New to the scene and am struggling with what products to buy?

[Deleted member 68397]

Agree with the general advice given, try it and see.

We found when we first got the MH we wanted, like yourselves, to have it as we thought we would like it. After a couple of longer trips away with no modifications we were able to rule out a couple of expensive additions as we found we didn't need them.
I would suggest meeting up with some of the regular crew on here at some of their meetings and only then will you appreciate how many varied options you have and the knowledge base is legendary.
Enjoy, catch you in the wind.
Growlie and Littlepony.

 

[thomas0702]

Thank you for all the advice guys. I have already changed all the bulbs for LED's (my ebay account loves me). The TV can wait, I like the idea of the solar panels but think my first upgrade will be the refillable gas system.

I've seen that GAS IT have a sale on during November so might consider a bottle kit. I've seen loads of different threads on here and gas it seem to be rated well.

 

[delicagirl]

There is so much conflicting advice out there from motor home dealers and "repairers" about what you MUST have and most of it is profit-based advice. I suggest you use your van for a few trips, go to a few meets, chat to those who have been vanning for a long time, look at their adaptations and only then spend some cash. I also agree that a solar panel is vital - but you can probably leave that purchase till the spring with winter approaching.

Every van is different, and we all use our vans for different reasons and different journeys. There is no one-size-fits-all.

For me one of THE most important things if you plan to go off for long trips is a large water tank - and a backup supply.

All else is useful... water is vital !!

 

[witzend]

Try it and See

Try it and See. As for solar it depends on your use of van if you move every couple of days you'd probably not need it. I managed ok with out when touring with 2 x 85 ah battery's. Refillable gas I don't use UK gas and once you go into Europe bottled gas is a lot cheaper than here and easier to find than a LPG outlet. Satellite TV I'd not try to manage without we watch TV at home so why not in the van if you do decide to I'd suggest a manual setup as from what I've seen and read autos can be problematic. So try it and see

 

[Mick H]

Easy Question?

I have just purchased a lovely (albeit second hand) 2005 swift kontiki. I cant wait to get it out and about, however I need some upgrades and I am unsure what to start with.

Refillable LPG system, Solar panels, Satalite TV??

Any advice?

And you thought that you had asked an easy question! As you can see, from the replies, we have different opinions, and that isn't unusual, on forums.
As regards this forum, we can't even agree about the time of day.

My opinion? I agree with those who advocate waiting, until after you have used the van, a few times. I often wish that I had done this, instead of wasting money.

DON'T buy any accessories, until you have thought about it, carefully. They ALL add weight, and will eat into your payload. This adds to fuel consumption, extra tyre wear etc. In addition, most accessories, that are fitted on the outside of the van, will compound this factor, by adding extra drag.
We have had these discussions, before, but people who argue against this view, are arguing against the laws of physics.

Also, those who make sweeping statements that a particular accessory is definately required, are only giving an opinion, not facts.
You don't actually need any extras, they might be desirable, but are NOT needed.

To qualify this view, I point out, that Motorhomes were around, well before Refillable gas bottles, Solar panels, and Satellite tv, were even invented.
We still thoroughly enjoyed this fantastic hobby, even without these luxuries.

Personally, I have Satellite tv, and Refillable gas bottles, but not Solar panels, because I haven't found the need for them, and well understand the downside aspect, of having them on a van. I might add, that with our particular style of motorhoming, we rarely stay anywhere, for much more than 3 days.

I only had Refillable gas bottles, because, on our van, the gas bottles, are not side by side, so it was a difficult task, to swap over the inside one. We couldn't have a gas tank, being low profile, so opted for refillable bottles.

Tv, in a van, is obviously, a personal choice. Even in the days, before all the modern systems were available, I have always had tv. First, it was to keep the kids happy, but these days, our van really is a second home, so we have an automatic satellite system. That is mainly for abroad, and we tend to use a multi-directional aerial, for uk tv reception. More stealth like, for wildcamping, with no dish avertising that the motorhome is in use.

When you have used your van, for a few times, why not consider becoming a full member of this site, it makes our motorhoming life so much easier, both camping in the UK, or on the continent. Much better value, than any accessory that I can think of.

Whatever you do, try to use your Kontiki, as often as you are able, and enjoy it.

 

[barryd]

What is the downside of having a solar panel? I cant see any.

 

[Mick H]

Downside of Solar

What is the downside of having a solar panel? I cant see any.

