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Miscellaneous
Aldi Portable Fan and Light
Price:$50 approx
From: Aldi
RATINGS:
How useful is it: ****
Value for money: ****
Ease of use: *****
How well designed is it: ****
Product quality: Pending
Our recommendation: Pending
There are always going to be times when you are out camping and the weather turns uncomfortably warm. Having a fan to blow some air aound
can make life a lot more bearable.
This model runs on 220v (via the charger), 12v and on its internal battery.
It will run for about 3 hours on the low setting on battery - which is usually enough to keep things comfortable but as it will plug in to a 12v
socket (adapter included) you can run it for as long as you like if you have a good solar system.
There is a built in light but it isn't all that useful but could be handy if everything else runs out of battery power.
The fan oscillates so it can cover a wide area and it pushes out a reasonable breeze.
We haven't made a lot of use of it yet but it is a case of, so far, so good.
EBay Stretcher Bed
Price: $35 approx
From: EBay
RATINGS:
How useful is it: ****
Value for money: ****
Ease of use: *****
How well designed is it: ****
Product quality: ***
Our recommendation: Ok for kids.
This was the first stretcher bed we bought and we didn't take into account how much space there would be on the bed.
It turned out to be too small for an adult and wasn't comfortable due to the lack of width.
It is easy enough to use as it is designed in the same manner as the Wanderer below but we would only recommend this style
for children.
Wanderer Jumbo Deluxe Stretcher Bed
Price: $100-120 approx
From: Camping stores
RATINGS:
How useful is it: ****
Value for money: ***
Ease of use: *****
How well designed is it: ****
Product quality: Pending
Our recommendation: Comfortable.
Our first stretcher bed was an E-Bay 'special' and cost only about $50. The reason it was cheap was because it was small, too small as it turned out to
be comfortable.
We saw the Wanderer camp stretcher at BCF and waited until they had a sale. This was a demonstration model used in the showroom and we got it even
cheaper than the advertised 25% off.
It has some built in padding but we also use the Wild Country Self inflating mattress (see below) for extra padding and it is nice and comfortable.
It is very strong when considering side to side motion but I am less confident about the strength if rocked from end to end. That is a movement to be avoided.
It is quite heavy but still easily portable and is small enough to fit into an ordinary car boot.
The video clip above shows how easy it is to unpack and set up and it is just as easy to pack away even if there is a bit of manoeuvring required to get it back into
the carry bag.
We haven't been using the stretcher long so can't yet comment of the quality of the materials and the length of time before problems start to show but right now
we are very happy with the bed.
The label on the bed we bought stated that it is rated up to 120 kg but I have noticed that online advertising states it is rated to 100kg.
Coleman Dura Sleep air mattress
Price: $120 approx
From: Harvey Norman online and Camping stores
RATINGS:
How useful is it: ****
Value for money: ***
Ease of use: ****
How well designed is it: ****
Product quality: *
Our recommendation: Very comfortable when fully inflated BUT THEY LEAK!
The trick with these air beds is to get the pressure just right. Too soft and you sink into them and with two people you tend to wind up rolling into each other.
Too hard and you risk damaging the seals that hold it all together.
We use a 12 volt $20 air pump to inflate and deflate the bed and it does a good job. Pump the mattress up until it is firm but not hard.
This is a double height queen sized bed so it takes up quite a lot of room in our tent. It packs up into a small enough package that we can fit it inside a carry bag.
It does not come with a proper bag, just a wrap around piece of material. We carry it around in a big padded bag to try and avoid getting any accidental punctures.
The biggest concern with this type of bed is arriving at a campsite and having the bed fail and then having nothing comfortable to sleep on. It remains to be seen how long
this will last and when this happens to us. It is probably a good idea to test it at home just before packing the bed to go away.
If you need an easy to use spare bed for your home for the times people stay unexpectedly, then one of these would be great to put away in a cupboard.
So far we are very happy with the comfort and ease of use.
UPDATE
Ok, so now we have taken this away on a camping trip and have more to say about it.
Firstly, when properly inflated, it is one of the most comfortable beds we have ever had when camping but before you rush out to buy one, read on.
We found that after about 5 hours the bed has lost enough air to become soft, squishy and very uncomfortable.
At about 2am every night I had to get out of bed, lift the whole thing up and manually blow into the valve to re-inflate it.
