ABOUT THIS HINTS PAGE
Will add things that can make life a little easy, Just things you need to carry with you and not take up space etc.
Please understand these things below i put out there are from what we have learnt over years and may not be what you require to have or need but we are more about being ready for anything that comes our way.
And we have run into people who just don't have any form of back up nor the simple First aid kit and have had to use ours to help, down to even a simple burn cream when a small child got hurt.
Most things don't take up space or get in way, but are handy just for peace of mind and so can enjoy what we set out to do.
Disclaimer.
All the hints and tips we offer are from things we use and have been good for us and may not suite others, we don't take any responsibility if you decide to use anything below and it does not work for you. You should do your own checks and be sure it will work you before investing funds in getting the items.
Battery Monitor
synchronisations this product for you?
A flat battery is one the most common and frustrating breakdown scenarios that nearly all car owners will face at some point. The Matson Bluetooth Battery Monitor is the easiest way to check the health of any vehicles battery, starter and charging system. The Matson Bluetooth Battery Monitor is simple, easy to fit accessory that monitors your vehicle's current battery charge level and relays this information to your Android or iOS smart device or phone.
How easy is it to install?
To install, simply attach the monitor black connector to the battery negative terminal and the red connector to the positive terminal. Then Scan the QRcode or search "BM2" in your app store on your personal device. install the application and stand within 5 metres of the battery monitor, turn on your Bluetooth and open the app on your device. The battery monitor should automatically connect with your phone and the voltage will show on your screen.
What can it do?
Multiple battery monitors can be named and monitored from the one device, so you can keep an eye on an entire family of cars, check that second battery in your dual battery setup or even the one in your caravan. The battery monitor has the ability to check the vehicle charging system voltage, to give an early indication of any alternator issues if the vehicle battery is going flat when it shouldn't. You can setup notifications for periodic notifications of your batteries condition and even schedule regular tests to check your batteries integrity.
Also using the App you can perform a crank test, this will test the voltage level during the start sequence of your car. Usually if the voltage is 9.6 or higher, everything is ok. If it’s lower than 9.6 volts, it may indicate abnormalities such as ageing or a damaged battery. The battery charge level is recorded everyday and can be formulated into a graph over time so that you can see any trends indicating potential failure coming before it’s too late.
A flat battery is one the most common and frustrating breakdown scenarios that nearly all car owners will face at some point. The Matson Bluetooth Battery Monitor is the easiest way to check the health of any vehicles battery, starter and charging system. The Matson Bluetooth Battery Monitor is simple, easy to fit accessory that monitors your vehicle's current battery charge level and relays this information to your Android or iOS smart device or phone.
How easy is it to install?
To install, simply attach the monitor black connector to the battery negative terminal and the red connector to the positive terminal. Then Scan the QRcode or search "BM2" in your app store on your personal device. install the application and stand within 5 metres of the battery monitor, turn on your Bluetooth and open the app on your device. The battery monitor should automatically connect with your phone and the voltage will show on your screen.
What can it do?
Multiple battery monitors can be named and monitored from the one device, so you can keep an eye on an entire family of cars, check that second battery in your dual battery setup or even the one in your caravan. The battery monitor has the ability to check the vehicle charging system voltage, to give an early indication of any alternator issues if the vehicle battery is going flat when it shouldn't. You can setup notifications for periodic notifications of your batteries condition and even schedule regular tests to check your batteries integrity.
Also using the App you can perform a crank test, this will test the voltage level during the start sequence of your car. Usually if the voltage is 9.6 or higher, everything is ok. If it’s lower than 9.6 volts, it may indicate abnormalities such as ageing or a damaged battery. The battery charge level is recorded everyday and can be formulated into a graph over time so that you can see any trends indicating potential failure coming before it’s too late.