In my previous post, on this thread, I've referred to the fuel consumption aspect, this includes the considerable weight, of the complete solar installation, and the effect of disturbing the aerodynamics. A very similar fuel consuming attachment, is having an empty roof rack, the details of which, have been well documented, for years. In the case of most solar installations, on a motorhome, this is for life, once fitted, so it isn't free power.

On a practical level, solar, in many uk winters, doesn't provide sufficient output, to be of much use, short daytimes, sun low in the sky, dull days, sun low in the sky (if it put's in an appearance), etc. All of this, when we need our batteries,more than ever, for lighting, heating etc.

Another issue, is shadow, which reduces output. Even in summer, we often have to park in the shade, to avoid the heat, in a motorhome. In these circumstances, solar panel output, is again reduced. I found this out, on a German stellplatz, when they all wanted to plug into the electricity, even though many had solar.

I stress, that I'm certainly not against solar, since I've got a solar installation, on my house, but this has demonstrated, to me, that it wouldn't be much use on our motorhome.

The cost of any installation, is considerable, although prices have reduced, in recent years. Also, flexible panels are now available, which would offset the effects, of aerodynamic problems, to some extent. Just like batteries, solar panels loose their efficiency, with age, and temperature variations.

 

[redhand]

I was in your situation three years ago first motorhome, reading on here made me feel i had to have all the accessories.
Refillable gas i now see no need for, we were away for three weeks recently used approx 10kg gas our gas cupboard holds a 13 and 11kgs bottles
we used small solar phone charger to keep phones and tablets charged no problem and weather was only average
despite being somewhat square eyed at home i have rediscovered the pleasure in reading,gaming , talking on an evening
so take your time seems to be the motor homing adage in all things

 

[thomas0702]

I think some replies might have frightened the opening poster away as up to now it is his/ hers only post!
Some good replies and has been said, one size does not fit all!:sleep-027:

I am trying to reply, but am awaiting the moderator to release my comments

 

[phillybarbour]

Solar and gas refillable yes, sat for me no. Just changed to our third van and not having sat this time but did on the other two. Big cost, little better than a good aerial (unless you want Sky), more weight and the way forward it’s downloads to a device then played through the TV.

Might think different if I was in Europes for months.

 

[trevskoda]

Increased storage for me. I am thinking of removing the factory fitted microwave and replace with a cupboard. Also dont use the oven, a grill and hob would do for me. Also not sure about having a TV ariel, may use the hole to fit a solar panel at some point.

Use one of these boat cable gland to bring in cable,place it under the panel.

 

[Philfrommancs]

Having just picked my 1st MH up yesterday my better half and I are doing a tour of the accessory stores this weekend.

I had a big long list in my head of things i wanted... this thread has been really useful at making me stop and think..... I haven't even spent a night away in it yet.lol.

So....i think we will make a list of needs and wants... starting with led bulbs where possible. Save the spending until we have been away a few times.. Shame though as i was looking forward to my new solar panel....

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

 

[barryd]

In my previous post, on this thread, I've referred to the fuel consumption aspect, this includes the considerable weight, of the complete solar installation, and the effect of disturbing the aerodynamics. A very similar fuel consuming attachment, is having an empty roof rack, the details of which, have been well documented, for years. In the case of most solar installations, on a motorhome, this is for life, once fitted, so it isn't free power.

On a practical level, solar, in many uk winters, doesn't provide sufficient output, to be of much use, short daytimes, sun low in the sky, dull days, sun low in the sky (if it put's in an appearance), etc. All of this, when we need our batteries,more than ever, for lighting, heating etc.

Another issue, is shadow, which reduces output. Even in summer, we often have to park in the shade, to avoid the heat, in a motorhome. In these circumstances, solar panel output, is again reduced. I found this out, on a German stellplatz, when they all wanted to plug into the electricity, even though many had solar.

I stress, that I'm certainly not against solar, since I've got a solar installation, on my house, but this has demonstrated, to me, that it wouldn't be much use on our motorhome.

The cost of any installation, is considerable, although prices have reduced, in recent years. Also, flexible panels are now available, which would offset the effects, of aerodynamic problems, to some extent. Just like batteries, solar panels loose their efficiency, with age, and temperature variations.

