We r professional pest controlers by trade so no problems for us, there is an ant gel we use that they love and it kills the nest.
Boroma577 said
07:48 PM Dec 6, 2011
Geoff n Jen wrote:
We r professional pest controlers by trade so no problems for us, there is an ant gel we use that they love and it kills the nest.
I might just have to arrange to get some of this next time I am up your way.
rvtraveller2 said
08:02 PM Dec 6, 2011
Sounds like we all need some,how do you get it.
Boroma577 said
08:37 PM Dec 6, 2011
rvtraveller2 wrote:
Sounds like we all need some,how do you get it.
Ask Geoff n Jen though it might be appropriate to do it via a PM as I am not sure what the rules are here in regard to this sort of activity on the forum.
Maybe someone can advise on this matter.
Happywanderer said
08:54 PM Dec 6, 2011
I thought you could buy the ant gel at places like Bunnings.
Boroma577 said
09:08 PM Dec 6, 2011
Happywanderer wrote:
I thought you could buy the ant gel at places like Bunnings.
Probably not the commercial stuff that I figured Geoff n Jen use.
grumpy-j said
08:50 AM Dec 7, 2011
Do you have Tainted Water from Plastic Water Tanks?
Put about 20 litres of water in the tank with half a packet of bicarbonate of soda and go for a drive or first day of your trip.
Drain and refill with fresh water. Works a treat!
Always make sure you are using fittings and hoses rated for drinking water otherwise nothing will improve the taste.
Note: All this assumes that drink safe hoses/connections are being used and that they are black (i.e. no light can get into the system to allow algae to grow)
After each trip I always drain my water tanks empty but thats just my personal preference.
Cheers,
John
Geoff n Jen said
10:16 AM Dec 7, 2011
grumpy-j wrote:
Do you have Tainted Water from Plastic Water Tanks?
Put about 20 litres of water in the tank with half a packet of bicarbonate of soda and go for a drive or first day of your trip.
Drain and refill with fresh water. Works a treat!
Always make sure you are using fittings and hoses rated for drinking water otherwise nothing will improve the taste.
Note: All this assumes that drink safe hoses/connections are being used and that they are black (i.e. no light can get into the system to allow algae to grow)
After each trip I always drain my water tanks empty but thats just my personal preference.
Cheers,
John
This sounds like great advice I wondered what we were doing wrong, we have clear hose and I can't stand the taste of the water if it rains I'm quick with the bucket under the awning after it's clean, I fill up every available container.
aroundthetraps said
11:12 AM Dec 7, 2011
Equal parts baby oil, dettol and meths, spray around tyres, caravan legs or parts that touch the ground....no more ants !
grumpy-j said
01:18 PM Dec 7, 2011
Handy checklist before leaving the site.
Reply Quote
Edit Post
Lift up the corner jacks.
Hook up the tow vehicle.
Attach the chains and breakaway lead if fitted.
Attach the 7 pin and anderson plug to the van.
Let off the caravan hand brake.
Attach the equalizer hitch.
Remove the jockey wheel and stow it.
Turn off the gas bottle (never drive with the fridge on gas)
Check the turning indicator lights, break lights and other 12v lights are all working correctly
Are the car mirrors fitted?
If a pop top is the pop-top locked down?
Is the TV aerial down.
Is the 240v power lead unplugged and stowed away?
Is the fridge turned onto 12v power for travelling.
Is the water & drainage hose unhooked and stowed away?
Check cupboard doors are shut.
Everything put away inside in travelling mode.
Check the tyre pressures, the oil and water in the tow vehicle.
Check all the wheel nuts are tight but not over tight.
Check clearences around your van for overhanging branches, power outlets, taps, drainage gutters as well as other close objects.
don't forget to check the place you have just left for things like wheel ramps, chocks, buckets, hoses, mats and odds and ends that may have rolled under the van.
(Most caravanner know all these but Murphy's Law is just waiting out there to prove you wrong).
-- Edited by grumpy-j on Wednesday 7th of December 2011 01:22:21 PM
-- Edited by grumpy-j on Wednesday 7th of December 2011 06:53:00 PM
jonathan said
01:29 PM Dec 7, 2011
and before you pull out, see that you left it cleaner than when you arrived ..
