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Clearview News

Upgrade Your New Vehicle Without Putting Your Warranty at Risk

You’ve just picked up your new car. The paint is spotless, the interior still has that new-car feel, and the manufacturer’s warranty gives you extra confidence every time you turn the key.
Now comes the fun part: making it yours.
Maybe you’re planning weekend getaways with the caravan. Maybe you tow a boat, trailer, or horse float. Maybe you simply want your vehicle set up properly for the way you drive. You have a list of upgrades and personalisations in mind, but one question keeps coming up:
Will this affect my new car warranty?
It’s a fair concern. A new vehicle is a major investment, and no one wants to make a change that could create problems later. The good news is that some upgrades are designed to work with your vehicle, not against it.
That’s where Clearview towing mirrors come in.

The New Car Upgrade Dilemma
Many new car owners want to personalise their vehicle soon after purchase. It makes sense. Your car should suit your lifestyle, your travel plans, and your daily needs.
But when your vehicle is still under warranty, it’s natural to be cautious. You may wonder:

  • Will this upgrade interfere with factory systems?
  • Will it require wiring changes?
  • Could it cause issues if I need to make a warranty claim?
  • Is it worth waiting until the warranty period ends?

These concerns often lead people to delay upgrades they genuinely need, especially when it comes to towing. But if you tow regularly, clear rear vision is not a “nice to have.” It’s essential for safer, easier driving.

Why Towing Mirrors Are Important
Standard factory mirrors are designed for everyday driving. They’re great for commuting, school runs, and general road use. But when you hitch up a caravan, trailer, or larger load, your rear vision can be limited.
Proper towing mirrors help you:

  • See more clearly down the sides of what you’re towing
  • Change lanes with more confidence
  • Reverse and maneuver with better awareness
  • Reduce blind spots
  • Create a more comfortable towing experience

For new vehicle owners, the ideal solution is an upgrade that improves function without creating unnecessary risk.

Clearview Towing Mirrors Are Designed for Peace of Mind
Clearview towing mirrors are a practical choice for drivers who want a serious towing upgrade while protecting the value and integrity of their new vehicle.
They are designed as a plug and play solution, meaning they connect to your vehicle without the need for unnecessary modifications such as drilling holes or wiring changes when installed correctly. This makes them a smart option for new car owners who want added capability without compromising their manufacturer’s warranty.
In simple terms, Clearview towing mirrors are made to work with your vehicle’s existing setup.
That means you can enjoy the benefits of purpose-built towing mirrors while keeping your warranty confidence intact.

No Warranty Worries When Installed Correctly
Clearview towing mirrors are made to be compatible with your vehicle and do not require the kind of invasive changes that can make owners nervous.
That makes them a low-risk, high-value upgrade for new car owners who want to tow with greater visibility and control.
For the best result, always make sure your mirrors are installed according to the supplied installation instructions for your vehicle.

A Smarter Way to Personalise Your New Vehicle
Personalising a new car should feel exciting, not stressful. The right accessories can make your vehicle more practical, more comfortable, and better suited to your lifestyle.

With Clearview, you get:

  • A purpose-built towing solution
  • Plug and play convenience
  • A clean, vehicle-friendly installation
  • Better visibility when towing
  • Confidence for new car owners
  • No impact on your manufacturer’s warranty when installed correctly
  • It’s an upgrade that makes sense from day one.

Built for Drivers Who Tow
Whether you’re towing a caravan for family holidays, hauling a work trailer, or heading away with the boat, Clearview towing mirrors are built to make the job easier.
They’re designed for real towing conditions and everyday practicality. When you’re not towing, they still function as reliable mirrors for normal driving. When it’s time to hitch up, they give you the extra vision you need.
That combination makes them one of the most useful upgrades you can make to a new vehicle.

Compact 300 Series Mirrors

Upgrade With Confidence
Your new car warranty is there to protect your investment. Choosing the right accessories helps you enjoy your vehicle without putting that protection at risk.
Clearview towing mirrors give new car owners a simple, practical, and warranty-safe way to upgrade their vehicle for towing. With plug and play design and correct installation, you can personalise your vehicle with confidence.
So if you’ve just bought a new car and you’re ready to make it tow-ready, Clearview makes the decision easy.
Protect your warranty. Improve your visibility. Tow with confidence.

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Clearview News

Chasing Sea Sparkle: Australia’s Glowing Beaches

Imagine standing on a dark beach, listening to the gentle crash of waves against the shore. Suddenly, the water lights up in brilliant, electric neon blue. Every movement you make in the shallows sends sparks of light dancing around your ankles. This is not a scene from a science fiction movie. It is a very real, breathtaking natural phenomenon known as bioluminescence, or “sea sparkle.”
Australia boasts some of the most spectacular bioluminescent displays in the world. Witnessing the ocean glow under a blanket of stars is a truly magical experience that belongs on every traveller’s bucket list. Because these events rely on specific natural conditions, they remain a rare and highly sought-after prize for nature lovers and photographers alike.
This guide will uncover everything you need to know about chasing sea sparkle. We will explore the fascinating science behind the glow, highlight the best locations across Australia to witness it, and share practical tips to maximise your chances of seeing this elusive ocean light show.

Chasing Sea Sparkle in Australia. (Image: Getty/Merrillie)

The Science Behind the Sea Sparkle
The brilliant blue glow you see in the water comes from microscopic organisms. In Australia, the most common culprit is a type of microalgae called Noctiluca scintillans. These tiny single-celled organisms drift in the ocean currents, forming massive blooms when conditions are just right.
The glow itself is the result of a chemical reaction. When the microalgae experience physical disturbance, they emit a flash of light. A breaking wave, a splashing swimmer, or even the movement of a boat hull can trigger this reaction. Scientists believe this bioluminescence acts as a defense mechanism. The sudden flash of light startles predators and draws attention to larger creatures that might eat those predators.
During the day, a massive bloom of these microalgae looks very different. The water often takes on a murky pink or reddish-brown hue. You might hear locals refer to this daytime phenomenon as a “red tide.” Spotting a red tide during the day is one of the best indicators that the water will glow that same evening. Once the sun goes down, that murky red water transforms into a brilliant, glowing playground.
Best Places to See Bioluminescence in Australia
While bioluminescence can technically happen anywhere along the coast, certain areas experience the phenomenon much more frequently. The south-eastern coast of Australia is particularly famous for its spectacular sea sparkle. Here are the top hotspots to add to your travel itinerary.

