{"id":4583,"date":"2023-08-22T14:49:40","date_gmt":"2023-08-22T05:19:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=4583"},"modified":"2023-08-23T08:39:10","modified_gmt":"2023-08-22T23:09:10","slug":"when-camping-gear-breaks-are-you-prepared","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/when-camping-gear-breaks-are-you-prepared\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to Camping Gear Maintenance & Repair"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the weather warms up, the gear gurus, passionate campers, and outdoor enthusiasts around the country are devoting time to maintaining their camping gear and sorting the tedious tackle \u2013 so that life away from home runs smoothly.<\/p>\n

Even the best quality equipment is susceptible to damage. We have no control over the force that can be bestowed upon us by Mother Nature \u2013 nor excited children, come to mention it!<\/p>\n

In this blog, we address what comes before the packing process – un<\/em>packing the considerations around gear preparation, maintenance, and the best bits to keep in the repair kit!<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

In this blog, we address what comes before the packing process. Image: Oztent<\/em><\/p>\n

Your Camp Kitchen<\/h2>\n

Most of us know how frustrating it is when you can\u2019t find the can opener, or you run out of rubbish bags (and you\u2019re in the middle of nowhere)!<\/p>\n

Regardless of how you camp \u2013 trailer- or vehicle-based \u2013 an efficient kitchen setup is worth the effort of pulling everything out and putting it back where it should be. Create a list of what\u2019s missing, what\u2019s running low, (e.g., dishwashing detergent or fire lighters), and anything that\u2019s needs replacing.<\/p>\n

Check that all the\u00a0bowls, plates, knives, and forks<\/a>\u00a0you need aren\u2019t missing or broken either.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Do a stocktake of everything in your camp kitchen to sort out what\u2019s missing. Image: Coleman<\/em><\/p>\n

Your Electrical System<\/h2>\n

Usually, over time, one accessory is added on the top of the previous, creating a bird\u2019s nest of wires and fuses! Spend time tidying up, labelling, and checking over wiring so that roadside problems are both less likely and easier to diagnose. This can also reduce the risk of an electrical fire, which can quickly become an unstoppable nightmare.<\/p>\n

Running accessory power to a fuse block instead of keeping multiple fuses connected directly to the battery not only looks professional, but makes replacing a blown fuse easier. It also means battery terminals are less likely to come loose, thus preventing charging issues or electrical gremlins.<\/p>\n

Your Spare Parts<\/h2>\n

In that critical moment, will you remember where the fuel tank repair putty is? Create a list of all the spare parts that you carry and where they are stashed in your vehicle, so you can easily dig them out in times of need.<\/p>\n

Fan belts, radiator hoses, a spare fuel cap, fuses, tyre plugs, electrical wire, and tank repair putties can be stashed behind back seats, in side pockets, or in the rear drawers. Even in the space for the jack!<\/p>\n

Having an up-to-date list will save you from pulling half the car apart, purely to search for the one item that will get you back on the road.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Spend time tidying up, labelling, and checking over wiring, so roadside problems are less likely. Image: Hardkorr<\/em><\/p>\n

Modifications to Your Setup<\/h2>\n

Not a Ute conversion or anything too crazy, but consider little ideas to make your camp setup tailored to your needs.<\/p>\n

Maybe it\u2019s mounting that\u00a0LED light<\/a>\u00a0on the back of the 4WD for your kitchen, or installing tie-down points for the fridge in your Ute or wagon.<\/p>\n

Maybe it\u2019s making a fast, overnight awning on the camper trailer using off-the-shelf side walls for 4WD awnings, modifying the stone guard, creating under-bed storage, or a custom mount for recovery boards<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Topping Up<\/h2>\n

Charge the batteries for the camper,\u00a0torches<\/a>, and camera gear, so they\u2019re stored at maximum capacity.\u00a0Fill up your gas bottles<\/a>\u00a0if they\u2019re low, and ensure tyre pressures are topped up too \u2013 especially if the trailer is going to be sitting for a while. Check the expiry of the fire extinguisher, and that it\u2019s full if in date.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget about the water tanks<\/a>, too! It\u2019s recommended to keep them full to the brim to prevent mould from growing on the top of the tanks. Then, dump and replace the water before heading off, to enjoy pleasant-tasting water away from home.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Over-inflate the trailer tyres if it’s being stored longterm, to prevent flat spots. Image: Adam and Lara<\/em><\/p>\n

Change Vehicle Fluids<\/h2>\n

We\u2019re talking the types that can get missed during a minor service. Filters and engine oil replacement are usually changed during a service, but what about the power steering fluid, brake and clutch fluid, and the diff oils needed to lubricate other engine parts? These are usually time consuming to do, but not a technical job.<\/p>\n

After a quick search on YouTube for a \u2018how-to\u2019, you\u2019ll be amazed at the money you can save if your vehicle no longer requires log book servicing. Check the water levels in serviceable lead acid batteries, and pump new grease into the trailer hitch and suspension.<\/p>\n

