Van Setup

Here’s how we set up our van. Scroll to the bottom for links and discount codes for recommended products.

So this is the van with the roof up. It’s a factory fitted VW T5 California SE with integrated fridge and twin hob. It has a diesel heater that keeps us toasty warm through the winter months, and the leisure battery keeps us going without electric hook-up for at least 3 days. Our recently installed rooftop solar panels mean we can now stay off grid indefinitely (ooh don’t tempt me!!).

The kids sleep upstairs in a thick, double sleeping bag in winter, and have not complained of being cold so far! We don’t use an awning as we like the freedom of being able to move on without faff – we just pack very light (that’s why Dan’s always wearing the same jumper!), and use the shower tent when needed for a bit of extra storage space. We tried various windscreen covers but decided they’re more trouble than they’re worth – the exterior ones flap around in the wind and even the internal ones end up soaking wet from condensation. The bonus is you get to see the sunrise! -the risk is the neighbours see the full moon occasionally 😉

All the clothes go in different coloured packing cubes and stack inside the wardrobe, shoes and things go in the drawer under the seat – and that’s about it. Our top tip is to pack light – there’s nothing worse than having to constantly move things out of the way to get to what’s underneath. Oh, and make sure you can still get to the teabags and kettle when the bed’s down if you like to relax with a morning cuppa – you only make that mistake once!

Dan rigged up these handy straps for transporting the surfboard without the need for expensive roof bars. It also keeps the van height under 2m which is a bonus for many height restricted car parks. It works perfectly well (while the kids are still short!). We keep it in a surfboard sock to stop the wax getting on the roof. Edit: With the purchase of my 7 1/2ft foamie we have now had to invest in roof bars.

With the arrival of Covid, we felt it was high time to invest in a shower/toilet tent and Portapotti. We went for this Quest Utility tent with fibreglass frame – super quick to put up and far more robust in windy weather than some of the pop-up varieties we’ve seen.

The van has a twin gas hob, but we only really use it for boiling the kettle (or cooking non-stinky food!), but is a lifesaver on days when the weather is so bad that we can’t venture outside. We tend to use this CampingGaz party grill for the majority of our cooking. No frills. We’re becoming the masters of one pot suppers! Our little Yellowstone Pack Flat BBQ makes a superb little firepit, although we’ve had less success barbecuing food on it!

Useful Gadgets and Gizmos

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