Serious question for the seasoned motorhomers 👀

[ProDave]

For plates, cups glasses, I bought thick pieces of foam designed for this. For plates you can buy then slotted. Just cut to the size of your locker so they don't move. For cups and glasses, drill holes with a hole saw to suit the size of your crockery.

I did this in the previous caravan, and continued this to the MH. Everything is in it's place, safe and secure and easy to get to.

I think it pathetic that caravan and probably MH manufacturers just give you an empty locker and let you work it out for yourself.

These are the plate ones https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/186164889918

For other stuff the blank foam is not quite as thick.

 

[maingate]

Salt and Pepper is essential.

Otherwise the motorhomer cannot be 'seasoned'.

I'll get me coat.

 

[trevskoda]

Plastic camping plates etc which have a plastic box to go in, big beakers we use have a wall mounted cage frame.

 

[RSD7a]

Everyone has covered most things but what I found most useful was something I bought from the pound shop (which I cannot remember what you call it) but it was rubberised mesh and I put it on the shelves and it stopped my tin and packet food from moving and also my plates, I use it in my kitchen now underneath my air fryer and it stops it moving about. I can see that does not make a lot of sense but when you see it you will know what I mean.

Exactly this. I couldn't think what it's called either. But, as well as the uses above, I use it (cut to the correct individual shapes) to line the cutlery drawer compartments to conquer the rattles.

 

[Mick67]

You can fix anything with
WD40
Duct tape
Cable ties

 

[undertaker]

A laminated pre flight checklist with items such as, skylights closed, windows closed, step in, gas off, all cupboards and drawers closed, nothing loose that could become a missile in accident, nothing stored under vehicle, habitation control panel off (bit contentious perhaps that one) fridge items secure for travelling, fresh water status, toilet status, money in envelope for handing to rally organiser on arrival etc

 

[trevskoda]

You can fix anything with
WD40
Duct tape
Cable ties

Constapation, diarea, peeing to much, yep should work for a man.

 

[Nabsim]

I’m putting together a VIP welcome pack to go with new motorhomes, specifically aimed at first-time owners, and I’d really love to lean on the collective wisdom of people who’ve been there, learned the hard way, and bought the gadgets

So imagine this scenario:

A friend of yours has just bought their first-ever motorhome. They’re excited… but also blissfully unaware of all the little things you only realise you need after your first few trips.

If they were offered a welcome pack as part of the deal, what would you absolutely suggest including?

I’m thinking things like:

• Arctic blue hookup cable
• Levelling ramps/wheel chocks
• Toilet chemicals
• A little spirit level for the dash
• Water filler aids/hose fittings
• Plug adaptors, extension leads, etc.

But I’m especially interested in the stuff people don’t immediately think of — those £5–£20 items that turn out to be absolute lifesavers.

So:

• What are your favourite motorhome gadgets you wouldn’t be without?
• What would you tell any new motorhomer to buy before their first trip?
• Is there anything you only discovered after a few “learning experiences” that you now consider essential?

No idea is too small or too obvious — if it’s useful, it’s useful.

I’m trying to build a genuinely helpful VIP pack rather than a box of random tat, so your real-world experience is gold here

Fire away

In double size at start of anything I would put 2 things:
1. Anything you add will reduce your allowable payload, weigh van and axles before doing anything
2. Don't buy anything until you have used the van and found you can't manage without it

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Why do you need lots of crockery? So you don’t have to wash as you use?
Easier to take less crockery and was it after you use it surely?
A membership to this wonderful community.

As we have never stayed on a camp site since day one, certainly Sligachan one winter, but it was closed, no facilities, so doesn't count, we 100% Camp off grid, so not easy to get water, we also hate waste, hence no washing up until it becomes a problem, plates etc get cleaned and stacked in the sink, when we get access to water, we wash up etc, and then refill.

We did look at paper plates but, we hate single use crap and avoid it where possible

 

[caledonia]

As we have never stayed on a camp site since day one, certainly Sligachan one winter, but it was closed, no facilities, so doesn't count, we 100% Camp off grid, so not easy to get water, we also hate waste, hence no washing up until it becomes a problem, plates etc get cleaned and stacked in the sink, when we get access to water, we wash up etc, and then refill.

We did look at paper plates but, we hate single use crap and avoid it where possible

I’m a bit ocd with things like that. I couldn’t sleep with dirty dishes in the sink.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

I’m a bit ocd with things like that. I couldn’t sleep with dirty dishes in the sink.

You'd need a bigger sink to do that.

 

[clive1]

Why do you need lots of crockery? So you don’t have to wash as you use?
Easier to take less crockery and was it after you use it surely?
A membership to this wonderful community.

I’m putting together a VIP welcome pack to go with new motorhomes, specifically aimed at first-time owners, and I’d really love to lean on the collective wisdom of people who’ve been there, learned the hard way, and bought the gadgets

So imagine this scenario:

A friend of yours has just bought their first-ever motorhome. They’re excited… but also blissfully unaware of all the little things you only realise you need after your first few trips.

If they were offered a welcome pack as part of the deal, what would you absolutely suggest including?

I’m thinking things like:

• Arctic blue hookup cable
• Levelling ramps/wheel chocks
• Toilet chemicals
• A little spirit level for the dash
• Water filler aids/hose fittings
• Plug adaptors, extension leads, etc.

But I’m especially interested in the stuff people don’t immediately think of — those £5–£20 items that turn out to be absolute lifesavers.

So:

• What are your favourite motorhome gadgets you wouldn’t be without?
• What would you tell any new motorhomer to buy before their first trip?
• Is there anything you only discovered after a few “learning experiences” that you now consider essential?

No idea is too small or too obvious — if it’s useful, it’s useful.

I’m trying to build a genuinely helpful VIP pack rather than a box of random tat, so your real-world experience is gold here

Fire away

Put spare keys wrapped in oiled wrapping paper
in a metal magnetic key box, and hidden away
attached underneath to the chassis well out of sight

from my own original experiences years ago
a small clip board to to hang on steering wheel when parked up
headed before you drive off
"have you "

Closed all roof vents
unplugged the electric hook up cable
all outside lockers closed
step retracted
TV dish./ ariel down
all cupboard doors / drawers closed properly
fridge switched to 12 V power
drop down front bed secured with strap
are our pets secure

with space to add their own
other "Before you drive items"


put a sticker on the top of your sun visor
with essential van info
tyre pressures front and back
van length, width, and height.
van weight
insurance policy number,
and break down / emergency Tel number

 

[Clunegapyears]

Two washing up bowls.
One for sink, so you can sieve the water before it goes into grey waste, or lift outside to chuck.
Second to place dirty pots and plates before washing them up.
Also useful under grey waste outside so you can drain grey waste and chuck water in the hedgerow.

 

[Clunegapyears]

Winter ... heated blanket.

 

[morsefields]

Wow, all this stuff!!! Isn’t half the fun of taking up a new thing finding out about it over time. Everyone is goi g to have different stuff cos they use their van differently. We don’t want to put people off.

BTW what is an artic blue cable??

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Hook up lead for sites, has the round blue connectors.