Europe By Camper - Travelling Europe By Motorhome

Windy Denmark

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 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJGPyNrFTMHgcbcdQc6SV5AoiADgUYhFlx4rpecdWSZGCkouIoRxF_uEE_i8oaeKn-4idWhPPFNx2mwMsq5fXfknmXAcZ66qmcsS_CvRd7ykw_thwXWG3P6IOgPGZiO47t9hyNP1wxoc/s1600/IMG_2847+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJGPyNrFTMHgcbcdQc6SV5AoiADgUYhFlx4rpecdWSZGCkouIoRxF_uEE_i8oaeKn-4idWhPPFNx2mwMsq5fXfknmXAcZ66qmcsS_CvRd7ykw_thwXWG3P6IOgPGZiO47t9hyNP1wxoc/s200/IMG_2847+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaiEGOIWKwS2lE395a3G31SSJe5iZ9jMDcHiuHX053V2MjliSRZR8xLIDO993whI_B3s-Tqb7OxZUdjO8s0EcyK0r3mk1jUw5rF89oJRqgFlrUCCLIHPN4JnpaR1tssDaBAt6ihwhCokI/s1600/IMG_3005+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaiEGOIWKwS2lE395a3G31SSJe5iZ9jMDcHiuHX053V2MjliSRZR8xLIDO993whI_B3s-Tqb7OxZUdjO8s0EcyK0r3mk1jUw5rF89oJRqgFlrUCCLIHPN4JnpaR1tssDaBAt6ihwhCokI/s200/IMG_3005+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="133" /></a>Just a quick update, given that we've found ourselves with open Wifi again! We woke up to a dark windy morning in Ribe, so slept in late and took full advantage of the on-site free water by both having a long hot shower (thanks Gordon for the tap attachments, small screw fitting which I didn't have before!) after which we set off for Esbjerg which wasn't all that great, expect for the four men (pictured) it was a largely industrial town.<br />
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We departed to explore the thin strip of mainland which seperates the sea from Ringkobing Fjord home of some of the Alantikwall WW2 fortifications and also we both had microdermabrasion thrown into the bargain thanks to the wind funneling between the gaps in the dunes as we watched the clouds race across the sky!  Currently parked up 'Wild' in sight of Lyngvig Lighthouse (N 56.05035, E 8.10558°), had tea (Chinese chicken curry with an extra large helping of vegetables on the side) and really enjoying our £1.76 (€2) bottle of Lidl's finest Pinot Grigo!<br />
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Windy Denmark

Just a quick update, given that we've found ourselves with open Wifi again! We woke up to a dark windy morning in Ribe...

First taste of Denmark

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbVO9391pip10UlWwk6UPakq_DkMrYY-xn6KPp9NGvaikJLegH_89w13na1pA52-3_moPWSrVKMtS9h6e_CtCMijQYIEFmR-XcwA56wY5J5gvycdExjcOBqVUioYjzRyn_1v8XcwNmxI/s1600/IMG_2685+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbVO9391pip10UlWwk6UPakq_DkMrYY-xn6KPp9NGvaikJLegH_89w13na1pA52-3_moPWSrVKMtS9h6e_CtCMijQYIEFmR-XcwA56wY5J5gvycdExjcOBqVUioYjzRyn_1v8XcwNmxI/s200/IMG_2685+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YscD9NgDcICFBkjTY01UhPH-yr_lkfKUUCDI2mU7z2wBZDPgRankEdRBP7X73zMtbGPx68DTLosk6b4RvAeN2R4AJ_v8Yyz_bu8MltnfN2-M1Ynj8YAwpKHXyurM_g__ZkI5DVxKdkQ/s1600/IMG_2689+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YscD9NgDcICFBkjTY01UhPH-yr_lkfKUUCDI2mU7z2wBZDPgRankEdRBP7X73zMtbGPx68DTLosk6b4RvAeN2R4AJ_v8Yyz_bu8MltnfN2-M1Ynj8YAwpKHXyurM_g__ZkI5DVxKdkQ/s200/IMG_2689+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a>Little bit of excitement in Lidl this morning when we forgot that they don't take cards, or at least not Mastercard or Visa. Sophie was left holding the trolley while I ran across the road to withdraw some more Euros we were running down before passing over to Denmark. All stocked up with food (about €60 - not bad for 4 packs of mince, chicken x2, sausage x2, pork minute steaks x2, loads of veg, apple juice, bottled water not to mention beer @ 33c a bottle and Pinot Grigio @ €2 a bottle!). Good job we did too as a quick reccy in Denmark bread is about €4 a loaf! Filled up with LPG, I say filled, we managed to squeeze 6 liters in which isn't bad considering we've had the heating on overnight and fridge on gas.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFGFe2sGGy4EM7ORdzQiCl8F1zt6LEFaX5ccomz-ODCruHiG6HUwR0N3RmsLcrAbk_529fuhCdty7wXQI0UPaEBd_UmYDLV_R7Ta6h1vI52gvaqWJe-LkJ1qWzCjnKvWL8tcgk6TH1QE/s1600/IMG_2694+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFGFe2sGGy4EM7ORdzQiCl8F1zt6LEFaX5ccomz-ODCruHiG6HUwR0N3RmsLcrAbk_529fuhCdty7wXQI0UPaEBd_UmYDLV_R7Ta6h1vI52gvaqWJe-LkJ1qWzCjnKvWL8tcgk6TH1QE/s200/IMG_2694+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="133" /></a>Currently parked up with one other camper in Ribe, Denmark's oldest town, having taken advantage of the free water and waste facilities on site. Heading to Esbjerg tomorrow, wonder if our luck with Wifi will continue? Here are a few photos to wet your appetite of Denmark, so far so good!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXK52Lc0oH_VX7mSudWo-UtmB56pgRDvFQZSC24WWiCNHw3bwDMJKYgInFYYnt30vVuy4LlT64wDwgMO1ZEaBYPu-ij_nFfdYGVc4QWK_udaS3nZuxAWYbgnkaE8VKwzOrlIl7T8Oz9VY/s1600/IMG_2687+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXK52Lc0oH_VX7mSudWo-UtmB56pgRDvFQZSC24WWiCNHw3bwDMJKYgInFYYnt30vVuy4LlT64wDwgMO1ZEaBYPu-ij_nFfdYGVc4QWK_udaS3nZuxAWYbgnkaE8VKwzOrlIl7T8Oz9VY/s200/IMG_2687+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="133" /></a>

First taste of Denmark

Little bit of excitement in Lidl this morning when we forgot that they don't take cards, or at least not Mastercard or Visa. Sophie wa...

Rest Day in Flensburg

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We're currently based at a fantastic little aire in Flensburg, Germany's most northern city. After 850 miles of driving, this is a welcome break and the weather has been very kind to us (although maybe not as kind as it has to those of you stuck back in the UK!).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0gEJXv-d5RN7_mi-9etjb6so_OpanpyzhyjiGKO9l1K46nxoFlY8lrm0JmNPT2i9uOZr69GpL3fRTB1sGNmKwrceb58tsC_Y7wZetgyoJg4s7KKu8ecKv-GmUBo6d5lSAlTIBws6SD4/s1600/IMG_2662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0gEJXv-d5RN7_mi-9etjb6so_OpanpyzhyjiGKO9l1K46nxoFlY8lrm0JmNPT2i9uOZr69GpL3fRTB1sGNmKwrceb58tsC_Y7wZetgyoJg4s7KKu8ecKv-GmUBo6d5lSAlTIBws6SD4/s200/IMG_2662.JPG" width="200" /></a>Flensburg is a great city and visiting towns and cities in Germany on a Sunday is a refreshing experience since all the shops are closed, with the exceptions of bars and restaurants who extend well into the streets.<br />
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We resisted the temptation of a bratwurst and a glass of Flensburger Pils (the locally brewed beer) and headed back to our van stuffed with food before heading into Denmark tomorrow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pVBeGt2ivMK5giEXSmGHmxteKQYlVNKDrnhBCgYcEsxoMBrKGOwGeYKPeIu8K3tQSRTsgrQfUmFefiectXIe_cDOGzXcF_RElIaWoGRjphlwYt9_kK5-BEKvAiFmino10PWG2e-gxNE/s1600/IMG_2667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pVBeGt2ivMK5giEXSmGHmxteKQYlVNKDrnhBCgYcEsxoMBrKGOwGeYKPeIu8K3tQSRTsgrQfUmFefiectXIe_cDOGzXcF_RElIaWoGRjphlwYt9_kK5-BEKvAiFmino10PWG2e-gxNE/s200/IMG_2667.JPG" width="200" /></a>We did a 'big shop' at Tesco before we left which having visited a Lidl in Germany yesterday to pick up some small bottles of water we now partly regret it - food is so much cheaper here. That said we're both European in our tastes so probably eat different things. One thing is for sure, we're stocking up on wine and beer before Denmark rather then pay the £40 for a bottle of wine as quoted on Denmarks tourism website! While we can take 900 litres of wine to Denmark we'll have to be careful to drink it before we enter Norway, since we can only take in 5 litres of beer or risk a huge fine!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRfF3QW88tnWPASuN45-f6kMt9n2yPs-WiycEWct43yTdT3PAgx3Kb1Il-reZ3c_ZXcE_rYoPy56FJFJVZ8qog645lhVgVI6HCEGOm1OxB-pqaZQGlDMNvb7RYn3xMbv3bPqI_NjBxDY/s1600/IMG_2680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRfF3QW88tnWPASuN45-f6kMt9n2yPs-WiycEWct43yTdT3PAgx3Kb1Il-reZ3c_ZXcE_rYoPy56FJFJVZ8qog645lhVgVI6HCEGOm1OxB-pqaZQGlDMNvb7RYn3xMbv3bPqI_NjBxDY/s200/IMG_2680.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
Everything in the van seems to be working well - despite charging two laptops, two phones, and running the heating overnight the batteries are still well charged thanks in part to the LED lighting. The 1km Wifi Antenna coupled with a tripod is excellent, allowing us to post this while hooked up to the marina wifi - so far away I can't actually see it from here!<br />
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Rest Day in Flensburg

We're currently based at a fantastic little aire in Flensburg, Germany's most northern city. After 850 miles of driving, this is a...

Drugs Dogs, Fuel Prices and Three Countries

After a good run down to Dover, we pulled onto Marine Driver for some tea and to use the free BT FON internet while we waited for our 10pm ferry. Something always happens to us at border crossings, searched or otherwise questioned, sometimes by armed guards (Switzerland 2008). This time was no exception and as a result border crossings are always greeted with mild anxiety by me!<br />
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<b>Customs Officer:</b> "Do you mind if we hide some drugs in your camper?"</div>
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<b>Me:</b> "I think the correct answer to that question is no?"</div>
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Some further questioned followed- where are we going, is the camper van ours, how long are we going for etc.</div>
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<b>Customers Officer:</b> "Seriously though, can we hide some drugs in your van?"</div>
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Turns out they wanted to train a new sniffer dog! Was still slightly unnerving as the whole time our passports were held onto and visions of the van we had spent a week packing ripped apart like the Polish registered Sprinter in the bay next to us ensued. What if the previous owner liked a joint!? The dog was a beautiful Springer Spaniel who diligently jumped all over our van before finding the stash hidden under the table and returning, once rewarded with a tennis ball, to the back of the dog van on his own accord! At least we know for the rest of the trip the van will be clean (hello to the Customs Officer who took one of our blog cards!).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overnight at the Ferry Terminal in Calais</td></tr>
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We stayed in Calais over night at the ticket office (50.96770N / 1.86900E) which was largely undisturbed before travelling through Belgium, Netherlands and into Germany where we got the last space at Dummerlolhausen Nature Rerserve (52.52998N, 8.31009E). Managed to Fuel up in the Netherlands for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;">€</span>1.37/litre (£1.21/litre) but fuel here in Germany is nearer <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;">€</span>1.50 (£1.32). Thanks largely to traffic and slipstreaming a few wagons we managed 31MPG - long may that continue (I sense not once we reach the heights of Norway!).</div>
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Drugs Dogs, Fuel Prices and Three Countries

After a good run down to Dover, we pulled onto Marine Driver for some tea and to use the free BT FON internet while we waited for our 10pm f...