- Wireless battery monitoring via mobile device
- Real-time battery monitoring
- Stores and displays historical data
- Tests vehicle cranking system
- Tests vehicle charging system
- Records trip duration
- Alerts sent to mobile device
- Automatic syncronisation
- Free app for both iOS and Android
- App can monitor multiple devices
Garmin Dash Cam 65W 1080p Dash Camera with 180-Degree Field of View
Dash Cam 65W is an easy-to-use high-definition driving recorder with 2.0” LCD display. With a 180-degree field of view, it captures more of the environment — including cross traffic — and includes GPS for detailed time and location data, pinpointing exactly where and when events occurred. Rely on your Dash Cam 65W to capture excellent video detail in both bright and low-light conditions. Mount the camera to your windshield, and record your drive in 1080p. Dash Cam records in a continuous loop, using the included replaceable microSD™ card. To add more memory, add a larger microSD card (accepts up to 64 GB)
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This one on the better dash cameras around with so many features which do help you drive in traffic and has a built in alert for red light cameras and as always with Garmin is built well and they issue updates along the way.
The video is clear and has all the details you need.
We have had ours for some time and never had any problems with it unlike some others around.
The video is clear and has all the details you need.
We have had ours for some time and never had any problems with it unlike some others around.
Ambulance cover and other insurances needed
if you plan to set off and travel the country side and part of that will be that you will not have a resident address once you do and will need to be sure you are covered for Ambulance Australia wide, and you cant just use your family's address as they do their checks The trick is that if you don't have a house address other than your kids for mail you are not covered and it will cost you, so as a full time Nomad we do need it, you won't have to pay for an ambulance, so long as you can prove you're a permanent Queensland resident and we can't as most who travel are not a permanent residents anymore.
And also get a full cover RACQ or whom ever which state you are in so if you break down they help you with a rental car and motels etc.
As Terry Seymour said the other day on face book, While talking about out of state and travelling. For the followers of your site. Register with the Electoral Commission that while travelling you are an Itinerant meaning you only have to vote in Federal elections and won't be selected for Jury duty
And also get a full cover RACQ or whom ever which state you are in so if you break down they help you with a rental car and motels etc.
As Terry Seymour said the other day on face book, While talking about out of state and travelling. For the followers of your site. Register with the Electoral Commission that while travelling you are an Itinerant meaning you only have to vote in Federal elections and won't be selected for Jury duty
Things to remember to do
Now that you are travelling does not mean that you don't have jobs to do and some of those are only a once a year thing.
Changing the batteries in the smoke alarms and gas alarms and in my case the water alarms.
Easy way to remember is to put a reminder on your phone or calendar, it will send you a message to prompt you.
Also get your Van serviced at least once a year to be sure brakes and bearing are in good order, don't want to park out on the highway with no one around to help you, be worse it a very hot day the wife will do you some harm.
Changing the batteries in the smoke alarms and gas alarms and in my case the water alarms.
Easy way to remember is to put a reminder on your phone or calendar, it will send you a message to prompt you.
Also get your Van serviced at least once a year to be sure brakes and bearing are in good order, don't want to park out on the highway with no one around to help you, be worse it a very hot day the wife will do you some harm.
TV Antenna
So those who are in an area when your TV don't work or have an outside TV and need a Antenna and the one on the van don't work.
Check out the Mini Antenna from Jaycar it fits into a small area and works.
This UHF mini log periodic antenna has been specifically designed for Digital TV reception. It is supplied with an easy to install mounting bracket and “J” mast. Compact in size the antenna is capable of being installed vertically or horizontally and with 7.5dB of gain is the ideal reception solution
Its small about a little over a foot long and is Only $60 at Dec2017
Check out the Mini Antenna from Jaycar it fits into a small area and works.
This UHF mini log periodic antenna has been specifically designed for Digital TV reception. It is supplied with an easy to install mounting bracket and “J” mast. Compact in size the antenna is capable of being installed vertically or horizontally and with 7.5dB of gain is the ideal reception solution
Its small about a little over a foot long and is Only $60 at Dec2017
Water Safety a Must....
After 3 months of living in van, we found out that the water we thought was ok, well was not so good it was bore water and it was not hurting us it was damaging the vans water system, so we moved the water over to the tank water which was better but still came out a little better but still came out cloudy or dirty and this was also a problem when we hooked up to town water in places we stopped at.
