First camper van outing - what things am I missing?

[borat]

Hi all

Van will be ready soon and all being well, coming to the Bala meet! I've been trying to make sure we don't have one of those annoying moments of wishing we had bought a <insert essential item here> during the trip.. So what would you experienced folks say are the essentials to have? The van has a diesel heater as that probably affects some peoples answers. So far I've sorted:
- Driveaway awning (inc kador strip)
- Collapsible kettle / pan
- Plastic plates / bowls / Cutlery etc
- Mattress toppers / covers

I am sure I'm missing a bunch of stuff I should have!

 

[Pete C]

Bottle opener and corkscrew

 

[Mike Dean]

Might get cold without a duvet.

 

[Bigsidavies]

Bottle opener and corkscrew

That is basically the list complete.

 

[borat]

I'm looking at the Duvalay integrated sleeping bag thingy so duvet sorted!

Good shout on the bottle opener / corkscrew.. how did I miss that?!

 

[Bigsidavies]

Something to cook on outdoors?
Cadac or similar.
If you’re short of anything everyone else will muck in and help I’m sure.

 

[JOG]

Beer! And then some more beer, just in case!!!

 

[Pete C]

Have you camped before ?

 

[borat]

Have you camped before ?

Yeah tents often. I guess I’m more thinking about camper van essentials. I’m probably overthinking it lol

 

[czmate1999]

I'm looking at the Duvalay integrated sleeping bag thingy so duvet sorted!

Good shout on the bottle opener / corkscrew.. how did I miss that?!

Go the whole hog with the duvalay- 5cm freshtec sleeping bags. they are awesome.

 

[Rioja John]

Seats for awning and gatherings, ground sheet for awning, windscreen cover. Folding table, hook up cable, toilet fluid, levelling ramps, light for awning.

John.

 

[Pete C]

Hookup lead
Pegs and line to mark where to place the van when you come back from a trip
Clothes line
Umbrella

 

[Skyliner33]

Go the whole hog with the duvalay- 5cm freshtec sleeping bags. they are awesome.

Do you use a mattress topper with those as well?

 

[Mud Digger]

a descent hammer for knocking the pegs in

you can forget camping mode......... you wont need to carry anything around... get a real kettle a wok with a lid ( makes a great steamer ) and ridge monkey pan

 

[Salty Spuds]

Go light for the first few trips. Make a list of what you’re actually short of & need, not what you think you might need. Space is a premium in a camper. As previously mentioned, there’ll be plenty of others to help you out until you find your feet.

 

[JOG]

Go light for the first few trips. Make a list of what you’re actually short of & need, not what you think you might need. Space is a premium in a camper. As previously mentioned, there’ll be plenty of others to help you out until you find your feet.

Best advice

 

[Chris Sherwood]

Do you have van window covers?

 

[CAB]

Toilet Roll.

Never rely on the site loos being fully equipped!

Also useful for mopping up in the van (cue @JOG)

 

[borat]

Do you have van window covers?

No good point! I have looked at this but not sure whether to go for cheap option or is that a false economy? Any recommendations?

Thanks for all the tips all! Definitely want to err on travelling light as we went for a design with bigger bed and less storage so even more of a premium!

 

[borat]

Go the whole hog with the duvalay- 5cm freshtec sleeping bags. they are awesome.

Do the 5cm ones still fit on the RIB shelf when rolled up? Have you tried both the 4cm and 5cm ones and would you say worth the extra? Its a pretty hefty price once you add freshtec and 5cm upgrade!