Camper Van Essentials: What I wish I'd known, & useful accessories
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 13 фев 2018
- Before continuing with the Scotland vlogs, a pre-NEC chat about what I wish I'd known before setting off, and some hints and tips about what accessories I have found the most useful.
If you are thinking of starting out with a camper van, check out also my collaboration with Shaun & Lizzy from California Camping about Top Tips for First Time Camper Vanners: • First Time Camper Van ...
For info on the Gaslow refillable system check out: www.gaslowdirect.com
These are the accessories that I have found the most useful:
500w - 1000w fan heater: amzn.to/2CfxilS
Electric cable reel: amzn.to/2nVNFQq
13A domestic socket - 16A plug adapter: amzn.to/2nV2pyW
4-gang trailing socket: amzn.to/2nV0dr2
12 car socket/USB adapter: amzn.to/2G8p0ys
Head torch: amzn.to/2EnGwyb
Milenco Optimate 10 Leisure Battery Charger: amzn.to/2nUDHym
Milenco Internal Thermal Screens: amzn.to/2G8TUqp
Folding plastic crate: amzn.to/2G8qaKk
Milenco Giant Mesh Grip Mat: amzn.to/2G9sFMm
Steamer Pan: amzn.to/2nV3EhA
Camping toaster for gas hob: amzn.to/2nWCPJF
RidgeMonkey XL: amzn.to/2nURO6V
These are UK affiliate links (except Gaslow) which means I will earn a modest commission on any purchases you make when landing into Amazon by using these links, regardless of what product(s) you end up buying.
Hi Andrew your so honest and practical. love watching you both.
Hello Andrew! Another very interesting video! Because my wife and I doesn’t have a caravan until now, we can learn many things! Thank you!
Brilliant vlog, Andrew. And oh so useful for me as I transition from caravan to campervan. Love the presentation and the easy to follow advice and product recommendations. Keep 'em coming! Phil
Just watched your video again, having had my van converted, and realised I had used at least 7 of your recommendations. Many thanks for making this and passing on such excellent advice.
The benefits of hindsight beforehand! Great advice, will be following!
Good info Andrew. Just to say I also have a 12v charger that allows me to charge my Mac Book pro from the 12v supply. Useful if you need to charge the computer either on the move or off grid. Keep up the good work..Cheers.
Andrew, so much good information. I really like the kitchen recommendations. Also that power cord with all the plugs. We use those around the house all the time as it's an old house with not nearly enough wall sockets per room.
Cheers.
just starting on the road to getting a camper van, this has helped, thank you
A great vlog Andrew. We are first time motorhomers and really appreciate your advice.
Thanks Andrew for the handy tips.
Excellent as always
Thank you for taking the time to create this video Andrew. In little more than a month we (two of us) are embarking on our first Motorhome holiday! I once took a fan heater whilst camping as I’d paid for electric hook up and it was the best idea ever. Whilst we spent the night warm and toastie, my brother and his wife in their tent on the neighbouring pitch half froze to death 😂. Great ideas here for ‘first timers’ to learn from. I’ll be subscribing now. Many thanks. Ps. Loved Dougall.
Thank you, very usefull comments. Keep on rollin'
Thanks Andrew, there all on my bucket list
Excellent review, as always. Ups and downs are made clear to the viewer. Perfect. Peter
Great round-up of van essentials! In the States, when we park in a friend's driveway and use their utilities we call that moochdocking :)
Moochdocking lol I like that :D Better than roughing it by Boondocking ;) Here in the UK, if you like camping in a tent but don't like being away from the heating, electricity or proper cooking facilities, we call it Glamping :/
Thanks Andrew,we’re doing the NC500 in June,watched and listened as we’re Newbies to camping,👍👍
Thank you Andrew. Also a first - timer, just me and the dog, I really appreciate the advice. Not sure I will be venturing out in the winter just yet though! Lots of your stuff is already around the house - just never would have associated the items with the 'van.
Great Ideas on multiple heating sources. and cooking.
I love the expression on the dog's face 😀
Thanks Andrew ... very helpful and informative.
Hello Andrew great video again
HAPPY Valentine's both.
Great tips, Andrew!
