Camper Van Essentials: What I wish I'd known, & useful accessories

Before continuing with the Scotland vlogs, a pre-NEC chat about what I wish I'd known before setting off, and some hints and tips about what accessories I have found the most useful.
If you are thinking of starting out with a camper van, check out also my collaboration with Shaun & Lizzy from California Camping about Top Tips for First Time Camper Vanners: • First Time Camper Van ...
For info on the Gaslow refillable system check out: www.gaslowdirec...
These are the accessories that I have found the most useful:
500w - 1000w fan heater: amzn.to/2CfxilS
Electric cable reel: amzn.to/2nVNFQq
13A domestic socket - 16A plug adapter: amzn.to/2nV2pyW
4-gang trailing socket: amzn.to/2nV0dr2
12 car socket/USB adapter: amzn.to/2G8p0ys
Head torch: amzn.to/2EnGwyb
Milenco Optimate 10 Leisure Battery Charger: amzn.to/2nUDHym
Milenco Internal Thermal Screens: amzn.to/2G8TUqp
Folding plastic crate: amzn.to/2G8qaKk
Milenco Giant Mesh Grip Mat: amzn.to/2G9sFMm
Steamer Pan: amzn.to/2nV3EhA
Camping toaster for gas hob: amzn.to/2nWCPJF
RidgeMonkey XL: amzn.to/2nURO6V
These are UK affiliate links (except Gaslow) which means I will earn a modest commission on any purchases you make when landing into Amazon by using these links, regardless of what product(s) you end up buying.

[@1408Scott]

WOW - a vid from 2018 and still super useful. I'm a little late to the party but subbed for your latest vids..

[@andrewjditton]

Better late than never! Welcome aboard.

[@gkinlen]

I'm new to motorhomes, this is such good advice. What do 219 viewers find that it warrants Thumbs down? Thanks

[@charlesmachin3724]

As someone who has used tenst and caravans for a long time but now faced with this ENORMOUS motor home I find these videos immensely helpful and re-assuring. Keep up the good work. I might even venture out into the snow in mine...

[@andrewjditton]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chrissharplesphotography9748]

Just watched your video again, having had my van converted, and realised I had used at least 7 of your recommendations. Many thanks for making this and passing on such excellent advice.

[@chris21cole]

Have caravan and been using it for many years. Last year I discovered packing cubes for suitcases. They are great for touring as well! Pack your clothes in them and carry out to van, they sit on the shelves and you literally just take what you need and the zip them back up 😀👏

[@andrewjditton]

Top tip, thanks for sharing!

[@VanTasticTraveling]

When we spent a winter in Scotland in our van last year we left our fridge switched off, just opened the door at night...it was colder in the van than in the fridge anyways and we so didn't use any electricity :)

[@LAPGOCHINSTRUCTOR]

I'm sure you already know this however some may not. If you are using an electric cable extension reel or adding a cable reel to your existing electric cable hook up - always reel out the full length of electrical cable - don't leave any electrical cable rolled up on your electrical cable reel. The reason for this is that the electrical cable left on the reel can heat up, melt and short out causing your electrical hook up cable to fail. Safe camping all.

[@andrewjditton]

Excellent point! Remiss of me not to mention that.

[@barba5537]

Thanks..as my late husband would say " I am just not technical". Taking off on my own soon appreciate the tips. I wouldn't of known this.

[@Wishwader]

Excellent tip. Bothers me when i camp near people who have an extension socket with builtin reel and don't fully unravel it. Rather than appear as a bossy know-it-all by pointing out their error i prefer to build a reinforced heat resistant 10 ft high brick wall between us instead.

[@Laurro53]

well said Sapper, trust an ex Royal Engineer to know about the safety side of things. Hope we meet up on our respective trails. Ubique

[@flybyairplane3528]

Wishwader I learned that from in boarding schools in the50s , we had a spool, used for a 16 mm sound projector,,smelled something, We could NOT TOUCH THAT SPOOL IT EAS SO HOT, so after that, uncoil that 80 foot spool, never happened again !, I realize this is a year ago, but Cheers from NJ, USA

[@mobsiesixsixsix9785]

We bought an instant pot pressure cooker for our camper and find that's great for saving gas, space and time. Sautes and cooks a stew in around 25 minutes. Uses less than 800w. Hardly dents the leisure battery at all. (Needs an inverter ofc)

[@andrewjditton]

Excellent idea! Cheers :)

[@simonandthelyricalpoets]

You are a brave man going off grid in Scotland in the winter! Thanks for your useful insights.

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks for watching!

[@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath]

I’m always amazed when people think I should take their advice when they admit they made mistakes. I can learn from someone who didn’t make your mistakes

[@andrewjditton]

I'm amazed people trust those who aren't honest and transparent, but there you are.

[@keys549]

Excellent review, as always. Ups and downs are made clear to the viewer. Perfect. Peter

[@MarkMcCluney]

I've got to admit that I'm not a caravanner but I am finding this channel increasingly interesting. The toaster, for example, was an eye-opener - I've just ordered one - and it has just occurred to me that the RidgeMonkey would be a great way to make omelettes without the drama. Thanks Andrew.

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Mark! It's the little things that can make all the difference. Welcome to the channel.

[@stevezodiac491]

You can buy a much bigger ridge monkey type double clam pan from amazon, which can cook two people's meals at once for less than the price of a much smaller ridge monkey. We always use this bigger one now and hardly ever use our ridge monkey.

[@paulcowan3222]

I use 2xcollapsable buckets in my van to do washing clothes and pots and pans and to even out the weight also use it to get water out of fresh water streams to help clean van ,rinsing clothes. Grip pads get lenght of parachute line and tie the grip pads to the van,when you drive off mud etc the pads follow you onto dry ground and saves a walk back to pick them up. In order to save van battery power I use stick to the walls battery led lights instead of using the van lights, it gives enough light to aim proprly and find toilet roll but dosen't wake others and 3AAA batteries will last about 3months. While wild camping the first thing to fill up is the toilet cassette and most of it is water from flushing,when just having a wee dilute thetford pink flush addative and fill a spray bottle and instead of a full flush of water you quickly spray the bowl with fragrant toilet addative just rinse bowl as my toilet uses main water tank it saves my fresh water.Remember with a cable reel to completely unroll the cable as if left rolled up it can get very hot and become a fire risk. If using UK sized cables it is not really a problem but some cheaper EU cables can catch fire.With all types of adapters you can make your own, screfix sells male and female blue connectors for a couple of quid each.If you are wild camping park your vehicle so that in case of emergency it is easy to "escape" also don't use outside screens as this meansd you have to exit the vehicle to escape. Also a very easy security device when wild camping is to use a chain or webbing to thread through the door handles in the front of van it will stop the doors being forced open ,if using webbing attach a set of plastic clips from an old rucksack etc, we use anold thin chain and a carabineer clip. When wild camping on the beach after a swim in sea it is nice to have a quick wash to get rid of salt or wash mud off dog,feet etc. In my van the water pump is a drop in the tank stick pump so after a few years I decided to upgrade the old still working one with a newer one.So I added a cigarette plug and a lenght of 12 volt cable and some hose pipe to the old pump so I have a 12 volt shower, together with a collapsable bucket I have a cheap and effective shower and I still have my replacementpump in case of emergencies. Having an older van and just as old 3 way fridge I have found over many years that the fridge allways breaks down when you need it the most and even when finding a repair centre, they have not had the parts for an old fridge.The main things to go on these 3in one fridges are the thermostat,electric heater and the gas burner. Buy them before you go and when they break down in spain or some hot and the mechanic says "no parts sorry" you can wave the bits at him and bingo the beer stays cold. These bits are quite cheap and donot take up a lot of space.Finally before you go abroad with your van don't forget 2 pin adapter for the mains and if using refillable gas you will need the multi pack of adapters. Hope this is of help to some one

[@andrewjditton]

Some really useful info there Paul, thanks a lot!

[@ShannaTrenholm]

Great round-up of van essentials! In the States, when we park in a friend's driveway and use their utilities we call that moochdocking :)

[@Dieferdan]

Moochdocking lol I like that :D Better than roughing it by Boondocking ;) Here in the UK, if you like camping in a tent but don't like being away from the heating, electricity or proper cooking facilities, we call it Glamping :/

[@refugeg271]

Oh and I forgot to mention, most important thing is toilet paper it gets used for everything. One thing one learns about mobile living is just how much rubbish (plastic packaging) one actually consumes, with shopping I unpack it all at supermarket and leave the boxes and plastic behind in bin.

[@PauloMurteira_MassagemPro]

you're so right... so many talks about plastic this and plastic that and we go to the supermarket and when getting home it's a ton of plastic to throw away... many things to improve in this world of ours

[@nickiharris4220]

Shame you can't recycle it all

[@CliffordDive]

I'd add to your list a collapsible water hose on a reel and a range of screw-on tap adaptors, but take a water carrier too. And yes, we soon learnt about the importance of that second battery when we started the camper-van game with a VW 30 years ago. Good video!

[@andrewjditton]

Absolutely Clifford. I did take a jerry can and a hose, but thanks for the reminder for other folks!

[@keithroberts5611]

And lastly a recommended pepper spray, You never know who's about when your off grid camping, A must have these days!!! I ware mine around my neck so I'm always ready when outside changing gas in the dark!!! Happy camping!!🤔🇬🇧👍

[@dontgetmadgetwise4271]

I am astonished that you didn’t learn these requirements/desirables/mandatories before you started. But, I do appreciate that you are sharing your journey and discoveries.

[@philg6613]

Brilliant vlog, Andrew. And oh so useful for me as I transition from caravan to campervan. Love the presentation and the easy to follow advice and product recommendations. Keep 'em coming! Phil

[@becommon]

😁 that's so good! thank you 🙏 i was looking for an entertaining channel that simply shares knowledge in a personable way without reality TV elements ❤️

[@linz_in_NZ]

Great tips, I'd also add - get solar installed - apart from when there is snow on them, the panels will give some charge once its light. Charge as much as you can off 12v - camera batteries/laptops etc (otherwise you are boosting 12v battery power up to 240V to be dropped back down to 19v to charge your laptop) and turn off the Inverter when not in use - it eats power just on standby. A GasIT under body gas tank with gauge would seem to be the best option, can be re-filled at petrol stations, plus, doesn't use up any valuable van space as there isn't a gas locker. Do you have a thermally insulated cab curtain to separate it off from the rest of the van at night? Cabs are not insulated so leak heat, add a thick curtain with a thermal lining too to help keep the heat in the main van when sleeping/not using the cab area.

[@G-ra-ha-m]

The benefits of hindsight beforehand! Great advice, will be following!

[@experimenteks3974]

I'm taking a note of your product recommendations. Currently staying in Asia so I can't buy through Amazon UK. Thank you for your tips and tricks. Maybe its just me but you sound a bit tired in this video. I hope all is well at your end and hopefully you can get away to recharge your spirits. Take care Andrew. IF things get overwhelming, know that you can always put everything down and relax. Hugs to Dougal!

[@andrewjditton]

Yes, the camper van bit was filmed on the last day of 42 days straight without a day off... am taking lots of time off in March :)

[@gordonlennox4501]

Hi, I agree with everything except the horrible cable drum which I ditched in favour of winding it up by hand (not the elbow as your granny did when winding up the washing line) but as a sailor just coil it up and pop it into a Ducksback bag and that's that. The other thing I've found usefull is the washing mitt - it looks like a mop but fits onto your hand and the morning condensation is gone in seconds.

[@cruisepaige]

I love the way you said Crrrrrumpets! 💙💙💙

[@justinlinnane8043]

Great list . the only thing i'd add is a small honda generator . the 1or 2 kw suitcase hondas are ideal for winter touring and really very very quiet and economical . Just takes all the stress out of power worries and as I fulltime and need my bean to cup espresso machine. totally essential !!!

[@andrewjditton]

Indeed. I have the 2kW Honda myself. Cheers!

