What are the essentials?

DBSilverfox · 15-05-2010, 08:16

I am picking up our first motorhome on Thursday, so this weekend we are off looking at what we need to buy.

already got the unbreakable plates, bowls, glasses. But what would you say is the basic "starter" kit of essentials?

I know I am getting the electricity hook up cable and a gas cylinder, so currently I am thinking;

toilet chemicals
water roll thing (and a pump? i have a socket next to the water for a pump...?)
food grade hose (what sort of connector?)
little carpet sweeper
plastic storage boxes to put stuff like muddy boots in.

Is that it? i don't want to buy stuff for the sake of it, but I do want to be prepared - going to shop for accessories is part of the fun and the build up to finally being free

Any suggestions would be very gratefully received.

Thanks a lot for your help

David

GJH · 15-05-2010, 08:35

Your Autoquest 100 will take two 6 Kg gas cylinders. We normally have a full one and part used one when we set off on a trip so that it's easy to change over if the one runs out. You will need a gas spanner to change over if the connection hose is the conventional one. I changed ours for a Gaslow stainless steel one which has a handwheel connection.

We started out using the Thetford pink and blue or green but now use Elsan Organic which can be used in both cassette and flush tank.

Our van came with the submersible pump all wired to a plug for using in the external socket but we had to buy a length of hose to use with it. We just bought a 25 litre white plastic jerry can rather an an Aquaroll (much cheaper and light enough to not need a hose for filling). We also bought a 20 litre black plastic jerry can for emptying the grey tank and have an aluminium trolley/bungees for transporting them. All very light when not in use and store on the Luton when travelling.

We get away with a hand brush on our travels and just use our domestic Hoover when we get back rather than carrying a carpet sweeper.

Muddy boots can be stood on a carrier bag to dry or put inside - takes less room than a rigid plastic box.

Graham

movan · 15-05-2010, 08:43

Tin opener

movan · 15-05-2010, 08:45

oh and a supply of bungee ties are always handy.
Some kind of grip things (or clothes pegs come in handy for if gripping and hanging things needed (not clothes)
Torches (can get ones that you plug into cigar lighter to charge)
scizzors
pen paper
carrier bags/bin bags

DBSilverfox · 15-05-2010, 08:53

thanks for the advice so far - I feel no guilt for trying to learn from other people's trial and error

i will definitely be taking your advice, and we are planning on using the Luton for storage, as you seem to be doing Graham.

Might also look at the books advertised - checklists and log book of travels...

David

kennygd · 15-05-2010, 08:55

Might be useful to get some plastic wheel risers for uneven or sloping ground, I found it useful to get a hosepipe I am up to 90 feet of it because of one place I stopped at I could not get to the tap, standard screw on tap adapters, two sizes, couple of quid from B&Q, it is amazing the things that you need once you get going.
kennygd

**Jim** · 15-05-2010, 09:06

Thats easy, the first thing you do is go here The Motorhome Checklist This is the most comprehensive book of checklists put together by Funsters. Sales of this book of checklists help to fund this site.

Its an ebook so you can download and be using the checks just moments after purchase. Checklists inside include..

Comprehensive ‘Motorhome Health’ Checks
Complete Inventory Inside and Out - Never forget anything ever again.
Campsite Arrival Checklist
Campsite Departure Checklist
Pre-Purchase Internal & External
30 point Winterising/Decommisioning Re-Comissioning
Pre-Foreign Travel Checks
First Aid and First Aid kits
Accident Checklist & Aide-Memoire
Annual Habitation Checks
Insurance Information Collection
Pets & Pet Gear
Packing for Children
Getting There Safely

Get it here CLICK for Motorhome Checklists.

DBSilverfox · 15-05-2010, 09:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennygd

Might be useful to get some plastic wheel risers for uneven or sloping ground, I found it useful to get a hosepipe I am up to 90 feet of it because of one place I stopped at I could not get to the tap, standard screw on tap adapters, two sizes, couple of quid from B&Q, it is amazing the things that you need once you get going.
kennygd

Thanks for the advice on the hose connectors - and good luck with the fulltiming!