We're moving from tenting to caravanning. We're getting the gas bottle and the water containrs and awning included with the van, but am thinking about what "must have" things I might need.
Inlaws are giving us an Alko hitchlock (?) and the extended wing mirrors and we have a tent EHU unit and leads, will these be the same?
Is it a separate electric lead, ie with a blue plug each end? If so it will be fine. Would suggest a low wattage kettle if you don't already have one as site ampage can vary. Has it got a spare wheel?
Table and chairs for the awning, Cadac or/and barbecue for outside cooking. We like our washing up stand and bowl which we set up in the awning. We have two portable bins - one of rubbish and one for all the washing. Does your awning come with a groundsheet? If not, I would get one of these. You will probably have cutlery and kitchen utensils if you are an 'ex-tenter'. Check to make sure the caravan has a good spare wheel/tyre. We also find our awning tie down kit quite useful to help stabilize the awning on a windy day. Check to make sure you have a water pump/pipe to go in the aquaroll in order to pump the water into the van. Generally your van will need a leisure battery to wouk the 12 volt system (might already come with the van). We also have a 'rotary type' washing line.
Check to make sure you have some decent pegs for the awning (and a small lump hammer and peg puller - some prefer a claw hammer as an alternative).
Will you want to use a TV, or radio/CD player (the van might have a radio fitted??). Don't forget the DVD's for rainy days/evenings or CD's if you are a music lover. Does your caravan have a fridge? Our has a fridge, but we still take a portable to keep in the awning if we go to France or anywhere hot, to keep the beers cool. A broom/ hand brush (or even a small vacuum cleaner if you are really keen!). No doubt you weill have thought of bedding. You might not have thought of top and bottom chemical toilet fluid (unless you had a chemical loo in the tent) - and some form of water container to fill the flush tank.
A fire extinguisher is useful. Also a selection of surface cleaners, washing up liquid, toiletries - you will have probably thought of these though. Take some spare bulbs and fuses - mainly for the road lights of the van. I always take some 'one-dry-wash' or equivalent van cleaner too. If the van gets a bit grubby on the outside, a quick spray and wipe will shift it.
Those are my first thoughts - if I think of anyting else, I'll post it as an extra.
We all seem to collect an large number of "essentials", I exoect you found much the same with tents.
Actually few can be counted as essential. I think as long as your unit is safe, you have water and waste containers, Gas, EHU leads, kitchen utentils and something to eat off of then have a few trips to see what else you might need for your personal "essentials".
The Name & address of a good divorce lawyer, for the first time you put the awning up!
We've put up umpteen 8 berth tents including a trailer tent awning that came with no poles labeeled or instructions, in 40 degree heat, I'm sure we'll be fine with an awning.
You shouldn't really need much that you don't already have for the tent.
The tent hook-up lead will poss be the wrong one for a van. Other than that I'm really struggling to think of what we bought when we swapped tent for van that was really essential (bought plenty of stuff we 'wanted' but whether we 'needed' it is another matter!)
I'd try a weekend away with the bare essentials & make a list as you go of things you'd like to add on. Also make another list of things you didn't use so you can leave them (and the extra weight) behind in future.
As above, most of what you have for the tent will be transferable - we know, because we still camp as well as caravan so now have 2 sets of "away from home" kit!
Also, as others have advised, try a short trip, close to home, with what you think are the essentials and take a note of what others things you feel you need or that would just make future trips more comfortable.
I use the note app on my smartphone on every trip because there's always something we've forgotten, despite having been camping and caravanning for many years!
Good luck and enjoy tin tenting!
------------- Best Wishes and Happy Travels,
Feecamp
Hi essexmum, Congratulations on your new van and, Welcome to the very addictive world of tin tenting, First essential thing is try and stay away from the accessories shop, same as tenting you see you want, I made list of all equipment needed,and weight all the items individualy,you would be surprised how all the little things add up and put you over the total pay load of your van, when loading van keep heavy items lowdown, and as close as you can to the wheels(better stability when towing), And when on site, if you are in dought about anything, just ask, as there will always be some one that will be glad to help.and good luck on your first trip.
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Topic: Your "must have" caravan items?
Damn! Knew we'd forgotten something........
