Camping Trip Preparation Tips

[@Kearnsish]

To check level of gas bottle, sit it up right, boil kettle pour a bit of water down side of bottle, condensation will show the level of gas, can also after a few seconds feel where it goes from hot to cold, cold will be where the level of gas is, works a treat

[@Ronny_Dahl]

cool I shall give it a shot

[@4DIYers]

That's a cool tip!

[@bryanmcgrath8214]

You can also weigh the bottle. The tank should have weights stamped on the collar. I'm not sure on the OZ standard but you should also be able to ask the bloke filling it what the empty weight is.

[@tomdiggity3799]

@@bryanmcgrath8214 yes this works here in OZ i use this method a lot with help from the scales in the bathroom. it should have a stamed full weight and a empty weight

[@bryanmcgrath8214]

@Kaptain Kid I offered a solution to a problem, you're free to offer a better one.

[@jdoubles]

Ronny, old vid, just discovered it. Just starting to get into the depths of all things camping. I'm in the right place! The tip about preparing meals, freezing them in slabs and putting them into the fridge/freezer like this is absolute pure-spun gold! Cheers mate.

[@codyb6106]

I love when Ronny gets back to the basics.

[@Mark2790]

My tip with storing torches is to flip one of the batteries over so the circuit is wrong and won't work. It stops the slow leak and keeps the batteries with the torch.

[@vernonbennettiii3646]

Excellent video, Ronny. I have been camping (for fishing and hunting) in remote areas of Northern Michigan (US) and Northern Ontario (Canada) for over 45 years, often in very remote areas, out of canoe for a week or more, and then using our 4x4 on the return trips back to the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, including trips out west and to Alaska. It is definitely a huge bummer when your equipment does not perform in the manner expected (or is missing!). Your tips are very helpful -- as reminders for folks who are not regular overlanders, and for those of us who might forget something now and then. Thank you very much for your close attention to the details!

[@MiniLuv-1984]

You found my blue knife! Thanks Ronny, yet again a great, informative video. All the very best for the festive season!

[@insaynbcr]

Ronny, To remedy the LP gas bottle issue, I pretty much quit using LP and don't take a bottle/tank anymore. My camp cooking is done on the camp stove, in a small folding camp oven or over the fire. I went back to using an old school dual fuel (white gas/gasoline) camp stove, a multi-fuel MSR Dragonfly stove and a dual fuel lantern or LEDs for my lighting needs. Since my truck is not a diesel, I carry a 20L Jerry can of gasoline, and at least a gallon of white gas (separated into a few smaller plastic tanks for redundancy) for multi-day trips. The 20L Jerry can be back up for stove, lantern, or my truck.

[@vincepalaa]

Not sure about Australia, but many places (outdoor stores, ect) in the US you can rent SatPhones/Spot communications. They're fairly inexpensive and the peace of mind is priceless.

[@thebob3712]

can rent them in Aus, sat phones, but only need them if going remote travelling

[@Silvrwind1]

Careful with using a hatchet as a hammer. Hitting anything hard underground ( buried rock ) with the peg can transfer the force right back at you. As a medic, treated a guy who took a hatchet blade to the chin from hammering and hitting solid rock under the dirt. If you do, at least use the flat edge so the blade is facing left or right ( seems like common since but there's always that one guy).

[@badwerds]

i've also had a run in using a hatchet as a hammer. luckily got myself right on the ankle bone. still hurt like buggery. it happened because i got distracted by my dad trying to pass me the hammer...

[@hoobakam.3931]

Good tips. I like the RV water filter, and the toothbrush storing trick with mouthwash. Creative! Thanks.

[@2UZFE]

Always good for the new comers Ronny , good on ya mate 👍

[@jerrydingus1593]

this is great stuff. I am 61 and want to start camping from my car (have a tent but no backpacking remote from the vehicle). I have always put this activity off and now facing retirement, I am GOING to DO IT. This is the level of info that I needed.

[@kdburner7356]

How’d you go?

