VW Camper Family2024-03-29T15:51:45Zwhc03gradyhttp://vwcamperfamily.ning.com/profile/whc03gradyhttp://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1970603520?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://vwcamperfamily.ning.com/group/campinggearreviews/forum/topic/listForContributor?user=08ex3w41o5u10&feed=yes&xn_auth=noAlternatives for refrigeration in off grid campingtag:vwcamperfamily.ning.com,2012-09-23:4450389:Topic:668382012-09-23T16:26:37.548Zwhc03gradyhttp://vwcamperfamily.ning.com/profile/whc03grady
<p>We don't have a solar set up yet and our stock fridge does not run on propane at the moment (too expensive to fix). When driving, we run the stock refrigerator off our auxiliary (yellow top) battery. However, that would only run for so long in an off grid situation. We also have a small 12v cooler that works great and I think since we only camp for say 2-3 days at a time we should be able to get by with a regular Coleman "5 day" cooler plus the 12v one for just Jonathan, myself and the dog's…</p>
<p>We don't have a solar set up yet and our stock fridge does not run on propane at the moment (too expensive to fix). When driving, we run the stock refrigerator off our auxiliary (yellow top) battery. However, that would only run for so long in an off grid situation. We also have a small 12v cooler that works great and I think since we only camp for say 2-3 days at a time we should be able to get by with a regular Coleman "5 day" cooler plus the 12v one for just Jonathan, myself and the dog's raw meat diet, which needs to be refrigerated. Can anybody else offer suggestions?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Mary</p> Bump 0utstag:vwcamperfamily.ning.com,2012-02-26:4450389:Topic:621322012-02-26T17:28:22.889Zwhc03gradyhttp://vwcamperfamily.ning.com/profile/whc03grady
<p>I'm not sure this qualifies as gear, but thought i'd share it.</p>
<p><a href="http://weirdrvs.rvtravel.com/2012/02/camping-van-doubles-in-size-at-push-of.html">http://weirdrvs.rvtravel.com/2012/02/camping-van-doubles-in-size-at-push-of.html</a></p>
<p>Doug</p>
<p>I'm not sure this qualifies as gear, but thought i'd share it.</p>
<p><a href="http://weirdrvs.rvtravel.com/2012/02/camping-van-doubles-in-size-at-push-of.html">http://weirdrvs.rvtravel.com/2012/02/camping-van-doubles-in-size-at-push-of.html</a></p>
<p>Doug</p> Block Ice ??tag:vwcamperfamily.ning.com,2011-07-22:4450389:Topic:407522011-07-22T21:57:37.166Zwhc03gradyhttp://vwcamperfamily.ning.com/profile/whc03grady
<p>So, i'm getting ready to leave on an epic 2 week camping trip, from SF to the San Juan islands. and i'm having difficulity finding Block ice. Finnaly found some after like 6 places but makes me think i'm going to have trouble finding it along the way.. 7-11 used to allways have it, but the two i went to did not, but they had a sign for it next to the bagged ice.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>any ideas?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>leaving tomarrow, and not sure how much internet acess i will have on the trip, so any…</p>
<p>So, i'm getting ready to leave on an epic 2 week camping trip, from SF to the San Juan islands. and i'm having difficulity finding Block ice. Finnaly found some after like 6 places but makes me think i'm going to have trouble finding it along the way.. 7-11 used to allways have it, but the two i went to did not, but they had a sign for it next to the bagged ice.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>any ideas?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>leaving tomarrow, and not sure how much internet acess i will have on the trip, so any fast advice would be great.</p>
<p>thanks</p>
<p> </p>
<p>adam</p> Solar cookertag:vwcamperfamily.ning.com,2011-05-22:4450389:Topic:337012011-05-22T17:18:42.991Zwhc03gradyhttp://vwcamperfamily.ning.com/profile/whc03grady
<p>some of us may have one of thous silver windshield shades, now you can use it to heat stuff up with . <a href="http://www.solarcooking.org/plans/" target="_blank">solarcooking</a></p>
<p>I'm all about repurposing things.</p>
<p> </p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.solarcooking.org/images/windshield-cooker_files/image003.jpg"><img class="align-full" src="http://www.solarcooking.org/images/windshield-cooker_files/image003.jpg"/></a>
<p>some of us may have one of thous silver windshield shades, now you can use it to heat stuff up with . <a href="http://www.solarcooking.org/plans/" target="_blank">solarcooking</a></p>
<p>I'm all about repurposing things.</p>
<p> </p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.solarcooking.org/images/windshield-cooker_files/image003.jpg"><img class="align-full" src="http://www.solarcooking.org/images/windshield-cooker_files/image003.jpg"/></a> Coleman Portable Slow Cooker-Propanetag:vwcamperfamily.ning.com,2010-10-11:4450389:Topic:109162010-10-11T19:37:51.000Zwhc03gradyhttp://vwcamperfamily.ning.com/profile/whc03grady
I am eyeing the Coleman slow-cooker that runs on propane bottles. Has anyone ever used this thing? It is six-quarts, so it's a good size. I am thinking winter campouts, pot-lucks, outdoor parties, etc. here's a link to it at REI: <br/><br/><a href="http://www.rei.com/product/736981">http://www.rei.com/product/736981</a><br/><br/>20% off for REI members through 10-17!!!<br/>
I am eyeing the Coleman slow-cooker that runs on propane bottles. Has anyone ever used this thing? It is six-quarts, so it's a good size. I am thinking winter campouts, pot-lucks, outdoor parties, etc. here's a link to it at REI: <br/><br/><a href="http://www.rei.com/product/736981">http://www.rei.com/product/736981</a><br/><br/>20% off for REI members through 10-17!!!<br/> Solar lanterns!tag:vwcamperfamily.ning.com,2010-09-11:4450389:Topic:99882010-09-11T02:53:06.000Zwhc03gradyhttp://vwcamperfamily.ning.com/profile/whc03grady
i know some have been able to install solar panels on their Buses (still a wish for me) and I am very frustrated finding SOLAR camping gear. Its the 21st century, the sun is usually up there in the sky beating unused energy down and they STILL expect us to lug around BATTERIES?! <br></br><br></br>My search for solar gear has been pretty fruitless so far, however there is hope! I bought…
i know some have been able to install solar panels on their Buses (still a wish for me) and I am very frustrated finding SOLAR camping gear. Its the 21st century, the sun is usually up there in the sky beating unused energy down and they STILL expect us to lug around BATTERIES?! <br/><br/>My search for solar gear has been pretty fruitless so far, however there is hope! I bought <a href="http://www.amazon.com/D-light-Kiran-Solar-LED-Lantern/dp/B00303687I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1284173304&sr=8-2">this solar lantern by d.light</a> and so far it has worked great! It charges even under fluorescent lighting, in the car window, when its rainy or cloudy... And it will stay on all night. It isn't the brightest lantern around, but for basic vision it works really good... I am thinking about buying another one for those days (like today) that i forgot to charge it up! <br/><br/>Now they just need to come up with Solar Speakers to go with the solar ipod charger! :P<br/><br/>Any other Solar Suggestions??<br/> Another LED threadtag:vwcamperfamily.ning.com,2010-08-12:4450389:Topic:93642010-08-12T17:31:01.000Zwhc03gradyhttp://vwcamperfamily.ning.com/profile/whc03grady
My bus sports one of those Sylvania LED stick-on lights. Works well. Cheap. I have it stuck on the metal just inside the rear hatch. Good "momentary" light for when I am laying down or when I want to fish something out of the back area after dark. <br></br><br></br>Being a lunkhead supreme, I managed to put a folding chair up against it which switched it on and wore down the batteries. Much to my amazement, the lights are user-serviceable. The double sticky-back tape that was tasked with sticking it to…