Jon
jimricho said
05:53 PM Dec 7, 2011
Never be too proud to use a written checklist.
Interruptions are the biggest cause of items being overlooked when doing a check. Partners of those doing the checks should refrain from interrupting until the checks are finished.
Esmeralda said
11:26 PM Dec 7, 2011
Beth54 wrote:
I like a proper mug for my tea,,love bone china, so I've been trying to find a Corelle mug, the old type,,,the new ones aren't as good,,,in an op shop. No luck so far, but I'll keep looking.
Beth, I was in Kathmandu today and I saw some Corelle like mugs, bowls and plates, maybe a bit more melamine but it may be worth looking.
Esmeralda said
11:28 PM Dec 7, 2011
Also, while in Kathmandu I bought a shower bag (the sort that warm in the sun) and it has a thermometer on it. Yet to check it out but it could be a good idea. I will try it on the clothes line tomorrow.
Firefly said
06:19 AM Dec 8, 2011
Before we had a loo in a van, we found some very ordinary public toilets so we bought a toilet seat from Big W. Just a cheap normal seat and what a difference that made to having to use some of these.
I put it in one of those big Aldi plastic bags along with toilet paper and antiseptic wipes and jobs right.
No one can see what you are carrying and you have everything you need right there in the bag.
grumpy-j said
10:01 AM Dec 8, 2011
firefly wrote: -
Before we had a loo in a van, we found some very ordinary public toilets so we bought a toilet seat from Big W. Just a cheap normal seat and what a difference that made to having to use some of these.
I put it in one of those big Aldi plastic bags along with toilet paper and antiseptic wipes and jobs right.
No one can see what you are carrying and you have everything you need right there in the bag.
We now have to lobby to get the Long Drop Toilets better vented to reduce the smell.
To be fair some are OK but others are shockers.
Failing that its a peg on the nose or deep breaths.
-- Edited by grumpy-j on Thursday 8th of December 2011 10:01:44 AM
grumpy-j said
01:31 PM Dec 8, 2011
Loading the van & weight distribution.
Whenever a vehicle towing a caravan travels along the road with the back down and front up, a problem of weight transfer exists. This means that there is less weight on the front wheels but more on the rear.
For maximum safety, stability and vehicle control, both the caravan and towing vehicle should be level.
Correct loading ensures greater stability and safety.
-- Edited by grumpy-j on Thursday 8th of December 2011 02:27:54 PM
Esmeralda said
03:51 PM Dec 8, 2011
Firefly wrote:
Before we had a loo in a van, we found some very ordinary public toilets so we bought a toilet seat from Big W. Just a cheap normal seat and what a difference that made to having to use some of these.
I put it in one of those big Aldi plastic bags along with toilet paper and antiseptic wipes and jobs right.
No one can see what you are carrying and you have everything you need right there in the bag.
Firefly - brilliant idea - definitely on my list to get. I have only stopped at one roadside toilet and it was so bad that I got out of there quick smart and crossed my legs to the next service station!!
Firefly said
04:10 PM Dec 8, 2011
Know how you feel Esmeralda, there have been some times rather difficult and a seat was all that was needed so we supplied our own.
Glad your wife found that tip helpful too Grumpy.
I do like the load distribution sketch.
grumpy-j said
08:04 PM Dec 8, 2011
When I need any information on all things concerning caravans, maintenance and accessories, I always look up: - http://www.lets-getaway.com/.
Its worth a look as its a one stop shop of good helpful information.
Cheers,
John
-- Edited by grumpy-j on Thursday 8th of December 2011 08:05:36 PM
cannylass said
09:10 PM Dec 8, 2011
I use the bucket all the time with the wool wash works just fine I half fill the bucket with my wahing and leave in the boot its washed by the time we get to the next stop over
grumpy-j said
02:31 PM Dec 9, 2011
In the event of caravan 12 volt power problems this plug pin configuration may come in handy.
Boroma577 said
02:36 PM Dec 9, 2011
Have added these chrome rails inside the cavity of the four seasons hatch.
Ideal to hang the tea towel and any other damp towels etc when traveling.
In the event of caravan 12 volt power problems this plug pin configuration may come in handy.