Hi Andrew & Dougal, what a great video! I especially like the plug adapter as we're hoping to have our caravan at home soon and this will be super useful to hook the van up if we need it running at home for any reason. 😀🚐
Thanks for the tips Andrew. Happy Valentine's day to you and Dougal. . Just finished making chocolate covered strawberries for a treat after shrimp primavera tonight. Happy trails .
annette fournier
.
As someone who has used tenst and caravans for a long time but now faced with this ENORMOUS motor home I find these videos immensely helpful and re-assuring. Keep up the good work. I might even venture out into the snow in mine...
Glad it was helpful!
Extremely useful, Andrew. Many thanks!
Have caravan and been using it for many years. Last year I discovered packing cubes for suitcases. They are great for touring as well! Pack your clothes in them and carry out to van, they sit on the shelves and you literally just take what you need and the zip them back up 😀👏
Top tip, thanks for sharing!
Andrew, Thanks for that. Even though we have many of the accessories you talked about, there are a few that I have noted to get: fan heater; grip mats; fancy toaster because the grill in our Kontiki 669 is wimpish; and the RidgeMonkey XL.
Thanks again, Don
Happy Valentine's Day Andrew and Dougal.
Thanks again Andrew. Your videos encourage me to go rent a camper and explore more of Scotlands beauty which is not accessible without a mobile home on wheels. Once everything is Corona-free that is.
You little pearler thank you for your knowledge
Just to mention I fitted a diesel heater to my sprinter this year.
It's been fantastic, just a cheap Chinese 2kw one. Uses a tiny amount of diesel which it draws from the vans own tank.
Gas bottles are now only used for cooker and shower , so 3.9 kg bott will now last a year.
No more worrying about running out of gas or changing bottles👍👍
I'd add to your list a collapsible water hose on a reel and a range of screw-on tap adaptors, but take a water carrier too. And yes, we soon learnt about the importance of that second battery when we started the camper-van game with a VW 30 years ago. Good video!
Absolutely Clifford. I did take a jerry can and a hose, but thanks for the reminder for other folks!
Hi Andrew, You make the best vlogs out there! Going through each item at a time, the pros & cons, its fantastic.
Really that kind of van is better levt in the yard till spring, its not really a 4-season camping ready. It most likely not insulate enough.
The cooking info fabulous, but you're really what makes these vlogs so great Andrew, red & black plaid shirt,...
Its a special time viewing all the on going adventures of you & Dougal!😍😘👬🔝🇺🇸🇬🇧
Cheers Bob!
Bob Fitzpatrick Kll,in
Oh and I forgot to mention, most important thing is toilet paper it gets used for everything. One thing one learns about mobile living is just how much rubbish (plastic packaging) one actually consumes, with shopping I unpack it all at supermarket and leave the boxes and plastic behind in bin.
you're so right... so many talks about plastic this and plastic that and we go to the supermarket and when getting home it's a ton of plastic to throw away... many things to improve in this world of ours
Shame you can't recycle it all
Thanks again Andrew for another thought provoking video
(Shameless plug....I trained and can install refillable GasIT tanks and cylinders in the Chester and North Wales area
They can be had with remote gauges too)
I use my domestic adapter as a reminder when on a campsite that I plugged in on EHU by putting it through the steering wheel
Cheers Steve! Love that tip :)
Excellent as always Andrew. Those foldable crates look really handy.
Nice one.........atb Andy. 👍👍
For my next campervan I prefer to have no gas, but use diesel heating, induction cooking and compressor fridge, offcourse with extra battery and solar. Now I use 2 LPG bottles (about 43l gas in total) with auto switch and crash sensor which can be filled from the outside. Only reason to open up the compartment is to check the levels, but during winter I tend to fill up from time to time anyway. An isolation blanket on the rear doors certainly is a must during winter!
I go geocaching quite often, sometimes there is a lot of mud on the parking spot, but never came close to needing grip mats. Choose your spot carefull and use the traction control button (I don't know whether yours had that option), it works very good in those circumstances. While travelling we have 2 Newfoundlands with us, so I make sure they don't get to dirty and thus those spots are safer to park on. Maybe your Nissan towing a caravan makes that a whole different story.
For some years I try to make sure all portable devices I buy for use while travelling are chargable using usb or 12V (only the plug for the campergps is 12V, but it also includes the receiver for the camera on the trailer). Phones, tablet, chromebook are mostly charged while driving.
