Custom LED awning lights
When we owned the air awning, I made some lighting for the awning that would be durable, easily removable, yet completely unique. I created 3 lights that housed some multi coloured (RGB) LEDs and the idea was we could choose any colour we wanted when we were in the awning. The lights worked really well, they could either be clipped into the roof or rested on the air beams. However we generally didn’t like the colour they gave off, we couldn’t “dial” in the colour that really looked warm and welcoming. But they did provide light when it was dark so we never changed them. Fast forward to the...
Read MorePower Inverters
Power inverters can solve an important issue when off-grid in a caravan or motorhome. It’s a way of generating mains power from your battery for a moderately short term period of time. We have created a video that discusses power inverters. From how they work, why you might need one to some things to look out for when purchasing an inverter. In the video, I reference this blog post and descriptions of some real world examples. So, watch the video then carry on to the bottom of this page for 2 examples of real world applications. Before we start we need to set the scene. Let’s...
Read MoreLevelling a caravan
When we first started caravanning we didn’t have a clue on the best way of levelling a caravan. It was only after watching others and asking questions we worked out that we roughly had the method right, but it could be improved. Levelling a caravan is possibly the most important job to complete when you set the caravan up. If the caravan isn’t very level, the chances are the fridge won’t work correctly, the water won’t drain away properly and the living conditions will be on the slope. I know first hand sleeping in a caravan that is not level is an unpleasant affair, usually...
Read MoreCaravan Solar Panels
Solar panels are a great way of keeping your leisure battery in good working order. They are also great if you plan to visit somewhere that doesn’t have an Electric Hook-up. But for many the vast amount of choice, information and installation options is just overwhelming. We shared our solar set up in a recent video. Granted, it’s a big panel, but this will look after our battery during the winter months and allow us to go “off grid” for an extended amount of time. Our only need is water and some gas. In this video, I discuss the panels available, how they connect up and our set up in...
Read MoreWinter preperations
This time of year sees many caravanners pack their ‘van up and not use it until the spring and the warmer weather returns. We generally don’t winterise the caravan, but there are a few steps that should be followed when laying the caravan up for an extended period of time. We recently recorded a checklist video to show some of the things you should consider when you don’t use the van for some time. We cover the exterior, interior, the water system, gas and electrics – plus some other areas too. Here is our winterisation video...
Read MoreChanging ALKO Stabiliser pads
It has been a job that I’ve been putting off for a number of months. My fear was this would be a complex, dirty job with the possibility of something going very wrong. Nothing could have been further from the truth, however, Changing the Friction pads on the ALKO hitch is a breeze. It took me 30 seconds to exchange the pads for new ones. It also gave me the opportunity to look at the condition of the pads that had been on the caravan since 2010. They were extremely “glazed” and using brake disc cleaner with some 240 grit Wet & dry – the pads came up nice and clean, with a roughed up...
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