About the van.
T30 VW 2006 Transporter
1.9 Euro 4 engine better for the environment and cheaper tax.
I had side windows put in which I think now were not really necessary as you don't spend time inside the van except for sleeping and driving.
Because the windows were installed the insurance company consider it 'modified' and use that as an excuse to charge more.
I am happy I chose a tailgate as I recently discovered that by hanging the large camping flooring mat over it it gives you extra room protected from the elements.
I discovered it by accident as I was trying to dry this big mat out.
The van has been insulated and had flooring installed. There are some led lights and 12 volt points.
Important are the insulated stick on screens which are necessary against heat or cold.
Later I had the leisure battery installed which gives me 2 more normal three pin plugs and a hook up point and a very bright light.
It is not fitted out inside as I thought I would wait to see what I need. Then found that I didn't really need anything fitted.
So, like now, there is a normal bed and comfortable mattress with little plastic cube storage boxes underneath.
There is a handy plastic draw unit which is attached to the bed base to stop it falling over.
For cooking I now have this wonderful induction plate. The kettle is vital of course.
I have a camping table and good quality camping chair.
I bought a cheap fold up bike from Carrefour the supermarket, which is handy but wouldn't want to go far on it. It fine on the good flat cycle trails of Loire Valley. I never bother to fold it apart from the pedals- just wheel it into the van when travelling.
There is a utility tent which fits over the van and can be left as stand alone.
I would put that up if I am somewhere for 4 days or more which is rare. Point of interest that without a ground sheet there is a lot of condensation in the mornings. With groundsheet no problem. It is easy enough to put up but I don't find that I use it as much as I thought I would.
Fan heater rarely used.
Sacha (patterdale jack russel cross) has her own camping kennel which can be seen in the photo and is very useful. She doesn't like the van and feels safer in the kennel low down in the back rather than higher up next to me in the front. In the front she seems to be disturbed by the movement on the large wing mirror
So I just have the Sat Nav to talk to in the front.
I use CoPilot on the Iphone which can be updated easily but do it whilst at home on the computer as it can jam up the IPhone.
The sat nav makes all the difference to this journey. It would be so difficult without it.