Jervis Bay © Adobe Stock

Jervis Bay, New South Wales
Jervis Bay is arguably the most famous destination for bioluminescence in Australia. Located just a few hours south of Sydney, this coastal paradise is already renowned for having some of the whitest sand in the world. When the sea sparkle arrives, the contrast between the dark sand and the neon blue water is simply stunning.
Blooms here are known for their intensity and regularity. Local photographers and nature enthusiasts closely monitor the water conditions, making it easier to track potential sightings. Keep a close eye on Callala Bay, Barfleur Beach, and the famous Hyams Beach. These calm, sheltered stretches of coastline often trap the nutrient-rich water, creating the perfect environment for the microalgae to thrive and multiply.
The Derwent Estuary, Tasmania
Tasmania offers some of the most dramatic and consistent bioluminescence sightings in the country. The pristine waters around Hobart frequently host massive blooms of Noctiluca scintillans. The dark, unpolluted skies of Tasmania provide the ultimate backdrop, making the bright blue ocean appear even more vibrant.
The Derwent Estuary is a major hotspot. Locals regularly report incredible displays at Lauderdale Beach and Sandy Bay. Because Tasmania has a cooler climate, the contrast of the crisp night air and the electric ocean creates an unforgettable sensory experience. The island state has even spawned dedicated social media communities where locals share real-time alerts whenever the red tide rolls into the bay.
Port Phillip Bay, Victoria
You do not always need to travel to remote locations to witness sea sparkle. Victoria’s Port Phillip Bay frequently lights up, offering spectacular displays right on Melbourne’s doorstep. It provides a striking contrast to see the natural neon glow of the water against the backdrop of the city lights.
St Kilda Beach is one of the most popular spots for sightings. The calm waters of the bay provide a safe harbor for the microalgae. During a massive bloom, you can walk along the pier and watch the waves glow as they gently lap against the pylons. Other quiet coves along the Mornington Peninsula also offer excellent viewing opportunities away from the bright city lights.
Rare Sightings Beyond the East Coast
While the south-eastern states claim the vast majority of sightings, sea sparkle does make surprise appearances elsewhere. Lucky beachgoers have reported rare sightings along the coasts of South Australia and even Western Australia. Because these events are so heavily dependent on weather, currents, and nutrient levels, you should always keep an eye on the water, no matter where you travel along the Australian coastline.
How to Maximise Your Chances
Bioluminescence is notoriously unpredictable. You cannot simply book a tour for a guaranteed sighting. However, understanding the environmental factors that trigger a bloom will significantly increase your chances of witnessing the magic.
Hunt for the Red Tide
Your best chance of seeing bioluminescence starts during the day. If you are visiting a coastal hotspot, look at the water. If you notice thick, pinkish-red patches floating near the shore, you have likely found a massive algae bloom. Take note of the location and return to that exact spot a few hours after sunset.
Monitor the Weather Conditions
Weather plays a massive role in creating the perfect environment for sea sparkle. The microalgae thrive in warmer, nutrient-rich water. Many of the most spectacular blooms occur shortly after heavy rainfall. The rain washes vital nutrients from the land into the ocean, feeding the algae and causing their population to explode.
Calm conditions are also ideal. While you need some disturbance to trigger the glow, massive storms and rough seas will quickly disperse the bloom. Look for still, warm nights following a period of rain. Furthermore, try to plan your viewing during a new moon. The darker the sky, the brighter the bioluminescence will appear to your eyes.
Interact Gently with the Water
Once you find a glowing beach, you need to agitate the water to see the lights. Walking along the wet sand at the water’s edge will leave glowing footprints behind you. Tossing a handful of sand or a small pebble into the shallows will result in a brilliant splash of neon blue.
If the water is calm and safe, wading into the shallows is an incredible experience. Every movement of your arms and legs will create swirling clouds of light. Always prioritise safety, check local conditions, and never swim at unpatrolled beaches in the dark, especially if you are not familiar with the area.
Plan Your Glowing Adventure
Seeing bioluminescence in Australia is a reminder of how wild, unpredictable, and entirely enchanting nature can be. It requires patience, a bit of luck, and a willingness to explore the coastline after dark.
Whether you are planning a road trip down the New South Wales coast, exploring the rugged beauty of Tasmania, or enjoying the bayside beaches of Victoria, keep an eye out for the telltale signs of sea sparkle. Start tracking local alert groups, watch the weather patterns, and prepare yourself for an unforgettable night under the stars. The elusive ocean light show is waiting for you!

Further reading:

  1. Where to see the best bioluminescence in Australia – Australian Traveller
  2. Where to find bioluminescent beaches in Australia – Vacations & Travel
  3. Bioluminescence in Jervis Bay – Jervis Bay Wild
  4. I’ve chased bioluminescence around Australia, this place is No.1 – Escape
  5. Sea Sparkle | A Night of Bioluminescent Magic – Roeselien Raimond
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Clearview News

The Ultimate Mudflap Buyer’s Guide for Towing

When you tow a caravan, boat, or trailer, your vehicle kicks up a storm of rocks, mud, and road debris. Without the right protection, this barrage can severely damage your expensive towable and your vehicle’s paintwork. A high-quality set of mudflaps is your first line of defence. In this Mudflap Buyer’s Guide, we will walk you through exactly what to look for when choosing mudflaps for towing. We will help you find a solution that keeps your assets safe, looking great, and ready for your next adventure.
Why You Need Mudflaps for Towing
Towing changes the dynamic of your vehicle. The tyres take on more load and grip, launching debris directly at whatever you are pulling. Standard factory mudflaps are rarely enough to stop this high-speed gravel.
Proper towing mudflaps provide crucial benefits:
1. Protect your investment: Stop rocks from chipping the paint and panels on your trailer or caravan.
2. Save money on repairs: Prevent costly damage to vulnerable parts like trailer wiring, exposed pipes, and front windows.
3. Keep your setup clean: Reduce the amount of mud and road grime that coats your trailer during a long trip.
4. Protect other drivers: Keep the roads safer by minimising the debris you throw at vehicles behind you.

Mudflap Buyer's Guide

Key Factors to Consider When Buying Mudflaps
Not all mudflaps are built the same. To get the best protection while towing, keep these four essential factors in mind before making a purchase.
1. Material and Durability
Towing requires heavy-duty materials. Look for thick, high-quality rubber or reinforced polymers. The material must withstand cold temperatures without cracking and resist fading under harsh sun exposure. Thick rubber also prevents the flap from sailing up at highway speeds, ensuring it stays in place to block flying debris.
2. Size and Coverage
Size matters when you tow. The mudflap needs to be wide enough to cover the entire width of your tyre. It also needs to hang low enough to block the trajectory of rocks heading toward your trailer. However, you must make sure they do not drag on the ground when your vehicle is fully loaded.
3. Compatibility with Your Towing Setup
Your mudflaps must work with your specific hitch and vehicle. Some systems attach directly to the vehicle body, while others mount to the tow ball mount or hitch receiver. A hitch-mounted system is often ideal because you can easily remove it when you are not towing.
4. Ease of Installation
Nobody wants to spend hours drilling into their vehicle frame. Look for systems that offer a straightforward, bolt-on installation. Adjustable systems are a massive bonus, allowing you to fine-tune the fit to your exact vehicle and towing setup without special tools.

