7-[Tips for campervan travel] Campervan cooking facilities

Camper van expert Taishi Kawaminami /川南　大士 Camper van Travel Tips

Let me go over the refrigerator, microwave, plumbing, and cooking set in the camper van.

１．Refrigerator

Camping car refrigerators include DC 12V-powered compressor types (built-in models approx. 40-90L) and portable models (14-40L).

Compressor-type refrigerator (built-in) – Cab-over and light cab-over campers (LIBERTY 52DB, CORDE Bunks, Sieben, Anthony, BOUNO)

Portable refrigerator – Regular-sized and compact camper vans (e.g., ALPHARD Camping White)

This unit is used in combination with a sub-battery. To prevent flat batteries while the engine is off, be mindful of power consumption.

Compressor-type refrigerators have a freezer compartment, but it can consume significant power to freeze ice cream solid. So, enjoy your ice cream right after purchase!

Chill the beer well in advance—it’ll get really cold, so you get to enjoy ice-cold beer in the vehicle at night!

　

　　

２．Microwave

Some models of camping cars come equipped with a microwave.

To use the microwave oven, you must activate a device called an inverter.

An inverter is a device that converts electricity from the vehicle’s sub-battery (direct current: DC 12V) into electricity identical to household outlets (alternating current: AC 100V).

Turn the inverter switch ON ⇒ The microwave oven switch will automatically turn ON, and it is now ready for use.

Important note: When using high-power appliances like microwaves, do not operate other electrical devices such as outlets or room air conditioners at the same time. Doing so may cause fuse failure or trip the circuit breaker, potentially resulting in inoperability afterward.

Additionally, when the sub-battery’s charge level is low, the inverter may not function due to insufficient power even if switched on.

As mentioned in Section 4-Batteries, the sub-battery affects all electrical devices, so it must be fully charged.

　

3．Plumbing

The water system in a camper van uses an electric pump to draw water from a supply tank (a 20L plastic tank) and dispense it through the sink faucet. It runs on a sub-battery, and used water accumulates in the drain tank. It’s standard practice to use this water for daily needs (hand washing, dishwashing) and to prepare bottled water separately for drinking.

(In the past, a person drank water from this water tank and apparently got an upset stomach.)

Refilling the water tank or emptying the wastewater tank must be done at campgrounds or RV parks. Refilling or emptying at roadside stations, parks, or similar locations is considered a breach of etiquette.

　

4．Cooking set

Each of our campervans is equipped with a cooking set including a portable cassette gas stove, pots, frying pans, knives, cutting boards, bottle openers, and wine openers, as well as disposable cutlery such as paper cups, paper plates, and disposable chopsticks.

The cassette gas stove is the type you use by attaching a gas bottle.

We’ve had guests in the past who’ve held barbecues or cooked dishes like curry rice and other meals packed with spices. On numerous occasions, the interior of the vehicle became saturated with the lingering smells of smoke, grease, and spices—odors that couldn’t be completely removed even after thorough cleaning.

We ask that you limit cooking inside the vehicle to simple tasks like boiling water or light meals. Please refrain from preparing dishes that produce smoke or strong odors, such as grilled, stir-fried, or hot pot dishes.

Even if you open the windows or use the vents while cooking, the smoke, grease, and strong spices that fill the campervan are not easily eliminated.

To ensure the next renters do not encounter unpleasant odors or find the vehicle dirty, we ask for your understanding and cooperation.

Please enjoy BBQs and other cooking outdoors, such as at campsites.

By the way, if you opt to rent the coffee maker set 　（¥330/day; includes a coffee grinder, dripper, and electric kettle）from our goods rental selection, you can simply boil water using the electric kettle.

　

We go over these important points at the start of your rental, so we ask that everyone using the rental service please gather together at that time to receive the explanation.

　

Japanese supermarkets and convenience stores are very convenient.

You can use the microwaves and hot water dispensers provided in each store to heat up the food you’ve purchased.

If you buy a bento box or cup noodles, you can heat them up or add hot water right there in the store and eat them at the store.

Additionally, at some convenience stores unique to Hokkaido (with orange signage), you can enjoy freshly made, warm rice balls and fried chicken prepared right in the store.

Please be sure to stop by!

　

　

Hokkaido Campervan Rental

“with DO CAMPER”

Campervan Travel Expert Taishi Kawaminami/川南　大士