Buy 2 small buckets: Drill lots of small holes in the bottom of the top bucket & the top bucket lid. Place it inside the bottom bucket. Now fill it with Epsom Salts to the top & put the lid on. As the bottom bucket fills with water, empty it & refill the top pail with Epsom Salts, as needed = ZERO Humidity, ZERO Mold, ZERO Fogged Windows, = Happy Camper.
That is amazing! I had a very dear friend who had a tiny house and every time she went to her summer vacation spot she was always having to buy one of those buckets with the whatever it was in it not knowing that it was just simply opened salt she could have saved yourself quite a bit of money well we live and learn thanks for the economic tip tip tip tip guru😂🎉
I've enjoyed this video so much. I am not a vanlifer but wish I could have been. I live with my daughter and have basicly only my room. Never the less I find many of the tips very useful. Like the dishcloth for drying when doing a spongebath. I love your joyfulness. May God bless you and keep you safe. Everyday.
Buy tubes of Cilicone caulk and thin it out with 90% rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits in a bowl into to a syrupy concistancy and paint brush it onto your ceiling and walls to water proof the wood from absorbing condensation. Brush it onto the back of your phone and never drop it again. Anything that slides around, just brush some on the bottom of the item. Also you can coat counters and handles for better grip. You can water proof boots and hats and brush it on cloth to make tarps.
Great video. An add-on for your fridge/ice hack. Bags of ice tend to leak and fill the cooler with water & all the contents end up floating or filled with water themselves. I use screwtop drink shaker bottles and put the ice in there. They don't leak, and as it defrosts, you can drink a cool refreshing water. Without these, it is better to transfer the ice into quality ziplock bags, because they leak less
Here’s a bonus hack combining two of your hacks!!! I have 5 of the pet cooling mats… 🤪 . 3 small 2 large. The small ones I rotate in my fridge for extra cooling! And so when my fridge has room, I fill the space with the cooling mats! Makes me feel like I’m storing that wasted energy! Like a cold battery bank! 😂 Works AMAZING! Take a chilled small one and place on top of large and really radiate the cooling 🥶 ahhhhhh so refreshing
I love cemeteries for exactly that reason. I've lived across the street from cemeteries. They make great neighbors. They are quiet, keep a lovely lawn, and mind their own business. ;)
I got pretty stretch lace fabric and magnet that on my van door openings! It’s super pretty and easy to move magnet to open/close. Breeze comes thru great and keeps bugs out too
I know a lady truck driver who has small dogs and she sewed together some panty hose together to pull over her doors so the windows can be down for the dogs but also keep bugs away. Super cool idea!
Wow first of your videos I've seen and I'm impressed so I just subscribed. I live my Lucci lights just bought an upgrade that you can charge with usb, my first was solar only Another thing I use EVERYDAY is a miners light. I use it on the road and at off grid homebase. Be sure and get the ones that are usb recharge and not run it regular batteries. I also use magnets with the hooks to hang things. I left a strip of metal showing around ceiling/wall because i knew i was going to do this. I enjoyed your video and see ya down the road!
I cut out fiberglass fly screens to the shape of my van windows an inch wider than the window all around and I used a rubberized adhesive and glued it all around and no mosquitoes or flies get inside. Living in Florida heat for 3 years and they haven't disolved. Use fiberglass door screen found in rolls at Lowes or Home Depot. Cut to shape and caulk into place.😎😎😎
I’ve been holding off getting the Ecoflow River Pro + 220W Solar I’ve had my eye on, when you said Ecoflow sponsored the vid, I was hoping you would have a code & you did 🎉 and I was able to claim it!! 🎉 I can’t thank you enough! 😘🥰 the code saved me almost $100 & I’m also getting a Ecoflow camping light as a free gift 💝 There will be a big hug for you when we eventually cross paths 🤗 Love, love, love divine timing! Thank you again ❤
Hi Brenna it was Joyfull watching your RUclips video. I am 74 years old today. My wife and I camp in our 21 foot travel trailer ever chance we get. We usually camp at state parks close to home and invite our family members to come out and camp. They all camp in tents. Our little camper has double door fridge that runs on 120 VAC or propane and the camper has 2, 20 lb. propane bottles. It also has an A/C, bathroom with shower and the other standards as gas range, microwave and TV antenna that works. Had never heard of a pet cooling pad, thanks. I do keep a couple of rubber pads for our dog that I got from Harbor Freight. Our dog is a 15 year old Australian Cattle Dog. I really enjoyed you and your presentation. Thank you, Patrick
Great video Brenna. I use sarong as a towel substitute, Dries quickly and takes up so much less space, plus bigger than a tea towel. Love your clothes dryer and the tip about two batteries.
I love your tips I have a few for you. Your shirts and tops shack out you clothes and hang it on a hanger it will be less crinkled or no crinkled. If you Wash your clothes rinse clothes out with white vinegar. Stains on clothes you can use different things, I normally mix some products and it works. Sunlight bar soap, a bit of toothpaste mix with washing powder rub in and wash good. Hope it will work for you
First video. Love how real you are. Laughed out loud about the hanger being lost. I think my life is going to be organized if I have less stuff, but I still lose things. I've camped across the country (USA) a bit and am headed for another trip to the Pacific Northwest (from Kansas--middle state). I think I'll use these videos as encouragement to go vanning full-time. Thanks for the helpful and fun video.
My father was an Eagle Scout who loved camping, so as kids we grew up camping. One time my brother and I went to the shower house to get our shower -- he was probably 4ish, and myself 8ish. (We were a lot more respectful/responsible than today’s youth.) Anyhow, we forgot our towels, and not knowing what to do, I dragged a chair over to the hand dryer, where we dried off as best as possible and put our pjs on for the night! Those were the days!
I keep 25 metres of para chord and that is our washing line, wound on a piece of ply. It has other uses too around the home, but I keep it in the van..Keep the fridge cool by living on frozen food, burgers, peas, always buy something. Toilet without a portapotti:- No.1s:- 2 Sangria bottles which have wider necks (for obvious reasons) and a She-wee for the lady, when you empty it people think you are throwing away Sangria. No.2s, 2 solutions:- A simple bucket and a dog poo bag (bio-d) and in the wilds a "Machitty", a flat ended machete. Walk around with a shovel and everyone knows what you are doing, and also no one is going to attack you in the woods carrying a machete.
You clearly don't live in SA ha ha if you parked anywhere near a graveyard you ur cabbie washing line and crumbs will be scattered all over the country. And yes ur body as well. You are so lucky to live with no fear. What a fab life you have. God bless and keep you safe❤❤❤
Thanks! I am a month late, but wanted to say what great ideas and fun to watch - thank you! I am team Ecoflow and interesting (and smart!) re the 2 small units vs 1 large. My EcoFlow purchases are twofold … maybe 3 … backup in my house, backup in my motor home and as I am downsizing to van/mini-van for travel, full power there. I’m in NW MT US, small house on rural property so think I am keeping my 20 year old motor home for spare house/guest house and adding a mini-van for short trips. At any rate, I started with EcoFlow last July (PrimeDay), 2nd purchases this year. I am very happy with all items and the 1 time I needed customer service, it was EXCELLENT! The current items like River2 … batteries are not only safer but have much longer life (# of charges). The River2 series are great functionally as well as price point. Fun to see another EcoFlow person!! LOVE the tea towel tip also!!
On the towel thing I totally agree. I prefer "flour-sack" towels. It's an American term for loose weave kitchen towels, 100% cotton. Very absorbent and dries quickly.
Great tips. I especially like the bungee cord clothes lines. :) I like the idea of a cooling mat. My cats love the heat, but I don't. You can also buy cooling blankets that are made to keep people cool. The mat under and the blanket over would be just the ticket for those too hot nights. Those little dehumidifiers are great to control moisture. Instead of buying expensive refills, you can use rock salt (the kind used in winter). It's the same stuff, just way cheaper in a huge bag. Probably not practical for van life, but good if you've got the storage. No need to apologise for Abby. I love to hear her speak her mind. :) Now I'm going to re-watch the video. in case I missed something. Jon in rural BC, Canada
Yep, l have used a handtowel on bus trips, where luggage space is at a premium. On longer trips, l take 2 handtowels, and that means l still have one, when one is in the wash, and the 2 still take up less room than a bathtowel. 😊👍
First time watching your videos. Very useful information. I will mention that ( here in the US anyway) you'll want to use a dryer if you wash your clothes in a public washer because you could get lice, bed bugs etc. The dryer kills them, not the washer.
Simply brilliant ideas. Thank you. I once spent 6 months living out of my van without solar or refrigeration. We did find a kerosene heater to use in a tent. It was smelly but kept us from freezing at night. At the moment am living vicariously through folks like you.
My favourite hacks are the washing line and the pet cooling mat!! 😂 I have a cooling blanket, my favourite thing. I enjoyed watching an Aussie in a van. Happy days 😊
I enjoyed this video a lot! We move into our RV full-time starting tomorrow! We have been packing and moving out or.stuff for at least a month and we are finally ready!! 🙌
We used bungee cords for many things too. You can hook several together and put each end around fence posts or saplings to make a really long clothes line in the sun. Or stretch it between your vehicle and anything nearby like a sign post, a tent pole, fence, tree, etc., even another camper vehicle if you're meeting up with other vanners. It's also a good idea to carry a real 30-40 foot clothes line. You never know when you'll need a rope.
Hi Brenna and Abby... thankyou for those wonderful tips and tricks. I thought they were all very clever and I definitely took notes ✍ Ive got my fridge, one power station but will invest in a 2nd one and my solar panels arrived today too. I did a night of car camping last night and loved it even though it was in a little hatchback so now to spruce her up to sell for a bigger vehicle to continue my travel dream. I cant wait to organise my new car/van with your tips and tricks. Thanks again 😊🌻
Very cool hacks! We have a ford transit 250 cargo van that we went with a NO BUILD approach. We always appreciate seeing what others do in their vans! Keep making memories & adventure on! ~Karen & Shannon WOY
There are times my good dogs need to Tay in the van, I have a few ore carabiners around the openings and use a cargo net to ensure they stay there while enjoying the open door, thanks for the tips!
Some terrific suggestions, particularly about Power Banks which you always simplify for us. Hope winter is being gentle with you both, nearly Spring. Safe and happy travels, love to dear Abbey. 🐾
Bunnings sell fly screens that come in a little box, meant for houses that don’t have fly screens. I have one permanently installed on my drivers side and you can barely notice it’s there. Cost about 8 bucks, and the mesh is really nice if you have sensory issues. I’m gonna buy some dehumidifiers next time I go through a Bunnings town for sure, I’m well insulated in my hiace but the front has still been getting condensation in Vic winter
Oh my gosh, that giggle/laugh is absolutely beautiful. Made my heart happy to just hear it. Sorry to get off track of your hard work on this video. Well, sometimes a good side track is appropriate. Thank you for the tips and oh my gosh...keep laughing, it's so wonderful!
