Campervan equipment: These are the must-haves 2022!

Have you always dreamed of feeling free and just getting away?

Then a campervan is just the thing for you. Ideal for spontaneous short trips or for an extended round trip - with a campervan you are independent of hotels, flights and tourist crowds and can start your adventure trip.
 
For the perfect trip you should consider some aspects. Especially as a camping beginner it is not always easy to think of everything you need for a relaxing camping vacation.

Here you will find practical tips and advice that will make your camping vacation unforgettable.

The right camper and pitch

Motorhome equipment should be customized to your needs to have a comfortable and stress-free vacation in the camper. Nowadays, the camper equipment differs a lot and depends on the model of the camper.

While the simple campers with basic camping equipment can be had quite inexpensively, there are also expensive camper models with luxurious equipment. Consider in advance what camping accessories and camper equipment is important to you.

Should it be a real bed, is a mattress enough or do you prefer to sleep in a hammock while camping? Do you need a kitchen or do you prefer to grill outside? How many items do you want to take with you on your travels and how high can the price of the caravan be?

Many pieces of initial equipment such as tools, cables and hoses only need to be purchased once, while other accessories such as a gas bottle or water filter need to be replaced regularly.

Seek advice from professionals before you decide on your RV. At many motorhome dealers you can have the basic equipment somewhat customized.

To be able to prepare for the trip and not forget anything, there are checklists that provide an overview of necessary things. Of course, these are only guidelines, you have to find out for yourself through your own experience what you need to feel comfortable while traveling. Depending on the duration of the trip, the destination and the season, different things are needed.

Here you can see a checklist for the initial equipment of your camper:

• CEE connection cable for electricity

• Cable drum/extension cable

• fresh water hose

• drain hose

• waste water tank or bucket

• fresh water additive

• gas cylinders

• Ramps & chocks

• Toilet hygiene/ composting toilet

• Broom, hand brush & shovel, snow shovel if necessary

• ladder or step

• Clothes line or stand & pegs

• awning

• Blankets & Pillows

• Folding table & camping chairs

• laundry basket

• Hammer & tool box

• order boxes

• doormat

• Duct tape & cable ties

• flashlight

Which mobile home is right for me?

In principle, of course, you can go on vacation with many different vehicle models. However, to find space for everything you need, certain models with certain basic equipment are suitable.

Among the most popular models are the camper, the van, the alcove, partially integrated models, integrated models and the liner.

Consider what price you are willing to pay and what equipment you value.

The Camper

Camping buses belong to the older models of motorhomes. The most famous representatives are Bullis and the VW buses.

Many people today buy old vehicles and build them out themselves. With the self-development no borders are set to the creativity and at the end an individually arranged Wohnmobli comes out, on which one can be proud.

Many young people buy such vans as beginners and explore the world with it.

One advantage of such a camper is the size. With a height of less than two meters, it is suitable for deep garages and also otherwise close to a passenger car in terms of driving behavior. So you don't need a special driver's license to drive such a motorhome.

Much has changed in the basic vehicles. In addition to the ubiquitous VW bus, manufacturers such as Ford, Renault, Mercedes and Nissan have followed suit and offer various models with different basic equipment.

The Van

The extended panel van is enjoying growing popularity. Manufacturers are barely keeping up with demand.

To the camper van differs in width and height, but is still more compact than most motorhomes with body, because it is narrower and shorter.

Panel vans usually have an area with a sink, toilet and a shower, which of course greatly increases comfort. The beds are also usually more comfortable than in campers, as long beds are installed, making it easier to get in.

Box vans come in all sorts of variations with different basic equipment. The most popular suppliers of panel vans include Mercedes-Benz, Citroën, VW and Fiat.

Alcove

The alcove motorhome brings up to six people on vacation. That is why it is so popular with families and renters.

The spacious and especially for children very cozy upper room above the cab gives the alcove motorhome its name.

Two people sleep in the alcove, and together with the rear bed and the bed resulting from the converted seating group, the sleeping possibilities add up to six.

In the rear, campers sleep in a double bed, bunk beds or single beds, depending on the layout. As a rule, campers climb the alcove via a hanging ladder.

The alcove model offers space for everything and varies in price depending on the basic equipment.

Semi-integrated models

Semi-integrated models are elegant and very maneuverable thanks to their compact dimensions.

In semi-integrated motorhomes, the transition from the driver's cab to the living area is covered by a flat roof scoop.

Partially integrated motorhomes are generally more aerodynamic and elegant than clunkier alcove motorhomes. They are also significantly lower and lighter in weight due to the absence of the bulging and towering alcove.

