Campervan essentials

[ladybirdm]

Hello,

Just wondered when picking up a hired campervan, what do you buy/need next.

We’re going to go straight to the supermarket. So I’m thinking we might need a bigger washing up bowl, maybe a gurilla bucket for shoes?

Is there any other hard wear you’d recommend?

Tia

Clare xxxxxx

Take a handful of carrier bags, as you’ll be surprised at the amount of waste you generate.
Some sites are not that well lit at night. It’s always a good idea to take a couple of torches, meaning two of you can go on separate night time visits to the shower block at the same time. There’s nothing worse than sitting with your legs crossed, waiting for the torch to come back from the shower!
Each morning, especially in winter, where it is cold outside and warm inside, the windscreen is usually dripping with condensation. Years ago we used to use kitchen towel, but we would go through so much. The other alternative was using a towel but these just get wet and are a pain to dry if you are travelling all day. Now, we use a chamois and it’s so simple. It’s easily transportable, doesn’t weigh much and is more economical than buying paper towel.
We take a waterproof hanging toiletry bag just large enough to fit in the basics.The rest of your toiletries remain in the bathroom onboard. It’s better to have a bag that hangs off a hook.
If you are hiring a campervan that doesn’t include towels I highly recommend microfibre towels.
In a hired campervan there is often only one power outlet, so a power board/power strip is also helpful for charging multiple items at once. When we are connected to mains power, sometimes the power board is full. In this instance, I use the USB cables to connect my iPad and iPhone. That way everything is charging and everyone is happy.
We get a bit spoilt with our campervan hire company, who now provide a clothesline and pegs. Even so, we’ve become accustomed to taking our pegless line with us. It’s great for using inside to hang up tea towels, and other lightweight items of clothing.
Because we buy a lot of food along the way from local markets and shops, we’ve always got a fridge full of goodies. Plastic containers come in handy for leftovers and storing food.

There’s nothing worse than sitting with your legs crossed, waiting for the torch to come back from the shower
This is what your bucket is for.
Ports-potty or bucket with lid for kids, have a look on google.
Yes, torch, lantern head torches,
You may like to take a tarp to put up outside if it doesn’t have an awning / canopy. Shade in sun rain shelter in rain.

Check if they supply camping chairs as we have met people in hired vans who can only sit inside which is a shame in sunny weather.
Do they supply all the crockery, cutlery, glasses etc.
Friends had no BBQ tools in theirs, was expected to just cook on the van stove.
Hot water bottles are great.
A collapsible create, great for taking lots to the campsite washing up sinks if yours has a tiny bowl.
Washing up liquid and cloths, t towels etc.

Thanks so much for these. I’ve made a list xxx

Torches one each, head torches are good as a back up.
Hot water bottle.
Wellys and water proofs just in case
Work your meals out as all to often you will take far too much stuff with you