Essential equipment to get started for first time van owners?

[Gavin1974]

Afternoon all,

Looking to buy our first caravan, and so far we've done some pretty "extensive research" on van type and now have a good idea what we're after (Amara 500/5 type thing).

Given we're total beginners at this caravanning business, what do we need to set aside from our budget to cover "essential equipment /accessories"? And what might some of those essentials be?

Guessing I need a gas bottle, water carrier, waste water container?, some sort of electrical leads for site with power?

No idea what else or how much this will all come to, any thoughts anyone?

Thanks

Gavin

 

[Paul_374295069]

Where ever you buy your caravan you should ask the dealer to throw in a starter pack and this should include a lead,water and waste containers,battery and some even throw in an awning.

 

[Tapestry]

Hi

I think the caravan club have a list on their web site of equipment needed. We printed it off some time ago out of interest, we have to say we don't carry everything on the list, we have 3 kids, now aged 9, 10, 11 and have caravanned for the past 7 years, I also did it as a child.

If you buy your caravan from a dealer, you may get what i think is called a starter pack, worth checking what it consists of, could consist of an aqua roll for fresh water and waste water container. I think that's what my sister had when she bought her van earlier this year. You may also get a card which gives you a discount on things you buy from their shop.

To budget, its also worth looking on web sites, eg when we up upgrade our van last year we needed a new awning, it was cheaper to buy on line. Numerous companies have been mentioned on this forum in the past.

Don't forget to budget for Caravan insurance and storage if you can't store the caravan at home. Membership of caravan club and or camping and caravan club. You will find various comments to both on this forum

Some ideas to get you started from our experience:

Towing mirrors - forum members have made recommendations in the past

Spare wheel for caravan.

Aqua roll for fresh water and tube for filling and pump

Waste water container, recommend both fresh and waste water containers are those with wheels, the kids can always help and like doing this.

gas bottles and spanner.

battery for caravan, may be included

electric hook up cable, some hook up cables are shorter than others, we have ended up buying a longer cable on site in the past.

caravan step

crockery eg plates etc we have melamine but carry glass wine glasses and proper mugs. Tea, coffee and red wine doesn't taste the same in melamine, our opinion

cooking utensils, you can use the same as you do at home

kettle

pots and pans

torch

first aid kit

children's paracetamol or other pain killer, you never know when you need it

Awning and breathable awning carpet, pegs and mallet.

table and chairs for sitting outside for adults and kids. We have a folding picnic table with 4 seats plus folding chairs for us adults and the kids

BBQ and tools

Sleeping bags or duvets - the choice is yours

Folding crates from DIY shops etc for kids toys

Something i was taught as a child and still practice - think weight and do you need it and will you use it.

Hope this helps. Good luck

Annette

 

[Robtel]

That's a fairly comprehensive list from Annette, the only things I can think missing are a wheelclamp and/or hitchlock.

Some accessories are more essential than others e.g cooking utensils & crockery compared to an awning and outside furniture. Buy the essentials first and get the rest as you go along and gain experience and find out exactly what you want.

Good Luck

Robert

 

[everton1]

hi gavin,

just to add to the essentials list.leveling ramp(i made a dual

height one with wood),and spirit level.

best of luck,

frankE.

 

[BigAl1]

Gavin.

Take as much or as little as you need. Many people wouldn't be seen without satelite dish, recliner chairs and all the other home comforts, or there are those of us who enjoy getting away from it all and enjoying the simplicity of true camping.

Al.

 

[RogerP]

Hi Gavin

I cant really add to the list of items.

However , I would suggest you plan a weekend trip close to home as your first outing. This way you can get used to the van and if you find you need something you can either pop home or , knowing the area , you can go to a retailer to get the items.

Also a trip like this will get you close to other caravaners and you can look at how others do things , ask questions and get ideas and tips.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy the life style.

 

[AnnM1]

We don't like eating/drinking from Melamine equipment as it is very prone to scratch but, if you really do have to use it, a friend gave me a tip: she always takes along a stack of catering 'throw away' plates to use on top of the melamine!!! Easier to wash up afterward she says!

However, I am still to be convinced. Much preferring to use 'ordinary' crockery. Mind, you do have to be careful and pack them away securely before travelling.

 

[emmerson2]

if you haven't already bought your van, look in classified ads for someone retiring from caravanning.Buying that way you get all the kit as well!

 

[George2]

I don't think anyone has mentioned the most vital piece of caravaning equipment, wine, and lots of it (also you must NEVER forget the corkscrew)

 

[Dustydog]

Hi Gavin

You now have a very comprehensive list! We also carry a cordless electric drill with the extension socket for winding the steadies. Lazy? Yes. But it does make life easier.

