Hit The Road Jack – Don’t Forget Your Magnets!
Hitting the open road in a caravan is the great Aussie dream, but camping and travelling a caravan or campervan is not without challenges. Magnets are one of the best additions to your gear to help solve that problem.
The biggest gripe of most caravanners is about space – where to put all that essential equipment in a limited space? Drum roll for the humble magnet please. Magnets are versatile tools that will help you make the most of your limited living space, keep everything secure and make your day-to-day activities so much easier. The secret is to get the right magnet for your particular travel experience and caravan or campervan set-up.
Here's our list of the top 7 types of magnets you need before you hit the open road:
1. Magnetic Hooks
Magnetic hooks are perfect for hanging lightweight items like keys, outdoor gear and cooking utensils. In a compact living space, every square inch counts. Neodymium magnetic hooks provide a simple way to keep frequently used items within reach and off counters or tables, reducing clutter.
Tip: Look for strong neodymium magnetic hooks that can support heavier items. Ensure the surface is metal for secure attachment. Place the magnetic hooks on the sides of the fridge, metal frames or any ferrous surface in your camper.
2. Magnetic Spice Jars
Save space in the kitchen by attaching metal-lidded spice jars to a metal backsplash or on the fridge. Spice jars can quickly take up valuable cabinet space. By mounting them magnetically, you free up storage while keeping your essential seasonings visible and accessible. Choose jars with clear lids to easily see contents. Use strong neodymium magnetic strips for the attachment.
Tip: Opt for airtight jars to maintain freshness and prevent spills during travel.
3. Magnetic Phone Mounts
Where to put the phone? Probably the most important device to take on your travels, but one that is easily lost, damaged or misplaced. Magnets to the rescue! Magnetic mounts are a secure and flexible way to keep your phone Safe and hands-free while driving. Magnetic mounts provide a secure and flexible way to position your device without dealing with clunky clips or adhesive mounts.
When you’re parked up and enjoying some recreational time off the road, you can attach your phone to a magnetic mount and enjoy streaming your favourite online content in the living area.
Tip: Look for adjustable magnetic mounts that work on dashboards or flat surfaces. Neodymium magnets provide the best hold when you are travelling on rough roads.
4. Magnetic Window Covers
Travelling in a caravan is a great adventure but our harsh weather can make it a challenge for the wrong reasons, and here’s where magnets can help. Attach thermal covers to the windows using a simple magnetic strip and you’ll have an effective, adjustable method for insulating against temperature extremes or to block out light.
Tip: Make sure the magnets are strong enough to hold the covers in place during windy conditions. Neodymium magnets are the best option as they provide the strongest hold. Choose covers with reflective materials for better thermal control.
5. Magnetic LED Lights
Having flexible lighting setups is a really good idea when you’re travelling so that you can adapt your lighting to the campsite – or just to create a beautiful atmosphere in the peace and quiet of the remote outdoors. All you need are small, powerful neodymium magnets to attach the lights to walls or ceilings.
Tip: Check the weight of your lights and choose magnets with the correct pull force to hold them up. Make sure you have some containers for storing both lights and magnets when they’re not in use. When it comes to lights, look for rechargeable options to reduce the need for wired power sources.
6. Magnetic Knife Strip
Another great way to save counter space is by mounting knives on a magnetic knife holding strip in your kitchen area.
Knife blocks take up valuable counter space. A magnetic knife strip securely holds your knives on the wall, keeping them organised and accessible while freeing up room for meal p[reparation. Mounting the magnetic strip is easy and the end result is a real bonus for freeing up extra space.
Tip: Ensure the strip is mounted securely to prevent accidents during travel. Use a strip with a strong magnetic pull to hold knives firmly in place.
7. Magnetic Clips
Magnetic clips, especially strong neodymium magnet clips, are useful for an endless array of tasks, but let’s just talk about why you need a whole pile of magnetic clips for keeping all those loose papers and documents safe and secure while you’re travelling. Magnetic clips are also handy for hanging lightweight fabric items, towels – their uses are limitless.
Tip: Look for rust-resistant neodymium magnetic clips for outdoor use. Attach the magnetic clips to metal surfaces near your workspace or kitchen – and have plenty of spares! You’ll never run out of uses for magnetic clips, promise.
Don’t Forget To Take Some Spares!
The right magnetic tools can make your travels so much more convenient, organised and efficient, and there are so many more uses for magnets that you’ll discover during your travels. Make sure you have plenty of magnets of all shapes and sizes, securely stored and ready to help out as you enjoy your next trip around this wide brown land. Happy travels!