Rock Tamers: The Premium Mudflap System for Towing
If you want the ultimate protection for your caravan or boat, standard mudflaps just will not cut it. That is where Rock Tamers come in. As a premium, adjustable mudflap system, Rock Tamers provide unmatched defence for everything you tow.
Why Rock Tamers stand out as the top choice for serious towers:
1. Fully adjustable design: You can change the width, height, and angle to perfectly fit your specific vehicle and load.
2. Heavy-duty construction: Built with forged aluminium hubs and thick, tear-resistant rubber flaps that will not flap in the wind.
3. Hitch-mounted convenience: The system slides right onto your hitch. You can easily remove the entire setup when you leave the trailer at home.
4. Maximum coverage: Designed specifically to stop high-speed debris from destroying your expensive trailer, boat, or caravan.

Ready to Upgrade Your Towing Setup?
Do not wait until a stray rock shatters your vehicle or caravan window or ruins your paint job. Equipping your vehicle with the right mudflaps gives you peace of mind on every single journey.
Explore the Rock Tamers Mudflap System today to give your assets the premium protection they deserve. While you are here, browse all our Buyer’s Guides at the Clearview Accessories Towing Hub to make your next trip safer and more enjoyable.

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Clearview News

Why Every Road Trip Setup Needs a Fridge Cage

Packing a vehicle for an extended adventure often feels like a high-stakes game of Tetris. You need to fit clothes, sleeping bags, recovery gear, and food into a limited amount of space. If you travel with a fridge, that packing process becomes even more complicated. You can’t bury a fridge under a mountain of bags, yet leaving empty space around it wastes precious cargo room.
This is exactly where a fridge cage steps in to save your setup.
A fridge cage serves as a protective barrier that surrounds your fridge freezer. It offers a simple but highly effective solution to one of the most common packing problems tourers, campers and tradies face. In this guide, we explore how a fridge cage protects your expensive fridge, maintains vital airflow, and helps you reclaim lost storage space. We will also look at the features that make the Clearview Adjustable Fridge Cage an industry favourite.
What Exactly is a Fridge Cage?
Before diving into the benefits, it helps to understand how it works. A fridge cage is a sturdy, ventilated frame that mounts over and around your portable fridge or fridge slide. It acts as a physical boundary between your fridge and the rest of the cargo in your vehicle.
Think of it as a protective shell. The cage features an open design, usually with perforated sides. This open structure allows air to move freely while stopping solid objects from touching the fridge itself. Whether you drive a fully modified 4×4, a family SUV, or a work ute, adding this barrier fundamentally changes how you pack and travel.

The Core Benefits of Using a Fridge Cage
Here are the main reasons you need one in your vehicle.
1. Protecting Your Gear and Your Fridge
A high-quality 12V fridge represents a significant financial investment. The last thing you want is a heavy toolbox or a loose camp chair smashing into it when you suddenly brake.
As you’re driving, the contents of your boot will inevitably shift. A fridge barrier absorbs those impacts. It takes the hits so your expensive fridge freezer doesn’t have to. You eliminate the risk of scratches, dents, and broken latches. Furthermore, it protects your other gear from getting pinched or crushed by the heavy fridge when you slide it out to use it.
2. Maintaining Critical Airflow for Optimal Cooling
12V fridges rely on compressors to keep your food and drinks cold. As these compressors work, they generate a fair amount of heat. For the fridge to function properly, that heat must escape into the surrounding environment.
If you pack sleeping bags or soft luggage tightly against the ventilation grills of your fridge, you choke the compressor. The fridge will work twice as hard to maintain its internal temperature. This drains your auxiliary battery at an alarming rate and dramatically increases the risk of component failure due to overheating. A fridge cage delivers a permanent buffer zone of empty space around the vents. Your fridge breathes easily, runs efficiently, and keeps your food safe regardless of how tightly you pack the rest of your car.
3. Maximising Your Vehicle’s Storage Space
Space is the most valuable commodity on any road trip. Without a fridge barrier, you have to leave empty space above and around your fridge freezer to ensure it operates correctly and can open freely. This results in a massive amount of wasted vertical storage area.
A cage changes the rules of packing. Because the sturdy frame supports weight and blocks items from falling inward, you can stack your gear directly against it. You can pile lightweight items safely on top of the cage. When you pull your fridge out on its slide to grab a cold drink, you never have to worry about the surrounding gear collapsing into the empty space left behind. You get to use every single cubic inch of your cargo area efficiently.

Fridge slide cage
Store your gear safely around your fridge without restricting critical airflow with a Clearview Fridge Cage!

Spotlight: The Clearview Adjustable Fridge Cage
Not all storage solutions offer the same level of quality and adaptability. The Clearview Adjustable Fridge Cage stands out as a premium option designed specifically to address the evolving needs of travellers and tradies. It brings several unique features to the table that make it the perfect choice for any setup.
Adaptable Dimensions for Multiple Setups
Your camping setup will likely change over time. You might upgrade to a larger fridge for family trips, or simply buy a new fridge in a different brand. We designed our Fridge Barrier to adapt right alongside your changing needs.
The ES-100 and ES-150 Fridge Cage features an incredibly clever adjustable design. You can modify both the height and the width of the cage. The height adjusts between 520mm and 620mm across three pre-defined positions. The width adjusts between 566mm and 636mm. This flexibility means the cage fits a massive variety of fridge sizes, so you don’t have to buy a brand new barrier just because you bought a new fridge.

Lightweight but Strong Aluminium Construction
Adding accessories to your vehicle always increases your Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM). Staying under your legal weight limit is a critical part of safe touring. Clearview addresses this concern perfectly through smart material choices.
The Clearview cage utilises high-grade, 2.5mm laser-cut aluminium. This provides incredible structural strength without adding unnecessary bulk. The entire cage weighs just 13kg. It also features a tough powder-coated finish, making it highly resistant to rust, corrosion, and the general wear-and-tear of life on the road. The convenient flat-pack design also makes it incredibly easy to assemble and install right in your driveway.
Seamless Integration with Easy Slides
If you use a drop-down fridge slide, a cage becomes even more critical. We built our adjustable cage to integrate flawlessly with our ES-100PLUS and ES-150PLUS Easy Slides.
The footprint adjusts specifically to accommodate these slides. You get smooth, uninterrupted access to your food without ever fighting with loose cargo.
Why You Cannot Afford to Skip This Setup Step
Building a reliable road trip setup requires careful planning. While it might be tempting to save money by skipping the fridge barrier, the long-term costs of that decision often outweigh the initial savings.
Replacing a portable fridge that overheated (or caught fire!) because of restricted airflow will cost you significantly more than investing in a protective cage. Losing a weekend’s worth of food to spoilage because the compressor failed can easily ruin a highly anticipated holiday. A well-designed barrier acts as an insurance policy for your equipment and your food supply. It streamlines your packing process, protects your investments, and ensures your auxiliary power systems run as efficiently as possible.
Upgrade Your Storage Strategy Today
No vehicle storage system is truly complete without a dedicated way to protect your fridge freezer. Stop fighting with loose gear, stop worrying about restricted airflow, and stop wasting valuable space in the back of your vehicle.
By adding a high-quality barrier to your cargo area, you guarantee a smoother, safer, and more organised travel experience. If you want a solution that offers premium protection, lightweight design, and the flexibility to grow with your setup, explore the Clearview Adjustable Fridge Cage for your next adventure. Your fridge—and your stress levels—will thank you.

