Improved Car Trip Kitchen Bin

[@valerief1231]

One of my favorite things about your content is your willingness to try suggestions from others, it show how intelligent and interesting you are!

[@trailgrazers3690]

I appreciate that!

[@jimdykstra9057]

use the tube from the papertowels for making a sheath for your knives.

[@margaretmorris9561]

And wrap it with duct tape. I have a couple sheaths made with DT and paper towel cardboard.

[@TigerlilyMal]

I’ve used regular cardboard with duct tape as well.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great ideas. Thank you!

[@joanlinderman8083]

In stead of carrying a bin into a hotel, we use a old rolling suitcase. That goes on all trips.

[@kathysullivan7623]

That is a great idea. Would look more "normal" going into a motel anyway, and be easier to handle

[@patzumach3425]

We do too!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great idea! I will see if we have one close to the right size.

[@cassandraschepperle1429]

if you want hot dogs on the road all you need to do is place the dogs in a thermos and pour boiling water over them. don't over fill as they will swell. I did this for years when my kids and I spent long days at the beach. Have fun on the road and. stay safe

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing.

[@susanwoodcarver]

Go back to dollar tree for your sheets of foil - 30 sheets for $1.25. Well worth it and I always keep them on hand in the kitchen. BTW I am so pleased you liked my suggestions about taking the inside cardboard roll out of the paper towels, and putting Dawn liquid in a travel size container. It made me smile that you used my suggestions.😊

[@trailgrazers3690]

Those were good suggestions!!! I will check on the foil

[@hairtiecoocoo]

Learning about Steramine (spelling?) is one of the best things I have learned from you!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Glad to hear that, and full marks for the spelling!! LOL

[@KeepOnlearning13]

What great ideas! One thing I saw on a site with general packing ideas for plane trips was to cut your sponge into 3 pieces. That way if you need to use it you can just toss that piece after cleanup is done and not have to keep a wet sponge around. Thank you for all your research and planning tips.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@lisaj1759]

THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU TWO DO. YOU'RE A BLESSING .

[@sonianelson411]

Another great video! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and for being willing to learn from others as well. That’s truly special.

[@trailgrazers3690]

You are so welcome!

[@LJones-uu4xy]

Another great video. Love the updates. So many ideas. It will be interesting to see the after trip video on this. Idea to use. Use often shows the practicality or not of ideas. And everyone’s priorities are different. So glad you’re tooth is taken care of. And no more pain. There is something about oral pain that makes any semblance of normal activity impossible. Hope your trip goes without incident and you enjoy it thoroughly. Looking forward to your “reports “.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you so much. We are looking forward to how our first trip turns out as well!

[@Greenjeansbetty]

I’m anticipating going to a motel that has a generator in anticipation of a bad storm. Re-Watching this as I’m packing soooo helpful! Thought this information would be good had no idea how soon I’d be needing it! I’m sort of prepared but your channel and this video particularly is putting me in expert level. Thanks so much!!

[@trailgrazers3690]

You are very welcome.

[@megbirney8612]

I like to have a partial roll of paper towels as a supplement to a first aid kit. If you flatten the roll it works great as a splint for a broken wrist/arm. Stiff but padded and with a space for the arm. Use one of the elastic wraps (vet wrap or co-flex are two animal brands) or ace bandage to hold it in place while you transport the person to the hospital. I have used this myself as well as for my mom.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Excellent tip. Thank you!

[@melaniegerth5021]

Don't forget about "packets" to create&spice meals, which can be kept in a quart/gallon ziplock in your fridge, then added to your cooler bag right before you leave ... mayo, mustard, ketchup, salt, pepper, jelly, maple syrup, honey, lemon juice, peanut butter, or even spices in those round containers that screw on top of each other that store jewelry! :)

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you!

[@mpennington27]

I'm a long-time subscriber of your other channel and decided to try this one as well. So glad I did. Everytime I watch one of your videos I learn something new. I appreciate so much the time and effort you and Jim put into each video and your wisdom.

