Message Forums

I am new to caravanning so I was wondering if someone could tell me what essential equipment to buy?
There is no mains electric, heating or water in the van.
So far, I have bought a waste water container!!

Do I need things like levelling blocks and chocks. If so which ones should I buy (my van is very small and light if that makes a difference!)
As there are no taps or mains power to the van I don't think I need an aquaroll? I have a fresh water jerry can we use when camping.

Should I look at getting mains power into the van? I had just planned to use our camping EHU so I could run the fan heater and a light.

Any advice or suggestions would be very much appreciated so that I can get the van ready over the next couple of months.

look here lots of advice

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/articles/cat.asp?catid=1

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/redirect.asp?redir=http://www.towsure.com/category/6989-Caravan_Site_Mains_Electrics

agree shame to spoil it.

http://classic-caravans.co.uk/index.php/Classic-Caravans/Fisher/HOLIVAN.html

Its a 1969 Fisher Holivan.

There is a kitchen across the back wall that has a sink but no tap! There is also a 2 burner hob/grill. Very similar to the pictures Michael has put on but mine has beige quilted sides not blue and my stable door is at the rear on the near side.
To be honest I want to rip the kitchen out and redesign it to give me some decent storage space.
There is the original gas light at the front too!!

I was planning to feed the camping EHU through the hole in the floor where the drain pipe from the sink currently runs, as like I say I want to redesign the kitchen.

I have a hitchlock and wheel lock from when we had the TT.

As it's a classic I don't really want to change it too much - I have altered the wardrobe/cupboard so that I can put the porta potti in there and made some funky cushion covers but that's about it!!

Thanks for the comments - please keep the advice coming!!

Quote: Originally posted by Tentz on 12/2/2010

---

If its an old van its a pity to spoil it with modifications,

---

Awning

Phil

please please check your tyres for cracks in the walls & are not older than 5 years caravan tyres do not usually wear the tread away but can become dangerous if to old .read the advice on here

http://www.tyresafe.org/data/files/caravan%2008.pdf

Thanks for that old chap - first thing I did was replace the tyres with brand new ones.

That list is very useful, Phil - looking at it I have most of the "essentials" already so I shouldn't have to buy too much.
The caravan came with an awning but I haven't had a chance to try it and see if it's any good.

Viggo - you are absolutely right and I do like to be comfortable!! The actual layout works well for me and will be much improved once I've ripped out the kitchen and fitted a new one!

Thanks everyone - I really appreciate all the advice and comments.

helen, i would be tempted to fit mains leccy to the van towsure do a kit for it that contains the circuit breaker box, sockets, inlet and all cabling. for lighting i would be tempted to use jml stick on led lights

keep it looking as original as poss but do period and or hidden modifications