Below are the basic items we expect to be packing in the van on our trips.
The list will probably evolve over time as we learn more and will differ slightly depending on the time of year and the nature of the trip, we also expect a considerable number of the items will be permanently stored in the van. Most if not all of the items listed will eventually get write-ups in the reviews section, so as more of the reviews are completed we will add the links to the list below.
The majority of the items listed here as “for the van & travel” will also be found on the spares & tools in the van list.
Items in “Black” will probably be taken on all trips.
Items in “Dark grey” only when we think necessary or longer trips.
Items in “Mauve“ need to be upgraded, replaced, or are under construction.
Items in “italics (any colour)” we currently take or restock from home.
For the van & travel.
Fire extinguisher, (see safety equipment, old, needs to be replaced).
Spare fuel, (5L or 10L until the second fuel tank is fitted).
Oil.
Water, (Additional to drinking water, dependent on the type of trip, 12L to 72L).
Spare light bulbs, (full set, possibly some LEDs).
Spare fuses, (full set).
Spare windscreen wipers blades, (full set).
Screen-wash concentrate with antifreeze, (depending on the type of trip or winter).
Windscreen de-icier, (dependent on the time of the year or type of trip).
Windscreen ice scraper, (stored in the van).
Screen Wash Tablets, (summer, local).
Windscreen Squeegee, (stored in the van).
Windscreen microfiber demist pad, (stored in the van).
Bottle or high lift jack, (depending on the type of trip, see jacks & stands).
Jack stands, (see Jacks & stands).
3/4″ drive breaker bar & wheel nut socket, (stored in the van).
Tyre Pump, (foot pump until we fit an electric one ).
Emergency puncture repair aerosol. (normally stored in the van, part of the recovery kit).
Short jump lead, (quick connection between batteries, see recovery kit & van-specific tools).
Long jump leads, (see recovery kit & Van specific tools).
Tow Rope, (we need to splice eyes in a new one).
Reflective warning triangles, (possibly illuminated & available quickly).
Reflective waistcoats, (available quickly, see safety equipment).
Overalls, (possibly replace with waterproof type ).
Leather gloves, (part of tool kit, stored in the van, see safety equipment).
Goggles, (part of the tool kit, stored in the van, see safety equipment).
Insulated spanners, (see van-specific tools, stored in the van).
Inspection lamp, (part of the tool kit, stored in the van, see safety equipment).
Gaffer tape.
Basic tool kit, (contents dependent on the type of trip).
AA card, (phone number).
Speed conversion sheets, (mph – kph – mph, for Europe and beyond).
For the occupants & camping equipment.
First aid kit, (Need one permanently in the van, see, First Aid Kit, contents).
Emergency snatch bags, (contents dependent on destinations).
Emergency contact numbers, (hard copies, also copies in snatch bags).
Mobile phone, (with satellite GPS, dual sim, & internet connection).
LED head torches, (Need permanently in the van, currently taken from home).
Spare batteries, (for head torches).
Insect repellent, (pump spray), (part of first aid + kit)
Sunburn protection, (pump spray?), (part of first aid + kit).
Antiseptic hand cleaner, (part of first aid + kit).
Water, (fresh each trip, 12L to 72L dependent on the type of trip).
Water filter, (dependent on the type of trip).
Sugar, tea & dried milk, (restock asap on return).
Fresh milk, (from home).
Dried Food, (dependent on the type of trip).
Frozen food, (dependent on the type of trip).
Beer & wine. (restock asap on return).
Bottle opener, (In addition to the ones VW fitted on the front doors, see Cooking equipment).
Sleeping bags, (down or Synthetic dependent on the type of trip).
Pillows, (need sets permanently in the van, possibly inflatable).
Gas heater for the Van when stationary, (until diesel heater is fitted).
Midge netting for door and windows, (under construction, see Insect & animal protection).
LED hanging light + UV bug killer, (see Insect & animal protection).
Bug bat, (permanently in the van, see Insect & animal protection).
Cooking utensils, (need sets permanently in the van, see Cooking equipment).
Cups, plates & cutlery, (need sets permanently in the van, see Cooking equipment).
Gas, (for cooker & heater until diesel hob is fitted).
Tea clothes, (restock asap on return).
Washing up liquid, soap & detergent, (restock asap on return).
Towels, (restock asap on return).
Loo roll, (restock asap on return).
Washing line, (using poles and pegs, see house-keeping).
Washing line, (that attaches to the van, under construction, see house-keeping).
Dustpan & brush, (see house-keeping).
Pick & shovel, (entrenching tool).
Game tablet computers, (almost essential if with the grandkids, well they think so).
Additional equipment depending on the type of trip or destination.
Recovery kit, (in part or all as required).
Snow chains, (if required).
Additional tools & spares, (for longer trips or remote places if required).
Additional first aid equipment,(for remote places if required).
EU medical cover card (E111), (dependent on destination, see snatch bags).
Vaccination status & proof if required. (dependent on destination, see snatch bags).
Travel insurance documents, (dependent on destination, see snatch bags).
Van insurance documents, (dependent on destination, see snatch bags).
Any additional personal or van documents, (if required, see snatch bags).
Tablet or laptop computer with charging system, (see coms & navigation systems).
Digitized first aid manuals, (on computer & mobile phone, see safety equipment).
Digitized maps, (on computer & mobile phone, see coms & navigation systems).
Digitized maintenance manuals, (on computer, see driving aids).
Digitized running maintenance schedule, (on computer, see driving aids).
Digitized automatically re-settable checklist, (on computer, see driving aids).
Some additional nice-to-have items.
These are not really essential but will probably get left in the van, or taken on most trips.
Fishing tackle, (sea fishing, boat & beach, see toys).
Camping seats, (see Camping furniture).
Binoculars, (see toys).
Cameras, & associated equipment, (see toys).
To be continued