Click here for more information on our Clearview Adjustable Fridge Cage

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Clearview News

Fridge Slide Buying Guide: What to Look For

You just arrived at your campsite after hours of driving. You want a cold drink, but your fridge is tucked deep in the back of your vehicle. Dragging a fully loaded, heavy fridge over your tailgate or out of your boot is a sure fire way to ruin a relaxing evening.
This is where a high-quality fridge slide becomes your best friend. A good slide makes accessing your food and drinks effortless, protects your equipment, and keeps your vehicle organised. However, picking the wrong one can lead to wasted space, frustrating rattles, or even damaged gear.
If you want to upgrade your set up, you need to know exactly what separates a decent slide from a great one. We will guide you through the key considerations, the various options available, and the extra features that can improve your experience.

Key Considerations When Shopping for a Fridge Slide
Buying a fridge slide is not a one-size-fits-all process. Before you look at the fancy extras, you need to nail down the basics. Pay close attention to these four critical factors.
1. Size Compatibility and Footprint
Your first step is measuring your available space. You need to know the exact dimensions of your fridge freezer and the exact dimensions of your cargo area.
Keep in mind that the fridge slide will have a larger footprint than the fridge itself. The mounting tracks, locking mechanisms, and frame add width and length. You must also account for the slide’s height, in addition to the fridge height. If you have a low canopy or plan to build a false floor over the fridge, every centimetre matters. Finally, remember to leave room for ventilation. Portable fridges need airflow to cool properly, so do not wedge the unit tightly against your vehicle interior. Store your gear safely around your fridge without restricting critical airflow with a Clearview® Fridge Cage!

Clearview’s Expanda Slide is a versatile option, offering 81 adjustable tray dimensions to fit most portable fridges, toolboxes, or generators. Its adaptability ensures a perfect fit for your setup.

2. Weight Capacity and Build Quality
Portable fridge freezers are heavy. Once you pack them full of ice-cold drinks, fresh food, and a weekend’s worth of meat, they become incredibly heavy.
Your slide must handle this weight while fully extended. Look for slides with a weight capacity that far exceeds the maximum loaded weight of your fridge. A rating of 180kg is a safe baseline for standard sizes. Examine the construction materials closely. Powder-coated steel or high-grade aluminium frames hold up best against rough corrugated roads. Heavy-duty roller bearings are also essential, as cheap bearings will quickly degrade and make sliding difficult.

All Clearview slides boast a hefty 180kg load rating, ensuring durability even on rough terrain. The Power Slide, with its lightweight aluminium construction, combines strength with ease of use, making it the holy grail of Fridge Slides.

3. Locking Mechanisms and Safety
When you tackle steep inclines or declines on a trail, gravity takes over. A fully loaded fridge shifting unexpectedly can severely damage your vehicle or cause an injury.
You absolutely need a slide with strong locking mechanisms. Look for a system that features both lock-in and lock-out capabilities. The lock-in feature keeps the fridge securely anchored while you drive. The lock-out feature holds the fridge firmly in place when fully extended, preventing it from sliding back into the vehicle while you grab your food. Make sure the release levers are easy to reach and operate.

The Clearview Easy Slide allows you to enjoy peace of mind with the slide’s quick release double runners, heavy-duty Travel Lock that promises not to rattle, and a safety locking mechanism to prevent any sudden upward/downward movements.

4. Ease of Installation
Think about how you plan to secure the slide to your vehicle. Your slide will need to be mounted on a flat surface to work properly.
Consider whether you want to leave the slide in your vehicle permanently. Most fridge slides are designed to be installed internally within a canopy, vehicle or trailer as constant exposure to the elements can cause rust. Regular routine maintenance will also help to ensure continued smooth operation of your Fridge Slide!

Exploring Different Fridge Slide Options
Once you understand the basic requirements, you can choose the style of slide that best fits your needs. Manufacturers offer several distinct designs to solve different accessibility problems.
1. Straight Slides
The straight slide is the most common and straightforward option on the market. It pulls straight out horizontally on a set of parallel rails.
These slides are highly durable, feature fewer moving parts, and generally cost less than complex models. They work exceptionally well for ute trays where the fridge sits at a comfortable waist height. If your vehicle layout is relatively simple, a straight slide provides reliable access without taking up excess room.

The Expanda Slide is a straight slide that adjusts seamlessly to fit your fridge or other equipment. Its solid design and 180kg load rating make it ideal for campers and tradies alike.

2. Drop Down Slides
If you drive a lifted vehicle or keep your fridge mounted high on top of a storage drawer system, a straight slide will not help you. You will still need a step to see what is inside your fridge.
Drop-down slides solve this issue brilliantly. As you pull the slide out, a mechanism lowers the fridge by up to 29cm, bringing it down to a manageable access height. These slides rely on heavy-duty gas struts to help you safely lower the heavy fridge and smoothly lift it back into place. While they cost more and take up a bit more space, they are game-changers for lifted 4X4s.

The Easy Slide and Power Slide are game-changers for lifted vehicles or setups with high-mounted fridges. The Easy Slide® lowers your fridge by up to 290mm with gas struts, while the Power Slide® offers powered lowering and raising at the touch of a button, combining luxury with practicality.


3. Tilt Slides
The Tilt Slide is another variation of the drop down slide, designed specifically for fridges mounted on high cargo drawers or inside tall canopies, this slide pulls outward and pivots downward.
While standard Drop Down Fridge Slides simply slide and lock horizontally, the Tilt Fridge Slide angles the fridge down to you, providing accessibility to the fridge contents. If not packed properly, your fridge contents will all slide to the front with the tilt motion.
For proper operation, the tilt slide must be mounted on top of a drawer system, rather than directly to your vehicle floor. Always verify your specific vehicle clearances—especially for wagon rear doors, half cargo barriers, and tray back ute lips—to ensure the slide can fully extend past your tailgate.

Bonus Features to improve Your Setup
Once you cover the fundamental mechanics, you can look for quality-of-life additions. Many premium fridge slides offer clever features that make camp cooking much more enjoyable.

Additional Prep Tables
Space is always at a premium when camping. Look for a slide with matching tray tables. These tables can be conveniently stored underneath the main fridge platform.
You can use this flat surface as a prep station, or a place to rest your drinks while you search for ingredients. Having a sturdy table right next to your food source streamlines your entire cooking process.

The Clearview Clip On Tray is a portable camping table that attaches to your Easy Slide® or Drop Slide. With a weight capacity of 15kg, it provides extra workspace for meal prep or a place to rest your drinks. Its lightweight, powder-coated aluminium design ensures durability and convenience. It even comes with its own travel bag to keep it safe!

Cable Management Systems
A sliding fridge means moving power cables. If your cord gets pinched in the sliding tracks, you could lose power to your fridge and spoil your food. The Clearview Cable Saver works on most slides to guide the 12-volt power cord safely away from the metal bearings, ensuring a clean and safe operation every time you access the fridge.

The Clearview Cable Saver protects your fridge’s lifeline by keeping cables elevated and out of harm’s way. Its magnetised base and adjustable height make it a must-have for any fridge slide setup.

Make Your Choice and Hit the Road
Choosing the right fridge slide takes a bit of planning, but the effort pays off the first time you easily grab a cold drink at camp. Measure your vehicle carefully, account for the fully loaded weight of your fridge, and decide whether you need the mechanical assistance of a drop-down model.
Take a few minutes today to measure the cargo area of your vehicle. Write down the dimensions, note where your fixing points will be located, and start comparing models that fit your footprint. With the right slide securely mounted in the back, you can spend less time wrestling with heavy gear and more time enjoying life.

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Clearview News

Upgrade Your Nissan Navara D27 with Clearview Towing Mirrors

Equip your all-new Nissan Navara D27 for your next big adventure. Upgrading your mirrors is a crucial step if you plan to tow a caravan, large boat, or trailer. Our new Clearview Towing Mirrors deliver superior visibility, helping you tow safely and confidently no matter where the road takes you.
Tow with Complete Confidence
Visibility is everything when you have a heavy load hitched to your ute. Clearview Towing Mirrors extend to give you a wide, unobstructed view down the side of your caravan or trailer. This expanded field of vision drastically reduces blind spots, making lane changes and reversing much safer.
Beyond pure visibility, these mirrors seamlessly integrate with your new D27 Nissan Navara’s existing technology. You keep the factory features you rely on while gaining the specialised performance required for heavy towing.

Clearview Compact Mirrors on Nissan Navara D27 Non-Extended
Clearview Compact Mirrors on Nissan Navara D27 Non-Extended
Nissan Navara D27 Clearview Mirrors in their first extended position
Nissan Navara D27 Clearview Mirrors in their first extended position
Clearview Compact Mirrors on the Nissan Navara D27 fully extended
Nissan Navara D27 Clearview Mirrors in their fully extended position

Factory-Finish Styling
When you add accessories to your vehicle, you want them to look like they belong. We engineered our new Clearview Towing Mirrors for the D27 Navara to provide a seamless, factory-finish appearance. They perfectly complement the Navara’s modern styling, ensuring your ute looks exactly as good as it performs.
Choose Your Perfect Fit
We offer two distinct designs to suit your personal preference and towing requirements:
The Next Gen Towing Mirror: A sleek, modernised design that maximises your rearward vision without adding unnecessary bulk.
The Compact Towing Mirror: Our smallest profile mirror that sits closer to your vehicle, ideal for tight tracks and everyday driving.
Both the Next Gen and Compact models feature a discreet design. They sit closer to your vehicle than traditional towing mirrors. When retracted for daily driving, most people will not even realise you have towing mirrors installed. When you need to tow, simply extend them outward to secure the clear view you need.

Find Your Mirrors Today
Upgrade your towing setup with mirrors built specifically for your vehicle. Browse our range of Clearview Towing Mirrors for the brand new Nissan Navara D27 and order yours today.

Mastering the Open Road: Your Nissan Navara D27 Towing Guide
Hitting the open highway with a caravan or trailer behind your all-new Nissan Navara D27 gives you ultimate freedom. You can discover new locations, set up camp wherever you choose, and bring your favourite home comforts along for the journey. Before you hitch up your load and leave the driveway, you must ensure your ute is fully prepared for the task.
Towing heavy loads places extra strain on your vehicle, directly impacting braking, handling, and visibility. Setting up your Nissan Navara D27 with the correct equipment is vital to keep yourself, your passengers, and fellow drivers safe.
Here is your complete guide to the essential towing accessories for a safe journey, along with crucial information on how extra gear affects your vehicle’s weight limits.
The Essential Navara D27 Towing Setup
Every safe towing trip requires a solid foundation. You need these six key accessories if you plan on towing a heavy load with your Navara.

  1. Heavy-Duty Towbar
    Your towbar is the main link between your Navara and your trailer. You must use a towbar rated for the specific weight you intend to pull. Always verify your Nissan Navara D27’s maximum towing capacity and make sure your towbar meets or exceeds that figure. A properly fitted, premium towbar stops dangerous swaying and secures your connection on rough terrain.
  2. Electric Brake Controller
    Adding several tonness of weight to the rear of your ute means your factory brakes cannot manage stopping on their own. An electric brake controller sits in your cabin and activates your trailer’s brakes the moment you press your brake pedal. This device is a legal requirement for heavier trailers. It guarantees smooth stops and stops the trailer from pushing your Navara forward during hard braking.
  3. Extended Towing Mirrors
    Standard factory mirrors simply lack the width you need to see past a wide caravan or boat. Upgrading to Clearview extended towing mirrors provides the wide field of vision required to reduce blind spots. Replacing your factory mirrors with dedicated towing mirrors makes lane changes and reversing significantly safer.
  4. Anderson Plug
    Modern caravans need a reliable electricity flow to run fridges and charge battery banks while you drive. A basic trailer plug only handles lighting. An Anderson plug creates a secure, high-current link straight from your Navara’s alternator to your caravan. This setup keeps your accessories powered and your batteries charged upon arrival.
  5. UHF Radio for Communication
    A good UHF radio keeps you connected to the outside world. Communicating with truck drivers and other travellers is critical when pulling a heavy load. Use your UHF to warn others when you pass, listen for road hazards, or talk to a spotter while backing into a tight campsite.
  6. Stiffer Rear Springs and Airbags
    A heavy tow ball weight pushes the back of your Navara down while lifting the front end. This imbalance ruins handling, causes uneven tyre wear, and weakens braking power. Upgrading to stiffer rear springs or adding helper airbags levels your ride. These suspension modifications restore steering control and keep your headlights aimed firmly at the road.

Weighing the Extras: Accessories and Your Payload
Once you secure the basics, you might want to add off-road and lifestyle accessories to your Navara. Popular upgrades include:
-Front and rear bars
-Drawer setups
Fridge Slide, Fridge/Freezer & Fridge Cage
-Dual battery systems
-On-board air compressors
-Recovery winches
-Bigger, more aggressive tyres
-Extensive roof rack systems
Electric Side Steps
Rock Tamers

While these additions improve your capability and comfort, they carry a hidden cost: weight. Every item you attach to your Navara reduces your available payload. Your payload is the absolute maximum weight your ute can legally carry. This includes passengers, fuel, luggage, heavy accessories, and the downward weight of your trailer on the tow ball.

Knowing Your Limits: GVM and Rear Axle Loads
Adding a steel bull bar, winch, drawer system, and fridge could consume your payload capacity before you even attach your caravan. Pushing past your Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) or rear axle load limits is illegal. It voids your insurance and puts massive stress on your Navara’s chassis and drivetrain.
You must calculate the total combined weight of your vehicle, passengers, accessories, and tow ball weight. If your required accessories push you past the legal limit, you need a GVM upgrade. This process involves installing engineered, heavy-duty suspension components that legally increase your carrying capacity. A GVM upgrade accounts for the extra gear and keeps your D27 safe and legal under heavy strain.
Plan Your Safe and Balanced Setup
Creating the ultimate towing vehicle takes careful planning. Begin with non-negotiable items like a strong towbar, an electric brake controller, and proper towing mirrors. Next, evaluate your remaining payload before you buy additional lifestyle gear.
Calculate your Navara’s current weight. If you do not know your exact GVM, drive to a local public weighbridge for an accurate measurement. Buying the right equipment now prevents expensive damage and unsafe driving conditions later. Keep your Navara D27 balanced, respect your weight limits, and enjoy every moment of the journey.

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Clearview News

Smart Storage for Touring and Work Builds: Clearview Slides

In touring, trade and fleet vehicle setups, storage and accessibility play a huge role in how well your vehicle performs. Whether you’re travelling remote tracks or working out of the back of a vehicle every day, being able to reach items easily and securely make a real difference.  

Clearview Accessories’ slide-out fridge solutions including the Expanda SlideEasy Slide and the Power Slide have become a go-to choice for those wanting safer, smarter and more efficient access to their gear. 

Designed for safe and practical access  

Clearview’s Easy Slide and Power Slide drop down slides are engineered to make it easier and safer to access heavy equipment, offering: 

  • Smooth slide-out access to fridges and storage units 
  • Safe height-lowering to reduce strain and improve ergonomics 
  • Strong, stable support for heavy loads 
  • Better organisation and workflow inside canopies or storage setups 

From weekend touring rigs to high-use commercial vehicles, these slides are built to enhance day-to-day usability without adding unnecessary complexity. 

Why Integration into a Ute Canopy or Storage System Matters 

In many touring and work builds, aluminium ute trays form the foundation of the vehicle, providing a versatile platform for mounting canopies, storage systems and accessories. 

Within these setups, fridge slides are typically installed inside ute canopies, where a rigid internal structure supports safe access, correct spacing and long-term reliability. 

When integrated correctly, users benefit from: 

  • A stable mounting foundation 
  • Correct internal spacing for fridge access 
  • Improved weight distribution 
  • Reduced movement and noise on rough terrain 

This approach supports reliability and a cohesive storage system that supports how you use your vehicle.  

Proven Across Australia’s Touring and Work Vehicles 

Clearview slides are used nationwide in a huge range of vehicles that need reliable access to gear, including: 

  • 4×4 touring setups with dual-zone fridges 
  • Trade vehicles carrying tools and requiring regular access to fridges, toolboxes or equipment 
  • Fleet vehicles requiring consistent, ergonomic access 
  • Remote area work builds that demand strength and reliability 

In each case, the slide shows how a high-quality slide transforms the way people interact with their equipment every day. 

A Systems-Based Approach to Modern Vehicle Builds 

Rather than treating accessories as standalone items, the best builds consider how components work together as a system. 

A strong slide paired with a purpose-built storage layout provides: 

  • Greater long-term durability 
  • More organised and efficient interior layouts 
  • Safer access to heavy items 
  • A smoother workflow for travel, work or everyday use 

It’s a small change that has a big impact on overall usability. 

Explore the Clearview Slide Range 

Whether you’re building a new touring rig or upgrading a commercial vehicle, Clearview offers slide solutions to suit a wide variety of needs: 

Expanda Slide: https://www.clearviewaccessories.com.au/expanda-slide/

Easy Slide: https://www.clearviewaccessories.com.au/easy-slide/  

Power Slide: https://www.clearviewaccessories.com.au/power-slide/  

Each product is engineered for strength, convenience and long-term reliability, helping you get the most out of your vehicle, whatever the job. 

Final Thoughts 

Great builds don’t happen by accident. They happen through practical decisions, quality components and a focus on how everything works together. 

Clearview’s slide systems are a cornerstone of that approach giving drivers safer access, better organisation and a smarter way to store the equipment they rely on. 

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Clearview News

Smart Fuel-Saving Tips for Every Aussie Driver

We all feel the pinch at the pump when global supply chains face disruptions. The current global fuel shortage affects every one of us, so to make sure our supply remains reliable, the Australian Government has implemented the 4-level National Fuel Security Plan.
This plan is designed to protect our nation against supply uncertainty. However, government action is only one part of the solution. Every individual driver has an essential role to play. By taking steps to reduce our own fuel use, we leave more resources for the people who truly need them to keep the country running.
Farmers, truck drivers, and emergency service workers rely heavily on a steady supply of fuel. Every drop you save helps build a much-needed buffer against future shortages. You don’t need to make massive lifestyle changes to contribute. Even a few simple, voluntary actions can make a massive difference.
Read on to discover practical fuel-saving tips that will lower your running costs and help keep Australia safe and moving.

Simple Vehicle Adjustments That Make a Difference
You might be surprised by how much fuel your car wastes before you even turn the key. Making a few quick adjustments to your vehicle can dramatically improve your fuel efficiency.

Look After Your Tyres
Tyre maintenance is one of the easiest ways to improve your fuel economy. Driving on under-inflated tyres increases resistance on the road, forcing your engine to work harder. Keeping your tyres properly inflated can reduce your fuel consumption by up to five percent.
Checking your pressure regularly will not only save fuel but also extend the life of your tyres and improve your car’s handling.
Remember to check your spare tyre as well, so it is ready and safe if you ever need it.

