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Tips and tricks for your motorhome

The Gadget Shop

Gadgets

Throughout the years, I've cultivated a delightful collection of travel gadgets that have significantly enhanced my journeys. Interestingly, these handy companions have not only elevated my own adventures but have also proven to be incredibly beneficial to fellow travelers who discovered their value. If you're curious to explore some of these ingenious travel aids the click button below

Kitchen

Cutlery (Stop that rattle)

If you discover that you can hear those knives, forks, and spoons rattling about as you drive, give these little tricks a try.

  • Wrap a napkin around each place setting, creating individual packages prepared for dinner later.
  • Placing one or two tea towels snugly over the top of your cutlery drawer will minimize any rattling noises.
Cutlery draw trick

Plates (No more chatter)

If you find those plates annoying, give this a try.

  • Placing paper plates between your dishes will prevent this issue.
  • A single sheet of kitchen towel will help keep it under control.
  • Perhaps consider investing in felt plate separators.
Plates silence

Glasses (stop them breaking)

Glasses can not only rattle but also risk breaking.

  • Avoid stacking too many glasses, but if you must, consider using a plastic band around them to prevent the glass from coming into contact with each other.
  • Consider using plastic drinkware; some of the newer plastic alternatives closely resemble the look and feel of glass.
  • Placing a food storage bag between each cup will not only protect them but also provide a useful option if needed.
Glasses (stop them breaking)

Draw (Noise Reducer)

  • Drawer liners not only reduce much of the noise but also offer protection for your the stuff inside.
  • In many motorhomes, there are buttons designed to secure the drawers while traveling. It's important to regularly adjust and keep them tight. Additionally, consider placing small rubber feet, approximately 5mm in diameter, between the drawer and the unit to provide a buffer
  • Using a tea towel to wedge the door can help prevent movement, but be cautious not to make it too tight, as this could lead to it becoming too loose or even causing a jam.
Draw (Noise Reducer)

Organized is always best

  • Always designate a specific place for everything; not only will this aid in finding items quickly, but it will also enable you to optimize your storage space to near-military standards, utilizing every available inch effectively.
Organized is always best

Storage Boxes / Containers - your best friend 

  • Utilizing storage containers is a fantastic idea. With a multitude of options available, it's important to carefully consider their purpose, required sizes, and placement before purchasing. Avoid filling a cupboard with numerous small boxes containing very little, or using shoebox-sized containers for a small portion of rice. In general, square containers tend to work better in cupboards, offering greater volume and flexibility compared to round ones.
Storage Boxes / Containers - your best friend 

Cooker (tricks to help bring out the chef in you)

Heat:

The cookers in motorhomes tend not to get as hot as your cooker at home, so give your cooking about 10% extra time.

Plan Simple Meals:

Keep your meals simple and easy to prepare. One-pot dishes, stir-fries, and grilled items are great options. Preparing ingredients in advance can save time.

Use Compact Cookware:

Invest in compact and stackable cookware to save space. Look for pots, pans, and utensils designed for Motorhomes or small kitchens.

When traveling:

Put some of that foam pipe lagging on the ends of the cooking shelves, this will avoid them rattling when you travel.

 

Motorhome Cooker

Kitchen Cupbards

When arranging items in your motorhome cupboards, prioritize placing the lightest objects at higher levels. However, exercise caution to ensure that nothing shifts during travel and later falls out, potentially causing harm or damage.

Elctrical goods

Top tip to avoid the trip (switch)

Before using power-hungry appliances like kettles, toasters, or air fryers (especially when on electric hook-up), turn down or temporarily switch off the heating and hot water. You don’t want everything kicking in at once and tripping the system. And don’t try to boil the kettle while making toast—it’s a recipe for a power cut. That “walk of shame” in your PJs to reset the EHU isn’t how anyone wants to start their morning!

Once its' right repeat it

Photograph Your Perfect Packing Setup

After you've spent all that time carefully sorting where everything goes—fine-tuning the space, arranging each tin, box, or gadget to fit just right—take a moment to sit back, grab a cup of tea, and snap some photos of your setup. These pictures are a great reference for future trips or for making sure everything goes back in the right place after use. It saves time, avoids guesswork, and helps you keep your motorhome organized just the way you like it!