Good one grumpy I have made a note of this it might come in handy one day. Thankyou
Dougwe said
07:11 PM Dec 9, 2011
Boroma577 wrote:
Have added these chrome rails inside the cavity of the four seasons hatch.
Ideal to hang the tea towel and any other damp towels etc when traveling.
That's a great idea Boroma I would never of thought of that one. Keep these great ideas coming everyone thay are all great.
Ooops, not a good night tonight.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Friday 9th of December 2011 07:57:53 PM
grumpy-j said
08:17 PM Dec 9, 2011
While at a caravan park in NT my wife had some light clothing & underwear stolen off a small line under the awning.
To prevent this happening again we purchased the following for $3
It hangs in the van shower and the beauty of it is we can open the vent and run the 12 volt fan to draw a draught up through the cloths and speed up the drying process.
We only use it for small items but it works great. Three dollars well spent.
Cheers,
John
Happywanderer said
08:26 PM Dec 9, 2011
Yes, I've got one of those too grumpy, found it very useful for smalls. I can hook it to one of my pull handles on the pop top.
Happywanderer said
08:57 PM Dec 9, 2011
Mozzie Patches and Mozzie Wipes Today at my Amcal chemist I managed to find Mozzie Patches, they look very similiar to the ones talked about on here the other day. They are called Mosquito-Patch Insect Repellant. Cost 9.99 and come 10 in a box. The Mozzie wipes are just like Baby Wipes. Called Insect Repellant Wipes 30 sheets for 6.95. You just wipe the exposed areas before heading out where the mozzies will be. Until they bring out a Mozzie vaccination I will try anything once.
Cruising Granny said
09:57 PM Dec 9, 2011
grumpy-j wrote:
Thanks Marj - I'll give it a go.
No matter what we do I think they have a team brief and come up with a different plan of attack.
GD - A ring of petrolum jelly around the hoses and power cord works well.
Cheers,
John
I've remembered a concoction the pest controller gave me when he treated my van for ants in Broome.
Borax is the base, season with sugar and some dried meat product. He used powdered, dehydrated sheep's livers. I think some of those pork crackling bits crushed up with the Borax would do it.
They take it to the nest and it kills the colony. It worked on 3 species in Broome, and on the Cairns species as well.
I keep a bit in the fridge all the time.
Cruising Granny said
10:00 PM Dec 9, 2011
Boroma577 wrote:
Have added these chrome rails inside the cavity of the four seasons hatch.
Ideal to hang the tea towel and any other damp towels etc when traveling.
I've seen box fans mounted in that space to circulate the fresh air as it is drawn in by the fans. Worked a treat.
I might just have to arrange to get some of this next time I am up your way.
Sounds like we all need some,how do you get it.
Ask Geoff n Jen though it might be appropriate to do it via a PM as I am not sure what the rules are here in regard to this sort of activity on the forum.
Maybe someone can advise on this matter.
Probably not the commercial stuff that I figured Geoff n Jen use.
Do you have Tainted Water from Plastic Water Tanks?
Put about 20 litres of water in the tank with half a packet of bicarbonate of soda and go for a drive or first day of your trip.
Drain and refill with fresh water. Works a treat!
Always make sure you are using fittings and hoses rated for drinking water otherwise nothing will improve the taste.
Note: All this assumes that drink safe hoses/connections are being used and that they are black (i.e. no light can get into the system to allow algae to grow)
After each trip I always drain my water tanks empty but thats just my personal preference.
Cheers,
John
This sounds like great advice I wondered what we were doing wrong, we have clear hose and I can't stand the taste of the water if it rains I'm quick with the bucket under the awning after it's clean, I fill up every available container.
Equal parts baby oil, dettol and meths, spray around tyres, caravan legs or parts that touch the ground....no more ants !
-- Edited by grumpy-j on Wednesday 7th of December 2011 01:22:21 PM
-- Edited by grumpy-j on Wednesday 7th of December 2011 06:53:00 PM
and before you pull out, see that you left it cleaner than when you arrived ..
Jon
Interruptions are the biggest cause of items being overlooked when doing a check. Partners of those doing the checks should refrain from interrupting until the checks are finished.
Beth, I was in Kathmandu today and I saw some Corelle like mugs, bowls and plates, maybe a bit more melamine but it may be worth looking.
Also, while in Kathmandu I bought a shower bag (the sort that warm in the sun) and it has a thermometer on it. Yet to check it out but it could be a good idea. I will try it on the clothes line tomorrow.
Before we had a loo in a van, we found some very ordinary public toilets so we bought a toilet seat from Big W. Just a cheap normal seat and what a difference that made to having to use some of these.
I put it in one of those big Aldi plastic bags along with toilet paper and antiseptic wipes and jobs right.
No one can see what you are carrying and you have everything you need right there in the bag.
firefly wrote: -
Before we had a loo in a van, we found some very ordinary public toilets so we bought a toilet seat from Big W. Just a cheap normal seat and what a difference that made to having to use some of these.
I put it in one of those big Aldi plastic bags along with toilet paper and antiseptic wipes and jobs right.
No one can see what you are carrying and you have everything you need right there in the bag.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My wife gives your tip the big thumbs up.
We now have to lobby to get the Long Drop Toilets better vented to reduce the smell.
To be fair some are OK but others are shockers.
Failing that its a peg on the nose or deep breaths.
-- Edited by grumpy-j on Thursday 8th of December 2011 10:01:44 AM
Loading the van & weight distribution.
Whenever a vehicle towing a caravan travels along the road with the back down and front up, a problem of weight transfer exists. This means that there is less weight on the front wheels but more on the rear.
For maximum safety, stability and vehicle control, both the caravan and towing vehicle should be level.
Correct loading ensures greater stability and safety.
-- Edited by grumpy-j on Thursday 8th of December 2011 02:27:54 PM
Firefly - brilliant idea - definitely on my list to get. I have only stopped at one roadside toilet and it was so bad that I got out of there quick smart and crossed my legs to the next service station!!
Know how you feel Esmeralda, there have been some times rather difficult and a seat was all that was needed so we supplied our own.
Glad your wife found that tip helpful too Grumpy.
I do like the load distribution sketch.
When I need any information on all things concerning caravans, maintenance and accessories, I always look up: - http://www.lets-getaway.com/.
Its worth a look as its a one stop shop of good helpful information.
Cheers,
John
-- Edited by grumpy-j on Thursday 8th of December 2011 08:05:36 PM
I use the bucket all the time with the wool wash works just fine I half fill the bucket with my wahing and leave in the boot its washed by the time we get to the next stop over
In the event of caravan 12 volt power problems this plug pin configuration may come in handy.
Have added these chrome rails inside the cavity of the four seasons hatch.
Ideal to hang the tea towel and any other damp towels etc when traveling.
Good one grumpy I have made a note of this it might come in handy one day. Thankyou
That's a great idea Boroma I would never of thought of that one. Keep these great ideas coming everyone thay are all great.
Ooops, not a good night tonight.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Friday 9th of December 2011 07:57:53 PM
While at a caravan park in NT my wife had some light clothing & underwear stolen off a small line under the awning.
To prevent this happening again we purchased the following for $3
It hangs in the van shower and the beauty of it is we can open the vent and run the 12 volt fan to draw a draught up through the cloths and speed up the drying process.
We only use it for small items but it works great. Three dollars well spent.
Cheers,
John
Today at my Amcal chemist I managed to find Mozzie Patches, they look very similiar to the ones talked about on here the other day. They are called Mosquito-Patch Insect Repellant. Cost 9.99 and come 10 in a box.
The Mozzie wipes are just like Baby Wipes. Called Insect Repellant Wipes 30 sheets for 6.95. You just wipe the exposed areas before heading out where the mozzies will be.
Until they bring out a Mozzie vaccination I will try anything once.
I've remembered a concoction the pest controller gave me when he treated my van for ants in Broome.
Borax is the base, season with sugar and some dried meat product. He used powdered, dehydrated sheep's livers. I think some of those pork crackling bits crushed up with the Borax would do it.
They take it to the nest and it kills the colony. It worked on 3 species in Broome, and on the Cairns species as well.
I keep a bit in the fridge all the time.
I've seen box fans mounted in that space to circulate the fresh air as it is drawn in by the fans. Worked a treat.