We returned from our adventuring, very keen to start improving (and personalising) the Spacevan. Nick still had a week left of annual leave and we wanted to make the most of his time off. One of the main issues while away was difficulty closing the camper when packing up. We'd initially assumed the problem was due to windy conditions but later realised some pop rivets were missing on a metal roof plate.
Nick replaced those rivets but the repair hasn't improved the closing issue, so we are now looking to have the gas struts inspected and possibly replaced.
A previous owner removed some of the 12-volt components and we've been researching how best to replace those.
Those are the main larger missions. Many smaller jobs have been done. The pull-out exterior pantry drawer lacked organisation, so we purchased two lidded plastic baskets from Kmart and several plastic containers from Coles. $30.00 well spent! Our beverage case fits quite well in the remaining space and hopefully there'll be less chaos next trip.
The single interior kitchen drawer became a catch-all while away, so it's also had a makeover. Bunnings had these small plastic tubs for $3.00. I bought a roll of non-slip mat from a variety store to sit beneath the tubs - and a few longer items can slide into the narrow remaining space.
The six small cutting boards were a BigW buy. $9.00 total. Nick and I saw a set of stabilising jack pads at an automotive store a week or so ago. The set of four was just under $60.00. Nick spoke of cutting a large chopping board into pieces but the mini variety are already the right size. These are just to sit under the camper's legs in case of soft ground. I'm sure we've used scrap wood for the previous camper trailer, so the small boards will be an upgrade. I'll make a carry bag for them.
Our Engels were purchased 11 years ago. We've always just used them with the main basket, even though smaller baskets were available for better organisation. On this recent trip one Engel remained in the back of Elmer. Accessing the fridge involved standing on the towbar or scrambling onto the tailgate. It was awkward to see into the fridge and retrieve items, particularly as they'd frequently fall into any empty space created by removing something.
Yep. We finally caved and bought two small Engel baskets and one six-can basket. Only one can be used at a time but we're hopeful they'll help. We use the Engels at home also, which will be a good test of the new organisation.
We'll continue to take our Engels away with us, so the inside Dometic fridge was surplus to requirements. Nick removed that yesterday and we've ordered some stainless steel doors to convert the empty space into extra cupboard area.
What else? A mini flip-top bin for rubbish, which will sit on the bench area. Given most of our stops were overnight, rubbish was binned before checking out - so we don't need a big bin. I've also ordered some magnetic gas level gauges. (The line had a gas level gauge connector but the gas didn't run with that one in place).
Erin lent us her never-used kettle to take away. It was a nice shape but whinged rather than whistled and was awkward to fill. We bought a blue one on special from Tentworld and tested it this morning. It's easy to fill, whistles very confidently and pours nicely. Cheers!
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