Countdown to maiden voyage!

[MD23]

So we're heading off in our 'try before buy' Expanda and 4WD next week and I'm starting to make lists of what to pack...
having never been on a caravan holiday before what are some 'must have' items that we need to pack in the van?
We have hired a motorhome before and I ended up packing way too much stuff...we were bursting at the seams, mainly due to my desire to take our entire wardrobes with us!
Obviously, I've got clothes (going to really cull that one down this time!), toiletries, first aid/medicines, basic food/pantry items such as condiments etc but the only thing I can think of that we don't usually take with us on holidays are a torch and clothes pegs.
We are staying at a caravan park in a town where there are shops so it won't be too much of a hassle if we forget/don't have something but thought I'd ask the experts here as well...

 

[Lara]

Hi MD23,
You must be looking forward to it! Very exciting time for you.
We hired a Jayco Eagle over Christmas, was meant to be a one off....... But loved the whole caravaning experience so much we came home and put a deposit on an Expanda within 2 days!
Your rental Expanda should be fully loaded with all the essentials. Check with the hire company as they should have a list of what's already supplied like ours did. With rentals you really should only have to pack food and clothes and toiletries.
If you get a list from the rental company, make sure you keep a copy. Will be handy when you buy your own Expanda and want to fill it!
Funny, you mentioned the clothes packing. Being a first timer in December we too packed way too many clothes, ridiculous really, we could've gone away for a month instead of a week. We have learnt from that and will pack much lighter now. It's all learning really.
I would say that your list above is spot on, only I reckon the Expanda will or should already have pegs and torches supplied too.
Enjoy the trip and keep us all posted!

 

[Xpandafan]

If in doubt, leave it out. We still pack far too much after 30 years of caravaning. Try sticker approach. Put colored dot stickers own everything as you pack van. As you use something remove the sticker. When you get home take out anything that still has a sticker on it and seriously consider whether you really need it. It's rare that you're far from shops for essentials. We overdo food and clothes every time. Currently <10 days and could last a month.

 

[Burnsy]

Yeah, I recon I could get away with 2 pair is shorts, 1 pair of trackies, a few T shirts, flanno and 2 pair of thongs (1 for a spare) I don't contribute to the weight factor much in our van.......except for the beers!

 

[gwadir]

Hey Burnsy, shouldn't one pair of thongs be a dress pair for the bowlo or RSL.

 

[Burnsy]

Hey Burnsy, shouldn't one pair of thongs be a dress pair for the bowlo or RSL.

yep, your right, the cleanest pair I guess!