We have had various vacuum cleaners for the van but now have a good stiff brush with retractable handle and a dust pan. Beats anything I've used in the past and easy to store under the bunk.
Thanks to everyone for their contributions. I bought a 12v car vac from Halfords today as it was quite small and stowable. I also made sure that if it is not up to the job, I can take it back! I looked at the cheapos in Tescos, did think they were that much bigger to store. With what amounts to four adults in our caravan, space is at a real premium! I will let you know how the Halfords one works ou. We decided against the rechargeable types, experience has been that these type of items don't hold a charge for long enough, and would get in the way lying about being on charge!
We have a dyson rechargeable vac which works really well when we are away, but we find the best thing to do when the caravan is in storage is to remove the carpet and store it at home, then we can vac it properly with the big vac anyway.
We have to take one with us as our dogs moult. It's a cheap asda model. We don't use the carpets that were fitted, just some cheap mats that we can replace when dirty or smelly.
We have a rechargeable carpet sweeper, bought at NEC show, it does a good job. In fact we use it at home as well. Also have old fashioned dustpan and brush kept in van.
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
I have a hoover portable upright, it's a lot lighter than the normal upright and you charge it up, so I charge it up at home then take it with us, it does an ok job, cost about £69 pounds, comes with tools as well.
I take our vac from home every now and again when we have a weekend on hook-up and give it a good do, and we take the 'van home a couple of times a years to give it really good clean. In between, I have a rubber brush and its great on the carpets - it's very satisfying to stand back after doing the length of the 'van on hands and knees and see no fluff, grass, crumbs or other bits on the floor!
I bought my missus a stiff hand brush and a deluxe dustpan for her birthday. She has to get on her hands and knees but doesn't mind. She's my little cinderella that one is.