Going camping in a small sports car - VX220/Elise
Discussion
Hi,
Just wondering, has anyone else gone camping in a small car, like a VX220 or Elise? My brother and I are driving from Hampshire to Belgium, for the grand prix, then down to Germany where we’re staying with family, then down to Italy again for the grand prix where we’re in a hotel. Then back up stopping off at camp sites.
So, how do you cope with the small luggage space?! As far as I can see, there’s no room at all and we’ll have quite a lot of gear as we’re away for nearly 2 weeks. Any tips or photos for me?! We’re thinking of using an anti slip rubber matting used on boats on the boot lid for securing a duffle bag or the tent with cam straps. If the weather is nice, we’ll leave the roof at home too!
Cheers,
Dan
Just wondering, has anyone else gone camping in a small car, like a VX220 or Elise? My brother and I are driving from Hampshire to Belgium, for the grand prix, then down to Germany where we’re staying with family, then down to Italy again for the grand prix where we’re in a hotel. Then back up stopping off at camp sites.
So, how do you cope with the small luggage space?! As far as I can see, there’s no room at all and we’ll have quite a lot of gear as we’re away for nearly 2 weeks. Any tips or photos for me?! We’re thinking of using an anti slip rubber matting used on boats on the boot lid for securing a duffle bag or the tent with cam straps. If the weather is nice, we’ll leave the roof at home too!
Cheers,
Dan
Me and the missus have been on two week camping trips to France in a VX220, smart roadster and Mk1 MR2.
A small three man tent, double sleeping bag, double airbed and two camping stools can just fit behind the seats. Clothes, food, drink, camping stove and pan, spare shoes, books, hairdryer etc. can all be squeezed in to the boot area using soft bags. Must admit my missus did pack light for her!
On the way back, with some rearranging we managed to get 18 bottles of wine in as well. It did dent the performance, but the French loved watching and asking, as we managed to set up camp at each site. Only minor problem was we got stuck in traffic at one stage, which meant taking the roof off to cool off a bit. The only space for the roof was on my missus lap!!
So, if can be done for two weeks en France! We went down to Vendee, Ile de Re, St Jeans de Monts. Really good holiday - plus the french really don't know what a vx220 is!
Mike
A small three man tent, double sleeping bag, double airbed and two camping stools can just fit behind the seats. Clothes, food, drink, camping stove and pan, spare shoes, books, hairdryer etc. can all be squeezed in to the boot area using soft bags. Must admit my missus did pack light for her!
On the way back, with some rearranging we managed to get 18 bottles of wine in as well. It did dent the performance, but the French loved watching and asking, as we managed to set up camp at each site. Only minor problem was we got stuck in traffic at one stage, which meant taking the roof off to cool off a bit. The only space for the roof was on my missus lap!!
So, if can be done for two weeks en France! We went down to Vendee, Ile de Re, St Jeans de Monts. Really good holiday - plus the french really don't know what a vx220 is!
Mike
We've done 2 weeks camping including Le Mans in a VX220.
The space behind the seats will take a couple of collapsible chairs, put clothes in stuff sacks in the boot, use compression sacks for sleeping bags, the passenger footwell has a fair bit of space, make sure you use the space over the rear wheel arches, the black plastic 'shelves' next to the doors can also be loaded.
Biggest issue is there's nowhere to put the soft-top when it's fully loaded.
Our wine record was 24 bottles
The space behind the seats will take a couple of collapsible chairs, put clothes in stuff sacks in the boot, use compression sacks for sleeping bags, the passenger footwell has a fair bit of space, make sure you use the space over the rear wheel arches, the black plastic 'shelves' next to the doors can also be loaded.
Biggest issue is there's nowhere to put the soft-top when it's fully loaded.
Our wine record was 24 bottles
These might come in handy, particularly for bulky items like sleeping bags:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Exped-Waterproof-Compressi...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Exped-Waterproof-Compressi...
It really shouldn't be difficult.
Just choose a compact tent, therma rest mats, maglite with removable reflector cone instead of a lantern and pack light on the clothing front.
Check out motorcycling and trekking websites for ideas.
Bikers manage it all the time - you'll be fine.
i wouldn't bother with taking cooking gear etc, just eat out!
Just choose a compact tent, therma rest mats, maglite with removable reflector cone instead of a lantern and pack light on the clothing front.
Check out motorcycling and trekking websites for ideas.
Bikers manage it all the time - you'll be fine.
i wouldn't bother with taking cooking gear etc, just eat out!
Very doable. I did numerous camping trips in my S1. There is an amazing amount of space behind the seats and the boot is surprisingly large as you can fill all the way out under the rear wings. The trick is to have everything in several soft bags that can be stuffed in. Nothing rigid (except tent poles obviously).
Pack light and you'll be fine - especially as you're talking about a couple of blokes! You can also rinse out a few things along the way and at the hotel in Italy!!
Pack light and you'll be fine - especially as you're talking about a couple of blokes! You can also rinse out a few things along the way and at the hotel in Italy!!
mike9009 said:
Me and the missus have been on two week camping trips to France in a VX220, smart roadster and Mk1 MR2.
A small three man tent, double sleeping bag, double airbed and two camping stools can just fit behind the seats. Clothes, food, drink, camping stove and pan, spare shoes, books, hairdryer etc. can all be squeezed in to the boot area using soft bags. Must admit my missus did pack light for her!
On the way back, with some rearranging we managed to get 18 bottles of wine in as well. It did dent the performance, but the French loved watching and asking, as we managed to set up camp at each site. Only minor problem was we got stuck in traffic at one stage, which meant taking the roof off to cool off a bit. The only space for the roof was on my missus lap!!
So, if can be done for two weeks en France! We went down to Vendee, Ile de Re, St Jeans de Monts. Really good holiday - plus the french really don't know what a vx220 is!
Mike
Donkey's years ago we did very similar in my MG Midget, and we also managed to bring back several cases of wine. There are some nooks & crannies in the rear wings which'll take a couple of well-wrapped bottles!A small three man tent, double sleeping bag, double airbed and two camping stools can just fit behind the seats. Clothes, food, drink, camping stove and pan, spare shoes, books, hairdryer etc. can all be squeezed in to the boot area using soft bags. Must admit my missus did pack light for her!
On the way back, with some rearranging we managed to get 18 bottles of wine in as well. It did dent the performance, but the French loved watching and asking, as we managed to set up camp at each site. Only minor problem was we got stuck in traffic at one stage, which meant taking the roof off to cool off a bit. The only space for the roof was on my missus lap!!
So, if can be done for two weeks en France! We went down to Vendee, Ile de Re, St Jeans de Monts. Really good holiday - plus the french really don't know what a vx220 is!
Mike
Bill said:
I used to go climbing in a mk1 MR2. So two ropes, two rucksacks, harnesses, boots, lead rack (ie the metal bits you attach yourself to the cliff with) in addition to the camping gear.
The mk1 MR2 has load of space compared to a VX/ Elise. Not only is the boot a good size, but behind the seats and the 'front' boot can also provide useful storage space! Taking the front wheel out of the front also provides even more space, if you are prepared to risk it!Mike
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