Message Forums

Hello kelly34

Thats a wide ranging question.

Would you want permanant fittings or portable stuff that can be easily removed when you are not camping?  What sort of camping do you expect to be doing?  Mostly weekends or longer stays,  Larger sites with electric hook up or smaller sites and wild camping without mains.  What sort of equipment will you want to power?

If you can give a rough idea of the above, we can then offer practical suggestions which may answer your needs.  It shouldn't be too difficult or expensive to set up the basics.

---

Steven

Hi, I would say buy a Woodburner stove if Gas is not your thing.

Cheap to use (free) and you can get a w/burner for around 50 quid.

I use one and used Gas before,so much better, it keeps the van warm,cook on it etc and dries my clothes.

Hello again Kelly

The insulation board you are looking for is Kingspan I think. You could also consider using a cheap brand of sleeping mat.  I have not used it myself but aparently, due to flexibility is very easy to use and is a good insulator.

I agree with MarkJan, woodburners are realy nice.  Unfortunatly not practical for all.

A gas stove could be built into a neat small unit with its gas bottle underneath.  In case you are not aware, there should be "drop out" (ventilation) holes below any gas appliance or gas bottles to enable any leaks to escape.

Heating with gas can be a controversial subject.  I think that the official regulations state that any gas heating appliance should be room sealed.  Proper blown air heaters are available which fit under the floor.  These are very effective and some can be run of the vehicles own fuel.  Unfortunatly they are quite expensive, even second hand.

Personaly, although frowned on by many, I will use my gas cooker to quickly warm the van up when needed.  I always ensure adequate ventilation, and would not use long term and definatly not overnight.

---

Steven