DG1
Having had our Ocean a month now, these are what we find works for us when camping and what we consider essential for our purposes.
Ladder from the shop for access to the upper bed - essential
Portapotti cube - essential
Dunelm foldable grey cube ottoman (as recommended several times on this forum) - fantastic both to disguise the Portapotti but also as a very comfortable foot rest.
Zonesleep topper - essential for the downstairs bed on top of VW "comfort" mattress (after one night of not sleeping very well and waking up aching). However, we find the upstairs bed is OK as it is.
Seat covers - not essential. We decided we want to see the original seat fabric and we were put off by the price of good quality seat covers. At the same time the seats do need protection when camping - the first night I spilled tomato sauce on the driver's seat when eating pasta. The solution we have found, inspired by suggestions on the forum, is to buy three giant size micro towelling towels in charcoal from Mount Warehouse. These go over the horizontal part of the rear seat and over the whole of the front seats when we are camping. The microfibres act like velcro on the seats so the towels stay in place really well. It also means if necessary we have spare towels if required.
Fuel Lagoon Black Out Blind Window Screen Wrap - I think this is much preferable to the built-in blinds, and the Fuel Lagoon one is a very reasonable price at £40 compared to other makes, while also strong and cutting out most of the light. Although this screen cover is not insulated, I have also bought for £12 off Amazon a Beeway insulated windscreen cover that can be fitted under the Fuel Lagoon screen wrap when the weather is cold. This works well and is far cheaper than some of the all in one insulated covers that are available. The two covers fit easily inside the seats in the tailgate for storage.
A 12v cigarette lighter fan - this works really well as an extractor fan when put next to the window while using the gas hob, and should also be of use in the summer when the van gets hot.
Marvel Outdoor Washable Mat from Dunelm - we got this for outside the door after hurting our feet on gravel pitches and getting mud in the van on grass pitches. It is light and can be easily be washed with a hose.
Another thing we found useful is to have loads of cheap dish towels which we put between crockery and glassware in the cupboard to stop it rattling.
And finally having both a collapsible washing up bowl and drainer makes washing up at campsite kitchens a doddle. These collapsible items are a brilliant invention!
Ladder from the shop for access to the upper bed - essential
Portapotti cube - essential
Dunelm foldable grey cube ottoman (as recommended several times on this forum) - fantastic both to disguise the Portapotti but also as a very comfortable foot rest.
Zonesleep topper - essential for the downstairs bed on top of VW "comfort" mattress (after one night of not sleeping very well and waking up aching). However, we find the upstairs bed is OK as it is.
Seat covers - not essential. We decided we want to see the original seat fabric and we were put off by the price of good quality seat covers. At the same time the seats do need protection when camping - the first night I spilled tomato sauce on the driver's seat when eating pasta. The solution we have found, inspired by suggestions on the forum, is to buy three giant size micro towelling towels in charcoal from Mount Warehouse. These go over the horizontal part of the rear seat and over the whole of the front seats when we are camping. The microfibres act like velcro on the seats so the towels stay in place really well. It also means if necessary we have spare towels if required.
Fuel Lagoon Black Out Blind Window Screen Wrap - I think this is much preferable to the built-in blinds, and the Fuel Lagoon one is a very reasonable price at £40 compared to other makes, while also strong and cutting out most of the light. Although this screen cover is not insulated, I have also bought for £12 off Amazon a Beeway insulated windscreen cover that can be fitted under the Fuel Lagoon screen wrap when the weather is cold. This works well and is far cheaper than some of the all in one insulated covers that are available. The two covers fit easily inside the seats in the tailgate for storage.
A 12v cigarette lighter fan - this works really well as an extractor fan when put next to the window while using the gas hob, and should also be of use in the summer when the van gets hot.
Marvel Outdoor Washable Mat from Dunelm - we got this for outside the door after hurting our feet on gravel pitches and getting mud in the van on grass pitches. It is light and can be easily be washed with a hose.
Another thing we found useful is to have loads of cheap dish towels which we put between crockery and glassware in the cupboard to stop it rattling.
And finally having both a collapsible washing up bowl and drainer makes washing up at campsite kitchens a doddle. These collapsible items are a brilliant invention!
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