I had some great replies to my first post so I'm hoping you nice people can help again. I have searched but with no luck, do any of you know of a book, web site or a thread for people buying and setting off in a MH for the first time.
The real basics, but from personal experience, don't do, must have's, don't waste money on ect, good practical tips. I'm sure there are lots of things that experienced travellers would say were obvious, but for someone starting out it seems daunting.
Must have accessories are..... Levelling Ramps, A small spirit level to use with your ramps, A Hose to fill up your water tanks, A water container to fill up your tanks when you cant use a hose, A basic tool kit with a multimeter, Silver Cab Screens (Interior or Exterior), Waste Water Container for carrying your grey water to the drain on site, A storm strap for if you have a roll out canopy awning. Cheap disinfectant for putting in the waste tank to stop smells.
Do not..... Use bleach or strong household chemicals, it can sometimes melt the plastic sinks or the plastic waste pipes. Do not leave MIlton Sterelising Fluid in the water system for too long as it can corrode metal parts in taps and pump.
Dont waste money buying accessories from Motorhome or Caravan dealers, they are always way overpriced, get accessories from the internet, and buy normal household stuff that will fit.
If you dont use your Motorhome, sometimes for a fair while, turn the battery isolator off. Then at least once a month connect your hook up lead and turn isolator back on, leave hook up in for a good few hours, this will ensure that your leisure battery is always charged up. If you let a leisure battery completely discharge, it will be knackered and and wont take a recharge, then you'll have to buy a new one.
all useful info - and there are some good basic info threads around but if you want it all written down this book comes highly recommended
http://www.go-motorhoming.co.uk/index.htm
they also have some other good books for sale
[not on commission honest ;-))]
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But it´s all right now, I learned my lesson well.
You see, ya can´t please everyone, so ya got to please yourself
Ricky Nelson
Quote: Originally posted by Vbennett214 on 19/8/2007
You forgot to mention the all essential corkscrew and bottle opener!
Val
Oh! And one other very important thing...............HAVE FUN!!!!!!!
------------- Love a lot. Trust a few. But ALWAYS paddle your own canoe!!
Minds are like parachutes:- They only function when they are open!!!
Those who talk don't know.
Those who know don't talk.
I'm not an experienced camper yet, but a long power cable is a must I would have thought.
In terms of packing, I think you need to pack for all eventualities. Just returned from a good example of a trip - 2 days at the V Festival, where it has rained for two days solid. We had shorts and suncream, but also wellies and coats! We're off to Wales for 10 days this week, so expecting more of the same.
A small broom is useful to keep the inside clean; a small mat to go on the floor; plastic bags to put muddy boots in; games for the kids; and pack your sense of humour.
We have had our van for over 4 years and haven't needed a washing machine in that time so we must be doing something wrong.
Don't buy too much just because everyone else has it, we don't have any form of awning and after this year still not worried by that. We only bought levelling ramps about 6 months ago and only because Halfords priced them wrong. It is amazing how level you can get by looking at the ground.
A small electric kettle saves your gas if on hook up.
Tesco and Asda have affordable kitchen ware and we still only have 1 pan.
I agree with the silver screens, waste water removal container, hose. Our method of filling up on site is with a funnel attached to a short piece of hose and a 5 litre water bottle (comes full for about £1.20)
Dustpans from the £1 shop are handy. A few games can keep you occupied if it rains.
One of those clothes dryer thingamy bobs that you hang out of the window is always handy and has someone already mentioned a compass (so you can be south facing!) and a small spirit level?
Although if you put your Vodka and Tonic on the work surface and its not level that works just as well as long as you do it before you down a few!
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: Help with basics.
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