So we needed to find a way to get better water and I drained the tanks and cleaned them out and went looking and found the product as in the photo below. There are many different ways to filter water but we found this system has suited us in that it works and our inside our van now is clean and clear without any smell, so much better than those single filters which clog up quick and do need back flushing and are not cheap.
A new filter cost me from $10 to $25 depends on type I get so less than half the cost and last three times as long.
So we needed to find a way to get better water and I drained the tanks and cleaned them out and went looking and found the product as in the photo below. There are many different ways to filter water but we found this system has suited us in that it works and our inside our van now is clean and clear without any smell, so much better than those single filters which clog up quick and do need back flushing and are not cheap.
A new filter cost me from $10 to $25 depends on type I get so less than half the cost and last three times as long.
NO CASH NO FUEL, NO LUCK.......
You will learn as you travel along things happen when you least expect it and one of those things you my run into if you are away for the cities and larger town, You pull up to get fuel and after putting in say 90 dollars of fuel , you find that he eftpos. machine s not working or they don't have a atm. machine or internet is down and guess what you don't have much cash.
It will be a hard thing to get fixed, we have within the van or car a small safe that contains some money this is broken down into coins and notes, the notes are at least three times the cost of filling the car and the coins are for phones, washing machine etc. Mainly for the roadside fruit shops etc. they can be
1 dollar coins
2 dollar coins
50 cents
20 cents
10 cents.
don't think it will not happen because if the internet goes down you will struggle to get cash and this can be because of a storm and other accident
It will be a hard thing to get fixed, we have within the van or car a small safe that contains some money this is broken down into coins and notes, the notes are at least three times the cost of filling the car and the coins are for phones, washing machine etc. Mainly for the roadside fruit shops etc. they can be
1 dollar coins
2 dollar coins
50 cents
20 cents
10 cents.
don't think it will not happen because if the internet goes down you will struggle to get cash and this can be because of a storm and other accident
Power needs, You must have it right....
One of the first things we did was make sure our power supply was right, from if we were hooked up to a van site or some ones house, most of our stuff is 12volt so only power needs and not that we do put is the hot water system and the fridge which of course can be run from gas as well. But we do run these on the power if we can, all other needs are from 12volts including TV lights and radios. We can charge our phones etc. from the 12volt system and that goes for our cameras.
My laptop can run off batteries or I can run from converter that is in the car to 240volt if I need to.
But we heard all the stories on how you can change a plug to suit the 15 amp. from a lead with out issues.
How wrong is that first its against the law and can get over heating issues and start fires either at house side or van, so I looked at all the ways and chose the Amp-Fibian, yes it costs money but safety is our first thing.
We also carry at three leads a 10mt. a 15mt. and a 20mt. lead as you will never know where your power will come from and they are all extra heavy duty leads, and only use the lead which suits the distance as I do see issues with using a 15 mt. when a 10mt. will do as leaving 5mt. rolled up can heat up or trip the amp-fiban as it is very quick to trip if something is not right and that makes me happy.
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Battery Issues
So you will have read or will read below we had power issues with battery and solar not working or charging the batteries due to over three weeks of rain and very overcast, I did notice a few days before the alarm started when I switched on the TV the lights would dim and then come back up. I did check the meter in cupboard and yes it was down but it had been that low before and it was pre lunch and thought the solar would pick it up by dark.
But around 4.30pm the alarm started and it did not stop which can drive you nuts as the batteries were too low for it to re charge and we did not have a charger so I found out how to turn off alarm, and next day headed out to get a charger you would need and it was not going to be something cheap and a one off thing so we spoke and researched what was good for us as we knew we were heading north and the weather was not going to be sunny all the time and was glad we got the one below.
The Pdf file is below for the arm chair experts and others but it has been great for us over the time we have had it and we will not be without power on any level with this thing hooked up to the van now.
13368_oc-1212u_brochure_d30.pdf.aspx_ext_.pdf
File Size:408 kb
File Type: pdf.
Download File
But around 4.30pm the alarm started and it did not stop which can drive you nuts as the batteries were too low for it to re charge and we did not have a charger so I found out how to turn off alarm, and next day headed out to get a charger you would need and it was not going to be something cheap and a one off thing so we spoke and researched what was good for us as we knew we were heading north and the weather was not going to be sunny all the time and was glad we got the one below.