[@lorcro2000]

RV's in the US (but also Europe I guess) are going with diesel heat these days. There are numerous options there, Webasto, Eberspächer and Wallas. In fact, there are cooktops and even ovens that run off diesel. Then all you need to do is fuel up the van with diesel and you're laughing. Some systems are also dual in that you use diesel if you're not hooked up, but AC electricity when hooked up. Those options means you need fewer makeshifts.

[@bryanjones3971]

Diesel Heaters now from China, same life as the Two above but much cheaper evan for parts, simple to fit or fitting instuctions on Y/T.

[@robertknott1124]

Get a Chinese diesel heater !! Brilliant, and if you have a diesel powered engine, the feed to the heater can be directly taken from the vehicles fuel tank. It only uses about couple of amps electrical power so provided you have a decent ampere/hour battery and a solar panel to top it up next day, you will never be cold, or gassed with carbon monoxide, overnight, as they take combustion air from outside and exhaust gasses are vented to the exterior. Best device I’ve ever bought !!

[@chrisadams6595]

Just to mention I fitted a diesel heater to my sprinter this year. It's been fantastic, just a cheap Chinese 2kw one. Uses a tiny amount of diesel which it draws from the vans own tank. Gas bottles are now only used for cooker and shower , so 3.9 kg bott will now last a year. No more worrying about running out of gas or changing bottles👍👍

[@stephanieruggles7783]

Thanks again Andrew. Your videos encourage me to go rent a camper and explore more of Scotlands beauty which is not accessible without a mobile home on wheels. Once everything is Corona-free that is.

[@andreasthomanek]

Hello Andrew! Another very interesting video! Because my wife and I doesn’t have a caravan until now, we can learn many things! Thank you!

[@quincifre]

Thank you for this!!! Deffo buying some bits mentioned in the video for me & Hubs 🙏🏽

[@andrewjditton]

No problem!!

[@monkeynumbernine]

I love the expression on the dog's face 😀

[@letsbehonest4221]

Cheers.. will be getting a fold down basket for carry dishes to the camp kitchen 👌

[@chrisandrachelbruhn7882]

Fab update! We have an electric steamer and slow cooker for when we’re away but we never go off grid so always have electric connection. We also invested in 2 inductions hobs which now replace the need to use the hob anymore - another good gas saving!

[@amyp.575]

How do you afford to not go off grid?

[@ukgroucho]

Good tips. In our first year of campervan ownership - collected it last December and started getting out late April when lockdown eased. The grip plates I don't have so that should go on the list. I'm so pleased my first order fell through and I ended up buying a different model (same manufacturer) from a different dealer because it meant we ended up with a Truma Combi 6D boiler and heating - electric off a hookup or diesel power straight from the vehicles tank (or both together). Gas use is not an issue - 2 burner hob with a 3.9Kg propane is going to last ages - and the heating is very powerful. I did sleep in the 'van on my driveway in January (just for the sake of it) and using just the diesel to heat it stayed a cosy 20C even though it got to -2C. Add the option to also have electric going and it should be pretty good at even lower temperature but I think the idea of having a fan heater as a backup is great and I'll pull the pone out of our 'clamping' kit.

[@andrewjditton]

Great real life experience - very useful to know. All the best.

[@inekedusseljee3093]

Thank you for a very honest and informative video. (As always).

[@spinnekopje]

For my next campervan I prefer to have no gas, but use diesel heating, induction cooking and compressor fridge, offcourse with extra battery and solar. Now I use 2 LPG bottles (about 43l gas in total) with auto switch and crash sensor which can be filled from the outside. Only reason to open up the compartment is to check the levels, but during winter I tend to fill up from time to time anyway. An isolation blanket on the rear doors certainly is a must during winter! I go geocaching quite often, sometimes there is a lot of mud on the parking spot, but never came close to needing grip mats. Choose your spot carefull and use the traction control button (I don't know whether yours had that option), it works very good in those circumstances. While travelling we have 2 Newfoundlands with us, so I make sure they don't get to dirty and thus those spots are safer to park on. Maybe your Nissan towing a caravan makes that a whole different story. For some years I try to make sure all portable devices I buy for use while travelling are chargable using usb or 12V (only the plug for the campergps is 12V, but it also includes the receiver for the camera on the trailer). Phones, tablet, chromebook are mostly charged while driving.

