Equipping a new van - the non-obvious things

chenderson1965

chenderson1965

Free Member
Joined
Aug 3, 2019
Posts
327
Likes collected
274
Location
Nottingham
Funster No
62,953
MH
N+B Arto 79R A Class
Exp
10 years with hires, Newbie owner
Hi All,

So, thanks in no small part to all the wonderful support and advice I’ve had from members of this Forum, we have today agreed the final purchase price and details for our first motorhome!

It’s a 2012 N+B Arto 79R and we’re buying from a dealer so it comes with nothing in the way of contents. We take delivery in a couple of weeks and we are off on our first trip to France a week or so after that.

We’re happy to use our initiative and work out what to take for all the obvious stuff - bedding, kitchenware, cleaning equipment etc etc. I dare say we’ll forget some bits and pieces and also work out things we need as we go along. For most basic living stuff, I’m sure we’ll end up buying things while we’re there to fill gaps we discover.

What I’m less confident about is motorhome specific things that we’ll need, and which might be a bit trickier to find when we’re away. I’m sure we can find almost anything in France but we’d rather not spend time looking for specialist shops. I guess we’re talking, therefore, about anything which we’ll need for motorhome holidaying which couldn’t be found in a large French supermarket and so we should definitely buy now.

To illustrate, some things that have already occurred to me are:-

- A hook up cable (how long? Will any one do?)
- We have a Gaslow refillable gas system and someone said it requires adapter nozzles for the continent. What do I need?
- Carbon monoxide alarm (pretty straightforward I think but important)
- Firefighting kit (there’s an extinguisher, do we need anything else?)
- Loo fluid (seem to be many kinds - is there much difference?)
- Means to fill the water tank (hose? Container? Both? What kinds?)
- I know I’ll need warning triangle/breathalyser etc etc for driving in France. Best to just buy a pre-prepared kit?
- We don’t have a spare wheel. I’m thinking we should buy one rather than rely on a repair kit?
- We have two dogs (for whom we’ve done pet passports etc). Do people take any basic dog medicines?
- We don’t have a lockable place for valuables. How do we secure electronics/money/passports etc?

I’m sure there are lots of things I’m missing. What else?

Thanks

Chris
 
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A 2 pin to 3 pin adaptor as some campsites only have 2 pin electric sockets . Enjoy France we do ?
 
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Don't use chemicals in your loo. It ruins septic systems and there are a lot where you are going. Use ordinary Bio washing liquid, a cheap one as long as its biological. one capful every time you re fresh the cassette. You can bung a cap of it in your sink and rinse to keep your grey tank sweet too.

If you park on grass, be mindful of traction if its been raining a lot. look for tyremarks and ruts from previous campers.

get an adaptor kit from gaslow/gasit, you will need the disc shaped one for france. dnt keep it in your locker some attendants go apeshit and wont turn on the pump when they see you opening a gaslocker and filling with autogas

You should be using a 16amp hookup cable with the blue "commando" plugs and sockets. 20m is about right. (Most don't they use 13 amp)

Buy a flat hose and different tap connectors think about cutting it into differing lengths and being able to connect them all for one long length.

Take an electric desk fan with you it can get uncomfortable in central France sometimes
 
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Get a safe from screwfix and fit it under a seat. We got robbed while asleep in Marseilles last year and they took everything of value! Also a decent LED torch, a set of LPG filling adaptors (available on the Gasit website), a food grade hose (loads on Ebay). If you have time, have a SOG fitted then you want need toilet chemicals, headlight beam converters, watering can is useful for filling your water tank in an emergency. Also breathalyser kits are no longer required in France as the law was relaxed.

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Hello and congratulations on your new van. Lots to look forward to.

We have two cables long and short and use them both. Maybe start with one longish and see how you go.
Gaslow adaptors easily available on internet.
We use a flexible hose to fill water but also have a watering can or similar for when you can't get close to tap or dont want to move..
For dogs I carry tick removers as well as liquid antiseptic for any sore bits..
You'll also need various sized screw adaptors for the numerous types of water points
For security i tend to keep our passports on me but also have photocopies and electronic copies as back up. We divide cash and cards between us and don't worry too much about the rest...we don't carry very expensive gadgets anyway

Have fun and hope this helps...

Enjoy..
 
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This is going to sound strange but one thing I used only today, and I've used numerous times in the last three months, to stick parking tickets onto windows etc., is a roll of humble sellotape (other brands are available). Not the end of the world if you don't have it, but useful, nevertheless!
 
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10 litre watering can for filling your water, a couple of collapsible buckets (B&M), collapsible dish washing bowl, ramps unless you have self levelling, tirepal pressure monitoring, think about a spare tyre rather than a wheel, chairs, table washing line, yes you need lpg adapters check out the gaslow/autogas 2000 site.

As mentioned by someone else one of these.

Amazon product ASIN B00EHI8WR4
 
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wow
it's all mega exciting :D
Have fun
Relax
as for toilet fluid try using Brewers yeast tablets
4 tablets in the waste tank work great
 
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-

- A hook up cable (how long? Will any one do?)

25m but get a two pin adapter. I now carry both a 25m and a 10m cable in the smaller 1.5mm size but a 25m one in 2.5mm will be fine.

- We have a Gaslow refillable gas system and someone said it requires adapter nozzles for the continent. What do I need?

Google lpg adapters. You can get sets of three at a reasonable price. Plus thick gloves for safety when filling.
- Carbon monoxide alarm (pretty straightforward I think but important)
- Firefighting kit (there’s an extinguisher, do we need anything else?)

We've got a fire blanket.

- Loo fluid (seem to be many kinds - is there much difference?)

Can't really help as we have a SOG and use laundry fluid. But the green fluids would be a good starting point. If you need clothes pegs try something stronger. :)

- Means to fill the water tank (hose? Container? Both? What kinds?)

We have a lay flat hose on a reel with Hozelok connections at each end.
Hose connections are wondrously variable although the standard 3/4" is the most commonly encountered. Have a search on here for ideas as it has been often discussed.

- I know I’ll need warning triangle/breathalyser etc etc for driving in France. Best to just buy a pre-prepared kit?

No breathalyser required but you need reflective waistcoats readily to hand. On reflection this might be for Spain, where you need two warning triangles :) But worth carrying anyway.

- We don’t have a spare wheel. I’m thinking we should buy one rather than rely on a repair kit?

Up to you but you will need room to securely store it.

- We have two dogs (for whom we’ve done pet passports etc). Do people take any basic dog medicines.

A tick treatment, Advantix is what we use but Scalibor collars work well.

- We don’t have a lockable place for valuables. How do we secure electronics/money/passports etc?

Get a safe fitted, key operated.

I’m sure there are lots of things I’m missing. What else?

Take a note book with you so you can write down things you need when you realise you haven't got it. :)

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Watering can to fill up your water tank nearly all French campers use them
 
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Welcome

We have an NB Arto 69GL(2003) so you is posh with a 2012.

Going through your list

Hook-up cable - yes if you go on sites, but we don't and ditched except a short one. Most come with made-up motorhome plugs at about 25m

Gaslow - definitely need dish type adaptor for France but may as well get the set of 3 types which will not cost much more than 1 single.

Fire kit - maybe a fire blanket, but not essential

Spare wheel - yes if you have a garage. Repair kit is no good for a blow-out which we had 2 years ago.

Loo fluid - lot of us have gone over to supermarket Bio washing fluid(liquid, or we prefer sachets) does same job at much cheaper price. On continent the label does not say Bio so look for enzyme in ingredients.

Hose yes and a waterinfg can if you do not want to move the MH to the tap. We also carry plastic can with 10lts. spare.

Warning triangle, high-viz jackets for each person, spare bulbs, spare glasses if worn. Forget the breathalyzer as they never finished the legislation making it finable.

Some basic tools, duck tape, cable ties. Graphite spray for locks, WD 40

Soft long-handled brush for cleaning screen

Check wiper blades or carry spares - cheaper in UK.

Some method of tie down for awning - we use tool box and bit of rope. Never leave it up in any wind or when going shopping.

I might think of more tomorrow.

Geoff

[DBK beat me on some of it]
 
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Camping Gaza said:
Don't use chemicals in your loo. It ruins septic systems and there are a lot where you are going.
Click to expand...

Not true. Almost all modern chemicals are fine for septic tanks, and they'll likely clearly state this on the label. We use Robinsons Caravans' green Biological at the moment, and that shouts loud that it's fine for septic tanks. Not that I'm suggesting those over the laundry stuff people use, that's personal choice.
 
