Okay, so I’m not exactly going to tell you how set up your tent using just egg whites and a gum wrapper. However, if you’re stuck on the roadside or at a remote campsite, here are a few camping quick fixes I found that don’t require tools and rely on items you’re likely to have at your disposal.
Problem: Clothes don’t stay put in the caravan
MacFix: Wind a bungee cord around the length of the clothing rail in your caravan. Secure it with the hooks on either end and hook your hangers into each loop of the wound bungee cord. The tension between the cord and the rail will stop the hangers from sliding across and bumping off the rail as you turn or traverse rough surfaces.
Problem: Your windscreen wipers have broken
MacFix: Find an old potato, cut it in half and rub the cut side over the outside of your windscreen. The sticky residue from the potato will transfer to the windscreen and create a layer that will help repel water until you can find a place to have them repaired.
Problem: Too hot
MacFix: Create ventilation gaps where canvas overlaps by wedging a soccer ball between them. This will allow for air to flow through and cool down your tented section. It will also teach your neighbour’s rugrats a lesson for kicking anything in your direction.
Problem: Grease flames
MacFix: If a grease fire flares up from meat dripping into your braai, throw a handful of salt on it. The salt will deaden the smoke without cooling the coals. Don’t use water on grease fires; it will splatter the burning grease.
Problem: Cracked crockery
MacFix: Repair fine cracks in china by boiling it in milk. The milk reacts with the kaolin in the china and closes the crack. Simply place the plate in a pan, cover with milk (even powdered milk (when mixed correctly with water works) and bring to boil. As soon as it starts to boil, lower the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes.
Problem: Water stains on interior wooden trim
MacFix: Spread two tablespoons of mayonnaise on a piece of paper towel. Place it (mayo side down) on the water stain and press lightly for about 15 minutes. Wipe off the excess mayo (don’t put it back in the jar).
Problem: Can’t reach the firelighters
MacFix: Buried the firelighters under mounds of coal? Create a simple torch by lighting the end of a piece of uncooked spaghetti and using it to reach the firelighters. A piece of spaghetti will remain alight long enough for you to find, and light, those elusive firelighters and can also be used to light candles with hard-to-reach wicks.
Problem: No corkscrew
MacFix: Place the bottom of the wine bottle inside a shoe with sufficient cushioning. Use a hiking boot, or running shoe. Don’t use a slop). Hold the shoe and bottle firmly and repeatedly hit the bottom of the shoe against a wall or tree. The cushioning from the shoe will ensure the bottle doesn’t break and the force from hitting it against the wall will (eventually) pop out the cork. Be sure to do this one in front of the neighbours for maximum effect. I tried this once and couldn’t get the cork out, but this video proves that it is possible. Perhaps I had an incompatible vintage.
Final note
When using the MacGyver method, be sure not to reveal your source for maximum congratulations. I won’t mind.
If you have any MacGyver methods of your own, leave them as comment in the box below and I will add them in under your name.