[@jerrydingus1593]

@@kdburner7356 sad to say, I haven't yet followed through. But I am notoriously slow to action

[@TheMongolianMage]

Good luck mate

[@gilmeacham8109]

Excellent video Ronny. I've been camping for 60 years, and learned several tips from this.

[@marksomerville1275]

Hey Ronny...rust removal..plastic bin, 2lt vinegar, fill up with water just over pan, grill, etc...leave for a week.. heat up on bbq & oil.

[@aussiefiery]

A good tip for those using chemical toilets is to carry sachets or tablets rather than bottles of chemicals. Two things, the bottles take up much more room and secondly if a bottle splits open you have all that chemical through your vehicle, drawers etc.

[@jackturtle131]

Tins stay good for years. If you've been in the Army you should know a bout it.We always got old stuff never seen fresh tins in the Army

[@ufx808]

A very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you, Ronny, and everyone who gives me hours of top notch entertainment throughout the year.

[@stephenhutton1805]

Hi there Ronnie a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your's. Great video as usual. just wanted to mention a few tips that may help. Lemon juice will remove tent mold very quickly and leave it smelling fresh. Wipe your fridge out on return from your trip. I use a plastic cap off a spray can which I fill with bicarb and place in the fridge. Then using a wedge to prop the lid open a few centimeters to allow air flow; cover the fridge with an old bed sheet to keep the beasties out and store. Cast iron pots / fry pans /griddles cleaned after each use with a chux cloth then a Bar B Que wipe, then oiled before storing in their carry bag leaves them rust free Hot water poured down the side of a gas bottle will give a condensation line to show gas remaining. I use a Coleman two burner stove with a 2 ltr bottle for all my cooking which will last me a couple of weeks in the bush as I only cook for myself.I also carry two of the green screw on bottles from Bunnings just in case as they have the same fitting. Water purification;.1 drop of iodine (liquid Betadine) per liter of water 1 hour before drinking kills most bacteria. Packing your R 3 / 4 or 5 30 sec tent ; once rolled up and strapped place the tent bag over the tent with the zips facing the ground, stretching the ends over the rolled up tent. Then flip it over and do up the zip.Hope this helps some of your viewers Regards from bigezi

[@blairbushproject]

Ryobi rocks for camping. And the advice about batteries is so right. The battery marriage has sad endings all the time. Our ryobi set up has really improved our camping experience.

[@mauiman52]

For gas/propane bottles, I would highly recommend to check with your local U-haul or welding supply store. They will refill also your Amerigas or Blue Rhino bottle, but charge you just for the amount you need to refill. So just go and refill and start your trip with full bottles each time without overpaying for nothing.

[@harleyd9180]

Some great advice here. Only thing I’d change is to get the wife to sign off on anything kitchen, bedding or food related you checked before the trip.

[@mendyviola]

Or make it easy and delegate inventory vs mob/de-mob. My job is to inventory & kit everything up, his job is to mob/de-mob. When he unload (de-mob), I recheck the kits and put things back where they should be.

[@kdburner7356]

Sounds like you and your missus don’t get along😅

[@exrhodie1234]

Hey Ronny; very cool to see you wearing a Hells Canyon T-Shirt. That's right in my back yard here in Idaho and we visit there often. Gets pretty damn hot in mid-summer though.

[@admantiom1848]

If I can add one more item, bring eye medication/drops/ointment, I have been in this situation before and carrie it with me on any camping trip and regardless for how long I am going to be out there.

[@sk7262]

Great vid RD as always - picked up a couple new tips - thanks Here's our tip - We ONLY carry NiMH AA and AAA batteries (Eneloop's or LSD - low self discharge variants) in our camper. Use the AA to C/D cell adaptors in those devices requiring them (the adaptor lives in those devices and get the same if not better capacity when 2/3 AAs are running in parallel; decent NiMH has better capacity over Alkaline like for like - maybe not lithium single use but cost about the same?). Carry a small 4 port AA/AAA/18650 USB charger just in case- takes up less room and enviro friendly (no toxic waste to store and recycle - just recharge set aside for the next refill.) keep up the good work

[@tariqissak3722]

Hi,am a safari guide in Kenya,I luv ur camping stuffs n gears u guys got very gud stuff for camping, especially wen u r on a safari,😂🤣😉😉👍👍

[@Rusted_Link]

I use Super Lube silicone lubricant on my cooler seals. Helps them last longer and seal better.

[@python27au]

I wouldn’t worry too much about canned food expiring. Some of the rations we were issued 80s and 90s was vietnam era and it was still edible. Also my grand parents had old stock from a shop they used to own that was at least ten years old and still good. Use by dates are to cover the arse of the manufacture, often they mean nothing.

[@slamboy66]

When I go to desert or beach, I take old pillow cases. Fill with sand and put on top of stakes to hold in ground. When your done empty sand and rollup cases and stuff around noisy camp gear.

[@timbaxter6161]

Great content mate!!!

[@jOHNnguyen014]

Thanks man! Love your videos. It helps so much!! :) 👍👍👍

[@TasHikingAdventures]

i like the idea of time stamps on camping tip videos keep em coming even though im new on this video 3 yrs late lol

[@4bymad660]

Obvious vid yes,but who cares! The way you present your vids is always enjoyable to watch,cheers for the great content mate,happy xmas!! Maybe if you get a chance a bar work vid please cob? Custom vs homemade vs mass produced,price,safety effictiveness etc,cheers👍

[@oysterfleet5669]

Hell's Canyon! Hat Point, Fantastic overlook. Spent a week over there this year. I want that Tee Shirt.

[@Kingjayz14]

Hey Ronny! Can you show us whats in your food prep? Such as everything for your kitchen? Im planning on making a lockable box pantry instead of using a draw set up ✌️

[@beginners4x486]

Good video, especially this time of year. Put a kettle full of hot water down the side of your gas bottle, feel where it goes from hot to cold, there is your gas level. Keep up the good work. Merry Christmas.

[@davidcraemer8227]

Check your solar charging. Just came back from a camping trip, where a friend had two solar chargers one was not changing and thee other was putting in less amps than the freezer was drawing.

[@Phil_McAvity]

Cryovac: A lot of us only run a fridge. I’d love to see a video on foods / recipes you can Cryovac & keep in the fridge and life expectancy 👍🏻

[@kenadams8950]

I'm pretty sure he's already done a video on this.

[@Phil_McAvity]

Cj Dunne . Yeah the two part ones. Just not very specific that’s all.

[@ryanf2709]

On longer trips, I freeze meat and let it slowly defrost in the fridge. Lasts longer and helps keep the Fridge cold.

[@benjaminargus9563]

Big ziplocks work good if u dont have a cryovac, flatten mince out defrosts quicker, marinate meat and roll it to get air out then flatten and freeze, though i leave mine in the fridge overnight before freezing to get that flavour in. Plenty of things u can pre prep veg wise to just leave a little water in there for carrot so it doesnt dry out.

[@yoyartube]

Hey Ronny, weigh your gas bottles when empty and then when full. If you have scale handy then you can know how full or empty they are.

[@bluebirdchipseater]

Matt F they have empty weights stamped into the bottle handle E.W : 4.5kg (example)

[@dagamore]

Was just going to say that, and at least here in the USA the bottles have the empty weight marked on the bottle. Also they make magnetic stick on gauges that use the temp of the bottle so show the rough line where the gas level is.

[@henriwolbrink]

I use a cheap luggage scale. Works great. You could also use it for fishing.

[@peterbarber7613]

Matt F.or you just get it topped up before you go

[@markdavies675]

peter barber no such thing as a top up anymore , they charge for a full bottle...

[@PopEye2384]

Just took delivery of the Ford Endeavour (Read: Everest) and i'm off for my first solo camping trip..... will be sleeping in the car itself.... super excited..

[@jailbreakoverlander]

Ronnie going old school on the intro, nice.

[@4DIYers]

Great tips, thanks for sharing!