Modern semi-integrateds often have large panoramic windows in their roofs. It is important that the glass surfaces can be well shaded from the inside. This model is quite a luxurious motorhome and offers everything the heart desires.

Integrated models

Integrated and partially integrated differ in price and equipment of the motorhome.

Basically, the integrated is more expensive than the partially integrated. This has its justified reason, because in this type of vehicle the manufacturer uses the base vehicle only in the form of a cowl. He uses only the chassis with cab platform, dashboard and all controls, but not the cab.

The front part of the vehicle is designed by the respective manufacturer. The special design makes the integrated look more harmonious and more like a motorhome.

The Liner

They are large, expensive and particularly luxuriously equipped models. The classic Liner rolls over the asphalt on a load-bearing truck chassis from Iveco, MAN, Volvo or Mercedes-Benz.

Due to the conversion from the original chassis, the driver sits in the Liner near the panoramic front windshield. The liner has extra thick walls and high quality cabin construction.

Hot water heaters, garages and heated raised floors are standard equipment. However, this is also reflected in the price and size.

Liners are up to twelve meters long and 2.50 meters wide. With a height of 4 meters, they are not suitable for all routes and pitches. Itineraries with bridges and tunnels should be carefully checked before the trip.

Prices start at around 150,000 euros, with almost no upper limits. Often, electrically extendable bay windows additionally increase the already generous space.

Safety in the mobile home

With the motorhome you are in the middle of life, so safe equipment is very important. There are some must haves that you should get to feel safe in your motorhome even after dark or in a dangerous situation.

In addition to a warning triangle and high-visibility vests, which are required by law for accident situations, fire extinguishing sprays and a first aid kit are also accessories that should always be handy.

If you have a kitchen in your motorhome, a smoke detector should of course not be missing.

Tow rope, spare tires and repair kits should also be part of the accessories. If you want to make off-road trips, you should get a navigation device that you can use offline. Many motorhomes already have a built-in navigation system.

Don't forget the charging cable for your electronic devices and an extra power bank.

If you don't want to miss out on internet on your trip, there are ways with portable devices to have access to internet in your camper even in the wilderness. There are also many helpful camping apps where you can find experiences for sites, campsites and ideas for your trip. Despite the digitalized world, pen and paper should not be missing from any initial equipment.

This equipment increases safety in everyday camper life:

• warning triangle

• Spare tire

• safety vests

• fire extinguisher

• First aid kit

• fuses

• light bulbs

• toolbox

• ramps

• level

• anti-theft device

• Technology: charging cable, power bank, parking space app, etc.

Initial equipment for the mobile home: electricity and gas

• Smoke detector, gas detector

• Cable reel approved for outdoor use

• CEE plug adapter for power on cable reel or extension cord

• Gas cylinders and adapters

• Flashlight/headlamp

• fairy lights

• power strip

• USB charger

• cable holder

The right camper kitchen

Depending on how often and extensively you want to cook in your camper, you need certain accessories for everyday use.

In addition to plates, pots and cutlery, there must be containers for water. Consider in advance how many people the camper and the number of utensils should be designed for, as each additional item contributes to the overall weight of the camper.

Make sure all utensils have a permanent place in the kitchen so they don't fall out of the cabinets while driving. It is best to choose material that is lightweight and not so fragile.

Checklist - you need these accessories for cooking in the camper:

• Flat and deep plates

• Peel

• cups, glasses

• cutting boards

• Cutlery

• Scissors, can opener, bottle opener, corkscrew

• Peeler, vegetable & cheese grater

• Pans & Pots & Tins

• Freezer bags, cling film, aluminum foil, bread paper

• garbage bag

• kitchen roll

• dishwashing bowl

• Sponge, rag, washing-up liquid

• Foldable drainer

• tea towels

• Kettle, coffee filter

 

If you want to stock up on food, it's best to take dry staples like flour, sugar, rice, pasta, couscous, cereal and oatmeal.

Tea and coffee will also fit in any camper and sweeten the morning view at the resort.

You can add various spices, oil and vinegar to your checklist, though of course you can buy these foods locally at a market or store. Canned meals, bagged soups and canned food makes cooking on camping vacation easier and is part of the camping equipment.

Mobile home equipment: bathroom

Not every camper has its own bathroom. If you want the luxury of a private toilet and shower, you used to have to buy a camper with more expensive equipment.

But that has changed in 2022. With the BOXIO - TOILET there is finally an affordable composting toilet that really fits in every motorhome.

Nobody wants to do without hygiene on vacation. Therefore, it is helpful to take your hygiene items with you. The obligatory camper accessories include toilet paper and soap.

However, it is more pleasant to know that you also have the opportunity to wash at campsites and in public washrooms.

Many RVs have at least one small sink. Expensive models have integrated showers and a toilet. With such a vehicle, the motorhome vacation will be a complete success.

The basic equipment should also include a first-aid kit, which can be stored with the hygiene items. If everything has its place, you will know where the appropriate equipment is in case of emergency.

Tip: With the following hygiene package you are well equipped when travelling:

• Toilet paper

• soap

• toothbrush and toothpaste

• Shampoo/ shower gel

• Travel pharmacy

• disinfectant spray

• Travel Detergent

• towels

• slippers

• hairdryer

• Women's hygiene & toddler hygiene

Practical interior equipment in the motorhome

Depending on the size of the motorhome fits more or less motorhome accessories. Also the price varies depending on the equipment of the camper.

Think before you buy what you need on trips and what camper equipment you want. Think about what destinations you want to go and what camping equipment is needed there. Regardless of camper size, a light table, chair per person, blanket, foot scraper, or outdoor rug should be part of any basic camping equipment.

A hand broom and shovel should also be on your list of things to bring. Collapsible boxes, a travel clothesline and an awning should all find room in your van. Containers to store water can ensure fresh drinking water while traveling to certain destinations.

To properly store and purify water, you need to follow certain tips to avoid endangering your health with stagnant water. For the processing of water are suitable special water filtration equipment, which certainly belong to the important basic equipment.

The right clothing for camping holidays

If you are traveling in a motorhome, you should have a basic two-piece suit with you, depending on the destination country. One tip is to take clothes for 10 days on longer trips and to wash everything regularly at campsites.

Especially as a beginner, it can be hard to properly gauge how much clothing and what kind of clothes are necessary. When choosing between dressy and comfortable, experienced campers tend to be more comfortable. But everyone has to decide for themselves what clothes are best for what occasion.

Families traveling with children naturally have different clothing requirements than adults.

Depending on the destination, the packing list may include the following:

• Toiletry bag to hang up with or without suction cups

• Shaver with charging cable

• pads / tampons

• sleepwear

• bathrobe

• t shirts

• Long underwear

• Shorts

• Long trousers

• For children: rain pants or pants

• pullover

• underwear / stockings

• rain jacket

• fleece jacket

• softshell jacket

• camping shoes

• outdoor pants

• walking boots

• rubber boots

• swimwear

• sportswear

• umbrella

Entertainment in the mobile home

• binoculars

• Books

• Travel games like UNO, Skip-Bo, Kniffel & Co

• CDs and audio books

• Bluetooth speaker

• movies

• DVD player

• tablets/laptops

• projector

To-do list for everyday life in the camper

Before the trip, you should print out checklists so that you don't forget anything important in the anticipation. On the Internet you can find suitable checklists and many helpful tips for every topic.

Especially as a beginner in camping life, it is worthwhile to learn from the experience of others and to consider the tips of experienced campers. You can also print out the lists from this article and check off each item.

Tip: If all parts of the basic equipment have its fixed place in the vehicle, you avoid the long search for lost items and have a better overview. This also makes it easier to estimate the total weight, which is important in order not to exceed the maximum weight of the vehicle.

List of important vehicle documents and objects

• Motorhome vehicle registration document

• Green insurance card

• letter of protection

• Engine oil

• replacement fuses

• replacement lamps

• GPS tracker

• Sponge and small water container to clean the window

• All instructions (base vehicle and structure)

• Yellow booklet from the gas test

• first aid kit

• Tool

• cable ties

• Spare tire, jack, wheel cross

• warning sign

• Magnetic signs ("blind spot" mandatory in France since 2021 for trucks and mobile homes weighing more than 3.5 tons, they must be attached to both sides of the vehicle and to the rear)

• fire extinguisher

• Warning triangle & safety vests

List of important personal documents and items

• passport / identity card

• driver's license

• health insurance card

• Health insurance abroad

• vaccination card

• Credit card / debit card – card payment is common in many countries, there are also credit cards without a fee

• Copies of personal documents

• mobile

• sunglasses

• Cash, including enough small change in coins for parking machines, tips for unofficial parking attendants or electricity columns in the RV park

• FFP2 mask or medical mouth and nose protection

• fanny pack

List of important travel documents for camping holidays

• maps

• travel Guide

• camping card

• Pitch Guide

• vignettes

• visa

• Foreign health insurance

• Apps: RV sites (Campercontact / Park4night / ProMobil), weather, currency converter

Other practical gadgets in the motorhome

• Cordless handheld vacuum cleaner/ mini vacuum cleaner

• small heater

• additional gas cooker

• additional gas cartridge

• E-scooters/ folding scooters

• E bike