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Camping

Our UK Camping forum has all the information you need on finding the right equipment for your tent or caravan.

Campervan essentials

25 replies

SpinningTops · 08/07/2024 07:46

We are new campervan owners.
Can anyone share their essentials / things to pack that we probably haven't considered?
I have the basics of pans, chopping board, plates, beddings etc but I bet as soon as I get away I realise there's a ton of stuff I wish I had.

OP posts:
ScoobyDoesnt · 08/07/2024 07:54

Is it a VW Transporter type campervan vs a motor home?

If VW type (and if an actual VW) I highly recommend an extra mattress! I used a dunelm mattress topper inside a single duvet cover - so if then meant you didn’t need a sheet as well. The beds are so uncomfortable without anything.

Packing cubes for clothes as they squash into the cupboards / under bed storage.

Outdoor rug for the door to try and prevent mud everywhere.

I also had a large wheelable plastic trunk for storage - sat in the van when travelling, then could be left outside whatever the weather, plus doubled as an extra table / bench to sit on.

Forgottenmyphone · 08/07/2024 11:10

Camping chairs
12 volt multi-charger and/or extension lead
Fire blanket
Laundry bag
Collapsible dish drainer (we have a nice Kampa one)
Card games
Scissors
Tin opener

Nourishinghandcream · 08/07/2024 22:40

I have always maintained that when buying a new Moho you should spend the first night on the driveway at home living in it and using all the appliances to ensure everything works (heating, hot water, shower, TV, cooker, microwave etc etc. Far better to do this at home than at a campsite and even when buying new (as we always do), you can't beat familiarising yourself when there is no pressure.

For you first time "away" I suggest you do the same, have an evening & night in the camper without leaving home and if you find you have missed something, you can pop inside for it!😁

Our Moho is permanently fully equipped and we never have to put anything into it when we go away other than fresh food.
You learn what you want/need the more you use it but as long as you have the essentials to be comfortable you can't go far wrong.

The list of things we carry is endless but as old hands we know what we need.
Crockery, cutlery, mugs, glasses, corkscrew, chopping knives, can opener, washing up kit, tea, coffee, sugar, salt, pepper, sauce, mustard, squash, sealing clips, scissors, laundry bag, binbags, matches, portable radio, batteries, torches, cleaning materials, paper towel, charging leads, first aid kit (Inc painkillers, antacid etc), reading material, DVD's, bedding, pillows, throws, clothing, spare shoes, Crocs or flipflops, wash kit, charging adaptor, robes, spare reading glasses, loo roll, towels, waterproof coats, rucksack (for trips out), umbrella, folding chairs, table, waterproof rug etc etc.
Then of course there are the items for the vehicle. Handbooks for the various onboard systems, levelling ramps (if no auto levelling), spirit level (the small 2-way camping one), EHU lead, coax lead, water container or hose (for topping up), gas bottles (Inc spare & gas spanner), water sterilising tablets, basic tool kit containing sufficient tools and bits & pieces to make running repairs (hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, cutters, adjustable spanner, gaffatape, cable ties, PVC tape, fuses etc), pegs & tiedowns if using an awning or sunshade, peg remover, etc etc.
Are you taking pets? We take Ddogs and have to take leads, harnesses, beds, screwdown anchors, blankets, bowls, toys, food, treats, medication, water bottles, towels (wet dogs are great fun in a Moho!) and their buggy.
Bicycles? If so don't forget helmets, cycle clips, locks, pump (and repair kit).

Honestly the list is endless (and in a few minutes I will probably have remembered another load of things) but you will learn as you go. If for instance you eat out all the time you will carry a lot less than people (like us) who never do.👍

swapcicles · 08/07/2024 22:44

One little thing is non slip mats, apparently the constant rattle as you drive of crockery can be very annoying!
A big thing is an awning, great place to leave all the outdoor furniture if off out for the day or it's raining without having to pack it in the van

Nourishinghandcream · 08/07/2024 22:56

swapcicles · 08/07/2024 22:44

One little thing is non slip mats, apparently the constant rattle as you drive of crockery can be very annoying!
A big thing is an awning, great place to leave all the outdoor furniture if off out for the day or it's raining without having to pack it in the van

We have never had that problem as we have melamine "crockery" & mugs, plastic "glasses" and everything fits into integrated racks.
We do carry a couple of earthenware mugs (sometimes you just want a big, heavy mug!) but wrap these in a tea towel before stacking in the cupboard.
Cutlery & other utensils can rattle so apart from lining the drawers, also pad them out with tea towels so they can't move. Same goes for saucepans etc.
Biggest rattler is always the oven so we wrap the grill pan in tea towels and make sure the rubber transit buffers are fitted to the racks. Take the rotating glass plate out of the microwave (if fitted) and wrap in tea towels.

As you can see, we love using tea towels as along with careful packing (and the non slip mats mentioned by the PP) they can reduce unnecessary noise to an absolute minimum.

Laska2Meryls · 09/07/2024 08:15

Collapsible washing up bowl with handles and silicone sink plug ( especially if using washing up facilities in campsites in EU). Never use your van sink if you don't need to. Silicone draining mat -

Try and make everything dual purpose if possible. Silicone mats and tea towels good for stopping rattle going along for example. I also use bubble wrap in crockery cupboard and drawers, which is light and can just be roll up and stuffed somewhere in the back on site.

If you are going to use electric hook up get a small portable induction hob ( tefal do a good single one) , if you are paying for electric anyway why cook on your gas ?

Having said that a cadac is good and we use ours a lot but get the pan to use with it , mich easier to wash up than cleaning the whole thing .
Weve just bought a remoska as well because after several long trips now we can see the use for one .. ( we only have two gas ring burners in our van .. now hardly used).

Collapsible saucepans and colander..

Low wattage camping toaster and kettle.. get the ones from camp shops cheap and wont trip camping electric points

Aeropress ( wouldn't be without this!)

Elastic bungee type travel washing line which you can hook to trees fences awning etc doesn't need clothes pegs ( though again after a few long trips we bought a camping rotary line which is great).

We use hamman Towels instead of towelling, big and dry fast

Slides /crocs for showers and towel change robes si you dont have to change in small wet cubicles but wear back to the van.
Collapsible car bin for inside van
Ecloths
Some fold up coat hangers for hanging wet coats .( I also use them for hanging washing) on under awning .

Fold up e bikes are brilliant - much better than keep moving once you are on site.

Laska2Meryls · 09/07/2024 08:32

Important!!
Roll up flat hosepipe on a cassette .We have a Brunner one Expensive but is easy to store and re roll . Dont rely on the ones in the camp sites . You always know yours is clean I cant count the number of times ive seen people use the camp drinking water hose for washing out their toilet cassettes ! Also Elsil for your drinking water tank. Elsan do what we call toilet tea bags of chemicals for your loo ( get the green ones if you can). Less space to carry. Use the Thetford or similar 'pink fluid ' for cleaning the loo not usual house ones .. keeps it much fresher and is better for the plastic loo..

Sadik · 11/07/2024 12:43

Micro camper here. I'd second @ScoobyDoesnt on pretty much everything. For an extra mattress layer - we just use a thick winter duvet in it's cover instead of a bottom sheet which softens things out.
Also agree on a mat for by the door, I use a square of mypex ground cover fabric with pegs to hold it down.

Love the idea of a waterproof plastic trunk to put outdoors, adding that onto my list.

