After reading the recent threads on the water hose bag etc and the info on the Generic Nappy Soaker, I thought it might be good to have a thread specific to various hints and tips etc.
We are all quiet clever at coming up with ideas to make our lives on the road better in one way or another so now is the time to share those secrets
Lets keep the idle chat out of it this time, by all means discuss the hint or tip but save the banter for another thread.
That way it will be easier for anyone looking for info to find it, without having to wade through heaps of irrelevant posts.
Additionally, if you have any pics to show us, that would be great also.
My first tip is to anyone building a new caravan or RV. Make sure, in fact insist upon getting a wiring diagram of your unit......you never know when you might need it.
03_troopy said
10:18 PM Nov 28, 2011
Socks are great for storing ratchet straps in.. Only problem is I get chaffed ankles with bare feet in me boots now.
Boroma577 said
10:22 PM Nov 28, 2011
03_troopy wrote:
Socks are great for storing ratchet straps in..
Thanks Troopy, you just solved a problem for me. That would also work for bungy cords too, wouldn't it??
Sheba said
10:23 PM Nov 28, 2011
If you type Good Ideas in the Search Box,
you'll find some more.
Cheers,
Sheba.
03_troopy said
10:31 PM Nov 28, 2011
Boroma577 wrote:
03_troopy wrote:
Socks are great for storing ratchet straps in..
Thanks Troopy, you just solved a problem for me. That would also work for bungy cords too, wouldn't it??
It probably would, providing the smaller hooks didn't keep getting caught up. I don't like bungies that much, I have an uncle who lost an eye to one a few years back.
Boroma577 said
12:43 AM Nov 29, 2011
03_troopy wrote:
It probably would, providing the smaller hooks didn't keep getting caught up. I don't like bungies that much, I have an uncle who lost an eye to one a few years back.
We have heaps and I was thinking about putting one bungy per sock?
lyn-n-ken said
06:00 AM Nov 29, 2011
hi velcros my favorite thing is velcros, so many uses, we use it to tie up the electrical cord, the hose , the drainage pipe, the antenna cable, strap things to other things, its the best stuff ever. we keep heaps of it with us. far less dangerous than ocky straps lyn
Helena said
06:28 AM Nov 29, 2011
We use the rubber door stops to wedge into the step on the van saves it from dropping down as you are travelling we just tie them onto the bar under the step Helena
Rip and Rosie said
09:23 AM Nov 29, 2011
We carry an extra tarp.
Comes in handy for creating shade, flooring, etc.
Used it for covering the back of the van in a storm which caused big leaks inside, so kept us dry till we could fix it.
It has been used as a privacy screen, extra awning and sun screen.
It has covered stuff we needed to leave under the awning, and has been used as an emergency raincoat (only it was way too big but made a funny photo).
Its been slung between trees, from the awning, from the pop-top, from the car doors and neighbour's van.
Its been tied with ropes, okker straps, tent pegs, bulldog clips, bits of string and held down with pegs, rocks and eskies.
Love my tarp.
Gerty Dancer said
09:36 AM Nov 29, 2011
We have a tray from the 2-dollar shop that fits neatly on top of a little folding stool (of the type that you take fishing). The tray gets used as a tray for picnics etc, and can be taken off so the stool provides another seat, and they both pack flat. The downside is that friends/family feel sorry for us, thinking we dont have a table, and we've been given two "proper" ones. Dont have a use for them.
grumpy-j said
09:46 AM Nov 29, 2011
Tip No1: - We have two rectangular bowls that fit in the sink.
As we dirty dishes & cups we just rinse them and stack them in one of the bowls and store it out of the way freeing up the bench and sink for use.
When we get enough we just stick the bowl of dirty dishes in the sink add the hot water & detergent and the jobs sweet.
Tip No2: - Suction Hooks & Toilet Paper Holder (No drilling holes required).
These just attach to the wall and work great.
Make sure you read the instructions first before applying them.
Tip No3: - We use the clear plastic bags with zippers that come with Doona Covers to store the water hoses and electrical leads.
There great as you can see whats inside them when stored in the back of the ute.
Tip No 4: - We use a Jane Austin Aerobic Step outside the caravan door.
Its very firm but cushions your step.
On this we place a rubber mat which works a treat keeping fine sand out of the van.
Tip No5: - We have a meshed in area fitted to the A frame drawbar which is handy for carrying wet mats etc.
Tip No6: - A velcro strap on the awning upright supports is a good idea when travelling.
Hope these are some help.
