Help me lighten the load

[glenntwenty]

Hi All,

My family and I are heading off in July for 3 months in our Jayco Basestation going up through central Australia to the top end and then heading down the west coast until we run out of time.

We will mostly be staying at caravan parks with maybe the occasional night free camping. We hope to maybe head off-road for some day trips but will probably stick to the highways mostly.

I started putting together things to pack on the weekend and there is sooo much stuff!

Aside from clothes, food, entertainment, four kids and the standard caravan hoses & leads, kitchen gear etc, I also had planned to take the following:

• Spare motor oil
• Spare fuel filter
• Spare coolant
• Spare hitch pin and d shackles
• Snatch strap and shackles
• Air compressor & tyre repair kit
• Small toolkit
• Large adjustable wrench for tow ball
• Jumper cables
• Car & van jacks
• Shovel
• Ground sheet for under awning
• Shade screen for awning (long side and one end)
• Spare tarp
• Bucket for if no sullage point
• Power pack
• Inverter
• Wheel chocks
• Ampfibian 15a to 10a converter
• Tow ball lock
• Weber
• Chain and padlock for Weber
• Camp tables (one big, one small)
• Camp chairs x6
• Campfire Jaffle Maker

I have read, here and elsewhere, experienced caravanners recommendations not to overpack. Is there anything in the above I would be better off leaving behind?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Laneway]

Im guessing the thought on overpacking is due to weight?
Im looking at your list and that is pretty much the same as what we will take when go camping and that is everytime, except for the fishing gear Looks like the essentials, the insurance and the security is covered

Sorry my comment may not be much help to you at all

 

[mikerezny]

Hi @glennhoen,
I would suggest considering adding the following, unless they are already included:

spare drinking water, at least 10l
spare fuses, and probably include a multi-meter to help isolate electrical problems
spare gas regulator
axe
security for your van when you are not around: wheel clamps or chain and padlock
something to secure spare wheel from being stolen.
roll of 2" gaffer (cloth) tape
sikaflex sealant

cheers
Mike

 

[Dobbie]

I'd leave the amphibian at home....parks are all 15 amp these days and, unless you have a reason for wanting it in the van, I can't imagine you'll need it. But that's not going to save you much weight! Or space.

As @mikerezny said, fuses, spare drinking water etc are essentials. I'd recommend you keep enough food for your tribe but plan ahead a bit if you want to save space, weight etc. We find we now just have a rough idea of a range of meals for a week or so and stock up whenever so that is always on board.

Once upon a time, we'd aim for complete self sufficiency for about a month but its not necessary now as many outback areas cater for caravaners more than they did.

and maybe, clothes? We've been away many many times and still overpack with clothes. Maybe we just hate washing! But as long as you each have a couple of clothes changes, some warm gear for cold outback nights, you should be ok.

Enjoy the trip!

 

[bigcol]

with clothes, we keep a standard in the van, and just add when we are about to hit the "Frog N Toad"
std........
trackky daks each
thick jacket each
light jacket each
then just add jocks socks nickers and bra's for 4 or 5 days
shirts and shorts for 5 days
extra windcheater or jacket each
1 set good going out clothes - you may just want to go to a restaurant or something like that atleast once

with your camp cooking needs, like @Dobbie said, work out a menu for atleast a week (you could plan the whole trip - a different weekly menu for each week) then you only need to carry what cooking needs you want
and also only what food stuffs you will need

think about your pots pans and such
we carry 1 medium and 1 large pot, 1 elect and 1 normal frying pan and the weber - and we rarely use the pots
1 set of fighting irons each (knife/fork/spoon)
1 set of dishes - plate, bowl, cup, tumbler - we used to carry a stack of paper plates for lunches etc

you just need to think seriously about what you intend doing, to work out what you will need for food / clothing / eating / etc
sleeping bags instead of full bedding.......(carry a spare blanket, just incase)

its the little things that you sometimes think - wow, never thought about that......

 

[glenntwenty]

Thanks for the feedback @Laneway @mikerezny and @Dobbie and @bigcol

The ampfibian I need as we are staying 2 nights in the driveway of some relatives on route.

I'd forgotten to list spare water but have 2 x 10 litre water containers.

