Check list for caravaners and campers

Press, 19 October 1978, Page 11

Check list for caravaners and campers

No matter where you go or for how long you go away, there will be an endless array of equipment tempting you to make your holiday that much more enjoyable and that much more' comfortable.

None of it is any use if you forget to take'it with you So, the first thing a good caravanner and camper does is to make

adequate checklists. It is no good trusting to your memory. A checklist is as essential as petrol is to get you there. Preparing your car: change oil, oil filter, and air filter; check wheel bearings and wheel alignment; inflat tyres to manufacturer's recommended pressure for full load, and infiat spare to 32psi; wash car and clean interior thoroughly; stock glove compartment with maps of areas you will be visiting; assemble an auto highway emergency kit, with matches and flashlight: check battery level; fill windscreen washer reservoir; replace windscreen wipers if necessary; tighten all wheel lugs; clean raditor grille. Camper Trailers: check brakes (adjust if necessary); check wheel bearings and repack if necessary; lubricac te olpuign; lubricate and tighten coupling ball; check brake, running, and bakc-up lights: spray electrical connections with WD4O or similar compound; check registration; lubricate erection mechanism and side channels; check fabric

and screens for rips) air out interior.

Caravans (in addition to preceding points): fill up tanks, check lines and connections for leaks; flush out drainage holding tank with detergent solution; flush out water system, and refill with fresh water; clean and test fridge; run stove; or oven for 10 minutes; vacuum carpets, clean hard surfaces.

Outdoor kitchen utensils: nesting cook set or skillet; two pans with lids, mixing bowls; piza pan (use as serving platter); collapsible table to cookon; spatula, baion tongs, wooden mixing spoons, sohp ladle, and cooking fork; paring knife; battle opener; coffee pot; plastic beverage pitcher with lid. Tableware: dinner plates (paper, melamine, or pie tins); knives, forks, spoons (two complete sets extra); soup or sauce bowls; beverage cups (two extra). Coolers and jugs: wash thoroughly inside and out with strong detergent; fill with water-baking soda solution; allow to soak 'ntil ready to pack woth food and ice. Miscellaneous essentials: asbestos glove; pot Holders; heavy-duty foil and plastic wrap, paper and plastic bags; garbage bags; paper towels; wooden matches; toothpicks; pliers (in addition to those in toolkit); kitchen shears; cotton kite string; small funnel for filling appliances; dishpan; detergent and other cleaners; dish cloth and scouring pads. Tools and hardware:

hatchet or nammer; 12 nails; 17-gauge wire; monkey wrench (if you have a trailer hitch); extra batteries, and flashlight bulb; matches; twine and rope; pocketknife; fire extinguisher; metal bucket for campfire; shovel. Personal items: First-a d kit; toothbrushes and toothpaste; brushes and combes; razor, shaving cream, and mirror; shampoo; aspirin; toilet paper; soap; towel and washcloth; premoistered towelettes, tweezers and mag nifying glass. Miscellaneous usables: rubber bands; string-type clothes pegs; paper clips; safety pins; sewing needles and thread; tube of quick-drying cement; newspapers for starting campfire, wrapping garbage, etc.

Camp appliances: camp stove (two burners minimum), with stand; camp lantern (mantle type); fuel for stove and' lantern; coolers; water containers; canteen (leave in tent at night.

Camp lantern, LPG: Lubricate threaded connections with light oil; install new mantles (do not burn off); tape extra mantles to base of lantern.

Camp lantern, fuel: drain last season’s gas and refill with fresh fuel; lubricate pump leather with neatsfoot oil; install new mantles (co no not burn off); tape extra mantles to base of lantern.

Camp stove, fuel: drain gas left from last season, and refill with fresh fuel; lubricate pump leather with neatsfoot oil; run both burners at maximum heat for at least 10 minutes; purchase an extra generator and tape it inside the stove.

SCamp stove, LPG: have refillable propane tank filled by authorised propane filling station; lubricate O rings and all threaded connections with light oil; run both burners at maximum for at least 10 minutes.

Camp clothing: Shoes, two pairs; rubbers or overshoes; socks, two pairs a day; • rainwear, two-piece suits; jeans; swimwear, cotton and wool shirts; sweater and light jacket; winter jacket (autumn and spring for morning and evening); pyjamas; handkerchiefs; pillow case for laundry. Miscellaneous: Fresh batteries for camera; fresh film and flashbulbs; lightmeter battery; sunglasses; pack of cards, good book, stationery.

Before leaving home: turn off all house lights, fans, and non-essential appaliances; pour baking soda into all sink and bathtub drains (they will stay sweet smelling); flush toilets, bowl cleaner; take out all garbage; set waterheater to low; lock all doors and windows; stop newspaper and mail delivery; check spoilable foods in fridge; put plans in bathtub with some water; make arrangements for pets if they are staying home; lock garage.