Classic Newbie questions.

[Madpad_01]

Hello all,

As a recent convert from camping, I just need a sanity checklist to make sure I have not forgotten anything prior to my first trip in my van.
I have bought/sorted the following:

1. Van with motormover.
2. Storage for said van.
3. Gas, water and waste containers.
4. Towbar for the car.
5. Adapter for 12n/s (old van)
6. Security(wheel & hitch lock)
7. Ramp for levelling.
8. Towing mirrors.
9. Insurance.

Have I forgotten anything?

Thanks in advance.

 

[otherclive]

Hello all,

As a recent convert from camping, I just need a sanity checklist to make sure I have not forgotten anything prior to my first trip in my van.
I have bought/sorted the following:

1. Van with motormover.
2. Storage for said van.
3. Gas, water and waste containers.
4. Towbar for the car.
5. Adapter for 12n/s (old van)
6. Security(wheel & hitch lock)
7. Ramp for levelling.
8. Towing mirrors.
9. Insurance.

Have I forgotten anything?

Thanks in advance.

Spare wheel for van
Tyres in date not older than five years
Check van wheel torques

 

[WayneS]

1 Toilet Fluids
2 Your Favourite Tipple!

 

[Madpad_01]

1 Toilet Fluids
2 Your Favourite Tipple!

Good point, both as important as each other.

 

[Madpad_01]

Spare wheel for van
Tyres in date not older than five years
Check van wheel torques

Getting Van from the dealer so hopefully don't have to worry about it for my first outing. Have will need to remember it for future trips.

 

[littlebasher]

Some of these are optional!

Power lead
Step
Awning
Waste pipe to connect caravan to wasterhog
Mains water kit
Pads for corner steadies
Drill adapter for corner steadies
Toolkit

I have a spreadsheet somewhere of all the stuff i bought!

 

[junglejim]

A lot of stuff from your camping days can be used. Spare chocks of wood as well as ramps - we find these better than ramps.
Towing cover - a nice to have at some point

Have you got a numberplate made up ready or dealer throwing one in for you?

 

[Madpad_01]

Some of these are optional!

Power lead
Step
Awning
Waste pipe to connect caravan to wasterhog
Mains water kit
Pads for corner steadies
Drill adapter for corner steadies
Toolkit

I have a spreadsheet somewhere of all the stuff iIbought!

Like the idea of a spreadsheet. Can I be really cheeky and ask for a copy?

 

[otherclive]

Getting Van from the dealer so hopefully don't have to worry about it for my first outing. Have will need to remember it for future trips.

Is it a brand new van then. But why would you trust them on such safety related items. If a wheel has been removed advise is to retorque it within 50 miles.

 

[audiorob]

Small spirit level or download a levelling app to your smart phone.

 

[Parksy]

Getting Van from the dealer so hopefully don't have to worry about it for my first outing. Have will need to remember it for future trips.

Have you bought a leisure battery or did the dealers include it as part of the deal?

 

[JezzerB]

Bottle opener!!!

 

[littlebasher]

Like the idea of a spreadsheet. Can I be really cheeky and ask for a copy?

Here's an extract without all my costings!

People will have their own opinions (and extras) but other than bedding / clothes this works for me

BTW, won't let me upload a spreadsheet (for good reason!)

 

[Hutch]

Electric hook up lead,
Winder for the caravan stays. ( stabalisers)

 

[Madpad_01]

Is it a brand new van then. But why would you trust them on such safety related items. If a wheel has been removed advise is to retorque it within 50 miles.

Not new. But your point is still valid thanks.

 

[Beachball]

Gas Bottles x2
Fuses
lightbulbs

 

[Madpad_01]

Have you got a numberplate made up ready or dealer throwing one in for you?

Good point better find my v5.

 

[Sam Vimes]

Towing cover - might be considered as not essential but can minimise damage such as stone chips when on the move.

Nose weight guage.

Mains lead adapter so you can plug into a standard 13A socket at home.

 

[Madpad_01]

Have you bought a leisure battery or did the dealers include it as part of the deal?

The battery was part of the deal.

 

[Madpad_01]

Good point on power lead.

 

[Madpad_01]

Here's an extract without all my costings!

People will have their own opinions (and extras) but other than bedding / clothes this works for me

BTW, won't let me upload a spreadsheet (for good reason!)

Thanks will look at it when home tonight.

 

[Madpad_01]

Towing cover
Nose weight guage.

Both on my list for long term purchase. But unfortunately my budget is finite, not infinite.

 

[Madpad_01]

All,

Thanks for all your quick and useful replies. Lots more to consider going forward.

Will get socket for steadies but for now need to walk before I run.

Again thanks for your replies.

 

[Sam Vimes]

I'd seriously consider the Nose Weight guage as you need to get that right for safe towing. They're not that expensive but yes I know it all adds up

 

[RogerL]

I'd seriously consider the Nose Weight guage as you need to get that right for safe towing. They're not that expensive but yes I know it all adds up

Bathroom scales under the jockey wheel gives a good approximation.