What a huge disappointment it was to have such a nice comfortable bed that during the course of the night became uncomfortable to the point where I could not sleep.
When we contacted Harvey Norman they did (eventually) refund our money, but the real problem here is with the manufacturer, Coleman. I don't really want my money back
because I can't have a comfortable nights sleep on dollar bills. I want an air-bed that works!
Corporations these days seem to be all about making a quick buck and quality products are becoming harder to find. We have had dealings with Coleman in the past and
they have always done the right thing when it came to product problems but this time I have to say I am very unsatisfied as this could have been a really great product.
WC Self inflating mattress
Price: $100 approx
From: Camping stores
RATINGS:
How useful is it: ***
Value for money: ***
Ease of use: ****
How well designed is it: ****
Product quality: Pending
Our recommendation: Depends on the type, see comments.
We may at some stage have a need for an extra bed when we travel so one option was to get a tent cot (see
Tent reviews) and to make it a bit more comfortable by adding
a padded mattress.
We have used this style of mattress before and although they are not ideal on their own, we were hoping that this plus the tent cot will prove to be at least satisfactory.
Turns out it wasn't and we sold the tent cot but are hanging on to this mattress to use with a stretcher bed.
We are far too old now to just throw one of these on the ground and hope to get a good night's sleep on it.
Our bones ache enough getting out of an ordinary bed, so comfort is one of our major concerns.
This style of mattress relies on both internal foam and a cushion of air trapped inside.
After 3 nights, 2 in the tent-cot and one with this on the tent floor, I can say without equivocation that this is FAR TOO THIN for me. It will be fine for many people but
with my considerable weight and my increasing joint troubles, I need much more padding under me.
OzTrail mattress
We have since bought two other brands of these and the one from Aldi is better as it is thicker but the best one was an OzTrail which is nice and thick.
Most people will get away with using just the Aldi or OzTrail but being old and fat, I put the two together for a good night's sleep.
Bike rack
Price: $105
From: Super Cheap Auto
RATINGS:
How useful is it: *****
Value for money: ****
Ease of use: ****
How well designed is it: ****
Product quality: ****
Our recommendation: Good.
We needed a bike rack that would also allow us to tow a trailer and this model was what we found after a quick search on the internet.
It is supposed to carry 3 bikes but to be honest, it would be difficult to fit more than two as the bikes just don't sit well side by side.
The best thing about this rack is that it can be quickly removed by taking out two pins at the base. For security the pins can be locked
in with padlocks.
It comes with a tie-down strap and so far has done a good job carting a single bike around behind our Coaster.
The biggest problem is red dust coating the bike every time we go down a dirt track. We have resolved this by purchasing a couple of folding electric bikes (see below)
that we can put inside the trailer or even inside the Prado if we are using that instead of the Coaster.
Fiamma step
Price: $?
From: Camping and caravan stores
RATINGS:
How useful is it: *****
Value for money: ***
Ease of use: ****
How well designed is it: ****
Product quality: **
Our recommendation: Not really strong enough.
This step came with the Coaster we bought and it didn't take long before it started to crack. Plastic is one of my least favourite materials
as sooner or later, most plastic things break.
In order to keep this step in use, I cut a thick plastic cutting board to size and then screwed it on to the top of the step.
As you can see from the red dirt staining, this isn't a perfect solution but it did work.
Sooner or later I expect one of the legs will break and we will be looking for a better alternative.
Step Through Folding Electric Bike, Leitner Libelle
Price: $1089 plus delivery
From: Leitner E-Bikes
RATINGS:
How useful is it: *****
Value for money: ****
Ease of use: *****
How well designed is it: *****
Product quality: *****
Our recommendation: We LOVE this bike.
Dorothy has a knee injury that prevents her from walking any distance so we needed to find a way to get around while we
are out exploring. We tried a conventional bicycle but that didn't work, so we started looking into electric bikes.
After a great deal of research on the internet we found a brand that not only has great reviews from current owners but at a price that
would not break the bank.
We needed a folding bike to make it easier to transport and we selected the Leitner Libelle as it has an easy to access step-through
frame.
There are certainly cheaper bikes available through E-Bay but looking at the general finish and build quality, they were not even close
to what Leitner are producing.
We ordered the bike and about a week later the big box arrived. It took the better part of a morning to assemble but only because I was
also putting together an un-boxing and assembly video at the same time. In actual time, it was probably between 1 and 2 hours work to
get the bike completely ready for riding.
The instructions are very clear and well written with pictures that show all the major steps.
We used the first bike for a few months and were so pleased with it we have now bought a second (same model) and we use them all the time when we go away with
the Coaster. We also make use of them at home as we can comfortably fold both up and put them inside the Prado for use on day trips.
This model is not designed to be a mountain bike and the small round tyre WILL slip on gravel BUT we still take them down dirt tracks and ride in places
they were never designed to go. We just have to be careful on loose gravel and on sand but so far they have been excellent.
The bike features a sturdy carrier, front and rear lights, bell, comfortable seat, good mudguards and a
36 Volt 250 Watt motor with a lithium battery that is locked to the frame with a key. There is also a tool kit
that gives you everything you need for the assembly.
There are front disc brakes and rear 'V' brakes. The battery is rated for a distance of 50 km when used with
pedal assist mode and that is the mode most people are going to be using the bike in.
Maximum speed is given as 25 kph. We are unlikely to ever fully test either the range or maximum speed but
we have been happy with the distances we have travelled and with the speed in pedal assist mode.
We travel a lot for this website and the E-Bike is an invaluable addition to the equipment we use.
In travelling mode the Libelle sits folded up inside our covered trailer.
In practice, using the bike is very simple. Pedal assist mode is meant to allow the motor to 'assist' you but in reality all you have to do
is move your legs round and the motor does all the hard work with little or no effort required.
The 'throttle only' mode is limited (by law) to 6 kph and that makes it all but useless. Just about everyone will use pedal assist.
For those who don't want to go too fast, there are three power levels or, if you want to get your exercise, you can turn off pedal
assist and use the Libelle as an ordinary bicycle.
There are six gears which are more than enough for normal riding.
The main thing you will need to learn in pedal assist mode is not to pedal as you turn corners. Just coast using the current speed of the bike.
The reason you should not pedal as you turn corners is that the motor may cause you to go faster than is comfortable. It is very easy to learn
to corner properly and most people will get the hang of it within a few minutes.
Leitner also have heavy duty battery options that increase the range by another 30km. That is far more than we will ever go so we stuck with
the standard battery. The longest distance we have gone to date is 10km and there was still plenty of charge left in the battery.
Charging is simple and on the road we have a generator or inverter (both sine wave) that will allow us to re-charge the battery at any time.
Charge time will depend on how low the battery is allowed to go so topping it up regularly will mean shorter charge times.
Go Anywhere Toilet Kit
Price: $see Ezygonow website below
From: Ezygonow
RATINGS:
How useful is it: ****
Value for money: ****
Ease of use: *****
How well designed is it: *****
Product quality: *****
Our recommendation: If you travel then carry a few of these. Sooner or later you will need them.
There are many solutions available for the disposal of black waste when you are camping and travelling and they range from just a few dollars to several hundred.
If space and cost are and issue when you go camping and you don't want to deal with toxic chemicals and messy dump-points, then a simple, cost effective waste
disposal method is provided by Ezygonow.
The basic product is light weight and easy to pack and you can use any type of portable toilet seat. Ezygonow provide their
own fold out style seat that is rated to 220kg.,
We have been trialling the product on our recent trip and found it was simple to deploy and a no fuss, no mess solution to the disposal of black waste.
The basic kit contains a large waste bag that already has some 'magic powder' added. This powder encapsulates the waste and turns it into a gel that is much easier to handle
and helps stop odours. There is also a zip-lock bag that holds the larger bag when you have finished using it and there is some toilet paper (we would suggest you take a little extra)
and a hand sanitiser for those times when you don't have access to water and soap.
For extra privacy you can get a pop-up shower tent (prices for these vary from about $55 upward) and you will have a useful, go-anywhere toilet for your travels.
For long-term camping we will still use the Porta-Potti style of cassette toilet but for shorter trips, hiking or even just as an emergency toilet to keep in the car for those times when
someone just 'has to go' and there is nothing else available, the Ezygonow toilet kit will be a useful addition to our travelling and camping needs.