[@davidheia8244]

We also have disposable rubber gloves. We first started to carry them for when we would fuel up as Diesel pumps can be greasy, etc. but we now use for other things as well!

[@trailgrazers3690]

That is a great idea! I will definitely add those.

[@reenyny9502]

The Buffalo Plaid flatters you! ❤

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you! It is fairly new and has become a favorite!

[@lorrettagneed8167]

From Lorretta in Lake Country, Georgia. After watching a flight attendant's video comparing my goto Roadpro mini oven to the SaboHeat mini oven. (Amazon). I have made the switch & glad of it for both our car & camping trips. You might want to consider reviewing/trying it yourself. Long time subscriber. You taught me how to pressure can in my early 70s. Now at 75 & my husband at 77, I routinely use my Instant Pot Max to pressure can leftovers, bone broth, etc.4 pints at a time are just perfect. Thank you to both of you. Enjoy your retirement.

[@trailgrazers3690]

I will check it out! Thanks for your comment! And wishing both you and your husband continued good health and happy adventuring!

[@carmenmarcinkiewicz7149]

It is so cool that you implemented so many of the suggestions that people gave you! They were great ideas!

[@juliamarple3785]

I gotta watch this! I'm excitedly planning my 2024 road trip. I bot a pack of wipes from our little market at the start of covid & they were not the germ killing kind. But oh my goodness, they were great for camping. I need more. I wipe out the yucky stuff with those wipes and toss them, & then I wash the dishes. I'm a camper backpacker roadtripper. I use the disposable coffee cups also.

[@carolineburgess1329]

A cheap rice cooker can be great for cooking / reheating. I've made pasta and sauce, curries, reheated tinned soup etc. I've also made omelettes, mix up the egg in a bag and place the bag directly in the water in the rice cooker. Then just tip out of the bag onto a plate when cooked. Also, could you just take some of the kitchen foil and fold it up , rather than taking the whole thing. Brilliant video though :-)

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks for the ideas!

[@AlohaPrepper]

I miss the Bounty paper towels with Dawn. I guess you could make them by just drying Dawn on a paper towel or even a section of sponge or dish cloth. Dollar Tree sells Reynolds brand foil sheets that would take up less room and are a convenient size. Just in case someone else has been looking, I found half gallon Ziploc freezer bags at Sam's Club but for me, it was ship to home only. I have plus so it didn't matter but I hadn't seen them since before 2019 and was thrilled to find them.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks for these ideas.

[@OldSchoolPrepper]

great info Pam...I'm really interested in the dishwashing wipes too, i looked up the ingredients and they look non-toxic. Great find! I'm looking forward to seeing the results video. I see a lot of folks have suggested buying the foil sheets...i say just make your own...they fold up very small, we use them all the time for backpacking, even foil and duct tape to repair an item or two! i'd hazard a guess that we have more than 1,000 years of shared expertise with all of your subs....Take Care and have fun

[@trailgrazers3690]

Loved your comment! Thank you. I am still thinking about the best foil solution.

[@barbeewear4240]

Love your comments about distributed learning & expertise. Your college teaching expertise always shines through your videos.

[@trailgrazers3690]

You are so welcome. Thanks for your comment--I really appreciate that.

[@mainstmo]

Dishwashing wipes! What a great idea, these are going in my camping wish list asap. We typically use the 3 bin method but this might work for us 😊your road trip bin is an inspiration. Thank you.

[@ekwright76]

They make foil “pop up sheets”. You can buy a box of 50 sheets (often at Dollar Tree). You could even just pack a few sheets in a ziplock bag. Thank you so much for all you do!

[@trailgrazers3690]

You are welcome. I will have to check those out. Thanks.

[@carolynBulldog5]

Suggestion: I would combine your dish liquid/scrubbie , paper towel baggies with your large bag Steramine bag.

[@rosehemlow1339]

1/2 gallon plastic bags are available for the in-between quart and gallon size. I actually use the a lot in our 2 person house.

[@trailgrazers3690]

That is new to me! Thank you!!!

[@reenyny9502]

Not coffee drinkers?! Gasp! 😘

[@trailgrazers3690]

I know! But it is hot chocolate for me!

[@momskelton5794]

They also sell the foil pre cut sheets, or you could cut your own. You could use your thermos for dehydrating your freeze dried foods too! Thanks for the information.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great ideas! Thanks.

[@sandravicens9081]

Thank you!

[@trailgrazers3690]

You are welcome.

[@sjohnson5923]

Instead of a roll of paper towels, try pop up paper towels. Not smaller but nice box to keep them nice and makes them easy to use.

[@trailgrazers3690]

I will check on those. Thanks.

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

Nice little kitchen kit. All the necessities too.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you.

[@lindahipple4817]

Hi Pam, Jim, and community. great ideas for a travel box! I also add a small container of Mrs. Dashs' seasoning, sometimes its' nice to flavor up your reheated meals. I've also found the heavy weight AL foil is a better choice at times when we stay in a B&B and want to cook a pizza or whatever, the heavy wt AL foil holds together better. Enjoy your trip, can't wait to hear about it! Blessings.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great tips! That is my favorite seasoning salt, so I will definitely add that.

[@lindarussell6311]

You can find foil in pop up sheets. I use them in my toaster oven. I've seen two different sizes. 25 to 30 sheet box is flat and would fit nicely in your container.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Wonderful! Thank for that info.

[@lanakeeton8102]

Salt, pepper, spices etc can travel in contact lense cases found at Dollar Tree.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great idea! Thanks.

[@sharonowens1848]

Did you know that you can get small sheets of foil you could put in a baggie( saving space) I love all these preparedness suggestions! Thanks!

[@jtamsmom5]

Sometimes you can find those foil sheets at the dollar tree. I love those

[@trailgrazers3690]

Several folks have suggested this and I am definitely going to see if I can find some.

[@lisamills8469]

They sell dawn infused paper towels. Just wet them and wash away…then toss them. So easy.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Good to know! Thanks for sharing.

[@carolynholman8823]

Dollar Tree has rectangle trays. Like meat trays. They are great for sandwiches and chips or food. They are Styrofoam. I keep them on hand all the time.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks for the hint!

[@KitchenFairy61]

After watching this, I'm rethinking my tent camping kitchen box along with my gear boxes. I want to get back to camping as I've missed going over the past 15 years since my divorce.

[@trailgrazers3690]

My life was upended by divorce as well so I get what you are saying. I hope you can get back to doing the things you love very soon. My life got a lot better after I met Jim!

[@KitchenFairy61]

@@trailgrazers3690 I can tell by how much he cracks you up! 😊 I've remarried and I traded way up, just like you did. He's 4 years younger and it makes a difference to be married to a younger man. My only problem is that he's addicted to being connected to the internet, and where I like to camp is in a dead zone. It's in the North Eastern part of Connecticut where it's nothing but trees. My kind of place for camping in a tent ⛺ 😃. Sure I have to haul water and walk the long walk to the bathroom, but it's my kind of camping 🏕.

[@katielin2379]

I saved an empty Dawn bottle. Then I just empty half of the new bottle into the old, fill with water and I have 2 bottles. Lasts just as long for me.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Fantastic idea! Thanks.

[@marybk882]

As always, a goid video. When we go on road trips I always bring disinfectant wipes for surfaces and diaper wipes or wet wipes for hands and faces. Sometimes a paper towel just doesn't cut it!

[@trailgrazers3690]

I didn't mention hand sanitizer because we always carry it in our vehicles and in my purse. If I didn't like Steramine so much I would also bring Clorox wipes.