Clean Thoroughly<\/h2>\n

Keeping a coat of polish on your vehicle\u2019s paintwork prevents staining and makes the next wash so much easier. If it\u2019s been a while since you gave your 4WD or trailer a good wash, it may need a cut and polish. Then, if you wash it regularly with a quality \u2018wash and wax\u2019, it\u2019s amazing how easy things like sap stains and dead bugs clean right off.<\/p>\n

Give the inside surfaces a good wipe too, Armour-All the rubber dust seals, and don\u2019t forget about the\u00a0solar panels<\/a>,\u00a0camp fridge<\/a>,\u00a0chairs<\/a>,\u00a0and\u00a0sleeping bags<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

When water beads, this indicates that there is a protective coating. Image: Adam and Lara<\/em><\/p>\n

Your First-Aid Kit<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s a good idea to pull everything out, restock what\u2019s running low or missing, and check expiry dates. How old is your guidebook? Does it detail the most up-to-date and safe techniques?\u00a0A thorough check now could avoid a disaster in the future.<\/p>\n

Upgrade Old Equipment<\/h2>\n

With click and collect, online ordering, or dropping instore (if a quality camp store like Snowys is local!), now is the perfect time to upgrade your old, worn-out gear.<\/p>\n

Get inspired, pull out the tools, and get your gear up to scratch ahead of your next adventure to guarantee a seamless and far more relaxing getaway \u2013 even with a moment\u2019s notice!<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

Ensure nothing is missing from or expired in your First Aid kit – it could save a life. Image: Exped<\/em><\/p>\n

Repairs<\/u><\/h2>\n

So \u2013 when your\u00a0camping gear<\/a>\u00a0breaks, are you prepared for it? It\u2019s often not until we need to make a repair that we realise the tools and materials we need are still sitting on the workbench back at home!<\/p>\n

WD40,\u00a0sealer and adhesive<\/a>, accessory cord, a\u00a0sewing kit, cable ties, and fabric patches are just a few of the things you should keep on hand in case of breakage. After surveying the passionate campers here at Snowys, we compiled a list of the most common and useful items to make gear repairs on the go.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \n

    Tent Repair Kit<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Tents, awnings, and tarps can take a real battering, particularly if you\u2019re caught out in bad weather. Prepare yourself for holes and tears with outdoor gear repair glue and fabric patches. Most tent repair kits come equipped with these things as well as temporary pole repair sleeves and a replacement shock cord.<\/p>\n

    \"Two<\/p>\n

    Tents, awnings, and tarps can take a real battering, particularly if you\u2019re caught out in bad weather. Image: Oztent<\/em><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. \n

      Sewing Kit<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Useful for tents, a\u00a0sewing kit\u00a0will also come in handy for clothing tears. Most kits will come with a standard needle and thread, so make sure to include needles and thread for heavyweight repairs as well.<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. \n

        Multi-Purpose Lubricant<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Multi-purpose lubricant has a myriad of uses, from stiff camp table legs to dispersing water from your vehicle\u2019s distributor cap. CRC or WD-40 has many other uses too.<\/p>\n

        \"An<\/a><\/p>\n

        Be sure to include needles and thread for heavyweight repairs as well. Image: Oztent<\/em><\/p>\n

          \n
        1. \n

          Toilet Paper<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Hands up if you\u2019ve ever forgotten toilet paper on your camping trip?! More a handy thing to have than a repair item, toilet paper can be used as a tissue alternative, cleaning cloth, and fire starter.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

            \n
          1. \n

            A Multi-Tool<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Cut, slice, trim, crush, file, screw\u2026 a trusty\u00a0multi-tool<\/a>\u00a0is like a having a whole toolbox with you, without the bulk and weight! You shouldn\u2019t be without one on any camping trip.<\/p>\n

            \"A<\/a><\/p>\n

            A trusty multi-tool is like a having a whole toolbox with you, without the bulk! Image: Leatherman<\/em><\/p>\n

              \n
            1. \n

              Accessory Cord<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Hoochie cord, parachute cord, climbing accessory cord \u2013 whatever you choose, look for something with a weight rating. Use it to string up emergency shelters, repair backpacks, replace broken tent loops, suspend a lantern, or even as a skipping rope. Keep between 30m and 50m in your repair kit.<\/p>\n

                \n
              1. \n

                Duct Tape and Cable Ties<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                These two items roll straight off the tongue of every Snowys staff member when asked what they keep in their maintenance and repair kit! We\u2019re yet to find something that these two items can\u2019t patch up, at least enough to see us through our trips. If you only have room to take two items, make it these!<\/p>\n

                \"A<\/p>\n

                An accessory cord can be used to string up emergency shelters, and more.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

                Tent Repairs<\/u><\/h2>\n

                Some tents can be complicated. A few considerations after purchasing a new tent are:<\/p>\n