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Quote: Originally posted by buff389 on 08/6/2011

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Not Bad Just short of £3500 expenditure for a £1500 van ....utter utter twoddle

Don't forget the £38000 you'll need for the 4x4 to lug this lot lol

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Eh? I think you perhaps could do with adjusting your reading glasses and your mindset - it was a helpful post for guidance only, honest 

I thought his list was pretty damn useful, he does clearly state that the OP should shop around - he's not saying that everyone should go out and buy exactly what he has for the price that he paid, and he does put a ? against essential in the first line! 

Quote: Originally posted by White Rose on 08/6/2011

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Anyone spot things I've forgotten ....? ..other than the torque wrench, I've just realised!

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Quote: Originally posted by Al+Mel on 08/6/2011

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Noseweight Gauge

We bought one of these and it is excellent. The cooker grill makes great toast and saves carting another piece of junk around. We use the gas for kettle too, you have to anyway if you are non hookup - rally etc.

Hope you are enjoying your van!

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We're thoroughly enjoying it - we've been nowhere in it yet as we've had a houseful of visitors practically every night for the last three weeks, but it's proving excellent for picnics whilst we give it a good clean    First chance to go is the weekend after next - can't wait!!

Yes, we still have our camping days whistling kettle, so we're happy to stick with that in the short term, and the toaster isn't very high priority. Thanks for the noseweight guage rec - I'd had a quick look at them but have an elderly pair of bathroom scales that I thought would do the job short term ...?

Does your van have three waste pipes?  Mr WR has been telling me that ours does this morning, but I thought it only had two ...!

Not Bad Just short of £3500 expenditure for a £1500 van ....utter utter twoddle

The OP wished to know what was required to run a van and it doesn't matter how little you spend on the van you still need to have ...............a water supply; pump the water; drain the waste; level the van; chock the wheels; be prepared for a wheel change; travel safely; don't overload (noseweight guage); driving mirrors; insurance (unless you don't mind losing your investment); security clamps; charge the battery; check the air in the tyres (unless you can always find a garage with ample room for the van next to the air pump!!!); a place to keep the van; EHU; Gas; Battery; etc etc and it all adds up.

Of course if the lower cost vans come with a magnetic security field, are self levelling, can convert clouds to drinking water and the waste automatically dissipates, runs off an eternal LED, have permanently fixed rock hard wheels and are nuclear powered then it will be a whole lot cheaper...till then.....hands in the pocket

Phil

If you want to buy a torque wrench or trolley jack check Machine Mart or Screwfix probably cheaper.Quality is good too.

 I got a 3 tonne trolley jack from Machine Mart for a reasonable price (I used to have an old Range Rover)

I also got a good torque wrench from Screwfix. It came in a plastic case with an extension bar and converter for different size sockets.Can't remember prices as it was a while ago!

I don't check my nosewwight or wheel bolts every time I go out! But I do check then regularly.( So I'm off to the sin bin!)

Do check tyre pressures on van before a trip, after fetching from storage.

Nosewight can be checked with a piece of wood and bathroom scales.

Both our cars get a weekly check, tyres, fluids etc

If your van has the al-ko spare wheel holder it is worth checking it pulls out OK, then grease the sliders and check spare wheel.Best done at home before a trip!

 IMHO not the best design!

You don't need big feet some peices of wood will suffice. Same for levelling ramps you can buy them or make them yourself.

Above all enjoy!!!

Oh yes don't forget six windbreaks to seal off your pitch, a 20' pole with flags and coloured lights on, and solar lights to mark your pitch. Also a I meter satellite dish and stand!

Just kidding!!!

Quote: Originally posted by jeff juke on 08/6/2011

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I would like to add something to the list,unless ive missed it and that is a high vis jacket and i thought you had to have one by law.

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If you are driving abroad (France; Belgium and Croatia ). I have one in the car. Very useful if you are changing a tyre on the offside.

As for "six windbreaks to seal off your pitch, a 20' pole with flags and coloured lights on, and solar lights to mark your pitch. Also a I meter satellite dish and stand!"  I think I must have parked next to you Dave!

Phil

Quote: Originally posted by 664DaveS on 08/6/2011

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Not me- I don't have windbreaks or flagpoles etc!!

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Quote: Originally posted by cwdc56768 on 08/6/2011

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If you are driving abroad (France; Belgium and Croatia ). I have one in the car. Very useful if you are changing a tyre on the offside.

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Quote: Originally posted by 664DaveS on 08/6/2011

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Not me- I don't have windbreaks or flagpoles etc!!

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Nor me!  But it might just be a question of time!! 

I think Phil's list is a good start, but mine would be longer.  The trouble is, everyone will have their own idea as to what is essential, and at which point does essential meet unessential.  My wife and daughter would consider it essential to take a hair dryer and hair straighteners, whereas I would consider an awning drinks fridge, a bottle opener and corkscrew to be really important.  This might be a fairly flippant example, but you may all see my point.  From the top of my head, I would add to the list:

spare bulbs and fuses (for car and van); the special cleaner stuff which the wife has to spray on the upholstery if we have a spillage; a lump hammer; spare ladders/ rubbers for the awning; groundsheet (did Phil mention that one - can't remember); spirit level; disinfectant; ant powder/fly spray; water conversion kit to fit into the aquaroll for direct mains water; different lengths of convoluted hose (or the means to join them together) in case we go on a pitch with direct water drainaway; a spare set of caravan keys to keep in the car??; a spare set of car keys to keep in the caravan??; an ordinary extension lead to use in the caravan or awning; spare batteries for the torch or smoke alarm/ or rechargeable batteries and a recharger; corner steadies brace; converter for tow bar electrics (if your van has the new single plug and the car has the older duel plugs); spare 3 pin plug & fuses; a three pin plug that converts to a 2 pin razor type plug - useful for razor, electric toothbrush, desktop fan;  dustpan & brush/ broom?;

These are all things which some might find essential on top of standard kitchen/cleaning items, towels, bedding, clothes and other personal items.  The list can be enless.

When you've got all this lot in, then remember to take the van to a weighbridge to make sure you are not over the MTPLM.  But remember to put in the rubbish bins, rotary washing line/pegs, washing up stand and bowl, and of course, the Cadac, before you go. 

Its also an unwritten law..... for some... to take a butler and a chambermaid... m'lord

lol

Quote: Originally posted by La-la on 08/6/2011

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Quote: Originally posted by 664DaveS on 08/6/2011

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Not me- I don't have windbreaks or flagpoles etc!!

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Best get off & buy some straight away then - it's the law !

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Quote: Originally posted by 664DaveS on 08/6/2011

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Quote: Originally posted by La-la on 08/6/2011

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Quote: Originally posted by 664DaveS on 08/6/2011

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Not me- I don't have windbreaks or flagpoles etc!!

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Best get off & buy some straight away then - it's the law !

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Noooooo!!!!

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