Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend checking product dimensions, specifications, and compatibility details on the product page.

If you're unsure, contact us before ordering — our team can help ensure you get the right part the first time.

If you're unsure before purchasing, reach out and we'll help you choose correctly.

If you've already ordered the wrong product, we can assist with a return or exchange (conditions apply).

Absolutely. We deal with these products every day.

Call or email us with your setup (vehicle, caravan, intended use) and we'll guide you.

Some products require additional components depending on your setup.

Check the product description — or contact us before buying to confirm everything you need.

Simply browse the store, add items to your cart, and proceed to checkout.

We accept:

• Visa, Mastercard, American Express
• Shop Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay
• PayPal
• Bank transfer (contact us to arrange)

Yes — as long as it hasn't been dispatched.

Contact us ASAP with your order number and we'll assist you.

Yes — all payments are processed securely using encrypted systems that meet strict industry standards.

Yes — we deliver across Australia, including regional areas.

Most metro orders arrive in 3–7 business days.

Regional and bulky deliveries may take longer depending on:

• Size/weight
• Location
• Supplier availability

Shipping costs vary based on item size, weight and location.

You can calculate shipping in the cart before checkout.

Yes — we regularly ship oversized and heavy items using multiple carriers.

Once your order ships, you'll receive an email with tracking details.

Contact us with photos and details — we'll organise a fast resolution.

Yes — returns are accepted (conditions apply).

If you're unsure about fitment, we recommend contacting us before purchasing to avoid any restocking fees.

Yes — unopened or as-new products can be exchanged.

Price differences and shipping costs may apply.

Refunds are typically processed within 5–10 business days, depending on your payment method.

In some cases (e.g. incorrect orders), a restocking fee may apply.

Best way to avoid this: contact us before ordering and we'll help you get it right.

Most specs are listed on the product page.

If you need more detail, contact us — we're happy to help.

Most items include manufacturer instructions.

If not, we can help source them or guide you.

It depends on the product.

Some are DIY-friendly, while others (e.g. wiring, brake systems) may require a professional.

Yes — we can guide you based on your setup or recommend professionals if needed.

Brake controllers depend on your vehicle and trailer setup.

Contact us — we'll recommend the right option.

No — you can checkout as a guest.

Yes, if your order hasn't shipped yet.

Contact us ASAP to update details.

You'll receive email updates and tracking once your order is processed.

Phone: (02) 6291 1717

Mobile: 0458 220 765

Email: sales@tcaexplore.com.au

Weekdays: 8:30am – 5:00pm

Saturday: 9:00am – 2:00pm

Email us with details and photos — we'll resolve it as quickly as possible.

The ARK ORXOF50 and AL-KO 3.5T Off Road Coupling are close competitors. Both are designed to give full off-road articulation while still hitching to a standard 50mm tow ball, which is a major advantage for customers with multiple trailers. The Ark model has a cast-steel design with a locking pin arrangement and is generally a little cheaper, whereas the AL-KO is simpler to use and includes a refined locking mechanism. There are 2 tonne rated versions of both of these models if you're looking for something that's not as heavy duty.

It's widely regarded as one of the best all-round off-road couplings because it combines articulation, ease of use, safety, durability and refinement better than most alternatives.

Whilst you can calculate this in several ways, a good rule of thumb is to have approximately double the amount of solar (W) than battery capacity (Ah). It's best to calculate how much battery capacity you need first, then double it to get a rough idea of how much solar would be required. For example, if you calculate that you would need approximately 300Ah of battery capacity per day, then you should consider 600W of solar or more.

The easiest way to tell is to look at the colour of your cassette. It may have orange, blue or green accents. Alternatively, you can check the data sticker:

1. Open the outside toilet service door.
2. Remove the cassette.
3. Look for a sticker inside the cassette compartment or on the toilet base.

The model number will usually be listed as:

• C200
• C220
• C250
• C260
• C400

You can also check the existing cassette. Many Thetford cassettes have a model number moulded or labelled on the cassette itself.

Choose blue sachets if you want maximum performance and choose green sachets if you want a more environmentally friendly option. In other words, if your priority is keeping the cassette fresh and odour-free in all conditions, go blue. If you're conscious of septic systems and environmental impact, go green. Both are suitable for Thetford cassette toilets and will help keep your caravan bathroom clean and easy to maintain.

