The Camper Van Bible: The Glovebox Edition

by Martin Dorey

Overview

The perfect pocket sized guide containing all the essential information you need to happily live the best RV life.

This is the book you've been waiting for—small enough to fit in your pocket but still packed full of all of the essential information you need in order to make all of those RV dreams a reality.

The Camper Van Bible is the ultimate resource for people dreaming of a life on the road as well as those living it right now. It is a handy quick-reference toolkit and something you'll refer to again and again when packing up and on the go. The book succinctly covers all aspects of the camper van life, including:

- How to choose a camper van; old versus new; rental options

- The costs of RV ownership

- Equipment you need

- Cooking methods and food storage

- Sleeping options and where to camp

- How to be an eco-conscious camper

Plus much, much more.

Packed with stunning photography, and oodles of vital, definitive, and authoritative information, this book should be at the top of any serious RVer's essential packing list.

Heed the advice, drool over the pictures. Then go and do it.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781844866021
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	07/12/2022
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	7.05(w) x 7.85(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Martin Dorey is a writer, surfer and serial camper van owner. In 2011 he presented the BBC2 television programme 'One Man and his Camper Van'. He is the author of Take the Slow Road: England and Wales (2019), Take the Slow Road: Ireland (2020), Take the Slow Road: France (2021), The Camper Van Bible Second Edition (2023), Take the Slow Road: Spain and Portugal (2023), The Green Camping Book (2024) and Take the Slow Road: Scotland Second Edition (2024), amongst several others.

@campervanliving; www.martindorey.com

Table of Contents

Introduction 6

What's inside 7

Part 1 Dreams Do Come True 8

Buying a Camper Van 10

New versus old 11

Brand new vans 11

Buying new: visit a dealer 12

Buying preloved 13

Buying Advice 14

Top tips for searching for your perfect camper 16

Things to think about when buying your camper 18

Carrying gear/boards/kayaks/toys 37

Renting a Camper 39

Rental companies 41

Part 2 Before You Go 42

Driving 44

Your driving licence and motorhomes 44

Weights and payloads 44

Know your dimensions 46

Get proper cover 47

Travelling with dogs, cats and ferrets (but not at the same time) 50

The Secrets of Happy Camping 52

Make a list (or lists) 52

One man's meat… 53

Essential camping kit 53

Gather your resources 58

Organise your space 58

Cooking Kit 60

Kit you need 61

Herbs and spices 63

Condiments and cooking oils 64

Dry staples 64

Cooking Methods and Heat Sources 66

Equipment 66

Fuel for cooking (and heating) 69

Gas and BBQ safety 70

Alternative kitchens 71

Open fires 72

Top fire-lighting tips 72

Cooling 74

Camping fridges 74

Chillin' tips 76

Top tips for camper van cooking 77

Where to Spend the Night 78

Campsites 79

Campsite alternatives 83

Wild or free camping 84

Places to stay en route 89

Planning overnights 90

Beds, Foam and Mattresses 91

Rock and roll beds 91

Fixed bed campers 94

Drop-down beds 94

Transverse beds 94

Make up beds 95

A guide to bedding foam 95

Sleeping bags, duvets, liners 99

Mosquito nets 102

On-board heating 103

Power 106

Camping electrics: leisure batteries 106

Topping up with solar 107

Lithium ion leisure batteries 109

Cold weather battery performance 110

Using a power inverter 111

Towing more kit 111

Condensation 113

Blocking out the daylight 114

Last-Minute Van Maintenance 116

Flush and fill fresh water 116

Flush and freshen the waste tank 117

Check the gas 118

Check and charge your leisure battery 118

Check the fridge 119

Charge the loo tank 119

Final checks 119

Part 3 On the Road 120

The Cost of Camping 122

Variables 122

Travel Smart 125

Eco-Conscious Camping 126

The greenest kind of holiday? 126

Pitch up carefully 127

Be green yourself 129

Stop blaming everyone else 129

Leave it better: pick up litter 129

Forget single-use plastics 130

Buy local when you can 130

Less waste: more recycling 131

Help your site - create less waste 131

Help regenerate 132

Can you go there? 132

Stay Connected 133

Why internet is more than useful 133

Smart vans -teching up your moho 134

Finding Better Overnights 135

Camping in the Winter 138

Keeping Comfy and Warm 142

LPG and gas filling 144

Driving Safety 146

Only a fool forgets… 146

Defensive driving 146

The obvious 147

Safety and seat belt law 148

Security 151

Daytime security 151

Overnight security 151

On-site safety 152

Keeping Your Spot 155

Levelling Wedges and Chocks 156

Levelling wedges 156

Hand brakes, swivel seats and wedges 157

Awnings and Sunshades 158

Awnings and pup tents 158

Toilet and shower tents 161

Sunshades and tarps 161

Find Your Routine - Feel Amazing 162

On your trips 162

In the mornings 163

Keeping Clean 164

Personal hygiene 164

Going to the loo 167

Wash and brush-up stops 170

Getting your smalls done 171

Washing up 172

Washroom etiquette 173

Keep the Motor Running 174

Choose your van for the mechanic you are 175

Essential vehicle checks: AAA (another annoying acronym) 175

Keeping it neat 177

Resources and Notes 178

Resources 178

Notes 180

Glossary 182

Acknowledgements 187

Index 188

Editorial Reviews

Packed with extra checklists and digrams. You won't want to leave home without it.” —Classic Car Weekly

“Martin Dorey truly lives the life, an on-the-road adventurer who really practices what he preaches. Whatever you manage to pack into your mobile home, remember to keep this volume in an easy-to-find space as it will serve you well.” —Best of British

From the Publisher