What's in it?

I have another wife that needs the talking to. On one trip of three nights she brought four unworn outfits back. There are outfits for cold weather, hot weather and rain and a few more just in case they fit the occassion better. Underwear though is never colour co ordinated as it is all the same colour, not sure how the judges would view that.

Start with the bare minimum you think you can get away with. Subtract/ add items as you work out what you need after a few trips. as to where to put things, experience will help you learn what both 'feels' right, and works for you.

For example:- In our last van barrels travelled at the back, in this van they travel at the front as that's what worked for hitch balance. We have flat zip bags, usually used to keep things tidy in a suitcase, to transport smaller items of clothing, which stack neatly in lockers. Bottles of wine/water travel tucked in the rear footwell

Getting the weight right is real trial and error.

When the kids were younger clothing was kept to a minimum and we bought and took the lightest bedding we could find. My wife would always insist on taking more footwear than Imelda Marcos!!

it took us a good few number of outings until we got it right, but once sorted everything had its place.

The kids are all grown up and we caravan on our own. We have bought a smaller caravan and are still experimenting with loading the van even though we take a lot less equipment. We always buy lightweight items.

Hi,

New to caravaning and my partner is worried about the MTPLM. Everytime I go to put something in the van he says, 'No!  That's too heavy!'  We are loading it up for the first time.  We will go to a weighbridge, but can you tell me roughly what you can put in?

Ta, 

Miss Anon!

any extras on the van (new or used van) will have eaten into that precious (often small) payload.

things like a mover, solar panel, even aerials (terrestrial or satellite) if they arent part of the original spec will cost you kilos..

im always surprised at how much clothes weigh....add in shoes, trainers, walking boots, rucksacks, waterproof jackets etc.....

then there are maps, books (cc/ccc/acsi/aires etc) electronic kit like satnavs, ipods, ipads, chargers etc....

any tv (plus recorders) will grab a bit more...

cutlery, crockery, pans etc....

bathroom toiletries, gels, towels etc....

bikes, batteries, chargers, panniers, pumps, repair kit, tools, etc

safety kit, warning triangles, vests etc

outdoor chairs, footrests, tables, bbqs, washing line etc

windbreak, hoses, ehu cables, assorted fittings and adaptors..

a weighbridge visit is always a sobering time.....but should be done, to be safe with weights...

good luck...

Oh thank you for all the advice!  I'm not quite Imelda Marcos, since my shoes cost next to nothing.  This is all very sobering, so I will have to have a glass of wine before arranging either a hissy fit or a nervous breakdown!!

Michelle or Miss Anon

Sorry but as most of us ladies know, if you are caravanning in this country then you do need to take clothes for all seasons! Just look at the weather at the moment. If there are too many moans about too many clothes then I just put some of them in the car.

We are pondering a change to a MH and that is one of the downsides as we use the car as a wardrobe.

I could send you our list but if you printed it out and carried it with you then you would definitely exceed the MTPLM.

We are pondering a change to a MH and that is one of the downsides as we use the car as a wardrobe.

We used to do pretty well on our 3500kg Bolero. had a good wardrobe and decent bedroom lockers for underwear t-shirts etc.

low(ish) beds for easy access dont have (comparitively) as much space under as higher beds.

our lengthways (high) twin singles have a garage and two wardrobes underneath, deep enough for hanging coats/jackets/shirts.

OH has exclusive use of one side plus the other (third) full length (read ball gown....) wardrobe....

i get the remaining one....

on 4250kg chassis payload isnt an issue but CY are you wanting to keep to 3500kg?

Sorry but as most of us ladies know, if you are caravanning in this country then you do need to take clothes for all seasons! Just look at the weather at the moment. If there are too many moans about too many clothes then I just put some of them in the car.

just packed for Scotland, not knowing weather have loaded everything from sun hats and shorts to hats, gloves and a thermal vest! ( as well as all the usual stuff in between)

mrs Steve