They arrive on site; perhaps with levelling blocks, a mains cable to the electric point, occasionally a waste water carrier, and maybe - if the weather is right - the roll out awning. The motorhome is then done. Its occupants retreat inside for tea, emerging later to walk the dog, or cooler nights to fit insulated screens.
What goes on inside? And more to the point of this blog, what is it that have the owners brought with them?
Readers will recollect my earlier blog dealing with payload, and recall that our camper's load can be important, especially when travelling abroad. So now is a good time to review what we carry - and why. Of course, the content of our motorhome is a matter of choice, activity and taste, so this blog will hardly be definitive. But it may get you thinking about what you take with you, what you leave behind, and suggest some items to acquire.
We will start with the essentials for all motorhomers, whenever or wherever you travel.
The first - is water.
Motorhome manufacturers boast about the size of their water tanks, perhaps rightly for travellers who free-camp for days or weeks on end. Our water supply is key to many aspects of modern motorhome life, not just for cleaning teeth. Save for the large trucks, few systems require water for heating, but with ever-expanding washrooms and well-equipped kitchens, the requirement for a good supply becomes essential.
One litre of water weighs one kilo - not by accident (the specific density of water = 1000kg/m3) - and that is almost a third more than gasoline. A full 100l tank adds 100kg to your vehicle, effectively undoing all of the manufacturer's tricks to reduce its weight, and often halving your payload. So this is one good reason why, when travelling, Stephanie and I don't carry a tank full, choosing to fill up on site; and why on leaving we drain all but 20 litres - hence the two taps on modern motorhomes. Clearly, it makes conservation sense to calculate filling time against the length of your stay so that you don't wate time and water.
With this in mind, in addition to a flat-fold hose together with a combinationn of tap attachments, our first tip is to carry a shortened flexible funnel (3.49 on Ebay), together with an empty 10l clear camping canister (3.79 on Ebay), both of which of minimal weight.
Second - food and refreshment
I suspect that many motorhomes are filled with tins and packages. Stephanie and I spend substantial time travelling in the Scottish Highlands, and even 8,000 miles to Argentina, but rarely too distant from a shop. When away we are keen to try the local produce, with three benefits - the chance to try something new, to meet local people, and to reduce the van's travelling weight. For special items that may not be sourced locally, look to your packaging, and reduce this with plastic containers - ideal for storeage, convenience, and weight.
Third - clothing
Like many experienced motorhomers, Stephanie and I (in addition to our tango wardrobe) have evolved our 'motorhome wardrobe'. By necessity, this is seasonal, with both 'winter' and 'summer' clothes' which we switch as the season progresses. Even when wild camping, there comes a time when the launderette, or camp site laundry beckons - so why equip with too much? Think layers, and pack the staples - fleece, easy wash trousers, waterproof, hat, gloves, strong shoes, small rucksack, and a comfortable change for evenings in the van.
Fourth - motorhome specific kit
There are some items that all motorhomers should acquire before their first journey. Here is our selection:
Levelling blocks. Levelling a motorhome is not a luxury - it is essential if you are not going to 'live on a hill', always tackling a slope. Even Caravan and Motorhome Club premier sites require these; and for wild camping they are essential. For historic reasons, I carry four - two Milenco Quattros, and two small Fiamma light weight. The former are heavy, but robust, and give a high level of elevation on uneven ground. The latter are convenient for those occasions when you simply need minor adjustment. To remove the guesswork add a Milenco superlevel indicator.
Mud mats. If your motorhome is on a Fiat, Peugeot or Citroen chassis it will be front wheel drive, and mud mats will be essential on grass after rain, whatever the slope. These are cheap to acquire (or make from bread crates) and are light to carry. Do not leave home without a pair. Team them with a light weight nylon tow rope with snap-ring, which we store accessibly with our warning triangle and wheel jack.
Insulated screens. Unusually these find their way into the 'essential kit' list. For Stephanie and I, they have more to do with condensation than heat. They retain a lot more heat for winter camping, and reflect strong sunshine, making your motorhome more comfortable whatever the weather. They also provide an extra layer of privacy. But it is in relation to windscreen condensation that they come into their own, effectively eliminating the problem when living in a van. We recommend Taylormade screen covers in the long fitting, as these cover both screen and bonnet ventilators, as well as providing an easy fold-down section to admit daylight. If considering winter camping, why not buy a bonnet cover at the same time - you will be surprised by the difference it makes.
Waste water carrier. Most motorhomes are equipped with an 80 litre + waste water tank, meaning that you can store grey water for several days. However, when not regularly drained, water in the grey tank becomes fetid, and that will explain the smells sometimes appearing in your motorhome. Relying on the onboard tank also means you will have to make regular journeys to a motorhome drainage point (if one is available). The simple answer is to carry a waste water carrier, allowing grey water to drain rather than collect in the onboard tank. A carrier also avoids the necessity of queueing for 'the long drain' at busy departure times. Is a carrier really an essential? Many are happy to do without, but having one smooths the way.
Outdoor seating and matting. Some motorhomers love their attached or drive-away awnings. However, they do come at a price - as to cost, weight, and time spent in putting them up. If your motorhome comes with a roll-out awning you will have a simple alternative for quiet weather and avoid the problem of muddy shoes and boots in the van. The art is to make the most of this space. Stephanie and I recommend the acquisition of woven plastic matting, available at most motorhome or caravan dealers. Use it equally on grass (where it allows the grass to 'breathe') or hard standing (where draining is not a problem) . Ensure that you have a selection of metal pegs and a mallet to anchor your awning and mat. It is also wise to buy a roll of webbing to secure your awning for those times when gusts of wind may cause havoc.
Most motorhomers also buy lightweight fold-away seating for outdoor use. Bear in mind if you have a folding table in the van, this can be used outdoors. If you don't have an outdoor electric point consider packing an extension lead, especially the type that provides three pin and USB points.
Heating: Your motorhome comes with an efficient heating system which should keep your van toasty even during winter use. But there are times when you may seek just that little bit extra. The Dimplex Coldwatcher MPX500 has a number of advantages. Position it in the cab area, either vertically or on its side, it is 500w rated, uses low power, thermostatically controlled, convector style it is silent, light to move and almost indestructible.
Tool kit. The 'garage' in some motorhomes resembles a veritable workshop with everything but a lathe and welder. For the purpose of this blog I advise a small collection of the following tools: variable-head screwdriver, pair of adjustable spanners, pliers, hammer, folding knife, zinc hose clips, plastic cable ties, bungee ties, strong cord, small 12v compressor, tyre pressure guage, heavy duty tape, spare fuses, WD40 or silicone spray, high viz jacket, protective gloves. Additionally, I store a torch and sheet of heavy plastic in case I need to slide beneath the van.
Medical kit. Whatever sort you carry, it must be accessible. Stephanie and I keep our kit in a shoebox beneath an interior seat that also has outside access. Here we have a selection of bandages, pasters, butterfly stitches, tape, scissors, plastic eyebath, small medical knife, antiseptic, pain relief and indigestion relief.
Fire extiguisher. Manufacturers have made great strides in fireproofing motorhomes, but they are still a major fire hazard. It is for this reason that open pans should be attended, chip pans never used, and candles restricted to outdoor use. Modern motorhomes come with a fire extinguisher, which should be serviced periodically, and supported by a fire blanket. Bear in mind that should your motorhome catch fire, the only objective is to get out safely, rather than firefighting an existing blaze. Always ensure that your smoke and CO2 alarms are in working order.
Laundry kit. We tend to carry washing powder, hand washing soap, Vanish stain remover bar, small brush, window attaching clothes rail, light line, and pegs, all of which is stored in a small plastic wash bucket. Most commercial machines are coin operated, so it is wise to store some small change for this purpose and for parking charges.
Van care. Here we are addressing that which is essential whilst travelling. Others may pack comprehensive van cleaning equipment, but my outdoor equipment comprises simply a wash cloth, retired wiper blade and small plastic bucket (which doubles for BBQ cleaning). For the interior, consider multi-surface and antisceptic sprays, J cloths, toilet fluid, dustpan and stiff brush.
Now we move on to the variable content of your van. Here, as with the list of items above, weight is an important consideration, so Stephanie and I have made evident compromises. The art is to get light-weight kit, and add back luxury items if your payload allows.
Let us start with the kitchen area. Most motorhomers use a low wattage 1 litre 240v electric kettle with automatic cut-off. Bear in mind that whatever size you need, it will take up valuable work surface. Some make do with a small whistling kettle for the gas hob. Stephanie and I carry both, using the quicker, safer, cheaper electric kettle when on hook-up. With this we use a Cafe Ole infuser teapot, six cup Bialetti coffee maker, and insulated mugs if you like your drinks hot. For cold drinks we have gravitated to superb replica plastic glasses both for Malbec and champagne. Not only has this choice reduced van weight, but the stress of breakages, especially in outdoor use.
The late summer garden shop sales provide a profusion of melamine tableware which is ideal for both inside and outside your motorhome. Here weight is key, for you will spend time carrying, washing and storing your crockery. As an indulgence, Stephanie and I have two china plates - which frankly we prefer. For cutlery, select the basics and keep it in the van. This avoids the unwanted moment when you have the wine bottle, but not the corkscrew!
Pans must be simple, light and versatile. We advise a three tower pan/steamer set, to which we have added a frying pan, a small milk pan, and baking tray. Should you have a microwave, don't forget to purchase some non-metalic containers which may double for fridge storage. On the topic of storage, source pierced plastic boxes, which together with bubble wrap, makes accessing 'rattly things' so simple.
The bedroom. With our Auto Trail Tracker FB, we have a queen size rear bed, ideal for couples travelling alone. On this we have placed a Duvalay zipped topper which the manufacturers will cut to measure. For bedding, we use a fitted bottom sheet topped with duvet and throw. The art here is simplicity, and with access to site laundry facilities, there is rarely need to carry additional bedding.
The bathroom. As with our bedding, we have purchased bespoke camper towels which, whilst not permanently stored in the van, are restricted to van use. Remember that motorhoming does not have to be basic, and a little luxury is sometimes appropriate, so buy quality. It is also the one occasion where others will scrutinise your towels whilst in transit to the shower block. The bathroom is also our place of choice to store cleaning materials, keeping them accessible where they are really needed.
So far, we have covered 'main kit' rather than luxuries. Those with pets will have further calls on their payload. Sports people will have even more kit, especially if you carry bicycles on a rear rack. Bear in mind that unless your van has a greater than 3500kg gross mass, you are likely to exceed your MTPLM payload. But with clever sourcing and strict policies, you should stay legal and safe. Best of luck!
