Frequently Asked Questions:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything you need to know about choosing, ordering, installing and caring for your Drop Bear Storage pockets.
1. HOW DO THEY ATTACH TO THE WALL?
Our pockets attach using sewn-in double-sided Velcro. Both sides are provided, so you can hang your pockets in seconds. Simply clean the surface first before attaching.
2. MY POCKET HAS GOT DIRTY - HOW CAN I CLEAN IT?
You can easily remove, clean and then rehang your pocket. For general cleaning, we recommend wiping it with soap and water. For stubborn marks, we recommend tea tree oil.
3. I'VE SOLD MY VAN AND WANT TO KEEP THE EXISTING POCKETS / I WANT TO MOVE THEM. HOW DO I REMOVE THE STICKY VELCRO FROM THE WALL? .
Removing the sticky Velcro from your caravan wall will depend on the type of surface it has been attached to.
Newer caravan walls:
They generally have a glossy, shiny or matt surface. The Velcro can usually be removed by very slowly peeling it away from the wall.
If required, you can gently warm the adhesive using a hair dryer, or a heat gun on a very low heat. Starting at one end, gently and slowly peel the Velcro away while gradually warming the adhesive as you move along it.
Older wood veneer walls:
This type of wall can be a little more difficult, so extra care should be taken. Again, work very slowly. Using a hair dryer on low heat to gently warm and soften the adhesive can help with removal.
If any adhesive residue is left on the wall, there are cleaning products available that may assist with removing it. Always check that any cleaning product is suitable for your particular wall surface before using it.
You may be able to reuse the sticky Velcro if the adhesive has remained on the Velcro and appears to still be in good condition.
If you are unable to reuse the sticky pieces, replacement Velcro can be purchased from us: email sales@dropbearstorage.com.au
Please note: Drop Bear Storage is not responsible for any damage caused to walls or other surfaces when removing the Velcro.
4. HOW DO I MATCH TO MY EXISTING UPHOLSTERY?
Before requesting colour samples, if you have your caravan's specification sheet, please check it for the upholstery manufacturer, range and fabric colour, then include these details in your enquiry.
In many cases, we stock the exact fabric. With our extensive knowledge of caravan upholstery, we can also identify the closest (and often only) matching option. This can save you the wait for unnecessary colour samples.
View our available colours here:
5. CAN YOU MAKE THEM TO A DIFFERENT SIZE?
Yes, we certainly can. Send us an email at sales@dropbearstorage.com.au. Start by letting us know the overall size you require: the width x height of the board, the number and height of the pockets, and the space required between them.
With our experience, we will work with you to create the perfect pocket for your home on wheels. Please note that, for quality purposes, we do not sew up the middle of any pockets. You can also send us a sketch if this helps explain what you require.
6. HOW SOON WILL I GET MY ORDER?
We aim to ship all of our standard pockets within 3 business days. City Club and Eastwood pockets may take a little longer to make.
The further you are from Victoria, the longer your order may take to reach you via Australia Post, so please bear this in mind when selecting your shipping option. An Express Post option is available at checkout if you have a tight timeframe.
7. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LUXE AND VINYL?
Firstly, they are available in different colours. Luxe is a higher-end, softer-feel fabric referred to as leatherette, and many newer vans are using this type of fabric. Our vinyl is commercial-grade quality and hard-wearing, but has a stiffer, less "luxe" feel.
Both products are extremely hard-wearing and designed to stand up to the rigours of daily use in your van.
8. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SLIMLINE AND PLEATED POCKETS?
The basic differences between our Standard Pleated and Slimline pockets are as follows.
A Standard Pleated/Elastic Pocket will hold more, as it is pleated at the bottom and has elastic at the top to allow for more stretch. It is ideal for items such as smaller books, an iPad, remote controls and other general caravan items.
A Slimline Pocket holds less than the Standard Pleated Pocket and is ideal for items such as maps, an iPad, remote controls and slimmer books. These pockets do not have elastic or pleats.
