Electrical appliances

Jay, A bit quiet on this subject mate. Washing machine. A few people who live in their van all the time like to carry a small washing machine with them as they have had problems with cleanliness at some parks. We don't have one, so can't help much other than to say that I have seen them both in vans and rear of vehicles, and a front loader allows it to be used in a vehicle without removing it. We carry the following electrical items. Jug, Toaster, box type fan, iron, hair dryer, and easy-cook electric oven. Depending where we are going we sometime take a bread maker along. Brian

Jay, Adding to Brians list: Depending on whether we are bush camping or in parks depends on which BBQ we take. The electric Sunbeam BBQ is taken when power is available. The electric Sunbeam BBQ is thermostatically controlled and can easily be washed in the caravan sink before storing under the bed. It is kept in its original cupboard box that is about 35cm*65cm*15cm, weight about 3kgs. 20cm TV with electric aerial booster, occasionally the video and the mobile phone charger. If weather is cold we take an electric heater and the electric blanket. Dusky

We are dead against carrying unnecessary appliances - apart from a small TV, the only electrical appliances that we have are (1) electric jug (to save gas and time when in a van park); and (2) small sandwich maker which we find convenient for quick lunches. We don't use an electric toaster and prefer both the ambience and the taste of making toast using one of those wire thingos on top of the gas (it's also very fast). I know that Lorraine and I will have a bit of a debate when we do a big trip, 'cause she wants to take a Turbo Cooker, whereas I can't see the point given that we already have an oven. Phil PS One of my relatives recently travelled around Australia, and dead-set, they had so much stuff you had to unpack cupboards and/or the rear of the car to get to anything. We travel light, and find there is nothing we have ever missed not having. We also spent about 10 years going on holidays with our 3 kids in a wind-up Jayco camper trailer. Compared to that, the BT has everything we need.

Jay, Bob and Chrissy Eustace have done a review on the Lemair washing machine:http://www.around-oz.com/innovations_mh/lemaire_auto_washer.htm Angie

We carry a Samson juicer which draws 160 watts and can be used through the inverter and a dehydrator which can only be used when we're on a powered site but allows us to buy fruit and vegies when they are abundant (mangoes next month) and then have plenty of fruit and veg when we're away from supplies. The dried stuff is much lighter and takes up less space too. Oh, there's also a hair dryer! Clive