Starter kit

[Bmhdg76]

Okay, so will be going to the Brisbane show this weekend and we are awaiting delivery of our baby Panda at the end of August, I was starting to try to figure out what we need as a starter kit.

We are new to this type of camping in that we have had tents and a soft floor, but this will be a new level of looking away. I have done a bit of a search through the forum, but cannot find the sort of things I was after.

What I am wanting to know is, what do we need too look at getting for the van. Now I am not meaning all of the latest gadgets etc, but what are the core things we need.

I have already got the leveling ramps for example, but what else do we need?
I am trying to get a list together so I can either get a good buy at the show, or hold off until pickup.

The items I have come up with are:

• 15amp lead
• Food grade hose
• First aid kit
• ampfibian

what else? Suggestions/thoughts?
What did people get or found that they needed after trying to setup for the first time in their van?

thanks

BJ

 

[Soaring]

I'm putting together a similar list. In addition to what you have listed,
add towing mirrors,
kitchen stuff (pots, pans containers knives forks plates etc)
annex flooring ( used under awning if you don't have the annex)
BBQ
door mat
Torch

im sure others much more experienced will have more to add.

 

[Brad]

Now I am sure someone had posted quite a comprehensive list on this subject....

sullage Hose,
Various hose connectors.
Tool Box,
Cable Ties,
Few Ropes,
wine glass,
red wine,
red wine,
red wine,
and maybe copious ingredients for G&T's

 

[Bmhdg76]

Thanks Brad, I saw that list, and I also noted the red wine...

 

[Xpandafan]

Just try and browse and have a look at what's available. Expandas are more or less ready to go when you pick them up, depending on the particular van and options you have gone for.
Lots of mods will come to mind as you familiarise yourself with your van and will be coloured by where/how you travel/camp.
I'd be looking at decent matting to go under your awning, a sullage hose. Maybe add a roll flat drinking water hose and brass connections. Certainly an in-line water filter (B.E.S.T.) Towball lock and/or wheel clamp. If you've got time, have a look at an RV accessories site to get an idea of prices before you hit the show, as sometimes "bargains" are not as good as they seem.
There's a really comprehensive list on this forum somewhere that's a good guide to kitting out your van.

 

[boots33]

Hey BJ
We did the same as you we went straight to our 14 from tenting and are loving it.
You may want to add a tv aerial if you don't have one coming with the van and a small bubble level to get the van setup.

 

[relgate]

I agree about the show 'bargains'. Not always cheaper.
I suggest a toolbox and spare fuses.
I reckon half the fun is using the van and working out what else you need. If you get it all first go then what are you gonna talk about with the wife when your away?

 

[Burnsy]

Some good suggestions so far, don't forget the pen and paper so you can write down what you need/forgot!

 

[CJ1177]

Pen & paper to start the list of repairs needed to be done under warranty

 

[Johnstons]

Hi you'll also want a step for the front door to get in and out if you dont have a pullout one already.
Egg topper mattress protector depending on your mattress, WDH (Weight distributions hitch) if required for towing, mat or matting for around front door to put shoes on etc, water containers if going for long periods, buckets, broom, dustpan and brush, shovel, plastic feet to place under caravans drop down legs to stop sinking, could go on and on but it is fun to work it out as you go. You can always improvise also.
Enjoy your van and all the trips in it!

 

[Bmhdg76]

Thanks everyone.
Am taking notes!

 

[17triton]

That's half the fun working out what you need and a bit of improvising when required to get you through till the shops are open or within range.

 

[Soaring]

I love the trip to the local hardware or camping store while on holidays. As Triton says its half the fun, as long as you are not in the middle of nowhere.
Another good tip from here ( I can't remember who) is to put a coloured dot sticker on everything in your van when you use an item, take the sticker off. After a few trip, go through everything, and anything that still has a sticker on it, you can do without. The weight really adds up when you look at all the items above.

 

[Brad & Donna]

We did similar moving from tents and campers to the expanda. We found it easy to use lots of our existing items and put them straight into the van.
As above pen and paper is the best tool. Also don't be scared to ask questions or ask others to have a look at their setup when you get to you camping area or CV park - most people are only to happy to have a yarn and show their pride and joy off !

 

[Brad]

I love the trip to the local hardware or camping store while on holidays. As Triton says its half the fun, as long as you are not in the middle of nowhere.
Another good tip from here ( I can't remember who) is to put a coloured dot sticker on everything in your van when you use an item, take the sticker off. After a few trip, go through everything, and anything that still has a sticker on it, you can do without. The weight really adds up when you look at all the items above.

at the end of our first season in the van we took everything out of the cupboards and assessed if we still needed it in the van. As a result we run a lot more leaner with van items.

