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Post by awbeattie381 on Jun 15, 2017 13:50:01 GMT 10
Hi all,
If this question has been covered please direct me to the thread - I tried searching and looking at 'sticky' posts but didnt find anything.
After a couple of years in the making, I am hoping to get the van out for its first trip (our first trip) in August - Sydney to Noosa and back over 11 days. Given its such a long trip, we hope to go away for a short weekend beforehand to make sure everything works.
The van is going in for gas work, electrical and pre trip service in mid July which will give us some peace of mind but what are caravanning essentials to take?
silicone
gaffer tape
wd40
basic tools
wheel chocks/levels
spare tyre
tarp?
Also, what are some other household items that are worth taking? This will be a step up from camping for us so not used to carrying anything more than the bare essentials!
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Post by captivenut on Jun 15, 2017 18:31:12 GMT 10
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Post by bobt on Jun 15, 2017 20:10:24 GMT 10
hey awbeattie381
That is a big step the first 'big' trip. A weekend away is a good thing, along with a pen and note pad to make that to do list and the to take list. I do one on every trip for the next trip, we have been doing it for 30+ years. Sometimes its to take stuff out and leave it behind.
Just a couple of items I think you will need.
1) Roadside assist for the car and caravan, it is really good insurance to take out.
2) Do not be in a hurry, your on holiday. Go enjoy it and savour every moment.
bobt
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Post by awbeattie381 on Jun 15, 2017 21:12:27 GMT 10
Beer? Absolutely! haha
We are allowing 3 days to get to Noosa, 5 hours driving per day (generous estimate). We will take a week to come home.
Thanks for the tips bobt
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Post by pisces51 on Jun 15, 2017 22:35:54 GMT 10
G,day Andrew, We arrived in Tweed Heads this afternoon, taking 3 days to cover the 950kms from home. Travelling time each day was 4.5 to 6 hours, including rest stops/morning tea/lunch breaks. I have all the basic tool kit/spare tyre/jack stuff, but haven't needed any of it yet. Time sure gets away on you when you stop every couple of hours for a break. Concentration when towing a van can be quite demandind on your mental energy reserves, and tiring after a few hours. Can be boring for the passenger if they don't share the towing duties. Make sure the van inside is easily accessible for the stops so you can use your own facilities to make a cuppa or meal. Some of the roadside rest-stops on the Pacific Hwy are good for vans to park in, others are too small. Lots and lots of roadworks being done along the Hwy, and plenty of 80Kms and less speed zones at these areas. It all adds up to taking longer than you expect.
Cheers,
Al.
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Post by Mustang on Jun 17, 2017 8:32:30 GMT 10
When ever I do any wheel bearing work I leave the hub caps in the van for the first day, so I can check temps, wheel nuts etc.
We have saved computer lists:
"What to take that's not normally in the van"
"Items that are shared between vans"
A highlighter on a fresh page makes packing easier, you can both see the progress, without a court case.
As others have said, do not be hell bent where you will be at the end of the day.Make some short days as well.
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Post by bobt on Jun 19, 2017 12:13:15 GMT 10
Really depends on your travel habits, we are away in the modern box every month for a weekend or longer (months) For us its check on the clothes and put the fresh food in. Hit the road. The collectible (its old but doesn't qualify as a Classic) is almost the same except it has none of our clothes in it, its 300ks away at the daughters place, she uses it. Might take it to the Nationals
Our caravan is often referred to as the 711, run out of it in the house just go get it out of the caravan.
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Post by 78466noM on Jun 20, 2017 17:27:38 GMT 10
The wife has wants to have the long life stuff like pasta sauces tins etc to stay in van then it should only be fresh food and cloths fishing gear. I already have a tool box only extra thing I think I need in tool box is a couple of shifters pop rivet gun and a few drill bits jacks and wheel brace wheel levelers need to make a four of wheel chocks bedding blankets sheets will stay in van when used washed and returned strait away to van. We plan on using it a lot so in time we will surly find other things we need
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Post by Mustang on Jun 20, 2017 18:12:32 GMT 10
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Post by awbeattie381 on Jun 21, 2017 13:35:59 GMT 10
Pop rivet gun and rivets are a good idea, ill include that and I will certainly have to post on 'who's on the road'.
Really looking forward to it!
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Post by planner on Jun 22, 2017 8:44:27 GMT 10
Pop rivet gun and rivets are a good idea I carry a rivet gun and an assortment of rivets (they have been used on the road). Also a tube of sikaflex (or your chosen sealant) for those leaks that don't present themselves until you travel in wet conditions. I also carry a roll of "hundred mph" tape. I've used it a couple of times. Our first trip we forgot the corkscrew for SWMBO's wine. Lucky we were close to a shop and the crisis was avoided, somehow it was my fault  |
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