Fuses is an interesting one as was we have the JHUB system and I don't think they have any user replaceable fuses anywhere but I will double check this.

Spare gas regulator I hadn't thought about - I'm not sure I'd have the tools or know-how to replace it anyway though.

I was planning to leave my wheel clamp behind and just rely on the hitch lock on the basis that most caravan thefts occur from people's homes rather than caravan parks. Do other people take their wheel clamp every where? I've read other topics on here and assume if I leave it someone secluded a thief can just grind the clamp off anyway.

An axe I was umming and ahhing about but I only have big, cheap heavy one anyway so will buy one on the way if I find it is a pain not to have one.

Thanks for the advise on clothes, food etc. It helps a lot.

 

[MDS69]

I wouldn't take a wheel clamp.
I reckon you could leave your coolant at home too. If you need to top up just use water until you get to a service centre.
If you are only going to do 2 days max in one spot ditch the shade wall. Power pack and invertor if you are mostly on powered sites can stay home as well.
I would only take an axe if you were planning on a fire when bush camping but even then you could do without it. Perhaps a tomahawk would be better if you must.

 

[glenntwenty]

Thanks @MDS69 I'll have a think about the shade wall and I'll take your advice on all the other points.

 

[DRW]

We took 10 litres of water half way around Australia, ended up usung it when we moved to get rid of it (but always depends on where you plan going) Inverter?? not sure I would bother sam with power pack unless you have a specific reason, the rest looks normal to me but who am I to judge lol

 

[bigcol]

I suppose it all depends on the way you are setup

my Patrol has 2 x Axes, tomahawk, spare coolant, etc
I dont carry water in my Van's tank, but use a 10l container for coffee's etc plus numerous small bottles for drinking
Van has inbuilt inverter - so I dont need another
also carry shade walls all the time, just the annex I put in if I think I will need it

car only has us 3 and sometimes dog
draws in the back with all sorts of crap (coffee makings, spare parts, tools) engel fridge
Van has everything else in it

 

[1DayIll]

Having completed a very similar trip a few years ago, the only thing I would suggest is making sure you have plenty of water. We bought some on the road as even the water at some parks was not great and not in over supply. In some cases it was bore water only.
You are carrying more than we did and we had no real problems on the way. We also stayed at more caravn parks rather than free camping, mainly because we did not have an on board toilet.
Have a great time, we certainly did!

 

[Dobbie]

Re water.....a quick and easy solution.....for us, at least....is to fill the tanks with water when available. When filling, use an inline filter, then use that water for everything except drinking.

Drinking water is always from a slab of cheap Coles or Costco water....about $5 for 30 I think.....and we also carry a bottle of Buderim ginger cordial stuff to use when we feel like a soft drink. Just added to the bottled water and refreshing but not sweet.

That way we always know we have safe drinking water regardless of local water quality.

Re axe....I just use a sharp tomahawk and never bother taking a heavy axle clamp....just use a length of chain in a hose with a couple of good padlocks.

The @bigcol familiy must be well clothed when away....we're far scruffier with fewer clothes choices. I sometimes refer to my gear as "the uniform" and find no one wants to pinch it from the line on washing day. Strange that.

Where we do indulge is in the wine and scotch area. As we make our own spirits, we carry enough for the entire time in a 5 litre bottle and buy the wine as we go.

I'd also keep the shade wall in....good for sun and rain protection ...and easy to stow.

Anything you'd pack specifically for a long stay in the one place can be left at home, everything you'd use for a couple of nights away should be included, IMHO.

Now you've just got to pack it all in.....and remember where you packed it. It sounds ridiculous, but a quick list helps, and maybe a diagram so everyone doesn't continually ask " where is ?? And did we put it in?". If you're the one who does the packing, spread the blame if something is forgotten.

Our mantra is to be comfortable, safe and prepared for most expected conditions but to concentrate on the camping and exploring experience. It's not home and not meant to be, so many home comforts can be done without. ....but not coffee, or wine, or ereaders.

 

[Drover]

All the above cover many good points, here's my 2 bob's........