Cheers,
John
-- Edited by grumpy-j on Tuesday 29th of November 2011 12:12:27 PM
Happywanderer said
10:34 AM Nov 29, 2011
Great ideas there grumpy, will take some of them on board. I had to laugh about the bowls for the sink. I was told by a friend when I bought Myrtle, you must have a rectangular bucket and a watering can. They are a must. Got them thinking they must be important. My sink is round so bucket was no good and never used the watering can so its sits at home in my gardening shed. Thats proves everyones needs are different.
Gerty Dancer said
11:47 AM Nov 29, 2011
I finally found a round bowl for my sink HW, but had to look in lotsa cheap shops first
Still wondering what the watering can could be used for.... maybe if you had a partner to hold it up, you could use it as a shower?
jules47 said
11:52 AM Nov 29, 2011
We bought a square plastic basket, just the right size to sit on the sink draining board, use it as a dish rack, instead of conventional dish drainer - plates don't slip down, holds the dishes for two people no worries, also keep things in the van cupboard in the same sort of baskets, varying sizes - cutlery, serving utensils, cans and boxes in the food cupboard as well. Easier to pull the basket out than fiddle around in the cupboard, as we all know, these things usually end up at the back of the cupboard - and short arms don't make retrieving them easy. Oh, sorry - forgot - don't have the van anymore - sold!
grumpy-j said
12:31 PM Nov 29, 2011
In our van we have a wall hanging double pocket for maps, tourist info, torches, sun glasses, caravan park books etc.
To this we bought a packet of chrome s-hooks for hanging keys and other knick nacks.
We find it fantastic for storing those type of things out of the way up off the table and benches.
Peterpan said
12:56 PM Nov 29, 2011
We have some "S" shaped hooks for hanging on C/P shower doors . Works really well when there are not enough places to hang things.
Happywanderer said
02:12 PM Nov 29, 2011
Gerty Dancer wrote:
I finally found a round bowl for my sink HW, but had to look in lotsa cheap shops first
Still wondering what the watering can could be used for.... maybe if you had a partner to hold it up, you could use it as a shower?
Im presuming she used hers for filling her water tank from a tap along the way, would take a while, and must have been when she wasn't able to use her filling hose.
Boroma577 said
06:00 PM Nov 29, 2011
Some great ideas here, thanks everyone and let's keep them coming.
Vic said
06:14 PM Nov 29, 2011
Gerty Dancer wrote:
Still wondering what the watering can could be used for.... maybe if you had a partner to hold it up, you could use it as a shower?
I use one for the campervan to fill the water tank instead of a hose Gerty, good for topping up but also doesn't take too long to fill it, I think mine takes about 4 fill ups.
I found it extremely handy on my last trip when using a drinking water tap in town at a shelter that you couldn't screw a hose onto anyway, just held the watering can under it to fill the can up. Also takes less room than a hose and less hassles if your not hooking up to water in a c/park etc.
jimricho said
06:40 PM Nov 29, 2011
Rip and Rosie wrote:
We carry an extra tarp.
Comes in handy for creating shade, flooring, etc.
Used it for covering the back of the van in a storm which caused big leaks inside, so kept us dry till we could fix it.
It has been used as a privacy screen, extra awning and sun screen.
It has covered stuff we needed to leave under the awning, and has been used as an emergency raincoat (only it was way too big but made a funny photo).
Its been slung between trees, from the awning, from the pop-top, from the car doors and neighbour's van.
Its been tied with ropes, okker straps, tent pegs, bulldog clips, bits of string and held down with pegs, rocks and eskies.
Love my tarp.
I have used my tarp to protect the roof from bird and bat poop. Also handy for tent trailers and tents to use as a fly to keep the rain off the canvas and if erected in such a way that there's an air gap between it and the tent it goes some way towards stopping the tent becoming like a sauna on hot days.
Boroma577 said
06:45 PM Nov 29, 2011
I have recently discovered the versatility of those flexi tubs, available at the cheapie stores. I have 2 x 42 litre ones ($10 each) and use them for all manner of things including:
Dirty clothes hamper (did away with my rigid laundry basket), washing, rinsing, rinsing/bathing the doggies, carrying the wet towels etc in the car from the beach, pop the groceries in when shopping....saves them rolling about the back of the car.
We have used it to stand in when using the external shower on the van, carrying clothes, towel, toiletries etc to the shower block,collecting rain water from the awning....and the list goes on.
Happywanderer said
06:54 PM Nov 29, 2011
Yes I have one of those too Boroma, It sits on the floor on the passenger side of Myrtle with bits and pieces stacked in it. Bought it for the showering suggestion you just made but as you say can always use for washing, storing dirty clothes etc.
