Newbie tips needed - setting up camp

[JCinvisible]

Hi folks

We’re on our first trip to Spain in our Cali Ocean and loving it so far. We’ve researched loads and got everything we need but… we’re looking for tips on how to set up quickly and easily. We’ve not managed to get out exploring too much as it’s taking quite a bit of time to get set up and packed up each time. We’re travelling with our 4 year old son. We’d love some tips on how to pack and set up quickly. We know it’s a learning curve so not expecting to get it right first time but keen to learn from others. We watched lots of videos about packing up the van but there doesn’t seem to be much about set up thanks in advance

 

[pchmlk]

Think it depends entirely on what you’re setting up - awning/gazebo/extra tent etc?

 

[Sad]

Keep everything tidy! When you're finished with something, put it away. The whole van can end up a tip in the blink of an eye!

 

[JCinvisible]

Think it depends entirely on what you’re setting up - awning/gazebo/extra tent etc?

We’re just using the van awning for this trip as we wanted minimal set up but perhaps the drive away awning would have let us store things during the day

 

[JCinvisible]

Keep everything tidy! When you're finished with something, put it away. The whole van can end up a tip in the blink of an eye!

I’m realising this

 

[JCinvisible]

I’m realising this

 

[JCinvisible]

Keep everything tidy! When you're finished with something, put it away. The whole van can end up a tip in the blink of an eye!

Sorry dodgy 4G here. Yeah we’re realising this the hard way haha . It’s a big learning curve for us

 

[KevH]

We’re just using the van awning for this trip as we wanted minimal set up but perhaps the drive away awning would have let us store things during the day

If you think it takes ages to set up your Thule awning, a driveway could take much much longer given everything that potentially goes in it.
My advice is keep it simple, you are camping not setting up home.

 

[scottk]

When we arrive on site, pop the roof and activate camping mode. My wife puts the screens on the windows, turns the seats and makes the bed. I wind out the awning, put up camping table with BBQ, seats out and hook up if we have it. That’s about it.
Takes about 15-20 mins using wind out awning or about 40 with the drive away awning.

 

[Kev56]

I’m no long term pro. Park up, erect pop up tent and put anything not needed straight away in it, wind out awning, crack a beer and chill for a few minutes.

 

[JuanVecino2023]

We’re just using the van awning for this trip as we wanted minimal set up but perhaps the drive away awning would have let us store things during the day

In my experience with a 5 year old, a drive away is a bit of a time-consuming faff to set up.

I tried a few, then settled on the Quechua Arepnaz shelter as the ideal compromise (after seeing people recommend them on here). It is quick to set up, packs smaller than a drive away and is affordable.

Was a great dressing room/day storage for car seats etc/break out room for my daughter.

I will be listing mine shortly as the van has sold!

DM me for any other family set up tips, the pain is real!