A roll of dunny paper in a billy can in back of tug.....
Can opener...
Coolant, water will do but if wanted then only the concentrated stuff and add spare hoses and clamps if serious.
Axe, only if you want fires, travelled for the last 10 yrs without one, they are a pain.
Amphibian only if your forgetfull, only blow a house fuse if you turn on things like HWS/toaster/heater/jug at once.
No free camping then pwer pack/invertor not needed.
Running up the centre then tanks full and a slab of bottled in the boot. 10lt for the car never goes astray, I have carried a 10 lt Jerry for ages mostly unused UNTIL the day it was needed for emergency, never leave home without it.............
I carry a few padlocks and recovery chain, no specific wheel lock, too heavy......
When west of the divide I carry 20lts of fuel, some towns only have one garage, so no power or no fuel I'm not stuck in some hell hole waiting for power or a truck to turn up.
Have never ever thought about a spare gas regulator......worth a thought I suppose.
Probably other stuff but it really boils down to what you want, some think I carry junk others I know carry way too much, it's an individual choice really.........most important a phone charger so you can always ring road service and don't forget the matches for when you can't.

 

[Crusty181]

Hi All,

My family and I are heading off in July for 3 months in our Jayco Basestation going up through central Australia to the top end and then heading down the west coast until we run out of time.

We will mostly be staying at caravan parks with maybe the occasional night free camping. We hope to maybe head off-road for some day trips but will probably stick to the highways mostly.

I started putting together things to pack on the weekend and there is sooo much stuff!

Aside from clothes, food, entertainment, four kids and the standard caravan hoses & leads, kitchen gear etc, I also had planned to take the following:

• Spare motor oil
• Spare fuel filter
• Spare coolant
• Spare hitch pin and d shackles
• Snatch strap and shackles
• Air compressor & tyre repair kit
• Small toolkit
• Large adjustable wrench for tow ball
• Jumper cables
• Car & van jacks
• Shovel
• Ground sheet for under awning
• Shade screen for awning (long side and one end)
• Spare tarp
• Bucket for if no sullage point
• Power pack
• Inverter
• Wheel chocks
• Ampfibian 15a to 10a converter
• Tow ball lock
• Weber
• Chain and padlock for Weber
• Camp tables (one big, one small)
• Camp chairs x6
• Campfire Jaffle Maker

I have read, here and elsewhere, experienced caravanners recommendations not to overpack. Is there anything in the above I would be better off leaving behind?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Sounds like a great trip you have planned. Sticking to the highways, the distances btw service centres is not too far. Youll be topping up every 500km odd anyway and every where you top up will have all the fluids etc you need. Ive never needed oil, filters or coolant btw fuel stops in any car Ive owned. Sometimes it just "seems" like you just should take more just because youll be further from home, or away for an extended period, but the truth is 3 months is no different to 3 weeks really. Anything you wont use for week down the coast you wont need just because its 3 months heading north, particularly following the highways. I promise you regardless of how ruthless you are culling stuff, you'll still arrive home with stuff never having been used.

This is our 3rd van and we were what we thought was ruthless at culling ....... and our van is still full of crap that's never seen the light of day

I carted sun screens around Oz for a year and they never once came out of the packet. We never had a single issue with water both in quantity or quality throughout the areas your travelling. I have a BEST filter still in its bag

Enjoy the trip, your chosen route with take you through magnificent parts of Oz

 

[Drover]

Well said Bruce, @Crusty181 I reckon your right on the money..............after the last trip I culled even more stuff.

 

[glenntwenty]

Sounds like a great trip you have planned. Sticking to the highways, the distances btw service centres is not too far. Youll be topping up every 500km odd anyway and every where you top up will have all the fluids etc you need. Ive never needed oil, filters or coolant btw fuel stops in any car Ive owned. Sometimes it just "seems" like you just should take more just because youll be further from home, or away for an extended period, but the truth is 3 months is no different to 3 weeks really. Anything you wont use for week down the coast you wont need just because its 3 months heading north, particularly following the highways. I promise you regardless of how ruthless you are culling stuff, you'll still arrive home with stuff never having been used.

This is our 3rd van and we were what we thought was ruthless at culling ....... and our van is still full of crap that's never seen the light of day

I carted sun screens around Oz for a year and they never once came out of the packet. We never had a single issue with water both in quantity or quality throughout the areas your travelling. I have a BEST filter still in its bag

Enjoy the trip, your chosen route with take you through magnificent parts of Oz

Thanks for the advice @Crusty181 & @Drover ... maybe I'll leave the oil at home (decisions, decisions...)

What do people think about the air compressor? It's probably the biggest / bulkiest item that I'm still unsure about. I don't plan on doing any serious offroad stuff that would require me to lower and then raise my tyre pressures. So it would be mostly needed for convenience compared to finding a service station with a air compressor I can park the van near or in emergency if: (1) I had already used my spare and (2) had another flat and (3) I was out of range to call for roadside assist and (4) could repair one of the flats but need to re-inflate it. Probably unlikely I suppose. Anyone know how much it will cost me in fuel to carry an 8.5kg compressor for 12,000+ km?

 

[1DayIll]

Thanks for the advice @Crusty181 & @Drover ... maybe I'll leave the oil at home (decisions, decisions...)

What do people think about the air compressor? It's probably the biggest / bulkiest item that I'm still unsure about. I don't plan on doing any serious offroad stuff that would require me to lower and then raise my tyre pressures. So it would be mostly needed for convenience compared to finding a service station with a air compressor I can park the van near or in emergency if: (1) I had already used my spare and (2) had another flat and (3) I was out of range to call for roadside assist and (4) could repair one of the flats but need to re-inflate it. Probably unlikely I suppose. Anyone know how much it will cost me in fuel to carry an 8.5kg compressor for 12,000+ km?

As I said earlier. I did the trip very similar to what you are talking about and had no problem with tyres at all, I did make sure that we had good quality tyres before we left. Having said that we met another man who had two flats in the one day but from memory, he free camped and parked in bush areas causing his problems.

We did not carry a compressor and to be honest with you never thought of carrying one. I am guessing at 8.5 kg, it is a fairly serious compressor! It may work harder and take a bit longer, but if you really wanted to take on aren't there smaller options?

I guess as long as you are happy to face the challenges on the road and not be to worried about trying to cover "every" possible situation, then you can decide what you need and don't need to carry. We too have things in our van that have never been used but have taken a lot out as well.

Most probably does not answer your question, but just my thoughts.

 

[glenntwenty]

Thanks @1DayIll

 

[Drover]

The compressor is one thing I always carry, in fact it lives in the back of The Ute but mine is no where near 8.5kgs, my recovery gear box which has the air machine in it would only weigh about 10kg so yours must be a biggy........Work or play I have always had my mobile tyre shop but a tin of glue, puncture kit, 2 tyre levers, rubber donger, small compressor all fits in a bag half the size of an Aldi shopping bag and weighs bugga all, rarely used but when I have had to pull it out it was a godsend, personal choice really and depends if you can use the stuff .....otherwise a phone call does the trick......small tool box and plenty of phone charge, as phone signal has got better around the place my tool box has shrunk..

Punctures are usually luck of the draw but a daily tyre kick, checking for damage etc can mean the difference between total tyre destruction and a patch, if you run near max pressure ( thats on the tyre not the stupid compliance plate) and it's a blistering hot day drop the pressure a bit. Dodge road kill and especially Echinda's, bones and spines wreck truck tyres so van tyres are easy victims.

I would carry the fuel and oil filter as well as a couple of litres of oil, you just never know you may just burn off a bit............I hit my eng oil service due a few times while away and I just changed the filter which is the important bit.

 

[Crusty181]

Thanks for the advice @Crusty181 & @Drover ... maybe I'll leave the oil at home (decisions, decisions...)

What do people think about the air compressor? It's probably the biggest / bulkiest item that I'm still unsure about. I don't plan on doing any serious offroad stuff that would require me to lower and then raise my tyre pressures. So it would be mostly needed for convenience compared to finding a service station with a air compressor I can park the van near or in emergency if: (1) I had already used my spare and (2) had another flat and (3) I was out of range to call for roadside assist and (4) could repair one of the flats but need to re-inflate it. Probably unlikely I suppose. Anyone know how much it will cost me in fuel to carry an 8.5kg compressor for 12,000+ km?

If weights an issue, and your not intentionally deflating for corragations etc. Ditch it. 2 flats between fuel stops would be unlikely on the hwy. Once you start prepping for 2 flats btw stations, you need to start prepping for 3, then 4. From practical experience your van can run on 3 wheels, off road ... for 150km .