Kombi long term camping

OK,
Dilemma time has set in. I’m trying to finalise the details to set Andy up for camping.
I’m looking for hints from people who spend long trips away camping.
Not sure if I need a trailer or not yet (times probably running out to set one up anyway). I’m trying to figure out if the additional hassle of towing one is worth the additional storage space.

I don't plan to convert Andy to a full camper as he will still be needed as a bus and van when not camping. (Andy is a factory microbus) That's not a problem as all the sinks/storage/cooking/bed gear etc I will be making will mount to existing seat belt and seat mount points, and hopefully not take too long to convert from one to the other. At this stage the roof rack will carry two push bikes and awning gear. The bed will be full width in the usual spot, and cupboards for all our gear and spares etc will fill the cargo area under the bed to around where the front of the middle seat ends. We won’t need a great deal of space inside as the front seats swivel to face backwards for inside seating and the awning will provide sheltered living space.

What I have yet to figure out is what type of fridge to get (have read a number of old posts about these) as it will have to be removable (happy with two way at this stage), storage of gas bottles and power requirements. Small generators might be an option, as are good solar panels. Anyone have any experience with either?? We are hoping to be reasonably self sufficient and not need a caravan park most nights.

Anyway, just chasing some thoughts at the moment. More specific questions will follow when I start to collect the bits.
Cheers,
Andy
:thumb

Andy,
can you make a documented mini-project out of it? Lots of Kombiists are interested in exactly what you're doing.

I would be thinking up front about the electrical system, especially as you want to be self-sufficient. On my shopping list would be:
1. a second, deep-disharge battery for use when stopped
2. a suitable circuit allowing this battery to be charged by the alternator, but not allowing your fridge etc. to draw from your main battery (Jaycar have these see:
http://www1.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=KA1782&CATID=25&keywords=&SPECIAL=&form=CAT&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=xxxxxxxxxx&Keyword2=xxxxxxxxxx&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=347
)
3. a solar panel for trickle charging.

You might get that far for ~$200, and it's much better than kiling your main battery; I wouldn't want to push-start a fully loaded camper...

Just my 2 cents, but for me the hassle factor of a trailer would be too high.

Good luck!

I agree, I'd put up with the lack of space rather than towing a trailer.

Hey,
Thanks modulus. Yep, that's the plan.
Actually I'm looking for something a little different. I already have a dual battery switch installed ready to go. My plan is to fit two batteries on the RHS. Yes you can fit two, obviously not huge ones. The gel cel batteries are a little higher spec for their size and require less maintenance.
I was hoping to fit a small generator in the LHS try for charging, but they just don't fit 🙁. Still looking though. Otherwise it will become a small storage area.
I'm toying with a LOT of ideas at the moment so I will probably be setting up a web page of the outcome when I get that far.
Hooking up a second alternator (where the factory air con goes) is another option and just let the motor idle 1/2hr per day to keep the batteries topped up.
Keep the ideas flowing 😀

I towed a trailer behind the Toyota Coaster I had and the best way to describe it is that it sucked. No mater what you do there is never enough room. I found that I used a good esky with ice more often then the fridge i had but then again my fridge was not 12 volt. A good awning is a must. The best ways are usually the most simple ones.