First time seeing a video of yours, came up in my YT feed. Been watching van life vids for years, this is the first one to suggest something new and/or helpful in a long time! And I love your humor and cheer! New sub, with best wishes for safety and joy!🤗
Thank you for your video. Some I know, but some not. I have bought a mini inverter for my laptop (19,5 Volt) to run it with 12 Volts. It needs much les power, as with his AC Charger. I have a dozen of kitchen towels. They are so universal use, and you clean it by laundry. I use fans by 12 Volts, added with quick clamps. (by USB it has too less power) Minimum Diameter: 20 centimeters = 8 inches. Clamp it on the table = no bugs. I have some gel cool packs in my compressor cooler. If it knocks out by no electric power, the gel packs keeps all cool for four days. Or if you switch power off for the night. The dog of my neighbour sometimes barks in the night, for one hour. But Nobdy becomes angry, in our street. We are living in a village, not in a town = better neighbours. My vehicle is a red opel combo c Very small but cheap and good. With more mileage by diesel engine. named "Elena" = spanish name, because manufactured in Spain. Greetings from sw germany (middle europe) liked + subscribed.
We have an eco flow River with add on battery but we also bought the solar pannel, which it brilliant to run my husbands Nebulator machine. We don't live in our van, just use it for leisure.
So enjoyed today. I made my own nets with mozzie net &, magnets from Spotloght works like a dream. Love the idea of a spray bottle of vinegar, water for dishes. Keep it up, never tired of watching you &, Abbi.
If you carry a hair dryer, itis useful for defrosting the fridge, and also can be used to dry off when you forget your towel! My tip from our vanning life.
Hello from Spain! Just found your channel and this is the first video I watched. Love all your tips, your attitude and your dog! Can’t wait to have some time to catch up and watch all your videos. Thanks and have a good day 👍🏻☮️
Hi Brenna! I’ve bought a small micro fibre towel from Rebel Sports which works well and dries quickly. Takes a bit to get used to the different feel to it though. I like the feel of the cotton towels best but can be a challenge when travelling to get dry during wet weather. You’ve given some really good tips here. Take care!
A turkish towel is thin good quality cotton. they dry you very well, extremely thirsty but they are also very thin and dry quickly. Don’t use fabric conditioner on them.
Warning ⚠️⚡ I have a tip to replace those ugly bungee cords on your beautiful dresser drawers.😁 Drill a small hole on left or right side of the cabinet for each drawer. Home Depot sells metal dowel pins with little bumps on them and they'll snap into the hole, keeping each drawer from sliding out. Go cheaper and just use wooden dowels. Be sure the hole is only large enough for the dowel pins to be snug. Drill on a slight angle slanted downward so the pins don't vibrate out while driving.😃😎🤗
Be careful with bungee cords people if the first hook up comes loose it'll smack your head😂 I had a friend that got knocked in the face with one and when he gathered himself and he pulled on the cord that was on his shoulder his head came down he realized it had hooked through his nostril😮 never look towards the end that you hooked first and always make sure that it is secure before you pull the other end😮
What ever works. First thing I did was create bug screens and window coverings. The solid for night time privacy. And double layers of very fine mesh for bug screens. I just made them to fit the doors, and they slip on just like a pillow case. If we open the doors, they stay in place. I can drive with the mesh on as they fit snuggly. (have them for our car also) All side windows have covers to fit with reflective on one side, and black on the other. Black lets the heat in, the shiny side reflects it out. Privacy either way. I do use a large sheer and magnets for the side door if we are staying in one place a while. Ok going back to check your channel some more. I subscribed, and will be back. Happy Van Life.
Thanks for the tips/hacks. I'm still planning for my life in a van next year. Love the tea-towel idea. Who would've thought! I've checked out the EcoFlow (river 2) as well. I have a main battery, but they're on my list now for a backup. Cant use your links yet - van wont be delivered till June 2024. Bungy cords now on list! Excellent about the vinegar and you get another use out of it - salad dressing. Coins? Never thought of that at all. Right, pet cooling mat (on list tick).
Thanks for the bungee laundry tip! I'll be travelling with a dog and cat and their well-being is my first priority, so appreciate the review about the pet cooling mat.
I just left a review today saying how much I dislike the microfiber camping towel I bought. Brilliant idea to use a cotton tea towel to dry off. Small and absorbent is the way to go.
Amazing, very creative and common sense solutions to van life challenges. You mentioned more new ones that any video I have watched and I have watched a whole bunch ! Thank you for sharing. BTW: both daughters are in the 'hot flash stage' and I can't wait to share the doggie cooling pad tip with them.
Great video you smashed it such good hacks and tricks.loved it and had greai laughs you made my day .Keep safe and happy travels Living every day to your fullest.
I've used the tea towel hack even though I live in a house,my washing machine broke and I had to do laundry by hand for quite awhile,regular towels were so heavy to wash and ring out so I started using two tea towels per shower,one for me and one to wipe down the shower,much easier to launder
Thanks Brenna!! Great tips. I’m just starting my van build and trying to keep things simple like you. I think you’ve just solved my power issues as I will have minimal power needs and the 2 units should work well. 🙏🏼🦋⭐️🧡
For years, I have used a hand towel to dry myself. It works great & it dries fast. Big, plush bath towels take a long time to dry & take up a lot of space.
Thank you so much for the trick and tips. Tea towel trick is the best one 😊 I didn't know that you could withdraw money at the post office. Once again thank you and stay safe ❤
Good tricks, thanks. I'll share one of my favorite tricks, use your fridge to freeze those blue ice packs, rotate them once a day into a small cooler for your condiments, cheese and such. No need to have 2 fridges, I have a Dometic CFX 35 I keep at 25°f to keep most of the contents frozen, and a 10 qt. Cooler for my condiments.
I noticed immediately that you have an Ontario license plate on the wall of your van. I am from Canada and one of our provinces is Ontario. Their motto on it is “ Yours to discover “. Cheers from the east coast of Canada 🇨🇦
Hi Brenna, I have recently discovered your RUclips channel and have been following your journey through Australia. I have never been to Australia so am enjoying the journey and landscapes. I love your interesting, informative and amusing conversations. Keep the videos coming. Best wishes from Switzerland.
So many of your ideas are the same ones i have been using after 4 years in a micro camper CRV RD1.The small towel .....the upgrade on the power station to an Ecoflo and so many more.....Great to see your insights into minimal living with ease on the road. Love your channel, keep on rolling 🌎😎
A question for a future Q&A: how to feel sure that snakes and spiders don‘t feel tempted to enter your cosy van, given you leave the doors open most of the time while camping? Loved your tips. 🙌💐
Hello Brenna, You had some cleaver tips in this lot. We use the dehumidifiers at home , but we don't buy the containers each time. We buy a bag of the granules and just refill them as we need to, and it works out cheaper. I realize that space is an issue in the van, but the bags are about 2kg. The tea towel idea is great, but in my case one wouldn't be enough😄🦮How is Abby going still enjoying traveling in the co cabin crew seat. I would love to know the places you stop at. But I so realize that you may not want to tell us for safety reasons and that is ok I understand. Stay safe and happy traveling.
Hi Brenna, manny thanks for your videos. I love to see the countryside in Australia, the birds, the streams, the rocks. I am planning a 4-week trip through WA starting mid November and can’t wait. Travelling with a campervan will be new to me (last time I was camping when I was still a student) but there is sooooo much space in Australia that I hope I will manage. Your honesty explaining why you are still in vanlife is absolutely great and I am very happy to see all your joy while living your new life. I am not that brave in selling my apartment to move into a van but I will take one year off work to go 2.5 months to Australia and to celebrate my 60‘ in Sydney with friends. When back home in Europe my van is hopefully waiting for me allowing me to slow travel. My bucket list is so long as there are so many beautiful places to discover. My fear is that after that year, I may not want to return to work….. but I will manage that at the time. Actually taking the decision to get out of the rat race in leaving my job to do what I love….. travelling….. is such an inspiration and relief as we all know the time is ticking…. So between 60 and 70 I will rock it and cross fingers my body allows me. I wish you all the best for your road trip and if coincidentally our paths cross in Australia (WA, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane) I would be very happy to meet you. BTW I loved your video of the Great Ocean Road. Although too many tourists around the 12 Apostels, they look fabulous in sunshine ,-)
Lovely Brenna and I am really looking for your advice on nice places to discover in WA. On my must see list is the Wave Rock. I know it is most probably touristy but I really would like to see it in real. Another question is, is Esperanza worth the trip or would it be better to head towards Denmark and beyond before heading back to Perth?
Buy 2 small buckets:
Drill lots of small holes in the bottom of the top bucket & the top bucket lid.
Place it inside the bottom bucket. Now fill it with Epsom Salts to the top & put the lid on. As the bottom bucket fills with water, empty it & refill the top pail with Epsom Salts, as needed = ZERO Humidity, ZERO Mold, ZERO Fogged Windows, = Happy Camper.
Great tip!
That is amazing! I had a very dear friend who had a tiny house and every time she went to her summer vacation spot she was always having to buy one of those buckets with the whatever it was in it not knowing that it was just simply opened salt she could have saved yourself quite a bit of money well we live and learn thanks for the economic tip tip tip tip guru😂🎉
Well, I'll be! Thank you!
Wow ! Excellent idea.
I don't understand...the salt sits in the bucket and prevents humidity?
The Bungee cords for drying your clothes, Brilliant!
Thank you! Cheers!
@@BrennaLivingJoyfullyCome out to CA!!!
I've enjoyed this video so much. I am not a vanlifer but wish I could have been. I live with my daughter and have basicly only my room. Never the less I find many of the tips very useful. Like the dishcloth for drying when doing a spongebath. I love your joyfulness. May God bless you and keep you safe. Everyday.
Glad you enjoyed it!
These tip videos are usually the same obvious things over and over like "get a fan". But you really had some neat useful ones I've never seen.
Thanks, I think we tend to take for granted the little things we work out.
Buy tubes of Cilicone caulk and thin it out with 90% rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits in a bowl into to a syrupy concistancy and paint brush it onto your ceiling and walls to water proof the wood from absorbing condensation. Brush it onto the back of your phone and never drop it again. Anything that slides around, just brush some on the bottom of the item. Also you can coat counters and handles for better grip. You can water proof boots and hats and brush it on cloth to make tarps.
Would that work on a fibroglass hitop?
@@manuelester7420 thankyou for that information 👍🌸
Wonderful. Thanks for the info!!!
Silicone thinned to a spreader form works for most anything that will absorb . Used it on so many substrates for a moisture protector inside and out.
Great video. An add-on for your fridge/ice hack. Bags of ice tend to leak and fill the cooler with water & all the contents end up floating or filled with water themselves. I use screwtop drink shaker bottles and put the ice in there. They don't leak, and as it defrosts, you can drink a cool refreshing water. Without these, it is better to transfer the ice into quality ziplock bags, because they leak less
Oh and added bonus.. some cafes will fill your ahaker with ice, if you aren't somewhere you can buy a bag
Great tip 😊
Here’s a bonus hack combining two of your hacks!!! I have 5 of the pet cooling mats… 🤪 . 3 small 2 large. The small ones I rotate in my fridge for extra cooling! And so when my fridge has room, I fill the space with the cooling mats! Makes me feel like I’m storing that wasted energy! Like a cold battery bank! 😂 Works AMAZING! Take a chilled small one and place on top of large and really radiate the cooling 🥶 ahhhhhh so refreshing
That is awesome!
You can buy small versions of these in pound shop
This is a great idea
I love cemeteries for exactly that reason. I've lived across the street from cemeteries. They make great neighbors. They are quiet, keep a lovely lawn, and mind their own business. ;)
On hot nights, I spray water on a sheet and cover myself. Cools me down and keeps the mozzies off me. I also use a pet cooling mat 😊
That's a great idea!
I got pretty stretch lace fabric and magnet that on my van door openings! It’s super pretty and easy to move magnet to open/close. Breeze comes thru great and keeps bugs out too
Great idea!!
