Learn from our MISTAKES Caravanning Australia

G'day VanFam. In this video, we share some of the biggest mistakes we have made since moving into a caravan and travelling around Australia. Our hope is that we can share insights that will help you if you are planning to join us out here on the road and hopefully you can avoid some of our Mistakes.
0:00 Intro
01:12 Understand Caravan Weights
04:22 Use the Marriage Saver
07:01 Lower your Tire pressure
11:01 Strap your fridge door
13:05 Check for correct fuel
15:50 Pay attention to the seasons
19:32 Check tires and suspension regularly

[@biglap.australia]

Thanks for posting actually helpful information, warts and all. Recently I’ve ceased watching people on KZbin doing their lap. The click bait is out of control. Sensationalising minor breakages…I’m over it. So thank you for being real.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Yes, unfortunately the Australian caravanning niche suffers so much from this sensationalism and click bait thumbnail. Believe me, we know about it, and hate it. Sadly though it works, and the creators abusing it are growing the fastest. And the new and aspiring creators try to emulate them. It's a bit of a race to the bottom. Hopefully we don't ever find ourselves in that race.

[@biglap.australia]

@@SvedosTrippin 2 years ago I thought about posting our lap on KZbin after two weeks on the road I thought “I don’t want miss anything on this trip and I’m not going to spend hours video editing interrupt me”. So I stuck to instagram as a personal blog of our journey. So, I appreciate the hard work you’re putting in.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Tried to find you on insta but couldn't. whats the actual name, would love to follow and see where you have been.@@biglap.australia

[@biglap.australia]

@@SvedosTrippin you do already mate. @Biglap.aus!

[@SvedosTrippin]

@@biglap.australia ahh yup, now I know who you are 😁

[@Sparkles1111]

You’re a great couple and appreciate showing as it is and not glamorising van life, like way too many do. Honesty is refreshing and you provided some really important insight into getting to know your vehicle and can. Thanks & stay safe

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thanks for the kind comment. Glad to have you watching and commenting.

[@RoamingFossils]

Take it from an old fossil, wisdom comes from experience, experience comes from living, keep living and enjoying every experience good and bad, life is too short and i hope your veiwers appreciate the content, there is good advise within it, keep up the good work.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Well said! Thanks for the kind words.

[@spudboy1328]

Great topic. Here's another one: Failing to do a walk around before departing. I've driven off with chocks under the wheels; left things behind; forgotten to plug in/unplug things; etc. A final walk around before engaging Drive is worth the 1 minute that it takes.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Great tip! thankfully we've not made this mistake. I always do a walk around of everything after hitching up. But its certainly a good bit of advice.

[@chaslie]

We have gone a step further and have a written checklist which is A4 in size and it's laminated. This has eliminated our past mistakes and accidents.

[@v0w1x2]

As someone who has written off two jockey wheels and a caravan stabiliser jack I endorse this🤬

[@robertjohnston3658]

Love your style and ability to flow the conversation between yourselves and be bouncy without being over the top. Too many dry and boring trip videos that are very tiring to watch So well done , with some good info and the right approach as lifestyle traveler’s , who simply take their time and enjoy their travels

[@SvedosTrippin]

I appreciate that! thanks for the kind comment and thanks for watching.

[@davidemby4375]

Wow how open, how honest and incredibly helpful. You can't make mistakes unless you put yourself out there. Thanks very much

[@user-gx3hq7by6k]

Hey guys i dont think your mistakes were that bad considering you have been on the road for 3 years, my partner has put petrol in my diesel ute twice so far, i no longer let her fill up anymore lol Thanks for the honesty and wish you all the best for the future.

[@SvedosTrippin]

We feel very lucky. We have seen alot since starting this and relatively our mistakes aren't that bad. Some people we've met have had catastrophic issues that could have maybe been avoided. Thanks for the kind comment and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Complete3DConcepts]

Got to admit, i haven't watched a video in a while, but this was brilliant. you guys look super comfortable in fromnt of the camera and good together. Keep up the great work and thank you for sharing the not so glamorous side of the life. we are all human and all make mistakes. it is great to learn from others rather than having to make ALLL the mistkaes myself! lol

[@SvedosTrippin]

been a while Josh. thanks for the compliments, back to Queensland soon.