Beth54 said
08:00 PM Nov 29, 2011
grumpy-j wrote:
In our van we have a wall hanging double pocket for maps, tourist info, torches, sun glasses, caravan park books etc.
To this we bought a packet of chrome s-hooks for hanging keys and other knick nacks.
We find it fantastic for storing those type of things out of the way up off the table and benches.
I like this idea. Very handy. Thanks grumpy.
grumpy-j said
09:55 PM Nov 29, 2011
In our van we have a "lift up" double bed with storage underneath.
We purchased a set of sealable plastic tubs for storage which work well in outback regions as they are dust proof and fit perfectly into the area.
For storage of a extra doona and sheets we put them in a vacuum plastic bag and draw the air out with a vacuum cleaner which shrinks the size down and seals the contents from dust.
Works well for us.
Cheers,
John
jimricho said
06:54 AM Nov 30, 2011
Gee! this is good thread, I'd be in favour of Cindy making it "sticky" All credit to Boroma577 for coming up with it in the first place.
Rip and Rosie said
09:06 AM Nov 30, 2011
We have an old ice cream tub which we use to hold the dish washing detergent, scourer, sink plug and the hand washing soap pump. When using the van, the tub sits close to the sink wherever convenient (and we move it as we need ) and while travelling it sits in the sink.
It used to live in a cupboard under the sink, but its one of the "use all the time" things and sometimes on the road I would have to move stuff to open the cupboard door to get to it. If we stop for a cuppa, first thing I want is a hand wash.
Smokeydk said
09:08 AM Nov 30, 2011
Keeping awning secure.........rivited a small bracket on the top of leg....to attatch guide ropes......
Here is another tip I learned from my recent stay in Mackay.
A Damp Rid hanger for inside the van even when it is stored. You can purchase them from the supermarket (about $7.99) and at a greatly exaggerated price in Bunnings.
Best to hang it away from the sink area.
I also use a small container of Damp Rid in my bathroom to keep the damp smells at bay.
rip and rosie. I use ice cream containers for the same thing too,plus when i make scones i use them for that too, apart from the ones i eat with a cuppa,rest i put in the fridge for next cuppa. rvtraveller2
grumpy-j said
10:32 AM Dec 1, 2011
When travelling we always carry a container of hand wipes and a pressure pack of hexafoam hand steriliser.
When filling up with diesel the hand wipes work good at getting the smell off your hands.
The hexafoam is great at killing any bacteria on your hands and is handy when we pull up for smoko or lunch at roadside stops.
After reading the recent threads on the water hose bag etc and the info on the Generic Nappy Soaker, I thought it might be good to have a thread specific to various hints and tips etc.
We are all quiet clever at coming up with ideas to make our lives on the road better in one way or another so now is the time to share those secrets
Lets keep the idle chat out of it this time, by all means discuss the hint or tip but save the banter for another thread.
That way it will be easier for anyone looking for info to find it, without having to wade through heaps of irrelevant posts.
Additionally, if you have any pics to show us, that would be great also.
My first tip is to anyone building a new caravan or RV. Make sure, in fact insist upon getting a wiring diagram of your unit......you never know when you might need it.
Thanks Troopy, you just solved a problem for me. That would also work for bungy cords too, wouldn't it??
If you type Good Ideas in the Search Box,
you'll find some more.
Cheers,
Sheba.
It probably would, providing the smaller hooks didn't keep getting caught up. I don't like bungies that much, I have an uncle who lost an eye to one a few years back.
We have heaps and I was thinking about putting one bungy per sock?
velcros
my favorite thing is velcros, so many uses, we use it to tie up the electrical cord, the hose , the drainage pipe, the antenna cable, strap things to other things, its the best stuff ever. we keep heaps of it with us. far less dangerous than ocky straps
lyn
Comes in handy for creating shade, flooring, etc.
Used it for covering the back of the van in a storm which caused big leaks inside, so kept us dry till we could fix it.
It has been used as a privacy screen, extra awning and sun screen.
It has covered stuff we needed to leave under the awning, and has been used as an emergency raincoat (only it was way too big but made a funny photo).
Its been slung between trees, from the awning, from the pop-top, from the car doors and neighbour's van.
Its been tied with ropes, okker straps, tent pegs, bulldog clips, bits of string and held down with pegs, rocks and eskies.
Love my tarp.
The downside is that friends/family feel sorry for us, thinking we dont have a table, and we've been given two "proper" ones. Dont have a use for them.
Tip No1: - We have two rectangular bowls that fit in the sink.
As we dirty dishes & cups we just rinse them and stack them in one of the bowls and store it out of the way freeing up the bench and sink for use.
