Member - Doug T (W.A) replied:

The beds fold out on the sides eh,Hmmm now if you can rustle up enough stuff to pack in the van then you might not be able to close it, if it's over 3.5m you will be too wide to travel without a Pilot Vehicle , thus that will give me a job to escort you around Australia , get paid and have a tour at the same time

Now being a male I'm not much good at this but there is a fantastic website that you just might find handy.
Check the sections on the left , links called "PLAN A TRIP" and "KID'S ACTIVITIES"

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Doug

Member - Bucky (VIC) replied:

Just start on small overnighters to the beach, in populated areas.
Then try 2 day trips, to the hills or some farm stay place that allows camping ..You will soon learn how to set everything up and what to take

Get yourself a Camps Australis 4 ,, they are brilliant !
Site Link

The whole thing about camping is roughing it, just a little, and to kick back and enjoy .

Adventure touring is a different thing, but a lot of the same principles apply

Enjoy yourself

Bucky

Alcoz replied:

Hi !
I agree the best way is to try it out on some short trips first and dont be supprised when the kitting out of your van and exploring the possible things you can do with it, turns out to be half the fun!
enjoy!
regs Al

Pezza (Bris) replied:

A couple of spoons, a can opener (for the baked beans) and a blanket should be all you need :-))

Happy camping
Pezza

Sand Man (SA) replied:

Agree with others comments that it is generally a trial & error sort of thing where you add and deduct items as you go.

However, there is some good information on this site to help you get started.

Click on the Topics folder at the top of the screen, then click on Camping.
Under the Resources Heading there is an article titled "What to Take" which will give you some ideas. This includes a checklist which you can use to customise to suit your own setup.

The big advantage of a Camper Trailer (or Caravan) is that after a period of time you will discover, most of the items will stay where they are so you don't need to unpack, then pack again for the next trip.

Good luck in your quest. It's actually good fun.

DIO replied:

Hi samsmum, welcome to the world of caravan/campervan ownership. If you are still unsure as to what to pack in your unit, heed the advice of others, that is camp in your backyard for a weekend. It will soon become obvious to you exactly what is required to sustain lifes needs. Then, like most of us you will start to accumulate 'the trappings' of caravanning and camping. The things that you think you'll need but probably never get around to actually using. That's often the reason why you see so many questions regarding towing weights, engine power etc. We are probably ALL guilty of taking too much 'clap-trap' with us on our travels.
Goos luck, take it slowly, enjoy yourselves and drive carefully.

Max - Sydney replied:

Hi samsmum

You have had some good advice above - lots of short trips to slowly shake down the gear and family.

We have found with both kids and grandkids that two things make a trip for them:

1. Animals - many sites have roos, wallabies, lizards, kookaburras, magpies, wombats etc which just fascinate them. Try a walk just around dusk especially - and don't worry when they shine their torches all over the camp site.

2. Water - kids will play for hours at the side of a creek. They will get wet, muddy and move rocks, logs and sticks quite pointlessly and have a ball. Just be prepared to sit there and make sure they don't drown or anything, but you don't have to intervene too much. Just get them back to camp and change their clothes when they start to get cold.

The elaborate games and enthusiasm will increase as they get older but even at the age of your blokes they will love it.

Enjoy the life - you are doing the boys a great favour.
Max

Member - Duncs replied:

Just one thng I would add to the great advice you have been given above.

Find a popular camp spot, get there early and watch everyone else set up. Then walk around checking out other peoples set ups. Talk to people, be friendly and not intrusive and campers will gladly share their knowledge with you.

I have been camping all my life and I am still picking up tips from people, some of whom have only just started this wonderful adventure.

My basic rule is "eat well and sleep well" the rest will take care of itself.

Duncs