Travel Light
Cars are essentially heavy metal boxes, and adding extra weight only increases the amount of energy needed to move them. The more cargo your vehicle carries, the more fuel it burns. Minimising the amount of unnecessary heavy items you’re carrying around is a fast way to see savings.
Take a few minutes this weekend to clean out your car. Remove golf clubs, heavy tools, or boxes of donations you have been meaning to drop off. This simple habit of traveling light reduces the daily strain on your engine.

Minimise Aerodynamic Drag
Your car is designed to cut through the air efficiently. Adding bulky accessories disrupts this airflow and creates aerodynamic drag, which severely impacts fuel efficiency. Removing extra exterior parts that you’re not currently using, such as rooftop tents, empty roof racks, storage boxes, or bike carriers can improve your fuel economy by up to 17 percent.
Driving with the windows down at high speeds also creates significant drag. Keep your windows rolled up when driving on the highway to maintain a sleek aerodynamic profile.

Use Air Conditioning on Low Settings
We all know how hot an Australian summer can get, but your climate control system draws power directly from the engine. Blasting the air conditioning or heating requires extra energy and increases your fuel consumption.
Adjusting the temperature levels in your car can make a measurable difference. If you can travel comfortably with the fan on a slightly lower setting, do so. On milder days, rely on your vehicle’s standard ventilation system rather than the air conditioning compressor.

Smart Driving Habits to Stretch Your Tank
How you drive is just as important as what you drive. Adjusting your behaviour behind the wheel is a powerful way to conserve fuel and protect your wallet.
Monitor Speed and Acceleration
Aggressive driving is the fastest way to drain your fuel tank. Unnecessary acceleration, harsh braking, and driving at high speeds dramatically increase fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Minimising rapid acceleration by driving smoothly can reduce fuel consumption by up to 40 percent in city traffic.
Speed also plays a massive role in how much fuel you use. At 110 kilometres per hour, your car can use up to 25 percent more fuel than it would at 90 kilometres per hour. Use cruise control on highways to help maintain a steady, fuel-efficient pace.
Drive in the Right Gear
If you drive a manual vehicle, pay close attention to your engine revolutions per minute (rpm). Most engines run most efficiently between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm. Change through the gears before your car exceeds this range to optimise your fuel use.
If you drive an automatic, your transmission will shift up more smoothly if you ease back slightly on the accelerator once the car builds speed. This gentle approach prevents the engine from overworking.
Put a Stop to Idling
Idling gets you nowhere while still burning valuable fuel. Do not leave your engine running while parked or waiting for someone. If you know you will be waiting in your car for more than a minute, such as during school pick-up, simply turn the engine off.
Many modern vehicles come equipped with an automatic stop-start feature. Make sure this function is activated. Allowing your engine to turn off while waiting at red lights can save between one and two litres of fuel for every hour the engine remains off.
Rethinking Your Daily Commute
Sometimes the best way to save fuel is to change how you approach your daily travel. A little bit of planning goes a long way toward reducing your overall time on the road.
Plan Well and Combine Errands
One simple idea that yields great results is planning your trips in advance. Taking multiple short trips throughout the week uses significantly more fuel than one well-planned journey. This is because your engine operates less efficiently when it is cold.
Sit down and map out your errands for the week. Combine your grocery shopping, post office run, and appointments into a single continuous loop. This approach not only saves fuel but also frees up hours of your personal time.
Explore Alternative Travel Options
Minimising your vehicle use is the ultimate fuel-saving strategy. Planning your travel ahead of time often reveals cheaper and more efficient transport alternatives.
Consider catching the bus, train, tram, or ferry for your daily commute. Public transport is generally much cheaper than driving and eliminates the stress of peak-hour traffic. For shorter distances, walking or cycling are fantastic options that benefit both your wallet and your physical health.
You should also look into carpooling with friends or colleagues. Sharing a ride to a common destination splits the fuel cost and takes an extra vehicle off the road.

Be Strategic at the Pump
Finally, changing how you fill up your vehicle can help stabilise the national fuel supply and prevent unnecessary waste.
Only Buy What You Need
It is a common habit to fill the tank all the way to the top whenever we visit a petrol station. However, if you are not planning on driving much in the coming days, consider whether you truly need a full tank.
If you only use your car for short local trips, try getting by with a half tank. This lightens the weight of your vehicle and ensures there is enough fuel left in the station’s reserves for essential transport workers.
Do Not Overfill the Tank
When you do fill up, always stop pumping at the very first click of the fuel nozzle. Trying to squeeze in those last few drops is a waste of money. Any extra fuel pushed past the click is typically lost to overflow or evaporation.
Track Your Progress and Keep Moving Forward
Saving fuel is a collective effort, but the benefits start with you. If you are taking these steps to reduce your fuel use, try starting a travel log to monitor your progress. Reset your trip odometer and note the date of your fuel purchases to compare your savings over a month.
By taking a few simple actions, we can all contribute to the National Fuel Security Plan. Share these tips with your family and friends to multiply the impact. Together, we can build a strong buffer against uncertainty and keep Australia moving forward.

Read more here

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Clearview News

New Product Release: Clearview Towing Mirrors for GWM Cannon

The GWM Cannon is taking on the established leaders in the Aussie ute market, delivering a compelling combination of performance, advanced safety features, and exceptional value.
For GWM Cannon owners who tow, Clearview Towing Mirrors are the ultimate upgrade. Designed specifically for the MY21 – MY25 Cannon, these mirrors provide unparalleled visibility and safety when towing a caravan, boat, or large trailer.

Clearview Towing Mirrors extend up to 180mm to provide a much wider field of view, making lane changes and reversing safer and less stressful. They integrate perfectly with your Cannon’s existing electronics, retaining all original mirror functions.

Clearview offers two sleek designs that blend perfectly with your vehicle’s aesthetics:

Next Gen: A modern twin glass mirror design offering a large, clear view:

Compact: A smaller profile, single glass mirror for those who prefer a more streamlined look:

Both models sit closer to the vehicle than traditional towing mirrors, so they look like factory mirrors when retracted. When it’s time to tow, they extend smoothly to give you the expansive view you need for total confidence on the road.

Upgrade your GWM Cannon with Clearview and transform your towing experience.
Use our vehicle filter to find the right mirrors for your Cannon today.
Clearview products can be purchased and installed through our dealer network, Australia-wide.

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Clearview News

Navigating Australia’s 2026 Fuel Crisis as a Caravanner

Hitting the open road with a caravan hitched to the back is a quintessential Australian dream. For decades, retirees, families, and solo adventurers have tackled the Big Lap to experience the country’s vast and stunning landscapes. However, an unprecedented challenge currently confronts the touring community. As of March 2026, fuel prices across Australia have skyrocketed to historic highs, forcing many tourers to rethink their itineraries, budgets, and driving habits.
If you are planning a trip or are already halfway across the Nullarbor, you have likely felt the severe pinch at the bowser. The rising cost of both unleaded petrol and diesel is fundamentally changing the way Australians approach road trips.
We break down the current state of fuel prices, shed some light on the global events driving this surge, and explore the practical strategies caravanners can use right now to keep their travel dreams alive.