Kettle (Don't over do it)

We do like our tea.

The initial decision to make is whether to opt for a gas or electric kettle. This choice will primarily depend on whether you plan to camp at sites with electric hook-up (EHU) or prefer a more off-grid, wild camping approach.

Regardless of your choice, it's advisable not to purchase an oversized kettle. Keep in mind that the average cup of tea is around 300ml, so a kettle with a capacity greater than 1 litre should suffice. Using a larger kettle, whether heated by gas or electric, will consume more energy than necessary.

  • When opting for a gas kettle, make sure it comes equipped with a whistle. This safety feature helps prevent the kettle from boiling dry, which could potentially lead to a fire or an uncomfortably hot interior in your motorhome. Nevertheless, it's essential to keep in mind that when camping on a site, the electric hookup (EHU) is typically available and has already been paid for, making it not only convenient but also a more environmentally friendly choice.
  • When opting for an electric kettle, it's advisable to choose one with a power rating of no more than 8 amps. Many campsites have somewhat limited electrical outputs, often with 10-amp circuits. Opting for a lower-amperage kettle is a prudent choice, as it prevents overloading the circuit and avoids tripping the circuit breaker. This ensures you have a reliable power supply for your morning cup of tea without any hassle
Always bear in mind that you'll need to find a suitable storage solution for these items while traveling. In this regard, it's a good idea to either locate a soft bag or use drawer lining, as mentioned earlier, to protect and secure your kettle during transit.
Kettle (Don't over do it)

Air Fryer (The new way to cook)

The new way to cook.

Air fryers can be a fantastic addition to your travel equipment. They are highly versatile and can help you save money by reducing reliance on a gas-hungry cooker. It's important to note that air fryers need access to electricity, typically on campsites with electric hook-ups (EHU).

  • Air fryers come in a wide range of types and sizes to suit various preferences. Personally, I prefer the dual compartment version, as it enables you to prepare almost an entire meal simultaneously, making it a convenient choice for cooking.
Always bear in mind that you'll need to find a suitable storage solution for these items while traveling. In this regard, it's a good idea to either locate a soft bag or use drawer lining, as mentioned earlier, to protect and secure your kettle during transit.
Air Fryer (The new way to cook)

Toaster (Small is good)

Beans on bread is not the same.

The initial decision to make is whether to choose a gas-powered or electric-powered appliance. This choice will largely depend on whether you plan to camp at sites with electric hook-up (EHU) or prefer a more off-grid, wilderness camping approach.

  • When it comes to using gas for toasting in a motorhome, it's worth noting that you can often utilize the top part of the oven for this purpose. However, it can be inconvenient, especially if you're simultaneously trying to cook something else, as you can typically only do one or the other effectively. Additionally, the toaster in the top oven may work well for making cheese on toast but can result in uneven toasting for regular bread. Consequently, many people, including myself, prefer to use it as a last resort or when camping off-site without access to electric hook-up (EHU).  
  • When opting for an electric toaster for your motorhome, it's wise to select one with a power rating of no more than 8 amps. Many campsites have somewhat limited electrical outputs, typically providing 10-amp circuits. Choosing a lower-amperage, two-slice toaster not only helps with storage but also ensures compatibility with most campsite electrical supplies. Another advantage of using an electric toaster is that you can take it outside, preventing the burnt smell from lingering inside your motorhome for extended periods.
Always keep in mind that you will need to store these somewhere when traverling. On this I tend to either find a soft bag or wrap with draw lining see above
Toaster (Small is good)

TV (Big is not always best)

When selecting a TV for your motorhome, it's crucial to think about your viewing preferences and habits. In today's digital age, you have various ways to access content, such as streaming, terrestrial channels, satellite, or media players. Additionally, consider whether you want the option to watch TV when not connected to electric hook-up (12v capability). Finally, think about the size of the TV, as it should be proportionate to your available space and viewing comfort. Taking all these factors into account will help ensure an enjoyable and convenient TV viewing experience in your motorhome.