If your vehicle's tow hitch sits much higher than the coupling on your caravan or camper, you may need to hitch with a drop that accounts for the height difference. The maximum drop available from our range is within the Mister Hitches Raptor Series and is 370mm.

It's quite rare that anyone would need this much drop so measure carefully before purchasing. As an example, if you have a vehicle such as a Landcruiser 200 series that has had a suspension lift, you may want to look at a hitch with a maximum of a 200mm drop depending on your caravan's coupling height.

Whilst they are all capable trailer jacks, the main differences are lifting capacity, lift height and mounting type. The Mini uses a standard 50mm mounting clamp whereas the Master and Maxi models use a 60mm Black Jack drawbar bracket.

Choose the:

• Mini if you want the best value and easiest installation.
• Master if your van is heavy and you want extra lifting capacity.
• Maxi if you want the most powerful and easiest-to-use electric jockey wheel on the market, especially for larger off-road caravans.

Yes. Most hi-rise tow balls are rated to 3.5T, but it's important to check the product description to confirm before purchasing. Hi-rise tow balls generally don't reduce towing capacity as long as they are rated to your requirement. If you require a 3.5T towing capacity, the hi-rise tow ball rated at that weight will not affect this.

You can use Type A for almost everything. An easy rule of thumb:

• If it's fabric, canvas, rubber or a standard awning material, buy Type A.
• If it's vinyl, PVC or inflatable, buy Type B.

There are several options, but some are much better than others.

• An anti-rattle clamp is usually the most effective solution. These devices work by applying pressure to remove the play that causes noise and vibration.
• A tight hitch tongue: choose a hitch tongue that has a tight fit.
• Anti-rattle hitch shims are also a cheap and effective option that slide in beside the hitch tongue to minimise movement within the receiver.
• If the noise is coming from the tow ball itself, you can upgrade your coupling to one that produces less noise than conventional 50mm ball couplings because they're designed with tighter engagement and articulation systems, e.g. Cruisemaster DO35, McHitch.

Yes, generally the Mister Hitches range of hitches we stock are reversible and will maintain their full towing capacity regardless of whether they are in the 'drop' or 'rise' position.

Usually no, caravan insurers do not universally require anti-theft devices as a condition of cover. However, some policies, storage situations, or agreed conditions may require specific security measures.

The only way to know for certain is to check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and policy schedule. Insurance requirements vary significantly between insurers. For peace of mind, we always recommend at least one security device for your caravan or camper. Examples include coupling locks, wheel clamps, GPS trackers and alarm systems.

There are many items that people consider as 'essential' but here are just a few:

• Wheel chocks
• Levelling ramps
• Basic tool kit
• Drinking water hose (food-grade)
• Hose fittings and tap adaptors
• Grey water hose or grey water container
• 15A extension lead
• 15A to 10A adaptor
• Toilet chemicals (blue or green sachets)
• Toilet paper suitable for cassette toilets
• Kitchen essentials
• Torch/headlamp

Before heading off on a big holiday, spend one night in the caravan at home or in a nearby caravan park. You'll quickly discover what's missing while you're only 10 minutes from the house. That's the easiest way to avoid expensive mistakes on your first real trip.

• Tow hitch locked and secured
• Safety chains connected
• Breakaway cable connected correctly
• Caravan lights working
• Tyre pressures checked on both vehicle and caravan
• Windows, hatches and roof vents closed
• Fridge door latched
• Corner steadies raised
• Gas bottles turned off before travel

Step 1: Identify Your Awning Type

Most modern Australian caravans have either:

• Roll-out awning (Carefree, Dometic, Aussie Traveller, etc.)
• Cassette awning (Fiamma, Thule, Dometic cassette models)

The anti-flap kit must be compatible with your awning type. Some kits suit both, while others require specific brackets.

Step 2: Measure the Awning Projection (Most Important)

The size of the anti-flap kit is determined by the distance from the caravan wall to the roller tube when the awning is fully set up, not the length of the awning along the side of the van.

Step 3: Decide What You're Attaching

If you plan to add:

• Privacy screens
• Side walls
• Annex walls
• Shade screens

Choose a kit with an integrated sail track. Most premium anti-flap kits include this feature.

As a general rule, a modern hybrid offroad caravan with an awning such as Fiamma, Hailinge or Thule that extends approximately 2.4m from the van, will require a standard Halley Grasshopper Anti-flap Kit. If the awning only extends approximately 1.9m, you'll need the Hallow Narrow Kit. Feel free to call or email if you need help finding the right kit for your van.