First trip in van

grandpabob · Senior Member

First trip in van

chrisnchris · Senior Member

Hi All

Finally took van out for a few days . Left Brisbane travelled up Toowoomba Range out to Dalby Chinchilla Miles Condamine

stayed at Caliguel Lagoon Camps 6 (592 ) . Next day to Goondiwindi then stayed at Millmerran C/P $28 per night . Next day out to Texas

stayed 2 nights at Dumaresq River Camp 6 ( 803) then back to Brisbane via Cunninghams Gap.

We had all seasons in a few days , heat ,cold, wind , rain but everything worked well including the tribute and thats what we needed to know

so the next trip will be a long one if I don't miss the grandies too much.

Cheers

Atlas · Member

Hey Chris,

Sounds like a good test ! We are picking ours up in a couple of weeks, can't wait :)

brickies · Guru

That sure was a good shake down , After doing Toowoomba Range and Cunninghams Gap you are ready to go good luck

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Hi chrisnchris, it's great everything worked out as you had hoped. As for missing the grandies, Skype is good for that, even a quick phone call to them. Mine get a kick out of poppy ringing or if when Skype them.

neilnruth · Guru

Well done chrisandchris. That sounds like a great shakedown trip. Grandchildren will still be there when you get back and as Doug says, they love a chat on the phone or a text message or even Skype.

chrisnchris · Senior Member

Hi All
Thanks all for the vote of confidence on our trip. One little thing we have to fix is showering . We have a shower/toilet tent type setup ( 12 volt pump )
but when we can't use an open fire to heat water its cold showers . Guess it doesn't matter in summer months and winter there are very few fire bans
Should have thought this through a bit hey lol
Cheers

Roving-Dutchy · Guru

Hi Chris

Why cant the water be heated up on the gas stove? Should only need about 2 kettles of water

Cheers

David

Dougwe · Chief one feather

I boil water in a saucepan on the gas stove then put in a bucket. I have two sizes, one large for the wash water or cooking and small for a cup of tea or similar. I'm solo so it might be a little different if two of you, I can't see it being much different though.

I was at Greens Lake in Central Victoria for 3.5 weeks not that long ago and just used a face washer and liquid soap that said it didn't contain soap so no need to rinse off, just dry. I did go in the lake a few times though but not to wash. You just wash in small sections at a time. I'm probably telling you things you already know so sorry if that is the case.

buffy61 · Senior Member

Solar shower bag in the sun. When it is warm enough put it into your bucket to use the 12v pump!!
Sounds a great trip! Seems there are a few of us about to dip our toes in the great pond!! Yay us!! :)

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Every campers friend - baby wipes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For the times when you just do not have enough water - work a treat!!! Also great for getting stains out of clothing - scrub the stain immediately, if possible, with the baby wipe - voila!! all gone. They are alcohol free, so usually no problem with allergies. I use the ones from Coles usually - always have them on hand.

And a black solar bag, black side up to absorb the sun, doesn't take too long to get "just right", even leaving a bucket of water in direct sunlight will warm it usually.

hako · Guru

Good stuff Chris - just out of interest, when you went up the Toowoomba range, what speed did you travel at esp on steep sections and how did temp gauge go? - I find if I stick to speed limit that temp does rise a bit especially if you have to slow to below 60. Just the last week with all the hot weather we've seen heaps of cars (no vans) stopped on side of road with bonnet up.
Regards
Denis

jetj · Guru

I love the shower bags. It doesn't take long to warm water in the sun. Throw it in a bucket with cold water, soap up and tip the bucket over me. Great shower/wash.

Birdy1710 · Veteran Member

G,day ChrisnChris,

I use a Solar bag, most of the time, surprising how hot they get. Pour heated water in a bucket,

you will find you have to add cold water most of the time. still use your bilge pump. better than

useing your gas.

Birdy

chrisnchris · Senior Member

Hi All Again
Thanks for all the feedback on showers . I'll pick up a couple next time I'm out and about . Liquid soap and wipes we already have on board
Also had a look at grandpabobs link but space and weight might be a problem as we're just abt at our limit
and Hako ( Denis ) I'll get hubby to P M you with all that techie stuff re Toowoomba Range
Cheers
Chris