First Campervan - 3 "must haves" and what to avoid?

[pchmlk]

Agree with most, but I’d question the need for a CO2 monitor (or CO carbon monoxide).

Agree. I don’t know where this obsession comes from.

 

[Rosie75]

Agree with most, but I’d question the need for a CO2 monitor (or CO carbon monoxide).

Hi, I’ve put one in as in the end we are carrying a gas canister which is connected to the oven. I understand some may feel we didn’t need one however in our old motorhome and caravan there was one fitted and don’t see the camper as any different. For the sake of £10 I am happy to have one in there, just in case

 

[Hawthorn37]

That’s fair enough. You need to cover risks you perceive. As it happens we also bought one early in our Cali ownership, but since then we’ve never felt the need to use, as we always have lots of ventilation when using the hob so we don’t get excessive moisture in the van, and cooking smells are dissipated.

 

[chockswahay]

COMPACT DUST PAN

These are great! Fits in the seat side storage area on the passenger side…. Always on hand but out of the way……

https://amzn.eu/d/0dmzqiIA

 

[chockswahay]

Also, this thread had just reminded me about the fridge tray…… I have been meaning to buy one for the last 4 years of Cali ownership and putting up with wet/soggy food!

https://amzn.eu/d/06FsgreM

 

[Corradobrit]

Also, this thread had just reminded me about the fridge tray…… I have been meaning to buy one for the last 4 years of Cali ownership and putting up with wet/soggy food!

https://amzn.eu/d/06FsgreM

It really is one of those must haves

 

[Hawthorn37]

It really is one of those must haves

Agree - we use the trivet part, leaving the tray behind so it minimises volume loss. Massive improvement to food storage, so it’s just a quick wipe with kitchen towel every few days to keep the fridge dry and smelling fresh!

 

[IanE]

Also, this thread had just reminded me about the fridge tray…… I have been meaning to buy one for the last 4 years of Cali ownership and putting up with wet/soggy food!

https://amzn.eu/d/06FsgreM

Related to this, I strongly recommend using Tupperware style boxes to store stuff in the fridge - here’s an extract of mine from an earlier post;

……. on the Lakeland theme, we use a 9 litre " Lock & Lock" bread box from Lakeland in the bottom of the fridge. It fits pretty much perfectly, leaving part of the fridge for essentials (wine/milk) that require the full depth. We leave the lid in place but unsecured so that we can get into the box easily. We also then use the top of the box to put stuff on. I think it makes the fridge a bit more useable. We found that things just got lost that we put underneath the wire basket.

 

[chockswahay]

Also, this thread had just reminded me about the fridge tray…… I have been meaning to buy one for the last 4 years of Cali ownership and putting up with wet/soggy food!

https://amzn.eu/d/06FsgreM

Received it today……. fits perfectly, actually I quite like the tray base so for the time being will leave it in place

 

[clare247]

COMPACT DUST PAN

These are great! Fits in the seat side storage area on the passenger side…. Always on hand but out of the way……

https://amzn.eu/d/0dmzqiIA

Perfect, thank you

 

[Hawthorn37]

I’m trying to think of the must-haves, outside of function stuff like a hookup cable, levelling ramps and such, and also bedding / mattresses which are personal preferences. Oh and a very functional item such as a portapotti !

My short list :-

1. Fridge trivet - as above

2. An outside cooker / bbq. We use this way more than the internal hob, and recently upgraded from a Campinggaz Party Grill to a Cadac 2 Cook - which is fantastically versatile (link below).

3. Rain / wind tarp. Particularly useful in the UK! Gives the side door some shelter, hang up wet stuff, cook under it etc. We have a couple, an Outwell Fallcrest (and Hillcrest sides), plus a Debus awning - which is our favourite, and current reduced to £75. We bought a black one, but now wish we were braver and got the orange colour. (Link below).

Cadac : https://www.funkyleisure.co.uk/index.asp?function=search

Debus : https://www.funkyleisure.co.uk/index.asp?function=search

 

[clare247]

I’m trying to think of the must-haves, outside of function stuff like a hookup cable, levelling ramps and such, and also bedding / mattresses which are personal preferences. Oh and a very functional item such as a portapotti !

My short list :-

1. Fridge trivet - as above

2. An outside cooker / bbq. We use this way more than the internal hob, and recently upgraded from a Campinggaz Party Grill to a Cadac 2 Cook - which is fantastically versatile (link below).

3. Rain / wind tarp. Particularly useful in the UK! Gives the side door some shelter, hang up wet stuff, cook under it etc. We have a couple, an Outwell Fallcrest (and Hillcrest sides), plus a Debus awning - which is our favourite, and current reduced to £75. We bought a black one, but now wish we were braver and got the orange colour. (Link below).

Cadac : https://www.funkyleisure.co.uk/index.asp?function=search

Debus : https://www.funkyleisure.co.uk/index.asp?function=search

Thanks for the tips and the links. I'd never heard of funky leisure before, they look really good and reasonably priced as well.

 

[DenverBroncos]

first thing I would do if its not already is get it lowered, got mine lowered by 40mm what a difference it makes going round corners and roundabouts, doesn't feel like you are going to tip over

 

[Viktorgeorge]

first thing I would do if its not already is get it lowered, got mine lowered by 40mm what a difference it makes going round corners and roundabouts, doesn't feel like you are going to tip over

With normal suspension I have never felt I am going to tip over, perhaps my style of driving is more sedate? As for the impracticality of losing that ground height, I look in puzzlement at lowered vans.

 

[chockswahay]

With normal suspension I have never felt I am going to tip over, perhaps my style of driving is more sedate? As for the impracticality of losing that ground height, I look in puzzlement at lowered vans.

Mine was already lowered by 30mm when I bought it. The kit was official dealer fit VW parts. I haven’t driven a standard California so I wouldn’t know the difference but then again I drive it in a more relaxed style (unlike our Mini Cooper which is where I get my kicks I guess ). As for ground clearance it has not been a problem but the lowered roof height has been a real bonus when faced with marginal height clearance in car parks with an entrance barrier bar (especially France).

 

[KevH]

50° sleeping board | California (T5 to T6.1)

Suitable for: Vehicle manufacturer: Volkswagen Models: ALL VW California from 2003 to 2024 T5 / T6 / T6.1 Beach, Coast and Ocean The same sleeping board fits all model variants listed above. Particularities: - The sockets and light switches in the roof of the VW California remain accessible. -...

50gradnord.com

Probably this.

I have not come across a Nord Sleeping Board until now, but WOW, it looks like a game changer for anybody ovet 5'9" who is sleeping up top.
I have ordered one today, and can't wait to try it. Definitely a 'top 3' for me