My Little Camper Tenerife

User guide "Murciana"

Murciana, our 1987 Nissan Trade, is much more than just a van: it’s a vehicle with soul and character. This classic minibus has been carefully restored to provide you with an authentic and comfortable experience during your trip around Tenerife. Its bohemian and cozy design, combined with its mechanics carefully maintained by a trusted mechanic, ensures you can explore the island with total safety. Although its driving requires a relaxed pace due to the lack of power steering and a recommended maximum speed of 90 km/h, these features contribute to the unique charm of traveling in Murciana. If you’re looking for a vintage experience with all the modern comforts, this is your perfect choice.

With a warm and functional interior, Murciana is ideal for peaceful getaways, whether by the sea or surrounded by mountains. Every corner of the van has been designed to make the most of the space, offering an unforgettable experience for lovers of charming travels. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of Murciana.

Vehicle use and driving

Driving the Murciana is an old-school experience, typical of large and vintage vehicles. If you’re not used to driving this type of vehicle, we recommend starting with short trips on main roads during the first few days to get comfortable. This van is not designed for covering long distances all at once, as it can feel tiring. Instead, plan your trip carefully, take daily drives of about an hour, and enjoy the comfort and charm it provides.

    1. Fuel:

    Murciana uses diesel. The fuel tank is located at the rear, on the passenger side, and is opened with a special key.

    1. Keys and doors:

    Small key: used to open the doors. The driver’s door opens by turning the key clockwise.

    Sliding door: turn the small key upwards to open.

    Rear door: use the larger security key.

    1. Windows:

    Handle them carefully.

    1. Battery Disconnect IMPORTANT:

    This is located under the driver’s seat. Be sure to disconnect it every time you turn off the engine to avoid unnecessary battery drainage.

    1. Starting the engine:

    Insert the key, connect the battery using the disconnect switch, wait five seconds for the yellow spring symbol to disappear, and then press the ignition button.

    1. Handbrake:

    Located to the right of the steering wheel. To deactivate it, pull the brake and turn it to the left. To activate it, pull and turn it to the right.

    1. Lights:

    The light switch is located to the right of the steering wheel, and the positions are controlled with the lower left stalk.

Camperization use

Bed

  • The bedding (pillows, duvet, sheets, and towels) is stored in the cabinet above the driver’s seat. To set up the bed, remove the table leg, place the wooden board in position, and adjust the cushions to create a comfortable and spacious surface.

Gas kitchen

  • In the elongated central drawer, you’ll find the gas stove. The cooking utensils are in the other, narrower drawer.

    Inserting the gas cartridge: Open the compartment for the cartridge and insert it, making sure the slot on the cartridge is properly aligned in its position.

    Connecting the cartridge: With the fire indicator in the “OFF” position, press the lever on the left side to connect the cartridge. It’s important that the camping gas lid is facing up and the fire indicator is set to “OFF”; otherwise, the cartridge will remain locked and you won’t be able to connect it.

    Lighting the fire: Turn the fire control to the maximum until you hear a “click” and see a spark that will ignite the flame.

    Disconnecting the cartridge: Once you’re done using the stove, remember to disconnect the cartridge for safety.

    Cooking utensils: In the central drawers, you’ll find the gas stove and the necessary utensils to prepare your meals.

Kichen area

  • Sink: Make sure the connector is active on the battery for the faucet to work. Regularly empty the grey water tank at the designated points.

Fridge

  • Operation: To turn on the fridge, connect the corresponding connector and press the power button. Set the temperature to 7 degrees.

    IMPORTANT: It is recommended to turn off the fridge at night to conserve the battery and turn it back on during the day. The food will stay cold.

Shower

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    Location: The shower is external and can be accessed through the rear hatch.

    Step 1: Fill the clean water tank, making sure it contains enough for the planned use. The tank has a capacity of 100 liters.

    Step 2: The electric connector for the pump is black and connects to the black female connector on the water heater. To connect the blue hose connector, pull it, insert it into the water heater connection (not the faucet), and then push the connector until it “clicks” and locks in place.

    Step 3: The gas valve has a safety lock that you must press to connect it. To open the gas, turn the lever counterclockwise.

    Step 4: Connect the water heater to the battery using the cable with the red connector to the red female connection on the water heater. On the battery, connect the connector with the label “ducha/shower.”

    Step 5: The shower connects to the faucet on the water heater.

    Step 6: Turn on the water heater by pressing the power button while adjusting the desired temperature with the available controls.

    Step 7: Turn on the shower faucet. Make sure the water pump switch is on and the water heater is functioning to supply hot water.

    Step 8: Once finished with the shower, turn off the water heater and close the gas valve. Empty any remaining water from the system if it won’t be used again soon.

Portable toilet

  • Due to the multiple issues we’ve had with chemical toilets, we’ve opted to use a portable toilet with single-use scented plastic bags. This system is much more hygienic, eliminates the bad odors that often arise after several days of use, and avoids concerns related to emptying, as there are no designated places for this in Tenerife, and doing so in public spaces is illegal.

    Instructions for use:
    Place a scented bag neatly over the hole in the toilet, securing it with the lid.
    After use, close the bag with a knot and dispose of it in a garbage bin.

    Important rules:

    • Using the toilet without bags is prohibited.
    • This toilet does not use chemicals, and using it without a bag is unhygienic.
    • Additionally, there are no places to empty it properly.

    By following these instructions, we ensure a comfortable, clean, and environmentally respectful use.

Electricity

Instructions for using the Bluetti smart battery

Cables for charging the battery (right side of the battery):

  • “Solar” cable:
    Use this to charge the battery with the solar panel.

  • If you’re parked: Position the van in the sun and connect this cable.

  • If you’re going on a long trip: Keep this cable connected to take advantage of solar charging.

  • “Van” cable:
    Use this to charge the battery while the van’s engine is running.

Cables to power the van’s appliances (left side of the battery):

  • Appliances connected:
    • Fridge
    • Sink
    • Shower

How to switch between appliances:
If you need to use the sink or shower, disconnect the fridge cable and connect the one for the appliance you want to use.
Make sure the DC button is on (it should light up green).

Van light charging:
They charge via USB cables (standard and type C).

Additional ports on the battery:

  • USB ports (standard and type C):
    For charging phones or other devices.
  • AC outlet:
    To use it, activate the AC button (it should light up green).

Camping table and chairs

  • The van is equipped with a camping table and 2 chairs. IMPORTANT: Just like with the shower, it is prohibited to use the chairs and table in areas where it’s not allowed. They may only be used in campsites and recreational areas. If you decide to use them elsewhere, it will be at your own responsibility.
    Enjoy your trip with the campervan Murciana!

    Remember, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me via WhatsApp or call me at +34 672 50 63 45.