Getting into the van life

Drunkenmassacre · 8 Oct 2023 at 14:17

Hi guys, not sure if this is the right forum for these questions but thought I'd give it a go.
Recently bought a van (Vauxhall Combo lwb) for the wife who's work needs her to move bikes around frequently, but we also want to use it to camp and travel in. The cargo area of the van is ply lined, I've bought a drive away awning too for extra space. My questions are along the lines of:
If we were to power the van, what size battery pack/solar system would be enough for maybe 2 nights out? For sleeping arrangements, would a plywood pull out bed with storage underneath be preferable over a foldout/inflatable camp bed?
I'm just after experience of those who've been there and done it, always open to other options too.

TIA!

Rroff · 8 Oct 2023 at 14:46

For battery and solar going to need some idea of your usage - if it is running a couple of lights and charging phones one thing, if running a few home comforts another.

Axeboy · 8 Oct 2023 at 15:10

I was fine even close to winter with a 200w (or two, I cant remember) panel on the roof and a good sized leisure battery inside. As above, depends on your usage but we had phones, laptops and boiled the camping kettle a couple of times without issue. I also installed a hook-up for charging and power if I wanted a night at a proper site. I found the solar panel was more than enough through March to October. We also had one of those little plug heaters which we used if it got too cold, it heated the van up very quickly but just make sure you spend decent money on a good inverter.

With regards to bed, only you can decide really. The Combo LWB might feel tight for two people so maybe a bed that flips down from one of the sides would work.

Hades · 8 Oct 2023 at 16:02

Paging @pugheaven your assistance is needed.

Rroff · 8 Oct 2023 at 16:35

Axeboy said:
but just make sure you spend decent money on a good inverter.

In my experience decent brand and double speccing the wattage for your expected usage is well worthwhile with inverters.

Drunkenmassacre · 8 Oct 2023 at 18:12

Thanks for the quick replies!
With regards to the usage, it's a bit of a sticking point. Not knowing what electrics are recommended for a comfortable night, I'm not sure what to spec for wattage. Has anyone had any use of a jackery type supply? I assume it's just an oversized power bank with a socket on it? I have no issues going down the full solar route but don't want to spend a fortune getting a system I don't need. At the same time, I don't want to be a tight arse and under spec.

Still chatting to SWMBO regarding the bed....

darkblade · 8 Oct 2023 at 19:27

I thought you were getting a new pair of pumps!

NeoVo · 8 Oct 2023 at 22:36

Isn't a Vauxhall Combo lwb going to be a bit claustrophobic with a bed inside & a bike?

presume you're referring to a bicycle (rack on the back?) and not a motorbike?

Drunkenmassacre · 10 Oct 2023 at 02:33

NeoVo said:
Isn't a Vauxhall Combo lwb going to be a bit claustrophobic with a bed inside & a bike?

presume you're referring to a bicycle (rack on the back?) and not a motorbike?

As much as I'd love to get my motorbike in the back as well, there really would be no room for the two!
The Mrs uses it more for transporting bikes. When it comes to staying in it, we have a removable bike rack inside that will be swapped with the bed etc. The awning would provide somewhere out of sight to keep a bike or two while we sleep though should we want.

bainbridge · 10 Oct 2023 at 08:46

If the van is a light commercial, many insurers exclude sleeping in it, so that is worth looking into, just to make sure.

Abraxaz1 · 10 Oct 2023 at 09:57

Please note that the DVLA is no longer allowing vans to be converted to campers with just the interior kitchen, they want the full pop up roof etc. So your speed limit is that of a commercial vehicle

Drunkenmassacre · 11 Oct 2023 at 08:30

bainbridge said:
If the van is a light commercial, many insurers exclude sleeping in it, so that is worth looking into, just to make sure.

Something I hadn't thought about, so thanks for that!

Abraxaz1 said:
Please note that the DVLA is no longer allowing vans to be converted to campers with just the interior kitchen, they want the full pop up roof etc. So your speed limit is that of a commercial vehicle

Converting it to a full camper has never been the plan, more a day camper type affair. Living in the north of Scotland, travelling at lower speeds is usually the way regardless! Thanks though, I've had too many friends get caught out with this one.