[@williamdonnelly2705]

Good info Andrew. Just to say I also have a 12v charger that allows me to charge my Mac Book pro from the 12v supply. Useful if you need to charge the computer either on the move or off grid. Keep up the good work..Cheers.

[@lyndacresswell3842]

Hi Andrew your so honest and practical. love watching you both.

[@flagwanker6346]

Niphan plug lead with a car elect socket attached. This plugs into a couple of niphan sockets we have fitted. We then can plug in a double 12V /USB extension

[@nonnoinsandiego8303]

Well done! A nice selection of practical and useful item. Your video was informative and I liked your straightforward style. Happy trails to you.

[@andrewjditton]

Thank you very much!

[@donthomas5401]

Andrew, Thanks for that. Even though we have many of the accessories you talked about, there are a few that I have noted to get: fan heater; grip mats; fancy toaster because the grill in our Kontiki 669 is wimpish; and the RidgeMonkey XL. Thanks again, Don

[@paulcowan3222]

Big trouble over getting refillable gas bottle is more and more UK garages are removing lpg pumps from forecourt. If you have room for 2 gas bottles get one of each with quick release connectors,if you refillable runs out you can use calor bottle and then buy another one.It also means you can remove one from van to use with gas bar-b-q

[@gillosborne9516]

That has been tremendously helpful, thank you so much.

[@andrewjditton]

Glad you found it useful Gill!

[@stevezodiac491]

I have got both internal and external screens and after transitioning to the external one, I was singing it's praises. That was until it got very windy and we left the internal ones at home. It was flapping all night, even with magnetic pads on the doors, pushing the side mirrors in to trap the material and using the elasticated straps at the front. The result the next morning was small scratches on my paint work ( which t- cutted out but who wants that). Won't use the external one now and have returned to the internal ones with a little more condensation. Nobody that I have read has mentioned this big down side with an external cover and it is also very bulky too with a transporter sized camper van. You live and learn, i suppose. It is amazing how much money is wasted along the way to getting your own personal ideal set up.

[@andrewjditton]

Interesting stuff Steve, thanks for sharing. Unless people have experienced those conditions they wouldn't know. Hopefully your comment will help people. Cheers!

[@MrButuz]

As someone who is looking into maybe getting an older camper van / motor home (something like a early 90s Hymer) this video is excellent and full of good ideas. I am really surprised your van only came with 1 240v socket and 1 USB socket though!! Unusual for something so expensive!!

[@tonyfarrell2886]

Thanks Andrew,we’re doing the NC500 in June,watched and listened as we’re Newbies to camping,👍👍

[@juliealdred8870]

Lovely video Andrew about comparing a caravan and campervan. Keep up the good work. Got a caravan myself not used it yet though.

[@ScoTreVan]

Thanks Andrew, there all on my bucket list

[@eleftheriosmerkouropoulos1549]

great video Mr. Andrew. Thank you

[@andrewjditton]

You are very welcome

[@joycejones1989]

Love your vlogs,doogle is adorable, congrats on your retirement, I'm in Tennessee in the USA, I love Europe it's beautiful thank you I live in east Tennessee in the mountains, your vlogs allow me to see places I would never see, again thanks

[@andrewjditton]

Aww, thanks Joyce.

[@tonylockey9853]

I m eventually are going to be in vesting in a motor home so thank you for the information and tips

[@andrewjditton]

Best of luck!

[@michaeltoogood1527]

A well made video for novice Motorhome users. One point if you use a reel to wind in and store your electric cable, please ensure you take all the cable off before you use it to prevent the cable overheating.

[@andrewjditton]

Excellent point Michael, cheers!

[@paulf897]

For cold weather, getting an arctic sleeping and have as an emergency back up if the heating fails. I have had an army surplus British Army arctic sleeping bag for years and been camping in a tent down to -5 C and been warm. Only about £30. Think they are rated to -30 or something like that. Also handy to leave in car in winter in case you break down.

[@andrewjditton]

Top tip, thanks Paul!

[@karenoncamping6370]

Very interesting video. We just got a van just over a month ago. Loving it so far and planning ahead for winter trips as you’ll know it gets cold here in Scotland

[@andrewjditton]

Congratulations on the van! Enjoy :)

[@karenoncamping6370]

Andrew Ditton thank you :-)

[@viktorklisursky2515]

Thanks Andrew, super useful

[@andrewjditton]

Glad it was helpful!

[@winstonsmith3690]

Great tips taken on board from a newbie.

[@kategardner9283]

Thank you for your reply, we have followed some of your blogs/videos since being made aware of them. We hired a 6 berth motorhome for two weeks with our Labrador late February early March going via fishgard to rosslare in Ireland. We had a good first week finding our feet, until the beast from the east snowed us in for 5 days. We sheltered outside a family members home which was empty but a terrifying experience. Best wishes Kate and David Gardner

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Kate and David. Do you think you'll be tempted to try again?

[@alanrhodes48]

Hi Andrew I bought a head light. I went round the house shouting I am a Darlik very useful for party's.

[@andrewjditton]

Ha ha! Maybe a sink plunger too!

[@wendywells1516]

Thank you for taking the time to create this video Andrew. In little more than a month we (two of us) are embarking on our first Motorhome holiday! I once took a fan heater whilst camping as I’d paid for electric hook up and it was the best idea ever. Whilst we spent the night warm and toastie, my brother and his wife in their tent on the neighbouring pitch half froze to death 😂. Great ideas here for ‘first timers’ to learn from. I’ll be subscribing now. Many thanks. Ps. Loved Dougall.

[@iainhughes6637]

I agree with the gas, fitting a under board generator is a must that can be used for powering the heat and battery. Also the AC when abroad where the mains power often trips or when using an aire . There are even heating and cooking systems that can run off the diesel tank. If you have these type of systems the only thing you need is water.

[@brnesouthwest9915]

Re-gas change over valve, auto is nice however a manual 3 way gas valve is another option. Looking at your gas locker you can purchase a Crivit little push button light, from Lidl that easily fits into to your cupboard and is lightweight enough to be hung from a self adhesive hook, unless you want something really mega-bright.

[@iangillett5899]

Thank you Andrew. Also a first - timer, just me and the dog, I really appreciate the advice. Not sure I will be venturing out in the winter just yet though! Lots of your stuff is already around the house - just never would have associated the items with the 'van.

[@slicedpage]

just starting on the road to getting a camper van, this has helped, thank you

[@Early2000sPs2games]

Dream vw t25 camper with a 80s looks with a gaming laptop that's my dream

[@garryclarkson3588]

A great vlog Andrew. We are first time motorhomers and really appreciate your advice.

[@dismaldog]

great tips,we really only have 4kg gas bottles(3.7) and 9 kg(8.5 in reality)-not allowed underslung cylinders in Australia,must be bottles sealed from the habitation area and vented to the outside when in a gas locker.I only have room for 1 of the 4kg bottles in my van

[@nealeburgess6756]

I've just found a new use for my Ridge Monkey. Heating up mince pies! Who needs a microwave? Oh, and of couse you are right about buying the XL Ridge Monkey. I bought the smaller one, and got quite a surprise at how small it was when it arrived! Still really useful, but wish I'd known and gone for the larger one. I also made some Banana bread last week in mine, following Sarah's recipe, of the exPAWers.

[@andrewjditton]

Excellent! I'm still not convinced about Pizza though.. I will have to try that on my next trip. With Mince pies as back-up ;)

[@thehappyglamper3575]

Love this so informative thank you... we have just purchased our first camper van. We are going for an omnia Swedish oven as read lots of fab reviews and you can use for baking too . Can’t wait to start our adventures

[@andrewjditton]

Glad it was helpful!

[@maryv7495]

Another great video! Thanks!

