Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Camping and Caravanning Equipment

Topic: Electric Pumps and Vacuum Bags

CAD65

28/7/2011 at 4:08pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 14/8/2007

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 9

Site Reviews Total:	6

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Hi Guys

Hope a bright spark out there can help. Going camping soon and we've had this bright idea (or so we thought at the time!) to use vacuum bags (large ones) for clothes, sleeping bags etc to save space in the car. Now for the dilemma...... they work brilliantly when using the home hoover to suck the air out but we can't find an electric pump that works as well to suck the air out before our return journey home. So any suggestions on makes of pumps? Don't laugh but we have thought about buying a £20 cylinder hoover from Argos and taking that with us instead!!! Good idea or not???

glynnis51

28/7/2011 at 4:24pm
Location: west midlands
Outfit: Pennine Folding Camper & Comanche

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/9/2006

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 471

Site Reviews Total:	8

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I have a cheap vac from Asda. Works a treat and not too bulky.

-------------
Enjoy life whilst you can, it doesn't last for ever!!!!!!

SGThomas

28/7/2011 at 4:30pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 16/10/2007

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6707
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	116

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	4
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	15

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	40
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	98

WE use this
air pump

It works very well. The secret with these is to use good quality bags with appropriate seals. We tour a lot in our unit, so are constantly using the pump. Cheap Aldi/poundshop bags are useless and don't even last one outing.

CAD65

28/7/2011 at 4:39pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 14/8/2007

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 9

Site Reviews Total:	6

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Thanks guys

Yeah we have good quality bags thanks, got a mixture of sizes, the smaller ones are fine with the pumps but it's the larger ones that the pumps don't seem to work on. Doesn't seem to be enough oomph in power of the pump!!

Ali Girl

28/7/2011 at 4:52pm
Location: Wisbech
Outfit: ACE caravan and a tent

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 31/7/2009

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 157

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I have a Black and Decker vacuum which has an inbuilt battery. Works great.

-------------
Ali Girl

SGThomas

28/7/2011 at 5:01pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 16/10/2007

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6707
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	116

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	4
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	15

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	40
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	98

Try these bags
space bags

using the larger bags we easily flatten the king size duvet which is double (4.5 tog and 9 tog) with the air hammer

krazykamper

28/7/2011 at 5:08pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 27/8/2009

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 3113
Tent Reviews: 5

Site Reviews Total:	37

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

We have used vac bags for a few years now and just use a cheap air pump from argos. Its great and has both an inflate and deflate button. Its also fab for blowing up the kids outdoor pool

-------------
2015 Trips

January - Red Squirrel
February - Red Squirrel
March - Gimme Shelter
April - Elie
May - Noah's Ark
May - Riverside, Skipton
May - Blair Castle
June - Braithwaite Bridges
July - The Star
July - Witches Craig
July - Scone
August - Highburn House
September - Gimme Shelter

CAD65

28/7/2011 at 5:14pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 14/8/2007

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 9

Site Reviews Total:	6

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Hi Krazykamper

Thanks for info but we've tried 3 different pumps now, 1 from Argos which was £18.00, 1 from Wilkinsons for £12.00 and now we've just tried a High Performance one from Argos for £19.49 and still not enough suction. I'm starting to think that perhaps the vacuum bags are just too big

krazykamper

28/7/2011 at 5:21pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 27/8/2009

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 3113
Tent Reviews: 5

Site Reviews Total:	37

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Thats strange. We have never had any probs using pumps and vac bags. I have used vac bags from different places and have to say the best ones are just the cheepos from both Poundland and B&M's. I presume you are making sure you use the correct sized connector which attatches to the bag? You do have to be very quick once you have switched off the pump to cap off the bags.

Sounds like you have spent a small fortune on pumps. Another alternative which we have used before is just to fold the bag in half and gently squeeze the air out. Not as effectice as a pump though.

CAD65

28/7/2011 at 5:26pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 14/8/2007

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 9

Site Reviews Total:	6

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Krazykamper

Fortunately we've not actually spent money on these pumps because we've bought them one at a time and tried it out and then returned it for a refund. The last one was an exchange at Argos this morning. We're finding it very annoying, but am seriously considering that cheap vacuum cleaner!

carperjake

28/7/2011 at 5:51pm
Location: Scunthorpe
Outfit: Amazon 800 & Horizon 800

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 13/8/2009

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 333
Tent Reviews: 2

Site Reviews Total:	10

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

If you have a 240v air pump for your airbeds then attach a nozzle to the inlet rather than the outlet. We do this and it works a treat.

-------------
Coming soon to a campsite near you, Jake, Mrs Jake, Little legs, Bosdog the Doodle and Olly the Cavachon.

2014:

August: Scarborough, High Yedmandale. Not tenting though, using one of their lovely holiday homes!

krazykamper

28/7/2011 at 5:53pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 27/8/2009

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 3113
Tent Reviews: 5

Site Reviews Total:	37

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Go for the cheap vacuum cleaner then and at least if that does not work, you will get your money back. Hope you can get the bags to work for you as they are a great space saver in the car or roofbox

diddle

28/7/2011 at 8:07pm
Location: West Midlands
Outfit: HI Gear Zenobia 6

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 01/5/2010

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 147
Tent Reviews: 2

Site Reviews Total:	6

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I don't know if this helps but we where struggling with this and have found the easiest way is to slightly open the bag insert the nozzle then seal - works better than trying to use the valve!!!

-------------
2012:
Jubilee weekend - glan y mor

CAD65

12/8/2011 at 2:24pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 14/8/2007

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 9

Site Reviews Total:	6

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Thank you everybody, we finally succeeded with this. We found a high performance pump that worked a treat and the amount of space we saved in the car was amazing. In one large bag we had 5 sleeping bags and 3 pillows and in another large bag I put clothes for 5 people (yes I do tend to take too many clothes but this year I actually wore most of them!!,) in another smaller one I put 10 large towels, and in another one I put swimwear and underwear for 5 of us. Fab idea. But holiday over now and back to reality and all that washing!!!!

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Camping and Caravanning Equipment - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

8473 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Shop!]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Contact Us] [Tent Reviews]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024

UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder