We visited France during last summer's heatwave, and the inside of our van got unbearably hot. We observed that many Continental vans had their windows open fully during the day, with sunblinds fitted to the outside of the windows. This kept the vans cool inside.
Upon our return, we set about making our own version. We used sheets of table protector for the blinds. Ours are white, with a geometric pattern embossed on the front, which made measuring and cutting easy. We allowed for an overhang with a decorative wavy edge to give a little more weight to prevent flapping in the breeze. This material is waterproof and reflective on the outside, while the underside is fleecy and will protect acrylic windows. Finally, we used A4 slide-on plastic binders, bought from a stationery shop, to clip over the window edges, making fitting and removal a cinch.
Steve and Jan Jackson
Sheffield

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, hey presto, no more moaning.
Bob Ahern
Via email

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 other caravanners have problems with the gravel pitches that some sites designate for awnings? The gravel seems to get everywhere and can be damaging to carpets and other soft furnishings, in spite of the use of a doormat at the caravan's entrance. To alleviate the problem we considered using the ‘path on a roll' available from accessory shops for about £25, but they weren't very wide and we thought that they could become slippery when wet.
In a local out-of-town ‘budget' store we noticed some rubber doormats for sale at £4.19 each. We bought six, and joined them end to end with small plastic ties. Each mat is of a diamond shaped lattice design and very flexible.
We now have a ‘path' that is 16in wide, over 12ft long, is not slippery when wet, rolls up easily for storage, and can be added to at any time if needs be. A very satisfactory solution, we felt, to a gravelly problem.
David P Stephens Bittaford, Devon

Inspired by your ‘Cleaner, Greener Holidays' feature last month , I thought I'd pass on my tip for saving gas.
If you're using your grill and you also need to heat some water, put the saucepan of water over the vent in the middle of the burners, and the heat that comes through will warm the contents of your pan without the need to turn the gas burners on. Vanessa Earnshaw Loughborough, Leics car key saves nails Why do caravan manufacturers make the clips that hold the water pump's pipe so stiff? If you're fed up with broken nails and nicked finger tips, why not use your car key? I have a Mitsubishi Shogun and the key is a bit sturdier than the one for my caravan.
Rachael Jones
Tolworth, Surrey

Here's a tip to stop stones getting into your Motor Mover's tyres. I always carry two pieces of 6mm-thick plywood, about 150mm x 400mm, which I place beneath each tyre before I start manoeuvres.
Ken Jack
West Kirkby, Wirral

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. But 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 mirror. Whichever one you can see the van in, turn your steering wheel towards it – it'll make the caravan disappear and straighten up the alignment of your outfit.
John Dowell
Via email

My son once had a Buccaneer 1980. For the age of the van we were amazed at the condition of the windows. I was told by the lady selling the caravan that she used T-CUT to clean the windows. It gets rid of all scratches and polishes up beautifully into an immaculate shine that I can't top.
Iris Mynett
Rugely, Staffordshire

To put up a windbreak in hard ground, use a masonary bit and drill holes with the cordless drill you use for the steadies. The poles go in easily and you won't split the top hammering. A smaller bit can be used for awning pegs as well. I discovered this method in Spain this year and it worked a treat.
John Glassey
Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs