What essential accessories have you since ditched overboard?

[GrumpyGranddad]

After 6 months I removed the bellows bungee today. Decided it’s unnecessary and might do more harm than good? Will keep it in reserve or repurpose it.

 

[altvic]

After 6 months I removed the bellows bungee today. Decided it’s unnecessary and might do more harm than good? Will keep it in reserve or repurpose it.

Took bungee off after rain runs stained the bellows fabric below the bungee. Always careful to look inside the 'tent' when fold is coming inside the diminishing roof void. Have kept in reserve as @GrumpyGranddad has.

 

[Lightning]

I recently brought a bungee after 3 years of managing without, when I noticed by chance on a high curb that the bellows at the back was trapped in the roof. It makes closing the roof on a very windy day easier.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

I recently brought a bungee after 3 years of managing without, when I noticed by chance on a high curb that the bellows at the back was trapped in the roof. It makes closing the roof on a very windy day easier.

Thanks @Lightning, I’ll keep a watchful eye on it.

 

[Cali Phillip]

Mrs B says no. She booked it.

Mind you it was only £46 for two nights.

I assumed it was a C and MH site because it was mainly Cs and MHs and was quite regimented. Lovely site though with every thing tickerty boo. Even the ducks on the pond were all aligned.

There was water and waste disposal available but no toilets, showers or washing up etc.

lAocal c&mh site opne

Mrs B says no. She booked it.

Mind you it was only £46 for two nights.

I assumed it was a C and MH site because it was mainly Cs and MHs and was quite regimented. Lovely site though with every thing tickerty boo. Even the ducks on the pond were all aligned.

There was water and waste disposal available but no toilets, showers or washing up etc.

A c&mh site I often use opened last year with the same set up, no toilets, showers or hot water, hot water being the key point there at least I gathered as its a huge part of the site overhead costs to produce.
Guess there's supply and demand.

 

[Borris]

A c&mh site I often use opened last year with the same set up, no toilets, showers or hot water, hot water being the key point there at least I gathered as its a huge part of the site overhead costs to produce.
Guess there's supply and demand.

See post #104. I made a mistake. Mrs B tells me that the Winchcombe site we stayed at was a Camping and Caravan Club site not a C & MH. Never the less it was pretty well full so was probably generating more than enough income to cover those overheads. Perhaps it was down to lack of available staff to service the facilities?

 

[Cali Phillip]

See post #104. I made a mistake. Mrs B tells me that the Winchcombe site we stayed at was a Camping and Caravan Club site not a C & MH. Never the less it was pretty well full so was probably generating more than enough income to cover those overheads. Perhaps it was down to lack of available staff to service the facilities?

Well I ended up wild camping, got solar panels so don't need the power, only would be there from 6pm -7am for one night, no facility and £16. At the best of times not keen on being in rows of vans in a field, can feel like battery hens of old.

 

[Borris]

Well I ended up wild camping, got solar panels so don't need the power, only would be there from 6pm -7am for one night, no facility and £16. At the best of times not keen on being in rows of vans in a field, can feel like battery hens of old.

I agree. We'd much rather be self sufficient, all alone in the corner of an empty grass field. Having said that, whilst we also wild camp occasionally, it is always nice to have all the usual facilities available especially the hot showers. Accordingly, in previous tours we have mixed wild camping with stays on good sites. The C and MH sites usually do have great facilities as do the C and C sites.

Re your "battery hens" comment, I agree but I think it depends on the site. Some sites do pack you in like "battery hens" but others are better designed.

I'm afraid to admit that since we've been venturing out as the covid restrictions ease, the self contained motor home concept has been growing on me. This has been mainly due to the lack of usual facilities. We have even had a look at a couple! However you'll be pleased to know that we have concluded that we haven't reached that stage yet. So unless things change we've decided to shove the MH thing on the back burner for the next few years.

 

[Cali Phillip]

I agree. We'd much rather be self sufficient, all alone in the corner of an empty grass field. Having said that, whilst we also wild camp occasionally, it is always nice to have all the usual facilities available especially the hot showers. Accordingly, in previous tours we have mixed wild camping with stays on good sites. The C and MH sites usually do have great facilities as to the C and C sites.