[@ArielHT5John]

In our VW T5 the extras I have installed. 130w solar panel but would go for 250 w with mppt contoller which can be monitored on smart phone ie power in and out. A 7 amp charger again linked to phone (made by Victron) . Diesel heater. But also take 500 w convector (quiet at nights ) heater which at night keeps the chill off down to zero C with the roof down when on power hook up. Reversing camera a must! If you go to France and the temperature is above 36 C you have a new set of problems. Solar output falls fridge cycle times go up to running constant. Compressor fridges are better at high temperatures but I have fitted a temp sensor to the fridge which turns a fan on to remove the build up of heat. Power lead converter to French plug. Keep up the good work. France is geared up to campers and motorhomes with all the aires etc

[@alisonbailey8614]

On cooking, love my ridgemonkey too. Have a look at Mr D's thermal cooker. It's awesome for making curries, chillis, soups and stews in the van.

[@andrewjditton]

I contacted Mr D, but my emails were ignored sadly.

[@alisonbailey8614]

@@andrewjditton That's a shame, I use mine at home all the time too. Very often at the big shows, perhaps worth a visit. Safe travels x

[@flybobbie1449]

Fit a Chinese diesel heater, i would go for the highest capacity and the metal bodied version. I lived in a caravan for two years, would get through 2 45kg propane, through two bad winters. Christmas day -13 c outside, my washed up knifes and forks were stuck to the work surface! Was the only night i needed the heater on a low light. Those two years the only time i never caught a cold.

[@TCMOTORHOMES]

Brilliant video, useful information and the delivery spot on ..

[@andrewjditton]

Many thanks!

[@andybrining3090]

Hi Andrew Thanks for another informative and entertaining video. We took delivery of our new van (a Globecar) a couple of weeks ago and it’s good to know that we have everything that you mention already included in our spec. Except for the toaster, but that will be on its way soon...! Andy

[@andrewjditton]

Nice one! Enjoy the Globecar - lovely van! :)

[@jsanders240782]

great video and very helpful 👍🏻

[@andrewjditton]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AndysmGray]

Excellent as always Andrew. Those foldable crates look really handy. Nice one.........atb Andy. 👍👍

[@robharrisful]

Thanks Andrew ... very helpful and informative.

[@G55-j9z]

Great video Andrew, I have a few gadgets that make mobile life a bit easier on the road along with multiple power sources and cheap heating options, The good thing about using a smaller van is they are cheaper to heat and warm up faster and are idea where travel is the main objective, Thanks for posting the video,

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks for watching!

[@lover2dstars]

I have really enjoyed this series of videos. It’s not converted me, but he has made me understand the attraction people have towards the camper van and motor homes. Would like some information on the gas bottles you have been using in the caravan ?

[@andrewjditton]

Link is below the video JC

[@Dorset_Phil]

Our heating system works off the vehicle diesel tank. I would highly recommend this system.

[@philo5096]

The george forman grill is the best, I've been using it for along time,its great a easy to clean.

[@MrRonan1972]

Problem arises when you add the beans.

[@terrydeans5246]

Great advice, thanks for posting this.

[@andrewjditton]

Glad it was useful Terry.

[@FrayAdjacentTX]

Always a good idea to have an electric heater with you in cold weather. If you have access to shore power, use that instead of burning LP.

[@darrenjones3681]

One thing I wanted to as Andrew is I’ve often herd that on the Seville built fiat/Peugeot/Citroen vans is the back doors can be a bit prone to cold drafts , considering the wind and cold weather you experienced did you find this a problem? I don’t understand why more van manufacturers don’t opt for diesel powered heating, at least if you ran out your also marooned lol, apparently in comparison to gas they are much more frugal, maybe someday a clever bod will make a water/heating system that will also use a small rectifier driven by the exhaust or on the same shaft as the fan motor that will produce a small amount of charge back in the system when in use... now there’s a thought

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Darren! Can't say I ever noticed a draft through the back doors, so all good there. The bed area was a little cooler than the rest of the van but that was simply as all the hot air outlets were forward of that point.

[@bobfitzpatrick947]

Hi Andrew, You make the best vlogs out there! Going through each item at a time, the pros & cons, its fantastic. Really that kind of van is better levt in the yard till spring, its not really a 4-season camping ready. It most likely not insulate enough. The cooking info fabulous, but you're really what makes these vlogs so great Andrew, red & black plaid shirt,... Its a special time viewing all the on going adventures of you & Dougal!😍😘👬🔝🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Bob!

[@cwent911]

Bob Fitzpatrick Kll,in

[@Jammyhorse]

Ha! We don't meter electricity at East Balthangie caravan site in Scotland open March to October and CL between, but we're now reviewing the rates because of the mega use of electricity by our visitors. Staying more than a week and we'll hand you a metered lead. We're very easy-going here but at £20 per night all in, have been expensively burned by some camper vans and caravans visiting who use more electricity than a small house!..... We would be pleased to see you of course if you decide to visit. Dog-friendly too with secure exercise area....and here's my tip- carry a small bag of dry cat litter for sprinkling under the drive wheels if you're stuck on ice- only a tiny handful is needed to get you going.

[@eileenmchugh1709]

Hi. I think you should look st some system to charge for usage. Site in Arisaig sells £1 cards. Always annoyed when camping that we paid same for electricity as a caravan.

[@Jammyhorse]

eileen mchugh We have a set rate for all visitors £20 caravan and hook up. £20 family tent and hook up. £15 family tent with no electric £10 bivvy tent. We then have meter leads for long or season stays with a reduced pitch rates. Seems to work ok. Nothing worse than juggling extra costs- awnings, whether you dog stands up or lies down- that sort of thing. Hassle for visitors who are hopefully here to relax....

[@Hitchens-t5c]

Thanks for sharing these tips

[@Mog435]

been using the ridge monkey for years in my carp fishing days , still use it in my truck

[@ASimplyFabLife]

Thank you, very usefull comments. Keep on rollin'

[@CampervanCookout]

Great tips. Only problem with reels is many leave the wound in use without checking them coiled amp rating. Incorrectly rated cable can heat up and even catch fire. Always unwind or check the coiled rating. Thumbs up.

[@stevebrown6665]

Thanks again Andrew for another thought provoking video (Shameless plug....I trained and can install refillable GasIT tanks and cylinders in the Chester and North Wales area They can be had with remote gauges too) I use my domestic adapter as a reminder when on a campsite that I plugged in on EHU by putting it through the steering wheel

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Steve! Love that tip :)

[@juliemix4806]

Andrew, so much good information. I really like the kitchen recommendations. Also that power cord with all the plugs. We use those around the house all the time as it's an old house with not nearly enough wall sockets per room. Cheers.

[@Warrior6504]

Hi Andrew with my hook up cable I fold it in half and then wind it up it's a lot quicker and easier.

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Nige!

[@grannylyn757]

Great list,,,,one I never thought of is the electric heater, just in case the inhouse furnace malfunctios,,,,,great idea! I have a plug strip that is also a surge protector that has a weatherproof cover, it's wonderful to have, if you need another outlet. I use it often to vacuum the car, hang lights outside, etc. Another must have is a solar phone charger, I place it on the dash while driving, and it holds the charge until you need it,,,,great for boondocking! Thanks for sharing your expertise with us! I am soooo thankful!

[@paulhope7298]

Just ordered by electric cable reel via the link provided - commission very well earned! helpful Vid Andrew. Many thanks.

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Paul!

[@johndougan7236]

good tips, I've kind of got all same stuff and use VW all year round in Scotland, another thumbs up for diesel heater, 0.2 litres per hour average, basically you don't notice it although I suppose half day Winter use would be £6-7 so I'll need to budget for it in our upcoming Euro tour. PS good CO advice, always fit and regularly test CO detector

[@andrewjditton]

Good advice indeed, cheers John!

[@OurWedding2012]

Good video, your a brave chap touring Scotland in winter. Yesterday I learnt after three years how to drain the water tanks properly, there was no guidance given or clear instruction in the manual. Earl er in the year we were complementing we'd of liked another socket near the sink/cooker ... turns out there is one hidden in the corner under the cupboards, never noticed it the past three years of van use! You learn something every day. Woof to Dougal from #SimpsonScottiesGlasgow

[@bgray-youtube]

Hi Andrew, Handy video of tips. You reminded me to get my hands on a gas bottle level checker. I used one of your links and searched and bought a "Dometic GasChecker GC 100". In theory because I used your link to start out you might get a few bob from it. 🤞 Have a good one. ☺ Rgds, BG

[@andrewjditton]

Thank you very much!