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New van shopping list

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McDee22

Lifetime VIP Member
Messages
73
Location
Hertfordshire
Vehicle
T6.1 Ocean 204 4 motion
With a new van on the way shortly I've been looking at what to buy in preparation. Now I appreciate that for a lot of things, you're probably better off getting the van and figuring out what you need as you go, but I think based on the reviews on this forum there's some things that I can decide on in advance. And in the spirit of community I thought I would share for anyone else looking for a consolidated list of stuff to consider.

Most of this came from a few threads here that I've been following: 'game changers', 'what did you buy today', and 'I most regret buying'. All of it is subjective of course.

To buy ahead of the van arriving...
1657381804879.png

Not sure about the rest; will wait until van arrives and see what we need...
1657381844639.png
 
Seriously, I would spend very little on items before you have done some trial nights away, especially expensive purchases. We’ve had our Beach for nearly two years and I still haven’t decided if I really ‘need’ a Ridge Monkey!!

Some items I have purchased haven’t worked out. For example, I recently bought a Khyam Screen Hub, but after pitching it, I realised that when using without the sides the design is rather flawed and it’s almost impossible to make it stable, even with 8 ropes! Turns out it needs the sides for strength and rigidity. It was seriously expensive but luckily I was able to send it back for a refund. That was just before our holiday, so ended up getting a Decathlon Arpenaz Base Fresh en-route in France, which we actually quite like! Also nearly 25% cheaper than UK :)
 
Kayleigh said:
Seriously, I would spend very little on items before you have done some trial nights away, especially expensive purchases. We’ve had our Beach for nearly two years and I still haven’t decided if I really ‘need’ a Ridge Monkey!!

Some items I have purchased haven’t worked out. For example, I recently bought a Khyam Screen Hub, but after pitching it, I realised that when using without the sides the design is rather flawed and it’s almost impossible to make it stable, even with 8 ropes! Turns out it needs the sides for strength and rigidity. It was seriously expensive but luckily I was able to send it back for a refund. That was just before our holiday, so ended up getting a Decathlon Arpenaz Base Fresh en-route in France, which we actually quite like! Also nearly 25% cheaper than UK :)
Click to expand...
+1 for this advice. There are some big ticket items on that buy list that you can really kick off without and see if you really need them before you spend another 1K+.

Interesting one about the kettles. Due to stupidity we bought 4. The first whistling one was really thin and low quality. The first collapsable one I bough was meant to be plug in but it wasn't. Finally got a decent collapsable plug in and a good quality whistler. We used the collapsable non whistler once and realised it was too much off a faff to listen and watch for it to boil so it’s now in the spares box.

A lot of the other stuff looks great and quite in line with our “pre van” hoard.

The second list is very similar, take it as it comes, lots of other big items on there you may end up barely using - mozzy nets it comes with, midge ones we’ll get when we do the GC500. The rest of it - I wonder how you will fit in ;)
 
McDee22 said:
With a new van on the way shortly I've been looking at what to buy in preparation. Now I appreciate that for a lot of things, you're probably better off getting the van and figuring out what you need as you go, but I think based on the reviews on this forum there's some things that I can decide on in advance. And in the spirit of community I thought I would share for anyone else looking for a consolidated list of stuff to consider.

Most of this came from a few threads here that I've been following: 'game changers', 'what did you buy today', and 'I most regret buying'. All of it is subjective of course.

To buy ahead of the van arriving...
View attachment 95937

Not sure about the rest; will wait until van arrives and see what we need...
View attachment 95938
Click to expand...
It will depend on what Van you have ordered?
 
Jay586 said:
You get flyscreens as standard, I think?
Click to expand...
Yeah I was thinking about those magnetic ones across the side door - but they just look like a real faff so not sure...
 
Kayleigh said:
Seriously, I would spend very little on items before you have done some trial nights away, especially expensive purchases. We’ve had our Beach for nearly two years and I still haven’t decided if I really ‘need’ a Ridge Monkey!!

Some items I have purchased haven’t worked out. For example, I recently bought a Khyam Screen Hub, but after pitching it, I realised that when using without the sides the design is rather flawed and it’s almost impossible to make it stable, even with 8 ropes! Turns out it needs the sides for strength and rigidity. It was seriously expensive but luckily I was able to send it back for a refund. That was just before our holiday, so ended up getting a Decathlon Arpenaz Base Fresh en-route in France, which we actually quite like! Also nearly 25% cheaper than UK :)
Click to expand...
Yeah I certainly appreciate the advice - I guess I just don't want to be short on essentials on those first few trips. Also the way I tend to operate is if I'm not organised from day one, it'll be two years before I get around to buying some more intelligent storage solutions like the kitchen shelves and then I'll wonder why I didn't do it sooner!
 
dspuk said:
+1 for this advice. There are some big ticket items on that buy list that you can really kick off without and see if you really need them before you spend another 1K+.

Interesting one about the kettles. Due to stupidity we bought 4. The first whistling one was really thin and low quality. The first collapsable one I bough was meant to be plug in but it wasn't. Finally got a decent collapsable plug in and a good quality whistler. We used the collapsable non whistler once and realised it was too much off a faff to listen and watch for it to boil so it’s now in the spares box.

A lot of the other stuff looks great and quite in line with our “pre van” hoard.

The second list is very similar, take it as it comes, lots of other big items on there you may end up barely using - mozzy nets it comes with, midge ones we’ll get when we do the GC500. The rest of it - I wonder how you will fit in ;)
Click to expand...
Haha - well if you see a new van around the chilterns with a trailer full of brand new accessories that will probably be me.

I must admit, it's surprising how expensive some of this stuff is - like the fridge trivit and the kitchen shelves. I guess it's custom made and for a captive market. I do feel better now I have a list though as every other thread someone is recommending this or that or commenting on the usefulness of something else and I don't want to miss out on great ideas!
 
@McDee22 Like you slowly buying stuff for the van, hoping that it will arrive one day, agree some big ticket items on the list so I’m putting these purchases off until the van arrives and justing picking up smaller low cost items at the moment, that I know I will need. I tend to buy things when I spot them at a good price or on offer. Also picked up a few items from Aldi special buys.

Don’t forget the basics like plates, cutlery and gas. Did splash out on some rather expensive melamine plates and bowls from John Lewis when a cheaper set would have sufficed.

Might be a few bargains next week on Amazon prime day.

This weeks purchase was a ducksback cover for the gas bottle from eBay, to stop it scratching.

My next buys are likely to be a Cadac 30 and Portapotti.
 
McDee22 said:
With a new van on the way shortly I've been looking at what to buy in preparation. Now I appreciate that for a lot of things, you're probably better off getting the van and figuring out what you need as you go, but I think based on the reviews on this forum there's some things that I can decide on in advance. And in the spirit of community I thought I would share for anyone else looking for a consolidated list of stuff to consider.

Most of this came from a few threads here that I've been following: 'game changers', 'what did you buy today', and 'I most regret buying'. All of it is subjective of course.

To buy ahead of the van arriving...
View attachment 95937

Not sure about the rest; will wait until van arrives and see what we need...
View attachment 95938
Click to expand...
Which type of van are you buying a Beach or an Ocean?
If it’s a Beach, I’m sure the slide out drawer could be worth the money, but not convinced for an Ocean. (On a Beach you may have a fridges and kitchen equipment in the boot.)
Re the tailgate tent, are you aware that these are supported by the tailgate, so if you drive somewhere for the day, it’ll have to be taken down.
Personally I’d fit Solar panels rather buying the power bank. They’re not that much more expensive.
I notice that you don’t have a portapotti on your list. This and a toilet tent has been great for us. We don’t use it all the time, but is handy for early morning use and when there’s been an issue with site toilets. Also allows us to use campsites with no/limited facilities or compost toilets. (Nothing against compost toilets, but if not used correctly they can be stinky. Unlikely that everyone on site will use according to instructions.)
Great use of a spreadsheet!
 