[@jholcomb9532]

Some restaurants put silverware in long, narrow white bags. If they are in good condition, I save them and they make nice bags to put sharp knives in.

[@trailgrazers3690]

That is a great idea. I will watch for that when we eat out.

[@magsstewart5488]

I said previously that I always travel with/my coffee pot because I’ve seen what people do w/the hotel supplied units. When I said coffee pot, I meant keurig. However, I think you taking an electric kettle is much smarter and I will do so in the future. While I can’t use k-cups with it, I use it mostly for hot water on demand to make tea anyway, lol!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks! Glad you liked the idea. We will see how it works and will report back on it.

[@reesewhitt5495]

Beautiful pictures.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you.

[@randyweber6576]

Also for some of the solid material the little bits of food could always be flushed down the toilet. Since the commode handles solid waste, very small bits of food from plates could be disposed of that way and not be a danger to the plumbing

[@randyweber6576]

Also as I'm sure you know with the foil food things they cannot go in a microwave.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes, and yes! Thanks Randy.

[@marystinnett2445]

I would like to suggest a few things, I would get a rolling cart for these containers, and I would separate my clothes by days in a smaller bag, you are going to be loaded down going into the hotel.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you.

[@marygallagher3428]

Great new kitchen bin!

[@trailgrazers3690]

I think so too! Thanks, Mary.

[@kymschoeff2858]

That extra dish towel could be used for hotpads as well

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes it could. Thanks.

[@daveb-d4t]

nice

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks.

[@irenehaugen6143]

Fantastic video once again. Great suggestions, smart tips and thank you for the links to Amazon for supplies. Sorry about the agony of that infected tooth. OUCH!! But glad that it got fixed. Have a wonderful time on your upcoming road trip!!! Looking forward to some videos of God's glorious landscapes.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you so much. First trip coming up soon!

[@nancychaffin7826]

Look for foil sheets at your restaurant supply store. They are about 10 x 10 inches. The downside is they come in a box of 500 but you will never have to buy them again! I use them all the time in my air fryer.

[@sandidobbs9888]

I find them at my dollar stores. They work great

[@sharonk5102]

I find those sheets of foil at Costco and Sam’s Club. Love them!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks! At 500/box we would have to leave them in our will to our children! LOL

[@darlenegamble3409]

You could take a small diameter dowel, cut to length of the foil and wrap only a small bit on there. It tears fairly straight without a cutter.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great idea! Thanks.

[@lyndabuchholz1216]

You could unroll a certain amount of foil and fold it like they do in backpacking. Doesn't take up so much room. I like the ideas here!! I had to order the oven.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Hope you will like the oven as much as we do! Like the foil idea. Thanks.

[@lyndabuchholz1216]

I ordered it and it came with a bad zipper so had to return it. There is time. @@trailgrazers3690

[@kyhilltophome3153]

Have you considered paper towel tablets? We keep a supply in our camper in addition to roll paper towels. There are a number of brands on Amazon. They would take up less room in your box than a paper towel roll.

[@danniemcdonald7675]

I have Toilet Paper Coins, but haven't seen the paper towel ones. I'll check them out. Thanks!😊

[@trailgrazers3690]

I have the coin towels and love them. I always have some in my purse.

[@bkberggren46]

Some great new Ideas. Have to rethink my bin as well.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Glad you liked it.

[@starfire8221]

Glad your tooth is better. I make knife sheaths from toilet paper rolls, just flatten them. Great video and tips. Happy Trails

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great idea! Thank you.

[@Psych911]

Glad you are feeling better Pam, teeth don't mess around. Have fun on your trip

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks. We have rescheduled.

[@jacollins2010]

I wouldn't keep trashbags and ziplock bags together in the same bag (assuming you ever use those ziplock bags for food). Unless you specifically get food safe trash bags, a lot of the trashbags have perfumes and plasticizers in them, and you probably don't want those contaminating the ziplock bags.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Point taken. Thanks.

