The Camper Van Bible: Live, Eat, Sleep (Repeat)

✍ Scribed by Martin Dorey

• Publisher: Conway
• Year: 2023
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 449
• Edition: 2
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

The Camper Van Bible is THE definitive glovebox bible for anyone who owns or 'would die for' a camper van.

In this book Martin Dorey, acknowledged camper van expert, presenter of BBC2's 'One Man and His Campervan' and author of the popular Take the Slow Road series, dives headfirst into the nitty gritty of camping and camper vans. The book covers all aspects of the camper van life, including:

- Owning and living day to day with a camper van (LIVE)
- Cooking and eating in your camper (EAT)
- Sleeping in your camper (SLEEP)
- Keeping you and your van going (REPEAT)

This second edition has been fully updated with new text and photographs throughout, including an expanded section on environmentally conscious camping, new text about accessible camper vanning, lots of tasty new recipes, updated costs and figures and an expanded list of the best UK campsites. Packed with stunning photography, and oodles of vital, definitive and authoritative information, this book is an essential buy for both dreamers and do-ers alike.

✦ Table of Contents

Cover
Half-title
Title
Copyright
Contents
Dedication
A New Beginning
Environmentally Conscious Camping
The message
Enjoying the natural world
The greenest kind of holiday?
What To Expect From This Book
Live
Living The Dream
What Is A Camper Van?
A potted history of the camper van
Why A Camper Van?
What’s yours called?
The perfect escape pod
The camping experience
Why a camper van is (sometimes) better than a tent
Why a tent is (sometimes) better than a camper van
Buying A Camper Van Or Motorhome
New versus old
Tips for buying new
Buy well, buy safe
Searching for your perfect camper
Six things to think about when buying your camper
Day vans versus night vans
Carrying gear/boards/ kayaks/toys
Awnings and sunshades
Other considerations when buying
Buying Bespoke
The bespoke journey
Home conversions and re-registering a motorhome
Rent Before You Buy
Renting a camper
Accessible Campervanning
Is it right for you?
Buying a van
Adapting a van
Insuring an adapted motorhome
Accessible campsites
BEFORE YOU GO
Make a list (or lists)
Essential camping kit
Eat
On-The-Road Eats
Eating In Your Camper Van
Fresh, local and good for the planet
Cooking kit
Food cupboard staples
Washing up
Cooking Methods And Heat Sources
Equipment
Fuel for cooking (and heating)
Open fires and BBQS
Cooling
Choosing a fridge
Cooling tips
Recipes
Breakfast
Sandwiches and snacks
Salads
Soups
BBQ
Stovetop suppers
Sleep
Getting Comfy
Getting A Good Night’s Sleep
What keeps you awake at night?
Sleeping bags, duvets, liners
Fly screens and mosquito nets
Condensation
Blocking out the daylight
Levelling wedges and chocks
The Camper Van Bed Department
Rock and roll beds
Fixed beds
Comfort and your bedding foam
Overnighting
Planning overnights
Campsites
Campsite alternatives
Wild or free camping
Going off-grid: tips for managing your resources
Places to stay en route
Pitch Perfect: The Best Uk Campsites
Scotland
England and Wales
Ireland
Repeat
Do It Again
Getting Up In The Morning
Find your routine – feel amazing
Stretching every morning
Stay Warm, Stay Green, Stay Happy
Cold weather gear
On-board heating
Camping in the winter
Before You Go
Organise your space
Service your waste and fresh tanks
Gather your resources
Safety And Security
Seat belt law
Insurance: get proper cover
General safety
Daytime security
Overnight security
Keeping your spot
Driving
Driving safety
Can you drive it?
How fast can you go?
Weights, payloads and other dimensions
Clean air schemes
Towing
On The Road
Keep the motor running
Choose your van for the mechanic you are
Essential vehicle checks
Extra protection for your van
Keeping it clean: toilets and tanks
Personal hygiene
LPG and gas filling
Stay connected
Power
Camping electrics: batteries
Topping up with solar
Cold weather battery performance
Using a power inverter
Coiling cables
Taking Your Van Abroad
Travelling to Europe post- Brexit
Travel and vehicle insurance
Medical and vehicle cover
Crossing the Channel
Low emission zones in Europe
Finding places to stay
Travelling With Pets
Pet passports post-Brexit
Safe travels with pets
The Things We Learn Along The Way: A Final Word
Resources To Get You Started
Glossary
Index
Acknowledgements and Credits