My first trip out with the van this weekend.

[dave_b]

We are off the Peaks.
Time to learn ;
how the electrics work
How to use the awning
Etc!

 

[JOG]

I do that on the drive at home!!!

Cuz I’m a wuss!!!

 

[dave_b]

lol. I’ve turned the fridge on, it works off the leisure battery? I do t really know. The van electrics were off, but the fridge worked. I’ve plugged in the van to the mains and will leave it charging over night anayway. We then have a bloody long drive to the peaks. I do t have a hookup pitch, so it will be interesting to see how well the leisure battery lasts. But I do have a solar panel on the roof which I guess will charge the leisure battery regardless of the van electrics being on or off? lol, lots to learn.

 

[drinfinity]

If the biggest power user is a fridge, this should be fine for a weekend without electric hookup. Assuming your leisure battery is in good condition, it should be charged by the alternator on your long drive.

Do you have a diesel heater in the van? This weekend would be an ideal time to run it and have a cosy van.

 

[dave_b]

Yeah I have a diesel heater. I have it running every morning to warm the van up ready for the dog walk.

 

[Sackmycook]

Don't overly rely on that roof mounted solar panel in the UK in February when the sun is at a low angle and your roof points straight up.

 

[Kind of Blue]

I am just wondering does anyone supplement or replace the solar panels in winter with windmill power? Winter usually comes with plenty of wind.

 

[Sackmycook]

Ha ha, i remember B&Q knocking out those little wind turbines a decade ago....
Could power a single 40w bulb when it blew hard enough

 

[soldas]

Good luck @dave_b I'm sure your have an amazing time.

Have you had a dry run with the awning? Or just going to go with the flow. I've heard awning are the number one cause of camping related breakups

 

[dave_b]

Im An awning virgin, so the fellow campsite users may be in for a laugh!

 

[JumpShip]

'Divorce in a bag' it's called

Good luck mate , have a fab time .
The key things are being warm, fed and ....drunk

Never under estimate the power of a hot water bottle and a bottle of rum

 

[Sackmycook]

Electric blanket, can't go wrong

 

[dave_b]

The diesel heater will be ticking over all night for plenty of warmth.

 

[Jay-D]

Im An awning virgin, so the fellow campsite users may be in for a laugh!

I find a few tins of Stella helps when putting up an awning and most other camping tasks. What awning have you got?

 

[JumpShip]

It's different with a hotty botty....warms your bed before you crawl in

 

[dave_b]

I find a few tins of Stella helps when putting up an awning and most other camping tasks. What awning have you got?

Air beam Galli

 

[Kind of Blue]

dave_b, I hope that you have a very pleasant weekend with your new set up.

 

[dave_b]

Not my finest erection but I got it up in the end.

The sides of the tunnel are flappy…

 

[Kind of Blue]

Not my finest erection but I got it up in the end.

The sides of the tunnel are flappy…View attachment 273735View attachment 273736View attachment 273737View attachment 273738

Looks like your erection is being watched the eyes behind you!

 

[JOG]

I am just wondering does anyone supplement or replace the solar panels in winter with windmill power? Winter usually comes with plenty of wind.

Nah, I just park over a stream for hydroelectricity!!! (I’ll get my coat!)