I think we may have to agree to disagree on this one but I cannot believe a 8kg flat solar panel on the roof of an already pretty none Aerodynamic 7m x 3m white brick of a motorhome is going to make any difference to fuel economy. Least none that would be noticeable not that I pay any attention to MPG anyway, it seems roughly the same miles between fill ups no matter what on our van. I agree that in Winter they are pretty useless but then most people tend to use their vans in the summer more than winter and hookup in the winter (least I do). April to October they are superb though and even on a cloudy day they charge. For me its been a game changer. I like to wild camp or use airs all over Europe and I am always away most of the summer. Its like having your own hookup and I can stay in one spot and just use the scooter indefinitely. Before we had solar fitted you felt pressured to move on every couple of days and had to be miserly with power. Now we can have laptops on, lights on etc when ever we like (in the summer) and still be free to wild or use aires. Most aires and wild spots in my experience are seldom in the shade as well.

Cost was minimal (about £300 all in) and I reckon ive made that back with not having to move on as much.

Thats why I suggested it as a no brainer. Cheap, lightweight and fit and forget pretty much.

 

[korky]

I think we may have to agree to disagree on this one but I cannot believe a 8kg flat solar panel on the roof of an already pretty none Aerodynamic 7m x 3m white brick of a motorhome is going to make any difference to fuel economy. Least none that would be noticeable not that I pay any attention to MPG anyway, it seems roughly the same miles between fill ups no matter what on our van. I agree that in Winter they are pretty useless but then most people tend to use their vans in the summer more than winter and hookup in the winter (least I do). April to October they are superb though and even on a cloudy day they charge. For me its been a game changer. I like to wild camp or use airs all over Europe and I am always away most of the summer. Its like having your own hookup and I can stay in one spot and just use the scooter indefinitely. Before we had solar fitted you felt pressured to move on every couple of days and had to be miserly with power. Now we can have laptops on, lights on etc when ever we like (in the summer) and still be free to wild or use aires. Most aires and wild spots in my experience are seldom in the shade as well.

Cost was minimal (about £300 all in) and I reckon ive made that back with not having to move on as much.

Thats why I suggested it as a no brainer. Cheap, lightweight and fit and forget pretty much.

We don't all drive 7m x 3m white bricks Barry. Never needed solar on my present PVC or the one before.

Twin 85ah leisure batteries have always been sufficient for me,but there do seem to be some heavy power users around.

In winter with long dark nights in the van and blown air heating on I might need more power but solar would not provide enough then.

That would be the rare time I'd look for EHU if staying still more than a couple of days.

Korky.

 

[barryd]

We don't all drive 7m x 3m white bricks Barry. Never needed solar on my present PVC or the one before.

Twin 85ah leisure batteries have always been sufficient for me,but there do seem to be some heavy power users around.

In winter with long dark nights in the van and blown air heating on I might need more power but solar would not provide enough then.

That would be the rare time I'd look for EHU if staying still more than a couple of days.

Korky.

Thats fair enough. I guess we have given the OP (if they ever come back) enough to think about though. I just thought that because they were so cheap, easy to fit, lightweight and long term reliable they really were a no brainer. Then again it might explain why ive occasionally seen people on Aires running Gennies when its 30 degrees and 12 hours sunshine.

 

[Mick H]

I think we may have to agree to disagree on this one but I cannot believe a 8kg flat solar panel on the roof of an already pretty none Aerodynamic 7m x 3m white brick of a motorhome is going to make any difference to fuel economy. Least none that would be noticeable not that I pay any attention to MPG anyway, it seems roughly the same miles between fill ups no matter what on our van. I agree that in Winter they are pretty useless but then most people tend to use their vans in the summer more than winter and hookup in the winter (least I do). April to October they are superb though and even on a cloudy day they charge. For me its been a game changer. I like to wild camp or use airs all over Europe and I am always away most of the summer. Its like having your own hookup and I can stay in one spot and just use the scooter indefinitely. Before we had solar fitted you felt pressured to move on every couple of days and had to be miserly with power. Now we can have laptops on, lights on etc when ever we like (in the summer) and still be free to wild or use aires. Most aires and wild spots in my experience are seldom in the shade as well.

Cost was minimal (about £300 all in) and I reckon ive made that back with not having to move on as much.

Thats why I suggested it as a no brainer. Cheap, lightweight and fit and forget pretty much.

I fully accept that we can agree to disagree, but, nevertheless, you are trying to dispute the laws of physics, on this one.
However, extra fuel consumption could be minimal, but look at estimated empty roof rack fuel consumption figures, for a similar comparison, and many of these wouldn't have the weight of motorhome solar installations.

Regarding moving on, we want to move on, every couple of days, or so, and don't really use any more fuel, because of the circular aspect of our travels, visiting the places that we want to see.

I am not trying to talk anyone out of having solar, just trying to raise awareness, regarding the often overlooked facts.
As I said, before, all accessories add weight, some of them, like roll out awnings, are excessive. It's obviously our own personal choice.

 

[Deleted member 9849]

I think we may have to agree to disagree on this one but I cannot believe a 8kg flat solar panel on the roof of an already pretty none Aerodynamic 7m x 3m white brick of a motorhome is going to make any difference to fuel economy. Least none that would be noticeable not that I pay any attention to MPG anyway, it seems roughly the same miles between fill ups no matter what on our van. I agree that in Winter they are pretty useless but then most people tend to use their vans in the summer more than winter and hookup in the winter (least I do). April to October they are superb though and even on a cloudy day they charge. For me its been a game changer. I like to wild camp or use airs all over Europe and I am always away most of the summer. Its like having your own hookup and I can stay in one spot and just use the scooter indefinitely. Before we had solar fitted you felt pressured to move on every couple of days and had to be miserly with power. Now we can have laptops on, lights on etc when ever we like (in the summer) and still be free to wild or use aires. Most aires and wild spots in my experience are seldom in the shade as well.

Cost was minimal (about £300 all in) and I reckon ive made that back with not having to move on as much.

Thats why I suggested it as a no brainer. Cheap, lightweight and fit and forget pretty much.

My thoughts exactly,it's good to have electrical independence,not be slave to a EHU and not have to worry about moving on and charging the batteries.I've turned up at a commercial site before and found the best pitches with a view were non-electric.We had a lovely 11 nights on the cliff tops overlooking a picturesque fishing harbour in Brittany,something we would have struggled to have done without solar power.

I agree in winter they don't produce any meaningful current but we always try and get a hook up at this time of year although with my leisure battery array I estimate we could go for about 5 nights without a charge.Also for people who have their vans in storage without electric a solar panel is an essential item to ensure the vehicle battery will start the engine on a freezing cold January morning.

I agree with Barry-it's a no brainer and one of the first things I would fit to any new motorhome.

 

[malagaoth]

my advice is dont buy anything until you have personally identified a need for it.

Im just back from 4 weeks in the south of England - no solar panels and standard manufacturers battery arrangement (no idea what it is beyond it being the standard battery which is 8 years old) I did not experience any shortage of power, my volt meter never dipped below 12.1 volts.

I ran out of gas on day two in mid Wales and although I did not expressly go looking for a replacement it was day three before I found one mid Wales apparently is a calor gas desert (I didnt see any LPG fill up points - but again I didnt go looking)

So I could go out and spend a couple of hundred on a solar system but do I actually need one - probably not
I could go out and spend money on huge new leisure batteries but again I dont need them
and I could go out and spend money on a refillable gas system which depending on my useage might never save me enough money to pay for itself and might be difficult to find somewhere to refill - try getting a fill on Orkney! - although at least I wouldnt have to lift the bottles in and out

No, as I said, before you spend any money go out for a season and see what you actually NEED (as opposed to want) of course as bulbs blow it makes sense to replace them with the LED version - which are probably cheaper anyway



in the spirit of absolute honesty I should say that part of my month away included 4 nights on a campsite with a hook up (at £5 per night why not?)

 

[jagmanx]

Need want or like ?

my advice is dont buy anything until you have personally identified a need for it.

Im just back from 4 weeks in the south of England - no solar panels and standard manufacturers battery arrangement (no idea what it is beyond it being the standard battery which is 8 years old) I did not experience any shortage of power, my volt meter never dipped below 12.1 volts.

I ran out of gas on day two in mid Wales and although I did not expressly go looking for a replacement it was day three before I found one mid Wales apparently is a calor gas desert (I didnt see any LPG fill up points - but again I didnt go looking)

So I could go out and spend a couple of hundred on a solar system but do I actually need one - probably not
I could go out and spend money on huge new leisure batteries but again I dont need them
and I could go out and spend money on a refillable gas system which depending on my useage might never save me enough money to pay for itself and might be difficult to find somewhere to refill - try getting a fill on Orkney! - although at least I wouldnt have to lift the bottles in and out

No, as I said, before you spend any money go out for a season and see what you actually NEED (as opposed to want) of course as bulbs blow it makes sense to replace them with the LED version - which are probably cheaper anyway


in the spirit of absolute honesty I should say that part of my month away included 4 nights on a campsite with a hook up (at £5 per night why not?)