Re your battery hens comment, I agree but I think it depends on the site. Some sites do pack you in like "battery hens" but others are better designed.

I'm afraid to admit that since we've been venturing out as the covid restrictions ease, the self contained motor home concept has been growing on me. This has been mainly due to the lack of usual facilities. We have even had a look at a couple! However you'll be pleased to know that we have concluded that we haven't reached that stage yet. So unless things change we've decided to shove the MH thing on the back burner for the next few years.

Indeed, basic site are good for us, one we used to camp at in the lakes, toilet block with cold water and a coin operated shower, still £12 for 2 was £10 in 1995.
Before I bought the cali we had a smaller van and I looked at many larger options which were available for the money.
It needed to be a quality robust base vehicle, good to drive, reasonably economical on fuel 40+ ideally, low running costs, easy to access places.
It's used for work and pleasure all year round mostly climbing and walking trips mostly weekends.
We don't spend a lot of time in the van, only evenings and bad weather days, so the cali is very flexible with the 335 and there are many options for showers but happy with a basic wash.
Its not as if we are dressing for the dinner in the restaurant !

 

[Wildcamper]

I agree. We'd much rather be self sufficient, all alone in the corner of an empty grass field. Having said that, whilst we also wild camp occasionally, it is always nice to have all the usual facilities available especially the hot showers. Accordingly, in previous tours we have mixed wild camping with stays on good sites. The C and MH sites usually do have great facilities as to the C and C sites.

Re your battery hens comment, I agree but I think it depends on the site. Some sites do pack you in like "battery hens" but others are better designed.

I'm afraid to admit that since we've been venturing out as the covid restrictions ease, the self contained motor home concept has been growing on me. This has been mainly due to the lack of usual facilities. We have even had a look at a couple! However you'll be pleased to know that we have concluded that we haven't reached that stage yet. So unless things change we've decided to shove the MH thing on the back burner for the next few years.

In our opinion we have achieved the best of both worlds. In our LWB T6 conversion we have toilet, hot water and shower - the shower being out the back of the van using an extended shower hose into a shower tent. Has worked very well in these troubled times. Happy as Larry!

 

[WelshGas]

I agree. We'd much rather be self sufficient, all alone in the corner of an empty grass field. Having said that, whilst we also wild camp occasionally, it is always nice to have all the usual facilities available especially the hot showers. Accordingly, in previous tours we have mixed wild camping with stays on good sites. The C and MH sites usually do have great facilities as to the C and C sites.

Re your battery hens comment, I agree but I think it depends on the site. Some sites do pack you in like "battery hens" but others are better designed.

I'm afraid to admit that since we've been venturing out as the covid restrictions ease, the self contained motor home concept has been growing on me. This has been mainly due to the lack of usual facilities. We have even had a look at a couple! However you'll be pleased to know that we have concluded that we haven't reached that stage yet. So unless things change we've decided to shove the MH thing on the back burner for the next few years.

Have you tried the CL/CS sites licenced BT the C&C/C&MH clubs. Many now have toilet and showers available and with only 5 pitches easier to manage.

 

[Wildcamper]

Have you tried the CL/CS sites licenced BT the C&C/C&MH clubs. Many now have toilet and showers available and with only 5 pitches easier to manage.

Have noticed a trend with CLs and CSs in that owners are using what looks like a loophole in the "only 5 units" criteria. One CL had 18 units on, all on EHU, and others way more than 5. When I asked the owners I got a similar story. In one case he split up the field into 5 unit sections and said "that one over there is the CL, the others are a separate businesses". Another said the 5 unit was only a guideline. You get the idea. In some ways I don't blame the owners after the torrid year they must have had. Bottom line, don't be surprised if you go to a CL and find more than 5 units there - all using the original facilities if any.

 

[Borris]

Have you tried the CL/CS sites licenced BT the C&C/C&MH clubs. Many now have toilet and showers available and with only 5 pitches easier to manage.

Not since covid but now that things might be easing that is our plan for this summer and onwards. We are planning a couple of nights every other week as well as longer tours. I might even get around to fitting solar to placate Mrs B who doesn't like not having an electric hook up.

 

[Velma's Dad]

We stayed at a C&C CL this week. We were the only ones there and had been told in advance that we would be... however the shower (single unit) was closed nevertheless. Not really a problem as we were only there one night, but a teeny bit lazy, I thought. Hrrumph.

 

[jimmywease]

Because if you have condensation then you have inadequate ventilation. Using an insulated cover to reduce the condensation without addressing ventilation just moves any condensation to the next coldest area, normally body panels behind the body trim or kitchen/wardrobe in a SE/Ocean. It doesn't get rid of it within the vehicle. Only ventilation does that or running a Dehumidifier. It's just Physics.

I’m not sure that is correct. Condensation forms when moist air comes into contact with a cold surface. If there is no cold surface, doesn’t the water vapour remain in the air?

Eg:
It’s a mild evening and we’re in the van, watching Netflix and I pluck a beer from the fridge. While I’m sipping on my beverage, condensation droplets forms on the can and drip onto the duvet, drawing a look of disdain from Mrs Wease.
Could I argue that my beer was merely reducing condensation from elsewhere in the van?
Sadly not - Mrs Wease is highly educated and will point out that there is not one drop of condensation elsewhere in the van and only the introduction of my gratuitous beverage has caused this outrage!

 

[WelshGas]

I’m not sure that is correct. Condensation forms when moist air comes into contact with a cold surface. If there is no cold surface, doesn’t the water vapour remain in the air?

Eg:
It’s a mild evening and we’re in the van, watching Netflix and I pluck a beer from the fridge. While I’m sipping on my beverage, condensation droplets forms on the can and drip onto the duvet, drawing a look of disdain from Mrs Wease.
Could I argue that my beer was merely reducing condensation from elsewhere in the van?
Sadly not - Mrs Wease is highly educated and will point out that there is not one drop of condensation elsewhere in the van and only the introduction of my gratuitous beverage has caused this outrage!

The van structure is at the ambient temperature as is the air within. The amount of water held in the air is related to the ambient temperature. Introduce an object into that environment that is colder than ambient will lower the temperature of the air in its vicinity. The colder air cannot support so much water vapour which therefore condenses on the colder surface. As that colder surface warms up to ambient temperature then the water vaporises. Warm, dry can when you have finished the contents.
In a van, at night with inadequate ventilation, as the ambient temperature drops the van structure cools. But, you have X bodies sleeping and breathing out air at 37c which is fully saturated with water vapour. This warm, wet air comes into contact with colder surfaces of the van and so the air cools, cannot hold so much water vapour in suspension so the water condenses into liquid water on the cold surfaces.
The large, single glazed, windscreen is the largest highly visible colder surface, but condensate forms on all cold surfaces, visible or not.
Insulating the windscreen with a cover, internal or external, to reduce condensation, Without increasing the ventilation, will just increase the level of condensation elsewhere within the vehicle, where you can't easily see it.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

Long time since i’ve steamed up the windows

 

[andyinluton]

Whilst its annoying, If anywhere, I would rather have the condensation form on the windscreen where it can easily be wiped dry, than the next common place which is the back of the under sink cupboards.
Water condensing in the cupboards ends up in a puddle at the bottom & isn't easy to wipe up.

 

[Amarillo]

Even in a well ventilation van, put a curtain over the inside of the windscreen and you trap still air between the curtain and windscreen so condensation is more likely to form on the inside of the windscreen.

Remove the curtain, replace with an external cover, and air can circulated over the inside of the windscreen and water vapour escape through any vents in the well ventilated van.

It’s an old WG tale that replacing internal curtains with an external cover has no effect on condensation.

 

[WelshGas]

Even in a well ventilation van, put a curtain over the inside of the windscreen and you trap still air between the curtain and windscreen so condensation is more likely to form on the inside of the windscreen.

Remove the curtain, replace with an external cover, and air can circulated over the inside of the windscreen and water vapour escape through any vents in the well ventilated van.

It’s an old WG tale that replacing internal curtains with an external cover has no effect on condensation.

Incorrect, as usual.
I use the internal blinds only, and never have condensation on the windscreen. All down to adequate ventilation with or without the Parking Heater on.
You do what you want with your external cover. I have some suggestions.
My whole point is that if you have adequate ventilation to cope with the number of occupants it doesn’t matter if you use, internal, external or nothing on the windscreen then you will have very little if any condensation.
Ventilation is the key.
Using an external cover to prevent condensation is a mistake and only prevents it on the windscreen, not elsewhere.

 

[Calimili]

The water /vapor/humidity is in the van if you sleep/cook inside. Either in the air if warm enough or deposited on colder surfaces or fabric. If doesn't matter how much you heat or insulate the van, the amount of H2O present will not vanish. To get rid of it you either collect it with a dehumidifier and dispose of it, or if the humidity outside the van is lower than in the van, you let the air bring the humidity outside through ventilation.

 

[Amarillo]

Incorrect, as usual.
I use the internal blinds only, and never have condensation on the windscreen. All down to adequate ventilation with or without the Parking Heater on.
You do what you want with your external cover. I have some suggestions.
My whole point is that if you have adequate ventilation to cope with the number of occupants it doesn’t matter if you use, internal, external or nothing on the windscreen then you will have very little if any condensation.
Ventilation is the key.
Using an external cover to prevent condensation is a mistake and only prevents it on the windscreen, not elsewhere.

And you have already posted that you do not fix the windscreen curtain in place, just let it hang vertically. That has the effect of {drum roll} allowing air to circulate across the inside of the windscreen.

The beading on the bottom of the windscreen curtain is designed to tuck into the void between windscreen and dashboard (T6 and I think T5).

No one is saying that good ventilation doesn’t decrease condensation: it does. Replacing a curtain on the windscreen with an external cover decreased condensation on the windscreen. Deny it all you like but it does.

 

[Lambeth Cali]

When I wake up in the roof in the morning there are always droplets of water on the screws which are for the roof net.
Four of us sleep in the van. I’ve never noticed much condensation elsewhere but then maybe I’m not looking.

 

[jimmywease]

The van structure is at the ambient temperature as is the air within. The amount of water held in the air is related to the ambient temperature. Introduce an object into that environment that is colder than ambient will lower the temperature of the air in its vicinity. The colder air cannot support so much water vapour which therefore condenses on the colder surface. As that colder surface warms up to ambient temperature then the water vaporises. Warm, dry can when you have finished the contents.
In a van, at night with inadequate ventilation, as the ambient temperature drops the van structure cools. But, you have X bodies sleeping and breathing out air at 37c which is fully saturated with water vapour. This warm, wet air comes into contact with colder surfaces of the van and so the air cools, cannot hold so much water vapour in suspension so the water condenses into liquid water on the cold surfaces.
The large, single glazed, windscreen is the largest highly visible colder surface, but condensate forms on all cold surfaces, visible or not.
Insulating the windscreen with a cover, internal or external, to reduce condensation, Without increasing the ventilation, will just increase the level of condensation elsewhere within the vehicle, where you can't easily see it.

Oh dear - I only just got back from work and this exciting condensation discussion has descended into squabbling (in later posts)!

My beer can example was to illustrate the point that the introduction of a cold surface causes and collects condensation. I would think that external insulation will keep the inside of the windscreen a little warmer, causing less condensation on the windscreen. This reduction in condensation is not equal to an increase in condensation elsewhere.

Number of bodies, temperature & ventilation do indeed affect humidity and condensation but they aren’t part of my reasoning here. I was purely stating that I disagree with your assertion that condensation avoided at the windscreen then finds elsewhere to condensate.

 

[jimmywease]

When I wake up in the roof in the morning there are always droplets of water on the screws which are for the roof net.
Four of us sleep in the van. I’ve never noticed much condensation elsewhere but then maybe I’m not looking.

I once noticed a line of damp, along the underside of the downstairs comfort mattress, where the mattress had been in contact with the metal bar of the multiflex board. So the condensation must have occurred within the mattress material. This was Ireland though, so almost tropical conditions...