[@lindaneumann3301]

Great episode. Thank you for reminding us all to be alert and vigilant while travelling.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Our pleasure! Thanks for.watching and commenting.

[@Kicknback-BeaLaurie]

Thanks for being honest. We think most travellers would certainly relate & would've experienced similar horror stories themselves. Great information for those starting out! Safe travels!👍

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thanks very much. Was a hard vid to make but we hope it helps others. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@ianwhittle5097]

A tip/trick with the reversing of the van ... change roles. Let Mel do the driving and Brett do the directing. Try it. It's a sure way of avoiding the arguments and angst. An old friend told us that many years ago.

[@ursodermatt8809]

really?

[@SvedosTrippin]

We've tried this before, diddnt work for us. Thanks for watching and commenting 😀

[@sharonpalmer908]

Thank you, no doubt humbling but extremely helpful to other travelers 👍

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thank you and we hope so.

[@SteveNoolan]

Mistakes, the knowledge you need, just after you needed it !

[@GoYourOwnWay49]

Hey guys, fantastic topic to delve into and share with both novice and seasoned caravan enthusiasts! The vlog is packed with valuable insights, and I believe others, including myself will find your hard-earned advice quite helpful. I’ve made some of the mistakes you mentioned Brett, and I truly resonate with your feelings on owning up to them with fellow travelers. Thanks for addressing a challenging topic! Stay safe and see you guys on the next adventure 👍 kind regards Corrie

[@SvedosTrippin]

Our pleasure! Thanks as always for the kind and thoughtful comment. Next week it's a fun vlog exploring another outback town.

[@lynntutticci9248]

Excellent video. We’re into our eighth year on the road and gee we’ve made our fair share of mistakes. Love your honesty. I’m sure you’ll save plenty of people some costly mistakes.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Awesome, so cool.to have someone with your experience being interested in this one. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Bonfordi]

Brave and honest video guys. You obviously learn from your mistakes, and better still share them so others can learn and not make the same ones. A huge 👍 from me.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thanks for the kind comment, it's much appreciated.

[@reptileaustralia242]

Proud of you guys swallowing pride. We all make mistakes or learn from lack of knowledge. Excellent video thankyou.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelconnolly4382]

Thanks! loved it!

[@peterlevy7679]

Well said, enjoyed thoroughly.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@carmenmitchell3096]

Authentic and honest. Love it x

[@terence7294]

Thanks for sharing. I have learned a lot from this video.

[@carolynraine5160]

Love your honesty, and so helpful, well done 💖

[@cyclonerain1880]

Thank you. 🙏🏼 Your mistakes help others avoid the same mistakes.

[@SvedosTrippin]

You're so welcome! That's what we're hoping for with this vid.

[@janbaert2891]

What a lovely couple. Thank you for this video, I learned a lot.

[@kerrypattinson4528]

Fantastic!

[@stuartkcalvin]

Nice piece, thanks.

[@lynbond5126]

Hey Brett & Mel. What an awesome video, honest and everything explained. Yes, it's hard owning up to our mistakes, so well done to both of you! Anyone watching you guys for the 1st time will think that you're on your own....your kids are so well-behaved and know when not to interrupt 😂 Hope you guys and Kaylee & Owen have an good weekend. Safe travels and see you next week ❤

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thanks so much! Many years of training with the kiddies. They were inside playing quietly.

[@melissasvedinek850]

Yes quiet activity time is key

[@lynbond5126]

​@melissasvedinek850 Mel, good plan! You're a lovely little family 😊

[@RobKel92]

Thank you for your honesty and sharing your knowledge with us

[@SvedosTrippin]

Your welcome, thanks for watching and commenting.

[@user-gp9us7ps7o]

Thank you for your helpful and honest comments.

[@priscillacatania8275]

Thankyou for sharing

[@ianfredericks-nutbushvcity2791]

All very good suggestions to takeaway. Thanks for being candid and sharing the vid 👍

[@SvedosTrippin]

Glad it was helpful! thanks for watching and commenting.

