Hi,
With only 6 weeks to go I’ve had the Van mot’d and serviced, all is ok, had a dry run fitting all the gear into the van that i’ll need for the 4 weeks away.
I’m ok with basic mechanics and a bit better with the electrics so I’m carrying a basic toolkit and only a couple of spares as there are plenty of Mercedes dealerships all across Europe and I’m not expecting any problems but better safe than sorry, I also have European Breakdown Cover as a last resort.
With 200 Watt of solar power charging the starter and twin leisure battery’s there should be ample power to run my Waeco CFX50 fridge and all the other gadgets such as TV, phone and iPad etc etc.
The 1500 watt inverter is reserved for the electric kettle and possibly microwave if a decide to take one, not sure yet if I’ll need it. There is mains hook-up for when I’m on campsites and that runs through a 20 amp charger to further top up the battery’s.
A table and a chair are essential as is the small barbecue that will be strapped to the rear of the van alongside the push bike, (apparently its not safe to carry it inside the vehicle due to the gases given off !! ), just in case I feel like getting energetic at some point, (the bike not the BBQ). The cooker inside is a smev twin burner with a sink at the side, which can be seen in almost every camper ever built, but it does a good job for its size and I’ll be running it off refillable CampinGaz bottles as these are readily available almost everywhere, albeit quite expensive, so I’m hoping to utilise the BBQ more often than not.
The Fiamma awning and sun view extension we’re wound out and rigged up and all is OK, the sun view is a nice addition as it blocks 80% of UV light but lets you still enjoy the view out, it worked a treat last year in Germany and France and is compact and light weight so no downsides there.
There will be a single box with the cooking essentials in, this will also be minimalistic, one frying pan, one saucepan, BBQ gear, a selection of crockery and utensils, a few herbs and spices to liven things up. 
Awning and Sun View rolled out, last year at Bad Kissingen
Anything I’ve forgotten can always be picked up on the trip as Aldi and Lidl are everywhere.
As usual I’ve forgotten to take some pics so I’ll get some done over this bank holiday weekend and have a go at posting them here. Wish me luck.
Delscampertour 