Great tips guys! Definitely a lunch box packed of snacks for the kids on travel days makes those days so much easier without hearing “I’m hungry” every 2 seconds Also don’t expect too much out of everyday some days are not going to be what you expected and that’s okay (I need to take this one on more myself)
100% Jessica! Some day when we have down days I feel bad that we aren't always doing something. And couldn't agree more with giving kids food! We pack so much food in the car on long travels 🤣 kids and food are a match made in heaven lol!
We havent travelled Australia (one day soon hopefully!) however have done plenty of camping trips. - let kids be kids. If they want to play in the rain with a garbage bag as a rain coat LET THEM. Keeping them cooped up does not help and is far more effort than letting them enjoy themselves. - Baby powder in a sock. After the beach use the sock to wipe feet, sand is removed. - Parakito bands for the kids - our youngest swells up from bites, we have found these to really help - Lastly, have fun! Relax and enjoy the trip. (Sometimes hard to do in the moment, we've had our camper trailer canvas collapse in the rain at 3am with 4 kids and two mums, while the dads were out fishing, that was NOT fun, soaking wet, cold and 4 kids awake! It was dreadful, but we can laugh about it now)
Oh no Rachael! Gotta love the rain sometimes right 🤣🤣 those moments are definately not fun at that time but afterwards it's a story to tell 😆 Amazing tips! 🌟
We have done about 6 months of our lapS around Australia (still in Queensland!), and already have learnt a lot but one of our best tips is regarding setting up..pull the caravan forward onto your levelling ramps so that if the van moves a little bit when you unhook, it won't roll towards the back of your car. I think your best tip was yes, talk to the locals! Good on you 👍
Hey guys, we are also a travelling family. @follow the leaders 22. We crossed paths with you guys at Daly Waters and are about two week behind you. Our tip would be an extra water tank if your weights allow it. We love going off grid for long periods and would love to stay longer but water make this hard. Also have a solution for you with the light coming through your bathroom door. We went to Bunnings and got some corflute and cut it to size and stuck it on with double sided tape stops the light coming through into the kids bunks, and we also use this for putting our souvenir stickers on. Cheap and light.
Oh heyyyy guys! 😄😄 Amazing! I think a bunnings trip will be in order when I next get to one 🤭 Water is our issue too, otherwise we could stay at places for so long! 💧 safe travels guys 😍
Save water in the Dunny don’t flush it , 600ml spray bottle it away ( can also use the spray bottle for cleaning hands to ) cut ya water usage in there by half Kids will get a kick out of it lol
Our new best must have now is our inflatable dog fence (from big sky innovations). It has been a game changer for us when we are travelling with our dogs to dog shows. It is so much lighter than the steel fence panels and is is inflated and ready for use in under 3 minutes.
I've seen them Kym! Glad to hear they're amazing because it's the best invention ever! Even thought about getting one for when Freddie was being Mr Explorer and crawling off all the time 🤣🤣 but thankfully he's grown out of that now haha!
Hi guys, my best tip would be Mr Sheen, not only does it clean the van windows it also helps stop dirt and dust sticking to them. My hubby also uses it on the wheels, tyres and checker plate, it gives them a really nice sheen, pun intended. 😃
Hi guys. Where did you get the locks for your door. Thankyou. Safe happy travels. We live on the road and these would make us feel more secure. Cheers.
I got my first caravan a couple days ago and had no idea what so ever in what to do. I can guarantee I learned a lot from this video. Multiple times was cracking laughing with her. You guys are awesome!
How to make your toilet cassette last longer. Use tissues not toilet paper. For number 1s just wrap in another tissue and bin it. Keep a small bin with a tissue with eucalyptus on it in the bin. Will save filling up your toilet quickly. If staying in caravan parks take a walk to the amenities block for number 2s. Boxes of tissues seems to last longer as well and just use home brand so cheaper. Easier to store tissues as well.
Seriously guys , your wone of the nicest couples I watched on You Tube . My wife would get along so well with yours, so nice to see down to earth couples for once who actually enjoying what there doing
- 5L water jerry cans, remember you have to carry them once filled! 20L for me is 🥵 Also many more places to fill up with smaller bottle and can tuck into smaller places. - Collapsable washing bowl is always handy. - Bucket with Natures choice woolwash to wash clothes on the go without having to rinse! - If you have the Kings or Dune drawers, get a Kings stainless steel table that sits in the drawer and hooks on the end, game changer!
@@fivedownunder it does alright actually. Best if you can leave it in soaking overnight (or better yet a day in the car on a bumpy road 😁👌), give it some muscle every now and then when you remember, then all you have to do is wring it out and hang it up. It is a light wash though so wont get stains out or mud, but good for inbetween laundromat visits. The Natures Choice Wool Wash with Eucalyptus is perfect as the eucalyptus is anti bacterial 👍
We have so much stuff? Haha yes we do. Living on the road full time with 3 kids and businesses and making it comfortable for us to live on the road has lead us to probably having more than some people, a lot of stuff to keep us running unfortunately 🤣😅
The best tip I would give is to do one or two short trips to sort everything out. Make sure you have everything without overloading check weights and enjoy. 😊
Great tips and video guys, one thing I think you probably meant is don’t worry about a messy caravan as opposed to a dirty caravan. Dirty relates to unhygienic, eg. old food and flies everywhere, benches filthy, dirty nappies everywhere etc, whereas messy is simply not so much unclean, just toys everywhere, kids books, shoes, thongs and socks laying around etc. there’s a big difference between filthy, dirty, and just plain “messy”.. keep the videos coming and well done.. I did the same with my kids 35 years ago and just loved every minute. I found it best to head up north, anywhere in the tropics in the winter, then explore down south in the summer.
Thanks Garry! That's amazing to hear that you also took your kids on travels! It's the best thing for their childhood 😍 Yes we try to do the same, up North for winter and in the south for summer! Gives us yearly sun 🌞
Great episode guys 🎉 my tip would have to be... don't over think travel take each trip, day or destination as it comes and enjoy every moment because we are blessed to live in this lucky country full of so many destinations and adventures that suit everyone.. 😊
Solar panels! As many as you can afford. Can you ever have enough power when travelling? We love our extra door lock (Hello Bunda Cliffs) 😅 We also rate our awning tie down straps - always wind around. We put a lock on our A-frame and WiTi for peace of mind when leaving the van. Baby locks for cupboards when on corrugated roads, haven’t ever needed them but again peace of mind and stops little fingers. So many hacks and love the tips in the comments ❤
For us our must have item we have to say is a really good comfortable chair You need to release these are like your recliners at home so make sure they are comfortable we where going we have the dune nomads we didn’t know if we where going to take them cause if the size but decided being comfortable is more important
Great ep! I love all the tips and must haves. We will be well prepared for our lap at the end of the year following your advice 😊 Must haves for us on shorter trips are Ice blocks in the car for the kids especially during travel days saves you a fortune, reusable ice cubes for the adults drinks, mosquito bands cos no one likes been bitten and a decent fishing set up. Keep the great videos coming
Couldn't agree more Brad 😄 We were scared at the start, second guessing if we could do everything we wanted to, and we have 😄 no need to break the bank to have fun haha!
I don't have a tip for you two, but your advice about checking all of the screws and nut and bolts reminded me of an old joke. I once traveled around Australia with a gorgeous blonde sheila who I eventually nicknamed Anna the Spanner, because every time I looked at her, she tightened up me nuts!
