Campervan newbies

[NorthernDancer]

DH has responded to a diagnosis of life limiting illness ( with no clear prognosis) by buying a campervan to be delivered at the end of January.

I have never camped at all in my life. He has not camped (on this own in a tent) for 25 years.

What do we need to know?

They are fairly straightforward would start with learning how the bed goes and how comfy it is - we use a memory foam ontop of ours.
Learn how the fridge works and how to turn on the electrics, gas for the cooker (always turn off when not cooking).
If a pop top how to set it up and down again (having a window or door open helps and stops you trapping the fabric).

Read how to plug in at a electric site then just book a site and enjoy.

The beauty of campervans is you can use it as a day van and a overnight. So get used to it with day trips then book a weekend. They come with heating now.

I will start by adding that I do not own a campervan, but I am a seasoned tent camper if that helps. I would do a short trip, not too far away first to see what you might have missed packing and to ease you in gently. If you plan your first trip soon after buying, which I am guessing you will, think about the weather, it will likely be cold and wet, so pack waterproofs, warm clothes, warm bedding, hot water bottles perhaps. Make sure that you have a first aid kit as every vehicle should, a fire extinguisher, breakdown cover (hopefully not required), spare gas, bottled water and some food to last a few extra days so that you arent constantly needing to "pop to the supermarket". Pack a torch and a headlamp in case of emergencies and start a packing list which you can add to or take away from for future use. I hope that you have a wonderful time with lots of adventures 😀

Our camper van is toasty warm and can be heated by hook up electricity or diesel. We go away at New Year in it and have been away in the snow. Always have some warm clothes with you though. Ours has a toilet but if yours doesn't you'll need to be prepared for night time loo trips. A head torch might also be useful for this.

I agree with the suggestion of starting with a day trip and then try a couple of nights somewhere not too far away.

Would also say when you have a trip packing cubes which fit your cupboards are brilliant easy to pull out then find what you need.

If it doesn't come with cooking equipment or plates/cups etc then a trip to Go Outdoors and stock up on stuff that will fit. You can get fold away utensils, collapsible kettles etc.

Also good for getting a double sleeping bag so you save space trying to take a duvet.

The heat can be pretty intense if not boiling so I usually keep a bottle of water on hand to add then put lid on. Meat thermometer is very handy.

I recommend getting a camping toilet - the 3am trek to the campsite toilet block is no fun. There’s lots of options if you Google portable toilet. We use one with those commode liners you can get with an absorbent pad inside.

I have a camper, best thing I bought. I deliberately bought a (not as trendy!) high top and long wheelbase van as it has more storage and warmer than a shorter and pop-top van.
I prefer to take my own warm duvet and nice pillows. I sleep easily as well in the van as I do at home, but if I take a sleeping bag I do not sleep as well. I have a duvet storage cupboard in the roof though. I also have some cheap fleece blankets that are ideal on a cold night (coldest I have done is -6...) or when sitting around in camp.
I bought lots of second hand stuff for it - charity shops are full of crockery, cutlery, pans etc. Gumtree has loads of camping chairs.
I splashed out on a really lovely LeCrueset kettle...
I have a few things that live in the van for 10 months of the year like a wash bag with basics, sun cream, midge nets and Smidge, a spare change of 'outdoory' clothes, washing up liquid and cloths etc. I can then literally throw in a box of food, my duvet & pillows and top up the water - 20 mins from deciding to go to being on the road for a night or two.

Ooh. What has he ordered?!
Do a short trip first. An hour from home for 1 night. Leave in the morning. Set up. Chill out. Learn how it works. Come back the next day after brunch.

then plan a longer trip slightly further way.

Join all the camper van / MoHo groups on Facebook and follow people on Instagram / tik tok / you tube.

have fun!!

Check the rules for wild camping - there have been lots of changes since Covid. We used to park up in forest car parks but got fined!

enjoy. We are toying with upgrading our knackered cramped Ford for a new T7. it’s great being able to get away and visit interesting places with minimum effort.

T6.1 short wheel base. Lots of planning going on.

He intends to vlog, so there have been other purchases now.

I agree that a short trip is the way to start. That should tell him what he will need to buy and what he can make do with from home

Where do you keep your van?

That's not wild camping, that's roadside camping in a vehicle. All access laws in the UK exclude vehicles and roadside, even in Scotland with our right to responsible access.
A lot has been shut down due to the actions and disregard of a few, but also the sheer volume of 'wild campers', 'van lifers' and those who mistakenly think Scotland has a 'right to roam'.
I've camped at roadside or quiet carparks for a few decades, and still do through winter. But sadly we've seen the end of it in popular (Instagram) areas.