Day van (sort of) and touring overseas

[Macp]

Wasnt sure where to place this or how to ask it, so here goes. SWMBO and I were chatting as I have always had this lust to take my car, now van overseas. Our van might be described as a day van, who the hell knows. Anyway it has an Ovano system, which lays flat to give you a double bed space. There is a big ol sliding drawer at the bottom. We also have an ARB touring awning with awning room. But as you can see we dont have a pop top.

So the question is has anybody here done it like this, and how was it.

 

[Salty Spuds]

That’s luxury!! We used to tour Europe with a car and a 2 man tent. Man up

 

[Frigo110]

Get at least a passenger swivel.
The space behind the seats is limited and turning at least one around opens up the space a bit and gives room to "store" the clothes for the next day.

 

[Macp]

That’s luxury!! We used to tour Europe with a car and a 2 man tent. Man up

Ok engaging 'man up'.

 

[Macp]

Get at least a passing swivel.
The space behind the seats is limited and turning at least one around opens up the space a bit and gives room to "store" the clothes for the next day.

Good advice I plan to get the passenger seat on a swivel.

 

[Macp]

I feel I need to go take some more gen x pils. And give my head a wobble.

 

[Frigo110]

Try to stay organised. We have everything in Euroboxes. The fit perfect in the drawer and make life a lot easier.
If only the two of you go - remove the rear seats, gives you a lot of space under the bed.

 

[T32Rich]

Wasnt sure where to place this or how to ask it, so here goes. SWMBO and I were chatting as I have always had this lust to take my car, now van overseas. Our van might be described as a day van, who the hell knows. Anyway it has an Ovano system, which lays flat to give you a double bed space. There is a big ol sliding drawer at the bottom. We also have an ARB touring awning with awning room. But as you can see we dont have a pop top.

So the question is has anybody here done it like this, and how was it.

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Did this last year for 2 weeks in ours. Week in France and then a week in Austria (Vienna). hoping to go again this year. Stayed on 3 different camp sites and fascilities were great in all of them.

 

[Ayjay]

@T32Rich Slightly off topic but did you camp when visiting Vienna? How did you get to the city?

 

[Paynewright]

@Macp

This is our basic plan - we’re used to camping (in UK) so anything van based is a step up in comfort.

We have Sportscraft swivels and a basic bed platform - somewhere to get out of the weather and a comfy bed. Everything else will be outside. No pop top and no cooking in the van.

We’ve done weekends like this, with an awning tent, but plan a week in France in a few months!

 

[T32Rich]

@T32Rich Slightly off topic but did you camp when visiting Vienna? How did you get to the city?

We stayed on the edge of Vienna, here: Wien Donau - Dein urbanes Campingabenteuer
The Travel in and around the city was easy. Bought 7 day tickets at the local Station for 22 euro's each and these covered us on local trains, buses & trams. about 10 minute walk to the station from campsite (supermarket here also) and 20/25 mins into Vienna centre. Only real issue was the lack of shade at the campsite. The only pitches with shade are limited and premium cost. Good EHU and services on site and small Shop/Bar.
We spent most of our time in the city.

 

[Macp]

Fantastic response all, and im really appreciating the kind responses where it kinda seems like im being precious. Im not but swmbo is nervous and I want to gently give her examples.

 

[Macp]

@Macp

This is our basic plan - we’re used to camping (in UK) so anything van based is a step up in comfort.

We have Sportscraft swivels and a basic bed platform - somewhere to get out of the weather and a comfy bed. Everything else will be outside. No pop top and no cooking in the van.

We’ve done weekends like this, with an awning tent, but plan a week in France in a few months!

Its becoming apparent that I need to swivel

I was just going to get the passenger done, just because I dont want the drivers seat raised, and I dont want any creaking.

 

[Macp]

Loving the posts @T32Rich im not alone in not popping my top

How are people coping with electricity needs. We thought 1 or 2 solar panels and a power station would be ok. Is it, and what would be the min ah ?

 

[T32Rich]

I haven't "Popped or Swivelled" as yet Might happen in the future, but quite happy as is for now. We used Jackery Explorer 1000 connected to EHU on site and cooked with gas hob in the awning. I do also have a fold away 200 watt solar panel which works quite well.

 

[Sasquatch]

As a younger, and dare I say it somewhat impetuous, chap I toured Europe on a Kwak GPz 750 turbo with a one man tent. Even a builders van would have been a luxury, although I doubt a van would have done Huddersfield to Venice in a day in the same manner as the GPz.

You'll be fine, and we look forward to reading of your exploits.

 

[Macp]

I haven't "Popped or Swivelled" as yet Might happen in the future, but quite happy as is for now. We used Jackery Explorer 1000 connected to EHU on site and cooked with gas hob in the awning. I do also have a fold away 200 watt solar panel which works quite well.

Cheers Rich

Can any powerbank be charged with a lead from the 12v outlet we have in the back of the van ?

I wont be popping in this van ever. My next van will be high top, but thats a at least 4 or 5yrs off yet.

 

[Salty Spuds]

We stayed on the edge of Vienna, here: Wien Donau - Dein urbanes Campingabenteuer
The Travel in and around the city was easy. Bought 7 day tickets at the local Station for 22 euro's each and these covered us on local trains, buses & trams. about 10 minute walk to the station from campsite (supermarket here also) and 20/25 mins into Vienna centre. Only real issue was the lack of shade at the campsite. The only pitches with shade are limited and premium cost. Good EHU and services on site and small Shop/Bar.
We spent most of our time in the city.

View attachment 321898

As an aside to this. Wild/stealth camping (call it what you will) is Verboten in Austria, it’s either campsites or official park ups. It’s not like France where you can practically park anywhere and have a kip. So an element of planning and foresight is required when visiting Austria. If this is the OP’s first foray abroad, may I be so bold as to suggest somewhere closer to home on the other side of the channel. Maybe Normandy or Brittany or French Atlantic coast. France is much easier logistically than Austria & Germany when it comes to campervanning. Vienna is also a fair old jag driving wise, fuel might be a consideration in the current climate.

 

[T32Rich]

It Is the Fuel situation which may well stop us going again this year We have a daughter living there and might have to do the unthinkable and Fly out to see her (not keen if I'm honest) Yes France is a great shout and as mentioned seems fairly easy to camp and get the experience.

 

[Salty Spuds]

It Is the Fuel situation which may well stop us going again this year We have a daughter living there and might have to do the unthinkable and Fly out to see her (not keen if I'm honest) Yes France is a great shout and as mentioned seems fairly easy to camp and get the experience.

If you’re flying. We had a week in Salzburg/Vienna last year. Flew to Salzburg, had a few days, then got the train to Vienna and flew back from Vienna. Salzburg is a gem.