Thank you, your family's RU-vid channel has been very helpful for us! I hope you can make more useful tips about the beautiful country of Australia. I am coming to Australia soon. Aussie people are super nice and kind! I love your country. 8/25/2024
Just found your vidios been binging all night ,fantastic no BS,practical tips for life on the road with and without the rug rats😂 , and yes it would be nice to have all the toys BUT it isn't what gives you the memories 😊😊. Keep living the dream🎉
Thankyou so much Peter 😄🤙 I'm glad you like our no BS approach go spilling the beans on travelling 🤣😁 You're 100% right! Don't need to have the best of the best to travel Australia 👍
Hi guys, that was really good!! Fast and to the point and easy to watch 😊. I 100% agree with your last tip, and that would be mine too. Don’t have to have the best of the best, just get out there and explore. I don’t have a van or a 4x4, but recently did an epic road trip to the Flinders Ranges by myself in my little 2wd. And it was amazing. ❤️
Hello Robyn 😍😍 Yes number 10 is my favourite aswell! Just getting out there is the most important thing. Omg that would have been amazing! Glad you had an amazing time 👏 😍
@@fivedownunder thanks, the journey was just as epic as the destination (which was breathtaking) 3000kms return trip, some 40+degree days as well as some fog and unsealed roads thrown in. Stayed in caravan parks (in a cabin) on my way there and back and even got to meet some lovely living on the road people. Did some hectic 4wd tracks while I was there in one of the stations troopy’s. Ticked off 4 long time bucket list things, and still pinching myself that I did it 😊😊
Oh wow! That is seriously amazing. What an experience! That sounds like the trip of a lifetime! Ticking off the bucket list is what life is about! You are living your best life Robyn 😍😍🙌🙌
Great tips guys! We agree with pretty much all of them 👍🏼 our favourite must have item would be our Ozzie Mozzie zappers! Also a top tip is to have a water bag full in the fridge to top up drink bottles with cold water which will save money (no bottled water here), water when on tanks (we fill when on mains water) and space in freezer as you won’t need ice!
My absolute must have is Sirocco Fans, would never go without them now I've had them. So good! Also love my standard squeeze bottles, easy to use and carry around. Love watching you guys being you. Keep up the great work 😊
Why not cover the outside of your bathroom door with contact paper or wallpaper to block out the light but is also still removable if needed and they come in so many different designs
We are only new to caravan life but our favourite tip so far is leaving the kids in the car while you park up and get shade set up. Also, sunscreen and hats before we get to the next destination so we are ready to be in the sun once we arrive.
Our most important tip To avoid a battery slip Is to maximise your solar power Even if only for an hour Lay that solar blanket out Inverter off when you’re out and about!
100% Nicolle! Amazing tips! We always have our solar blanket out and the inverter gets turned off when we leave to go places, especially as we have starlink and that uses alot of power 😅
A small portable ice machines we turn it on at our lunch stop so when we stop at the end of the day it's margarita time 🧋 water bladder Guys to help with your shower sreen the cheaps is to spray paint the inside of the sreen or you can just put on the block out window film from Bunnings for house windows it even comes in a mirror finish If your worried about security if your car has a panic button keep the keys next to your bed if you feel threatened you can just press the panic button Great list guys love your blog's
Haha yes! Margaritas all round! 🍸 I think I'll be heading to a bunnings when we are next close to one and get that door sorted 😄 That's a great idea with the panic button! Hadn't thought of that 👏 😍
Not sure if someone has said this before, but rather than covering the bathroom door, just get a roof fan cover - they are often magnetic so easy to put on and off each day. They also help get the heat and cold out.
Great video! My tip is make some curtains to go across each bunk for the kids. Gives them some privacy in their own space and won't disturb them if someone needs the bathroom during the night. 😊😊😊
Our tip, make sure every new purchase has a dual use. eg. the clothes line we use can support the Starlink dish as well. The Muk Mat is great to use as a dirt barrier when you need to get under the car or van.
@@fivedownunder We had lots of teething problems with our Starlink and are on our 3rd unit. This one works a treat, it's great to have reception in the bush.
Hello 😍 We love it! It's been amazing while travelling Australia as there hasn't been the best water everywhere, so we are lucky that we have it to give us great water 😄😍
I just subscribed! Lovely to meet you. Would love to win something ha ha … best tip/ be patient with each other/ carry extra water and mozzie spray! A paper map in case of internet goes down … and hats … don’t leave without your hat, sunscreen, family games and battery’s for backup!
Hey guys we love your vids, funny, down to earth and straight to the point. We think maybe try some contact/window film for the bathroom, or you could just keep using the blanket😂. Safe travels to you all
Hot tip of being prepared with food, pre make meals and proportion in vacbags, freeze and then when you've had a big day out exploring, dinner is already done and just needs reheating... even better when using vacuum bags that are microwavable! Nom nom nom. 😋
Reversing cameras on the back of the van helps a hell of a lot, especially when you don't trust the misses... a 100 %. Plus a range of tools and most common spare parts for car and van.
Wow, how have I never heard of this before! I've just searched and read up about it, sounds amazing! And having dinner ready for when you arrive somewhere! Absolutely brilliant 👏
Best tip is washing machine. Cutting the cost of laundry fees. Love to see a video on your machine and if you recommend your brand. What size are you using?
Oh we absolutely LOVE our washing machine! Wouldn't be without it! We have had to use the caravan parks laundry once because they didn't have a great drainage system and it cost us $34 with the dryers aswell because it was raining... crazy isn't it 🤪 We have the 3.2kg NCE one, it's great! Fits in the kids sleeping bags aswell, we are going to be doing a 12 month caravan review soon so will add it about all this 😍
Composite gas cylinders….can lift them with 2 fingers when full, can see the gas level and in 3 years on the road easier to refill than find swap and go. Thank you boaties!
I've heard a little bit about these Christine, thank you for giving me abit of knowledge about them 😄😍 I like that you can see how much gas you have, as that is always a surprise for us when we run out 🤣
Must have a silicone mat for hot items . ... I use the pad that came with my hair straightener ... and $10 bunnings usb fan just in case ... they are small, weigh next to nothing and work a treat to cool you down.
Absolutely! Our mattress isn't too bad actually, I've seen a few people get really good mattress toppers aswell! Definately need a comfy night sleep 🥰😁
Mother great vid, is old girls should never leave home without our cordless hammer drill and hydraulic jockey wheel, I’m glad it’s only me for the toilet cassette 😝
Hot tip! How to clean the top of your roll out awning material without having to stretch yourself out and get wet in the process. Fully open up your awning but don’t set up the upper awning support arms. Then unclip the bottom connection point of the main awning arms from the lower part of the caravan and then tuck those arms under the caravan. This will allow you to easily clean and scrub the awning material against the side of the caravan. 👍
My tip is after a few trips to assist with weight. Find out what you haven't been using and donate at parks. Most carvan parks have a area to donate un used items such as books you have read. Clothing, cooking pans.
Hi guys, mmm a tip?, well we haven't started our lap yet, still have a few things to sort out first, but a great place to start is watching you tubes like yours with hints and tips so we have more understanding and ideas of what things we are likely to need to make our trip the best it can be.
Absolutely! That's exactly what we did and what we still do, coming up to certain places we will search youtube, instagram, and online to find out where the must see spots are in those areas 😄
Our must have is to have Ice blocks for the kids and beer for dad in the car fridge for when we arrive and we’re setting up! Absolute life saver especially on a hot day!!
Carry a water bladder so you can bring water to the van and get a white marker put a dot on the wheel nuts and a dot on your rims. We have done this so when we do our walk around every time we leave somewhere we can visually see if the nuts have moved and need to be tightened
☆☆☆☆☆...a long time traveller - my son is continuing the caravan tradition- will pass this on and got ideas for my 4 week car trip to Tassie later in the year and his trip to SA to visit me😊❤ Great ideas tried to make notes perhaps a list of recommended products? And where did u get the nets? My tip - have your vehicle inspected by your motoring organisation 2+ months (its money well spent) before you leave this gives you time to budget for repairs - upgrades - replacements Thanks and safe travels Jan Adelaide
Hi Jan! Great tips for your car! These are the tips for you from the video 😄 1 - Storage containers in cupboards and under the bed. 2 - Hitch 3 - 2nd fridge in car 4 - Good battery system 5 - Wall pockets and kids toy boxes 6 - Kids sleeping bags for bedding 7 - Washing machine 8 - Fusion locs 9 - Fire pit 10 - Extra locks on door 11 - Inverter for coffee machine, microwave and starlink 12 - Grey water tank 13 - Covering the bathroom door 14 - Starlink 15 - Sirocco fans 16 - Extra plugs and outlets 17- Any kind of mat for outside 18 - Leather sofa material 19 - Ez anchor pegs 20 - Extra toilet cassette The nets under our cabinet above the sofa? We got them off ebay 😄 they are fantastic and hold so much fruit 😁 Hope this helps x
If you want the kids to sleep in in the morning, change your hatch lids!/tops to black. They last longer than white and don’t deteriorate as quick. They also darken you whole van when locked up.
Yes, when we get to a bunnings (don't know when that would be haha) we are going to find some stuff to put on it or yes get a tint put on 😁 Have to wait until we get to a town 😁