When we get enough we just stick the bowl of dirty dishes in the sink add the hot water & detergent and the jobs sweet.
Tip No2: - Suction Hooks & Toilet Paper Holder (No drilling holes required).
These just attach to the wall and work great.
Make sure you read the instructions first before applying them.
Tip No3: - We use the clear plastic bags with zippers that come with Doona Covers to store the water hoses and electrical leads.
There great as you can see whats inside them when stored in the back of the ute.
Tip No 4: - We use a Jane Austin Aerobic Step outside the caravan door.
Its very firm but cushions your step.
On this we place a rubber mat which works a treat keeping fine sand out of the van.
Tip No5: - We have a meshed in area fitted to the A frame drawbar which is handy for carrying wet mats etc.
Tip No6: - A velcro strap on the awning upright supports is a good idea when travelling.
Hope these are some help.
Cheers,
John
-- Edited by grumpy-j on Tuesday 29th of November 2011 12:12:27 PM
I had to laugh about the bowls for the sink.
I was told by a friend when I bought Myrtle, you must have a rectangular bucket and a watering can. They are a must. Got them thinking they must be important. My sink is round so bucket was no good and never used the watering can so its sits at home in my gardening shed.
Thats proves everyones needs are different.
Still wondering what the watering can could be used for.... maybe if you had a partner to hold it up, you could use it as a shower?
Oh, sorry - forgot - don't have the van anymore - sold!
In our van we have a wall hanging double pocket for maps, tourist info, torches, sun glasses, caravan park books etc.
To this we bought a packet of chrome s-hooks for hanging keys and other knick nacks.
We find it fantastic for storing those type of things out of the way up off the table and benches.
We have some "S" shaped hooks for hanging on C/P shower doors . Works really well when there are not enough places to hang things.
Im presuming she used hers for filling her water tank from a tap along the way, would take a while, and must have been when she wasn't able to use her filling hose.
Some great ideas here, thanks everyone and let's keep them coming.
I use one for the campervan to fill the water tank instead of a hose Gerty, good for topping up but also doesn't take too long to fill it, I think mine takes about 4 fill ups.
I found it extremely handy on my last trip when using a drinking water tap in town at a shelter that you couldn't screw a hose onto anyway, just held the watering can under it to fill the can up. Also takes less room than a hose and less hassles if your not hooking up to water in a c/park etc.
I have used my tarp to protect the roof from bird and bat poop. Also handy for tent trailers and tents to use as a fly to keep the rain off the canvas and if erected in such a way that there's an air gap between it and the tent it goes some way towards stopping the tent becoming like a sauna on hot days.
I have recently discovered the versatility of those flexi tubs, available at the cheapie stores. I have 2 x 42 litre ones ($10 each) and use them for all manner of things including:
Dirty clothes hamper (did away with my rigid laundry basket), washing, rinsing, rinsing/bathing the doggies, carrying the wet towels etc in the car from the beach, pop the groceries in when shopping....saves them rolling about the back of the car.
We have used it to stand in when using the external shower on the van, carrying clothes, towel, toiletries etc to the shower block,collecting rain water from the awning....and the list goes on.
I like this idea. Very handy. Thanks grumpy.
In our van we have a "lift up" double bed with storage underneath.
We purchased a set of sealable plastic tubs for storage which work well in outback regions as they are dust proof and fit perfectly into the area.
For storage of a extra doona and sheets we put them in a vacuum plastic bag and draw the air out with a vacuum cleaner which shrinks the size down and seals the contents from dust.
Works well for us.
Cheers,
John
It used to live in a cupboard under the sink, but its one of the "use all the time" things and sometimes on the road I would have to move stuff to open the cupboard door to get to it. If we stop for a cuppa, first thing I want is a hand wash.
Keeping awning secure.........rivited a small bracket on the top of leg....to attatch guide ropes......
Here is another tip I learned from my recent stay in Mackay.
A Damp Rid hanger for inside the van even when it is stored. You can purchase them from the supermarket (about $7.99) and at a greatly exaggerated price in Bunnings.
Best to hang it away from the sink area.
I also use a small container of Damp Rid in my bathroom to keep the damp smells at bay.
rip and rosie. I use ice cream containers for the same thing too,plus when i make scones i use them for that too
, apart from the ones i eat with a cuppa,rest i put in the fridge for next cuppa. rvtraveller2 
When travelling we always carry a container of hand wipes and a pressure pack of hexafoam hand steriliser.
When filling up with diesel the hand wipes work good at getting the smell off your hands.
The hexafoam is great at killing any bacteria on your hands and is handy when we pull up for smoko or lunch at roadside stops.
Cheers,
John