How to pack a van safely and avoid damage to the interior?

[HomerMarge]

OK, so new van on Saturday will be empty for the first journey home . Then the next trip will be with a fully loaded van. I have read the hints about correct loading etc, but what do you do about potential damage caused on the inside of your nice new van when towing? Where do you put all these bits, wheel clamps, water containers, Tv, Tins for the cupboards etc. I assume things are likely to bounce around inside the van when towing and want to avoid scuffing the inerior or worse causing damage...how do you pack yours? Are the cupboard lockers secure enough to keep loaded? Sory if the question may seem daft

but how about those nice glass tops to the cooker and sink and avoiding objects falling from cupboards. And if the answer is empty cupboards then where do you put it all! I was thinking of putting the water containers in the loo, but again do not want to scuff the plastic loo and sink cupboards etc which I assume will mark easy.........arrggghh help please

 

[Roz_5041467]

I don't know what you are towing with, but my advice is to keep it basic and low down and over the axle. I am sure that is advice you've read elsewhere. Keep an eye out for your noseweight and ensure it does not pass your caravan or towcars nosewight. You would be amazed how heavy things are. Don't bother taking loads of fodd. Nowadays you are never very far from a supermarket and are unlikely to be stranded miles from a shop. Other, probably more experienced caravanners may give you other advice, but I can only say what works best for us. Roz

 

[Lutz]

Whether the cupboard latches are secure enough to retain the contents depends on what type they are. Some manufacturers use simple spring loaded retainers of doubtful performance if heavy objects hit the inside of the cupboard door. Others have real 'push-to-release' latches with proper latch bolts. However, even in such a case, it's worth checking whether they are adjusted correctly. Give all doors a good tug before you set out on your journey, if only to check whether you have closed them properly. (I had to readjust a couple of striker plates on mine before they worked reliably). If you are concerned about scuffing, you can always protect the inside cupboard walls and floors with plastic lining. Better still is rubber-like sheeting which is specifically designed to stop things from sliding around inside the caravan. It's obtainable from any good caravan accessory shop. We also put all sharp objects in plastic bins before storing them in the lockers.

 

[Mike_5041089]

Paul, do not put any heavy items such as tinned food in the top lockers, this should be stored in the kitchen floor cupboards over the wheels. Only store lightweight items, such as plastic/melamine crockery, plastic glasses, cereals, biscuits, crisps etc in the top lockers - you can re-arrange when you get on site, & as others have said why carry tons of heavy food with you? Try to store the water/waste carriers in the car, or if you must carry them in the van, try to wedge them in place with old pillows/cushions/rags etc to stop any chaffing.