The life of a caravanner is one of freedom and adventure, but it also comes with its fair share of practical challenges. One such challenge is ensuring that the contents of your caravan’s fridge stay put while you’re bumping along Australia’s vast network of highways and byways. It’s a problem as old as caravanning itself: how do you keep your bottles and jars from turning into projectiles every time you hit a pothole?
Enter the humble pool noodle, an unlikely hero in the world of caravan hacks. A clever caravanner has shared a tip on the Everything Caravan & Camping Facebook group that has sparked a lively debate among the community. By cutting up pool noodles and placing them horizontally across the fridge shelves, this resourceful individual has found a way to keep their groceries secure during transit.
The post, accompanied by a photo demonstrating the hack, has garnered a mix of admiration and scepticism. Some caravanners are hailing it as a game-changer, with comments like ‘Great idea! Thanks for sharing’, and ‘What can’t pool noodles do?’ Others have shared their own variations, such as using a pool noodle at the back of the fridge to prevent items from freezing against the wall, or employing non-slip matting to avoid unsightly marks.
However, not everyone is convinced. Some seasoned caravanners have pointed out that they’ve never had issues with items moving around, even after years on the road. ‘Waste of valuable space,’ one critic said, while another simply stated, ‘We don’t have a problem with things moving around in the fridge.’
Despite the divided opinions, the conversation has led to a broader discussion of fridge organisation and noise reduction techniques. Some caravanners have mentioned using adjustable fridge bars, which can be purchased at caravan shows or shops, to secure items during travel. These bars can be placed inside the fridge to create compartments that hold items in place.
The debate over the pool noodle hack highlights a larger point about caravanning culture: there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to the challenges of life on the road. What works for one person might not work for another, and part of the joy of caravanning is finding your own tricks and tips that make your journey smoother.
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you tried this pool noodle trick or do you have another method that works for you? Feel free to share your experiences or tips in the comments below.
Also read: How one caravan hack transformed a couple’s road trip