Thx.good info.
Bernie in San Francisco
Great list,,,,one I never thought of is the electric heater, just in case the inhouse furnace malfunctios,,,,,great idea! I have a plug strip that is also a surge protector that has a weatherproof cover, it's wonderful to have, if you need another outlet. I use it often to vacuum the car, hang lights outside, etc. Another must have is a solar phone charger, I place it on the dash while driving, and it holds the charge until you need it,,,,great for boondocking! Thanks for sharing your expertise with us! I am soooo thankful!
Lovely video Andrew about comparing a caravan and campervan. Keep up the good work. Got a caravan myself not used it yet though.
Just ordered by electric cable reel via the link provided - commission very well earned! helpful Vid Andrew. Many thanks.
Cheers Paul!
You are a brave man going off grid in Scotland in the winter! Thanks for your useful insights.
Thanks for watching!
Great Tips Thanks Andrew
Thanks for sharing these tips
When we spent a winter in Scotland in our van last year we left our fridge switched off, just opened the door at night...it was colder in the van than in the fridge anyways and we so didn't use any electricity :)
Love your vlogs,doogle is adorable, congrats on your retirement, I'm in Tennessee in the USA, I love Europe it's beautiful thank you I live in east Tennessee in the mountains, your vlogs allow me to see places I would never see, again thanks
Aww, thanks Joyce.
Always a good idea to have an electric heater with you in cold weather. If you have access to shore power, use that instead of burning LP.
I am astonished that you didn’t learn these requirements/desirables/mandatories before you started. But, I do appreciate that you are sharing your journey and discoveries.
Thank you for your reply, we have followed some of your blogs/videos since being made aware of them. We hired a 6 berth motorhome for two weeks with our Labrador late February early March going via fishgard to rosslare in Ireland. We had a good first week finding our feet, until the beast from the east snowed us in for 5 days. We sheltered outside a family members home which was empty but a terrifying experience. Best wishes Kate and David Gardner
Cheers Kate and David. Do you think you'll be tempted to try again?
I'm new to motorhomes, this is such good advice. What do 219 viewers find that it warrants Thumbs down? Thanks
Great video. Looking at gaslow or similar when we upgrade to go full time touring.
Great video! Some excellent tips too! We couldn’t be without our Ridge Monkey’s now 😁 tyre tracks are amazing, I use them on my car and we’ve literally been discussing this week (must be something about Harris and Lewis) about getting some for the van, so we’ll definitely check those out!
Our heating system works off the vehicle diesel tank. I would highly recommend this system.
I love the way you said Crrrrrumpets! 💙💙💙
Cheers.. will be getting a fold down basket for carry dishes to the camp kitchen 👌
Brilliant advice.
In our VW T5 the extras I have installed. 130w solar panel but would go for 250 w with mppt contoller which can be monitored on smart phone ie power in and out. A 7 amp charger again linked to phone (made by Victron) . Diesel heater. But also take 500 w convector (quiet at nights ) heater which at night keeps the chill off down to zero C with the roof down when on power hook up. Reversing camera a must!
If you go to France and the temperature is above 36 C you have a new set of problems. Solar output falls fridge cycle times go up to running constant. Compressor fridges are better at high temperatures but I have fitted a temp sensor to the fridge which turns a fan on to remove the build up of heat. Power lead converter to French plug. Keep up the good work. France is geared up to campers and motorhomes with all the aires etc
I'm sure you already know this however some may not. If you are using an electric cable extension reel or adding a cable reel to your existing electric cable hook up - always reel out the full length of electrical cable - don't leave any electrical cable rolled up on your electrical cable reel. The reason for this is that the electrical cable left on the reel can heat up, melt and short out causing your electrical hook up cable to fail. Safe camping all.
Excellent point! Remiss of me not to mention that.
Thanks..as my late husband would say " I am just not technical". Taking off on my own soon appreciate the tips. I wouldn't of known this.
