Caravan MISTAKES I've Made In 4 Years

There's been a surprising number of mistakes in my four years of caravanning.
- Flat types
- Failing to access the spare tyre
- Overheating car engine
- Damaging break pads
- Running out of fuel
- Damaging front of caravan
- Jockey wheel dropping
- Rusty hitch
- Grey Water Hassles
- Leaks into car boot
- Toilet cassette leaks
- Losing toilet flap and cap
- Gas issues
- Fridge issues
- Light wattage
- Inverter confusion
- Damaging windows
AND MORE!
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[@ArneHoe]

I recognize most of your mistakes and troubles and want to add a few more from my own experience: Remember to fix everything inside when towing; especially things in high shelves and the fridge door. Install auto switch between gas bottles to avoid running out of heating in the middle of winter nights. Install filters on the gas intake from each gas bottle, avoiding oil sludge in the heater, stove and fridge (if on gas). Make the toilet cassette compartment waterproof at the bottom; sooner or later the cassette leaks (or does not close properly) and then you have black water distributed all over the floor inside the caravan when you reach your destination. Better mount the gas alarm low in the caravan, since gas is heavier than air - to alert you as early as possible.

[@carlgoldsmith5444]

Happy new year. Hope you enjoyed Rhythm and Vines Karen. I was at the family farm at the east cape. The farm below the lighthouse. Had the whole beach to myself and my pup. Took some fantastic pictures of the first sunrise. Mistakes. I bought my 1978 25 ft Nomad caravan through trademe. I put a deposit down with the agreement to pay in full when it had passed it's w.o.f. So Jan 2020 received a call to pick up my home as it's been sorted and had new brakes. Ferry bookings for 2 cars and a caravan sorted we were away on mission. My good friend who is also a mechanic towed it from Christchurch to Kaiwaka, about an hours north of Auckland. I was following in my car, and noticed when he took a corner the wheel slightly wobble and a loud grinding noise. I rang him to pull over. We were about 20 minutes away from Hamilton. He looked at it and said " I think its a wheel bearing", so rang a bearing company in Hamilton. They were awesome, we got there at 5pm. They stayed open until 8pm, that's when we gave up? We needed a grinder to assist in getting bearing off. So my friend said he'd check all the bearings while there. He dropped his jaw to discover there were no brake pads or new breaks, as per w.o.f. It had passed it's w.o.f as it had a new sticker. So we parked there overnight. Once fixed and paid for including a re wof, as Hamilton Police came along and not green stickered me, but pink stickered me. VTNZ were gobsmacked as i was the first in NZ to receive a pink sticker, a $10,000 fine if not fixed. So had to get the whole van redone and it failed it's blinkers now. They had to call H.O to get a price of what to charge, $180. They couldn't understand the following things? The w.o.f was current and in their system, and the caravan at the time was unhitched and being repaired, so wasn't breaking any law to be enforced, so had no grounds to be pink stickered? So once i arrived at my destination a day later, I decided to get an electrical inspector to do an inspection, as it also was a new e.w.o.f . Failed. Was a very expensive lesson. I took the electrician to the authorities and he admitted to passing it and that was that. The garage owner was rung and he reimbursed me the cost of all the repairs needed to fix. He was upset. To me it sounded like both parties were friends to the seller. It was suggested to take the seller to the small claims court. But being 1000 kms away then lockdown happened. When i make mistakes I make them big. Other than that I'm living in it still but obviously on the east cape. Arohanui.

[@TravellingK]

What a painful painful experience Carl! So sorry to hear this. The pink sticker sounds so random too.

[@carlgoldsmith5444]

@@TravellingK was not impressed to say the least, even the police station in Hamilton had no clue about the law they were enforcing. Seems to be a lack of quality police now days and their only concern is to make their jobs justifiable without knowing their job. Just humans, who make mistakes, but get to hide behind a uniform and are righteous while doing so. One of the policemen looked about 22, Maori and tattooed neck and across his hands and fingers, he even tried the "your being racist" card on me, which i laughed and said to stop poking and looking for trouble as i am Ngati Porou. The cheek. I took pics of their i.d numbers. rant over. lol

[@paulpringle8263]

Yes been there done it got the tee shirt made loads of mistakes. The main thing as long as you didn’t hurt yourself. It’s all part of the caravan learning curve

[@TravellingK]

🤣That is true

[@nicmert]

I have a similar jockey wheel set up on my trailer. A good thing to do is to support your hitch and then remove the jockey wheel locking lever all the way. Then apply a coating of Anti Seize to the threads of the locking lever. this will allow it to screw in farther and keep it from getting any corrosion. Also, I took a section of PVC pipe, cut a section out of it (so it is about 10 inches long and in a 'C' shape) then when my jockey wheel is in the up, or travel position, I snap the PVC pipe over the shaft of the jockey wheel and this will prevent it from accidentally falling if the locking lever were to come loose.

[@TravellingK]

Hmm this is interesting to hear Steve, I do think my hitch is due some proper maintenance.

[@nicmert]

@@TravellingK I think it is something that gets overlooked. Here is a video that talks about these things. These are for a T@B trailer, but it looks like the frame is an Alco (I think) frame. Good luck!

[@mareepeters5717]

Awesome to see a woman doing this on her own. It's so much harder with one person. I am seriously thinking about starting a mobile on the road lifestyle. I'm a retiree and would be tackling all these issues myself. I guess life has its own challenges regardless of how we chose to live. Not an easy thing in winter here in NZ. Appreciate your honesty and enjoy your posts. Ty

[@kevinclarke7626]

Hi Karen. I loved your video and wish that I had seen it before I bought my first caravan 18 months ago. I caught a glimpse of your smoke detector location! Smoke rises and fills the ceiling of the caravan first. Your detector should be mounted on the ceiling to give you the best chance of escape. Fire in a caravan will start slow but increase extremely quickly. Carbon Monoxide detectors should be mounted high because CO is lighter than air. LPG detectors should be mounted low because LPG is heavier than air.

[@davidclinch1358]

Hi Karen, thanks for the vlog. Re: overheating while towing, I have got out of trouble a couple times while towing behind HGVs by turning on the interior heater plus the fan to maximum, which dissipates the excess heat from the engines cooling circuit. About the age limit for tyres, 5 years is the recommended limit here in Europe (we are Brits living in France) but a couple of years ago I left it a bit longer and then had a blowout on a motorway in Spain ! It served me right, and it was New Year's day, had difficulty getting assistance and so I ended up struggling on the hard shoulder to release the spare wheel carrier (you know what that's like !) and then sliding it out into the slow lane of the motorway in order get my hands on the wheel. I know you are aware, but please note that 6 years is definitely too long in my experience. All the best.

[@TravellingK]

Thanks David. Ouch, sounds like you've also had a painful tyre experience!

[@RGC198]

Hi Karen, Thanks again for an excellent video. We have never had a caravan. However, I always find your videos extra interesting to see what it is like to have a caravan. Flat tires can really cause problems on any vehicles. You have certainly done well looking after your caravan. You mentioned about having blocked drains. We had that problem here in Melbourne back in 2018 and all our storm water and sewer pipes had to be replaced. Our back yard looked more like a war zone at he time. I have two videos about it entitled Backyard Blitz on my channel. Hopefully, as time passes, the window scratches may fade away, but patience really is needed. I had a scratched front on a radio and it took several years before the scratches faded. As the area was clear plastic, there was nothing I could use to remove them, though it wasn't for want of trying. It is always a good idea to collect any random screws, nuts, bolts when seen on the footpath or road. Even if they are not from anything you have, they can sometimes become quite handy. Anyway, wishing you the very best. Robert.

[@TravellingK]

Oh your pipe problem sounds extremely painful!!!

[@RGC198]

@@TravellingK It was certainly painful to our bank account. The job cost #10,000.00 at the time.

[@larrydog2554]

Great channel. I bought a 2006 Beyerland Sprinter. Had a European standard 50mm coupling. Had to replace my NZ standard one to hitch it up. Then the jockey wheel fell down, and self destructed on the way home. The weather strips fell out of their rails. The RHS stability jack worked 3 times, then the casting split. (cant get a new one so I made one.) Water pump died. DC power supply died. I failed my first WOF as NZs bright sunlight had washed the colour out of all the indicator lenses. Front storage lock failed, and the cabinet opened while driving along. (No Larry, you cant get a new lock.) Electrolux 3 way fridge barely worked. I was assured the caravan wasn't level, or the wind was too strong, or I was opening the door too often. Then they decided $2800 for a new one, as it was beyond repair, and was 'special import' as it had to fit a specially designed space. Truma gas heater like yours burst all its spot welds and fell on the floor. Truma 300 watt water heater burnt out its thermal fuse. Sorry, not in stock, get you one from Germany eventually if we can be arsed. Sparky mate fixed it, told me the factory fuse was in the neutral - bad. Gas line under the van had serious rust. I could not get a gas fitter to even show up. It leaked like a dog on a long walk, and I had to replace and reseal substantial bits of van, all the windows, vents and so on. Anyway, I still have it. I tore the 3 way fridge out, went to a $200 compressor bar fridge - it rocks. Replaced the gas line with flexible diesel fuel line - it wont rust again. Fixed the heater with blind rivets. Sealed everything with Sika sealants. Added a 120 amp hour battery, 400 watts of solar panel, and an MPPT controller. I was happy... now I need to go and get three new tyres, thanks to your great advice. ! (Its only money...)

[@TravellingK]

Sheesh! What a list of issues for you!!! Very impressed you persevered

[@craigwells3655]

Thanks for helping me count my blessings. Modern and expensive caravans do look so tempting, but you're taught me to be content with my little homemade '74 with no modcons. Luckily I'm a permanent fixture in a wonderful campsite with great facilities. Was nice to see Alistair, the tire guy, again. Cheers.

[@smiller8133]

Karen. One tip I have learnt to help prevent the engine overheating when either stuck in stop start traffic or climbing a very steep hill slowly, is to turn my car heating vent to full position plus turn the fan on to maximum blowing capacity and open the car windows, this method helps the built up hot air in the engine compartment to escape via the air vents and straight out the car windows....therefore preventing any overheating of the engine.

[@TravellingK]

I heard about that after that experience... handy. My cooling system also needed an overhaul.

[@SSR00000]

That was brilliant, Karen. Very informative. I'm getting ready to go fulltime on the road in April and I'm driving myself crazy trying to not make avoidable mistakes.

[@TravellingK]

So glad you’ve found this helpful! I’m sure you’ll be great 😀

[@eleanorchapple8772]

You seem so much more confident and capable and happy in your skin lately it’s lovely to see. My family all envy you in New Zealand. No masks, concerts even ...wonderful!

[@campervanhygge]

Great video, good to see you back! It is strange to see people out enjoying themselves - here's hoping that we can get back to this in the UK in 2021!!!

[@TravellingK]

Hope things improve in the UK soon!

[@treblebass6721]

Hi Karen. Enjoyed your video. Good to see you looking so well. I had planned to be in New Zealand by now and touring around both islands but that's obviously not going to happen. Hopefully later this year!

[@TravellingK]

Ahh so sorry to hear your plans to visit were cancelled. Hope you make it later this year!

[@alexandrabrowne7001]

Its my first time watching you this year. thankyou for sticking with your channel, love your candid sessions. happy new year from Norfolk in the UK

[@rageonhigh]

You have amazing strength, and patience maybe you may not always actually feel patience at the time. But I am feeling Truely grateful to you for your video's. Thank you God bless you and your baby and your partner for all your videos. 😍😍😍😊😊😊👍👍👍

[@olivetherapies]

Hi Karen, so good to see you. Thanks for sharing your advice. I will change our tyres asap! Sounds like the biggest mistake was buying a UK caravan 😋. Jk haha. We have had issues with our fridge freezer since we bought it. Its a full size 12v. But the place we bought the van from have been amazing at fixing everything that has gone wrong the first 6months or so. Hope you enjoyed the concert! We are so lucky in WA as well! Happy NewYear 💖

[@TravellingK]

Caravan tyres seem to do a lot of damage if they shred!! Sorry to hear you also have fridge issues, but glad the place you bought it from have been helpful!

[@lizleonard3681]

Thanks for sharing your mistakes I have taken a few onboard you are looking well Karen keep safe 🤗👍

[@TravellingK]

Glad to hear it’s been helpful Liz!!

[@russcorbett3923]

Your mistakes and lessons will definitely help me and others avoid the same things !!! Thank You so very much for this and all of your videos !!!!

[@TravellingK]

Glad to hear this video will be helpful Russ!!

[@ralphwood9865]

First off Karen dear Happy New year good to see you back . Now to your long long list and your characterization of them as mistakes .Looking at the list I see an awful lot are "failures'" of various components Another large proportion can be attributed to lack of experience. The only way to get experience is to do and boy have you ever been in some great learning experiences. So now you recognise all these potential problems far more than the the majority of Caravanners. Karen dear you are now known as a EXPERT, Congratulations Now please continue to advise us mere amateurs we love your vlogs and your honesty. Regards to Hazen may the music festivals continue to flourish and multiply. Stay safe don't change we love you just as you are. Cheers from snowy Canada -6c today going to -10c tonight X

[@TravellingK]

Expert? Woohoo 🥳 I’m sure to makes plenty of other mistakes in the future too 😬

[@kathyowens9901]

People without masks having fun, it was like a dream to watch, we are in such a bad place in the USA, so lovely to see you.

[@pam164]

Same here in UK we are in lockdown till March everybody is sick.

[@TravellingK]

I’m very aware of how lucky we are in NZ. Hoping everyone is ok!

[@pam164]

@@TravellingK We are very over populated in our country so think that's how its worse. I had Covid over Xmas and was unwell but not that bad. Its so nice to see NZ looking normal.

[@CawffeeTyme]

some provinces in canada are in just as bad a place as the usa, while other provinces are doing quite well. But noone is out of the woods yet.

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Thanks so much for sharing these! I just got a truck camper woo! (gifted so there's a few things that need fixed, and one of them is the three way fridge, and since it'll be just a weekend rig, I'm like 90% sure I'm just gonna tear it out and make room to put a cooler in its place haha, I remembered all the issues you had with yours and I'm like I'm not sure it's even worth trying to get fixed for just a couple weekend trips, I normally tour on my motorcycle so I'm pretty used to not having a fridge already when I got camping. )

[@TravellingK]

Ohhh ohhh I'm so curious about truck campers! Can't wait to see your videos about it.

[@cameronslator670]

CO alarm should be close to the floor . CO is a heavy gas

[@TravellingK]

I believe there are two types of gas alarms and that one was installed by a gas specialist

[@eyelidman09]

Great to see and hear you Karen. Some good tips and invaluable learning experiences. Look after yourself and Hayden as always.🥶🇬🇧🙏🥶.

[@Hufise]

Hi this is a good video. I’m caravanning over 20 years but I change to Van now I would to release the break as you parked the caravan to prevent to holding the break on the trailer fastened.

[@rhondajacob1704]

Hey Karen, so happy to have found your chanel. This is a great video, so helpful. Have you ever replaced the skylight blinds, how did it go?

[@steved2623]

All very good advice Karen, and yes always learning.👍👍👍

[@TravellingK]

Thanks Steve!

[@jaynekilbride5620]

I pour very hot water and some detergent down the sink followed by just very hot water last thing after dinner every night to try to stop any build up of grease. Also wipe out any grease and food scraps with paper towels before washing up.

[@TravellingK]

Yes... this is a habit I should get into...

[@ArneHoe]

Be careful with chemicals to dissolve grease in drain pipes. I had aluminum joints on the plastic pipes (there are also T-pieces under the sinks for venting) which dissolved and leaked after 4 years.

[@captaincoxyboy]

Great honest vlog Karen, thank you 🙏

[@rwiliamson8051]

Looking good Karen, Replacing toilet seals a bit yucky but worth it, plenty of how to do it on here. Happy new year to both of you.

[@TravellingK]

After rewatching David’s video... I think the part I need to replace could actually be manageable for me! Happy New Years Ron 😀

[@waynehobbs5175]

Great video thanks Karen. You are a trooper. Would definitely recommend a tyre change every 5 years as they perish and are more prone to blowouts. As for the loose screws, euro vans are built down to a weight so the interiors are screwed together but materials are thin and the flexing can cause this. If you put a spot of araldite hlue on the threads whennscrewing them in it helps. A compressor fridge is a great long term investment. 3 ways are only efficient on gas. They are just okay on 240v and extremely power hungry on 12v (compared to compressor type). We easily found 10 litre yellow plastic Jerry can at Repco but not sure if they are in NZ. You have been an inspiration to Mere my wife and me from day 1! We live in South Australia and are retired so get away whenever we can. Hope 2021 is a great year for you and your loved ones.

[@TravellingK]

Ohhh I'll look at Repco! Thanks. So lovely to hear you've been enjoying the videos and so much helpful advice - thank you Wayne and Mere!

[@iangrice329]

In UK the advise on tyres is every 5 years upto 7 years max. I destroyed my jocky wheel and clamp by not tightening it properly. The rusty bits on the hitch etc are easy, rub down and apply aluminium paint.

[@TravellingK]

Shall give it a go with my hitch! Thanks. We are so relaxed about tyres in NZ 🤷‍♀️

[@davidmbell]

Wow good to see what normal can look like. Credit to NZ for dealing with Covid well. Stay safe Karen.

[@TravellingK]

The advantage of having a small population and being quite isolated I think!

[@megans788]

So helpful! Thank you :-) I have just discovered your beautiful channel!

[@victorkent768]

All part of the journey. Shame it can be an expensive one. Good vlog

[@tangatawhenua1477]

This is pretty handy, thanks

[@GaetanHobby]

It's so Nice to see you again karen. Big kisses to you both from France 🇨🇵.💋

[@TravellingK]

Hope you’re doing ok over there!

[@GaetanHobby]

@@TravellingK Yes we are both fine thank you. We can't fait to go out traveling with our caravan again...

[@annemarsden2323]

Brilliant we have had two blow out on the same journey and we’re unable to get the spare to drop down from basket under the van 😔

[@TravellingK]

The same journey! What a trip for you 🤦‍♀️

[@michaelconnell8624]

Great video, with plenty of good reminders 👍😀 Its quite fun when you get to see yet another screw, nut or bolt rolling around place and then spend hours trying to find from where it came from , we have one of those drawers too🤣 Which gas person did you use in CHCH please?

[@TravellingK]

Hours and hours, haha. Glad I'm not the only one with that draw! The gas guy was in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqW1g3eOpa6NlZo And his details: Platinum Gas www.platinumgas.co.nz/ Best to txt or ring.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Interesting list! My particular highlight was trying to level off the caravan using the corner steady on our first outing and also towing illegally without the correct licence (daft UK rules)! Take care. Jamie PS: Super jealous of your 'normality' out there. We're still plague Island over here!

[@TravellingK]

Thanks for sharing your experiences! And the UK sounds painful right now😔

[@alandray5282]

You have to learn by your mistakes. ..and that's why you are a better caravaner. ..happy caravaning. .

[@TravellingK]

That is true Alan...

[@_TJ97]

The NZ gov have set the world an example to follow loving the videos! Pls keep up :)

[@TravellingK]

Thanks Tom!

[@hellyavard8552]

Thanks Karen so pleased you were able to spend Christmas with your Dad and your Brother

[@TravellingK]

Thanks Helly!

[@mpersad]

Karen you and Hayden make my day!

[@TravellingK]

So nice to hear Mark!

[@sidneybowerman558]

That brought back so many wonderful memories. We had touring caravans for years, then had to purchase a static caravan as my daughters wheelchair wouldn't fit into a tourer. It is much less work, if you can adjust to the same scenery all the time. Keep up the good work.

[@TravellingK]

Wonderful memories of things going wrong?! 🤣 There is always less drama when staying somewhere more long term. Glad you have found a solution. We don’t have static caravans like yours, they’re so impressive!

[@catchcryhamm275]

We store ours with the blinds down all the time to keep the heat out. Also when we are using the van we usually have them down too if we don't have the window open. DH has had to repair the spring mechanism (youtube to the rescue), it is quite tricky. Why have the blinds if they damage your windows, and you can't use them.

[@TravellingK]

It makes a difference with the heat, doesn't it! Sounds like your windows have been fine so far?

[@catchcryhamm275]

@@TravellingK Just checked, the plastic of the windows is fine, and the van is 10 years old.

[@truegerman]

Welcome back!

[@TravellingK]

Thanks Eric!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yay, refurbishing old toilet cassettes is great fun! 😂😂 btw Karen, at the risk of being a pain, can I check you got my reply to your email? I have a feeling some of my messages are not going properly ☹️

[@TravellingK]

After rewatching your video... the part I need to replace doesn’t look too painful... and might help avoid future leaks 🤣 No email! Now is it my email that’s the problem or yours?

[@sidneybowerman558]

I'd wager it's Davids fault. His narrowboat looks like a miniature spy ship. Aerials and domes all over the place.

[@CruisingTheCut]

@@TravellingK I’ll send you another email (but I have just seen your reply) 😂😂

[@rohanhamer8429]

You should try doing it after purchasing a second hand caravan and finding the cassette full. Playing in your own is one thing, playing in someone else’s is a whole different level.

[@carycoombe3380]

Proper use and cleaning of a (built-in) black water tank, on a North American camper, is fun too! If you don't do it properly, you get the dreaded "Pyramid of Poo" and/or you can't use the toilet because drain pipe is clogged. Plus, there is the regular "treatment" chemicals you have to put in to help with the smell, because you go much longer between emptying the tank. Not to mention the problem of the (electrical) tank level sensors getting "dirty" so you cannot tell how full it is getting. Say, how do you know how full your cassette is?

[@brainclerk4431]

my worst mistake was putting foil bubble wrap in the front windows to reflect the suns heat , when i removed it i couldn't see out of the windows at all , the inner perspex had completely shattered ! had an old tyre blowout that ripped through the floor taking out the heater and the wardrobe , and my first ever mistake was forgetting to close the skylight , it was completely gone when i got home and it was raining hard , i put an umbrella in the hole until the new part came , this didn't go well because i measured the kitchen one that was easy to get to , the bathroom one was much smaller so i had to cut a bigger hole in the roof. l also wrecked a jockey wheel ! l think they are common learnings with caravaning fo new comers so i hope this information helps others learn the cheap way ! "DANGER NOTICE " never jack up your caravan on a duel carriageway to change a wheel the wind created from a passing lorry just rips your caravan right off the jack ! (call out for help with this) or carry axel stands ,

[@TravellingK]

Thanks for sharing Brian! Wow, that's interesting to hear of the window damage. Sheesh, that tyre blowout sounds so so painful. And I bet the skylight wasn't cheap. Overall you've had quite a few experiences!!

[@brainclerk4431]

@@TravellingK All learnings Karen , common mistakes for a new caravaner ! i had to sell it as i am now a carer for the mother-inlaw with dementia, it just sat in the driveway for 5 years as a sort of shed lol

[@ap-xv5ib]

I almost made a major mistake by installing solar power. When I calculated my daily wattage needs, with washing machines, dryers, coffee machines, electric water filtration and air conditioning, etc, solar power to deep cycle batteries just would not meet the wattage needs, even with lithium batteries. For the same money a Yamaha EF2800 provides all the power on demand and is very quiet.

[@johnbolton8606]

Informative video and a “BIG SHOUTOUT” to “MIKE SCOON” in anticipation of his contribution towards scratch cleaning products. Happy New Year.

[@TravellingK]

I should try some different scratch cleaner 🤔 Happy New Years John

[@williambranham6249]

If you find a loose screen or a screw on the floor and you can find where it goes put the screw back in using epoxy or a thick super glue also called cyanoacrylate. A product called Loctite might be available as well. In a pinch put a toothpick in the screw hole then put the screw back in. It should hold better. Check all the visible screws for looseness when you're trapped inside and can't go out: Rain wind storm, etc.

[@TravellingK]

Ah that’s interesting!

[@johninokla2635]

@@TravellingK You can also use finger nail polish, clear or colored, as a Loctite to hold the screw in place.

[@ianofsjkartwork]

That great & interesting & honest vlog Karen.......stay safe.....thanks for sharing

[@TravellingK]

Glad you enjoyed it Ian

[@wollywotsit]

Yellow spray paint or wrap it. Check nozzle sizes, in the U.K. diesel cans have a bigger hole. At the pump you can get the diesel filler in a petrol can hole!

[@TravellingK]

Ohhh great tip about the hole size!

[@annar6430]

Looking really well Karen, giving alot of usefull info. You could look into putting tinted coating onto glass, like for cars.

[@TravellingK]

Thanks Anna 😀 tinting front windows? Hmmm

[@annar6430]

@@TravellingK Hi I meant tinting the side and rear windows, then you would just draw curtains across front when you needed a siesta 😎🌞

[@kaiplueschke2665]

be careful with film tint foil, they are designed for car glass windows and not for acrylic windows in a caravan. you can damage the windows

[@annar6430]

@@kaiplueschke2665 Ooh, is there an alternative type of tint that is suitable for acrylic windows ?

[@kaiplueschke2665]

@@annar6430 no, I don’t think so

[@lisahodges8299]

My turn to learn loads from you! Thank you Birdy

[@TravellingK]

So good to hear Birdy!

[@paulgodfrey2323]

If your van has an alarm, check the backup battery. When these fail, your house battery will get dragged down real quick.

[@vadmal5210]

You learn by mistakes. I guess that it means that if you don't do any mistakes you haven't learn anything! Keep on with you mistakes! :))

[@TravellingK]

Haha, I’m happy to keep learning! Even if it does involve more mistakes

[@williambranham6249]

A helpful project might be to mount a tire holder on the back bumper or front tongue of your camper or somewhere on the ute. Camper designers/engineers should be required to come out on the road and remove your spare for you. A blow out is stressful enough. Making it as easy and safe as possible to change can only help. Practice changing before you need to can be psychologically empowering. There may be other challenges like getting the lug nuts off, jacking the trailer or truck. Also safety flares or blinking warning lights may be helpful in some situations. I tried to jack up a ute once but the shoulder was grass and soft. The jack went into the ground rather than raising the truck. A piece of plywood under the jack would have been helpful. I needed a tow. In reality a road side assistance contract is your best bet. Safety comes first I think. We chucked our cassette. We put a heavy liner in the toilet, put the seat down as well as the lid. Throw some cat litter or cedar shavings in the liner. After using, throw more litter or shavings on top. At some point, remove the liner, rubber band, zip tie or duct tape and put in 5 gal bucket with lid. Works great. Easy to empty as needed.🇺🇸 Good luck. I been following you for 4 years. Always good videos.

[@TravellingK]

Yes, from previous attempts, I’ve learnt it’s hard for me to actually get the wheel off the caravan / car 🤷‍♀️ Sounds like you’ve had a few adventures yourself!

[@williambranham6249]

A few but I'm 74 and still here with all my fingers and toes. Safety first.

[@martinworrall5888]

Happy new year to you and Hayden

[@TravellingK]

And happy new year to you!

[@vickiwatson1192]

You are full of useful information. I'm looking at getting a 12 volt compressor fridge to run off solar. What make and model and size did you buy? Can you recommend on solar installers? 2 Monochrystaline panels and 2 batteries. I'm going to replace all my tyres as they are meant to have an inner tube according to my mechanic. I had one completely explode the day I purchased the caravan and was told they had been glued onto the wheel. True or not I don't know till they are replaced. Also how is your water heated? Love your channel K.

[@TravellingK]

Sheesh! What a drama about your tyres! My fridge is a Dometic, which seems a popular brand. I have 1 solar panel but it's grunty. Then went mad on the batteries and have 2 at 390ah... probably too heavy really.

[@garth2876]

Don't forget to empty the freezer when you empty the fridge after a trip away and park up the caravan. Not at all pleasant a few days later

[@TheBarefootRev]

What is the point of suncreens with a reflective back if they aren't meant to be pulled down to keep the sun out?? The mind boggles.

[@TravellingK]

I think it’s designed for keeping heat in on cold nights? It’s a UK caravan 🤣

[@jimcoan9491]

@@TravellingK Just open the window a bit it stops the heat build up between the blind and window.

[@anitaagler9844]

We all live and learn.

[@TravellingK]

Exactly 😀

[@Marianfehr]

Thanks... It´s interesting what could happen over the years :-)

[@TravellingK]

An accumulation!

[@karitolmunen4533]

Thanks Karen

[@TravellingK]

Welcome Kari!

[@andrewgilbride7546]

Be grateful for your government that has shown clarity and leadership unlike here in the UK

[@millomweb]

We never had any tyre problems and UK caravans generally don't have spare wheels. (Or they didn't back in the day !)

[@benf3607]

So many good times !

[@TravellingK]

🤣🤣 So so many

[@henrybarnett1063]

Welcome back ,If at first u don't succeed u know the rest.

[@TravellingK]

haha always trying

[@jamieellmers5511]

Hiya Karen lovely video and you look very well despite what you been through and I would put down what mistakes I have done but there are to many to mention lol ask me wife lol glad your well hope aiden is looking after you lol say hello to him for me we are all back in full lockdown again here in the UK number 3 now fed up with it lol well you take care and stay safe x

[@TravellingK]

Ha, now I’m curious about your mistakes! 3 times... what a time you guys are having.

[@jamieellmers5511]

@@TravellingK ow tell me about it had enough now and plus going to view 2 houses on Friday it's now Tuesday night can't wait to move and I have made loads of mistake I would have to write them down lol especially with my old tent let's put it this way just had to buy a new one cause of it lol just till I get me motorhome but looking to be in about 5 years till I finished paying for car lol

[@berniebne8243]

We are really lucky in that I can completely & easily remove the jockey-wheel for traveling, I thought it might have been overkill, I guess not. How do you go with an electric fridge off-grid, how much drain does it put on the leisure batteries, does the solar help?

[@TravellingK]

Easily remove it... that'll be handy! The fridge has done really well off-grid. I hardly plug in any more, so plenty of testing via solar.

[@martynwylde288]

blinds are damaged if they are left pulled down for long periods ie storing but they are fine to use over night instead of curtains

[@TravellingK]

Good to know Martyn

[@martynwylde288]

@@TravellingK we live in the uk and use our blinds all the time except when caravan is left for long periods that's when we use curtains but the springs on the blinds are easy enough to replace another tip is don't put anything adhesive on them as it causes a chemical reaction On another matter here in the uk they advise to change all tyres on the caravan every 7 years if you haven't already had this happen when removing your spare wheel when you pull the rack out, towards the end of its travel it will drop and if your hand is underneath believe me it will hurt

[@FresnoJoe2]

Amen~!

[@Leonard_Smith]

So if we learn from our mistakes you must be getting on to being a genius by now! It's been fun to watch though. Don't stop now...

[@TravellingK]

🤣 Must be a genius by now.

[@craigwatson3989]

Hi Karen, Another great video. We have a Europa 470 like you. I was wondering where you got the replacement LED bulbs for the lights, and which video is it in as I cant seem to find it. Cheers Craig and Christina. NZ

[@TravellingK]

I went to the light specialist shop... lighting direct or the other one? But I've also seen them at RV Superstore.

[@TheWombus]

We had our lifestyle battery explode. If you smell an eggy sulphur smell and the lifestyle battery is real hot then disconnect it immediately. I thought we would be ok until we get back to civilisation however boom it exploded while we were sleeping, i thought a shotgun had gone off. Luckily not much damage I had left the battery compartment unlocked so at least the high pressure was released mostly outside the caravan

[@bjenkins1899]

The day you stop learning is the day you stop caravanning.

[@TravellingK]

haha I need this printed!

[@jamieukulele]

When you said you might hear some noise at 58 secs, I thought you meant the cicadas!!

[@TravellingK]

🤣 It is cicada weather!

[@jamieukulele]

I love the sound of the cicadas. They are beautiful insects to look at too. My son held one in his hand when we were camping at Auckland Folk Festival a few years back,.

[@MrMEROSOL]

Have you considered brakes on the caravan itself? I know they have them here in the USA. I believe they're electric.

[@TravellingK]

I'm pretty sure UK caravans have inbuilt brakes too... they are designed for normal cars to tow in the UK!

[@Andy_U]

Hiya. I'm seeing - No views with 2 x Thumbs Up and 5 Comments. Lol. ??? Stay safe. All the best to you.

[@TravellingK]

How random! Haha. Hope you’re staying safe Andy

[@mikekeith2474]

Never mind, mistakes are how we learn. Do you have cruise control on your tow car, if so that will keep your speed down going downhill. Take care.

[@TravellingK]

My ute isn't fancy enough for cruise control! Good to know.

[@aidanvanweert993]

haha its so true about the screws, NZ roads are bad for bumps

[@TravellingK]

Glad you agree Aidan!

[@davidtaylorbfd]

Soooo jealous seeing people going to concerts, I am due to see Genesis here in the UK in April 😏

[@TravellingK]

Ahhh sorry David! Crazy time of it.

[@michaelweller6097]

Mist you Karen great to see you have freedom it’s pretty bad the in English best wishes to you both 😘

[@TravellingK]

Thanks Michael. Sounds tough in the UK right now. Hope you’re doing ok!

[@davidjohns.3065]

It’s not unusual to cop for a dribble when emptying the cassette loo.

[@TravellingK]

The joys of the caravan life 🤣

[@simplysue8312]

I see you have your gas alarm up high...I thought you had to have them low as carbon monoxide is heavy?

[@craigwatson3989]

Carbon monoxide is lighter than air, hence it rises. Lpg gas is heavier than air so it sinks. Which is why we also have one of those alarms down low.

[@TravellingK]

Thanks Craig! Yes, you can get 2 gas related alarms that go in different locations.

[@craigwatson3989]

We have a europa 470 just like you. We placed our lpg alarm down near the floor on the panel next to where the table lives. Then i took 12v power from under the bed.

[@ronhill2]

Check Dan Trudgian's blogs, he has a post detailing the process.

[@TravellingK]

For the windows?

[@robinbenton1367]

Karen we nearly ran out of fuel(diesel) on the way to Wairoa from Napier. So now when we get to half full I am looking to fill up, takes the worry out and no need to carry an extra can of fuel.

[@TravellingK]

Ohhh glad you managed to make it!

[@mauricepowers3804]

I hope New Zealand does not have an uptick in cases because of no masks worn at that event.

[@SSR00000]

NZ has - touch wood - not had a community transfer case since the 18th of November. It seems they have figured out a very good system to catch all cases coming into the country in quarantine. The Team of 5 Miilion rocks! (I wish I was a Kiwi)

[@davidjohns.3065]

Different government and media to us I guess.

[@TravellingK]

Currently no community transmission 😀

[@karenknowles1537]

I have made so many mistakes I can’t even think how to pin them down to only a few.🙃

[@TravellingK]

Glad I'm not the only one!

[@bertkelly7650]

What you don't learn in this lifetime, there's always the 2nd. ; - )

[@TravellingK]

haha nice Bert!

[@karvanznlife9227]

Karen there is a product called "silky" that will take the marks off the fibre glass if u cant get that then "cif" does the same thing, u might think its too abrasive but i learned this from another utuber it works amazing

[@craigjoyce5004]

Karen Tyres are dated when they were made and you should always change them after 5 years from that date no matter how much tread is left on them some insurence firms will not pay out if you have an accident and they find the tyres to be over 5 years old

[@TravellingK]

We just seem to have a crazy relaxed attitude about it in NZ 🤷‍♀️

[@rohanhamer8429]

@@TravellingK it’s the same here in Australia. I think you should get your tyres inspected regularly and replace them when either the tread is worn down, or they start to perish. Tyres that are well maintained and kept out of the sun can last for quite some time. There is no issue with insurance and tyre age.

[@michaelhodges2448]

3 to 5 years on tyres

[@TravellingK]

3! I have a feeling we are overly relaxed in NZ?

[@CawffeeTyme]

You could say that cleaning up the toilet cassette area is a really sh*tty job.

[@TravellingK]

🤣 Nicely put

[@johninokla2635]

@@TravellingK I think it is more of a crappy job.

[@millomweb]

You shouldn't put fats down ANY drain !

[@Britbabe53]

So basically you've trashed the place LOL, just kidding... live and learn eh? Life is a learning curve. When you know better you do better! Oh and WELL DONE NEW ZEALAND!

[@TravellingK]

🤣 My poor caravan. The advantage of NZ is our small population and isolation!!

[@millomweb]

Don't mash potatoes in a colander.