new van help

Hi Vicex,
here is a list of some of my thoughts,
Thermal underwear for when it gets cold keeps you warm without having to carry too much extra clothes,
dressing gown to wear to the showers with just your undies rather than get dressed in the wet at the showers,
not too many clothes if you really need something visit an op shop,
head torch,
good hat that is comfortable and doesn't squash,
bessemware casserole dish so you can bake cakes etc without an oven as well as cook casseroles, stews etc,
a good digital camera that you can use,
comfortable walking shoes,
i would have a shower and toilet, solar power so you can bush camp.
a canoe or similar, a noodle so you can use when swimming (doesnt weigh very much but makes floating around so much more enjoable)
a comfortable camping chair, camp oven
that is a starting point I am sure people will agree and disagree but it is a starting point
Barb

Vicex,

The absolute main thing to consider here is to buy only quality items, and for that you need to do the research as you have started here.

The objective is to only buy an item once. (we have all been through this [whether we admit it or not] where we have bought something at a reasonable price only to replace it down the track with the item we should have bought in the first place).

When it comes to cooking (a BBQ for instance) do some research and look at what you may need vs what you need to carry to support this and the ease to stow it/clean it etc. Think using the same gas bottle for instance. The same with toilets/showers/change tents and the like.

Some things (like chairs and table) are easier to pack and stow than others, and this is a major consideration when moving on day after day.

Things you will get used to is having a thermos or two full of boiling water before you set off each day so that you can make a cuppa without waiting for the kettle to boil will help make the day run much better, a routine for each partner when packing/setting up each day helps a great deal to ease any frustrations.

Regards,
Jim

Hi Allen

You will greatly increase the places you can free camp if you have your own toilet and shower. It can be a small combined unit.

I don't know what size van you are looking at, but weight is always an issue. We use lightweight cooking appliances only - no heavy and bulky electric appliances; we can still cook on gas when in a caravan park.

Solar power is ideal to keep you independent; we usually take unpowered sites when in caravan parks which is not only cheaper, but often not so crowded an area. I prefer a compressor fridge to gas.

Adequate water tanks for free camping, although you can be very frugal with water when you need to be.

Motherhen

Hi visex,
Ages a goq there was a question posted very similar to yours. It was called " What wouldn't you leave home without? I can't tell you how to find it.

I entered, Wet ones, scott towels, newspaper for many uses etc.
Some-one with more knowledge of how to work with this site may be able to find it for you it was beaut & extremely helpful.
Take care, Safe travels.
Bye, Ma.

What would I recommend you take.
Take as little as possible. Almost no more than you would use for a weekend away.
I see people all the time who are slaves to their possessions. Unpacking, packing, putting out, putting in, shifting, cleaning, securing, locking up, worrying weather somebody is stealing it.
Caravans & 4x4s overloaded with the trappings of materialism being dragged around Australia like a ball & chain.