We have today put a deposit down on our first motorhome, a Bessacar E435 5 berth 2006. We can collect it in 3 weeks. In the meantime I am trying to prepare everything so we can use it after a couple of days driving it around local roads. Has anyone got a list of everything needed eg hook up, crockery etc. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Quite a list. But many others have asked the same question, so if you search the forum you should find previous suggestions. I have an envelope of filing cards, each card is full. So I’m not beginning to start a list. Except imagine a typical day & think what you’ll need for cooking, washing dishes & yourselves, sleeping.
Anyway, someone in a town near your first site will sell you anything you’ve forgotten. Choose a site not far from home so you can go back for the can opener at 9pm. Been there, had to do that. Have a good time. If you pack only what you can think of, you’ll still have a good time. And laugh later about having to sleep in your clothes because you forgot sleeping bags or a duvet.
I am a tenter changing unit to a campervan soon, and have bought bits and pieces for the new van that is expected to be ready at the end of September or later due to Covid-19.
They are not essential items as such, as I already have them for camping under canvas.
One item that I believe would be essential is a grey water collection container, and am leaving it until I know the height of ground clearance of my van and/or as directed by the firm that is doing the conversion.
My advice would be to think in line of what one needs for sleeping, cooking, eating, seating, washing up, showering, toilets, and leisure activities; like a par down version of a home from home.
That's how I kitted out my camping kit for camping under canvas, and yes, I needed a trailer to carry all my gears as my tent was quite large yet very comfortable for just me and my dog!
Have fun and good luck with your van.
DK
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we are awaiting another motorhome, we sold our old one in 2015 to help purchase our new home we did dabble with a couple of caravans and sold everything with the last van so really are starting a fresh, so you need cutlery,can opener, condiments a hook up lead for electrics, some way of putting water into tanks, toilet fluids, ( pink and blu) and a pair of leveling ramps, and join one of the big clubs ie: CMC or CCC as the way things are going everyone will have to book a site up front. and dont worry you find things you really need once you start touring.
hope its better than the one we should have got today after waiting 3 weeks it was a mess, firstly the dealer was closed had to ring a number, then after waiting 30 mins the van turned up a autotrail took one, went inside and there was water on all worktops and the floor as though someone had wiped down with a wet cloth but not dried it, the exterior was filthy with road dirt, yet it was supposed to be valeted, we refused it i would rather walk away and lose a deposit than spend £30,000 and regret it for years, had to cancel the insurance and the caravan club, his words were i think i allowed too much for your tradein ( car a ford kuga) i replied dont give me any bull as i have done a job for a car dealer and he showed me what the figures for my car would be, i am now going to hang on for next year as too many people are buying motorhomes and there will be a few bargains when they find motorhoming does not fit their lifestyle, i have had motorhomes in the past so knew what to look for, so enjoy yours and i hope you have many happy touring days ahead
Oh no! What a disappointment! They should have returned your deposit if it wasn’t ready for you. Hope you have better luck next time. I also hope it wasn’t a trader in Shropshire as that’s where we have bought from.
Quote: Originally posted by welshwom on 24/7/2020
hope its better than the one we should have got today after waiting 3 weeks it was a mess, firstly the dealer was closed had to ring a number, then after waiting 30 mins the van turned up a autotrail took one, went inside and there was water on all worktops and the floor as though someone had wiped down with a wet cloth but not dried it, the exterior was filthy with road dirt, yet it was supposed to be valeted, we refused it i would rather walk away and lose a deposit than spend £30,000 and regret it for years, had to cancel the insurance and the caravan club, his words were i think i allowed too much for your tradein ( car a ford kuga) i replied dont give me any bull as i have done a job for a car dealer and he showed me what the figures for my car would be, i am now going to hang on for next year as too many people are buying motorhomes and there will be a few bargains when they find motorhoming does not fit their lifestyle, i have had motorhomes in the past so knew what to look for, so enjoy yours and i hope you have many happy touring days ahead
You really have to wonder how these people stay in business. Buying a motor home must be probably the second most expensive things us mere mortals undertake.
So sorry for your disappointment.
best to loose a little than the lot, i am still annoyed but getting over it, managed to cancel insurance and caravan club were very good cancelled straight away. we had a holiday home booked up mull so glad i am now going in the car.nwith all the small roads. no it wasnt shropshire it is in mid wales.
Quote: Originally posted by welshwom on 25/7/2020
best to loose a little than the lot, i am still annoyed but getting over it, managed to cancel insurance and caravan club were very good cancelled straight away. we had a holiday home booked up mull so glad i am now going in the car.nwith all the small roads. no it wasnt shropshire it is in mid wales.
I feel so sad for you losing the Motorhome and the deposit. Have a great time in Mull. Thanks for letting me know, I was getting a bit concerned. Take care.
Good advice from Fiona.. In our first ever camper, the table formed part of the bed base ... guess what we forgot on out first outing. We had to sleep on the floor!
Definitely, stop somewhere near a shop so you can buy any essentials, and make a list of things to pack for the next trip. You'll soon get used to it.
Hope you have some great trips.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: 1st motorhome
via mobile 20/7/2020 at 9:15pm