Also worth carrying some spare fuses compatable with your caravan's electric system.

Good luck

Alan

 

[Pat_374304630]

Hi Gavin,

You don't say if you are buying new or secondhand.If it's new, as has been said most dealers will include a starter pack.However that is only the basics and you will need to purchase other items as per the posted list.A really good place for purchases is 'Jacksons of Old Arley'. They are near Nuneaton.

If you buy secondhand you may get everything you need (if they are packing up caravanning).

As for prices towsure produce a catalogue which lists all the accessories and costs.

Sound advice about going somewhere close to home.

Good luck and welcome to freedom

 

[Gavin1974]

wow, thanks for all the replies lot of useful stuff there, will take on board making sure the first trip is fairly local and I def think the less kit you have equals less hassel and so more time to relax.

Annette- thanks for the tips about the caravan club website, they have a great little pdf explaining things for beginners.

Ideally we're after a 2nd hand Coachman Amara 500/50 so if anyone knows of one drop me a line (gavinvjones74@hotmail.com).

Thanks Again,

Gavin

 

[colin(bridgend)]

Gavin - the postings previous have pretty much covered every thing. However I did not see a First Aid kit mentioned - there was reference to Paracetamols but not first aid. If it was mentioned I apologise to the contributer for my lack of seeing it - old age does not come on its own. Good luck and welcome to the world of freedom.

 

[lunar2000]

Hi Gavin,

One thing not mentioned, and I think is most essential is a Fire Blanket, Fire Bucket and/or Fire extinguisher.

I carry all of the above ( belt and braces ) but any one of the above would be better than nothing.

Enjoy,

Pop

 

[JeremyClarksson]

Another couple of pieces of essential equipment

Blocks to go under the corner steadies on sloping sites as sometimes there are not enough blocks etc to go round, we have been on sites where the corner steadies and jockey wheel would not touch the ground otherwise.

f you need a kettle for the gas ring go to Ikea and buy one of their whistling ones, apart from whistling it is twice the size and half the price of the ones in camping stores.

I would suggest an electric drill for winding the steadies is only essential if you are infirm, personally I enjoy that little bit of exercise and rest my right elbow on right knee to hold the stationary end and wind with the left hand to make life easier for the back, you still have to bend with a drill.

 

[Hedgehog1]

Something else that does not appear to have been mentioned is insurance!! Try the Caravan Club again. Also notify your car insurance company (just to cover yourself)

Enjoy!!!

TONY

 

[Hedgehog1]

...Just to add, although Coachman's are well built as a rule make sure you take someone with you who knows what to look for and where. eBay can be a great source of vans if you know what you are looking at (or know someone who does).

TONY

 

[Northwood]

Hi

I think the caravan club have a list on their web site of equipment needed. We printed it off some time ago out of interest, we have to say we don't carry everything on the list, we have 3 kids, now aged 9, 10, 11 and have caravanned for the past 7 years, I also did it as a child.

If you buy your caravan from a dealer, you may get what i think is called a starter pack, worth checking what it consists of, could consist of an aqua roll for fresh water and waste water container. I think that's what my sister had when she bought her van earlier this year. You may also get a card which gives you a discount on things you buy from their shop.

To budget, its also worth looking on web sites, eg when we up upgrade our van last year we needed a new awning, it was cheaper to buy on line. Numerous companies have been mentioned on this forum in the past.

Don't forget to budget for Caravan insurance and storage if you can't store the caravan at home. Membership of caravan club and or camping and caravan club. You will find various comments to both on this forum

Some ideas to get you started from our experience:

Towing mirrors - forum members have made recommendations in the past

Spare wheel for caravan.

Aqua roll for fresh water and tube for filling and pump

Waste water container, recommend both fresh and waste water containers are those with wheels, the kids can always help and like doing this.

gas bottles and spanner.

battery for caravan, may be included

electric hook up cable, some hook up cables are shorter than others, we have ended up buying a longer cable on site in the past.

caravan step

crockery eg plates etc we have melamine but carry glass wine glasses and proper mugs. Tea, coffee and red wine doesn't taste the same in melamine, our opinion

cooking utensils, you can use the same as you do at home

kettle

pots and pans

torch

first aid kit

children's paracetamol or other pain killer, you never know when you need it

Awning and breathable awning carpet, pegs and mallet.

table and chairs for sitting outside for adults and kids. We have a folding picnic table with 4 seats plus folding chairs for us adults and the kids

BBQ and tools

Sleeping bags or duvets - the choice is yours

Folding crates from DIY shops etc for kids toys

Something i was taught as a child and still practice - think weight and do you need it and will you use it.

Hope this helps. Good luck

Annette

New to caravaning lots to learn