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NEVER trust a safe with a digital keypad, they can be opened with no tools in seconds. pay extra for a decent key locked one and screw it down right

you will need seatbelt restraints or similar for the dogs
we carry tick forks, hibiscrub, antihystimines and self adhesive bandages for the dogs and needed them all

a trolley full of antislip matting from the pound shop to stop all the rattles

a corkscrew and bottle opener are essential kit

if you have bikes, a puncture kit. if you have one, you wont use it, but
 
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NEVER trust a safe with a digital keypad, they can be opened with no tools in seconds. pay extra for a decent key locked one and screw it down right

you will need seatbelt restraints or similar for the dogs
we carry tick forks, hibiscrub, antihystimines and self adhesive bandages for the dogs and needed them all

a trolley full of antislip matting from the pound shop to stop all the rattles

a corkscrew and bottle opener are essential kit

if you have bikes, a puncture kit. if you have one, you wont use it, but

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If you want to get the dogs protected against ticks and fleas, ( which you should do anyway) I suggest you go to your vet and get the proper stuff. The stuff you can buy over the counter is, in my opinion, no good.
 
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Do you have European breakdown cover?
Travel insurance is a must and don’t forget to take your EHIC cards.
 
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There are never enough plugs and chargers, get adaptors so get a few for sockets and a few usb sockets as everything seems to be powered by them, windbreakers, waterproof outside seats, storm straps for awning, search charity shops for dvds if the weather is bad
Hope I’ve not duplicated any
Stock up fridge with beer, stock up cupboards with beer and stock up under seats with beer, I’m sure everything will be fine
 
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We got most of our camping and kitchen stuff from the cheap chain stores B & M, the Range or the supermarket etc. The camping shops not all, tend to markup the prices for the same stuff.
However do spend some money on good fold up chairs, sit on them and imagine you’ve got a nice brew hot or cold and a paper or good book on your lap.
If you could nod off in it your sorted.
YOU WILL regret buying cheap ones.

To add to the list:
Spare bulb kit
Fuses
Duct tape, fixes the broken and flappy stuff.
Silicon spray for the squeaks as it’s kind to the rubbery bits.
Small screw drivers like the ones you get from your Christmas cracker to fix your glasses.
One of those small ratchet screw driver kits with all the bits, star, torks etc.
Handful of small wood screws for when a hinge may come loose.

Some kind of journal to record your trip, keep your site maps, toll tickets, leaflets.
We got our camper van from Sussex caravans on the A24 absolutely fantastic, they give away a small stuffed dog or cat of your choosing as a present when you buy a camper or caravan from them.
We take pictures of Fergus on every campsite sign as a reminder of where we’ve been.
He’s know starting to hide to make it more interesting, where’s Fergus!

If something breaks and it will, keep calm and fire up the internet for the answer if you can’t fix it with the duct tape
Most of all make everything fun and colourful and you’ll enjoy it all the more.
 
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For dogs keep some cohesive bandages , wonderful for injured paws etc. These are not the same as adhesive bandages and difficult to find, buy on line before you go. Can get them from vets, at a price.
We also carry plastic ampoules of sterile saline for eyewash and povidone iodine ointment as an antiseptic.

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Take enough dog food for your trip in case the one your dog eats isn’t available. The same for treats. A large towel to cover floor at entrance for wet and muddy paws, a long lead for securing outside, a non-tip water bowl.
 
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I thought dealers have to put fire and carbon monoxide alarms in all vans even second hand ones our dealer did. and buy a big enough fire extinguisher for the van size.

A whole new tyre will affect payload which is why many new vans don’t have themnow?

Have fun and take note we are on our 4 th van and the garage at home is full of items we thought we needed , rarely used but can’t quite throw away !

Happy Traveling and have many great adventures!
 
