First Purchases

nickdrums · Jun 16, 2017

Hi all,

I am waiting on my new Cali and want to get the basics for our first few nights before I collect it, as we are going away for an off-grid night the very next day. Here's my current list - given that I only want to get the essentials and then live with it a bit, would anyone suggest any other essentials, or cross anything off my list?

I don't want to get cooking stuff yet - just enough for breakfast and making a packed lunch.

Cutlery
Plastic plates
Plastic glasses
Plastic mugs
Plastic boxes for tea bags etc.
Porta potti
Duvet
Level ups
Gas bottle
Water tank filler
Whistling kettle (already have)
Electric hookup cable (already have)

Thanks! Nick.

Seaside Sussex · Jun 16, 2017

I use ziplock bags for tea bags etc, can then squash into gaps which helps with rattles.

We've not bothered with a water tank filler, use a garden hose instead. Bear in mind, this causes a lot of debate on the forum!

Re level-ups, again not had the need to use these as yet, though I know some think they are essential.

Enjoy getting to know your Cali!

Annik · Jun 16, 2017

Avoid plastic cups and plates, bamboo is the way to go. Have you checked out the club shop for the bits you need?

Kmann · Jun 16, 2017

The list could be long, despite you want to start easy ;-)

Flashlight
Solar driven lights for the awning (IKEA) - or other lights for outside use.
Carpet or mat for outside
Small Broom
Collapsable washingbowl, brush and soap (Consider a collapsable kettle to (Outwell))
Wine opener and cooler
Chemistry and paper for the Porta Potti (We never used ours, so it's for sale again)
Grill/barbeque
Moskitonet for the sliding door
Sides for awning
Topper
Blanket + pillows for downstairs
We declined the plastic and went for porcelain and glass (IKEA)
Bin
Drying line

Well guess I could go on … maybe you can use some ;-)

Congrats with your new home and have fun! Maybe you will post some pictures?

Moakesy · Jun 16, 2017

A few more bits and bobs...

Matches / piezo lighter
Bin liners for the bin
Tin foil / food wrap
Kitchen Knife
Kitchen Roll
Washing up liquid

Meoncoast · Jun 16, 2017

I believe it is too easy to over think this. for example split it into lists that meet your

food and eating
sleeping bedding
entertainment
daily life - clothing
storage

Seaview · Jun 16, 2017

We have never found a need for level ups, they now live in the garage.

Some type of rectangular boxes that you can keep items contained within inside the kitchen cupboards. We use one for our cups, plates, bowls and another for things like coffee, tea, spices etc etc. Much easier to pull one of these out instead of reaching into the cupboard.

hirsty · Jun 16, 2017

Did yer man not say basics?

I fully support not going nuts in advance, many folks buy a raft of stuff straight away & barely use it later.

We pack & go as light as possible, otherwise you're just a librarian trying to remember what is where & why on an impossibly long manifest.

- Something to eat off & something to take it home in dirty

- Bottled water will do you for the first couple of goes

- Assume an Ocean comes with a full gas bottle & ready to rock?

- The manual, you will need it & should read it all at least once

- Headtorch

- cheapo woven groundsheet from eBay (2x2M, 3x3M ish)

- tent pegs and/or Fiamma tie-down kit for rollout awning (expensive if the wind tries taking it)

- kitchen roll & baby wipes (it *will* get messed up eventually!)

- bin bags

- SpareSafe from club shop

- woolly hat, you'll be outside more than you expect

Perhaps stating the obvious, but some don't initially realise the 240v three-pin mains socket only works whilst hooked up at a site & not in lay-bys or car parks - must've spoilt many a first run-out for a brew!

Have fun.

EddieEagle · Jun 17, 2017

A tray which is fridge lid sized to place mugs, snacks whatever onto so that you can get into fridge easily by moving said tray.

sapto · Jun 17, 2017

Welcome nickdrums
I look forward to see some pictures about your new Cali. As said before it depends from where you come from (tent-camping or AirBnB-ing) and where you're going to: Wild camping or staying at a campesite.

Meoncoast · Jun 17, 2017

tow bar and trailer to put it all in

Granny1 · Jun 17, 2017

Annik said:
Avoid plastic cups and plates, bamboo is the way to go. Have you checked out the club shop for the bits you need?

Sadly all my bamboo has started to peel. Bought it for the grandkids instead of plastic. Good luck with yours.

Hotel California · Jun 17, 2017

For the first trip my advice :
Take what you got allready , take some stuff out you kitchen that you think you'l need .
Load up the fridge , take clothing .
And drive off somewhere nearby for a two nighter...
Imagine yourself @the northpole with no shops nearby..
Take note on what you are missing...
Work from there on ....

Relax and enjoy .
Wait for delivery , read the manual and the forum .
Then plan a trip nearby.