[@donaldsunshinecranekempf4905]

Tyre monitors, a silly little gadget. BUT.. i did a plug repair from a malley bush puncher on my car. the week out west it held up well with 18 PSI. hit the hwy with 30 psi and at 110k/h. i noticed a loss of 1 psi every 100 km. the tyre monitor saved that tyre. we stopped and swapped the leaking tyre. getting the slow leak repaired at home. just saved $250 and maybe our lives. driving in a straight direction for hours with no bends i don't think we would have felt the low rear tyre pressure until to late.

[@bahrfood8568]

What tent are you showing at 4:30? I’m in the US so I’d really like to find one just like it here. It looks like just the right type of tent to coerce my wife into camping. TIA

[@craigmurphy163]

Great info Thank you have a wonderful Christmas to you and the family Thank you for the vids this year safe travels

[@johntamulonis4626]

Ronny, great video, really love all your videos, when are you coming to US, would love to wheel with you.

[@WesternAustraliaNowAndThen]

We do several research trips a years and despite being seasoned travellers and campers there is almost always something that gets forgotten. We make extensive lists but even then, there is stuff that just gets missed some times. Just got back from the south west and we forgot to take a kettle! Pretty basic right? With the best prep in the world, you will probably wind up missing something. Great vid, Very chilled out dog, didn't budge and inch when the swag hit the ground :) One thing about gas bottles, it is a VERY good idea to get a safety gauge that prevent leaks if the valve is accidentally turned on. I believe new laws may be coming that mean a safety valve will have to be fitted to bottles as a standard feature. With regard to porta potti chemicals, we stopped using them years ago. Yes they can get a bit ripe if you don't empty them regularly and it is a problem if you can't store the potti in a trailer but it does mean that they are safe to empty into normal septic systems because there are no additives.

[@kadmow]

Western Australia Now and Then : A Pot, or billy can be used for boiling water anyhow, no need for a dedicated "water boiler:/kettle... Have fun, enjoy.

[@WesternAustraliaNowAndThen]

@@kadmow yup we used a pot instead

[@killafish6087]

Thank you. Very cool video.

[@crocodiledundee7564]

Happy Monday Ronny Great information , Thank you Merry Xmas

[@carlfetters8082]

Ronny- I have enjoyed your videos for years now. Thank you. My first question for you: Can you tell me the model and manufacturer of the skillet/pan at 14:00? I’m always on the search for a cast iron or steel pan with a 1) folding-handle and 2) square in shape. -Carl (Ohio, USA)

[@Ronny_Dahl]

I think its just a simple purchase from Anaconda camping store. Was a while since I bought that.

[@gringo3009]

Good stuff. I would add the importance of a first aid kit.

[@bringingtherukas7473]

And make sure you refill what you have used.

[@AussieGearReviewer]

And if you just brought a pre-made kit make sure it has AT LEAST 3 decent sized heavy crepe bandages (snake bite), 2 triangular bandages, Panadol/Asparin/Ibuo-howeveryouspellit and personally I keep extra sunscreen and insect repellent in there too.

[@AussieGearReviewer]

And stingoes

[@4DIYers]

And make sure to always check the expiration date of the contents before a trip.

[@seanfrench1029]

Great vid thanks. I have watched many of your videos but can't recall one on roof rack loading, dynamic vs static limits, roof mount vs roof gutter mounts etc. I have a 2017 Everest with Front Runner roof rack and planning a post-covid overland trip (no trailer) and have a 100kg roof limit but the RR has 3x that limit. I see many overlanders load lots on their roof and after all I've learn't, too much. Have you covered this before?

[@StankPlanks]

Very helpful tips, thanks mate. Now to wait for coronavirus to go away so I can go camp. Stay safe everyone.

[@kaimay8657]

Replay Recycle have the best kids cups cause one they are recyclable but they also can handle a hot chocolate/ milo as well as the obvious cold drinks.

