check out the new remote control Jockey Wheel SmartBar rearview170 Beam Communications SatPhone Shop Barrington Coast Airshow Topargee products
Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Post Info TOPIC: Hints, Tips and Great Ideas


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 6997
Date:
RE: Hints, Tips and Great Ideas


Yep we carry those as well Grumpy.

In addition theres always a pack of disposable gloves in the vehicle.... they get used for all sorts of things, including pulling a dead wallaby off the road, as the wedge-tails were eating it and I didnt want them to be road-kill too. Also handy to clean up the area around your campsite when you arrive. If you take your rubbish with you, then theres no need to clean your campsite on leaving.

__________________

Cheers,  Gerty. ... at home

"Leaning forward to see whats coming"
                                                                   



Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 6882
Date:

I carry hand sanitiser, rubber gloves and cotton gloves for fuelling up. I also carry hand cream and baby wipes to freshen up for times when I can't get to a roadhouse shower when I'm on the job.

__________________

20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment.
Transport has no borders.

Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.



Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 2008
Date:

mmmm!  I just carry spare dunny paper for u kno wot



__________________

Goinsoon

I dont suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it.



Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 6997
Date:

And I hope you dont leave it lying around in the bush GS! Hope you also carry a spade?

__________________

Cheers,  Gerty. ... at home

"Leaning forward to see whats coming"
                                                                   



Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 2008
Date:

Proud to say, we have never left toilet paper above ground.

In fact when we are camping with a fire we always put the toilet paper in a brown paper bag and burn it, we only bury when we cannot burn.



__________________

Goinsoon

I dont suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it.



Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 930
Date:

A tip with you fire extinguisher is that it must be disturbed at regular intervals. If it is hung in the normal frame and left for when you need it it will not work.
I consider a good method of storage is to set the frame LEVEL and then every Monday twist it 60 degrees. This means every 6 weeks you have rotated your extinguisher 360 degrees. As you travel it will shake the powder loose from where it was the previous week to a new spot. This will then keep the powder loose and ready for use. To test get your extinguisher and give it a shake and see if you can feel the powder move. If not it will not work when needed, so shake till it does move or perhaps spend a few bucks and get a new one.

For the awning if you remove the top bolt and at a eye you can then use that to tie down the awning when camped.

if there is room above your door and below the awning when the awning is up you can affix stainless wire between the two legs with a trun buckle and you have a permanent clothes line. When you pull the awning out you have your line.

A tarp can be suspended from the end of your awning for a security screen when showering out side in free camp if the road or other campers are near.

A garden pressure spray makes a great shower. heat some water and then pump up the sprayer and you ahve a good shower , even with a tap. Take off the nossel if you prefer.

That should do for a while

Regards
Brian

__________________

11 Mtr house Boat based at Mannum hoping to travel up the Murray as far as I can get then drift back again



Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 2458
Date:

When in the warmer areas we like to go for a swim but sometimes the walk can be rather long. So to save having to carry too much gear, we take a camera which has a backpack style carry bag and room enough in the top pocket for drinks, sunscreen etc, Towels take up so much space so we bought the chamois type. They fold down to nothing in the bag.

Those style of towels, when purchased from sports stores and camping stores are quite expensive so one day when I was in one of the cheapie shops, I noticed some in the pet section.

I grabbed a pink one and a blue one and they have been brilliant and only cost about $5. They do have a little paw print on them but what the heck. smile

We also use poppers for a drink when we get to the swimming hole and freeze them so when we are ready to sip, its cold and keeps a sandwich at an edible temperature to boot.



__________________

I must be a binge thinker. I do it a lot at times, then, not much at all.

 




Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 257
Date:

Everyone probably already does this, but I like a real glass for my wine So popping one that fits (the wine tasting style glass is perfect) in a neoprene stubby cooler keeps it from breaking even if it bounces around.

__________________

Geoff n Jen



Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 45
Date:

We use 'tiffins' ( Indian lunch box ) to take our picnics or lunch when hiking, kayaking etc,, They are made of stainless steel so can also be used to cook in, and our larger one has plates in between each compartment. We find them more durable than plastic containers.

__________________


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1969
Date:

We've had canvas covers made to protect the awning arms from stone chips when traveling.

It also prevents the awning from unravelling during transit.



Attachments
__________________

Destination: AUSTRALIA....... all over.



Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 257
Date:

You have sooo many great ideassmile



__________________

Geoff n Jen



Chief one feather

Status: Offline
Posts: 17405
Date:

The Martha Gardner of the caravan world

__________________

Live Life On Your Terms

DOUG  Chief One Feather  (Losing feathers with age)

TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy

DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV  (with some changes)

 



Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 2238
Date:

Geoff n Jen wrote:

Everyone probably already does this, but I like a real glass for my wine So popping one that fits (the wine tasting style glass is perfect) in a neoprene stubby cooler keeps it from breaking even if it bounces around.


 You ar SO RIGHT.... real wine glass and real coffee cup !! I fit mine inside stubby coolers.



__________________

Rosie



Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 6997
Date:

I use an insulated stainless steel cup for wine, keeps it cool in the hot weather (when I'm drinking slowly) and no problems with breakage, plus the wine tastes as good as if in a proper glass.

__________________

Cheers,  Gerty. ... at home

"Leaning forward to see whats coming"
                                                                   



Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1969
Date:

Rip and Rosie wrote:
 You ar SO RIGHT.... real wine glass and real coffee cup !! I fit mine inside stubby coolers.

 My crystal wine glasses live in their original box.  The 'real' cups and crockery in general, live in the overhead cupboards and when we are about to travel I put the loose cushions from the lounge in to prevent them moving about. 

So far so good, no breakages.



Attachments
__________________

Destination: AUSTRALIA....... all over.



Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1531
Date:

Lynjeff wrote:

We use 'tiffins' ( Indian lunch box ) to take our picnics or lunch when hiking, kayaking etc,, They are made of stainless steel so can also be used to cook in, and our larger one has plates in between each compartment. We find them more durable than plastic containers.


 My grandad was born in Madras and often talked about dabbas (tiffin box or lunch box) and dabba wallahs, the man that delivered your tiffin or lunch by one of these. Or he might ask Nan "where's tiffin mummy?" It used to crack us up when we were kids. He still had an Indian accent when we lived with him in Queensland back in about 1968 for a while.



__________________


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 6513
Date:

My sister and hubby use pewter for their wine. Found them in an op shop.

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, now living on the Redcliffe Peninsula, SEQ.

 

 





Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1531
Date:

goinsoon wrote:

Proud to say, we have never left toilet paper above ground.

In fact when we are camping with a fire we always put the toilet paper in a brown paper bag and burn it, we only bury when we cannot burn.


 Setting fire to toilet paper can be hazardous. If you don't believe me you can ask a couple of my mates from the RAAF who used to perform a strange dance on the roof of a toilet block in a certain street in Singapore back in the late 70's to 80's.



__________________


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1969
Date:

Can you guys please move your chat to the other thread?

We are trying to keep this one relative to the topic so it will be easier for members to find the info.

Here is the other chat one.  http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t46497120/re-banter-on-hints-tips-and-great-ideas/

Thanks.



-- Edited by Boroma577 on Friday 2nd of December 2011 10:03:53 PM

__________________

Destination: AUSTRALIA....... all over.



Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 197
Date:

Our van is set up with LED & Fluro lighting which is energy efficient when free camping.

As our tug is not fitted with a duel battery system & we only free camp for short periods usually overnight or 1-2 days, I didn't want to invest in solar or purchasing a generator so I made up a 12v lead that fits my Jump Start Heavy Duty Battery.

This lead is fitted with both a anderson and a female 7 pin plug (back to back). This gives us flexability to extend power for lighting and 12v Tv or short time running of the fridge on 12v (eg - while having lunch at roadside stops without running the ute battery down).

 IMGP1450.JPG  IMGP1451.JPG  IMGP1453.JPG

Havn't had to use it much but works fine.

Cheers,

John



-- Edited by grumpy-j on Saturday 3rd of December 2011 02:08:19 PM



-- Edited by grumpy-j on Saturday 3rd of December 2011 10:08:06 PM

__________________

 



Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 198
Date:

Beth54 wrote:

"I've been trying to find a Corelle mug, the old type,,,the new ones aren't as good"

I am with you beth, I purchased a whole lot of corelle for our boat 18 years ago...I just unpacked it and put it in Oly, I could not get over how superior the quality was to the stuff they are selling now, and I like it just as much as a normal cup, it is actually smoother and finer than cheaper china.

