Newbie - so many questions

[Jillygumbo]

If there was just 2 of us going would you still say we need a trailer and what equipment would you say is essential to take particularly if you have wild stops in mind.

I take a small trailer when I go for a long holiday so I can chuck stuff in it to keep the bongo clear. There's only me and my lab. So the first answer is probably Yes.

What's essential to take? Porta potti, spare gas bottle (if you've not got a totally full one attached), cooking equipment if you haven't got a conversion, food, clothes, chairs for sitting out? small table for outside? The list could be endless. In my case, dog food! Levellers. I'm trying to think what I keep in my trailer. Chain and padlock to keep the trailer safe? Silver screens.

[Quinny]

If there was just 2 of us going would you still say we need a trailer and what equipment would you say is essential to take particularly if you have wild stops in mind.

I take a small trailer when I go for a long holiday so I can chuck stuff in it to keep the bongo clear. There's only me and my lab. So the first answer is probably Yes.

What's essential to take? Porta potti, spare gas bottle (if you've not got a totally full one attached), cooking equipment if you haven't got a conversion, food, clothes, chairs for sitting out? small table for outside? The list could be endless. In my case, dog food! Levellers. I'm trying to think what I keep in my trailer. Chain and padlock to keep the trailer safe? Silver screens.

Yes quite a lot then. Don't know how I managed to forget our lovely Lab will be coming along too. Going to have to think about that one then to see how transport the stuff. I was initially thinking travel with the stuff downstairs in plastic boxes and then put it up in the roof when we get to the destinations, but maybe that doesn't work too well then.

[g8dhe]

We found for just two that the Thule rack was adequate to hold all the "external" camping hardware. The rear door opens sufficiently to change the gas cylinder as well, without having to remove the rack/box

[mikeonb4c]

Whilst a backbox is easier in some respects (and cheaper in channel tunnel/ ferry costs also maybe, and no tyres needed replacing), i like being able to easily detach the storage container (and move it around) on site, so i can then do my local driving unencumbered. Doing 3 pointers in country lanes is probably easier too with a detachable trailer. And i used to just keep my gear in the covered trailer on the drive, ready for instant hookup. With a backbox you'll also want to fit spring assistors on the rear suspension.

With regard to putting things in the roof when on site, you end up moving stuff to and fro every time you want the roof down to drive off the campsite for the day. Having a trailer to chuck stuff in is very handy in comparison (but only if it has lockable hardtop and hitchlock)

[Quinny]

I can see I am going to have to give the storage situation a bit more thought. What with picking the right engine to choosing the right conversion, to the storage there is certainly a lot to think about. I am sure it will all be worth it in the end, but right now my head is spinning.

[Quinny]

We found for just two that the Thule rack was adequate to hold all the "external" camping hardware. The rear door opens sufficiently to change the gas cylinder as well, without having to remove the rack/box

Ah this is what I had seen on a you tube video, that I had favoured, rather than towing, but I do get what people are saying regarding the fact that you can't leave it behind on a pitch. Mind you I was thinking more of touring and wild camping anyway and then doing lots of walking so it probably wouldn't matter quite so much.

[Bob]

To add to the fun something we have used when touring is a really cheap 2 man tent.

Just use it as a shed on site to store your gear and keep your pitch. Obviously no use for wild camping but very useful on a site without designated pitches.

Ours was £12 from Asda but they can be found cheaper.

[Quinny]

To add to the fun something we have used when touring is a really cheap 2 man tent.

Just use it as a shed on site to store your gear and keep your pitch. Obviously no use for wild camping but very useful on a site without designated pitches.

Ours was £12 from Asda but they can be found cheaper.

Great tip do you find your stuff is secure when you leave it.

[Bob]

Never, ever, had a problem with a tent on a site.

I wouldn't want to leave my wallet and house deeds in one, but always been fine.

[Quinny]

Never, ever, had a problem with a tent on a site.

I wouldn't want to leave my wallet and house deeds in one, but always been fine.

Ha ha, no perhaps that wouldn't be a good idea, but good to know general stuff would be ok.

[Bob]

Not a problem in 50 plus years of camping.

[Quinny]

Out of interest if I could find a diesel bongo (which I can't at the moment) how much more economical fuel wise, is it to the 2.5 petrol and how much more complicated would a diesel be to look after, also how much more expensive would the parts be. The place I have been recommended to buy from will not sell diesels, but if I could find one would it be a better buy? Sorry for all these questions but I am trying to weigh up all the options before I part with our hard earned cash.

[Katka]

I can see I am going to have to give the storage situation a bit more thought. What with picking the right engine to choosing the right conversion, to the storage there is certainly a lot to think about. I am sure it will all be worth it in the end, but right now my head is spinning.

I'd suggest you don't get too hung up on the storage matter and concentrate your thoughts on the thing you can't change - the 'van itself. We have a 2.5 V6 petrol with LPG. It still finds hills somewhat challenging but has made them all so far. A 2l might prove frustrating and not much gained. Fuel type? Petrol can have LPG conversions to keep fuel costs down - but do the maths; it'll take roughly 15k miles to pay for itself. Diesel seems to be going out of favour for environmental reasons and that probably means extra cost in the future.

When/if you do think about Storage: As always, the more space you have the more 'stuff' you will find to take. All extra weight for a not so powerful 'van. You can always add storage later if you find it essential, a rear box or trailer or roof rack can be added. But for 2, we haven't yet found the need for extra storage. Not yet

[Quinny]

I can see I am going to have to give the storage situation a bit more thought. What with picking the right engine to choosing the right conversion, to the storage there is certainly a lot to think about. I am sure it will all be worth it in the end, but right now my head is spinning.

I'd suggest you don't get too hung up on the storage matter and concentrate your thoughts on the thing you can't change - the 'van itself. We have a 2.5 V6 petrol with LPG. It still finds hills somewhat challenging but has made them all so far. A 2l might prove frustrating and not much gained. Fuel type? Petrol can have LPG conversions to keep fuel costs down - but do the maths; it'll take roughly 15k miles to pay for itself. Diesel seems to be going out of favour for environmental reasons and that probably means extra cost in the future.

When/if you do think about Storage: As always, the more space you have the more 'stuff' you will find to take. All extra weight for a not so powerful 'van. You can always add storage later if you find it essential, a rear box or trailer or roof rack can be added. But for 2, we haven't yet found the need for extra storage. Not yet

Thank you and yes I think you are right. We have been out today again looking and have decided that if the V6 is still available on Monday morning, we will put a holding deposit on it as it is refundable if we don't like it when it arrives. I think also,we have decided just to put a back conversion in and then see how we go for storage as we are only intending to use it for weekends to begin with anyway and then if we find fuel consumption a pain we will convert it to Petrol/LPG in the future, especially for when we take it to tour Scotland. I finally feel we are getting somewhere but it is definitely worth doing plenty of research first.

[Jillygumbo]

My lovely lab has the passenger seat!