Sooo, I've bought the van, a LHD 1973 Westy California import. I've read the tech threads and worked out a game plan there. It's stored in the garage and I will improve the insulation/heating, I keep the handbrake off, I start it up every weekend and sometimes go for a short drive to make sure everything's working OK. I plan to do some local touring in the UK to get a feel for it in late Spring then maybe head onto the continent (Hull Zeebrugge) in the summer. I have essential spare cables. There's local team support for servicing. The inside has a reupholstered R&R bed, a sink and a cooler, I've had a leisure battery and UK hookup put in. I need to spec it for camping so I'm thinking better lighting, supplementary mattress, a decent awning, portable gas bbq, (Been charcoal, done charcoal). I also need a sound system. What other camping essentials do you guys recommend? Cheers!
I fitted LED strip lighting to my bus. The 5m strips off ebay fit perfectly to the aluminium curtain rail track. Uses next to no power and cost 5.99 for 5m off ebay. Bargain. I just run it off a swtich in the RNR panel and powered from the leisure battery. can have different colours too if you so wish.
Congratulations on your purchase. It is always exciting with new toys. My suggestion is, not to start up the engine on a regular base e.g. during winter storage, without letting the engine heat up properly. The combustion process develops water which migrates partly into the engine oil by the blow by gases through the crank case. In normal operation the engine oil heats up properly and the water evaporates. If the engine is not able to heat up over a longer period of time (driving short distances, etc.), the water accumulates in the oil and you have to change the oil more often. Also your exhaust might rust more due to the condensing water. The best solution would be to let the engine sit during storage and just start it if you intend to drive. This would not harm the engine unless you want to store it fore a couple of years. To keep out moisture and mold from the interior, you can put a box with desiccant into your bus. You just have to keep care the the bucket does not tip over. Regarding the camping equipment: I bet your camping equipment will develop during time and you will figure out if something is missing. There will always be the situation: "That is cool, I can need this... " Regards, Stephan
Nothing wrong with starting it up every now and again. Any condensation in the oil will soon evaporate off once it's up to temperature.
I have half of norwich camping and leisure in my bus so not best to ask, but always have a decent light to be used inside or out .....of course add to that beer (as above) .....
Beer is taken as read... Also considering awnings and memberships of camping clubs but there are threads elsewhere I think
The caravan club has very clean sites, the Khyam motor dome sleeper is excellent, poles built in really easy and quick to use.
DONT look forwards to a nice clean ferry ,the route is mainly used by coach parties and truckers ,if you smoke and drink 10 pints a night you will fit in.... Bon courage...
Hmm, did think this was the best ferry option as we're Leeds based. Didn't fancy a trip down to Dover. Having a rethink... P
I was looking at the Khyam Motordome today... Seems like the awning of choice for a lot of people. I'm tempted by the aerotech 4... Any opnions?
Khyams are good but really not that much quicker to out up than others. If I was looking again I'd go for one of the inflatable ones.
so did I... Depends where you are going ,Brittainy ferries go from Portsmouth and you get to wake up refreshed in France ,it's a trek to Leeds but the best option...
I fancy the aerotech. but £200 more expensive. Plus you're tied to hookups or draining your leisure battery. Does it come with a footpump? How much storage space does it take up? I need to find a review...