[@reneefox8247]

Great video! Always love the honesty x

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thanks so much!

[@mitchwalmsley]

Thanks again for a helpful video. Now we'll hopefully reduce our mistakes for a big lap from Aug. I liked the mention of the marriage saver offer (I'll definitely not say no now!).

[@Bergs-au]

Love the Honesty, Thanks for sharing.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thanks for watching!

[@joannerudge720]

Fantastic video thanks for the honest sharing. I look forward to watching you each week.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Happy to have you onboard, see you next week.

[@dominiqueharvey-jones5248]

Thank you for the honesty

[@SvedosTrippin]

No worries!

[@pieterholwerda3335]

Love your honesty. Thanks for this very relevant clip presented so well with humour and your down to earth manner.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Your welcome, thanks for your kind comment.

[@OurOutbackJourney]

Thank you for sharing, some great tips. Love your dress, Mel!

[@SvedosTrippin]

You are so welcome! thanks for watching.

[@melissasvedinek850]

Thank you, I love my dresses too, make me feel pretty

[@carliecollins7766]

So helpful guys, thanks for being brave and sharing

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thanks for watching!

[@mickbrinkley1138]

Great video guys. Your honesty is great. Safe Travels.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thank you! 👍

[@helenverrall2892]

Brilliant episode.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thank you.

[@SteffanieOfOz]

Great video and so informative. Wishing you more safe travels.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thanks so much!

[@kevindesira1298]

Very honest and helpful. 👍👍

[@SvedosTrippin]

Glad it was helpful!

[@traceybjorksten4445]

Excellent episode, keeping it real as always. Thanks for being brave enough to share your hard-earned learnings.

[@SvedosTrippin]

I appreciate that! thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Booma69]

Great video and very good advice. I love that it is a warts and all chat about your adventures and mishaps. Keep up the great work and stay safe and well.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thank you! Will do! Thanks for watching and commenting 😀

[@samutwy4406]

Thanks guys much appreciated..

[@SvedosTrippin]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@chrisp3044]

good video again..well done for being honest and letting us newbies. good luck with your future travels

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thank you!

[@nadenebrewer9853]

Brilliant fridge door idea thanks

[@SvedosTrippin]

You’re welcome 😊

[@markthomas8766]

You reminded me of the time I put 80 litres of fuel in the rod holder (the fuel tank filler is right next to it). 25 years ago. I still haven't lived that one down!

[@SvedosTrippin]

Haha we all do it at some point don't we.

[@tonysmith9548]

Great video and some timely advice. Only takes a few minutes to do a walk around your van at each fuel stop and check things out. Check wheel nuts etc. liking your channel keep up the good stuff and enjoy.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thanks Tony. It's all a learning curve, hopefully we can help sharpen that curve for others with this vid. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@kathleenwhite6603]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I hope you have happy and safe travels in the future. The caravan community are amazing, lots of experience and great people to learn from.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thank you, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Agent6292]

Well done, guys. Good value indeed.

[@SvedosTrippin]

thanks you, appreciate the positive feed back, thanks for watching.

[@user-wg9jq9jo6k]

Thanks for the video - found it informative.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Your welcome, hope it helps.

[@sarahfisher8221]

Great info!! Thanks for sharing 😊

[@SvedosTrippin]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Lauren-ft1ii]

Great video. Thanks for posting relevant and useful information.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-xc2eb9ql8n]

Thanks for your tips! We’re heading off for the first time in March and every bit of information helps.👍👌

[@SvedosTrippin]

Glad it was helpful! enjoy your trip and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@captainkipper86]

Well done guys, great advice!!

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thank you.

[@mauafuifui7859]

Thank you for this video. Really has helped me alot. Big fan of your videos. Keep em coming & stay safe.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thanks, will do!

[@user-hf9sl3np3v]

Great honesty and very helpful. I appreciate your tips. Safe travels 😊.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thanks so much!