 

[ROnEM]

BJ,

This is the list we use/check off before we go away. Does not include kitchen, bedding, pantry, wine, spirits, beer or ice!

We have used most of these items over the first 12 months of owning our Expanda and numerous trips.

Annexe, poles & ground sheet
Bucket/s
Cable Ties - 30cm
Car Wash - for washing off the bugs on the car/van before they dry out too much
Cordless Drill - also use it to lower and raise the four drop jacks
D Shackles
Ducting Tape
Esky or Car Fridge
First Aid Kit
Folding Table and Chairs
Friction/Sway Control (Optional)
Globes and Fuses (12v and 240v)
Gloves - for hitch up, changing tyres, etc.
Groundsheet for under van
Hammer/Mallet
Hitch Pin Lock
Hose (Mains Pressure Drinking Quality)
Hose Clamps
Hose Connectors and Tap Fittings
Insulation Tape
Insurance Details
Jack Feet or Blocks of Wood
Jack to Suit Caravan
Level Rides - Weight Distribution Hitch
Level Wedges
Lock for Tow Coupling
Matches
MultiMeter (Optional)
Octopus Straps of Various Lengths
Outdoor Floor Matting
Power Lead/s (10 meters) - 15 AMP & 10A to 15A Converter (Amp-fibian)
Rake (small, for clearing sites)
Road Atlas (less than 2 years old)
Screwdriver: Blade and Phillips
Sealant & Caulking Gun (optional - keep at home!)
Shifter, 8"
Silcon - small tube - put a dab on any screws that have come loose in transit.
Silicon Spray
Spanner to suit Towball
Spare Keys
Spare Level Ride/WDH Safety Clips (Optional)
Spirit Level
Sponge & rags
Strong Cord
Sullage Hose
Talc powder - put on jack feet & around tyres to stop ants!
Tar/Spot Remover
Tent Pegs (spare)
Torch and Spare Battery
Towing Mirrors
Velcro Straps
Water Container & funnel (for water only)
WD-40, CRC or INOX
Wheel Brace and Extension Handle
Wheel Chocks
Wheel Nut Adaptor to suit Wheel Brace

Happy Trails!!

Rohan

 

[Soaring]

Ok, now that's a list!

 

[Bmhdg76]

Wow. Thanks for that ROnEM. That's the sort of things I was after

 

[Ren77]

BJ,

This is the list we use/check off before we go away. Does not include kitchen, bedding, pantry, wine, spirits, beer or ice!

We have used most of these items over the first 12 months of owning our Expanda and numerous trips.

Annexe, poles & ground sheet
Bucket/s
Cable Ties - 30cm
Car Wash - for washing off the bugs on the car/van before they dry out too much
Cordless Drill - also use it to lower and raise the four drop jacks
D Shackles
Ducting Tape
Esky or Car Fridge
First Aid Kit
Folding Table and Chairs
Friction/Sway Control (Optional)
Globes and Fuses (12v and 240v)
Gloves - for hitch up, changing tyres, etc.
Groundsheet for under van
Hammer/Mallet
Hitch Pin Lock
Hose (Mains Pressure Drinking Quality)
Hose Clamps
Hose Connectors and Tap Fittings
Insulation Tape
Insurance Details
Jack Feet or Blocks of Wood
Jack to Suit Caravan
Level Rides - Weight Distribution Hitch
Level Wedges
Lock for Tow Coupling
Matches
MultiMeter (Optional)
Octopus Straps of Various Lengths
Outdoor Floor Matting
Power Lead/s (10 meters) - 15 AMP & 10A to 15A Converter (Amp-fibian)
Rake (small, for clearing sites)
Road Atlas (less than 2 years old)
Screwdriver: Blade and Phillips
Sealant & Caulking Gun (optional - keep at home!)
Shifter, 8"
Silcon - small tube - put a dab on any screws that have come loose in transit.
Silicon Spray
Spanner to suit Towball
Spare Keys
Spare Level Ride/WDH Safety Clips (Optional)
Spirit Level
Sponge & rags
Strong Cord
Sullage Hose
Talc powder - put on jack feet & around tyres to stop ants!
Tar/Spot Remover
Tent Pegs (spare)
Torch and Spare Battery
Towing Mirrors
Velcro Straps
Water Container & funnel (for water only)
WD-40, CRC or INOX
Wheel Brace and Extension Handle
Wheel Chocks
Wheel Nut Adaptor to suit Wheel Brace

Happy Trails!!

Rohan

Found one!!

 

[dakky68]

I just replied to a similar thread - see my list attached.