What can't you live without in your van?

[martinj]

Newbie enjoying dreaming of getting our first van - and wondering what is essential kit?
We are used to caravanning and have certain things that we leave in the van between trips, and other stuff that we put in at the last minute. But we will have less space and a lot fewer cupboards when we get a T25 - so what should we make sure we don't travel without - apart from alcohol, obviously?!

[bunnynogood]

A kettle, a teapot (or a coffe pot),tea / coffee (natch ), enough cups and about 5 ltrs of water. A tin of favourite biscuits. You never know when you might just want to stop and have a rest and / or enjoy a fabulous view. Even better with a cuppa and a biccie in hand

[Mocki]

i never take anything out, i have a complete set of everything for the camper, when i comeback, the dirty clothes, bedding ect is washed and put right back the same day, i keep a selection of dired and tinned food inc dry milk tea coffee soup ect in there all the time all year round, you just never know when a short trip out could turn into a overnighter, specially when you visit any of this lot on here!

[MrMagoo]

Dont forget the beer

[martinj]

i never take anything out, i have a complete set of everything for the camper

Wow, I've never considered having a complete set of clothes for camping! Might not be a bad idea though. Thanks - looking forward to anyone else's suggestions. In full agreement with the tea/coffee/beer/biscuits suggestions, obviously...

[fullsunian]

AA card

[grumpyoldgit]

i never take anything out, i have a complete set of everything for the camper, when i comeback, the dirty clothes, bedding ect is washed and put right back the same day, i keep a selection of dired and tinned food inc dry milk tea coffee soup ect in there all the time all year round, you just never know when a short trip out could turn into a overnighter, specially when you visit any of this lot on here!

I do the reverse really. I pretty well empty the van after each trip.
I have a typed up list that I can check off to restock before each trip.

[Rozzo]

me dogs

[ricicles]

FLUFF

[android]

Tea making equipment is essential!

[ghost123uk]

i never take anything out, i have a complete set of everything for the camper, when i comeback, the dirty clothes, bedding ect is washed and put right back the same day, i keep a selection of dired and tinned food inc dry milk tea coffee soup ect in there all the time all year round, you just never know when a short trip out could turn into a overnighter, specially when you visit any of this lot on here!

Same here - Esp a warm duvet or sleeping blanket so if you decide to stop over somewhere for whatever reason (see below) you will have food (I have pot noodles as well as what Moki suggests above) and a warm nights sleep.

Reasons to stay over unexpectedly =

You got pizzed.
You broke down (Out of fuel)
You tapped off.
You broke down. (Puncture)
You got lost.
You broke down.(Engine blew up)
You wanted to.
You broke down.(Electrical failure)
You were too tired to go on.
You broke down (Burst a water hose)
You got chucked out.
You broke down (Gear lever fell off)
You just found a really nice spot.

Etc

E D I T = actually that list was meant to be a joke, but when I read it most of it has happened to me !!

.

[DanO]

sense of humour & patience!!

[ghost123uk]

patience!!

I haven't got the time for patience !

[Gogso1]

A tick remover!!!

[TravellingChick]

I keep:

a full set of crocks, pots and cutlery as well as washing up stuff and tea towels.
kitchen roll and babywipes
bin bags
blankets
small toiletries kit
tea/coffee/suger/hot choc/coffee mate
biscuits
crisps
noodles
soup
tin of corned beef
tin of new potatoes
tin of sweet corn
jar of pasta sauce
pasta
packet of smash
gravy granules
tommyK
olive oil
bottle of squash
minibox cereals
sat nav cable
phone charger cable
folding chairs

At the end/begining of a trip the bedding, clothes, perishable foods, awning and 3 in 1 power starter come out/go in.

Sarah