Camping Kitchen Equipment
May 9th, 2010 at 19:43information about vw t2 camper vans?
if you own one, what are they like to drive, and live with, would you say they would be a good car to drive around everyday like in the week drive it to work and going surfing on the weekends and stuff like that, i know they can be slow, but if you get a new engine would it be better on motorways and stuff. if you have one what state did you buy it in? was it new or old. what have you done to it and what sort of stuff have you got in there like beds Kitchen stuff. i really want one but i need to know about prices of buying it and keeping it running, and if i want to go camping and stuff what things will i need in there like cooking equipment, toilets and beds thanks for your time
I've owned a 1974 camper at one time. Here in California they are still fairly common and for the most part rust free units. It is absolutely true that they are extremely s-l-o-w and have a very difficult time keeping up with modern day traffic. I wrote about this very issue on type II vehicles, (see my answer history) and don't think that they are a good choice of vehicle for an everyday driver.
There have been a number of power train conversions done to a type II to improve the lack of power that these are known for. Some involved using a Corvair motor, I've heard of at least one conversion using a Subaru motor, or most common, modify the engine that you already have. The late model type II, use a 1.7 liter, 1.8 or 2.0 liter motor based upon the type IV. These are usually thought to be the best choices to modify, rather than the beetle motors that were used earlier.
A full camper will have a propane type stove, some will have a ice box, some very late model units might even have an electric refrigerator in them. Fold down seat into a bed and foam mattress for use for people to sleep in the area above by the pop top (when its up).
Safety is a big problem with these vehicles; high wind resistance (hard to keep control of it in a strong cross wind at freeway speeds), the front drum brake models are to be avoided, a weak heater and defroster (though some modifications can help both of these issues), no ABS, no power steering, odd bus like steering wheel position, no front crash protection and fairly poor fuel economy mid teens if your lucky at freeway speeds and stock examples struggle to make 70 mph. (again see an earlier response I gave)
Finally, as everyone else has told you: rust is a large problem in the chasis of these vehicles. Here in California, rust is not as much of an issue as general mechanical condition is. If possible, I'd recommend you borrow or rent one and drive it for a day or two before deciding if this is for you.
Hope this helps, a car nut.
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US $99.99
Camping equipment for the whole family
More and more families are switching to camping from conventional hotel and B & B holidays. They've discovered that with the wide range of outdoor equipment available from online stores like us at Outdoor World Direct, they can be just as comfortable as they would be in a chalet or hotel. What's more, you've got the freedom to travel. If you don't like the spot you've chosen – you can just up sticks (or poles) and move on. You can't do this if you've just splashed out a couple of grand on a holiday cottage.
Camping under canvas can take some getting used to. Luckily, modern camping equipment is designed to make the transition as effortless as possible. Take dining, for instance. Once, it was a case of boy-scout tactics, a pot suspended over a campfire and ash in your coffee cup. Now, you can buy foldaway tables and chairs, camp kitchen units, and Calor gas hobs and ovens that work just like the ones at home. Many people love the latest twin-burner travel stoves and transportable grills – just as handy for a day out as a camping trip. Â
Of course, being Chef Ramsay on holiday doesn't mean packing the kitchen sink, as most sites have washing-up facilities, but you may prefer to pack a washing-up bowl rather than queue for hours to use the one hot tap on the site. If you've got an electric hook-up, you've got the advantage of hot water from an electric kettle, rather than boiling it on a gas stove. Purchase one of the larger kitchen stands with a side-table and it will take up practically no room in the car, but will give you all the convenience of a self-catering fitted kitchen. Modern camping equipment is all about comfort, as well as style.
The one down-fall of living under canvas is that you can hear every sound – including your fellow campers snoring. If you have pets or young children, there's the added problem of cars. Most sites allow you to park right next to your pitch, which can be dangerous at the height of the season. Â
Don't ask why, but the busiest areas of the campsites always seem to be those nearest the toilet block. After that, it's the water supply. So you'll have a far quieter, safer time pitching well away from these two areas. This may mean you don't get an electric hook-up, but it doesn't mean you need to traipse half a mile to get water, or use the toilet. We at Outdoor World Direct sell large roll-along water carriers as well as camping toilets and toilet tents. Our outdoor equipment pages include a range of non-electric lighting and food cooling options as well, meaning you can camp in seclusion and comfort. Â
Whether it's getting water, emptying the Porta Potti or visiting the bar, you'll need the correct footwear - so invest in good walking shoes for the whole family. If you decide on trainers, make sure you get them from an outdoor equipment specialist. That way, you'll know they'll be waterproof and sturdy enough for all terrains – giving you the option to really get away from it all and head for the hills.
About the Author
Emma writes articles on Outdoor World Direct's tents including product guides on camping equipment.