Homegrown Ampfibian leads in innovation

Innovation is an important quality in the RV industry. We talk to Ampfibian about its inventive and original roots.

Thirteen years ago, founding director David Betteridge was working in electrical retail and stumbled across a gap in the RV market: an adaptor that allows 15A caravan power inlets to be connected safely to 10A power points at home. Until then, people had to have either an expensive 15A power circuit installed or an illegally modified lead — these risk house fires and void insurance. 

David would often get people asking for a product that simply did not exist. This prompted him to hand-build a product using off-the-shelf parts. A year later, industrial designer Oliver Kratzer came on board, and 12 years later, they now have a dedicated factory in Ballina, NSW, and a range of caravan electrical safety products, including caravan surge protectors and weatherproof connector protectors.

David and Oliver were determined to keep manufacturing in Australia, creating local jobs and developing local skills while keeping taxes and salaries in Australia. 

Being designed and made locally also means the products are perfect for Australian conditions. All Ampfibian products are independently tested and certified to meet rigorous Australian electrical standards.

How many dealerships/stores sell your brand name products and what is the brand known for?

Ampfibians are available across the country from better caravan accessory stores, Bunnings, BCF, and many other retailers, not to mention online at ampfibian.com.au. Ampfibian has become the leading authority on caravan electrical safety. People are always so surprised and happy to hear they are made right here.

Tell us a little bit about the staff and their passion for the business.

All team members are incredibly proud of what they do. Everyone works hard to make sure the products are manufactured to the highest standard. Everybody has a different product they prefer to make, whether it’s the simpler and quicker MINIs and MICROs, or the slower-to-make and more complicated RV-PLUSes or MAXes. However, the whole team unanimously agrees that Friday after-work beers is the most enjoyable activity.

What do you attribute to Ampfibian’s success?

Ampfibian owes its success to identifying a genuine market need and following through by delivering a range of products that fit different customers’ needs. Ampfibian goes to great lengths to find out what people want and need. You might even have come across one of our teams surveying people in our local caravan parks. Ampfibian continues to invest in design and innovation, and its range of products have been recognised with industry awards. Everyone is always looking to improve products and processes. There’s certainly no time for sitting on our laurels.

Tell us about your products

Ampfibian offers a full range of 15A to 10A adaptors, each geared towards different uses, markets, and budgets. The MAX and the RV-PLUS are our most popular products. They have been built extra tough and are weather and shockproof. Like their lower cost siblings, they limit the amount of current that can be drawn, keeping the supply circuit safe from overloading — and safe from the risk of fire.

All adaptors incorporate a Residual Current Device (RCD) that provides protection from electrocution due to faulty wiring. So, wherever you're connecting your van to 10A power, you're not only protected from the risk of fire, you’re also adding another layer of protection for yourself and others.

Ampfibian followed the adaptors with another electrical safety product: Australia’s only portable, weatherproof 15A caravan surge protector. It plugs into a site’s power supply (or a generator) and keeps your whole van's wired electrical and electronic devices protected from power surges. If you love your van and you love your gear, this product is a no-brainer.

Top three destinations

With so many awesome places to visit in Australia, it’s hard to pick just three!

Top of our list would have to be Darwin in the Northern Territory (where David first started to sell power adaptors). With stunning landscapes, it’s an adventurer’s dream escape and only a short drive to two spectacular national parks, Litchfield and the Mary River.

Next on our list of must-see destinations would be Broome in WA. With the magnificent Cable Beach, pearl farms, and camel rides, there really is something for everyone.

And finally, it would have to be the dramatic vistas along the Great Ocean Road. For us, this offers some of the most striking landscapes, wildlife, and so much to see on this iconic journey. 

Advice to first time or experienced buyers of RVs?

We would say bigger is not always better. Large RVs bring larger bills: tow vehicle, fuel, rego, insurance, maintenance, etc. In our opinion, the best RV is the one you can afford to keep on the road!

Make sure you never connect at home without an Ampfibian caravan power adaptor. Take it on the road, because you never know when you will find yourself needing to plug into 10A power, so be prepared. Given how sophisticated RVs are today, always protect your electronic gear with our caravan surge protector — an ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure.