Volvos and Camping.
 

Hi everyone,

I've tired using the search function but it doesn't seem to work on my phone (possibly better on computer or tablet)

Anyway I wanted to start a thread to see pictures and details of going camping with a Volvo. My current XC70 is going do be going on alot of UK camping trips this year with the family and was looking for ideas, this could be tent types, awnings, roof boxes etc etc.

Thanks in advance Jonathan.

Can't say much myself, I've been camping twice by now..
But I'm "infected" by now so even now I'm planning for summer..

First trip was to West Wittering.
Borrowed tent..
Lessons taken:
Get big tent. Splash out on decent one.
We've gotten ourselves Vango Iris500
Decent waterproofing, quite a size..
Not that heavy or difficult to pitch.
But a bit of pain to dry off after trip- I had to take it to one of my construction sites to hang for few days.

Anyway- that's what we took to France, end of August last year.
For 3 of us, plenty of space.
But when we added a scooter, pushbike, hired fridge, unfolded table and chairs..
This year I'm getting extension for it.
And that's how i learned that the only extension available is front one.
Should've gotten Icarus model, with both front and side available.

So.. Yes.. Don't assume that if there's 4 of you, a 5-sleeper will be enough.
Get it big.

At least if you're planning your trips to be 7+ days.

If you stick to this side of water, a 4.5 kg blue Calor gas will fit you nicely.
And don't give in to hype that campingaz hob/bbq or whatever can work only with campingaz bottles.
Its expensive here. Campingaz. Cheap on the other side. But there- you can't get Calor.
I've got both now, ready for wherever I go (pop to your local dump, if you're lucky like me, you'll find empty cylinders, saving you money. I paid £4 for 1 Calor and 1 campingaz, and campingaz was almost full!)

Most sites in uk won't let you have open fire.
Quite a few are restrictive on charcoal bbq as well.
In France the only optionsare gas or electric.

Damn.. Theres too much i could add, its not coherent..
Maybe better if you start asking questions :)

Camping with my S40 T5
 

I go camping loads and tour europe in my S40 filled to the roof with everything. Been on trips to the other side of the czech republic and down to Spain malaga area for weeks camping along the way through france to spain.

Carrying bikes, tents, camping gear etc all packed in tidily and wisely. No roof box on as it costed more on the ferry or for the bikes to be on the top so I kept them in the car ... but keeping everything in the car just meant I could carry on shooting along. Usually taking about 2 - 3 of us on journeys so not quite a family ... but when that day comes i'l just get a roof box :thumbs_up:


Dont really have a photo of my S40 camping but here it is anyway. One with the bike and the other not quite camping but with his traveling wheels on in the winter for a softer ride.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4616/...d610e076_c.jpg2018-01-09_10-41-05 by Dom Hartland, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4715/...a23707f9_c.jpg2018-01-09_10-38-14 by Dom Hartland, on Flickr

Let's try (I'm new to flickr)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/162046.../shares/g83k98

Damit.. Doesn't work..

Best I've got:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/162046...3/25723004438/

Try again..
https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/pictu...ictureid=10581

Thanks for the replies. My family is me, my wife and our 5 year old daughter.

The plan is to do a few trips to the West Coast of Scotland (been loads but not camping)

I have a 4 man borrowed tent but can buy bigger if needed. Would like to buy a roof box along with a side awning.

What I don't want to do is fall into the newbie camper and buy things I don't need or will never use.

The advice is greatly appreciated.

Can probably get more stuff in a mummy-bus like a zafira

How long trips?
If up to 5 days- take Iris 500 (around £250-£300)
If longer- go for Icarus. This way you'll leave yourself some extension options.

I wouldn't buy inflatable tents. Somehow I cant see them as "lasting".

Stay away from halfords inflatable mattresses, valves don't hold and they need daily top-up.
Sleeping bags are quite good though.

And remember- you have quite large boot.
Don't spend money on " micro" cooking pots etc. Load up normal ones.

Thanks for the advice Thomas.

Each trip will be around 5 days max. This is only due to me wanting to move around and try various campsites etc.

Go outdoors is a great place with their discount card!

Remember to make your XC look like this before you go!

https://www.overlandbound.com/forums...nd-build.1845/

Oh yes! Where can I get a roof-rack like that? The old bedstead tied to the roof bars is not exactly stylish.