Can I borrow your van???

Van life, baby! 🚐🌞 Nothing beats the feeling of freedom on the open road, but what happens when your friends or family want to get in on the action? Lending your beloved van can be a bit nerve-wracking, but fear not - we've got you covered! 🙌

Let's start with the good stuff - lending your van can be a fantastic way to share the van life experience with others. It's also a chance to give back to the people who've supported you in your van life journey. But as with anything, there are a few potential risks. 😬

To make sure your van stays in tip-top shape while it's on loan, here are our top tips:

Set clear boundaries and expectations 🚫: Be upfront about what's allowed (and what's not!), how long the borrower can use your van, and what to do in case of an emergency. No smoking? No problem! Keep it on the pavement? You got it!😄

Provide a thorough walkthrough 🤓: Show the borrower how to operate all the systems in your van, explain any quirks, and point out where everything is located. Pop-top roof? Water system? Electrical system? They'll be a pro in no time!

Consider insurance 📝: If you're lending your van for an extended period of time, talk to your insurance provider about any additional coverage you may need. Better safe than sorry, right?

Be available for support 🙋‍♀️: Even if you've covered everything in your walkthrough, your borrower may still have questions. Make yourself available for support during the rental period, and remind them that you're just a phone call away!

Trust your gut 💪: At the end of the day, lending your van is a personal decision. If it doesn't feel right to you, don't do it! Trust your instincts and do what feels best for you and your van.

So there you have it - our top tips for lending your van with peace of mind. Remember, lending your van can be an awesome way to spread the van life love, but it's important to take a few precautions to make sure everything goes smoothly. Happy van life, friends! 🚐💨

Upgrade your VW California: The Best Accessories to Elevate your Camping Experience

As a VW California owner, you know that there's nothing better than hitting the open road and exploring new places. To help make your travels even more enjoyable, we've put together a list of the top 10 accessories for your VW California. These accessories are all UK-based and will help you get the most out of your camper van.

1. Thermal window coverings - Thermal window coverings are a must-have accessory for any VW California owner. These custom-made covers will help keep your van warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Check out the Just Kampers for high-quality thermal window coverings.

https://www.justkampers.com

2. Outdoor shower - Nothing beats a refreshing shower after a day of outdoor activities, and with an outdoor shower, you can enjoy that luxury anywhere. We recommend the Road Shower brand, which attaches to your roof rack and uses solar power to heat the water. This shower is perfect for beach trips, hiking trips, and any other outdoor adventures where you might want to rinse off.

https://www.yakima.co.uk

3. Roof rack - A roof rack is an excellent addition for those who want to carry bikes, kayaks, or other outdoor equipment. It's a perfect accessory for those who love to explore the great outdoors. The Thule brand is a popular choice and offers a range of options to suit your needs. Whether you're looking for a bike rack, a kayak rack, or a cargo box, Thule has got you covered.

https://www.thule.com/en-gb/roof-rack

4.Portable grill - Cooking outdoors is one of the best parts of camping, and a portable grill is a must-have accessory for any camping trip. The Weber brand is a popular choice and offers a range of portable options to suit your needs. From small portable grills to larger models, Weber has something for everyone.

https://www.weber.com/GB/en/barbecues/portable-barbecues/

5. Portable loo - When venturing into the great outdoors, a portable toilet is an essential accessory that can make your camping experience much more convenient. The Kampa Khazi Portable Toilet stands out as an exceptional choice for those seeking a hassle-free and hygienic solution. With this portable toilet, you can enjoy the comfort of a private and clean restroom no matter where your adventures take you.

https://www.kampaoutdoors.com/en-gb/uk

6. Awning - The Fiamma awning is an excellent addition to any VW California. It is a popular choice for camper van enthusiasts as it provides shelter from the sun and rain, giving you an extra space to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

The Fiamma awning is easy to install and can be easily mounted onto the side of your camper van. The awning features a durable and weather-resistant fabric that can withstand harsh outdoor elements. Additionally, the awning is available in a variety of sizes to fit your specific needs.