I can easily agree that

1. it is possible to motorhome without Solar
2. Solar will affect mpg
3. lpg fitting is costly and does have minor supply issues

It then depends on how much travelling you do and where (LPG availabily)
We use our MH for 5 months every summer thus

(1) Solar is great we have saved a fortune by either not needing a campsite or EHU (or both) thus any extra fuel(2) cost is negligible
and the installation cost of about £300 was paid back in 1 summer

2 LPG installation cost circa £600
Last summer 2017 we spent £120 on LPG the cost of Calor would have been about £300
Similar figures for 2016 and 2015 and half (£150) for 2014 Thus a total "saving" of say £1000

With 2 LPG tanks we can "go for 4 weeks" between refills although we tend to top up before 3 weeks or if LPG is cheap

Then there is the convenience this is where I suggest "want or like" become more relevant than need.
AS I have put above we use our MH extensively hence not only have we got payback but also convenience and peace of mind.
It also allows us to wildcamp extensively
We first used MH in 2010. It was when I retired in 2013 that I considered that Solar and LPG were indeed "needed"

We had simply had short (up to 3 weeks) holidays before with No Solar and No LPG
A longer tour of France in 2013 with no calor available suggested LPG
It is however perfectly viable to purchase local gas bottles and "pigtails"

The OP should certainly use his vehicle before investing to see what his "profile" is or might be
I do however think that Solar is almost a "no brainer"
AND as others have posted it maintains batteries in winter
LPG is entirely dependent on usage both style and quantity

Finally I like the modifications we have installed as it makes our life more comfortable and relaxed

Similar considerations apply to a gas BBQ we have a Cadac which we like
Last summer was poor..the weather so bad (Wet Windy Cold or all 3) we did not use it once !
The awning also had very few "outings"

 

[Keithchesterfield]

As you are posting on these forums I presume you are thinking of going Wild camping, or at least away from the madding crowds, and if you are you need equipment that allows you to do so.

Every thing depends on where you go, the length of your holiday and how long you stop on each site.

If you were staying in this country and using C&MC or C&CC sites day after day it would mean you will be on hook up almost continually, not need to have or use your own facilities, be told exactly where to park the Motorhome and (to be honest) not need any help or advice from the Wildies forums.

But if you have a sense of adventure and desire to enjoy yourself abroad you will need more equipment than the bog standard Motorhome equipment on a basic vehicle.

You need to have trial run or two to places that appeal and once you realise any limitations of your Motorhome then, and only then, start writing your Santa Claus or Birthday list and see if get what you desire - or else raid your moth infested wallet.

Solar panels will not only give you some power, the warmer the climate the more you get, but keep your batteries topped up on the weeks or months when you aren't able to use the vehicle.

Without Solar panel you will need to have hook up, either at home or on holiday, and that can restrict where you stay and for how long.

The bigger the Solar panel the better and the sooner you decide you need one the less hassle in the long term.

A second leisure battery would certainly help you when 'lost' in deepest France, Spain, Germany. etc but will add weight to your payload.

Refillable cylinders or tanks will ensure you rarely run out wherever you are and even in deepest Winter you will stay snug as a bug in even the worst weather without worries of searching for the obligatory Calor dealer.

Refillable will cost a decent outlay (about £400 fitted for a couple of 11kg Gaslow cylinders and connections on my Pilote) but you can transfer them to another Motorhome if you change vehicles or they can be sold as a job lot if, heavens forbid, you ever pack up on Motorhoming – look at them as a long term investment.

If you want a TV Aerial fitted on the roof remember that any added height could affect the amount you pay when using Foreign Toll motorways – sometimes by quite a large difference.

We've had a couple of months in France this year, April and August, and been on hook up for only a couple of times when it was available and didn't need us to pay extra.

If you fancy seeing more out of the way places and getting into 'Continental' living then having the right equipment is certainly a bonus and being off the beaten track will certainly restrict how much a nightly stop will cost.

We paid around €100 for 56 overnight stops over two months in France this year - I've no doubt plenty of Members on here will think we must me very well off spending all that much money - but a weekend on a C&MC site in this country would probably cost a similar amount.

Initial outlays on equipment hurt the bank balance but sensible investments will give you weeks, months and even years of happy holidays and great memories.

Hope this helps.

:dog: :dog: :dog: :dog: