Posted on 20/03/2019 07:10
Hi
We have just purchased a caravan and are due to pick up on the 12th April. We would appreciate some tips on equipment we may need to get us started, we have an idea but don't want to miss anything
We have battery, gas bottle and electric......a list or checksheet of equipment would be greatly appreciated
Posted on 20/03/2019 10:07 by JillwithaJayHi Nicola and welcome to Club Together.
If you can, start by using some stuff from home and see how you go. Don't go mad buying everything in the accessory shop. We've all got garages full of stuff we thought we couldn't live without.
Chat to others on site; most folks are happy to show you how they do things.
As a general rule, we don't carry anything glass; using lightweight unbreakable pots, pans, storage containers, crockery. A couple of comfortable lightweight folding chairs and a table are, in my opinion, essential.
You might need to consider an awning at some stage and I agree about the wonderful motor mover.
Posted on 21/03/2019 21:54
Couldn’t agree more with Jill. Have a really good look around the marketplace before spending loads on accessories. It’s amazing how much ‘clutter’ you can accumulate if you don’t watch it. For instance, I bought a 40 lt aquaroll many years ago and then discovered a 50lt aqua caddy- why pull 40 when you can pull 50? Melamine ‘crockery’ doesn’t get house room now we’ve discovered ‘Corelle’ - far superior - so take your time to equip your van. Good luck.
Posted on 22/03/2019 11:13
We were total novices when collecting our first van. The dealer was very helpful in the essentials even supplying a hitch lock.
This was the first problem when we went to park the van at the storage site. I couldnt get the Winterhoff hitch handle down from the unlock position to fit the hitch lock.
A quick phone call to the dealers salesman was enough to dicover the absence of the plastic hitch ball needed to let the hanlde be placed in its resting position.
A quick waggle of a finger was ok for an immediate solution.
Just to show even dealers forget things and as stated before DONT look at something and thick it will come in useful, as quite often it doesnt.
Enjoy!
Posted on 22/03/2019 11:45
As you are coming from a camping background, I would say try and maintain some of that camping mentality. Life touring, no matter what you are sleeping and living in, is always a lot easier if you don’t carry too much clutter. By all means enjoy the warmth, comfort and luxury of your new touring home, but only take what is necessary to stay warm, dry and safe. Weight onboard can be a key factor, as can setting up for bedtime and easy set up on site.
Key things to think about. Will your van be used all year? If yes, then bedding needs to suit, water and waste need to be able to cope with ice and hot weather. Similar with your choice of gas. Butane or Propane. Do you need to protect flooring in wet conditions? How do you prefer to cook? Do you like to sit outside, think chairs and small table? Will you do all types of pitches or just hardstandings? Knowing the answers to these basic questions will help you choose the essential stuff you need. Hopefully help with not buying stuff that you might not need, but getting the quality essentials right.
I can recall getting our first van after years of camping, lovely. Hope you have a great time 😁
Nicola France