Once installed, the Fiamma awning creates a comfortable outdoor living space that is perfect for enjoying meals, reading, or simply taking in the scenery. The awning can also be paired with side panels or curtains to provide additional privacy and shelter from the elements.

One of the best things about the Fiamma awning is its versatility. Whether you're on a long road trip or just spending the weekend camping, the awning provides a perfect outdoor shelter for any occasion.

If you're interested in purchasing a Fiamma awning for your VW California, you can find them at a variety of retailers, including the Fiamma official website and UK camper van accessory stores such as Kiravans: https://www.kiravans.co.uk/fiamma-f45s-vw-t5-t6-california-right-hand-drive-awning-pole-adapter-kit-included

Investing in a Fiamma awning is a great way to take your outdoor adventures to the next level and make the most out of your VW California.https://www.justkampers.com

7. A foldable bike - A foldable bike is an essential accessory for any VW California owner who wants to explore their surroundings without worrying about storage. The Brompton brand is a popular choice for foldable bikes due to their compact design and ease of use.

The Brompton bike is designed and manufactured in the UK and is renowned for its exceptional quality and durability. These bikes are perfect for those who want to take their VW California on outdoor adventures without having to worry about transporting a full-sized bike.

The Brompton brand offers a range of foldable bikes to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a bike with a lightweight design for easy transportation or one with more gears for tackling tougher terrain, there's a Brompton bike for you.

Investing in a Brompton foldable bike will open up a whole new world of adventure for your VW California trips. And the best part? You can easily store your bike in your camper van when you're not using it. Check out their website to explore their range of bikes and find the perfect one for your needs: https://www.brompton.com

8. Inflatable kayak - An inflatable kayak is a convenient and space-saving option for water sports. The Sevylor Riviera Inflatable Kayak is a great choice for those who want to explore the waterways. The kayak is lightweight and easy to transport, making it perfect for taking on your VW California adventures. It can be easily stored in the trunk of your camper van and inflated whenever you're ready to hit the water.

Investing in a Sevylor Riviera Inflatable Kayak is a great way to add some excitement to your next camping trip. So why not take the plunge and explore the waterways

https://www.sevylor-europe.com

9. Solar panel - If you're looking for an environmentally friendly way to power your VW California, a solar panel is an excellent choice. The SunWorks Portable Solar Panel is a particularly compelling option for those seeking to stay off the grid. With this solar panel, you can enjoy the freedom to explore the great outdoors without sacrificing the convenience of modern technology.
.https://sunworks.co.uk

10. Jackyards seat covers - Last but not least, we highly recommend Jackyards seat covers. These custom-made covers are designed specifically for the VW California and are both practical and stylish. Made from high-quality materials, they offer protection for your seats and add a touch of luxury to your van. Plus, they are made in the UK, so you can be assured of their quality.

https://www.jackyards.com

We hope this list has given you some inspiration for your next camping trip. Follow the links above to explore these accessories further and make your VW California even more amazing. Happy camping!

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The pros and cons of wild camping in a VW

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Hello Campers! British Summer Time is upon us and you know what that means? That’s right . . . MORE vans, MORE meet-ups, and MORE memories. With the sun comes the fun and our team are always here to help you look your best ahead of any VW meet-ups. Outfitting your interior with our stylish handmade seat covers that are unique to you and offer a wonderful talking point with like-minded enthusiasts.

Best Gift Ideas for the Campervan Fans in Your Life

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Who does not know this feeling: Christmas is just around the corner and so is the stressful thought of “Oh no, I need presents and I have no clue what to get my loved ones for Christmas …” What a relief when there are at least some friends of family members, which have a special field of interest or hobby they are passionate about. Still, it can be tricky to find a good gift, which they do not already have.