I love this idea!
I know a lady truck driver who has small dogs and she sewed together some panty hose together to pull over her doors so the windows can be down for the dogs but also keep bugs away. Super cool idea!
Wow first of your videos I've seen and I'm impressed so I just subscribed. I live my Lucci lights just bought an upgrade that you can charge with usb, my first was solar only
Another thing I use EVERYDAY is a miners light. I use it on the road and at off grid homebase. Be sure and get the ones that are usb recharge and not run it regular batteries.
I also use magnets with the hooks to hang things. I left a strip of metal showing around ceiling/wall because i knew i was going to do this.
I enjoyed your video and see ya down the road!
Great tips
Once again ... I learned more. Never underestimate the power of listening!
😊
Douglas Adams taught us all to ALWAYS know where your towel is!
😂😂
I love those books!
I cut out fiberglass fly screens to the shape of my van windows an inch wider than the window all around and I used a rubberized adhesive and glued it all around and no mosquitoes or flies get inside. Living in Florida heat for 3 years and they haven't disolved. Use fiberglass door screen found in rolls at Lowes or Home Depot. Cut to shape and caulk into place.😎😎😎
I’ve been holding off getting the Ecoflow River Pro + 220W Solar I’ve had my eye on, when you said Ecoflow sponsored the vid, I was hoping you would have a code & you did 🎉 and I was able to claim it!! 🎉 I can’t thank you enough! 😘🥰 the code saved me almost $100 & I’m also getting a Ecoflow camping light as a free gift 💝 There will be a big hug for you when we eventually cross paths 🤗 Love, love, love divine timing! Thank you again ❤
Good call!
I have microfibre bath towels. They take up very little room and dry quickly
Your hanger is with your bath towel!? LOL
As a dehumidifier you can also use bricketts/coal as they work for both absorbing moisture and making your fridge and rooms smell less stinky
Great idea 😊
Hi Brenna it was Joyfull watching your RUclips video. I am 74 years old today. My wife and I camp in our 21 foot travel trailer ever chance we get. We usually camp at state parks close to home and invite our family members to come out and camp. They all camp in tents. Our little camper has double door fridge that runs on 120 VAC or propane and the camper has 2, 20 lb. propane bottles. It also has an A/C, bathroom with shower and the other standards as gas range, microwave and TV antenna that works.
Had never heard of a pet cooling pad, thanks. I do keep a couple of rubber pads for our dog that I got from Harbor Freight. Our dog is a 15 year old Australian Cattle Dog.
I really enjoyed you and your presentation.
Thank you,
Patrick
Thanks Patrick and happy travels 😊
Great video Brenna. I use sarong as a towel substitute, Dries quickly and takes up so much less space, plus bigger than a tea towel. Love your clothes dryer and the tip about two batteries.
Thanks for sharing!!
When I travelled for 3 months in Mexico, a sarong was a lifesaver. Used it for a ton of things! That was 1990. Lol
I love your tips I have a few for you. Your shirts and tops shack out you clothes and hang it on a hanger it will be less crinkled or no crinkled. If you Wash your clothes rinse clothes out with white vinegar. Stains on clothes you can use different things, I normally mix some products and it works. Sunlight bar soap, a bit of toothpaste mix with washing powder rub in and wash good. Hope it will work for you
Great tips
What a gal! She radiates the joy of life, and the tips are very useful. Keep on vanning!
First video. Love how real you are. Laughed out loud about the hanger being lost. I think my life is going to be organized if I have less stuff, but I still lose things. I've camped across the country (USA) a bit and am headed for another trip to the Pacific Northwest (from Kansas--middle state). I think I'll use these videos as encouragement to go vanning full-time. Thanks for the helpful and fun video.
Happy travels 😊
My father was an Eagle Scout who loved camping, so as kids we grew up camping. One time my brother and I went to the shower house to get our shower -- he was probably 4ish, and myself 8ish. (We were a lot more respectful/responsible than today’s youth.) Anyhow, we forgot our towels, and not knowing what to do, I dragged a chair over to the hand dryer, where we dried off as best as possible and put our pjs on for the night! Those were the days!
A Japanese minimalist turned me onto tenugui towels. Light, absorbent, fast dry, beautiful patterns.
Wonderful!
Ohhh.. your hanger is with your towel.... :-P
😂😂
I keep 25 metres of para chord and that is our washing line, wound on a piece of ply. It has other uses too around the home, but I keep it in the van..Keep the fridge cool by living on frozen food, burgers, peas, always buy something.
Toilet without a portapotti:- No.1s:- 2 Sangria bottles which have wider necks (for obvious reasons) and a She-wee for the lady, when you empty it people think you are throwing away Sangria. No.2s, 2 solutions:- A simple bucket and a dog poo bag (bio-d) and in the wilds a "Machitty", a flat ended machete. Walk around with a shovel and everyone knows what you are doing, and also no one is going to attack you in the woods carrying a machete.
This is my first time here...I have not done my build yet.. I'm learning sooo much
You clearly don't live in SA ha ha if you parked anywhere near a graveyard you ur cabbie washing line and crumbs will be scattered all over the country. And yes ur body as well. You are so lucky to live with no fear. What a fab life you have. God bless and keep you safe❤❤❤
Thanks!
I am a month late, but wanted to say what great ideas and fun to watch - thank you! I am team Ecoflow and interesting (and smart!) re the 2 small units vs 1 large. My EcoFlow purchases are twofold … maybe 3 … backup in my house, backup in my motor home and as I am downsizing to van/mini-van for travel, full power there. I’m in NW MT US, small house on rural property so think I am keeping my 20 year old motor home for spare house/guest house and adding a mini-van for short trips. At any rate, I started with EcoFlow last July (PrimeDay), 2nd purchases this year. I am very happy with all items and the 1 time I needed customer service, it was EXCELLENT! The current items like River2 … batteries are not only safer but have much longer life (# of charges). The River2 series are great functionally as well as price point. Fun to see another EcoFlow person!! LOVE the tea towel tip also!!
Thank you so much for the superthanks🙏. I do really love EcoFlow products 😊
Thank you for sharing this.❤
"Paracord" best ever instant clothes line ! and a billion other uses
All good tips, thank you!
Give Abby a hug 😍.
New subscriber from USA.
☮️❤️😎
Thank you so much! I'll pass on the hug! 😊
Thanks for the post office coin tip. That's a great one!
Glad you liked it!
On the towel thing I totally agree. I prefer "flour-sack" towels. It's an American term for loose weave kitchen towels, 100% cotton. Very absorbent and dries quickly.
Thanks for sharing!!
Great tips. I especially like the bungee cord clothes lines. :)
I like the idea of a cooling mat. My cats love the heat, but I don't. You can also buy cooling blankets that are made to keep people cool. The mat under and the blanket over would be just the ticket for those too hot nights.
Those little dehumidifiers are great to control moisture. Instead of buying expensive refills, you can use rock salt (the kind used in winter). It's the same stuff, just way cheaper in a huge bag. Probably not practical for van life, but good if you've got the storage.
No need to apologise for Abby. I love to hear her speak her mind. :)
Now I'm going to re-watch the video. in case I missed something.
Jon in rural BC, Canada
Thanks Jon
I like the tea towel idea. I've been using a hand towel, which is far easier to wash than a full size and easy to pack/hang out. cheers from W.A. 🙂
Yep, l have used a handtowel on bus trips, where luggage space is at a premium. On longer trips, l take 2 handtowels, and that means l still have one, when one is in the wash, and the 2 still take up less room than a bathtowel. 😊👍
Great minds think alike 😉
First time watching your videos.
Very useful information. I will mention that ( here in the US anyway) you'll want to use a dryer if you wash your clothes in a public washer because you could get lice, bed bugs etc. The dryer kills them, not the washer.
Good to know 😊
Simply brilliant ideas. Thank you. I once spent 6 months living out of my van without solar or refrigeration. We did find a kerosene heater to use in a tent. It was smelly but kept us from freezing at night. At the moment am living vicariously through folks like you.
That is awesome!
I now own a Toyota Hiace Poptop, love the clothesline tip👍👍
I saw one guy who lived in his vehicle in WA state - he had a dehumidifier, then used the water collected from air & put in his water filter. 😊
My favourite hacks are the washing line and the pet cooling mat!! 😂 I have a cooling blanket, my favourite thing. I enjoyed watching an Aussie in a van. Happy days 😊
Thanks for sharing!!
I enjoyed this video a lot! We move into our RV full-time starting tomorrow! We have been packing and moving out or.stuff for at least a month and we are finally ready!! 🙌
That is awesome!
Very nice van hacks and your pup is a doll ! Her eyes are beautiful! Beautiful pup !
Thank you so much!
We used bungee cords for many things too. You can hook several together and put each end around fence posts or saplings to make a really long clothes line in the sun. Or stretch it between your vehicle and anything nearby like a sign post, a tent pole, fence, tree, etc., even another camper vehicle if you're meeting up with other vanners.
It's also a good idea to carry a real 30-40 foot clothes line. You never know when you'll need a rope.
I do have a long rope in the van👍
U can get those dehumidifiers in the US for a dollar twenty five at dollar tree
I go to cemeteries all the time for peace and quiet!
😊
Hi Brenna and Abby... thankyou for those wonderful tips and tricks. I thought they were all very clever and I definitely took notes ✍ Ive got my fridge, one power station but will invest in a 2nd one and my solar panels arrived today too. I did a night of car camping last night and loved it even though it was in a little hatchback so now to spruce her up to sell for a bigger vehicle to continue my travel dream. I cant wait to organise my new car/van with your tips and tricks. Thanks again 😊🌻
You are so welcome!
These are Incredible Tips. She has a lovely spirit. I love her joy.
So glad!
The clothes line, bag of ice from fridge were great tips! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Very cool hacks! We have a ford transit 250 cargo van that we went with a NO BUILD approach. We always appreciate seeing what others do in their vans! Keep making memories & adventure on! ~Karen & Shannon WOY
Thanks 🙏
There are times my good dogs need to Tay in the van, I have a few ore carabiners around the openings and use a cargo net to ensure they stay there while enjoying the open door, thanks for the tips!
Sounds great!
Love the damp rid idea
Thanks
Some terrific suggestions, particularly about Power Banks which you always simplify for us.
Hope winter is being gentle with you both, nearly Spring.
Safe and happy travels, love to dear Abbey. 🐾
Feels like spring today!!
Bunnings sell fly screens that come in a little box, meant for houses that don’t have fly screens. I have one permanently installed on my drivers side and you can barely notice it’s there. Cost about 8 bucks, and the mesh is really nice if you have sensory issues. I’m gonna buy some dehumidifiers next time I go through a Bunnings town for sure, I’m well insulated in my hiace but the front has still been getting condensation in Vic winter
Great tip
I love to see older grave sites. Make my imagination work.
U can see beautiful flowers too.
I have a cooling blanket i use when i camp and at home.
Oh my gosh, that giggle/laugh is absolutely beautiful. Made my heart happy to just hear it. Sorry to get off track of your hard work on this video. Well, sometimes a good side track is appropriate. Thank you for the tips and oh my gosh...keep laughing, it's so wonderful!
First time seeing a video of yours, came up in my YT feed. Been watching van life vids for years, this is the first one to suggest something new and/or helpful in a long time! And I love your humor and cheer! New sub, with best wishes for safety and joy!🤗
Awesome! Thank you!
Thank you for your video. Some I know, but some not.
I have bought a mini inverter for my laptop (19,5 Volt) to run it with 12 Volts.
It needs much les power, as with his AC Charger.
I have a dozen of kitchen towels. They are so universal use, and you clean it by laundry.
I use fans by 12 Volts, added with quick clamps. (by USB it has too less power)
Minimum Diameter: 20 centimeters = 8 inches.
Clamp it on the table = no bugs.
I have some gel cool packs in my compressor cooler.
If it knocks out by no electric power, the gel packs keeps all cool for four days.
Or if you switch power off for the night.
The dog of my neighbour sometimes barks in the night, for one hour.
But Nobdy becomes angry, in our street.
We are living in a village, not in a town = better neighbours.
My vehicle is a red opel combo c
Very small but cheap and good. With more mileage by diesel engine.
named "Elena" = spanish name, because manufactured in Spain.
Greetings from sw germany (middle europe) liked + subscribed.
Greetings 👋
We have an eco flow River with add on battery but we also bought the solar pannel, which it brilliant to run my husbands Nebulator machine. We don't live in our van, just use it for leisure.
Awesome 😊
So enjoyed today. I made my own nets with mozzie net &, magnets from Spotloght works like a dream. Love the idea of a spray bottle of vinegar, water for dishes. Keep it up, never tired of watching you &, Abbi.
Thanks 😊
If you carry a hair dryer, itis useful for defrosting the fridge, and also can be used to dry off when you forget your towel! My tip from our vanning life.
Thanks for your videos and sharing all that you do for us.
So nice of you
Hello from Spain! Just found your channel and this is the first video I watched. Love all your tips, your attitude and your dog! Can’t wait to have some time to catch up and watch all your videos. Thanks and have a good day 👍🏻☮️
Welcome!!
Hi Brenna! I’ve bought a small micro fibre towel from Rebel Sports which works well and dries quickly. Takes a bit to get used to the different feel to it though. I like the feel of the cotton towels best but can be a challenge when travelling to get dry during wet weather. You’ve given some really good tips here. Take care!
Great idea!
The micro fibre is amazing isn't it. Its great for getting long hair dry.
I love the Norwex gym towel, rolls up smaller than a washcloth! Comes with its own little carry bag
A turkish towel is thin good quality cotton. they dry you very well, extremely thirsty but they are also very thin and dry quickly. Don’t use fabric conditioner on them.
i use those microfibre towels too. i would place thrm at the dashboard to dry while driving. dries in a short time. saves space.
Warning ⚠️⚡ I have a tip to replace those ugly bungee cords on your beautiful dresser drawers.😁 Drill a small hole on left or right side of the cabinet for each drawer. Home Depot sells metal dowel pins with little bumps on them and they'll snap into the hole, keeping each drawer from sliding out. Go cheaper and just use wooden dowels. Be sure the hole is only large enough for the dowel pins to be snug. Drill on a slight angle slanted downward so the pins don't vibrate out while driving.😃😎🤗
I used baby locks
Be careful with bungee cords people if the first hook up comes loose it'll smack your head😂 I had a friend that got knocked in the face with one and when he gathered himself and he pulled on the cord that was on his shoulder his head came down he realized it had hooked through his nostril😮 never look towards the end that you hooked first and always make sure that it is secure before you pull the other end😮
why not just thread a thin metal rod of sorts through the handles on those drawers? they seem to be protruding just enough..
What ever works. First thing I did was create bug screens and window coverings. The solid for night time privacy. And double layers of very fine mesh for bug screens. I just made them to fit the doors, and they slip on just like a pillow case. If we open the doors, they stay in place. I can drive with the mesh on as they fit snuggly. (have them for our car also) All side windows have covers to fit with reflective on one side, and black on the other. Black lets the heat in, the shiny side reflects it out. Privacy either way. I do use a large sheer and magnets for the side door if we are staying in one place a while. Ok going back to check your channel some more. I subscribed, and will be back. Happy Van Life.
Thanks for sharing 😊
Thanks for the tip about the powerstations. Makes total sense! I'm going to do that too.
No problem 👍
I love that clothesline on the back of the trunk That is so smart Thank you for sharing❤
Thanks for watching!
Great ideas! Also, church carparks (except on Sundays☺️) in country towns are often quiet places for lunch etc.
Great tip👍
Thanks for the tips/hacks. I'm still planning for my life in a van next year. Love the tea-towel idea. Who would've thought! I've checked out the EcoFlow (river 2) as well. I have a main battery, but they're on my list now for a backup. Cant use your links yet - van wont be delivered till June 2024. Bungy cords now on list! Excellent about the vinegar and you get another use out of it - salad dressing. Coins? Never thought of that at all. Right, pet cooling mat (on list tick).
Glad it was helpful!
That was the best van life hack video that I've ever seen. So many useful ideas. Thank you so much.
Glad it was helpful!
I love your realness n your helpful hints n hacks❤
Thanks 🙏
Thanks for the bungee laundry tip! I'll be travelling with a dog and cat and their well-being is my first priority, so appreciate the review about the pet cooling mat.
Glad to help 😊
Pet cooling mat! Brilliant!
I just left a review today saying how much I dislike the microfiber camping towel I bought. Brilliant idea to use a cotton tea towel to dry off. Small and absorbent is the way to go.
😊
Amazing, very creative and common sense solutions to van life challenges. You mentioned more new ones that any video I have watched and I have watched a whole bunch ! Thank you for sharing. BTW: both daughters are in the 'hot flash stage' and I can't wait to share the doggie cooling pad tip with them.
Glad you like them!
Great video you smashed it such good hacks and tricks.loved it and had greai laughs you made my day .Keep safe and happy travels Living every day to your fullest.
Thank you! You too!
I've used the tea towel hack even though I live in a house,my washing machine broke and I had to do laundry by hand for quite awhile,regular towels were so heavy to wash and ring out so I started using two tea towels per shower,one for me and one to wipe down the shower,much easier to launder
Great to see someone else doing it 😊
They have cooling blankets now that I’ve went thru already lol
Thanks Brenna!! Great tips. I’m just starting my van build and trying to keep things simple like you. I think you’ve just solved my power issues as I will have minimal power needs and the 2 units should work well. 🙏🏼🦋⭐️🧡
Glad it was helpful!
For years, I have used a hand towel to dry myself. It works great & it dries fast. Big, plush bath towels take a long time to dry & take up a lot of space.
Good to know!
Thank you so much for the trick and tips. Tea towel trick is the best one 😊
I didn't know that you could withdraw money at the post office. Once again thank you and stay safe ❤
Happy to help!
Here in USA one can withdrawal money at some grocery stores for free, up to $100 or less. Ask. Some charge fee. Convenient for me
Good tricks, thanks. I'll share one of my favorite tricks, use your fridge to freeze those blue ice packs, rotate them once a day into a small cooler for your condiments, cheese and such. No need to have 2 fridges, I have a Dometic CFX 35 I keep at 25°f to keep most of the contents frozen, and a 10 qt. Cooler for my condiments.
Great idea
I love both all of your tips AND all the tips in the comments!
I have used bandannas on camping trips it worked well
Good tips and tricks to remember ❤❤❤❤❤Thanks for sharing Brenna❤❤❤
Thanks for taking the time to create your videos.
Best regards from 🇺🇸
I noticed immediately that you have an Ontario license plate on the wall of your van. I am from Canada and one of our provinces is Ontario. Their motto on it is “ Yours to discover “. Cheers from the east coast of Canada 🇨🇦
I’m Canadian and that was my license plate.
0:20 awesome
Hi Brenna, I have recently discovered your RUclips channel and have been following your journey through Australia. I have never been to Australia so am enjoying the journey and landscapes. I love your interesting, informative and amusing conversations. Keep the videos coming. Best wishes from Switzerland.
Thank you so much!
So many of your ideas are the same ones i have been using after 4 years in a micro camper CRV RD1.The small towel .....the upgrade on the power station to an Ecoflo and so many more.....Great to see your insights into minimal living with ease on the road. Love your channel, keep on rolling 🌎😎
That is awesome!
Thanks for these! The fly screens one I like and teatowel and pet cooling mat. All of them are great.
Glad you like them!
A question for a future Q&A: how to feel sure that snakes and spiders don‘t feel tempted to enter your cosy van, given you leave the doors open most of the time while camping? Loved your tips. 🙌💐
Snakes are happier in the bush but I have had a couple of Huntsmen spiders try to make my van home 😊
Yes you have a lot of good ideas, but I am disabled and I cannot drive, and I live in UK but I love to watch people in their van life
Glad you enjoyed watching 😊
Yes thank you I did, I hope everything works out the way you want it to take care dear lady 👍💖
That is an awesome list of hacks! Loving the pet cooling mat! Going to have to order one.
I love it!
Hello Brenna, You had some cleaver tips in this lot. We use the dehumidifiers at home , but we don't buy the containers each time. We buy a bag of the granules and just refill them as we need to, and it works out cheaper. I realize that space is an issue in the van, but the bags are about 2kg. The tea towel idea is great, but in my case one wouldn't be enough😄🦮How is Abby going still enjoying traveling in the co cabin crew seat. I would love to know the places you stop at. But I so realize that you may not want to tell us for safety reasons and that is ok I understand. Stay safe and happy traveling.
Yes I buy the large bottles of crystals to refill those containers rather than buy and throw out plastic.
I have seen the bags for refilling also😊
Hi Brenna, manny thanks for your videos. I love to see the countryside in Australia, the birds, the streams, the rocks. I am planning a 4-week trip through WA starting mid November and can’t wait. Travelling with a campervan will be new to me (last time I was camping when I was still a student) but there is sooooo much space in Australia that I hope I will manage.
Your honesty explaining why you are still in vanlife is absolutely great and I am very happy to see all your joy while living your new life. I am not that brave in selling my apartment to move into a van but I will take one year off work to go 2.5 months to Australia and to celebrate my 60‘ in Sydney with friends. When back home in Europe my van is hopefully waiting for me allowing me to slow travel. My bucket list is so long as there are so many beautiful places to discover. My fear is that after that year, I may not want to return to work….. but I will manage that at the time.
Actually taking the decision to get out of the rat race in leaving my job to do what I love….. travelling….. is such an inspiration and relief as we all know the time is ticking…. So between 60 and 70 I will rock it and cross fingers my body allows me. I wish you all the best for your road trip and if coincidentally our paths cross in Australia (WA, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane) I would be very happy to meet you. BTW I loved your video of the Great Ocean Road. Although too many tourists around the 12 Apostels, they look fabulous in sunshine ,-)
I’m planning on being back in WA later this year so we might be able to catch up 😊
Lovely Brenna and I am really looking for your advice on nice places to discover in WA. On my must see list is the Wave Rock. I know it is most probably touristy but I really would like to see it in real. Another question is, is Esperanza worth the trip or would it be better to head towards Denmark and beyond before heading back to Perth?
I have only been to Esperence once and it was pouring rain and very windy. I’m going to go back that way and give it another go.
@@cu3714there are apparently 2 wave rocks…so be sure to ask locals for the secret non-tourist viewing sites & spots
🤗 Thank you for a nice video 🌹 Hug from Mary, a pensioner in Stockholm, Sweden
Thanks for watching!
Great tips Brenna. I especially like the bungee cords on the back hatch as I also like to line dry my clothes. Thank you.
You are so welcome!
Dont apologize for your dog. She just wants to help with your video!! ❤dogs!!
Yes, she loves to be included 😂
Love the clothes line hack!