Booked it, Packed it...

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqEu0vCu5p0eGET333rBverEFjO3ndGMMVjM-55p9-jgGnwcJKVard4KnCcI04cV3X1DjjS406eBd5HxATwxXYbVlrUVlBfWjDxAPh6SDgW5qxOlzMjXBlEquCR_Dx41IpyRJjSYycAY/s1600/IMG_2634+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqEu0vCu5p0eGET333rBverEFjO3ndGMMVjM-55p9-jgGnwcJKVard4KnCcI04cV3X1DjjS406eBd5HxATwxXYbVlrUVlBfWjDxAPh6SDgW5qxOlzMjXBlEquCR_Dx41IpyRJjSYycAY/s320/IMG_2634+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="213" /></a>... setting off tomorrow. Nothing says we're ready to go then a full fridge - in fact, we could have crammed a bit more in! A few last minute niggles as always, not with the van but with things that we meant to do but didn't get around to. Like ordering our Camping Card International so we don't have to leave our Passports at campsites. Fingers crossed it arrives in the post tomorrow, but if not no real loss.<br />
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Most of it has come together in the end, I think we almost forget sometimes that they do have shops on the continent!<br />
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The adventure is just beginning!<br />
<br />
Adam & Sophie<br />
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Booked it, Packed it...

... setting off tomorrow. Nothing says we're ready to go then a full fridge - in fact, we could have crammed a bit more in! A few last m...

Motorhome Seat Covers -

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6g-Ma1Q3YwacCyyInGHLMBYzENfanKmH506rSTB4yVqjlnOaQx15sOeSCefpXaUP6fWCrgeXgzg5gBJ5LqmwN_X5pFfvOeuIRA8JabosoxKS3F6Oq2dmJ5AomWJ4HpwZvcdy6CmT1Kc/s1600/IMG_2602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6g-Ma1Q3YwacCyyInGHLMBYzENfanKmH506rSTB4yVqjlnOaQx15sOeSCefpXaUP6fWCrgeXgzg5gBJ5LqmwN_X5pFfvOeuIRA8JabosoxKS3F6Oq2dmJ5AomWJ4HpwZvcdy6CmT1Kc/s400/IMG_2602.JPG" width="266" /></a><br />
One thing we weren't happy about with our van was the light grey seat covers which no matter how hard we tried, kept getting dirty and picking up stains.<br />
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We really liked the dark grey interiors fitted to the Globecars so set about trying to find a company that could replicate them for us. A quick Google and we landed on <a href="http://www.motorhomeseatcovers.co.uk/">Motorhome Seat Covers</a> but the colours and styles on their website weren't what we were after. We searched some more but wasn't able to find anyone so we got in contact with Motorhome Seat Covers to see what they could do.<br />
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Shortly after we explained our requirements, samples started to arrive in the post. In total three envelopes arrived stuffed full of different dark, light and colorful samples. We decided that the only way to make an informed decision was to make our way to Stockport and see them for ourselves.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhzC_rEGGIErdVrYNE7m3gsWkSulbFHagsnOmsjL4rvYH-N3ar7BwMRBIOFoA_6UJWMU-tcmbs4cTxM8dyeS-oGtDfIJ5GkB6oQAHWynu9QIlH-gSHmf3-NKHsY0uCjgsbFCVg5CeW0Y/s1600/IMG_2605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhzC_rEGGIErdVrYNE7m3gsWkSulbFHagsnOmsjL4rvYH-N3ar7BwMRBIOFoA_6UJWMU-tcmbs4cTxM8dyeS-oGtDfIJ5GkB6oQAHWynu9QIlH-gSHmf3-NKHsY0uCjgsbFCVg5CeW0Y/s400/IMG_2605.JPG" width="266" /></a>Upon arrival we were greeted by Dee who guided us expertly through the piles of upholstery at his disposal offering us leather, suede, cloth and even real sheepskin!<br />
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He explained that there were two seat covers he could make for us - <b>Made to Measure</b> would be exactly the same as the original seat covers with separate headrest covers and would fit accordingly. These were priced in the region of £120 for a front pair depending on the fabric used, more of course for the leather. However he offered a cheaper product made of the same material but with elasticated bottoms and thus less labor intensive to make and easier to fit, at roughly £60 a pair. We decided that the intention of the seat covers was to protect the seat and thus "expensive" covers would defeat the object since we would be worrying about them all the time!<br />
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We also wanted our rear seat doing in the same upholstery which Dee was only too happy to do for us. The cushions were taken inside and used as a template while his machinist created covers made out of the same fabric as we chose for our seats.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRlA1pziSiFySJsQvg_rkhumKR4QQX34LxQzbzVdmX0QSeP79u7_YN5VUKx1tfISoYoMW9GO3oa537Uo0RDAM6KnH4aAodE8RitwfcoHnoruTKjjiu-3MbT44Nnrs8YNDFImy7-AqDgg/s1600/IMG_2604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRlA1pziSiFySJsQvg_rkhumKR4QQX34LxQzbzVdmX0QSeP79u7_YN5VUKx1tfISoYoMW9GO3oa537Uo0RDAM6KnH4aAodE8RitwfcoHnoruTKjjiu-3MbT44Nnrs8YNDFImy7-AqDgg/s400/IMG_2604.JPG" width="266" /></a>It's worth mentioning that in my experience of owning a motorhome I've never received the level of customer service that Dee @ Motorhome Seat Covers gave me and delivered me a product exactly what I was expecting and for what I feel was an excellent price. He has just moved to new premises which allows you to drive you vehicle in and have the seats re-covered as you see fit in a wide range of materials. Most motorhome owners won't want a dark interior like us (we've matched it up with dark grey carpets and black edging we made ourselves!) but we're really happy. If you are looking at getting your seats recovered, I'd recommend getting in touch!<br />
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Unit 4, Brighton Road Industrial Estate,<br />
Brighton Road,<br />
Stockport,<br />
Cheshire SK4 2BE.<br />
Telephone: (0161) 442 2121<br />
Website URL: <a href="http://www.motorhomeseatcovers.co.uk/">www.motorhomeseatcovers.co.uk</a><br />
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sales@vancovers.co.uk</div>

Motorhome Seat Covers -

One thing we weren't happy about with our van was the light grey seat covers which no matter how hard we tried, kept getting dirty a...