The Pdf file is below for the arm chair experts and others but it has been great for us over the time we have had it and we will not be without power on any level with this thing hooked up to the van now.
13368_oc-1212u_brochure_d30.pdf.aspx_ext_.pdf
File Size:408 kb
File Type: pdf.
Download File
Pre Paid Fuel Cards
As you plan to travel and friends and others ask you what you need and want, get them to buy you a $50 or $100 fuel card rather then a present that you may or may not need in your travels as fuel is one of those things that you always need and don't get all the same brand or type either get BP, Caltex etc. as you never know what fuel station you need once you need to pull up,
As you look down this list you find another way to save money or have in case you require somethings, get people to get you Coles or other type of gift cards, we get then at every shop maybe only $40 dollars or more, but after a while it adds up some maybe Christmas time , you have a amount of cards that pay for those times or if you get family to come and stay with you at some stop, you have spare cash and able to get food at no real cost to your
budget as its part of your budget. Just don't get a fuel card where you get a bill monthly as while travelling pay as you go then you see your funds and mail is hard to get while on the move.
Just think about if you planned for your trip and 12 months before you left you got a $60 gift card every time you went shopping before you left have much extra funds would that give you .................
Phone and Data
4One of the biggest things you will need along the way is a good supply of Data and phone signal, we have Telstra and have found the best for having a signal all the time and with so many plans around for cheap data and phone rates we have found them the best.
So before you set out on your trip work out how much data you require and your use of phones.
I use a lot of data and Ellen loves speaking to family and friends a lot so we need good plans. So first up have a budget on what you can afford head into the Telstra shop, I know its a pain but they have deals that are not on their web pages and can work with you to get the best for you. Tell them your budget and they will do there best to help you
We have a phone each and I I-Pad each , so we have 4 plans each plan has 20 gig of data and unlimited calls anywhere in Australia so Ellen can talk all day if she wants, they are all shared so we have 480 gig of data plus we got an extra 10gig per plan so in total we get 520gig in total
Plenty for us to play with and we are able to have Foxtel Now for movies and watching shows when it rains and or TV or SAT. TV is not working
So before you set out on your trip work out how much data you require and your use of phones.
I use a lot of data and Ellen loves speaking to family and friends a lot so we need good plans. So first up have a budget on what you can afford head into the Telstra shop, I know its a pain but they have deals that are not on their web pages and can work with you to get the best for you. Tell them your budget and they will do there best to help you
We have a phone each and I I-Pad each , so we have 4 plans each plan has 20 gig of data and unlimited calls anywhere in Australia so Ellen can talk all day if she wants, they are all shared so we have 480 gig of data plus we got an extra 10gig per plan so in total we get 520gig in total
Plenty for us to play with and we are able to have Foxtel Now for movies and watching shows when it rains and or TV or SAT. TV is not working
As part of our data we have one of these in the van which because we share data we have fast internet on hand all the time we are around the van and it shows us the amount remaining at all times.
Screw Pegs, the way to Go.
If you are looking to get an easy way to peg out your matt or annex walls do look at these for when you run into some hard ground sites and cant get those pegs in without a lot of effort
why not use these rather than trying to drive in pegs.
And I have dipped the nut end of mine in bright colour paint so easy to see and that way I get them all back as the silver colour can blend into the ground
Screw Pegs Site
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Bench Space
To help us with a space saver, we went to the local Markets and it was to get a slab of timber, I had made by one of the wood craft people from the Tolga markets, it's you have a van you understand that you are required to lift the glass lid on stove to use hot plates or oven and once you are done it takes a while for stove to cool enough to close lid, so you loose a bit of bench space so I had a large piece of wood cut to fit on top of stove and when lid is down to protect glass top, looks good and we have lots of bench space back
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House Sitting For Travellers
If you are looking to become a house sitter and are looking for a site, do try the site below it always has people looking for house sitters all the time well worth the money to join. I have added link within the logo below for you
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In the past 6 months we have used caravan park twice due to getting House sits as we travel along, which can be between 7 days and longest being 8 weeks so well worth the time.