Excellent tip. Bothers me when i camp near people who have an extension socket with builtin reel and don't fully unravel it. Rather than appear as a bossy know-it-all by pointing out their error i prefer to build a reinforced heat resistant 10 ft high brick wall between us instead.
well said Sapper, trust an ex Royal Engineer to know about the safety side of things. Hope we meet up on our respective trails. Ubique
Wishwader I learned that from in boarding schools in the50s , we had a spool, used for a 16 mm sound projector,,smelled something, We could NOT TOUCH THAT SPOOL IT EAS SO HOT, so after that, uncoil that 80 foot spool, never happened again !, I realize this is a year ago, but Cheers from NJ, USA
Thanks a million Andrew!! Very useful video!
Thanks for watching.
Niphan plug lead with a car elect socket attached. This plugs into a couple of niphan sockets we have fitted. We then can plug in a double 12V /USB extension
Brilliant ideas thanks for the info.
I agree with the gas, fitting a under board generator is a must that can be used for powering the heat and battery. Also the AC when abroad where the mains power often trips or when using an aire . There are even heating and cooking systems that can run off the diesel tank. If you have these type of systems the only thing you need is water.
Thank you soooooo much for your amazing tips!!! This was an excellent helpful video!!!! 👍🏻😁
Brilliant video, useful information and the delivery spot on ..
Many thanks!
thank you for all these tips
Great video Andrew, great video highlighting the essentials. The Sun Living by Adria V60SP is a great panel van.
TMC Motorhomes
Love this so informative thank you... we have just purchased our first camper van. We are going for an omnia Swedish oven as read lots of fab reviews and you can use for baking too . Can’t wait to start our adventures
Glad it was helpful!
Well done! A nice selection of practical and useful item. Your video was informative and I liked your straightforward style. Happy trails to you.
Thank you very much!
Thanks for a bit of knowledge.
😁 that's so good! thank you 🙏 i was looking for an entertaining channel that simply shares knowledge in a personable way without reality TV elements ❤️
Great tips. Only problem with reels is many leave the wound in use without checking them coiled amp rating. Incorrectly rated cable can heat up and even catch fire. Always unwind or check the coiled rating. Thumbs up.
Love your videos
They very good indeed
Wishing you both safe travels home 😊🐕🚐☀️🙏🌍👍☕️🌟🍷
great video Mr. Andrew. Thank you
You are very welcome
Some great recommendations. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed!
We bought an instant pot pressure cooker for our camper and find that's great for saving gas, space and time. Sautes and cooks a stew in around 25 minutes. Uses less than 800w. Hardly dents the leisure battery at all. (Needs an inverter ofc)
Excellent idea! Cheers :)
Another great video! Thanks!
Thanks Andrew, super useful
Glad it was helpful!
Mann thanks Andrew....I made a list of your suggestions. Very informative.
I use 2xcollapsable buckets in my van to do washing clothes and pots and pans and to even out the weight also use it to get water out of fresh water streams to help clean van ,rinsing clothes. Grip pads get lenght of parachute line and tie the grip pads to the van,when you drive off mud etc the pads follow you onto dry ground and saves a walk back to pick them up. In order to save van battery power I use stick to the walls battery led lights instead of using the van lights, it gives enough light to aim proprly and find toilet roll but dosen't wake others and 3AAA batteries will last about 3months. While wild camping the first thing to fill up is the toilet cassette and most of it is water from flushing,when just having a wee dilute thetford pink flush addative and fill a spray bottle and instead of a full flush of water you quickly spray the bowl with fragrant toilet addative just rinse bowl as my toilet uses main water tank it saves my fresh water.Remember with a cable reel to completely unroll the cable as if left rolled up it can get very hot and become a fire risk. If using UK sized cables it is not really a problem but some cheaper EU cables can catch fire.With all types of adapters you can make your own, screfix sells male and female blue connectors for a couple of quid each.If you are wild camping park your vehicle so that in case of emergency it is easy to "escape" also don't use outside screens as this meansd you have to exit the vehicle to escape. Also a very easy security device when wild camping is to use a chain or webbing to thread through the door handles in the front of van it will stop the doors being forced open ,if using webbing attach a set of plastic clips from an old rucksack etc, we use anold thin chain and a carabineer clip.