Funf · 16/07/2024 17:00

Essential meds, way of charging stuff
Chairs, hat and coat incase its cold

dixiebloom · 18/07/2024 13:38

Ridgemonkey & aeropress. Really good sleeping bag if not doing duvet. Collapsible bowl. Headtorch first aid kit. Light weight towels. Slippers & flip-flops

Sadik · 20/07/2024 16:16

Just realised that I don't think anyone's mentioned levelling ramps. Definitely an essential if you're camping in Wales Grin

MaryMack · 20/07/2024 16:28

The most used item for us is our solar powered charger for mobile phones and tablets - it needs minimal sunshine to charge items and sits on the dashboard soaking up the rays. Also a multi USB charger for the lighter socket so you can charge as you go.

Invaluable when wild camping or on a very basic campsite are bath towel sized wet wipes and we also bought (but have never used yet, emergency use only!) biodegradable absorbent toilet liners - no need for putting chemicals in the porta potty, just go, bag it and bin it.

We also have a portable DVD player (rechargeable battery) and a selection of DVDs, 1O for a £1 in charity shops, for a cosy night in.

Nourishinghandcream · 20/07/2024 17:08

Sadik · 20/07/2024 16:16

Just realised that I don't think anyone's mentioned levelling ramps. Definitely an essential if you're camping in Wales Grin

Yes, covered them previously.👍

Self levelling is the way to go but carries a weight and cost penalty.☹️

AuCo44 · 21/07/2024 11:42

Please tell me campervan and motorhome owners don't all refer to their home on wheels as a MoHo? I've never heard any of my friends talk about their MoHo.

GargoylesofBeelzebub · 21/07/2024 11:45

Flip flops for the showers, an Oodie and a pump action pod coffee machine.

ladygin · 21/07/2024 11:49

Defo ridgemonkey. Defo the levelling spirit level. Also magnetic hooks from Amazon. So useful for hanging bunting and eye mask and things you don't want to loose.

Nourishinghandcream · 21/07/2024 13:01

AuCo44 · 21/07/2024 11:42

Please tell me campervan and motorhome owners don't all refer to their home on wheels as a MoHo? I've never heard any of my friends talk about their MoHo.

Never in conversation but it is easier to type.
Always referred to as the motor caravan.
A camper is a camper, a different vehicle from a motor caravan or motorhome.

Maddy70 · 21/07/2024 13:22

Travel John's. If you dont have a loo

Also an emergency bucket with disposable nappy unfolded in the bottom for night wees

Flask. Don't waste hot water

Nevergiveuponyourdreams · 29/08/2024 06:51

So many tips given thank you.
Can I ask what do you do for a hairdryer?
Dh & I are renting a MoHo that has no equipment provided except for a hose & gas, he wants to take the least amount of things possible and I am a chronic over-thinker and packer of ‘just in case’!

Unescorted · 29/08/2024 06:59

You don't say how long you are going away for... If it is a long trip a dehumidifier and a long handle brush and pan.

Suction hooks.... You can't have too many.

If you are going in autumn or winter take hot water bottles and small rugs to insulate the floor.

Nevergiveuponyourdreams · 31/08/2024 06:52

@Unescorted we are going for 12 days and leave in a couple of days.

Unescorted · 31/08/2024 07:06

You can leave the dehumidifier at home but use it when you get back. Take the brush.

PolaroidPrincess · 31/08/2024 09:38

Nevergiveuponyourdreams · 29/08/2024 06:51

So many tips given thank you.
Can I ask what do you do for a hairdryer?
Dh & I are renting a MoHo that has no equipment provided except for a hose & gas, he wants to take the least amount of things possible and I am a chronic over-thinker and packer of ‘just in case’!

Depends where you're staying. We usually stay on a campsite that has them free in the toilet block.

Wilma55 · 01/09/2024 21:10

Heavy duty magnetic hooks, so useful for, well hanging things!

Elvirias · 11/04/2025 13:39

I keep my cooking gear and food bits in weather-resistant container shelters so they don’t get damp or dusty when stored under the bed. Makes setup quicker too since everything’s grouped. I also second having fairy lights and a warm blanket ready—makes evenings much nicer. For planning stops and finding spots on the go, I use park4night, which has been a huge help for last-minute decisions.

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