Lead Light Look
The wife found this in Rockhampton Clark Rubber for the van door is a static stick on, all you do is spray a little water on glass and cut to size and use a Squeegee to get out bubbles, it gives the van a more home looking look and we got 1 metre of it at $5.00 which is nothing when you get that look.
The dark bar in photo is the decal strip on van behind door.
The dark bar in photo is the decal strip on van behind door.
Mobile Van Service
If you are up around the Capricorn Area and need work done to your Van give Brad a call he is one of very few Mobile van Repairers in this area. He knows his stuff and the fact he comes to you makes life a lot better.
Wireless Tyre Pressure Monitor
After speaking with fellow traveller today and listening to his advice about tyre and safety, he let me know that i need to be able to see what tyre pressures are doing and know when they are going down to stop the tyre damaging van or car or even causing a crash.
So with that in mind have bought the following system for the set up.
Good priced and needed 8 wheels covered so limited in where to get them and i got a booster because of length of rig.
And i know someone who uses this system and is more than happy with it.
So Please consider if you plan to be on road as your safety and rig is worth the $500 dollars it costs
Web Site Is SAFE-T-TYRE
A UPDATE. While we were on our way up the coast just outside Gympie the Alarm came on for one of the tyres and sure enough it was going down due to a fault in tyre but it gave us time to find a spot to get off road before the tyre went down so for me it paid for itself there and then
Foxtel Via Wireless
Hello fellow travellers,
I was looking at getting my Satellite upgraded for Foxtel and the cost and the parts plus the amount you need to pay to get a little TV. adds is just too much . Plus the extra cables and box needed
So I started to look about for options,
Do you have a good wireless dongle 4G. when travelling
Do you have a good lot of gigs per month that you don’t use.
Have you an extra $10 to $35 month or as you need,
Where you stay can you get a wi-fi good signal.
Well, have you considered FOXTEL PLAY
https://www.foxtel.com.au/foxtelplay/build/package?execution=e1s1
We have Telstra TV. On TV in van so all I had to do was add the app. And the join Foxtel play and I have 2 weeks free trial, so we can watch Foxtel TV with ease, very handy when in wet areas or just need to put feet up and watch some football.
So, if you don’t wish to get satellite etc. maybe a cheaper option and remember no contracts so you can turn on and off as needed just like Netflix which by the way you can do the same as above if you have Telstra TV.
you can switch on and off as you need as no contract so we use if weather is overcast or raining as you lose the signal on your Satellite and no other TV is around it helps fill in Hours when raining or looking for a lazy week or month
I was looking at getting my Satellite upgraded for Foxtel and the cost and the parts plus the amount you need to pay to get a little TV. adds is just too much . Plus the extra cables and box needed
So I started to look about for options,
Do you have a good wireless dongle 4G. when travelling
Do you have a good lot of gigs per month that you don’t use.
Have you an extra $10 to $35 month or as you need,
Where you stay can you get a wi-fi good signal.
Well, have you considered FOXTEL PLAY
https://www.foxtel.com.au/foxtelplay/build/package?execution=e1s1
We have Telstra TV. On TV in van so all I had to do was add the app. And the join Foxtel play and I have 2 weeks free trial, so we can watch Foxtel TV with ease, very handy when in wet areas or just need to put feet up and watch some football.
So, if you don’t wish to get satellite etc. maybe a cheaper option and remember no contracts so you can turn on and off as needed just like Netflix which by the way you can do the same as above if you have Telstra TV.
you can switch on and off as you need as no contract so we use if weather is overcast or raining as you lose the signal on your Satellite and no other TV is around it helps fill in Hours when raining or looking for a lazy week or month
WATER LEAK ALARM
After having a water under the bed at front of van and not noticing because it was a slow leak, but enough to wet things and after sorting out went to Bunning not looking for this but come across the perfect tool and now have 3 in van one near hot water system, one near sink taps and drains, and one under cupboard near washing machine and sink. So now when i get a leak i am going the know about it.
At only $17 per unit cheap for the job it does.
