Tuesday, Mar 03, 2009 at 09:42
we have a swan and are a family of 5 (actually 6 of us for a week last xmas) it took us sometime before we were happy with how we pack everything and still sit there in the van thinking if it could be better or easier each time we go away.
I have all toys, games, even tennis rackets (if needed) 2 golf putters etc in the space under the
seat next to fridge. we place all beach and bath towels, linen etc under the front
seat; annexe tarps etc in the side hatch at front and this is also accessible under front
seat next to door so when the annexe etc is out we use this for anything we want as its locked but still accessible from outside if we need toget in. cabinet inside door next to table has all plates etc. we also pack in food etc to fill in the gaps and space until we get there and repack into a
camp cupboard which sits on a fold out shelf i made that sits above sink and cooktop benches. i also put a microwave on it when needed for use in a caravan park, toaster, kettle, coffee + cups etc on this shelf too. we have 4 drawers for cutlery, odds and ends, and canned food in bottom drawaer. under sink is wash up gear, kettle and toaster when travelling and another drawer i made in top section of cupboard for glad wrap, alfoil, paper towel, plastic ziplock bags etc. the other drawer has coffee cups packed in for travelling. under i
seat at table i keep all odds and sods, electrical leads, lights etc. we keep jackets under other
seat plus some other stuff which escapes me for now. we also use an annexe so we take 2 or 3 sets of 4 plastic drawers for clothes and these lay down on the lowered table and
seat until we arrive and go outside in annexe when set up. we take as many drawers as needed depending on length of stay and number of people. i also have a wardrobe that folds down and it has our clothes in that too. i fitted a false floor in base of
robe for security storage like wallets, camera, handbags etc. you can fit frypan, saucepans etc in an oven if you have one. we have another cupboard below
robe for shoes etc, but really only have one pair each plus thongs. i fitted a rear bumperbar and fitted a bike rack on that and have carried up to 3 bikes. now i usually only take 1 bike and lay it down inside on an old sheet on the front lounge. you can fit a rack on the A frame too. go to some of the caravan forums and look at the caravan mods/modifications sections for ideas. we also pack seats and a
camp table and a george foreman grille/hotplate under the lowered table. we have some of those foam mats that link together which sit upright against cabinets for protection when packing/driving. the
seat cushions stack on floor between oven and table, with boogy boards etc etc. i have fitted 4 lengths of 50mm PVC pipe under van to house the drinking hose and sullage hose. they just go in from 1 end/side and wrap around to other side. keeps the mess and smell out of the van or front boot. i also have a 150mm and a 100mm PVC pipe on front A frame for annexe poles and tarp poles. I put a large tarp up over the whole van and annexe so we stay dry, and much cooler too. You will get organised after a few trips away. dont be shy to ask others you see on your travels for a look at their setups, most people are happy enoughto show off there ideas/inventions. there are plenty of info and ideas at all the caravan and camper forums too. cheers...
AnswerID:
351978