First journey in new camper‍♀️What are our essentials needed

[Graham T]

Have to agree with all the minimalists. We've just returned from our first outing after collecting our new Coast from LVC. We caught a train from Norfolk so couldn't take loads of stuff. We ended up with one large suitcase and a rucksack containing everything we thought we'd need (plus a few "just in cases") This included EHU cable and a camping stove and after 4 days away we still had more than we needed. We did stop off at Dunelm for bedding but apart from that, @GrannyJen is spot on. See what you miss and make a note for next time, rather trying to cover all your bases in advance. Happy vanning.

 

[Wildcamper]

Re bedding, we've experimented with a few things. This is re sleeping upstairs - with duvets you can get cold coming from underneath and the sides. We had Duvalays for a while - topper and duvet in one. Excellent for comfort and warmth but bulky to roll up and store especially if you want to go pack up and leave quickly. We are currently using a topper from Dunhelm plus two cloud 9 sleeping bags from Alpkit. Super warm and all very comfortable, easier to pack and store than the Duvalays. We use a pup tent rather than an awning for speed of putting up and just as a dump for stuff we don't want in the van while we're in it or using it to go out and about during the day,

We went for a tow bar rack, PF Jones fitted the bar and we have Pro-User SG2 Plus rack. Tilts fully out of the way of the tail gate, must be the Plus version the standard SG2 does not tilt far enough. As only 2 of you forget the awning. Only 2 of us and we found the awning an absolute pain, got rid of ours after 2 outings - such a relief! Looks as if I touched Reply to the wrong person, this is for the originator.

 

[Outanbout]

Did the same, approached the club members for guidance on our first outing.
Took their great advice and went with the basics. Duvets, pillows, towels, washing/showering stuff, a couple of plates and bowls, plus cups, eating utensils, tea bags, all from home, and not forgetting the BOOZE, oh...and buy a cheap small stainless steel (aluminium causes Alzheimer's) whistle kettle.
Had breakfasts and other meals out.

The only difference on the next trip will be the addition of a Duvalay, and van specific bits and pieces, including clothes, all to make getting away easier/quicker/less stressful.

Enjoy, we did!

 

[BeeBee]

Ridge Monkey is a must for us, we carry 2

Very first trial this morning at home with our Ridge monkey, very successful croissants, husband and dog said “bring on the sausages” looking forward to using it on our next trip