When wild camping on the beach after a swim in sea it is nice to have a quick wash to get rid of salt or wash mud off dog,feet etc. In my van the water pump is a drop in the tank stick pump so after a few years I decided to upgrade the old still working one with a newer one.So I added a cigarette plug and a lenght of 12 volt cable and some hose pipe to the old pump so I have a 12 volt shower, together with a collapsable bucket I have a cheap and effective shower and I still have my replacementpump in case of emergencies.
Having an older van and just as old 3 way fridge I have found over many years that the fridge allways breaks down when you need it the most and even when finding a repair centre, they have not had the parts for an old fridge.The main things to go on these 3in one fridges are the thermostat,electric heater and the gas burner. Buy them before you go and when they break down in spain or some hot and the mechanic says "no parts sorry" you can wave the bits at him and bingo the beer stays cold. These bits are quite cheap and donot take up a lot of space.Finally before you go abroad with your van don't forget 2 pin adapter for the mains and if using refillable gas you will need the multi pack of adapters.
Hope this is of help to some one
Some really useful info there Paul, thanks a lot!
Nice vlog thx for uploading. The cubic mini wood stove from Canada could solve your heating & cooking needs. So cheap to run too!
I'd LOVE a wood stove...
And lastly a recommended pepper spray, You never know who's about when your off grid camping, A must have these days!!! I ware mine around my neck so I'm always ready when outside changing gas in the dark!!! Happy camping!!🤔🇬🇧👍
As someone who is looking into maybe getting an older camper van / motor home (something like a early 90s Hymer) this video is excellent and full of good ideas. I am really surprised your van only came with 1 240v socket and 1 USB socket though!! Unusual for something so expensive!!
very good, some tips that we will use.....
WOW - a vid from 2018 and still super useful. I'm a little late to the party but subbed for your latest vids..
Better late than never! Welcome aboard.
Dream vw t25 camper with a 80s looks with a gaming laptop that's my dream
Hi Andrew
Thanks for another informative and entertaining video. We took delivery of our new van (a Globecar) a couple of weeks ago and it’s good to know that we have everything that you mention already included in our spec. Except for the toaster, but that will be on its way soon...!
Andy
Nice one! Enjoy the Globecar - lovely van! :)
nice share learned something helpful
Great tips taken on board from a newbie.
Good tips. In our first year of campervan ownership - collected it last December and started getting out late April when lockdown eased. The grip plates I don't have so that should go on the list. I'm so pleased my first order fell through and I ended up buying a different model (same manufacturer) from a different dealer because it meant we ended up with a Truma Combi 6D boiler and heating - electric off a hookup or diesel power straight from the vehicles tank (or both together). Gas use is not an issue - 2 burner hob with a 3.9Kg propane is going to last ages - and the heating is very powerful. I did sleep in the 'van on my driveway in January (just for the sake of it) and using just the diesel to heat it stayed a cosy 20C even though it got to -2C. Add the option to also have electric going and it should be pretty good at even lower temperature but I think the idea of having a fan heater as a backup is great and I'll pull the pone out of our 'clamping' kit.
Great real life experience - very useful to know. All the best.
The george forman grill is the best, I've been using it for along time,its great a easy to clean.
Problem arises when you add the beans.
been using the ridge monkey for years in my carp fishing days , still use it in my truck
Thanks Andrew, always good Vids Cheers !
Thank you for this!!! Deffo buying some bits mentioned in the video for me & Hubs 🙏🏽
No problem!!
Fab update! We have an electric steamer and slow cooker for when we’re away but we never go off grid so always have electric connection. We also invested in 2 inductions hobs which now replace the need to use the hob anymore - another good gas saving!
How do you afford to not go off grid?
Re-gas change over valve, auto is nice however a manual 3 way gas valve is another option. Looking at your gas locker you can purchase a Crivit little push button light, from Lidl that easily fits into to your cupboard and is lightweight enough to be hung from a self adhesive hook, unless you want something really mega-bright.
I travel by car and hotel and I have 3 strip plugs with surge protection. They rarely have plugs where we need them. And a 6 USB Socket charger, because of all the phones, watches and tablets we have. And we've outfitted the car with 4 USB sockets in front and 2 in the back seat. And we have a converter/ plug so my son can plug in his laptop while in the car. Yes, it was designed for computers and game machines.
There are so many electronics that we use these days. It's crazy making.
Bought, through your link, the gas hob toaster, great thanks
Thank you Graham!