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Fetch Camper Vans

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Rosehip Oct 2024 7:22pm, 11 Oct 2024 33,396 posts	0 Rosehip we have a victron controller with a 'load' out that I think will take a switch and cable - but need to get someone who knows to talk me through it, electrickery is scary and the solar produces quite a voltage. I decided against getting an inverter when we had the solar upgraded, as the list above is about all we use - but that would probably be easier
Red Squirrel Oct 2024 8:39pm, 11 Oct 2024 24,507 posts	0 Red Squirrel This thread’s got me looking at vans. I’m test driving 2 cars next week, but now wondering if it’s better to get a small van for adventures as well as day-to-day driving. Has anyone got any experience of the VW Caddy?
Red Squirrel Oct 2024 8:39pm, 11 Oct 2024 24,508 posts	0 Red Squirrel Caddy California, that is
halfpint Oct 2024 10:27pm, 11 Oct 2024 41,699 posts	0 halfpint Mine is a Peugeot partner (LWB) so similar size to a LWB caddy. It’s my day to day vehicle but great for bikes, kayaking kit, dog crate, getting changed after swimming, bouldering pads etc. I have insulated it out and sleep in it for adventures too. We’ll need to have a meet up RS. Berlingo is another option.
Gromit Oct 2024 3:40am, 12 Oct 2024 2,005 posts	0 Gromit @Red Squirrel I’ve got a caddy maxi life and love it… it’s a great every day van which gets used and abused to chuck stuff in as said above but it’s plenty big enough to also sleep in as an off grid 1 or two nights … that said we’ve only done this a couple of times but it’s so cheap to run…. Can defo recommend
Pegg Oct 2024 11:35am, 12 Oct 2024 454 posts	0 Pegg I'm trying to decide if I want a VW style/size van or go bigger with a Peugeot Boxer style/size with a separate loo cubicle. My absolute must haves are windows, leisure battery and fridge (I've used my husbands van a few times and have hired others too)...but it's hard to decide what in the rest of my list are must haves, want to haves or just in cases?
Red Squirrel Oct 2024 1:23pm, 12 Oct 2024 24,511 posts	0 Red Squirrel Thanks folks. I need to have a big think about this. It would be so useful for trips, post-sea swimming, bikes, kayak, paddleboard etc. I’m hoping to get work locally, so wouldn’t need to commute far and would use bicycle whenever possible anyway.
RunningRonnie Oct 2024 5:58pm, 12 Oct 2024 3,418 posts	0 RunningRonnie It is hard to choose, @Pegg . I'm several years in, on my third van and still find it hard. I loved the vw, especially for quick getaways, using as my second car and using for mountain biking. However converting the bed twice a day and having no space when it's a horrible rainy day forced the change to a larger van.
Pegg Oct 2024 8:34pm, 12 Oct 2024 455 posts	0 Pegg My husband has a self converted Ford Transit and while it's perfect for him to live in when he's away, and I like to use it when he's abroad, when there's two of us it is tight for space. Once the bed is out there is no floor space at all which is making me think I should go bigger. But he works away so much - am I buying it for me or for us???
Rosehip Oct 2024 9:27pm, 12 Oct 2024 33,397 posts	0 Rosehip I thought I wanted a vw sized van for me only - for ease of parking - but Husband convinced me he would 'camp' in a bigger van with a washroom and a bit of space - and we haven't looked back. I wouldn't want any bigger than 6m though, finding a daytime spot for this in some places isn't always straightforward - but we've always managed in the end (Wetherby was a bit touch and go today )