Well we took the plunge after using our faithful tent for several years and upgraded to a folding camper...
So I am looking for hints and tips on what to pack and were you pack it.
I have a conway countryman 2016 model, I know that certain items can go on the floor and in under the seating areas, but there is quiet a lot of space on the underside of the bedroom (when folded). The first bed partition when folded inwards has a huge area, does anyone pack any items (light) for example... folded chairs? maybe even the awning or items as such?
Ohh and one other thing... Anyone use the fridge when travelling?
May seem a little odd to ask, but remember on a countryman, you have to unfold the camper, then make your way over the assault course as everything is on the floor and areas that you have managed fill up, get to the the kitchen area to put fridge items in, then enable the 12volt system, make your way back without moving anything and last but not least folding up the beds, cover the FC. Phew done...
I pack my folding chair and table on the floor with the shelf unit and a plastic box with my little electric Go Outdoors oven ( my unit has 4 rings & a grill). My Safari cadec and water container sit in the top left hand corner near the sink. The 3 poles for the windows sit on the floor on right hand side. Step, upside down with EHU in, at the door (helps prevent drawers opening).
The awning sits on the right hand side when stood at the door, on top of the bed boards once folded up, but under the cover. Canvas on first, poles on top.
I've replaced the table. When I didn’t have the awning up, the original table was just too big and heavy to move around in the camper. I’m now using a smaller, variable height plastic table from The Range.
I leave my sleeping bags and mattress topper in place on the bed. Make sure straps go over the top.
Not sure if your unit has this but - Just be mindful of the support leg that swings down when you fold over the right hand bed. You don’t want anything on the floor blocking it’s space otherwise bed won’t fold flat enough.
I don’t travel with the fridge running. I turn it on as soon as I arrive and then fill it up asap, adding in my cool packs. It’s too much hassle for me to turn fridge on prior to leaving home. Think you would also need car/van switch in right position and that’s not easy to get to until it’s opened out completely.
Enjoy your trips. Think the Countryman is a great bit of kit. I’ve got a 2010 version.
I have a fiesta 2 plus 2.
I think the first thing you should look at is your actaul trip.
If you are going to one site and staying for a relatively long period then take as much as you want and can carry, as long as it is safe to do so!
If however you are touring, the more you pack the more you have to unpack before erecting your camper, making each stop tiring and time consuming. If you are in the UK where do you put the stuff you have unpacked whilst you erect your camper if it is raining?
Think of it the same as your awning, would you take the time and trouble to erect that if you were only staying one night?
In our camper we travel pretty light, we do take folding chairs, stored on top of table on floor. Small BBQ, electrical stuff next to toilet. We have fitted sheets and duvets so beds always made up, pillows under the straps.
After a couple of trips look at what you have carried, ask yourself "did we use that" even if you used it once did you really need it? I'm not saying live an uncomfortable spartan life but we all collect "stuff" and apply the "the just in case" scenario. If the worst came to the worst and you didn't have an "essential" there is always the credit card, that always causes me to question whether it is an essential.
Whilst we fill the fridge before we go this is not with food etc that needs to be kept cold, it is effectively a cupboard. Once you are on site then use EHU for your fridge so it gets cold and use it as a fridge. When you are travelling no hardship to put it into 12 volt mode on pack up. If you forget no big disaster, fridge locked and how long before you reach the next site with EHU?
Enjoy your camper, we think it is luxurious, warm, cozy off the ground. Provides everything we need very efficiently. I'm sure after a couple of trips once you will feel much more relaxed about what you actually need.
Another quick example, ever returned home from a holiday and looked at what you didn't wear, the shoes etc you didn't use?
You will survive!
James, just saw that you sure moving from a tent to a FC so I bet you are already used to knowing what you actually need on a trip.
Sorry if it seemed my post was "teaching my grandmother to suck eggs"
Quote: Originally posted by Bramidan on 29/7/2019
James, just saw that you sure moving from a tent to a FC so I bet you are already used to knowing what you actually need on a trip.
Sorry if it seemed my post was "teaching my grandmother to suck eggs"
No worries, any help would be greatly appreciated :-)
------------- You can't run through a campsite, you can only ran, as it's past tents
I think it best to carry camping related items in the camper. This means they can be permanently stored in the camper with no need to erect and fold down before you leave home or arrive back home.
Carry clothes and food etc and everything you want to keep in the house in the car.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: What and where do you pack items?