My bus sports one of those Sylvania LED stick-on lights. Works well. Cheap. I have it stuck on the metal just inside the rear hatch. Good "momentary" light for when I am laying down or when I want to fish something out of the back area after dark. <br/><br/>Being a lunkhead supreme, I managed to put a folding chair up against it which switched it on and wore down the batteries. Much to my amazement, the lights are user-serviceable. The double sticky-back tape that was tasked with sticking it to the wall is now history. If only.....it was <span style="text-decoration: underline; font-style: italic;">magnetic</span> instead of glued! <br/><br/>Well, shazzam! Lookey here: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hard-Case-Light-Energizer-Flashlights/dp/B003UNVD5K/">http://www.amazon.com/Hard-Case-Light-Energizer-Flashlights/dp/B003UNVD5K/</a><br/><br/>This might also be useful if one needed to wrastle around in their engine compartment. Just sayin'.<br/> Homemade Fire Starterstag:vwcamperfamily.ning.com,2010-05-23:4450389:Topic:65832010-05-23T12:27:28.000Zwhc03gradyhttp://vwcamperfamily.ning.com/profile/whc03grady
Interesting Camping tip<br></br>
<br></br>
1. Homemade Fire Starters<br></br>
<br></br>
For starting campfires, these burn better, and are easier to carry, than<br />
the<br></br>
news paper we traditionally bring along on camping trips to start fires.<br></br>
<br></br>
All you will need for this project is a small jar of petroleum jelly,<br />
such as<br></br>
Vasoline ( found near the baby care products in most stores), a bag of<br />
cotton<br></br>
balls, and a small plastic container that closes tightly ( pill bottles<br />
and…
Interesting Camping tip<br/>
<br/>
1. Homemade Fire Starters<br/>
<br/>
For starting campfires, these burn better, and are easier to carry, than<br />
the<br/>
news paper we traditionally bring along on camping trips to start fires.<br/>
<br/>
All you will need for this project is a small jar of petroleum jelly,<br />
such as<br/>
Vasoline ( found near the baby care products in most stores), a bag of<br />
cotton<br/>
balls, and a small plastic container that closes tightly ( pill bottles<br />
and film<br/>
containers work well for this).<br/>
<br/>
You simply scoop out blobs of petroleum jelly with your fingers<br/>
<br/>
and rub it all over a cotton ball.<br/>
<br/>
When the cotton ball is completely saturated with this greasy goo, place<br />
it in<br/>
the pill bottle and cover more cotton balls.<br/>
<br/>
This is a very messy project, so it's a good idea to have a paper towel<br />
nearby<br/>
to wipe those greasy fingers on.<br/>
<br/>
We were able to fit about 10 cotton balls into our pill bottle, by<br />
tightly<br/>
packing them.<br/>
<br/>
Because of the small size of the container and how light weight it is,<br />
this<br/>
would be perfect for hiking trips.<br/>
<br/>
Once these balls are lit on fire, they don't easily go out. someone<br />
tried to<br/>
blow out several time and it just burned more.<br/>
<br/>
Very cool!<br/>
<br/>
<br/> Zip Lock Bag popular fly repellent idea that costs 4 cents and the price of a zip lock bag.tag:vwcamperfamily.ning.com,2010-04-29:4450389:Topic:59702010-04-29T13:22:43.000Zwhc03gradyhttp://vwcamperfamily.ning.com/profile/whc03grady
This sounds really crazy BUT if it works worth a try!!<br></br>
<br></br>
<br></br>
Zip Lock Bag - Good Tip!<br></br>
<br></br>
Recently I received an email about a popular fly repellent idea that<br></br>
costs 4 cents and the price of a zip lock bag. At first, we were very<br></br>
skeptical of the idea and thought to ourselves, “Why not try it?” With<br></br>
slightly over two dozen rescue dogs, we felt we were an excellent<br></br>
candidate to try it out….<br></br>
<br></br>
<br></br>
Place on either side of the door a ziploc bag half…
This sounds really crazy BUT if it works worth a try!!<br/>
<br/>
<br/>
Zip Lock Bag - Good Tip!<br/>
<br/>
Recently I received an email about a popular fly repellent idea that<br/>
costs 4 cents and the price of a zip lock bag. At first, we were very<br/>
