Caravanning offers more than freedom. As the ideas in this column show, part of the fun is in creative problem solving. Why not send us your suggestions?

Those bits of plastic that have been left sculling around in a bed locker are the winter covers for your fridge ventilator. During the cold mounts, these should be fitted to the ventilator mounted outside. They aren't intended to cut draughts but, rather, to keep the refrigerant from freezing. If that happens, your fridge won't work.

CLIMBING THE LADDER
Do your kids squeal when they climb the bunk's ladder in bare feet? Let them complain no more. Cut lengths of low-cost foam piping, used for lagging pipes and available from hardware stores, to fit over the rungs. Then superglue the seams so the tubing doesn't slip off and no more hurting feet.
Bob Ahern
Via email

IT'S GOOD TO WALKIE-TALK
On holiday, especially with children, it is easier, cheaper, quicker and more fun to use walkie-talkies instead of mobile phones. They are less likely to be stolen than expensive mobiles and a pack of three costs £30. It is great when travelling with two units as we have instant communication between drivers if we need to stop for the loo or give directions. On site, the children can take a walkie-talkie and go exploring while mum and dad have peace of mind, knowing they have instant communication if needed.
Mrs Lynn Taylor,
Darlington, Yorkshire

The easiest way to avoid foot infections while using site showers is to wear a pair of flip-flops. This is the method I used in the Royal Navy for 25 years and still use to this day on caravan sites, and I have never yet caught an infection from public showers. This is much easier, and more practical, than carrying around your own duckboard.

Further to the letter 'Getting rid of bad smells' (September 2002), sodium carbonate - washing soda to us oldies - is a cheap and good option. Block the waste ports with large corks and pop about 100g of the crystals down a sink hole and pour enough hot water to fill the outlet pipes. Leave overnight if possible - sterilising fluid is not needed. You'll be surprised at the filthy yuk that comes out.
George A Mills,
Southampton

Here's a tip that has kept me from holding up the traffic in the past. To save a lot of problems (and a long queue behind you), I keep a note of my caravan's height, width and weight stuck in the corner of the windscreen, in metric and imperial measures. This keeps you from having to guess whether you're light enough to cross a bridge legally and safely, or whether you'll fit under that low bridge.
John Wilkinson
Via email

I always get the jitters when it comes to reversing, especially when it's on a busy site with lots of people watching. I really struggle to get my outfit straight to reverse into a pitch. However, I heard one handy tip from a seasoned caravanner that has got me out of all sorts of bother. When trying to work out which way to turn your steering wheel, check your car's door mirrors. Whichever one you can see the caravan in, turn your steering wheel towards it. It will make the caravan disappear from the mirror and straighten up the alignment of your outfit. I no longer get nervous when reversing, no matter who's watching.
John Dowell
Via email

To make life easy when filling the toilet water tank, I carry a cheap (£2) watering can. I fill it up at the same time as my aquaroll. I find this is an easy way of doing the job, plus it doesn't weigh much.
John Howdon.
Hexham, Northumberland

Don't fork out for special Thetford Seal Lubricant to service the blade and seals in your chemical toilet, you can use olive oil instead. But don't just take my word for it, Thetford suggests it on its website.
Brian Jones
Boston, Lancashire

Wash up the foil trays that your take-away food comes in and keep them in your caravan. They make an excellent standby oven dish, barbecue tray, or even a makeshift pan on the hob. They are lightweight and easy to store. You can also buy them from most supermarkets at very low cost.
Darryl Goodier
Pendlebury, Salford

Do your drawers open when on the move? If so, fit childproof safety catches to the inside of the drawers and they will only open an inch or so, should your normal catches fail. They are cheap and easily obtained from DIY stores.
Phillip Leeder,
Reepham, Norfolk

WANTED: TOURING TIPS
Do you have a great idea for getting the most out of your van? Send it to Stacie Pardoe, Practical Caravan, Broom Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 9BE or to stacie.pardoe@haymarket.com.