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- A hook up cable (how long? Will any one do?) usually a short one will do on sites, but useful to have a long one, when needed, so no point bothering with a short one, but unwind it all when in use to avoid heat build up
- We have a Gaslow refillable gas system and someone said it requires adapter nozzles for the continent. What do I need?
- Carbon monoxide alarm (pretty straightforward I think but important)
- Firefighting kit (there’s an extinguisher, do we need anything else?) add afire blanket, quicker and easier to use. Best advice in a fire is get out and turn off the gas if you can
- Loo fluid (seem to be many kinds - is there much difference?) cheap bio washing capsules
- Means to fill the water tank (hose? Container? Both? What kinds?) I carry a flat food grade hose, but usually top up with a watering can. 100 litres is about ten trips to the tap and back. Good exercise and a chance to chat to people
- I know I’ll need warning triangle/breathalyser etc etc for driving in France. Best to just buy a pre-prepared kit?
- We don’t have a spare wheel. I’m thinking we should buy one rather than rely on a repair kit? I don’t trust the kits. A spare wheel or at least atyre as some recovery services may not have your size. In some countries the tyres must all be the same make and model so best to have one with you that is the same. If you take a spare wheel you will also need a jack of sufficient capacity if you plan todo it yourself. That will add a lot of weight to your garage.
- We have two dogs (for whom we’ve done pet passports etc). Do people take any basic dog medicines?
- We don’t have a lockable place for valuables. How do we secure electronics/money/passports etc? I keep passports with me. They are your most valuable item when abroad.
I would add a basic tool kit, there’s always something. Cable ties and gaffer tape can fix most things temporarily!
 
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We carry a number of first aid items for both our dog and us. As mentioned above cohesive bandages are brilliant for humans and dog - they’re readily available from amazon or in country or equine stores. We take OTC medications such as Volterol gel, Sudocrem, etc. For our dog we take his regular wormer, flea and tic treatment, a tick remover, shampoo, Rough and Tumble towelling coats and loads of old towels.

You may find it useful to buy a portable washing machine and rotary washing line. They’re about £100 and work extremely well.

It’s useful to have doormats, especially if you have dogs.
 
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stevewagner said:
Get a safe from screwfix and fit it under a seat. We got robbed while asleep in Marseilles last year and they took everything of value! Also a decent LED torch, a set of LPG filling adaptors (available on the Gasit website), a food grade hose (loads on Ebay). If you have time, have a SOG fitted then you want need toilet chemicals, headlight beam converters, watering can is useful for filling your water tank in an emergency. Also breathalyser kits are no longer required in France as the law was relaxed.
Click to expand...
Steve sorry to hear you were robbed whilst asleep.

To the OP one of the most important aspects of van security and these guys are good. You can set the alarm so that if the scoundrels try and get in whilst you are asleep the alarm will go off......you May have a heart attack but the probability of stuff getting niked will be very low ;)

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DBK said:
-

- A hook up cable (how long? Will any one do?)

25m but get a two pin adapter. I now carry both a 25m and a 10m cable in the smaller 1.5mm size but a 25m one in 2.5mm will be fine.

- We have a Gaslow refillable gas system and someone said it requires adapter nozzles for the continent. What do I need?

Google lpg adapters. You can get sets of three at a reasonable price. Plus thick gloves for safety when filling.
- Carbon monoxide alarm (pretty straightforward I think but important)
- Firefighting kit (there’s an extinguisher, do we need anything else?)

We've got a fire blanket.

- Loo fluid (seem to be many kinds - is there much difference?)

Can't really help as we have a SOG and use laundry fluid. But the green fluids would be a good starting point. If you need clothes pegs try something stronger. :)

- Means to fill the water tank (hose? Container? Both? What kinds?)

We have a lay flat hose on a reel with Hozelok connections at each end.
Hose connections are wondrously variable although the standard 3/4" is the most commonly encountered. Have a search on here for ideas as it has been often discussed.

- I know I’ll need warning triangle/breathalyser etc etc for driving in France. Best to just buy a pre-prepared kit?

No breathalyser required but you need reflective waistcoats readily to hand. On reflection this might be for Spain, where you need two warning triangles :) But worth carrying anyway.

- We don’t have a spare wheel. I’m thinking we should buy one rather than rely on a repair kit?

Up to you but you will need room to securely store it.

- We have two dogs (for whom we’ve done pet passports etc). Do people take any basic dog medicines.

A tick treatment, Advantix is what we use but Scalibor collars work well.

- We don’t have a lockable place for valuables. How do we secure electronics/money/passports etc?

Get a safe fitted, key operated.

I’m sure there are lots of things I’m missing. What else?

Take a note book with you so you can write down things you need when you realise you haven't got it. :)
Click to expand...
Super thorough and helpful. Thanks a lot!
 
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Anti bacterial wipes for the taps when filling with fresh water. And always use our own tap adapters. Other people's hygene may not be as good as yours. Especially when the tap is near the cassette emptying point!
 
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The trick is to cover all the essentials as indicated above, leaving yourself with wriggle room for all the “I need one of those” impulse buys you’ll see others with on your travels.
 
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Two of these image.jpeg
 
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