[@Foxysvacation]

Excellent- also remember you can use stuff from your regular emergency kit if needed. Bandana as an extra dish towel if needed? I prefer the camping dish soap because it rinses really well.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks for the tips.

[@robingirven4570]

I looked into the Steramine before and I’m not sure why I didn’t order it? I’ll look into it again, .04¢ a quart? You cannot beat that with a stick! I’d be so grossed out if I made my husband his coffee and someone had used the maker for hotdogs. I’d actually be livid. That’s just RUDE! Thank you Jim & Pam, as always.

[@trailgrazers3690]

I love the stuff! And I agree about the hot dogs!

[@webknob6998]

Have a great time

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you!

[@lindagouge4341]

They also make foil in sheets that come in boxes that you could put in bags if that would help.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you.

[@KHX274]

Something to keep in mind are the toxins you’re exposed to when using throw away items like insulated cups and paper plates. For this reason, and that i prefer to tread lightly on Mother Earth, my travels typically include washable dishware. No criticism of your method, rather a comment that there is greater toxin exposure using disposable dishes. Want you and Jim to all ways be healthy so you can keep teaching your audience 😀

[@trailgrazers3690]

We take washable dishs camping and in our trailer, but with hotel room meals, we don't. We do that so seldom that I am OK with it.

[@coleenschlichte677]

Good morning, glad your tooth feels better.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you! I appreciate that.

[@anitabart6711]

Love the roses! I also just had a surprise root canal. Not fun. Enjoy your trip!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks. Those are not fun surprises, for sure! LOL

[@SCook49]

You can get aluminum foil sheets too

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you.

[@andreamillar9141]

You may be able to find your foil restaurant pans for a better price at the restaurant supply store, you guys like to go to :)

[@trailgrazers3690]

Will check that out next time we go. Thanks.

[@jimdykstra9057]

foil is available in sheets but now sure it would serve your purpose.

[@phylliswilson7679]

I get mine at Dollar Tree

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you.

[@vickif593]

I so love your videos, Pam and Jim! Whenever I share some of your knowledge with my family, I refer to you as ‘my professor ‘ 😊 I’m wondering if the steramine can be used for disinfecting the hotel shower, toilet etc. . My most recent stay at a well known hotel chain caused us to need to purchase bathroom cleaner for it most definitely had not been properly cleaned. I haven’t purchased any yet; just curious. Thank you for your great videos.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Its intended use is for restaurant kitchens--for disinfecting, so as long as you just need a disinfectant and not a cleaner, I think it would work fine.

[@farmerjon72]

Leave the big roll of foil. You cant have too much.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Good to know! Thanks.

[@corysmama1]

Foil sheets would be perfect or tear original foil with multiple sheets (example: length) in 8X10

[@trailgrazers3690]

Agree! Thanks.

[@leebrendalee]

What containers are you heating your food in

[@trailgrazers3690]

Hopefully the foil containers in our little oven and on paper plates if there is a microwave.

[@inkmetal1]

Why do people use dawn? I cut the paper towel roll in half.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks.

[@marystinnett2445]

Instead of salt and paper shakers, use packets.

[@trailgrazers3690]

I have packets that I can use.

[@Foxysvacation]

My quartz company says no staramine - they recommend alcohol

[@trailgrazers3690]

It is good you read it first!

[@debrasonner5970]

What is stermin

[@trailgrazers3690]

Steramine is a disinfectant that I use in my kitchen all the time to wipe counters.

[@nitababcock3977]

What are you going to use the foil for? You can't put it in the microwave.

[@gigi4u5]

They are also taking their zippered portable oven which is fine to use foil in.

[@trailgrazers3690]

I will know more after a couple of trips. Yes, I know we can't use it in the microwave, but it works in our little oven.

[@leebrendalee]

Um what’s the dawn for if your not washing dishes , most everything your tossing

[@reenyny9502]

"most"

[@trailgrazers3690]

Just in case!