Buy the minimum you need for the first trip & then decide.


With what you've got listed you probably need a trailer or second car!

I can't envisage using brandrup awning panels + a drive away tent + a tailgate tent all at the same time.

What you need really depends on your style of camping - touring with just one night in each location = take the absolute minimum or you will spend all your time packing & unpacking

I wouldn't bother with a power bank or solar to start with - the van batteries will do you 3 days if you don't move the van & don't have hookup. Drive it & they will recharge so could last indefinitely.
 
Kayleigh said:
Seriously, I would spend very little on items before you have done some trial nights away, especially expensive purchases. We’ve had our Beach for nearly two years and I still haven’t decided if I really ‘need’ a Ridge Monkey!!

Some items I have purchased haven’t worked out. For example, I recently bought a Khyam Screen Hub, but after pitching it, I realised that when using without the sides the design is rather flawed and it’s almost impossible to make it stable, even with 8 ropes! Turns out it needs the sides for strength and rigidity. It was seriously expensive but luckily I was able to send it back for a refund. That was just before our holiday, so ended up getting a Decathlon Arpenaz Base Fresh en-route in France, which we actually quite like! Also nearly 25% cheaper than UK :)
Click to expand...
Hi. Just about to push the button on a Decathlon Arpenaz Base Fresh on their website (approx. £120). How much was it in France please?
 
Azteccamper said:
Hi. Just about to push the button on a Decathlon Arpenaz Base Fresh on their website (approx. £120). How much was it in France please?
Click to expand...
This is the one we bought. I think it works out just over £150 at the current exchange rate. It’s 3x3m

Camping Living Room with Poles Arpenaz Base Fresh 10-Person QUECHUA | Decathlon

If you're camping as part of a larger group, bring an extra living 'room' to share. We've designed this freestanding extension for quick pitching…
www.decathlon.co.uk www.decathlon.co.uk
 
The Anker power station on your list is the one we bought. We got it as a backup for the Beach leisure battery as it only has one on this model. Definitely not an essential item and if you have an Ocean it would not really be needed.
 
Thanks for sharing. love to compare.
The first things I bought were a solar panel kit, portapotty, wheel chocks and hook up cable, cutlery&plates.
 
McDee22 said:
With a new van on the way shortly I've been looking at what to buy in preparation. Now I appreciate that for a lot of things, you're probably better off getting the van and figuring out what you need as you go, but I think based on the reviews on this forum there's some things that I can decide on in advance. And in the spirit of community I thought I would share for anyone else looking for a consolidated list of stuff to consider.

Most of this came from a few threads here that I've been following: 'game changers', 'what did you buy today', and 'I most regret buying'. All of it is subjective of course.

To buy ahead of the van arriving...
View attachment 95937

Not sure about the rest; will wait until van arrives and see what we need...
View attachment 95938
Click to expand...
Consider Fallcrest and Hillcrest set of side awning panels from Outwell, gives considerable extra floor space if pulled out at an angle, not vertical. https://www.outwell.com/en-gb/ecommerce/vehicle-awnings/fallcrest-side-panel-set
 
jonnystrong2000 said:
Consider Fallcrest and Hillcrest set of side awning panels from Outwell, gives considerable extra floor space if pulled out at an angle, not vertical. https://www.outwell.com/en-gb/ecommerce/vehicle-awnings/fallcrest-side-panel-set
Click to expand...
I originally bought the fallcrest and Hillcrest combo but returned the front panel in favour of the Thule sunblocker option which is semi transparent. Gives a better feeling of not being 'boxed' in while providing adequate protection from sun, wind and rain plus offers privacy.
 
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