holiday.
- Most sites limit the power you can use eg. 10amp supply which is ok for just a fridge and lights but if you start using more then your in the dark.
- The really good sites (in the bush), for deacent peace and quite, neighbour far away, generally does not have power at those secret stands.
- With the rise in electricty costs, prepaid power is only supplied.
So how do we charge our batteries and keep them going in the event that we either dont have power, limited power at the campsite or are completely in the bush with nothing around?
There are two off grid systems (meaning we not charging from a power outlet) that can be used together or enitirely seperate:
- DC-DC Charging.
This is a great system that charges your batteries while you drive. Getting to your camp site with fully charged batteries, on long stays and you are driving from one site to the next in a large game reserve or driving from one camp lodge to another. During the day or night, sunshine or rain, no problem. - Solar Panels.
Solar panels are fantastic at running you power requirements during the day and keeping the batteries ready for use at night. This is great if you are not driving much and staying in a location. There are several options when it comes to solar panels (different sizes and power rating) they can be ‘fixed’ e.g. mounted on the caravan/trailer or the can be the ‘free standing’ e.g. loose panel/s or the foldable types that are placed outside and a cble is then plugged into the system.
When it comes to charging systems chat with us and we can advise on the best soloution based on what you require.
Other Services
Camping, Caravaning and Overlanding has one thing in common, everyone has different requirements. It is not a ‘one fits all’ or ‘take it or live without it’. Sometimes we can get wrapped up on focusing on all the wrong things. This often comes with making hasty decisions or comprimising on the quality of the things that you add to your ‘home away from home’.
When you know you need to add to the power requirements of your setup and get the urge to jump onto temu or see an unbelieveable special on facebook,even better they guy on youtube, stop! Please dont. We have seen and heard some really great stories from our clients all ending with the same result, unnecessarily they end up loosing money and it becomes more expensive because your idea needs to be removed and repair the modifications the correct way.
There is a lot we can do to assist with your caravan and trailer modifications, get hold of us we can at least give you free advice before you get yourself into a money pit.
REMEMBER why you bought a caravan or trailer – it’s simple to RELAX and ENJOY yourself and family!
Some extra info:
- Jurgens Caravans: One of South Africa’s most historic and legendary names, famous for classic models like the Penta and Fleetline.
- Sprite Caravans: Highly popular for decades, loved for being lightweight, highly practical, and easier to tow.
- Gypsey Caravans: Another household name focused on traditional, budget-friendly family setups.
- Okto Caravans: A premium manufacturer building timber-free, modern, lightweight caravans in their Rosslyn factory.
- Destination Caravans: Specialises in large, high-end, elite luxury caravans featuring premium amenities and spacious layouts.
- Quantum Caravans: Built in Boksburg, these contemporary on-roaders focus on exceptional build quality and luxury interiors.
- Sensation Caravans: Known for highly elegant, spacious, and upscale caravan builds targeting long-stay campers