Disposal of the kit (and contents) will depend on local council regulations but as far as we can tell, the laws pertaining to disposal should be the same as those covering the
disposal of disposable nappies.
If you drive out in the bush, grab a few basic toilet kits and put them in the car. Throw a foldable toilet seat in the boot and you are set to 'go anywhere'.
Porta Potti 165 Cube
Price: $150+
From: Camping stores / BigW etc.
RATINGS:
How useful is it: *****
Value for money: ****
Ease of use: ****
How well designed is it: ****
Product quality: ****
Our recommendation: To date this has been the best portable toilet we have used.
Unless your motorhome has a built in toilet this is the ONLY way to go when you go bush camping. There are a range of models and sizes with the cheaper ones (branded Campa Potti)
being around the $99 dollar mark. These are IDENTICAL to the Porta Potti which is much more expensive. You do need to use chemicals with these units (if you want to avoid nasty smells)
but you can mix your own. We used borax, MYO disinfectant and Cloudy ammonia to save money but we have switched to using no chemiclas for the convenience of being able to dump in more places.
We simply will not go away without one of these on board and currently own three of them.
After seeing the mess left by thoughtless campers in many sites, we now believe that councils should insist that all people wanting to camp in areas that do not have toilets should be required BY
LAW to have a portable toilet with them.
After using the Porta-Potti brand for years we decided that when it came time to replace it that we would try one of the cheaper versions (Kookaburra). This turned out to be a silly idea. For those
of let's say 'ample' size, like me, the Kookaburra does not have a large enough bowl top to be comfortable and we ended up going back to the Porta Potty brand again.
The only problem we have ever had with the Porta Potti brand is the flushing plunger cracking. These can be replaced so if it happens you don't need to replace the whole toilet.
The Porta Potti models have a swing out black water dumping pipe that makes emptying the toilet cleaner and simpler than other brands.
Portable toilet Kookaburra
Price: $120
From: Camping stores
RATINGS:
How useful is it: *****
Value for money: ****
Ease of use: ****
How well designed is it: ****
Product quality: ****
Our recommendation: See comments
Although this seems to be a reasonably good unit, the bowl is designed to fit bottoms of below a 'certain size.' Being somewhat larger than average, I found it
impossible to use and would not recommend it for anyone of more 'generous proportions'.
As a result of having trouble using this brand we didn't make use of it for very long so it is difficult to comment on long term viability.
Portable toilet Fiama
Price: $140
From: Camping and caravan stores
RATINGS:
How useful is it: *****
Value for money: ****
Ease of use: ****
How well designed is it: ****
Product quality: ****
Our recommendation: I prefer the Porta Potti (above).
This is a new addition to our collection of camping gear but already I hate the damn thing.
Let's start with the good points first. The flushing mechanism is a pump handle style that works well and is better than the models above.
The whole unit is strong BUT (and here comes the bad stuff) the mechanism that locks the top to the bottom is a SHIT OF A THING (pun intended).
Two wire clips ALWAYS go under the top unit as you try to put it back on to the bottom tank and when it is full of water, the last thing you need is to try
and fiddle around with the clips in an enclosed space.
The release door to allow waste to drop into the bottom tank is too difficult to use and HAS come completely off on one occasion.
Another thing I do not like about the Fiama is the opening for disposal of the black waste. I much prefer the long tube used by the Porta Potti that enables
much better directed pouring of the contents. As the cover is on the back of the black water tank it will be a nightmare if the seal ever goes because the contents
will leak out all over the place.
Portable toilet Porta Potti 165 new model
Price: $150+
From: Camping and caravan stores
RATINGS:
How useful is it: *****
Value for money: ****
Ease of use: ****
How well designed is it: ****
Product quality: Pending
Our recommendation: Pending.
This is the latest portable potty we have picked up and there are a couple of new features that seem to improve on the old 165 model.
Firstly the squashable pump (that always cracked) has been replaced by a proper plunger style pump. Time will tell if this works longer and better
than the old style flushing mechanism.
Secondly there is a gauge that shows how full the bottom tank is becoming. This will help a great deal for those days when you think you can squeeze just one more
round in and find in the wee hours of the morning that you are wrong and need to dump the contents as urgently as you need to use the loo.
I have a feeling that the toilet bowl in this model may not be quite as large as the older one but I have not yet confirmed this with a tape measure.
Syphon
Price: $20 retail
From: Marine dealers.
RATINGS:
How useful is it: ****
Value for money: ****
Ease of use: *****
How well designed is it: *****
Product quality: *****
We have always had problems transferring fuel from fuel containers to the generator or the boat tank. Usually we (I) managed to spill some petrol and although the loss may
not have been much, it was always annoying and potentially dangerous.
Over the years we have tried all sorts of ways of getting round this including jiggle syphons, gravity feed, funnels, Flo-N-Go, nozzles etc. Nothing really seemed to work that well so eventually
the idea of using a boat fuel hose and bulb (with the ends removed) popped up. This has been the best yet as we can completely control the flow of fuel and I haven't spilled a drop
since I started using it.
Fuel containers
Price: $26-35 retail
From: Kmart, Bunnings, Repco etc.
RATINGS:
How useful is it: ****
Value for money: ***
Ease of use: *****
How well designed is it: *****
Product quality: *****
Our recommendation: Rheem container highly recommended
There are two main types of fuel container; metal or plastic. We opted for plastic containers a long time ago after a metal container sprang a leak and we had petrol spraying everywhere,
which was highly dangerous. To date - and we have had the Rheem containers for over 15 years - there has been no such problem with the plastic style of container.
One of the worrying things about these containers is their tendency to grossly bloat out in hot weather as gas from the petrol expands inside. In cold weather they do the opposite and collapse
inwards. You would think that after a while this would cause a fault in the plastic but so far it hasn't. For this reason it is critical that the containers are NOT over filled. It is possible to fit 23-24
litres into them, but don't be tempted to do so or they could easily split if there is no room for gas to expand.
We started off using the Rheem containers and they were fine until we bought a diesel car. For some reason many diesel fuel pumps seem to have a bigger nozzle which will not fit into a
Rheem container. Now we have purchased a Willow container (the red one in the picture) which has a large enough opening to accommodate a diesel fuel nozzle. The Willow is now
10 plus years old and has done equally well in lasting without developing any leaks.
Both types of container come with a screw on pouring spout which is a great help when filling up the car. Now if I could only find a good way of getting the containers into a pouring position
and holding them there without destroying my back, I would be much happier.
Fuel containers
We recently bought a couple of new Willow diesel fuel containers from Super-Cheap Auto for about $27 each. We haven't had them long enough
to comment much BUT there is one design feature that I absolutely LOVE!
For years and years I have been struggling to hold heavy containers while emptying the fuel into various vehicles. FINALLY someone
has designed a container that is easy to hold when it is tilted sideways. You will note the nice side handles on these containers.
The nozzles are also nice and flexible but it remains to be seen how long they last. The major flaw we have found with almost every brand
of fuel container is the filler nozzles splitting after some time.
Pro Quip fuel container
One fuel container we have deserves special mention - for all the WRONG reasons. This Pro-Quip container is the single most useless
container we have ever purchased. We were desperate for a container and purchased this from an IGA store in Ravensthorpe.
It didn't take long to find out that the filler nozzle was far too stiff and as soon as I tried to bend it, the cap holding it on
to the container simply split apart. You can actually see the split in the picture above.
At $23 for a 10 litre container it was not cheap but has turned out to be a useless piece of junk. Avoid ProQuip fuel containers
is the only advice we can give.
Caframo Ultimate 12v fan
Price: $80-100
From: Outback Marine
RATINGS:
How useful is it: *****
Value for money: ****
Ease of use: *****
How well designed is it: *****
Product quality: *****
Our recommendation: Excellent.
Even when we have a van or motorhome with and air-conditioner, we still put these fans up because there are plenty of times when you want a breeze but don't have power available or the
air-conditioner would just be 'over-kill'.
We did try the cheapie $30 car fans but they rattle and buzz so much it is impossible to get to sleep with them on so in the end we spent the extra money and bought these. Over the years
we have been very glad we spent a few extra dollars and now we own 4 of these fans and 3 of them have followed us from van to van and are still happily whirring away.
These fans have 2 speed settings and use 0.2amp on low and 0.3amp on high. They put out a good breeze and they have been a blessing in helping us get to sleep on hot humid nights.
It has only a 1 year warranty but it doesn't matter because they last for years and years.
One thing we added to these fans was a variable speed control so that we can reduce the power even further and get whisper quiet operation but still get a nice breeze from them.
There is also a secondary use for these fans. If there are noisy people about at night or barking dogs etc., these fans effectively block out most outside noise and allow you uninterrupted sleep.
If the weather is too cool to use the fans we simply point them away from us and turn them on anyway if there is something making noise that stops us from getting to sleep. We run them all night
long most of the time and they actually help us have a better nights sleep.
The new design has a better base that gives even quieter operation. The picture above shows the original design.
Rinnai Gas regulator & switch
Price: $75
From: Caravans Plus
RATINGS:
How useful is it: *****
Value for money: ****
Ease of use: *****
How well designed is it: *****
Product quality: *****
Our recommendation: Worth having if you have 2 gas bottles.
I am not sure if this particular model is still available but similar ones are and it is worth knowing about if you have a caravan or motorhome with 2 gas bottles.
Because it is out of sight and doesn't cause trouble I tend to forget it is even there. It performs two functions, first as a regulator that you need to have on any motorhome gas
system and secondly it acts as an automatic switch over between gas bottles.
When one gas bottle runs out the indicator under the switch with the arrow goes red to let you know that the bottle the arrow points to is empty. You then swing the lever round to the
other gas line and attach a new bottle. The switch over to the full bottle is automatic so while using this with two 9kg bottles we have never run out of gas in the middle of a meal etc.
Foam camping mats
Price: $10-30
From: Bunnings and Camping stores
RATINGS:
How useful is it: ****
Value for money: ****
Ease of use: *****
How well designed is it: *****
Product quality: *****
Our recommendation: Ok to buy
These can be very useful items and not just for camping. We use them primarily for the toilet/shower floor as they allow water through and keep dirt down.
We also use them in our small trailer as a padded floor.
We have seen them priced in places like Margaret River (known to many as markup river) for ridiculous prices in excess of $30 for a set of 4. The best
price we got was at BCF where they were $10 a pack but the catch was you had to buy 3 packs. No problem for us as we use these all the time now.
There isn't a great deal we can comment on with these, we have bought them in the past and there seems to be little or no quality difference between brands.
All we can say is that if you want to get some, shop around.
If they are left out in the sun for extended periods, they will start to disintegrate and start dropping powder all over the place.
Another use we have found for these is to add just a little extra padding under a camping mattress.
Gas Heater
Price: $45-50
From: Caravan parts suppliers / Mitre 10
RATINGS:
How useful is it: ****
Value for money: ****
Ease of use: *****
How well designed is it: ****
Product quality: ****
Our recommendation: Ok to buy
This little heater may be just what you need if you are stuck in a cold area and don't have mains power. It is very effective BUT you MUST remember that gas heaters
EAT UP OXYGEN. They should NOT be used in closed up caravans or motorhomes as you can EASILY SUFFOCATE. The best place to position one of these in inside
your annex with the motorhome/caravan door open. If you do use them inside (which is highly discouraged) make sure a window is open.
Levelling Blocks
Price: $23 - $99
From: CAMEC and dealers
RATINGS:
How useful is it: *****
Value for money: **
Ease of use: *****
How well designed is it: *****
Product quality: *****
Our recommendation: Ok to buy
Good solid levelling blocks that will hold even big rigs are a very useful addition to your camping gear.
Being a nice bright yellow colour we thought it would be hard to drive away and forget them, we were wrong.
Levelling Blocks
Having 'cleverly' lost all 4 of our nice bright yellow levelling blocks over the years we had to buy some new ones
and as they are for use with our 4 ton Coaster, they had to be weight rated.
They are not as solidly constructed as our old yellow blocks but so far they have done what is required of them.
We have already come close to driving off and leaving one behind so I have little doubt that these too, will end up as 'donations' to
campers who follow in our wake.
Cable Roller
Price: $10
From: Bunnings
RATINGS:
How useful is it: *****
Value for money: *****
Ease of use: *****
How well designed is it: *****
Product quality: *****
Our recommendation: Ok to buy
A useful, cheap and hardy cable roller that will hold up to 40 metres of 15amp wire. We always had problems storing 240v power cables until we got hold of one of these.
There are a number of different types of cable roller around and even the really cheap ones seem to do the job pretty well.
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