[@chrisbehn4116]

Very informative. Great way to remember to what to pack and prepare for camping. Just want to ask why it was uploaded later than normal? I was getting worried

[@TheCaptainFaz]

Legend mate love your videos keep em coming!!!

[@allangrey1950]

I always carry a claw hammer for the tent pegs they help getting them out of hard ground.

[@toddavis8151]

Also check the gas hoses for leaks, a simple broken O ring can cause big issues (I discovered that the hard way)

[@Bugoutvehiclesuk]

Iv left meat in the fridge. I gave it a good clean then cleaned it again with bleach then left it over night with a little bleach in the bottom and closed the lid. A wash with warm water the day after it’s mint. And smells clean.

[@timvivoda5208]

Great help I'm a new camper .thanks brother

[@jurgenhirsch4680]

Great lesson. Thank you

[@timkirkpatrick9155]

Ronny? gas bottles are easy! weigh it empty or read the tare on the bottle and then weigh it full of gas. Write the empty and full weights on the bottle with paint pen. then plop it on a scale to see how much you have.

[@shamv464wd4]

This is a great useful tips & info's thanks mate...

[@olcock6007]

SLOWLY pour the hot water down one side of the gas bottle. A line of condensation may appear, indicating the gas level. ... Wait a few seconds and then run your hand down the same side of the gas bottle, where you poured the water. You should feel a change of temperature at the level of the gas. Sometimes it helps to run a stove or something at the same time when checking. However I just do the pick up a feel test by shaking it side to side. years of practice!

[@thatsgangsta2450]

Lol in tassie, you’d need a sat phone in a lot of towns

[@netcolcollantes1484]

its true...... practice practice how to install ur tent

[@swidahooverlanding2867]

Hi Ronny. I like your shirt! I live very close to that location. See you on the trails, George.

[@shesollie]

Great video, thanks for sharing

[@heatherlockhart7662]

Where did you get your cookware travel case? I've been looking for something like that!

[@cinnamon6196]

You are very helpful thank you for your time

[@ashleykiss253]

Dry storage of a fridge, chuck a tea bag in it to help stop smells etc

[@shanealine]

Great video as always, just curious what brand was that cutlery pouch? Do have a link? Cheers

[@hole7612]

Merry Christmas Ronnie!

[@kristieedwards2132]

I just found your video while brushing up on camping skills. It has been years since I"ve been. Anyways I was wondering what type of tent is shown in the video.

[@The_Mister]

Figure out what your camp essentials are, keep them in a few bins that you can easily load into the car anytime you go camping so you don’t have to make a long list and track each item down every time. You will always forget something if you’re relying upon lists.

[@mendyviola]

From experience, put a “bin list” in the lid for each bin so you can check to make sure what should be in there is actually in there periodically. Things can get misplaced so easily.

[@jasonplumridge2821]

To check gas bottle fill level, poor small amount of hot water down the side of the bottle. Where the temperature of the side of the bottle goes from warm to cold that's the level of gas left in the bottle.

[@marktindall4753]

A very good and enjoyable vid.

[@bananasusyd]

Hey Ronny another thing a lot of us have to remember in our toiletry bag is to make sure we have spare pads and tampons. Even if you're not due, you could help someone else out when they need it most.

[@AussieGearReviewer]

I (and i'm male, but married) keep pads in the first aid kit.

[@k2svpete]

@@AussieGearReviewer they also can double up as wound dressings.

[@AussieGearReviewer]

@@k2svpete Correct, thats why they in there :)

[@vishanveerahoo4396]

Hi Ronny, Great video. You use a lot of small bags to store different items, very neat and tidy. Where do you get those bags from?

[@PatrickRich]

an easy way to check the gas bottle is simply to weigh it. the tare weight is on the bottle you subtract from the total weight and boom...you know your gas level exactly in kg . Propane is ~ 2 liters/kg.

[@Patty-vo4nz]

25:00 what do you need a hair comb for? Haha

[@philipw7557]

Nice one Ronnie 😎

[@Frank-bh3cm]

Here's a tip for fridges - clean it when you get home, once it's dry, spray the inside with disinfectant (Glen20, etc) and store it closed. It'll be perfect when you go next time.

