top tips for MH and van life.

[Tookey]

I am just starting to customise our camper and am thinking about storage, rattles, accessibility etc etc. There are some useful and simple tips on YouTube vids (DIY 'washing up' drainers that can be fitted above sinks, glass spice jars with magnetic lids that stick to the front of your fridge etc) but on here there are thousands of hours of experience of living in MH's and vans so what are your gizmos/gadgets/ideas/purchases that are not the norm that you could share?

 

[edina]

To stop bottles rattling, put them inside socks.

 

[GreggBear]

Stainless steel bowls/plates are easy to clean & easier to stow without breaking. Also can be used to cook in if a pan isn't available.

 

[Tookey]

I can feel the momentum starting

 

[trevskoda]

Dont leave anything loose around the van as in a crash it will come forward like a missile,anything in clips like fire ex should be mounted back facing.

 

[Tookey]

I have bought a foldable bucket as I suspect it could be useful for numerous tasks and even play with our toddler

iGreely Folding Water Bucket - Foldable Camping Storage Container Collapsible Fish Bucket 12L 15L 20L Portable Lightweight Pail for Camping Traveling Hiking Fishing Boating and Gardening (20L Orange): Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors

Shop iGreely Folding Water Bucket - Foldable Camping Storage Container Collapsible Fish Bucket 12L 15L 20L Portable Lightweight Pail for Camping Traveling Hiking Fishing Boating and Gardening (20L Orange). Free delivery and returns on all eligible orders.

www.amazon.co.uk

 

[mjvw]

Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector, hot water bottle for the winter.

 

[in h]

To stop pots and pans rattling, work out what your correct tyre pressures are. That means taking the van fully loaded to a weighbridge and getting each axle weighed separately, then doing the calculations. The numbers in the handbook or on the door post are just a wild guess, rounded up a lot.

 

[mjvw]

Large dog bowl leave it outside it may but off any unwelcome visitors snooping around when wild camping.
Plastic gum bottles used to store spices etc lids can be screwed below shelf and containers screwed onto the lids for save storage/transportation.

USB rechargeable motion sensor LED lights inside cupboards/lockers, i have two in toilet so don't have to put the zig unit switch to camper to run off leisure battery during the night as the if the panel is active the green light indicator is very bright. USB MOTIONS SENSOR LED LIGHTS

 

[saxonborg]

Lined most of my cupboards and lockers with thin closed cell polyurethane foam, stops stuff sliding about , absorbs vibration and if anything spills onto it , it can be easily cleaned.

 

[witzend]

Watering can and hose like this to get water easily from sink taps

 

[Obanboy666]

Have a trip or 2 out in your van to find out exactly what you need.
Most of us me included have a load of what was considered an essential buy languishing in the back of our garages never used and a waste of money Lol !

 

[GreggBear]

Good idea to have a few nights local too, maybe even sleep in your drive. That way if you find you're missing any essentials you can just go in the house & grab them....

 

[Geraldine]

Fairy lights for your main lighting. Flower pot and candel for your heating. Water urn for your running hot water.

 

[Fisherman]

I have a checklist above the hab door that I use before setting off.
I have lost count of the amount of times I would have forgotten something had I not used my checklist.

 

[Obanboy666]

I have a checklist above the hab door that I use before setting off.
I have lost count of the amount of times I would have forgotten something had I not used my checklist.

same here but on iphone.

 

[Fisherman]

same here but on iphone.

Now thats a good idea

 

[REC]

Magnetic strip for knives and scissors. Got ours at toleration and have never lost magnetism even going over cobbled streets.
Zipped storage bag for clothes like t-shirts undies and socks, limits the amount you can fit in and holds it all neatly in the cupboard. We use these, and they have been very sturdy https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00336NPQY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1you
Double skillet and chuck away all the other saucepan. Except wok!

 

[Fisherman]

To stop bottles rattling, put them inside socks.

You must either drink from small bottles, or have big feet.

 

[runnach]

Magnetic strip for knives and scissors. Got ours at toleration and have never lost magnetism even going over cobbled streets.
Zipped storage bag for clothes like t-shirts undies and socks, limits the amount you can fit in and holds it all neatly in the cupboard. We use these, and they have been very sturdy https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00336NPQY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1you
Double skillet and chuck away all the other saucepan. Except wok!

Magnetic strips are a big No in my opinion , the thought of knifes flying about in an accident or heavy braking is enough o make me shudder