Advice for first time camping in the van

Seven

Seven

Active Member
Okay so a bit of an embarrasing post but looking for a bit of advice.

I am looking forward to the Constable country meet organised by Trev & Sue at the end of next week, but I have to confess that this will be the first time camping in the van :oops:

I have enjoyed the carrying out the minor mechanical preparations I have done (fluids flush & change, oil & filters change, recent fuel hose change and rust prevention to the underside as well as greasing my nipples & squeezing the bulbous end!) but am now looking for any advice on any essentials to take with me for short trips away?

I have taken the van to my local caravan place and they have checked the gas lines for the internal gas stove and are sorting out a minor tweak to the electrics to allow me to run the interior lights on the second battery I have. I have also ordered one of those electric extension cables with three 240v sockets on to be able to hook up to the camp site electrics if needed. I dont have the built in water tank working in the van.

So what would people recommend I look to pack and bring along with me for the trip?

Thank you for any help & tips!
 
Something simple and easy to prepare (bacon is compulsory), something to drink, tea, coffee milk, something to keep you warm and something to keep you clean, don't over do it and just pack enough for the couple of days you'll be away.
 
Water container, bowl for washing up, waterproofs, camping chairs, torch, matches, bin bag to keep shoes dry if you leave them outside if raining, music, beer and money for when you’ve forgotten the bacon. I got a really cheap ‘event shelter’ from asda which actually fitted over back doors for if it rains etc. It’s only a couple of days with mates so can buy, steal, borrow anything and make a list for next time. I made a laminated list sectioned with absolutely everything ie bedding, clothes, washing, eating/drinking, cooking, chargers, etc etc. Then I just pick from it depending on trip etc.
AND ENJOY IT:)
 
S0updragon said:
Water container, bowl for washing up, waterproofs, camping chairs, torch, matches, bin bag to keep shoes dry if you leave them outside if raining, music, beer and money for when you’ve forgotten the bacon. I got a really cheap ‘event shelter’ from asda which actually fitted over back doors for if it rains etc. It’s only a couple of days with mates so can buy, steal, borrow anything and make a list for next time. I made a laminated list sectioned with absolutely everything ie bedding, clothes, washing, eating/drinking, cooking, chargers, etc etc. Then I just pick from it depending on trip etc.
AND ENJOY IT:)
Click to expand...

Thank you very much Soup! Thats really helpful.

That shelter looks great. Did you say the height of it was tall enough to fit over the back doors when they are open?
 
Yes. The shelter sides forced up over and it fits snugly behind open doors. They will open and close as well. It’s very lightweight. It has net sides. Not sure how long it’ll last but for the money.......
 
If it’s not too late for your trip I can chuck it up on friday and take some pics if thats any help?
 
Hooray!! your maiden camping voyage!

I have a shoe organizer hanging in the back cupboard with all my kitchen-ish things, and over the cab has the bed linens. As long as you're warm, dry and have a beer or two+, all will be fine. All the sites I've used so far have had washing up stations, and found 2 plastic bins that nest are very helpful for dishes. A good flashlight (torch) and a gallon picnic thermos for water if you don't have any onboard ( I don't).

Have fun! My experience has been that everyone is happy to help and lend what you may have forgotten.
 
Hi Seven, Take anything that has already been mentioned and anything else, you can purchase from the shop on site if need be. The site is owned by a Caravan and camping company who stock almost everything you could need and has washing up and laundry facilities also a café so you wouldn't even need to cook.
Also aren't you fairly local, iirc, so you could always pop home if anything important is forgotten.:rolleyes:
 
Panky said:
Something simple and easy to prepare (bacon is compulsory), something to drink, tea, coffee milk, something to keep you warm and something to keep you clean, don't over do it and just pack enough for the couple of days you'll be away.
Click to expand...

Thanks very much Panky. Yes bacon is a must!:)
 
S0updragon said:
If it’s not too late for your trip I can chuck it up on friday and take some pics if thats any help?
Click to expand...

Thank you Soup, please dont go to any trouble, the link you sent actually also has a customer picture which helps give a good idea. Have you found the net sides make it too exposed if there is rain or is it nice having it feel more open?
 
BC Sunshine said:
Hooray!! your maiden camping voyage!

I have a shoe organizer hanging in the back cupboard with all my kitchen-ish things, and over the cab has the bed linens. As long as you're warm, dry and have a beer or two+, all will be fine. All the sites I've used so far have had washing up stations, and found 2 plastic bins that nest are very helpful for dishes. A good flashlight (torch) and a gallon picnic thermos for water if you don't have any onboard ( I don't).

Have fun! My experience has been that everyone is happy to help and lend what you may have forgotten.
Click to expand...

Thank you very much BC!
 
daytona said:
Hi Seven, Take anything that has already been mentioned and anything else, you can purchase from the shop on site if need be. The site is owned by a Caravan and camping company who stock almost everything you could need and has washing up and laundry facilities also a café so you wouldn't even need to cook.
Also aren't you fairly local, iirc, so you could always pop home if anything important is forgotten.:rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Thank you Trevor, yes luckily quite a local one for my first overnight excursion! Great to hear there are all those facilities on site. I hope to avoid the embarassment of a trip home! :p
 
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