Camper Vans

[summerfruitsrainbow]

Hi

I've recently inherited a transit van conversion camper. It has seating that folds out to a double bed. Toilet. Small shower. Tiny kitchenette area.

I know absolutely FUCK ALL about campers. I'm on my way to collect it to give it a good scrub up and some TLC.

For anyone who has a camper please tell me everything I need to know.

Where do I fill up the water tank if I'm on the road?

Anything that I need to buy for it that I didn't think of?

I haven't even seen it yet I just know it's small and needs some TLC but other than that it's all up and running

Thanks everyone

you might find the article below helpful x
www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/articles/practical-advice/motorhome-advice-motorhome-tips-for-beginners
sainsburys offer free water and air at their petrol stations, and you should be able to fill up at a campsite

You'll be able to fill up the water tank at any campsite.

Difficult to know what you'd need to buy if we don't know what's already in it. What kind of camper van is it? And is it fully equipped with cutlery, crockery, bedding, pots and pans etc?

I love campervan! We have a VW T25. Like the others said, it really depends on what equipment you already have. I would however, recommend a drive away awning as they give you so much more space.

Is it a manufacturer’s conversion or a DIY?
If it’s a manufacturer, look on their website for a manual.
Whichever it is, I’d be getting an independent caravan engineer to give it the once over with regards to gas safety. They should also be able to give you a run down of what goes where!

Most decent Caravan or motorhome dealers would be able to do a habitation service which check your gas and electrical systems.

Thanks everyone for your replies

So I've finally got it and gave it a good scrub

It's got 2 hob stove. Microwave. Telly. Chairs that fold out to a small double shower and toilet.

With the toilet I know I have to empty it underneath but do I have to put special chemicals in there?

Also I want to change the cupboard units. They're really unstable and won't hold much at all. Not well fitted.

How would I go about doing that? I've had a look on google but can't find anything on specialists.

Also all the lining inside is a beige fleece material. How easy is it to change?

Watch some van life stuff on YouTube!

Eamon and Bec are a good channel and there are some good British ones too. I’m so envious!

@Billyjoearmstrong ooh thanks for the tip!! I've been on Pinterest all night giving myself too many ideas ha!!

I'm so so excited to do it all up. It is in a state at the mo and looks like something from the 70s!

I'm getting new windows from a minibus today from a breakers yard and will get a hand fitting them

I've had all the seats upholstered in plain black

Need some ideas on decor colour

Have fun - it’s something I’d love to do! There’s so much on YouTube on self built vans, you’ll get some fantastic ideas.

When fitting new cupboards, etc, always use screws not nails. Nails will slide out, especially when you brake!

You need chemicals in the loo casette. If it is a flush loo then chemicals (pink) in the top. Any good camping shop will have them.

I'm sorry you're in a position to be inheriting something.

But what fun!

Any chance of some photos?

Hi. I have a Murvi so didn’t do the work myself but can offer wee tips. The loo will need chemicals but most of us only use our toilet for night time emergency or if off grid, using site facilities saves you money and hassle with cleaning. Buy cheap very easily broken down loo paper to use in your loo, the specific stuff is expensive, but any paper that falls apart easily will do. Stops clogs in your loo. Before booking a site check facilities, most now have motorhome service points. All your water and toilet disposal is there plus some pitches are serviced. Join a club. Camping and Caravaning or Caravan and Motorhome club (I prefer the latter) it makes going away very cheap. The sites are amazing too. Maintenance. These vans need more TLC than the average van check windows, seals, gas hob and that everything is secure regularly. Find out your maximum payload. Overloading regularly will wreck your springs as they already do a bit more work than average. Get sterilising tablets for your water system and put them in the tank regularly. Bugs love a dark damp tank. Most motorhome people use a water carrier rather than the onboard tank for this reason. Good luck and enjoy your van!

I am going to be the voice of doom, but old is it? Where has it been stored? If not in the best of nick, I’d get it looked over by a mechanic so you know what you’re getting into on that side before you start spending money sorting out interior and equipment. I have a 27-year-old Mazda Bongo conversion and I love her to pieces but she costs me money every MOT.

In terms of topping up the water tank, mine is pretty small and I do it at petrol stations when I wild camp (i.e. not on camping sites) - but my shower is pretty rudimentary so I don’t use a lot of water.

Look on youtube. Personally I don't know much about them but dp has found a wealth of info about our caravan. If you put the make and model in the search bit I'm sure you come up with loads !

Oh yeah, you need to name your van high number of us do.

Slightly off topic, but I think campervans should be a section in itself on mumsnet.

Join Self build campervans on Facebook..inherited vans are allowed and you can ask any question you like.