We strongly recommend measuring all items — height, width and depth — to ensure you purchase the correct pocket for your needs.
9. WHAT ARE THE LUXE COLOURS?
Black (Obsidian), Blue Steel, Clay, Cashmere, Graphite, Mushroom, Polar White, Pebble, Steam, Sambar and Storm.
10. WHAT ARE THE VINYL COLOURS?
Black Gloss, Charcoal, Koala and Sand.
11. WHAT IS THE OUTBACK RANGE?
If you have a newer van with a marbled-effect fabric called City Club or Eastwood, then our Outback Range may match your existing upholstery.
You can email us at sales@dropbearstorage.com.au to request free fabric samples.
12. I WANT A DRINK BOTTLE POCKET NEXT TO ANOTHER POCKET ON THE SAME BOARD. CAN YOU MAKE THIS FOR ME?
No. Our drink bottle pocket is patented and uses a completely different design from our standard pockets. The strength of the drink bottle pocket relies on a different construction and sewing method. Combining the two designs on the same board could compromise the strength and eventually cause the pocket to pull away from the board.
At Drop Bear Storage, quality is extremely important to us. We make and test our products extensively before releasing them. To keep the drink bottle pocket fully functional and performing as designed, it needs to remain a standalone unit.
13. I WANT A VERY WIDE POCKET AND WANT IT SEWN UP THE MIDDLE. WHAT WOULD YOU ADVISE?
We do not sew up the middle of our pockets. Through our product testing, we have found that centre stitching can begin to pull away from the backing and may eventually split the vinyl or cause unsightly stretching of the backing fabric.
Instead, we strongly recommend having two separate pockets made and positioning them side by side. You can see examples of how this looks in the "Our Customer Pockets" section of our website.
14. I AM TRAVELLING FULL TIME WITH NO FIXED ADDRESS. HOW DO I GET YOUR POCKETS?
We are happy to ship to an Australia Post Parcel Collect address. Simply arrange a suitable collection point for where you expect to be when your parcel arrives and provide us with the appropriate Parcel Collect address.
Use this Australia Post link to get started: Australia Post Collection Points
As per Australia Post, here is an example of the address format to use. If using a Parcel Locker, simply replace "Parcel Collect" with "Parcel Locker".
Format to follow:
Name: <First name> <Last name>
Address line 1: Parcel Collect <2-digit APCN>
Address line 2: <Suburb> <STATE> <Postcode>
Example:
Jane Citizen
Parcel Collect 01
MELBOURNE, VIC 3000
15. WHAT POCKET SHOULD I CHOOSE FOR MY KIDS' BUNKS?
This largely depends on the space you have between the bedding and the bunk above. You also need to allow enough room to comfortably lift items in and out of the pocket.
We suggest grabbing a tape measure and measuring both the available space and the items you want to store in the pocket. If you need to exchange a pocket due to a sizing issue, we can arrange this; however, return postage is at your expense.
16. THESE POCKETS ARE SMALLER THAN I THOUGHT AND DON'T HOLD WHAT I WANT THEM TO HOLD! CAN I GET A REFUND?
We provide the measurements of both the pocket and backing board on our product pages to help you select the correct size. Please note that the stated backing board size does not include the material wrapped around the edges, so we recommend allowing approximately 5 mm extra when fitting a pocket into a snug space.
Please measure your available space and the items you intend to store before ordering. If you have an exact space that you need a pocket to fit, please contact us before placing your order.
For change-of-mind returns, we offer an e-store credit only, minus any postage costs, which can be used towards your next online purchase. If you are unsure about sizing or require a return label, please email us at sales@dropbearstorage.com.au.
17. WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG WITH MY POCKET?
We provide a 12-month warranty on all of our products. Simply email us at sales@dropbearstorage.com.au and we will take it from there. Please note that conditions apply to all warranty claims.