  • Streaming will require Wifi
  • Media will require either DVD player or USB input, or both
  • Terrestrial will require an arial
  • Satelite will require a satelite reciever or a seperate reciever
  • Mains only or 12v and mains

Indeed, if you opt for a traditional TV setup with an antenna, it can work well in many situations. However, before proceeding with this approach, it's wise to take the following factors into account:

Terrestrial and satellite TV options may not always be available or reliable in every country or location, while mobile and Wi-Fi coverage is steadily improving. It's important to acknowledge that terrestrial TV is still valuable and will remain relevant for years to come. However, in an era where most content is accessible via the internet, investing in a high-quality, internet-enabled TV can be a wise decision for a more versatile and future-proof entertainment experience.

The adage "buy good, buy once" holds true when selecting technology for your motorhome.

  • Opting for a well-known brand is a sound strategy when selecting a TV for your motorhome. Some lower-end models may have limited smart connectivity and infrequent updates, which can limit your access to various app services. As of my last knowledge update, brands like Avtex, Sharp, Ferguson, and Cello are among the top contenders for motorhome TVs. In particular, the Sharp TV stands out for its robust smart view menu, offering access to a wide range of content. I found a personal favorite in the Sharp TV for my motorhome and entertainment needs.

TV (Big is not always best)

Remote Control (Keep it organized)

As a general rule, being organized in a living space so small is the most important thing.

Using Velcro to attach a remote control to an appliance, such as a TV, can be a convenient and practical way to keep it accessible and organized. Velcro strips provide a secure and easily adjustable method for mounting the remote control, and it can indeed help prevent misplacement or loss. Here's a breakdown of the advantages and considerations:

  • Attaching the remote with Velcro near the appliance ensures it's always within reach when you need it. You won't have to search for it around the room.
  • It helps keep your living space tidy and organized by preventing remote controls from cluttering your furniture or getting lost.
  • Having an additional remote control near the bed is a great idea, especially if you share the TV between the living space and the bedroom. It saves you from constantly moving the remote back and forth.

In conclusion, using Velcro to attach remote controls to appliances can be a practical and versatile solution for keeping them organized and accessible. It's particularly useful for maintaining multiple remotes in different locations, such as next to the bed or while traveling. Just be mindful of the aesthetic and maintenance considerations associated with using Velcro.

Remote Control (Keep it organized)

Cheap Mobile Router Hack

If you have an old mobile phone (not that old Nokia 3110), don't throw it away or sell it for peanuts, there is still life in the old dog.

Using an old mobile phone as a mobile router with a data SIM card is indeed a creative and cost-effective way to repurpose old technology. While it may not offer the same features and performance as high-end mobile routers, it can still be a useful solution in certain situations, such as when traveling in a motorhome or in areas with limited internet access.

This allows everyone to share the same data plan and with a bit of creative setup it can allow you to transition seamlessly from your home to your motorhome with wireless connectivity, without the need to re-setup.

Alternatively 

Using Your Mobile For Tethering

These days it has become standard for nearly all mobile phone networks to allow tethering within there contract. Obviously you need to check your data plan and make certain you will not run out of data or be charged for this, but assuming that you have this part covered. It can be a great way to connect all those devices to the internet without having to take out another data plan and if your lucky to be in a good 5G area you will be amazed at the speeds you can get (assuming you have a 5G device and contract). 

Cheap Mobile Router Hack

Leveling your Motorhome

There are two ways to leveling your motorhome:

Levelling Ramp

If it's your first time at using these your soon know that they can be a absolute nightmare to get up and the fear of going too far is looming. So, between the wheel spins to get up to the shooting over the top, I have put together a few tips.
Don't buy cheap, a good set will last years, Fiamma are a proven name.
Anti-slip plates can help to avoid them sliding away.
Don't be too afraid, you need to drive up to them, don't try to just climb them.
Always try to have someone watching. This will really help.
My final and best tip. Download a levelling app on your phone. Find a level place to sit your phone on the dash, then as you’re going up the ramps you will know at what point is best for level, it will save you stopping and starting several times.

Find the ramp for you read more. Levelling Block Types

  • Hydraulic Levelling

These are by far the easiast way to level, but come with a big price tag. 

Leveling your Motorhome