Adria Twin Modifications and Improvements

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1.) Bookshelves / TV & Laptop Shelf in the Rear<br />
2.) Cup Shelf in the Rear<br />
3.) Pop up worktop in the Kitchen Area<br />
4.) Shower holder<br />
5.) Towel Rail<br />
6.) Kitchen Storage<br />
7.) Stealth / Insulating Curtains<br />
8.) Improved LED Lighting<br />
9.) Improved Underbed Organisation<br />
10.) Increased battery capacity<br />
11.) Full length mirror in wardrobe<br />
12.) Improved waste tank drain<br />
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<b>1.) Bookshelves / TV & Laptop Shelf in the Rear</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-rGHLazqwKdeJgnUd7l1zy9O-dlh0wCig7nTpKS5Zm9MKv7Zvpk4KD7NYzBKzgKseXxCe2MRLkTMCRDzlD0op8NnS9nkkzYoywdkOql3aCCr9ZodsyMo2c0X3Jlk9mK-byfKONDAc94/s1600/IMG_2592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-rGHLazqwKdeJgnUd7l1zy9O-dlh0wCig7nTpKS5Zm9MKv7Zvpk4KD7NYzBKzgKseXxCe2MRLkTMCRDzlD0op8NnS9nkkzYoywdkOql3aCCr9ZodsyMo2c0X3Jlk9mK-byfKONDAc94/s320/IMG_2592.JPG" width="320" /></a>For us the main reason for buying the Twin was the fixed rear bed, our main use of the van is to drive and sleep so the fixed bed makes the task of "making up a bed" non-existent. However, we felt that the space at the bottom could be better ultilised and we wanted to be able to watch TV or more likely place a laptop at the end of the bed to watch. We also seem to carry with us in inordinate supply of travel books (did someone say Amazon Kindle?) so needed somewhere to store them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfVazyK-RQXVOceNrRidxh9TeYdEPi4v_Oa7KTXLvPbf3gFLxibotkKM8jjLYqph-p-7Nxur1SS6byTYpDR0rIbCPVwmUgAD7_ckYpBjU7bQ8YnW3Y7twtmPZQd43PVybjXjXnKQa4Zc/s1600/IMG_2593+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfVazyK-RQXVOceNrRidxh9TeYdEPi4v_Oa7KTXLvPbf3gFLxibotkKM8jjLYqph-p-7Nxur1SS6byTYpDR0rIbCPVwmUgAD7_ckYpBjU7bQ8YnW3Y7twtmPZQd43PVybjXjXnKQa4Zc/s320/IMG_2593+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a>B&Q must have supplied Adria to start with, because their contiboard is the same colour as our twins interior! With the addition of a brushed aluminium dowel it made a perfect bookshelf with space for both our 10" Avtex and 13" Laptop. The wood is contoured to the shape of the rear wall and screwed together and from above and is very solid.<br />
We added 1x 240v and 1x 12v sockets underneath for power and couldn't help put add a strip of remote controlled colour changing LED lights for a bit of fun!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/O_94dhB1jJE" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe>

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<b>2.) Cup Shelf in the Rear</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEta_9Ls7eK2Q1YRK1RbaAQXJV4o97YNz3YqvKFKRUC34tWZdyjSHh9t5fE2cI5IMkHiX-cjV5I7YCRj93oBoq7l_Td2LhIWj1psJPeDEIGQKNjWJk9XPJQkEZt2QBt0VaNcZ-6IqKSg/s1600/IMG_2590+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEta_9Ls7eK2Q1YRK1RbaAQXJV4o97YNz3YqvKFKRUC34tWZdyjSHh9t5fE2cI5IMkHiX-cjV5I7YCRj93oBoq7l_Td2LhIWj1psJPeDEIGQKNjWJk9XPJQkEZt2QBt0VaNcZ-6IqKSg/s320/IMG_2590+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
There is nowhere to put your brew in the bed of the Twin we found, so this little shelf is a perfect addition. Simply screwed and braced from inside the wardrobe it fits two cups with room for a couple of biscuits or a glass of water and mobile phones on a night (probably not the best combination!).<br />
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Underneath is stores the LED light remote control and the remote for the Avtex TV.<br />
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<b>3.) Pop up worktop in the Kitchen Area</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeBlDIA4KW3xUcc6TqAjWGRGx7dtJjfBZ_BMMTZCS3L7g0tYXEUAlPjDqQPwr2qC_mIblQnSh5zpNycBfwedtlDjZUsY6LhIeQufNPQTtql5UySAgN4o84Y-CLyUxMgDve_9s7SXsgOs/s1600/IMG_2606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeBlDIA4KW3xUcc6TqAjWGRGx7dtJjfBZ_BMMTZCS3L7g0tYXEUAlPjDqQPwr2qC_mIblQnSh5zpNycBfwedtlDjZUsY6LhIeQufNPQTtql5UySAgN4o84Y-CLyUxMgDve_9s7SXsgOs/s320/IMG_2606.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
 The newer Twins come equipt with a pull out worktop which when retracted is stored on top of the grill. This wasn't really an option for us and even so would probably not extend as far as we wanted it to.<br />
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With a bit of help from Rowley on the MHF forums we managed to find a suitable bracket rated upto 40KG. While eyewateringly expensive at £20 delivered for the pair there really wasn't any alterantive so we went ahead and purchased a pair of <a href="http://www.locksonline.com/acatalog/hinged-bracket-40-kg-load-capacity-sprung-2749.html">these brackets</a>.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4GrG2InmePswrOwe6FsNscoAoOR3MqYXVCiKoDoyizGDi3R_Nawf0kDaaULNf7pb3BPk9qi37_xRCIb0bBOmQYUeYeil07tILXV2dBIYCa8goMp9BtS9j8yGUYphg0_XHqKOyIfPUPI/s1600/IMG_2608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4GrG2InmePswrOwe6FsNscoAoOR3MqYXVCiKoDoyizGDi3R_Nawf0kDaaULNf7pb3BPk9qi37_xRCIb0bBOmQYUeYeil07tILXV2dBIYCa8goMp9BtS9j8yGUYphg0_XHqKOyIfPUPI/s200/IMG_2608.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
The brackets are fixed to the interior but also braced heavily from behind, we will make sure not to put undue weight towards the end of the shelf but it is a handy length for placing a wine glass in an evening!<br />
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While it does obscure the cubby holes its no hardship having to raise the table in order to access them.<br />
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<b>4 & 5.) Shower Holder & Towel Rail</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWzfuu16WBGLZWkeII4J7K2aGrn3iXHaTaigr3eOXa14EJAJgSfdMfXdBpHJuifNvvFPuYci6gad4snIInU3HERdYGspQpxA1FeU12BsJn4zMQo3avreQvLIAy6BLnvp54eETvIeshiU/s1600/IMG_2616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWzfuu16WBGLZWkeII4J7K2aGrn3iXHaTaigr3eOXa14EJAJgSfdMfXdBpHJuifNvvFPuYci6gad4snIInU3HERdYGspQpxA1FeU12BsJn4zMQo3avreQvLIAy6BLnvp54eETvIeshiU/s200/IMG_2616.JPG" width="133" /></a><br />
Nice easy one, for reasons I've not yet fathomed the Twin doesn't come with a shower head holder, so we fitted on here. Part was £5 from Towsure @ the NEC.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJq1KKyXp0tYyLn_NBi9s5irG4h-ChZ09cNeWphdrvrW5nQs-zkMsf80pjkiq4mKrsrYOwXzv2QhX4c_Ds5jMZIJm96EgLgW9lXXQFBo88iHup5dxR1X85DIFfjWI1rQTxAEO3-m7O9oE/s1600/IMG_2614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJq1KKyXp0tYyLn_NBi9s5irG4h-ChZ09cNeWphdrvrW5nQs-zkMsf80pjkiq4mKrsrYOwXzv2QhX4c_Ds5jMZIJm96EgLgW9lXXQFBo88iHup5dxR1X85DIFfjWI1rQTxAEO3-m7O9oE/s200/IMG_2614.JPG" width="132" /></a><br />
The towel rail was just some brushed aluminium rail from B&Q and two wall mounted ends - total cost a couple of quid and allows for extra storage and privacy as it also doubles as a screen for the window.<br />
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In addition we also added a trigger shower head from Caravan Components in Hull which was just £5 and allows you to set the temperature and 'pause' the water while maintaining the same temperature on resume.<br />
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<b>6.) Kitchen Storage</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovBfly6U9eZasAS11a-FLIxBt1YPvSwbDF7-nl0oUoROIEZFyEw6R5OrBncTHQhyphenhyphenExW10lcEtkFBAzCAfgX2E2_KuS7WM9Em_nqJeM8qzJOJVkAkyCNruUBBbHb-gmASrqwL9ZTCevgQ/s1600/IMG_2624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovBfly6U9eZasAS11a-FLIxBt1YPvSwbDF7-nl0oUoROIEZFyEw6R5OrBncTHQhyphenhyphenExW10lcEtkFBAzCAfgX2E2_KuS7WM9Em_nqJeM8qzJOJVkAkyCNruUBBbHb-gmASrqwL9ZTCevgQ/s320/IMG_2624.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Nice and easy, couple of spice racks off eBay for £10 delivered, great for throwing bits and pieces in to save getting lost in cupboards and drawers<br />
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<b>7.) Stealth / Insulating Curtains</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjz4aIt_Sv9vn4TVyEomPHJck3ph5Nf6mRRl57cYAmP8KH6RGp3_UnxtJ6RkgeTrCLCHHJfDXJbu_XHTjsYPBd02cIcyXm3ywxue9nufnubrfX4yF2w08SYrBDMay_5VYrHrgLsTI3VY/s1600/IMG_2618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjz4aIt_Sv9vn4TVyEomPHJck3ph5Nf6mRRl57cYAmP8KH6RGp3_UnxtJ6RkgeTrCLCHHJfDXJbu_XHTjsYPBd02cIcyXm3ywxue9nufnubrfX4yF2w08SYrBDMay_5VYrHrgLsTI3VY/s320/IMG_2618.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOORtX1gDbx-7M7iQaTHfLJD24p_wvUbOzPwf0BFdRSRnuzPe00V8OoNw2mM9Ak9acl6fKxkH41pyl0E0n5S8rVd5qrT79VDYXgAKmfwa0qUhqrJQc5jv5S6No_XpeBCvzfxFwyQnePlk/s1600/IMG_2620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOORtX1gDbx-7M7iQaTHfLJD24p_wvUbOzPwf0BFdRSRnuzPe00V8OoNw2mM9Ak9acl6fKxkH41pyl0E0n5S8rVd5qrT79VDYXgAKmfwa0qUhqrJQc5jv5S6No_XpeBCvzfxFwyQnePlk/s200/IMG_2620.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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The perfect way to keep in warmth when wildcamping on a night - fleece lined curtains which Velcro across the whole cab entrance. Also allows the cab seats to remain forward facing and thus the van appears empty or at least less obvious then silver / remis blinds pulled across. We've also found they improve the efficiency of the cab air con since it is cooling a smaller space. Big thanks to Sophie's Mum for sewing them for us! We used a smaller piece of the same material under the bed instead of the wooden divide. You'll also notice we've recovered our seats - <a href="http://www.europebycamper.com/2011/03/motorhome-seat-covers.html">click here to see the article about the covers.</a><br />
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<b>8.)  Improved LED Lighting</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfbjg4nBhfXuUsjLMP0J9bl17ADLrWoU-Ayxa95kAaOW9K_wJPYLeyCY0X7vOltXmdasPqy0Sls1hHJvJ2Zjxe5ixf9b-Fr1d8Oy3H9t1cfrSuevwjNi8r8fZZpzBYehVN2PM0PrFZaE/s1600/IMG_2610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfbjg4nBhfXuUsjLMP0J9bl17ADLrWoU-Ayxa95kAaOW9K_wJPYLeyCY0X7vOltXmdasPqy0Sls1hHJvJ2Zjxe5ixf9b-Fr1d8Oy3H9t1cfrSuevwjNi8r8fZZpzBYehVN2PM0PrFZaE/s320/IMG_2610.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
We've already wrote a post about LED lighting in our van, which cab new viewed <a href="http://www.europebycamper.com/2011/02/motorhome-adhesive-led-lighting-strips.html">by clicking this link</a>. The only addition to which is a new home for our previously "too bright" 5050 LED strip - that is behind the curtain strip above the table. These are so bright that they light the whole van and use next to no power - meaning the roof mounted lights are now almost redundant!<br />
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<b>9.) Improved Under-bed Organisation</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCuA1xObDF9zVRQJG8lxe1EIx36nag2re_i6-m4cwJDIpNc7ecZirmzdc83fqTQihyphenhyphenUQyZBResQ3gZIAZ-xyxORjhu0yWrTPyzBAIY4zHpro-02TvX3HHpMAOo8nAuB0uM10PWx5N0lk/s1600/IMG_2628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCuA1xObDF9zVRQJG8lxe1EIx36nag2re_i6-m4cwJDIpNc7ecZirmzdc83fqTQihyphenhyphenUQyZBResQ3gZIAZ-xyxORjhu0yWrTPyzBAIY4zHpro-02TvX3HHpMAOo8nAuB0uM10PWx5N0lk/s320/IMG_2628.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
To me the use of the under bed area makes or breaks the twin. We tried many combinations before arriving at this one. 4 large stacking boxes are accessible from the rear, while 4 further smaller stacking boxes are accessible from inside the van meaning nearly all of the available area is used. A small divide allows for leveling blocks, fiamma screens and folding chairs to be stacked without impeding the removal of the boxes which slide out with ease.<br />
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<b>10.) Increased Battery Capacity</b><br />
We managed to fit 2x 86AH batteries into the compartment with no problems at all, increasing our capacity to 172AH. Coupled with our 2x 11kg Gaslow kit we shouldn't have any issues with heating or lighting! <br />
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11.) Full length mirror in wardrobe</div>
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Sophie wanted a full length mirror, so we purchased 2x A3 perspex mirror sheets off eBay for under £10. Slight 'house of mirrors' effect where they join but for its use and the price I certainly won't be complaining!</div>
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12.) Improved waste tank drain</div>
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Bought from CAK tanks and will be fitted shortly, check back for an update!<br />
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And here she is fitted. The cable ties are a temporary measure while I fabricate an L shaped bracket to support the front part of the drain, which is now flush with the valance and makes for much easier access and lining up of the van over a grate. The wooden support blocks, which are fixed to the chassis, will be painted black. Despite how it looks from the photo the pipe is totally level and drains effectively, the 40mm pipe fits into the existing waste tank attachment.<br />
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The parts were from CAK tanks:<br />
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RW40UNTH1Q (40mm Union) - £5.35<br />
MDT040 (40mm megadrain tap) - £12.98<br />
NIFELB040 (40mm elbow hose) - £5.45</div>
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Adria Twin Modifications and Improvements

1.) Bookshelves / TV & Laptop Shelf in the Rear 2.) Cup Shelf in the Rear 3.) Pop up worktop in the Kitchen Area 4.) Shower holder ...

Dashboard Mounted Laptop / GPS

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Our dashboard mounted laptop is one of the things that has really revolutionised how we navigate and plan our journeys. We have been using a laptop alongside our TomTom since our very first tour in 2008 and has in the past been balanced precariously on the dashboard or on the passengers knee and we wanted to find a better way of mounting it securely but also being able to quickly remove it without plugging in an endless array of cables.<br />
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The solution presented itself in the form of a cheap laptop manufactured by Dell and aimed at the corporate market. As such it is available with a huge selection of accessories such as docking stations, extended batteries, 12v power packs and so forth.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7k_poPKfXCbZ4Vbk8zwTdZzBhCGHkhvr-tDqoq2ABpOwYfCSRVZDFHNkPAFQkbgSPGC_ciG-h-3Qze270cmTIVoQgzZx5zAkGc134594J0B-10UXNmzroFGsJ909R3JHsSEXNPiJ9AZE/s1600/IMG_1813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7k_poPKfXCbZ4Vbk8zwTdZzBhCGHkhvr-tDqoq2ABpOwYfCSRVZDFHNkPAFQkbgSPGC_ciG-h-3Qze270cmTIVoQgzZx5zAkGc134594J0B-10UXNmzroFGsJ909R3JHsSEXNPiJ9AZE/s320/IMG_1813.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view form the Drivers Seat - the screen isn't visable so no distractions<br />
<b>Click Photo to Enlarge</b></td></tr>
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Our setup comprises of:<br />
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<li>A Dell PRO1X Dock (£10 off eBay)</li>
<li>A 4.62A 12v Power Adapter to power the Dock & Laptop (£7 off eBay)</li>
<li>Dell D430 12" Ultra Portable Laptop, Dual Core Centrino; 1.2Ghz, 2GB Ram & 64GB SSD. (£125 eBay)</li>
<li>A Holux 510 USB GPS Receiver (£15 eBay)</li>
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The Dell D430 really does make this installation for a number of reasons. Firstly the 64GB SSD (Solid State Drive) means that the laptops internal drive is not subjected to the rough roads which would probably make it fail in a short space of time. It is available with 2 different batteries and should your power supply fail or is wired into the ignition it will continue to power both the laptop and the dock without an external source once booted.<br />
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Despite being a fairly old machine it cost around £2,000 in 2007 but owing to the fact so many were sold it has really hammered down the second hand price to around £100. There are various options available but I would try and get hold of a 1.2Ghz Dual Core model which has a 2Mb cache which really makes the difference in terms of speed, also try and find a version with XP rather then bloated Windows Vista. They all come with Bluetooth for connection to a mobile phone and some are available with built in 3G data cards.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7v8tXPhhsD3HV80QYRv5bze19SwU3wOO0LwHx-Fp7T5eBV6E2YPK8yqem7kapv15EIJSMm4FrXLtBxzu4Ls-9o0u7TGz5bYDh4BzxctbTGeDrbiKb3o1Gu1Nt4mz_gpTw5ZQrYxitso/s1600/IMG_1807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7v8tXPhhsD3HV80QYRv5bze19SwU3wOO0LwHx-Fp7T5eBV6E2YPK8yqem7kapv15EIJSMm4FrXLtBxzu4Ls-9o0u7TGz5bYDh4BzxctbTGeDrbiKb3o1Gu1Nt4mz_gpTw5ZQrYxitso/s320/IMG_1807.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Docking Station Fixed to the Dash<br />
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In our 2007 Fiat Ducato we don't have a passenger airbag which makes mounting the laptop easier, the dock was simply fitted to a wooden base which was cut to shape the infill and then screwed into place with two self tapping screws. In 8 months and 17,000 miles it hasn't moved an inch!<br />
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Once placed on the dock the laptop automatically charges while connecting to the USB devices; the GPS antenna, the roof mounted wifi antenna and the USB 3G dongle. It can, if you wish, also connect to your vans headunit to play music or the speak directions through the cab speakers if you wish. No manual connection of cables is required and the dock holds the laptop so securely that it is impossible to come off and the keyboard and mouse are very usable in situe.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Passenger Seat running Map Point (to be replaced by Autoroute 2010)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><b>Click Photo to Enlarge</b></span></span></td></tr>
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The laptop then fixes to the dock and is sturdy enough not to wobble and easily sturdy enough to use the mouse or keyboard without worrying about breaking anything - the dock really does clip into place well.</div>
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You'll also notice the location of the TomTom in the pictures, sat on top of the removable cup ash tray. I hate wires (the ones you see for the laptop will be re-routed soon) so I stuck a TomTom adhesive dashboard pad to the top of the holder and cut two very small holes at the back and the front of the wire so all the excess cable is hidden away and the TomTom plugs into the cig lighter. It is much easier to access from the passenger seat without heaving to reach forward to the Windscreen or the paperwork clip!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TomTom Mount<br />
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Dashboard Mounted Laptop / GPS

Our dashboard mounted laptop is one of the things that has really revolutionised how we navigate and plan our journeys. We have been using ...

Motorhome Adhesive LED Lighting Strips

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I've been experimenting with LED light strips from eBay, these are about £6 for 1m lengths, with great success.<br />
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The problem in our van is there are lots of dark spots as the factory fitted roof mounted LED's aren't that bright as they use the older style diode LED's. These were no doubt cutting edge when the van was designed in 2006 but are nothing in comparison to the 12v halogen units they were meant to be replacing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixckLf-rqiozUaCR7vOnoWEmwlUfRHcGhh7bBDoRbGF4UIDV_hXlaGMj4MqnmuZZz9vFpLZfEh60POJ8LbvafJRF_3MzEBk4zSeqUyPf_jYlbsP7jXxm6Vxy0-n8v3lkrNeC_yMjvcHSU/s1600/IMG_1621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixckLf-rqiozUaCR7vOnoWEmwlUfRHcGhh7bBDoRbGF4UIDV_hXlaGMj4MqnmuZZz9vFpLZfEh60POJ8LbvafJRF_3MzEBk4zSeqUyPf_jYlbsP7jXxm6Vxy0-n8v3lkrNeC_yMjvcHSU/s320/IMG_1621.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I've also gone down the route of replacing some of the spot lights / bathroom lights with the latest 5050 type SMD G4 (two pin) LED's. They do the job and are super bright but again don't match up to the sort of lighting effect I wanted to create in our van. They are very cheap though, at about £1 a bulb straight from China!<br />
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So I started looking at LED strips for sale on eBay. The LED strips have come about because of the SMD (surface mounted) LED's which are forming to basis for LED technology moving forward.<br />
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When buying an LED strip you need to consider three variables:<br />
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<b>1.) Brightness</b><br />
 There are three main types, so it would seem, 1210, 3258 and 5050. These figures as far as I can tell are the size and brighness of the LED's - a 3258 LED is 6 lumen whereas a 5050 LED is 18 lumen so considerably brighter.<br />
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<b>2.) Colour Temperature </b><br />
The main two colour temperature's you will find are described as "warm white" which is found at around 3000 kelvin right the way to cool white usually found somewhere around 4000 kelvin. "Daylight" is actually found nearer 6000 kelvin. However, halogen bulbs are much closer to the "warm white" level of the colour spectrum  so it is likely that this colour temperature will appeal the most.<br />
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<b>3.)</b> <b>Waterproof</b><br />
You can also purchase these LED strips which have a waterproof covering, these are ideal if you want to use them on the outside of your van such as an awning light. They are so thin you could easily run them down the inside of your Fiamma awning.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKFQIOGMQvx6ygxQJTSSp3ju2kwOfVDRydjxIpwpP7zIXA3uPYMP7Btn_tR83Hp8Cow7EFAwZJBgMPZCXioRseGPVHk8q4rvBj9EkQIcZAbvqotofam8t1_cpYo4a_xRwQD8DveqaYWg/s1600/IMG_1605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKFQIOGMQvx6ygxQJTSSp3ju2kwOfVDRydjxIpwpP7zIXA3uPYMP7Btn_tR83Hp8Cow7EFAwZJBgMPZCXioRseGPVHk8q4rvBj9EkQIcZAbvqotofam8t1_cpYo4a_xRwQD8DveqaYWg/s320/IMG_1605.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
 The picture to the left shows two different LED strips. It's actually pretty hard to photograph them, they are so bright. The strip on the left is a 'Warm White' 1210 strip and the one on the right is a 'Cool White' 5050 strip which is considerably brighter - although it doesn't show that well on the photo. In fact, to see how bright they are just see what they look like compared to my van's headlights - no way could you use them as daylight running lamps! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xDIqD2YbIqWuQdPXLtheh42Kw1CPs7UO6JDHu6w9BamXbwCgH62PqUfcuAUdaJUBHiM5pS1jJBP63UrGXUUGupAVrIi1OweyIG8_r7VGk1LoxjM5MJsW2-kVJhb7h3DFrPi6h-cyVeU/s1600/IMG00173-20110129-1846.jpg">Click here for photo</a><br />
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 The beauty of these strips is that you don't need any additional hardware to fit them, they are self adhesive so can just be pealed off and stuck. They can but cut with a pair of scissors at 3 LED intervals and rejoined or re soldered with connections for a few pence from eBay - great if you want a continuous loop around the van under cabinates, for example.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFYUQhGo6UpyJl-fKvNYwrpIt4lgdmdJ4Uc1D1oHnDu1mJFj3wNnyzo9tG6TsEfWrjZrha716qjZPT0qg3Kj0mxhN60IUQx5J4b-iNqKdzV4787vpJg24SxwekP06T4kQvp4FSxXUZlA/s1600/yhst-6418191912140_1791_7438761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFYUQhGo6UpyJl-fKvNYwrpIt4lgdmdJ4Uc1D1oHnDu1mJFj3wNnyzo9tG6TsEfWrjZrha716qjZPT0qg3Kj0mxhN60IUQx5J4b-iNqKdzV4787vpJg24SxwekP06T4kQvp4FSxXUZlA/s200/yhst-6418191912140_1791_7438761.jpg" width="200" /></a>One word of warning, however. The LED's must be fitted in a location where you can't catch the light straight on - such as behind a rail or under a work surface or similar. They are so incredibly bright and if you stared into one for too long I have no doubt you might damage your sight!<br />
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I've fitted them in three locations in my van - controlled by a very simple 12v flick switch - the same as what Adria uses for it's down lighters. The switch is available with or without an LED tell tale light.<br />
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Now I've used these in my van hooked up direct to the 12v power source which, on mains hookup, runs at about 13.5v without issue. However, you may want to fit an inexpensive voltage regulator into the circuit - I have added one of these to the link section below.<br />
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<b>The Cab</b><br />
It strikes me as a bit odd that Adria didn't put any lights in the cab, since the main seating area in the Twin are the two cab seats where it's impossible to read as standard. The LED strip fits perfectly behind the join between habitation and cab area.<br />
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 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnwWn_JqRIYfSe8C0CztuPSvcwIp0-iKY8KHFAtEEs4zv9Hs-UEQaO3rqD180knI5tVeYvkWRYSFMkmTKn_ZatYbPq_68cciUDqNdGSSH5I5GxgpD_vhtxkUfnNBUcwDv0LIjse7Im4M/s1600/IMG_1582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnwWn_JqRIYfSe8C0CztuPSvcwIp0-iKY8KHFAtEEs4zv9Hs-UEQaO3rqD180knI5tVeYvkWRYSFMkmTKn_ZatYbPq_68cciUDqNdGSSH5I5GxgpD_vhtxkUfnNBUcwDv0LIjse7Im4M/s200/IMG_1582.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEX1oy_j-I4VToV3hxcZXHcBTvg8zxyWesLIT4roIP6cD6C7VRWJNNIQ2rWlb2wEhJrnn5v5tRvhWCjLid9fsvwfdt1h69sCJbiO1kg1-0yOEE_LYqZS1MLQnQpxf226MPwiD7omy7IM/s1600/IMG_1581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEX1oy_j-I4VToV3hxcZXHcBTvg8zxyWesLIT4roIP6cD6C7VRWJNNIQ2rWlb2wEhJrnn5v5tRvhWCjLid9fsvwfdt1h69sCJbiO1kg1-0yOEE_LYqZS1MLQnQpxf226MPwiD7omy7IM/s200/IMG_1581.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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 <b>Under The Interior Step</b><br />
The switch for this light is located near the door, so you can see what you're doing to take your shoes off and also give some welcome light into what was a dingy dark area near the sliding door.<br />
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 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsOL6MxGuQRDlHd727-nlTQRXE8o71YEfsB3oLTzqEfyodLYNY8x5ltsAyzlESrc9qiccBieNPRiqORAEFiEij9Xl9Z4eqh2-vgdysfGWr39GxsJgkLKscTu2b6SNFSQq7yIrHc415DE/s1600/IMG_1594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsOL6MxGuQRDlHd727-nlTQRXE8o71YEfsB3oLTzqEfyodLYNY8x5ltsAyzlESrc9qiccBieNPRiqORAEFiEij9Xl9Z4eqh2-vgdysfGWr39GxsJgkLKscTu2b6SNFSQq7yIrHc415DE/s200/IMG_1594.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<b>Under the Fixed Bed</b><br />
This was a really dark spot, especially when stood in that area, the strip really helps to bring a sense of warmth into the van.<br />
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<b>Something a bit special...</b><br />
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I couldn't resist but order for £10 delivered some remote controlled, colour changing LED from China for in the bed area! It's not arrived yet, but when it does I'll update this entry! <a href="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320592738434">Link to Product on eBay</a><br />
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<b>Links to Products</b><br />
LED Light Depot on eBay have given me unbeatable service on their 1m 3258 LED strips - delivered within 48hrs on the two orders I've placed with them. Their 1m strips are £6.75 delivered and 2m strips are £12.99 delivered and come with wires already attached. Additional hardware is only required for cutting and rejoining them should you wish to do so:<br />
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<a href="http://shop.ebay.co.uk/led_lights_depot/m.html?_nkw=strip">http://shop.ebay.co.uk/led_lights_depot/m.html?_nkw=strip</a><br />
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Voltage Regulator:<br />
<a href="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170601476229">http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170601476229</a><br />
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Motorhome Adhesive LED Lighting Strips

I've been experimenting with LED light strips from eBay, these are about £6 for 1m lengths, with great success. The problem in our ...