The Current State of Fuel Prices in Australia
To understand the sheer scale of the current situation, you only need to look at the numbers displayed on service station signs across the country. As of mid-March 2026, the national average price for unleaded sits at AUD $2.23 per litre. Diesel, the absolute lifeblood for most of the towing community, as well as freight, logistics, agriculture, mining, and heavy machinery, is faring even worse. The national average for diesel has pushed up to AUD 245.6 cents per litre, with remote regional stations charging well beyond that figure.
This represents the sharpest rise in fuel prices across the developed world in recent memory. Unleaded petrol prices jumped over 30 percent in just a few weeks, while diesel spiked by a massive 40 percent. For a caravanner filling up a standard 120+ litre long-range tank, the financial reality of these increases is hard to ignore. A single fill-up now costs significantly more than it did at the start of the year, instantly blowing out carefully calculated travel budgets.

What is Driving the Price Surge?
The root cause of this sudden price explosion lies well beyond Australia’s borders. The international oil market is experiencing severe disruptions due to escalating conflicts in the Middle East. Specifically, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical maritime chokepoint that handles a massive portion of global oil shipments—has sent crude oil prices well past $100 a barrel.
Australia is uniquely vulnerable to these global shocks. The country imports roughly 90 percent of its refined fuels from Asian suppliers like South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia. With international supply chains bottlenecked and global stockpiles dwindling, the cost to import fuel has soared. Furthermore, low domestic reserves of diesel mean that any disruption to shipping schedules creates immediate scarcity and price hikes at local service stations.

How Surging Fuel Prices Impact Caravanners
For the caravanning community, fuel is not an optional luxury; it is a mandatory daily expense. When fuel prices spike, the impact ripples through every aspect of a road trip.
The psychological toll is just as heavy as the financial one. Many travellers plan their big laps years in advance, living on fixed retirement incomes or strict savings plans. Recent industry surveys reveal a distinct threshold for travellers: the $3 per litre mark. If fuel breaches $3 a litre, over 60 percent of active travellers admit they will drastically alter or cancel their current plans.
This anxiety goes beyond just paying for the fuel. In remote areas, there is a growing fear of actual fuel shortages. Travellers worry about draining the limited diesel supplies of small farming and mining towns, where local industries rely heavily on that same fuel to operate. Consequently, the rising prices are creating a wave of hesitation across the drive tourism sector, threatening the regional economies that rely heavily on the annual influx of grey nomads and holidaymakers.

Strategies Caravanners Are Using to Cope
Despite the grim numbers at the pump, the caravanning community is remarkably resilient. Rather than abandoning the lifestyle altogether, travellers are adapting to the new economic reality. Some of the strategies caravanners are adopting to manage the 2026 fuel crisis include;

Adjusting Travel Distances
The most immediate change travellers are making involves the scale of their journeys. Instead of embarking on a 10,000-kilometre cross-country epic, many are opting for localised touring. Caravanners choose to holiday closer to home, focusing on regions they can reach within a few hundred kilometres.
By reducing the overall distance travelled, you can significantly shrink your fuel budget. Exploring your own state or territory still offers incredible scenery and experiences, but without the devastating fuel bills associated with crossing the outback.

Staying Longer at Destinations

The era of the “one-night stand” might be pausing for now. To spread out the cost of transit, caravanners are embracing the concept of slow travel. Instead of driving to a new town every second day, travellers are booking caravan parks or setting up at free camps for weeks at a time. Staying longer in one location drastically reduces your weekly fuel consumption. It also allows you to truly immerse yourself in a local community. You can explore nearby attractions on foot, by bicycle, or through short, unhitched drives, saving the heavy towing for infrequent moving days.

Altering Driving Habits for Efficiency
When fuel costs a premium, every drop matters. Caravanners are aggressively changing how they drive to maximise their fuel economy. One of the most common tactics is reducing cruising speeds. Dropping your highway speed can improve fuel efficiency when towing a heavy load.
Travellers are also paying closer attention to their vehicle mechanics. Towing in the correct gear—such as dropping out of overdrive to prevent the engine from labouring—helps maintain momentum without burning excessive fuel. Don’t forget to also check tyre pressures, shed unnecessary payload weight, and ensure your rig is as aerodynamic as possible.

Pausing or Delaying Trips
For some, the math simply no longer works. A portion of the caravanning community is making the difficult decision to pause their travels. Some travellers are parking their vans at home and waiting for the global market to stabilise. Others currently on the road are pausing their journeys midway, choosing to rent a site long-term rather than pushing forward into uncertain fuel availability.

Smart Planning Advice for Your Next Trip
If you still plan to hitch up and head out during this period of high fuel prices, preparation is your best defence. You can still enjoy an incredible Australian adventure if you plan smartly and remain flexible.
First, recalculate your budget using a worst-case scenario. Base your fuel estimates on the $3.50 per litre mark. If you can afford the trip at that price point, you will reduce the financial stress if prices fluctuate during your journey.

Second, use technology to track down the best fuel deals. Download real-time fuel mapping apps to your phone. These apps rely on crowdsourced data to show you the exact price of diesel and unleaded at stations along your route, helping you avoid price gouging. If you plan to travel through remote areas, call ahead to the local roadhouses. Confirm that they actually have diesel in their tanks before you commit to driving hundreds of kilometres down an isolated highway.

Next, look for opportunities to offset your costs elsewhere. Several holiday park chains have recognised the pain their customers are feeling and have introduced fuel offset programs. For example, some networks offer account credits or discounted site fees for guests who book multi-night stays. Take advantage of these promotions to balance out your increased transit costs.

Finally, embrace off-grid capabilities. If you have solar panels, lithium batteries, and decent water storage, utilise free or low-cost camping areas. The money you save on the more expensive powered caravan sites can be redirected straight into your fuel tank.
The current fuel crisis undoubtedly presents a major hurdle for Australian caravanners. However, the open road is not going anywhere. By slowing your pace, reducing your travel radius, and planning more, you can weather this storm and continue making unforgettable memories on the road.

Christmas Open Hours

Clearview Accessories will be closed from the 20th of December 2024 to the 5th of January 2025 to celebrate the Christmas season with our loved ones.

Any orders received during this period will be processed upon our return from Monday 6th January 2025.

On behalf of the whole Clearview team, we’d like to wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year! 
 

Christmas Open Hours

Clearview Accessories will be closed from the 22nd December 2023 to the 8th January 2024 to celebrate the Christmas season with our loved ones. Any orders received during this period will be processed upon our return from Monday 8th January 2024.
On behalf of the whole Clearview team, we’d like to wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year!