skeptical of the idea and thought to ourselves, “Why not try it?” With<br/>
slightly over two dozen rescue dogs, we felt we were an excellent<br/>
candidate to try it out….<br/>
<br/>
<br/>
Place on either side of the door a ziploc bag half full of water with<br/>
four bright shiney pennies in it, if the flies come in they soon leave.<br/>
We have been using this for the last 2 years with good success.<br/>
Norm<br/>
<br/>
Zip Lock Bag - Good Tip!<br/>
<br/>
Spring & summer are just around the corner. This experiment is<br/>
inexpensive and worth a try.<br/>
<br/>
<br/>
<br/>
ZIP LOCK BAG - Good tip!<br/>
<br/>
from internet:<br/>
We went with friends to Sweety Pies on Sunday for breakfast and sat in<br/>
the<br/>
patio section beside the house. We happened to notice zip lock baggies<br/>
pinned to a post and a wall. The bags were half filled with water, each<br/>
contained 4 pennies, and they were zipped shut. Naturally we were<br/>
curious! Ms.<br/>
Sweety told us that these baggies kept the flies away! So naturally we<br/>
were<br/>
even more curious! We actually watched some flies come in the open<br/>
window,<br/>
sit around on the window sill, and then fly out again. And there were<br/>
no<br/>
flies in the eating area! This morning I checked this out on Google.<br/>
Below<br/>
are comments on this fly control idea. I'm now a believer!<br/>
<br/>
Zip-lock water bags...<br/>
<br/>
Ann Says:<br/>
I tried the ziplock bag and pennies this weekend.. I have a<br/>
horsetrailer.<br/>
The flies were bad while I was camping. I put the baggie with pennies<br/>
above<br/>
the door of the LQ. NOT ONE FLY came in the trailer. The horse trailer<br/>
part<br/>
had many. Not sure why it works but it does!<br/>
<br/>
Danielle Martin Says:<br/>
Fill a ziplock bag with water and 5 or 6 pennies and hang it in the<br/>
problem<br/>
area. In my case it was a particular window in my home. It had a slight<br/>
passage way for insects. Every since I have done that, it has kept flies<br/>
and<br/>
wasps away. Some say that wasps and flies mistake the bag for some other<br/>
insect nest and are threatened.<br/>
<br/>
Maggie Says:<br/>
I swear by the plastic bag of water trick. I have them on porch and<br/>
basement. We saw these in Northeast Mo.at an Amish grocery store &<br/>
have used them<br/>
since. They say it works because a fly sees a reflection & won't<br/>
come around.<br/>
<br/>
DJ Says:<br/>
Regarding the science behind zip log bags of water? My research found<br/>
that<br/>
the millions of molecules of water presents its own prism effect and<br/>
given<br/>
that flies have a lot of eyes, to them it's like a zillion disco balls<br/>
reflecting light, colors and movement in a dizzying manner. When you<br/>
figure that<br/>
flies are prey for many other bugs, animals, birds, etc., they simply<br/>
won't<br/>
take the risk of being around that much perceived action. I moved to a<br/>
rural<br/>
area and thought these "hillbillies" were just yanking my city boy chain<br/>
but<br/>
I tried it and it worked immediately! We went from hundreds of flies to<br/>
seeing the occasional one, but he didn't hang around long.<br/><br/>see picture attached to discussion.<br/> Awnings?tag:vwcamperfamily.ning.com,2010-04-01:4450389:Topic:54832010-04-01T20:21:47.000Zwhc03gradyhttp://vwcamperfamily.ning.com/profile/whc03grady
I am looking for an awning for my Vanagon and I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations? <br/><br/>I bought a side tent, which turned out to be way too big for my purposes, so I am trying to sell it now and look for something smaller. It should be easy to set up and not take up too much space in the bus.<br/>
I am looking for an awning for my Vanagon and I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations? <br/><br/>I bought a side tent, which turned out to be way too big for my purposes, so I am trying to sell it now and look for something smaller. It should be easy to set up and not take up too much space in the bus.<br/>