Newbie to Camping. Recommendations please!

[Rob The Daddy]

Hi Everyone,

Owner of a Modified Kombi (as purchased) with bulkhead fixed in.

Almost about to do one of those Infant School Parent-Child Camping weekends for the first time; and wondered if anyone has any recommendations for a Newbie into this world. To give you an example, we have always stayed in one of those Glamps, or Self-Contained Units.

I have an ideal and that would be to connect something to the van (Two Adults, Son 7, Daughter 4); and unlikely to be a frequent camper. One of those rare occasions.

Pic of Van enclosed.

1. Is there such a thing of a L-Shaped type wrap-around awning tenant that goes from the side to the tailgate rear?

or:

2. Shall I just get a self-inflatable one? (Lazy I know)!

Any advice greatly received.

Cheers Rob

 

[Phil1878]

If you're not really set up inside as a camper/day van I don't see the point in a drive away awning. Just use the space in the back to take all your homely comforts with you

 

[doncarlyon]

Buy a 6 man air tent. Done.

 

[CAB]

I have seen one like you describe, a huge thing.

No idea on cost, it will be an absolute fortune.

Can you borrow a family tent from somebody?

Or buy second hand, with a view to reselling?

 

[Phil1878]

Pick up some decent 2nd hand stuff for now, if it suits, buy some good stuff, if not, you could probably sell it on for what you paid

 

[ORION]

"about to do one of those Infant School Parent-Child Camping weekends" They do these in WINTER?

OMG, you have no idea how cold it is in a tent at this time of year! Certainly character building.

Otherwise no real benefit attaching anything to the Kombi. You have no kitchen or bed.

As said above you have the luxury of lots of room in the "boot" for stuff ( hint: buy a camping toilet )

IMO get a cheap 4 person used air beam tent off the Bay. And a lot of quilts.

 

[Rob The Daddy]

I will send a photo when we are all set up!

Cheers Everyone!

 

[Ed-T6]

@Rob The Daddy I also have a non camper converted kombi, Mrs Ed-T6 was insistent on buying a drive away awning so we have ended up with an airbeam version which sleeps the four of us. I genuinely hate the amount of faff with the whole connecting it to the van thing with a passion and would much rather a regular non-connected tent! To be fair it does have some plus points, the tunnel area is good for keeping the toilet and fridge, wet shoes etc out of the main living area, and we use the van as our storage to free up space so having the tunnel allows dry access to our stuff. Ours is an Outdoor Revolution Cayman air we got off FB marketplace much discounted from new.