After having a water under the bed at front of van and not noticing because it was a slow leak, but enough to wet things and after sorting out went to Bunning not looking for this but come across the perfect tool and now have 3 in van one near hot water system, one near sink taps and drains, and one under cupboard near washing machine and sink. So now when i get a leak i am going the know about it.
At only $17 per unit cheap for the job it does.
HOW TO ATTACH CLOTHES LINE AND SAT DISH
Been asked a few times and it's about time put up how i attached my sat dish and cloths line to van.
I have two jockey wheel clamps on rear and an extra one on front from where I have some pipe cut and bent to an S shape, it's 50mm gal and stainless steel pipe.
Smaller one is 40 cm at each bend or the larger to clear van with cloths line is 40x70x40, to clear rear of van, you may need to check that for your van size. Now my sat dish is not going to be moved and the cloths line will not fall over and I can put sat dish at front or on which side to get the best sig. and the cloths line will take other place or in sun as needed
I have two jockey wheel clamps on rear and an extra one on front from where I have some pipe cut and bent to an S shape, it's 50mm gal and stainless steel pipe.
Smaller one is 40 cm at each bend or the larger to clear van with cloths line is 40x70x40, to clear rear of van, you may need to check that for your van size. Now my sat dish is not going to be moved and the cloths line will not fall over and I can put sat dish at front or on which side to get the best sig. and the cloths line will take other place or in sun as needed
For The Unexpected Time |
Hints for unexpected Time
Always carry for those electric issues that will come up.
Multimeter
Crump tool
A little gas type solding iron
Spare cable wires
Lots of fuses and different types
Electric tape
Different lengths of tie straps.
A good number of torch’s
A good L.E.D. type light for repairs at night always charged up!
Different types of cable joiners etc.
100 mile grey tape
Have installed under the bonnet of car a cig. lighter fitting so you can plug in lights to fix the engine if you break down at night and one at rear of car so if you get a flat tyre you can get light to it or a pump for low tyres.
And for those times that will come for whatever reason and if you have lived or planning to In north Queensland a safety bag.
Which should have in case you need to leave van and go to a safe building
At least
two torch’s
Batteries
A small radio
Your ID.
Some Money change and notes
A spare phone charger and cable
First aid kit
Spare car and van keys
Your insurance details and a phone book with
Contacts e.g., kids, doctors etc.
Mobile phones are good for that but if you lose them or they are broken, good luck
Bank Details etc.
Your Pills
If you get time add bottled water and small snacks to get you by in case.
We have ours in the space under to seat and add or change batteries etc as needed but always up to date.
We also have a larger First Aid kit in car with a snake kit, which we have filled up with everything we can.
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Always carry for those electric issues that will come up.
Multimeter
Crump tool
A little gas type solding iron
Spare cable wires
Lots of fuses and different types
Electric tape
Different lengths of tie straps.
A good number of torch’s
A good L.E.D. type light for repairs at night always charged up!
Different types of cable joiners etc.
100 mile grey tape
Have installed under the bonnet of car a cig. lighter fitting so you can plug in lights to fix the engine if you break down at night and one at rear of car so if you get a flat tyre you can get light to it or a pump for low tyres.
And for those times that will come for whatever reason and if you have lived or planning to In north Queensland a safety bag.
Which should have in case you need to leave van and go to a safe building
At least
two torch’s
Batteries
A small radio
Your ID.
Some Money change and notes
A spare phone charger and cable
First aid kit
Spare car and van keys
Your insurance details and a phone book with
Contacts e.g., kids, doctors etc.
Mobile phones are good for that but if you lose them or they are broken, good luck
Bank Details etc.
Your Pills
If you get time add bottled water and small snacks to get you by in case.
We have ours in the space under to seat and add or change batteries etc as needed but always up to date.
We also have a larger First Aid kit in car with a snake kit, which we have filled up with everything we can.
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Money Saver Idea
Ok,
Every time you go shopping buy a Coles/Myer or other card which you can use at fuel and food shops.
Buy one between 40 and 100 dollars when budget allows, while doing your weekly shopping within a short time you will have good amount of saving for fuel, we do this for xmas and will continue to get and use for fuel, etc. its an easy way to have extra funds that are handy to use.
They last for over 12 months so we start buying Jan and by Dec we have over $1,000.00 plus in spare cash so to speak.
Clothes Etc. For Trip.
When travelling you will be moving around a lot and weather and temp. can and will pay a part in that.
So the clothes you wear will go from shorts and tees for us guys to very warm clothes and heavy jackets so these can take up large space in vans
So do carry the lighter type clothes as your base wear and as you move into winter areas go to op shops or salvo's etc. and get that heavy jacket or long pants that you need to get by and when you move back into summer or out the area, give back to op shops etc.
Same goes for kitchen stuff, do you really need 4 types of sauce pans for cooking and a 6 place plate set with nine coffee cups, No, so why carry them, two people need at best 2 sauce pans maybe a 4 place setting and 4 coffee cups and 3 wine glasses. we did a clean out a few months ago and found 10 wine glasses and 12 coffee cups mainly because she found better ones or was given new ones.
Always check and lighten the load for stuff you need and because you have lots of cupboard space don't mean you need to fill it up empty cupboards are great at Xmas time when you are getting presents for grand kids because you are going to visit soon or going bush and getting supplies for that short period away from shops etc.
Best way to think about this is, What do i need. Not, What do i want!!!
Fridge Thermostat |
As we all know sometimes our van fridges have a mind of their own and there is nothing like frozen lettuce or milk and having to keep opening checking is a pain, so either get from link below at a cheap price or go to your local pet store and get one of these, now if you are lucky and they sell snakes etc. they will have one that have dual monitoring probes so one in freezer and one in bottom of fridge so all you need is double sided tape it to outside of fridge and as you pass by can check if temp. is good or bad and that way keep the beer and steak at right temp.
https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/digital-lcd-fridge-thermometer/?utm_source=criteo&utm_medium=facebookfbx&utm_campaign=criteo-oct-digital-lcd-fridge-thermometer
https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/digital-lcd-fridge-thermometer/?utm_source=criteo&utm_medium=facebookfbx&utm_campaign=criteo-oct-digital-lcd-fridge-thermometer
Vandal Tap Fitting
Every traveller should have a couple of these in their van, as you never know when you may need water and as most taps have the Vandal proof tap fitted.
Just remember do ask if you can take larger amounts of water. As some areas may be in drought and they can get upset by people taking their water
Just remember do ask if you can take larger amounts of water. As some areas may be in drought and they can get upset by people taking their water
RV Setup - 10 Tips to Enjoy the RV Lifestyle
It's a beautiful day today. You bounce out of bed like a two year old colt, the smile on your face just can't be moved on. Today is the day, today says freedom, today is the first day of cleansing the daily drudge, the stress, the routine, putting it all behind you. Today yells ROADTRIIIIIP.
You've lovingly packed up your brand new RV, all shiny and clean, glistening in the dawns early light. You loaded it up over the days before and every storage bin, every cupboard, nook and cranny seems perfectly designed for something and you have thought of everything. The pantry is full to the brim and the fridge is bursting at the seams. Colourful clothes for every "just in case" occasion are neatly folded, the more formal wear hanging in anticipation in the wardrobe. The shoes are under the bed with the extra blankets, pillows sheets and towels, the rods are stored, the kayaks are on the roof, the chainsaw is in the storage bin with the tool kit, camp chairs, table, outdoor heater and mozzie lamp. The BBQ is all gassed up, the bikes are secured in the rack next to the surfboard, so what are you waiting for?
Lets get going!!
It's a scene practiced every day as more and more people discover the magic, the freedom and the stress free lifestyle called RVing but very quickly, novices to the lifestyle can discover that if they are not careful, stress can be introduced if you do not really know what you are doing.
It's like anything and as the old saying goes "practice makes perfect" and it sure does.
Experienced RVer's, reading this now are probably smiling to themselves and shaking their heads slowly, remembering their first RV experience and how much they have learnt since, especially from talking to others out on the road.
Three keywords are very appropriate guidelines for any RVer no matter how experienced - Planning, Restraint and Understanding. For the newbies, understanding comes very quickly with experience but by adding an element of planning and restraint, whilst uncomfortable, just may send your enjoyment factor north and your stress levels south.
Some of the tips discussed today could help you really think about your life on the road.
Tip 1 - Many RVer's Just Take Too Much Stuff, "Just in Case"
The last thing you will want to do is arrive at a classic campsite on the river or lake then spend so much time searching storage bins and cupboards for the things you need while you are there. It becomes annoying and frustrating and don't forget, every kilogram of unused items are costing you money in extra fuel usage.
Tip 2 - Understand Your RV's Weights
For your safety and the safety of others on the road, you need to understand how much you can load up your RV. The manufacturer sets a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) or Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) which is the maximum weight of the RV. The tare weight is the actual weight of the RV if you took it over a weighbridge empty. The difference between the GVM or GTM and the Tare is the carrying capacity. It is illegal to exceed the GVM.
Tip 3 - Keep Clothing to a Minimum
The RV life is simple and uncomplicated. Clothing is casual and as most RVer's tend to follow the sun, the standard uniform is a t-shirt, shorts and thongs with a pair of jeans or slacks and a nice polo or two in reserve for eating out or the club. The point is, you don't need to take a lot of clothing, particularly if the weather is warm and if you need an extra item, pick it up from a local shopping centre. Local Vinnies stores can be fun to shop at and cheap too.
Tip 4 - Plan Your Menu
Dining at your RV can be a real joy, not so much because of the food but more because of the ambience of the location you are at. Much of the dining pleasure is outdoors, mainly simple, often barbecued and accompanied by a salad and bread. Cans of food can be heavy and demand a lot of space and should be left at home. Everyone's taste is different but be prepared for simple healthy meals with few ingredients and cooking will cease to be a chore.
Tip 5 - Heathy Eating from Roadside Stalls
Of course pick up your basics from a supermarket but you will see as you drive along that often there are roadside stalls selling cheap local produce picked that very day, jams lovingly preserved in traditional farmhouse ways, flavoursome goods to tickle your taste buds, natural and fresh all ready for your evening meal.
Tip 6 - The 3 Golden Rules of RVing
RVs no matter the type are the perfect freedom machines. See a dirt road? Go down it to see what's there; possibly the best fishing spot you have ever experienced. So the Golden Rules? Keep your fuel tank topped up, your water tank the same and sufficient basics in your pantry like long life milk because you may not know where you will be tomorrow. Rule number four? Leave nothing but footprints.
Tip 7 - Finding Water
Water is everywhere and is usually free. The most accommodating places to source water are service stations that usually have no qualms about letting you fill your water tanks especially if you buy fuel from them but even if you are not, they are usually ok with it. Another source can be roadside rest areas although many of them are on tank water and Tourist information centres can often be a source of water finding knowledge.
Tip 8 - Washing Your Clothes
Not that you will have too many clothes to wash but the obvious places to go to are either a local Laundromat or pay for a night in a caravan park and use their laundry facilities. Some RVs have washing machines on board but in the interests of water conservation, they do often use a lot of water. One home grown method is to half fill a bucket and put it in the shower cubicle, add some suds and the clothes that need washing. Then as you drive, the clothes are agitated in the bucket and simply need rinsing when you reach your destination.
Tip 9 - Setting Up for the Evening
Caravan parks are plentiful and varied and free camping is a wonderful experience with many fantastic free camps around the country. Either way, you should try and access either during daylight hours say by 4pm. Free camps in particular where the terrain may be uncertain, at least you can see where you are attempting to set up and pick the best place before any others arrive. Many smaller caravan parks close at dusk and you may not be able to gain access after dark.
Tip 10 - The Night Time Routine
Each evening just as you are calling it a night, the simple routine is to put away your camp table and chairs in a storage bin and put away the awning unless you have your awning pegged or tied down. The last thing you need is a strong wind come up during the night that might take your awning away. If free camping, it is also a security measure so if you are uncertain of noises or activity outside, you can drive off at a moment's notice, a very rare thing indeed.
This is not mine found on face book but thought it was great
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