[@tonyfindlay1225]

Very good video, my tip to add is that I have a checklist that I have laminated, for the inside and then the outside, I religiously stick to it, it came about after I lost a sway bar after my neighbour distracted me while hooking the caravan up, prior to the checklist, I had left the aerial up, had draws fly open not locked, had the fridge door open not latched, left the top hatch open, not turned the fridge to 12 volt when travelling, so my tip is use a checklist, keep up the good work, regards Tony

[@JayWilFo]

Many thanks for sharing ❤

[@SvedosTrippin]

No worries, thanks for watching and commenting.

[@BunyipnAbout]

Good points to consider.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Hope it helps.

[@glynnwatson50]

Thank you very much for sharing your experience. I have also done many things you have described. Thank you again!!!!

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thank you, glad we're not alone 🤣

[@dalerhodes5246]

Great vid guys. Great advice for people heading into the van life. 👍

[@SvedosTrippin]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching and commenting.

[@lukewieland5834]

Your video was amazing and resourceful. We shy away from discussing mistakes in a lot of areas in our life. You video has taught so many people valuable lessons. Thank you!

[@SvedosTrippin]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting 😀.

[@Travelwithdogs-]

Yep that was really good advice Good on you guys for sharing

[@SvedosTrippin]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@dave6199]

Great couple and thankyou for sharing

[@SvedosTrippin]

Your most welcome.

[@rab61au]

Great video. Thanks for sharing some excellent tips.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@aaronchesebro6991]

Great honest and open video to bare all! Yes don’t see a lot of this going around. I knew a few of these to look out for, but learned a few good tips too!!

[@SvedosTrippin]

thanks for the feedback, glad to hear it was helpful.

[@paulmclean4433]

Hi, just watched your new video and loved it. Thanks for the honesty and very informative video " 7 mistakes" Very much appreciated because we are about to go on our journey and need all the help we can get!!!!!!

[@SvedosTrippin]

Glad it was helpful! Have fun on your adventures. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@thesaltytravellers2869]

New sub guy’s, raw, honest and took a risk. You have won us !!

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thanks for the sub! Glad to have you on board.

[@markfarnsworth996]

Priceless guys. Thats not embarrassing at all and very helpful. One of the best videos I have seen. Thanks and great job

[@SvedosTrippin]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Travellingmcleods]

Thanks for sharing your experiences :D

[@SvedosTrippin]

No worries!

[@danielnewton2821]

Great video guys 🎉 thanks for sharing all these tips 👍

[@SvedosTrippin]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@markeckford7328]

Well done nice job I learned something today thank you 🙏

[@SvedosTrippin]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching and commenting 😀

[@kathforsyth2774]

Thanx heaps for sharing we are soon to start our travels, might see you on the road.

[@SvedosTrippin]

How exciting, hopefully we cross paths.

[@jamesdol]

Good on you guys for owning it and sharing. That takes courage and humility. Something that is lacking in this day and age.

[@SvedosTrippin]

We agree! Thanks for watching and commenting 😀

[@slinca]

I’m a super noob solo. I’m so thankful you guys gave me so much to think abt. 😊

[@SvedosTrippin]

Glad to hear we helped.

[@marshinn]

Cheers! Very useful

[@SvedosTrippin]

Glad it helped!

[@dylanfromoz4681]

Thank you so much for your wisdom and honesty. As someone about to get into vans, every bit of info really helps. I have been off grid camping for decades but really know nothing about van life. This info is bloody awesome. Keep up the great work 👍

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thanks you, glad to hear it's helped you, and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.

[@JP-fm2ph]

Thank you, brave you are, however all the tips are very useful for our trip coming up. Cheers.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Glad it was helpful!

[@iamcleverdic]

Great video, well done. I love the truth. I call mistakes learning opportunities now.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Exactly!

[@fleurneumann8430]

What a wonderfully comprehensive video . On topic of tyres , we do a walk around and check heat and state of tyres every time we stop , about every 2 hours on average , for whatever the reason . But well done admitting your mistakes and passing on your advice to others .

[@SvedosTrippin]

We aren't as vigilant as you, though we probably should be. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@wesleyli7429]

great video

[@malcolmmcarthur5924]

Hey guys thanks for being so open about some of the things that can go wrong. We’ve only just begun our caravan journey with a weekend away here and there. Last weekend we were packing up in the rain, and had another person waiting for our site. In the mad rush we packed everything up and took off. About 30km down the road I decided to stop and empty the toot, and found the caravan keys still in the front boot of the van. I did do a quick pre-departure check but missed this one. Keep the videos coming I enjoy learning from your adventures.

[@SvedosTrippin]

always pays to take your time. Don't let people rush you. Safe travels and thank for watching.

[@JohnHackett-lp5ep]

Thanks for tips more people should do this to help others , may even save lives

[@SvedosTrippin]

So nice of you, we do hope this helps people.

[@stormthrower]

great content... I am a 'bush camper' with a Troopy and rooftent as well as a good size ground tent. We are considering our next move up to a caravan or trailer... all the helpful info we can gather before making our major purchase is helpful. Knowing the issues that could lie ahead is key to an enjoyable trip. Thanks for your insights. Safe travels !!

[@SvedosTrippin]

Glad to hear sharing our experience is helping. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@petrusoosthuizen1323]

Awesome thanks!

[@SvedosTrippin]

Our pleasure!

[@trippinvanz]

Great episode 🎉

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thanks guys.

[@paullee2561]

This is the the first of your videos that I have watched, I am impressed! I have been caravanning for 25 years and have a reasonable amount of experience but I am going to subscribe to the channel to follow your travels. Keep it up, it is a great life.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for subscribing

[@shanehirst3964]

Another informative episode thanku guys for keeping it real. We have sold up and have 9 weeks until we leave on our forever trip hope to meet you guys on the road sometime.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Your welcome, thank for watching. Only 9 weeks to go, it will fly by. Catch you on the road.

[@leealdous4609]

Wow, well we just discovered you and are busy binge watching episodes. What a refreshing family you are. This episode was so good and informative and so "warts n all". Thankyou. As I'm writing I'm watching the episode and Ningaloo with the quality food control and your taste tester/thief.😅. Your blogs are really down to earth and informative. But man have you guys had some challenges. Your attitude tho is on point. This ain't goin to beat us. Keep living the dream and thanks for sharing. Safe and uneventful travels😅😅

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thanks lee, really appreciate the kind and thoughtful comment and feedback. We will keep on trucking no matter what is thrown at us. Glad to have you along for the journey, thanks for watching and commenting.

[@jonbon1904]

Hey guys, thanks for the video. We’re new at this and will be making mistakes. Some simple and practical stuff you’ve talked about. Cheers

[@SvedosTrippin]

Glad it was helpful!

[@waynesimmons2850]

Great advice 👍

[@SvedosTrippin]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AAAA-vu7fp]

Thank you,top info

[@SvedosTrippin]

You are welcome!

[@dontdyalusweretravelling4718]

Great vid guys & some awesome tips & advice! Agree with the fridge strap! We have had 2 latches break on our fridge in 12 months and now use 3 x Dreambaby Twist & Lock Multi Purpose Latches & they are awesome 😎

[@SvedosTrippin]

Yeah, it's a real issue that no newbie is going to think of, hopefully this vid will save a few people. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@markrhodes4718]

Good stuff guys. Keep up the great videos.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thanks! Will do!

[@shanespicer6348]

Thank you. This was a GREAT video. I have made a few of these mistakes and I felt like an idiot. It was great for you guys to talk about this as it might save others a lot of money. Remember, if you haven't made mistakes, you haven't lived. Keep up the good work.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Cheers Shane, a few comments saying they have made the same mistakes, certainly makes us feel better. Hopefully this will help a handful of people avoid these ones. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@frankguernier2280]

Love your honesty and tips. I to had a tyres wearing unevenly on the inside edges. With some suspension work previously the beam axle had been re installed upside down. We found out axles have sag in one direction. The re install created some negative camber for the wheels creating excessive inside edge wear.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thanks for sharing! And by paying attention you hopefully saved yourself some heartache down the line. Thanks for watching and the kind comment.

[@roberthutchins3435]

This A great Vid👍People Who Don,t Do Anyhing Never Make Mistakes