[@2011rwest]

Great video!

[@soundslikeaplan841]

You should really look at the air head toilet. It really good

[@rogerhector5885]

some sleeping bags or the ones I have used say no washing in a machine

[@stuartmaclean5572]

Ours say no top loaders, which sucks cos that is what we have, but front loaders are generally OK for down and synthetic bags. Since we have a top loader, we use sleeping bag liners (Cotton for warmer weather, wool for colder and same brand as or bags and pads) just take out the liners wash them and hang the sleeping bags air out in the sun. It is always important not to store your down or synthetic bags in their stuff sacks, good sleeping bags will come with a large net storage sack or you can store them flat or hang them up. The idea is not to compress them.

[@손정민-v8k]

Overlanding awesome

[@pauljebediah]

10:42 - it was a missed steak! Ha, I crack me up

[@Corey-pd3mi]

Who has leftover steak after a trip 🤷‍♂️

[@peterjd.w794]

Sound so good interest, Merry Christmas

[@jasonwetere5631]

awesome tips thanks 👍

[@Crumb_Trails]

What air compressor is on your X1? Is it reliable?

[@ad-venturer305]

Hey Ronny, love your videos. After I spray my 4x4 with inox when should i need to do it again? (I spray down my undercarriage with fresh water 2-3 times a week after launching a jet ski)

[@raymondbaines3158]

Hey Ronnie. Love your vids. I’ve been watching for a while. Just want to know, Do you get all your organiser bags made from same person/place? If so where? Seem very handy.

[@ScottBrisAust]

Thanks for the video Ronnie... Just a thought, went can't you use your air compressor to blow up air mattress and the like? Is there no adapter? Would save carrying a compressor and an air mattress pump... Thanks...

[@AussieGearReviewer]

Air compressors supply low volume at a high pressure, air mattress pump supplies high volume at lower pressure. In theory you could use an air compressor but it would take 20x longer. You can get a Ryobi inflator (and others) that have both in the one device. I have a Ryobi one however I have not used it enough to give it any kind of recommendation and it does feel cheap especially the hoses.

[@lorenniwa1984]

Great info....thank you

[@sonny4754]

Where do I get a similar bag I have for your utensils?

[@cherylkite1869]

Glad wrap toothbrushes too it works well

[@AussieGearReviewer]

You shouldn't need either C or D batteries. I run exclusively off Sanyo Eneloop AA, Makita and Ryobi rechargeable batteries in my camping gear. However, if you have stuff that does require C or D already you can buy cheap ($1) adapters that will convert up to 2 AA batteries into a C battery and up to 3 AA batteries into a D battery.

[@dubious6718]

He should replace the stuff that require C and D New LED torches with AA batteries are much stronger than those old rusty torches

[@Colzey92]

Ronny, another great vid mate ! Love them keep it up ! One thing I’d like to know is what company you get your small canvas storage bags !

[@mattamner8895]

I always check the rubber seal on the gas bottle hose, I once found out that the seal had cracked due to age and this rendered my cooking stove useless for the whole trip!. It’s always the little things that bite you in the ass.

[@duncnz3129]

My camping supplies are also my emergency earthquake bail out supplies ( needed where I live in NZ ) , so everything is kept up to date and ready to go . I have found that Milton baby-bottle steriliser tablets are great for sterilising all eating irons , plates ,cups etc before storage . They also get the coffee and tea stains off cups . metal cups are either lip burning hot or too cold so I use good quality insulated travel mugs with lids . Chemical toilets are great but they freeze up solid in winter and need to be well wrapped up when camping in snow conditions ( -5 -20 C ). Alloy boxes or drums are best for long term storage of items which vermin can chew on or make nests in . High intensity torches ( flash lights) should be deactivated before being packed away , I have seen a torch turn on and set fire to the sleeping bag it was stored in .

[@mendyviola]

I do the same except for hurricanes.