My first ever camping trip in the van!!

[8balladdict]

So just got back from my first ever camping trip. Done traditional camping many times but this was the first campervan trip in my T6. Spent 3 nights up in and around Bowland Forest in Lancashire. Went up on Friday via Exploria to and got a kombi bed fitted. In a word, the trip was AWESOME!! It has absolutely backed up the decision to get the van and so happy I did. Van performed brilliantly and was a pleasure to drive around in. We wild camped for the first 2 nights then found a campsite to stop at for the 3rd night, just so we had easy access to some showers as we planned on doing some quite tough (hilly) cycling so knew we would need it after that. We've definitely decided that wild camping is the way forward unless it's camping at a VW show or festival etc. The first two nights were amazing.

This trip was a bit of a trial run, I'll be off on a full road trip down the the Algarve and back in Oct so wanted to see what I want to change and what bits I need to buy. Got a list of little bits and pieces and some bigger things but nothing major. It's also going down to Absolut5 next week for some conversion works so wanted to have a better idea of where to put sockets etc. Really looking forward to getting the work done next week now and then for the trip in October. Going to be epic!!

The only main issue I did have was condensation....even with the front windows slightly open, there was still lots of it. Hoping the insulating and carpet lining next week will help but any other advise would be welcome.

Anyway, here's a few pics from the weekend!

 

[GoatBoater]

Great pics. So, how did you get that angle on the first one?

 

[Davenjo]

Decent external, thermal screens will sort the condensation issue - we still get plenty of condensation on our rear side windows but front and back now keep clear even when camping over the winter.

 

[former member]

Double glazing all round except the can means we only get condensation on the windscreen; usually clears by the time we are ready to go but if not, a quick blast of the blower sorts it; had it twice on this holiday in five weeks.

 

[DaveBos]

Bike porn

 

[Chopman]

Nice photos, glad you enjoyed the trip.

 

[8balladdict]

Great pics. So, how did you get that angle on the first one?

From up there....

 

[8balladdict]

Decent external, thermal screens will sort the condensation issue - we still get plenty of condensation on our rear side windows but front and back now keep clear even when camping over the winter.

I had internal thermal screens on the cab windows and they weren't too bad to be fair. Side windows and tailgate was the worst. But then we were sleeping with our heads at the tailgate end so guess that's inevitable.

 

[Davenjo]

I had internal thermal screens on the cab windows and they weren't too bad to be fair. Side windows and tailgate was the worst. But then we were sleeping with our heads at the tailgate end so guess that's inevitable.

We sleep with our heads against the tailgate and still get zero condensation with the cover on. On our first few trips late last year we just used the curtains and the condensation was terrible all round - took forever to de-mist the front screen. If it is bad now it will only get worse as the weather turns cooler and damper.

 

[8balladdict]

We sleep with our heads against the tailgate and still get zero condensation with the cover on. On our first few trips late last year we just used the curtains and the condensation was terrible all round - took forever to de-mist the front screen. If it is bad now it will only get worse as the weather turns cooler and damper.

Yeah, I've got curtains all round but they aren't doing anything. Like I said, the fronts don't seem too bad with the thermal sucker screens on (I'm still planing on getting the external wrap around one though) but what do you use on the tailgateone then?

 

[Davenjo]

Yeah, I've got curtains all round but they aren't doing anything. Like I said, the fronts don't seem too bad with the thermal sucker screens on (I'm still planing on getting the external wrap around one though) but what do you use on the tailgateone then?

I have front wrap around and a rear that loops over the tailgate with a couple of elasticated straps- both from Rainbow Screens.

 

[PukkaT6]

Mrs went all blue peter on the van and made these lol

 

[former member]

Pull down (or across) roller blinds all round mit der Deutsche efficiency very much in evidence.

They just work.

 

[DPS]

Brilliant pics. I bet you found your first trip to be quite magical!

 

[8balladdict]

Brilliant pics. I bet you found your first trip to be quite magical!

Absolutely! That's a very accurate description actually!