CWH
LIFE MEMBER
I'm in the process of buying a very small pvc (downsizing from a 4-berth coachbuilt) and would like to pick the brains of those who have one with regard to the 'little extras'
I hope to spend a LOT of time in the van, off-grid as much as possible. I'd like to go to mainland Europe but never have so that depends on how my nerve holds out. Mostly I'll be solo, but occasionally 2
Your views on my thinking would be appreciated (I know it's all 'subjective' but experience counts!) plus any advice and tips you care to offer
COOKING: I've decided against the oven - never used the one in the bigger van - I'll have 2 gas burners and I have a double skillet. I have a mini-induction hob (with 1 suitable saucepan & 1 suitable fryingpan - these can also be used on gas) for any time I'm on EHU.
Q - should I replace the oven with a microwave or with drawers???
What about an external gas point - I'm thinking on the lines of keeping cooking smells out of the tiny van - I suppose that would mean taking an extra bit of kit for cooking on too.
Q - are they much used? - what's the smallest 'accessory' I could get, to use outside? (I guess I only need a single ring.)
FRIDGE: 50 litre fridge/freezer
WATER: I'm seriously considering having a NaturePure system fitted - this will save on carrying an extra jerrycan in places where the water might be a bit iffy. I know a lot of people will drink whatever comes and I have in the past, but I fear water quality is deteriorating in many areas.
Q - thoughts on cost/benefit?
ENERGY: 100 Ahr leisure battery. I've ordered the converter's 'standard' solar panel which is 80W.
Q - do you think this will be enough? There's the option of a 2nd leisure battery but this would take quite a bit of valuable storage space. There's also be mention of a possible EFOY - I don't know what this is - any help here please?
AWNING: I'm thinking this would be little used especially when I'm on my own. So rather than have the canopy, get some sort of a driveaway/ pop-up tent/ gazebo once I've been out a few times & know what sort of use I'd make of it.
Q - what sort of space/ weight would I need to allow for this?
CAMERA: comes with a factory-fitted reversing camera.
Q - thoughts on replacing it with a dual reversing + rear-view camera please?
CAB BLINDS: I'll need something internal - if I'm off-grid I won't want outside blinds.
Q - remis and/or internal thermal?
TOW BAR: thinking possibility of then taking more 'stuff' & maybe a larger tent when there's more than just me travelling. Won't be often & won't be for v long tours (absolute max 2 weeks)
Q - pros & cons?
Phew! that's quite a lot of questions I'm hoping you lovely people will be able to help me with
Looking forward to your replies...
I hope to spend a LOT of time in the van, off-grid as much as possible. I'd like to go to mainland Europe but never have so that depends on how my nerve holds out. Mostly I'll be solo, but occasionally 2
Your views on my thinking would be appreciated (I know it's all 'subjective' but experience counts!) plus any advice and tips you care to offer
COOKING: I've decided against the oven - never used the one in the bigger van - I'll have 2 gas burners and I have a double skillet. I have a mini-induction hob (with 1 suitable saucepan & 1 suitable fryingpan - these can also be used on gas) for any time I'm on EHU.
Q - should I replace the oven with a microwave or with drawers???
What about an external gas point - I'm thinking on the lines of keeping cooking smells out of the tiny van - I suppose that would mean taking an extra bit of kit for cooking on too.
Q - are they much used? - what's the smallest 'accessory' I could get, to use outside? (I guess I only need a single ring.)
FRIDGE: 50 litre fridge/freezer
WATER: I'm seriously considering having a NaturePure system fitted - this will save on carrying an extra jerrycan in places where the water might be a bit iffy. I know a lot of people will drink whatever comes and I have in the past, but I fear water quality is deteriorating in many areas.
Q - thoughts on cost/benefit?
ENERGY: 100 Ahr leisure battery. I've ordered the converter's 'standard' solar panel which is 80W.
Q - do you think this will be enough? There's the option of a 2nd leisure battery but this would take quite a bit of valuable storage space. There's also be mention of a possible EFOY - I don't know what this is - any help here please?
AWNING: I'm thinking this would be little used especially when I'm on my own. So rather than have the canopy, get some sort of a driveaway/ pop-up tent/ gazebo once I've been out a few times & know what sort of use I'd make of it.
Q - what sort of space/ weight would I need to allow for this?
CAMERA: comes with a factory-fitted reversing camera.
Q - thoughts on replacing it with a dual reversing + rear-view camera please?
CAB BLINDS: I'll need something internal - if I'm off-grid I won't want outside blinds.
Q - remis and/or internal thermal?
TOW BAR: thinking possibility of then taking more 'stuff' & maybe a larger tent when there's more than just me travelling. Won't be often & won't be for v long tours (absolute max 2 weeks)
Q - pros & cons?
Phew! that's quite a lot of questions I'm hoping you lovely people will be able to help me with
Looking forward to your replies...