Please help me stock my new camper van

[HerrenaHarridan]

New... Ha ha ha!

Actually it's a 1988 bedford rascal m.flickr.com/#/photos/45676495@N05/8518321401/ so is far from new.

But it is my new baby and once I pass my bloody stupid test (hopefully in 2 weeks on attempt 3!) I want to take my dd 17mo off adventuring in it.

So wise, kind patient mnetters.
What should I make sure I have and what should I not bother with?

So far I'm thinking;

A duvet folded in half for dds cab bed. A wee pillow and her favourite blanket.
Portable speakers to play her bedtime music (and not tan battery)
A selection of small toys and books
Clothes
Disposable nappies

Wee pan and frying pan
Plastic plates and cutlery
Utensils
Herbs, salt, oil

Head torch ( if I can find it )
Waterproof and good boots (am in Scotland)
Book (for after bedtime)

But that's obviously far from comprehensive and I'm having a brain fart

[pigglepaggle]

Years ago me and dh nearly bought a bedford rascal as we used to have a weekend hobby and it would have been ideal for a base.

I would add to your list cool box and the thingys that go inside. I know some camp sites will freeze them overnight for you.
Tupperware storage containers for food
Captains log book/diary to write about your adventures.

Good luck with your test

[Daisybell1]

How about a picnic plate set - melamine or plastic so fine for dd. Foil backed picnic rug is very useful.

where in Scotland are you? dd (22mo) are in Cumbria if you fancy some vamping (vintage camping) meetups

[Mum2Fergus]

Ooh, how exciting! I bought a Mazda Bongo this time last year and had a fab time stocking it (not so fab in Feb when I had to sell it all to get the last of my house deposit together, but that's another story lol...)

What's your power source? I had a leisure battery installed that ran all my internal electrics (radio, blinds, 12v sockets) so never had to worry about battery being flat! I had an inverter too which converted the 12v to allow normal plugs to be plugged in, handy for phone chargers, kettle, toaster and the coolbox.

Crockery, cutlery etc-I stocked up on disposable stuff, life's too short for washing up unless absolutely necessary lol I'd a wee 2 ring gas stove and invested in a Cobb too (which didn't get sold, use that lots still) .... will see if I can find my old checklist and fire that on to you.

We're in Jockland too!!

[HerrenaHarridan]

Your checklist would be very useful. Thanks

I have an ehu cable but mostly won't be in places to use it. Tbh a leisure batt would probably be plenty. My main electric uses will be lights after she goes to bed (and I have some led spotlights that run in batts as well as the lamps installed) and charging my phone, which I can do in cigarette lighter.

There is fridge (gas or electric) and cooker built in.

We are edinbugh based and would LOVE another family to go adventuring with especially if they won't laugh at my beloved ancient rascal

[colleysmill]

I loved stocking my camper up :)

I would add wellies, all in one waterproof thing for littlies and caguole (permanent additions in ours) flip flops or crocs, duplicate wash bags so you never forget a toothbrush, sleeping bags and blankets, tin opener, small tongs for turning the bacon!

No mention of a kettle or mugs for a cuppa! I like a plastic glass for orange juice in the morning too

[colleysmill]

Mentally just going through my van ......

Tin foil for the grill (if you have a grill)
Washing up bowl and tea towel and hand towel
Washing up liquid
Lighter thingy for cooker
Small chopping board
One sharp knife
Stock of tinnned goods (I keep a rolling stock of new potatoes, beans, tomatoes, Irish stew etc and small packets of rice/pasta just in case)

Saucepan wise we bought camping ones which stack into each other which have been really good (25 quid from millets)

[HerrenaHarridan]

Some great suggestions,
Definitely need all in one waterproof for dd.

I'm not really a cup of tea person but occasionally do like them. Thinking when it's pissing down outside

So

Tin opener
Sauce pan / frying pan
Washing up bowl / liquid
Toiletries
Wellies (I have proper boots but wellie slip on and off) hmm

[colleysmill]

I tend to cheat and half do up my walking boots so they slip on and off!

[colleysmill]

Hot water bottles and hot chocolate were another addition this year after the cold Easter we had

[Crocodilio]

I keep folding chairs and a folding table in mine so I can sit outside with wine and a book when the kids are asleep. I have a portable bbq like a little suitcase, and charcoal, because it's so nice to cook outside. Battery powered fairy lights for cute factor. First aid kit, calpol, etc. Maps, both road maps and OS maps of where we're going.

[Crocodilio]

I keep the kids beach stuff in there too, fishing nets, buckets and spades, inflatable dinghy and pump. A big water container. Washing up bowl (useful for campsites). Dustpan and brush. Spare lightbulbs etc.

[Mum2Fergus]

They can be expensive I know but have you investigated a drive away awning? Great for evenings when DS is down to sleep and I've half a bottle of wine to go lol I have a gazebo type thing too that is fab, think I got it from Tesco for £20 and we use it all the time. We're in Kirkliston, not far from Edinburgh

[colleysmill]

Do you have a waste water tank in board? I only ask cause we don't so we use a little plastic folding water carrier for catching ours on the outside

[AWarmFuzzyFuture]

I am too to help! Lucky you.

(No help at all, I know)

X

[Mum2Fergus]

Sorry, it was ASDA, an Ozark Trail Gazebo...it's fab, and very compact when not in use. Ok, what else...how much space have we left to fill?! Lol

[foreverhot]

I picked up loads of good utensil gear from Ikea.

Children's plastic 18-piece cutlery set is 90p! Bowls, plates, cups all less than £1 also.

We've got a fleece mattress cover for our camper bed to keep us extra snug.

A water container so you can fill up at the camp site to save endless trips to the tap!

We've also got a door mat to go outside our van