GORV - Digital Magazine Special Tests Issue | Page 37

RV FEATURE | If you are unsure, seek advice from the manufacturer or someone you are sure has the knowledge. In general, for a caravan, the heavier loads need to be towards the front of the van. This applies to both the inside and the outside storage. Assess what needs to go in the van/trailer and what could go in the back of the towing vehicle. Other items that may chip or break can also lie safely on the bed. Make sure the storage space under the bed is packed well so that nothing moves. 4. LOOSE LIDS 2. USE EVERY NOOK Use the space in the RV. This may seem obvious but check you are using it all. For example, we use the oven to store our slow cooker or glass convection oven, whichever one we are taking. Put a tea towel on the bottom of the oven to avoid movement or scratching. Once there, you can put the stored item outside to use. We put the bread in the microwave to travel. 3. USE THE BED Be aware of breakables and put them on the bed. Lie the television flat in the middle of the bed and tuck the corners under pillows. It won’t move. Rough roads can rattle lids loose. Make sure your jars and bottles are tightly sealed and held upright in place, either in cupboards or the fridge. There is nothing worse than arriving to the sight and smell of spilled sauce or pickled onions! If you have been on a rough road, check the lids when you arrive so they are ready for the next trip. Before you take off, check all cupboard and drawer latches to make sure they are properly closed and are not going to fly open. Use small, cheap plastic trays to hold toiletries, etc. 5. TEA TOWEL POWER We use tea towels a lot. You can have quite a few extras as they are not heavy and don’t take up much room. Put one around and amongst glasses and mugs, or between plates if you like. Non-skid matting is a wonderful help but sometimes you need cloth. A tea towel amongst items, like bottles or plastic containers, in the car will stop that annoying noise as you travel. Correctly- sized containers also help prevent rattling issues and maximise use of space in any storage area. gorv.com.au 37