Great videos. As a yachtie I suggest a box of matches for the loo. Lighting a match after smelly visits eliminates the pong immediately. Dont put the used match down the loo usually it is put the other end of the match box.

@tonibrink8365

2 жыл бұрын

I even keep matches in our bathrooms at home instead of air fresheners. Works so well.

Vinegar and baking soda are excellent drain cleaners. It’s also good to pour a kettle of boiled water down the shower drain every week or two to prevent that from becoming blocked.

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

This is a great tip, thank you. I was just thinking about the pipe and if it was a bit blocked.

Packing up to leave on Monday and this popped up in my feed!!!! Amazing timing. I think I need to unpack a few items ha ha

Watching this made us want to buy a van or a mobile home.The list of accessories that one needs doesn't seem to be huge.You're videos are full of great tips, for sure they will help a lot of people out there who are thinking about adopting your lifestyle.Keep up the great work.It was lovely to hear the rain in the background, stay dry Karen.

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Glad the list doesn't seem toooo long! It was definitely an inside day, haha.

Love your videos thanks for doing them.

Great Video. Thanks

Thank you so much for sharing. We bought a tiny van and i had NO idea of what i need to take. Your video has been extremely helpful.

@TravellingK

8 ай бұрын

Glad to hear!

Music. My fm radio will always be with me

Great info Karen, really helpful to new van owners.

@TravellingK

5 жыл бұрын

Glad this has been helpful!

Enjoying your tips and tricks

Hi Karen, In two days we set off for our first two week trip in our brand new little van. Thank you for this great video. Enormously helpful, as were the comments.

@TravellingK

4 жыл бұрын

Oh that’s so great to hear! Hope you have an enjoyable first trip 😀

Thanks for posting this really useful guide

KiaOra. Just found your channel and thumbs up to you for this channel. As a Kiwi who loves camping it's awesome to see a local big ballsing it up and doing what they love. Look forward to your future videos. Go the Kiwi summer!!

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Currently parked up by a beach with a stunning summers day!

Great video! You are right in saying go away for a bit first and see what you need! We carry loads of stuff we rarely use :)

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you! There's actually a few extra clothes I really should get rid of. At least it's easy to sort out!

Great practical video, Thank you.

@TravellingK

4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful 😀

Great vlog Karen, very detailed and informative. Also love your friendly fun presentation style. Keep up the great work 👌🏻

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you Paul! This is really nice to hear.

Great Channel Kat, informative and enjoyable to watch.. what more could you ask for.. Hello from the UK 🇬🇧

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you! A great compliment.

Thanks K, really interesting. Definitely for me a small Honda or Yamaha generator and you never have to worry about power. Also extra deep cycle batteries to increase the amp hours you can run on solar, is a must for me.

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

I'm still not keen on getting a generator, haha. No place to put it! But completely agree with the batteries :)

Very helpful! Thanks

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

That's great to hear!

Love it... u r awesome. Keep up the great work..and keep smiling..

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you! A lovely comment :)

Very informative. Thanks.

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

That's great to hear, thank you!

First time watching and very impressive. Subscribed!

Great info Im thinking of doing the Grey nomad thing doing my homework first Loved you're video

@TravellingK

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Colin, glad this video has been helpful! A very exciting plan for you.

I'm fond of your videos! thanx for sharing and keep up the great work! greetings from Italy :)

@TravellingK

5 жыл бұрын

Great to hear! Thank you

Hi Karen. Just found your channel via The Trudgians in the UK. We just started caravanning and are planning a mega tour of Europe next year. Your videos are great. All the best. Pete

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Hi Pete, that's great to hear and thank you! What a great trip you have planned - sure it'll be a great adventure.

Hi Love your videos admire what you do on your own keep them coming. Liz. Liverpool UK

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Hi Liz. Thank you! This is so great to hear.

So excited to find your channel- it's always been my dream to explore NZ in a van.... and we're about to do it! Just quit my job and soon we're setting off on our world adventure! Thanks for the inspiration and ideas. Maybe see you out on the road somewhere!! 😀 👍

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

That's great to hear! What country are you in at the moment? Definitely get in touch if you head this way.

@WanderingBird

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you. We're currently in the UK moving our stuff onto a boat, then packing up the van and heading for Scandanavia and the rest of Europe!! Looking forward to it. But after that, I'm hoping to ship the van to NZ. Or maybe the US and then NZ. Either way- we're coming your way soon!! Thanks for your lovely comment. 😀

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

What a trip!!! I'll have to follow along and see how it goes.

Really nice and usefull this video! Thanks a we looking forward your new video! Enjoy your weekend

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

This is so cool. I have always dreamed of having my own caravan or at least renting one for a trip. Thanks for the tips - you seem great at not overdoing it with bringing too much with you. I tend to overpack for a weekend trip so I can't imagine how I'd pack a caravan! I'd recommend some rubber collapsable Tupperware, it's great because you it takes up very little space when you're not using it! I'm trying to transition to a zero waste lifestyle so I would be curious to see how that would look in a caravan! Thanks for sharing :)

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Hmmm collapsable tupperware is a good idea. Yes, zero waste would be amazing. In some areas I have less waste just because I can't buy anything extra through lack of space, haha.

sugar soap wipes are amazing on windscreens

Great video K, you are very frugal, I tend to gather way too much stuff. The pink chemical that is for the toilet flush we stopped using as we started to get black bits from it and so did some friends of ours and when we looked into it further it was all through the pump. Big mess to clean up. Best to stop using it, you don’t need it and use less of the other one too as its too strong and if your empty it regularly your just wasting your money and putting chemicals into the sewerage system. Save yourself some big $ Keep up the great work

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I do have quite a few clothes and shoes squished into the caravan😂 Intersting to know that about the chemicals!

Great vid Kaz

@TravellingK

4 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it Chris!

@chrishague1129

4 жыл бұрын

Love your channel I’m away in my caravan at the Moment south west England Cornwall. Are you still in the uk kaz or back in NZ take care ?

Great informative video. Very useful tips for any caravanning beginners 👍

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

That's great to hear - thank you.

@allantaylor3288

3 жыл бұрын

Great video👍

Hi Karen, love your story so far, any chance of numbering your videos, I'm losing track of which ones I've seen, unless I'm missing something. It's good to see Girls can do anything and your struggles and how you overcome them, well done. i see the Weather hasn't changed much since i left 22 years ago, still rains a lot. Keep up the good work

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Thats great to hear! Haha yes, the weather has been all over the place this summer. I've tried to keep the videos stand alone so it doesn't really matter what order they are watched in.

@lc5970

4 жыл бұрын

Good comment! Karen: Me too, I've tried looking at "how many months ago" things were. Would love to follow you in chronological order!

@nanrod981

4 жыл бұрын

Still Valid - numbering 1 - > great idea

Love your vids keep up the great work. We live in ours and we have quite a bit more stuff. Loved hearing the rain ☔️. X

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you! More stuff than me? Any item you couldn't do without?

@stellaswancounselling

6 жыл бұрын

Travelling K mmmmm. I just bought an instant pot which I am seriously loving. Very handy. What do you love the most?

@marklittler784

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah was there a mention of an unbrella, poncho & wellington boots ? 😃

@marklittler784

4 жыл бұрын

Certainly quite a comprehensive list virtually all are necessary really useful info.

We got a deep electric frypan (non stick so just wipes out to clean) and microwave.. Never used pot and pans since. .. Thinking of pulling out our oven/stove all together

The towing mirrors that I use are the ones that strap directly to the vehicle doors. These are brilliant as you can set them up along side the door mirrors and use both. Only issue is you have to check they are fastened tight as driving in rain loosens them off! Extra torch and a headlamp are also handy if you ever find yourself without power during the night

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Ah yes, a headlamp would be handy to have! Would be great for if my water suddenly runs out and it's dark outside. I need to find these door mirrors! That suction cup one is useless.

@lx_anda

6 жыл бұрын

I got mine from Christchurch RV Centre. If I can find the box ill let you know what brand and type they are

Jiff is best for cleaning pipes or whatever that block up. That iv found anyway. Awesome vid handy thank you will be using the tips in our caravan

@TravellingK

4 жыл бұрын

Ah nice! Do you just pour down the drain?

@aceman.nzwoodsmanfisherman5706

4 жыл бұрын

@@TravellingK mix with a bit of warm water and tip it down usualy unclogs it. Worked on our sink and shower did good. 😊

suggestion: collapsible items like buckets/colander/ funnels/bowls etc great space saver idea. cheers

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Collapsible anything is amazing! Great ideas, thank you.

Great list mate! Make me miss living in a van in New Zealand. Wish we were this organised though! Haha...

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Great to hear you were into van living in NZ! Luckily I have a little more room for my accessories ;)

Good job but I would recommend getting another chock one for both sides.

@TravellingK

5 жыл бұрын

Glad it's a good list! Generally I just use one leveller so just one chock.

I reckon you have it covered...👍

Hi Karen, Happy to see you have 2 bottle gaz ! Your product brand are the same as in france, (AJAX, PERSIL, AQUA KLEM) it's crasy. For our family ( we are 5 in the caravan ) we use plastic tableware, so at the end of the meal, it's go to trash can, and so the are only big cooking pot or "cookeo" ( i don't know if you have this in NZ ) to wash, but it run on 230 V and if you aren't connect you can't run it even with an inverter. In France no caravan have an hoven, or it's very rare, but's in UK caravan it's common ! See you later Denis.

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

The same brands? That is crazy! 5!! I imagine your caravan is larger than mine then! Plastic tableware is good idea... especially with more than 1 person. I haven't seen a cookeo but they might be in shops here. I do enjoy my oven :) Thanx Denis!

@rolanddenis4152

6 жыл бұрын

Yes it's large 7m30 long and 2m30 width, you can see the same on the net : eifelland holiday 520 tkm. But i have transform the 2 bunk bed and 3 bunk bed, but it's not able to srep " off grid", this is was right in a before life without 3 childrens in a DIY van development. See you later. Denis.

Now we always carry a box of matches, after the lighter stick zippy thingo failed on us in middle of nowhere!

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

hmmmm matches are a good idea! Sounds like you had an interesting night...

One day we're going to travel around NZ in a caravan. We'll be coming back to watch all your videos when we finally do it. A few things I would never have thought of like the ramps to level out the caravan. Just wondering Karen, how long are you planning on doing this for?

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

This is great to hear! No plan to stop :)

Aim is to do this to eliminate the mortgage and actually have a holiday - permanent one. lol. Love the videos.

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

The perfect aim! And do-able😀 Glad you're enjoying the videos.

HI Karen i always carry spare food for emergency breakdowns or maybe slips or earthquakes also spare water, gas, and matches in case you need to light a fire.in the middle of no where. Cheers bill

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Good planning! The news always makes me reflect that you can never predict when an emergency will happen.

Hi Karen, could you do a video about your solar and batteries. You have 330W solar. How did you decide on that and the amp hours for your batteries? Thanks

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

There's not much to tell! I got the biggest solar panel that would sit on the roof. I didn't upgrade the battery then, but am in the process of getting one now.

Nice list Small watering can to fill toilet Flush only thing that seems to Work for me

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Oh, that's a good one! I need to full up my flush system right now! haha

Hi Love your videos. Regards to your levelling ramps, the Chock block you have doesn't look compatible with the Rams you have.

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Yeah, it doesn't seem the same brand. There were only 2 options in the store and the shop assistant even opened the package to try is out... should work... Hopefully.

Hi Karen, I feel for you as you describe the things going wrong with your caravan, but being a UK built van, its perhaps not as robust as what is needed in NZ, but I guess your options were not great when you bought it...and now its yours, unless you trade it in, or sell it, not a lot you can do but try to stay on top of things as they go wrong....I don't know if you have any Aussie built second hand vans there, but that would have been a better option but maybe more expensive .....you are doing very well as an inexperienced caravaner and I wish you all the best....John

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you John, it has been pointed out to me that UK caravans are built for brief holidays rather than to live permanently in it, so guess things will break. When you go to a second hand dealer in NZ they are generally mostly UK caravans - very popular here. I think I'll just need to stay on top of everything that breaks. Overall still glad I bought the caravan :)

hey where did you get the colapsical clothes dryer, I'm impressed with that, and the fan looks good

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

That was from Mitre10! And it extend sideways too for even more room :) Down side is if it's outside and there's some wind, it falls over pretty quickly.

@susannordstrom5065

6 жыл бұрын

thank you

Best drain cleaner, pour baking soda down the drain and pour vinegar on top of the baking soda

@TravellingK

4 жыл бұрын

Great tip 😀

Fab video - we have the same drain mat and clothes airer lol!! Here in the UK we have hitch locks as well to secure the hitch - do you have them in NZ? I think normal chemical pipe cleaners might be too strong to use in the vans pipe work as they aren't built like normal house piping? Loving your vids! 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

hahah really! That's fantastic! We do have hitch locks, but my 1st insurance company wanted that tyre lock instead. Apparently it's easier to take off the hitch lock?!?! I'm curious - what do you use to clean your pipe?

@chrisandrachelbruhn7882

6 жыл бұрын

I think the more security the better! 😉 If you google there is loads of help put there for cleaning your pipes - as we aren't living in our caravan full time we don't have the same challenges as you. X

As promised the list of some basic foods to carry and what it's possible to cook, nothing fancy of course Here's the list of essential foods I keep in my van, always have tinned tomatoes, pasta and dried parmesan and you have a meal. Tinned ham, dried potatoes and dried onions, make up dried onions and then add mash and make into patties and fry with ham. Tinned tuna and tinned new potatoes and a big dob of butter. Pre cooked rice because it doesn't need to be in the fridge and stir fried with fresh or tinned mushrooms and a sprinkle of soy sauce is a great meal on its own Quinoa and chick peas are great stand bye's as well and even dried eggs and milk and some tinned mixed veg and a sprinkle of garlic powder or garlic granules makes a great quick omlette, Stock cubes with dry noodles make a full tummy and Bovril If you like it makes a great warmer on a cool night want any more ideas let me know Happy travelling from the wheeliehavingfun caravaner

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

This is great! Thank you. I should get some tinned tomatoes. I've never spotted tinned potatoes but will keep an eye out. Keen to try your Quinoa and chick peas... I'm obsessed with humus so chick peas would be a close.

@alexandrastevens8892

6 жыл бұрын

I love chick peas blended and mixed with crispy bacon and cheese and then bit more cheese on top and grilled mmm

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Oh yum!

I wondered how you stored items. racks hooks etc

@TravellingK

5 жыл бұрын

I have a few plastic containers and collapsable container under the bed. Coat hangers in the wardrobe. Everything else has really been included in the caravan!

Wow! That's alot surprzing storage for a small space

@TravellingK

5 жыл бұрын

Yes, it's all really cleverly done storage to make the most of space.

I use puriclean for water pipes and water tank. Great stuff, not sure if they sell it in NZ. Have a look at a refillable gas bottle, Safefill sell them here in the UK, but again not sure about NZ.

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

I've heard of that name - will keep an eye out for it, thanks! I think we don't have as many places to fill the gas bottle as you do in the UK? It's more common to swap the bottle, but then you get inferior gas! And thank you for becoming a patron - it seriously means a lot to me!

@nickdarcy8636

6 жыл бұрын

No problem, I shared your Facebook page to a couple of other FB groups - it may help :)

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Oh wow! Yes, that will definitely help! Thank you 😀

It's probably not right, but this is what i do for the drains:- Soda Crystals. (loads, until it gathers and completely covers the hole), Leave for 5-10 minutes. White vinegar (1 cup usually does it) and pour away with boiling hot water. Leaves a nice clean smell and clears out the pipes. :)

@TravellingK

4 жыл бұрын

Oh nice! Thanks for the tip 😀

Great video Karen. I always carry an assortment of cable ties and maybe a small tyre pressure gauge would be handy.......atb Andy.

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

hmmm tyre pressure gauge... interesting addition. That would have been handy a few times. What do you find you use the cable ties for?

@AndysmGray

6 жыл бұрын

I'm Scottish, you may them better know them as zip ties.🙂 kzread.info/dash/bejne/jJOgy9OKadexiNo.html

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

We seem to call them both cable ties AND zip ties, haha. But think I've only ever used them on the stabilising legs so far.

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

I now notice cable ties everywhere! haha

@AndysmGray

6 жыл бұрын

They are very handy for the odd repairs.

Kia ora K Where did you buy that extendable clothes drying rack from please?

@TravellingK

5 жыл бұрын

I got this from Mitre10! It's really very handy.

First Aid kit ;)

hey I know its an older video (i just found you the other night so have been binging!) but drain cleaner = baking soda and white vinegar, easy! In fact white vinegar is pretty cool for heaps of stuff I've discovered, especially ants! (altho you may be lucky that you're off the ground so ants wont find you ;)

@TravellingK

5 жыл бұрын

I really should get some while vinegar and give it a go! Thank you. I've heard it's good for mould too? And yes, I've had ant problems before if I stay somewhere too long 😜

@kpherenz

5 жыл бұрын

Travelling K it's so cheap and apparently has so many uses. i've soaked the mildew on my net curtains with it and yeah it's supposed to stop it growing more 👍🏼

bucket to fill toilet,crate of stella beer and a bottle of vodka job done lol great vid thanks

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

haha good extras 😜

My late uncle told my mom to pour a cup of bleach down each drain once a month and she would never have a stopped up drain. She did and no stopped up drains. I guess the bleach eats the fats and other stuff in the drains. Of course she didn't live in a caravan so I have no idea if it works in a caravan. 😟 A hand bag with random crap wrote on it. 😁 I must have missed the part where you said you need two propane bottles. Well, you don't have to have the second one but it does come in handy. 👍

@TravellingK

4 жыл бұрын

Oh, bleach is an interesting idea, thank you!

Measurers, sieves, fly sprays are weird things to have in life let alone when camping. Awesome series though.. well done Kate.

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Fly spray is needed for the surprise cockroaches or scary spider :P

@bicanoo_magic3452

6 жыл бұрын

Give over we all know there's nothing dangerous in NZ! (Except the accent!)

What? No zip ties for maintenance? Forme it would be the first thing I buy, they are a must have for repairing! Great video BTW, very helpful!

@TravellingK

5 жыл бұрын

I eventually bought some, haha

@judistevenson9783

4 жыл бұрын

Somogyi Levente , zip ties are great! Careful using them for an extended amount of time, especially on the exterior of the van, they readily break down under prolonged UV light. I pick up trash everyday during my walk, you wouldn’t believe the number of broken zip ties I pick up!

baking soda and white vinegar is good for unblocking drainpipes

@TravellingK

5 жыл бұрын

I really need to try this!!

Thank you for this list, I am looking at getting a Caravan, Thank you so much.

We carry 1 normal plate and a bowl for microwave purposes. And then a melamine set.

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Ah nice - then there would be no problems with chipping the plates!

You are cute like your video keep on caravanning

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

I hope you're not using the bug spray indoors - some screens should be pretty good at keeping them out, and when it's not sufficient, hair spray will mess up their ability to fly, and then a tissue can finish off the job.

@TravellingK

5 жыл бұрын

I save it for the truely difficult bugs like cockroaches 😀

@johnpicone5800

5 жыл бұрын

I don't like poisons or pesky flies so I use window cleaner or a detergent / water solution, they work well!!!

spare fuses

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Oh yeah? That's an interesting addition. I wouldn't know what to do!

@EdenValleyAdventuresUK

6 жыл бұрын

Hi .I think it's / 3amp /5amp/10amp/15amp/20amp/30amp?/ to fit caravan and the car ,just ask at eney garade

helpful - you learn to do with less....good to be a minimalist

@TravellingK

6 жыл бұрын

Glad this was helpful :)

Don’t forget a flashlight

@TravellingK

4 жыл бұрын

Good one! Although I use my phone as a flashlight now😀

Karen you are soooo cute

I may of misheard but did you say New Zealand is moldy ? 😂

@TravellingK

4 жыл бұрын

Hehe, a wet or humid country sometimes 🤣

The only accessorie I would need in my van would be Karen :+)

@nanrod981

4 жыл бұрын

So True :)

A CAT

@TravellingK

5 жыл бұрын

So so want one!

Hi Kay, Where did you get your Mop from pls?

@TravellingK

4 жыл бұрын

From Mitre10