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Fetch Camper Vans

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Mandymoo Sep 2021 10:47am, 3 Sep 2021 12,496 posts	Quote Pin Mandymoo We use electric when we have it, use a fan heater in the awning if it is chilly and boil a kettle. Use the diesel heater for inside the van if needed.
Northern Exile Sep 2021 10:54am, 3 Sep 2021 7,902 posts	Quote Pin Northern Exile It's been really interesting hearing how you guys use your vans, we've never considered getting an awning and setting up a base, I don't think we've ever had an EHU either. Of course, we've mainly been wild campers and use the van as a means to go out on fell/mountain expeditions but CV-19 has really placed restrictions on wild camping and last weekend we stayed on a campsite for three nights solid, it was instructional. I can't see us getting an awning etc yet, but am learning how the other half utilise their vans.
RunningRonnie Sep 2021 11:22am, 3 Sep 2021 2,155 posts	Quote Pin RunningRonnie Because I started off with a van that I was not entirely happy with (problems with fridge via battery, battery life not great, no diesel heater) then I gravitated towards campsites. The new van will be much, much better for off-grid camping as it has a diesel heater and the battery is better quality (and charges while driving). The fridge works much more efficiently too. I reckon I'm ready to try off-grid camping. I'll probably start with something like the forestry commission's stay the night scheme though, as somewhere with explicit permission would help give me confidence. Saying that, I have taken a liking to campsites. I like having a hot shower and clean toilet facilities available, access to a wee shop, often food stall on site/visiting food van... I also feel happier to have a drink while settled down at a campsite.
Northern Exile Sep 2021 11:24am, 3 Sep 2021 7,903 posts	Quote Pin Northern Exile There are definite advantages to campsites, I guess it depends on your point of view, but there are disadvantages too.
mrs shanksi Sep 2021 11:43am, 3 Sep 2021 12,718 posts	Quote Pin mrs shanksi The main disadvantage is noise from barking dogs I've found! Lots of advantages though. I think I've enjoyed our wild camping better.
Northern Exile Sep 2021 12:23pm, 3 Sep 2021 7,904 posts	Quote Pin Northern Exile I would have to agree, we've been in wild camping spots that are a joy. Screaming kids are the worst aspect of large campsites I think.
GimmeMedals Sep 2021 12:32pm, 3 Sep 2021 21,299 posts	Quote Pin GimmeMedals I'd agree! We tend to avoid big sites - we went on one a couple of summers ago and left 3 days into a 5 day stay as it was unbearable. Our motorhome was a bit big for wild camping, but we will do more when we get the camper van. I checked with our dealer yesterday for an eta of our CV and it's now 29th October, not 16th as we were previously told.
Northern Exile Sep 2021 12:54pm, 3 Sep 2021 7,905 posts	Quote Pin Northern Exile Are you going to share what kind of van you've ordered GM?
Mandymoo Sep 2021 12:58pm, 3 Sep 2021 12,497 posts	Quote Pin Mandymoo We try not to go away in the school holidays if we can help it. The new forest site we stayed at recently was too big and we didn't like it, one of the reasons we left earlier than planned
RunningRonnie Sep 2021 12:58pm, 3 Sep 2021 2,156 posts	Quote Pin RunningRonnie I've never had a problem yet with a noisy campsite. I think it's generally not tolerated.