Ikea has the best none slip plastic to line your shelves with, comes in clear and grey....it is not porous and really does work.

cheers Sharon


 



__________________
Life was always meant to be fun.


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1969
Date:

 

If you are camping/traveling etc in the summer months this is a must have.

Get yourself one of these Fly Traps and make sure you place it down wind and the smellier it gets the more flies it attracts.

No need to load up with another sachet of the bait, just top the original one up. It will last quite some time depending on how long it takes to fill.

Have attached a pic..it is a bit gross but you can see it definitely does work.



Attachments
__________________

Destination: AUSTRALIA....... all over.



Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 145
Date:

Boroma577 wrote:

 

If you are camping/traveling etc in the summer months this is a must have.

Get yourself one of these Fly Traps and make sure you place it down wind and the smellier it gets the more flies it attracts.

No need to load up with another sachet of the bait, just top the original one up. It will last quite some time depending on how long it takes to fill.

Have attached a pic..it is a bit gross but you can see it definitely does work.


 Yes they are very good does not take long for the pests to find there way to there death,just need ten of them here in the west around the van.Yeah they are gross but a good fly is a dead one. 



__________________
n r smart


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1969
Date:

I have 3 sets of these Magic Lock bag sealers; bought them from a camping show in Brissy last year. 

I use them all the time and very strongly recommend if you see them anywhere....grab them.  They don't take up much room either.

I found a link on the web to show you: http://www.idemo.com.au/shop/Magic-Lock-Bag-Sealers.html



__________________

Destination: AUSTRALIA....... all over.



Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 257
Date:

Got em love em, have you seen the silicone lids that fit everything and can be used as pot holders and heat mats etc. same people sold them at Eumundi Markets the lid comes in 3 sizes is flat and you just sit it on top of your say salad bowl and give it a tap and it's sealed, place on top of dishes in the microwave (but don't tap n seal). They sit flat in the draw and have many uses, really great Idea.

__________________

Geoff n Jen



Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1969
Date:

Geoff n Jen wrote:

Got em love em, have you seen the silicone lids that fit everything and can be used as pot holders and heat mats etc. same people sold them at Eumundi Markets the lid comes in 3 sizes is flat and you just sit it on top of your say salad bowl and give it a tap and it's sealed, place on top of dishes in the microwave (but don't tap n seal). They sit flat in the draw and have many uses, really great Idea.


 Yes I have but did not get them as they are too big for the fridge in the van.  I got 2 sets of the other ones you use in place of glad wrap.



__________________

Destination: AUSTRALIA....... all over.



Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 2008
Date:
AWNING


over the last twelve months that we have been on the road and during that time I have seen at least four vans where the front of the awning has come away while the van was travelling and the front upright has bent

So when I roll my awning up to travel I put a strap around the top of the front upright in case the locking device fails



__________________

Goinsoon

I dont suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it.



Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 145
Date:
RE: Hints, Tips and Great Ideas


goinsoon wrote:

over the last twelve months that we have been on the road and during that time I have seen at least four vans where the front of the awning has come away while the van was travelling and the front upright has bent

So when I roll my awning up to travel I put a strap around the top of the front upright in case the locking device fails


 I use velcro,i came across a vanner that lost his awning 2hrs from albany heading to busselton for 4 weeks,the wind had got into the canvas and ripped it of, yes you should strap them. 



__________________
n r smart


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 197
Date:

When I go bush I always take my Handy-Wash bucket.

IMGP1473.JPG  IMGP1475.JPG

Dirty cloths can be put in the Handy-Wash bucket with water & detergent and the lid sealed by pressing the centre to form a vacuum to prevent the lid coming off during travel. The motion during travelling washes the cloths.

When arriving at your destination its a quick couple of plunges with the other lid and the cloths are ready for rinsing and hanging out to dry.

We also use a pegless cloths line that fits across the awning.

IMGP1477.JPG

Both were purchased at the Melb Caravan Show, are light and take up very little space.

Cheers,

John


-- Edited by grumpy-j on Sunday 4th of December 2011 12:34:57 PM



-- Edited by grumpy-j on Sunday 4th of December 2011 06:18:30 PM

__________________

 



Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 293
Date:

John

I understand that if you use woolwash then you don't even have to rinse but have not tried it



__________________

 

Clare

«First  <  1 2 3 419  >  Last»  | Page of 19  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.

Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us
Purchase Grey Nomad bumper stickers Read our daily column, the Nomad News The Grey Nomad's Guidebook