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Thank you Tanya 🙏 Fair enough that you couldn't watch the crossing over bit. Its a hard watch. I decided to include it in the hopes it may be educational for anyone who has not yet had to be there at the end of their pets lives to reassure them of how quick and painless the process is in the hopes they will be there at their pets side when the time comes 🤞

Its not selfish at all. If you can't bring yourself to have another pet at the moment, then you're just being honest. Perhaps in time you will consider getting one again, perhaps you won't, either way is certainly not selfish x

Thank you 🙏I really wish I was a little braver at the time and was able to hold it together better. But I was just overwhelmed with emotions.

@ Mate, 15yrs is a long time so you were very brave to video it, you did the right thing, and just remember when you go through those Purley Gate Shaka will be waiting for you… No matter when that is 😊

@@thenoworriesnomad I was in two minds recording it but ultimately many people I've met over the past 15 years knew Shaka and my kids were not able to be with me at the time. I also hoped that understanding and seeing the process of a pet being put to sleep may help other pet owners prepare themselves and possibly reassure them that it is a painless and quick process for your beloved pet. Its just the guilt and heartache we pet owners have to carry afterwards.

Thank you 🙏Its going to take some time getting used to my 'new normal' without him around. I've been on 2 back to back pet sits since the 22nd which has helped keep my mind off things a little and provide me with canine companionship. But that first week after his passing, being totally alone in the van was very wrong. Even now, over 2 weeks later, there are several times a day that I think, 'I need to go be with Shaka in the van''. I'm sure in time it will get easier x

@@wfdTamar cool. Perhaps once you upload a more eloquent video explaining the process I’ll take this one down 👍

@ What is the result you’re trying to achieve? That is not clear and you use multiple terms to describe it.

@ I think the video title is self explanatory no? Here’s something you may want to consider moving into the new year. If you’ve nothing nice to say, move on. As I said, it’s easy to sit behind your keyboard providing your criticism but when I needed to accomplish this, there were no videos or guides around explaining the process. So I thought I’d put together something in the hopes that someone like me looking to do this in future would find it of some use. If you want to be pedantic about a non auto electrician mixing up the terms now and then then you need to create a better video. But I’m not seeing much value in the videos you’ve posted so I’ll assume you’ve had a crappy festive season and need to take out your frustrations on strangers online. Happy 2025 to you. May it be a happier, kinder one for you.

@@GrumpyGitsRoadTrip I'm no expert either, but what you fail to see is your title says DC-DC, the 'in video title at 0:41 says AC-AC. You talk about the EBL alternator charging in the video, but in the answer below to rainbowchaser9604 you say it’s for 'disabling the EBL ac-dc charger when on hookup'! I bumped into the video Googling something else and because I also have gone lithium thought I'd have a look based on the title, but was very confused having watched it and read the comments. I still don't know if it's about disabling alternator charging or EBL charging. (BTW - If you look at Votronics manual for their B2B charger you'll see it is possible to wire it in with an EBL.) It's not about nice or not nice. It's about advice that is useful and that which is going to cause problems or not achieve what a viewer might want to do. The issue is because you’re not clear what you're trying to do, you may be misleading people. No amount of preaching about how other people should behave is going to change that. I would not upload a video if I was unsure what I was saying was correct or clear and I wouldn't bite the messenger back if someone pointed out that mine was flawed. I would correct it, or remove it.

@ okay, well I’ll leave you in your confused state as the video title really couldn’t be more self explanatory. Take care now 👋

@@rainbowchaser9604 so glad that the video has proven useful to someone 😊

Just a quick update. I tried this solution then went for a drive. I noticed on my return that my leasure batteries hadn't charged via my B2B. I connected the white wire back up & now it does. I've no idea what the white wire has to do with my B2B charger but I have no choice but to leave it connected.

@@rainbowchaser9604 mmm. Did you install the B2B charger? It works perfectly fine for me, I have the Renogy 40a dc-dc charger. Your EBL should have absolutely no connection to the B2B battery? Something seems off with the setup there

@GrumpyGitsRoadTrip Yes, I installed it. No connections went anywhere near my electroblok, it's van battery to habitation battery, with the B2B in-between. I installed it the way Sterling Power instructed & they don't consider an EBL may be in the system. It's quite baffling but I'll leave it as it is. My B2B was lit up, showing the charge happening but my battery monitor on my MPPT & separate Victron monitor both showed the same 12.3v. This is what it read befor my 30min drive which should have got it reading 12.7v at least. My B2B & MPPT both have Lifepo4 charging parameters & I've ordered a mains charger for my Lifepo4. I'll monitor it closely when it arrives & is fitted to see how it charges. Hopefully all will be good. I don't use hook ups but if I ever do, I may have to look into where the charge comes in & goes out of the EBL & put a switch in somewhere 🤔

@ the instructions in this video are specifically for disabling the EBL ac-dc charger when on hookup. So if you never use hookup then it’s not really going to be an issue for you. Disabling the white relay wire as per the video will therefore have no impact on your dc-dc unit so I’m at a loss to explain why you’re seeing what you are. I’m assuming the engine battery wasn’t low on charge? As the B2B will only start charging the leisure battery once the engine battery is charged?

@@tarnishedknight730 thank you for the feedback. Truly. I’m no videographer. It’s a skill I’m still in my infancy with. But hopefully will improve as I do more of it

@@timeaston2776 I’m going to have to purchase another body soon. Still undecided whether I’ll get an 850 or find a low shutter count 750 as my current one certainly has proven itself worthy as a travel camera. Its endured all sorts of conditions and hasn’t skipped a beat.

​ @GrumpyGitsRoadTrip Can't go wrong either way in my opinion. The 850 is wonderful and my only problem with it is that the large sensor is rather unforgiving of camera shake or other imperfections caused by my skill level as a hobbyist or while chasing Grandchildren on a nature hike or at soccer practice. Otherwise, if I can control scene, the 850 is a pure joy. As an aside, I have somewhat larger hands, and from the standpoint of ergonomics, either of these options fit me better than any of the mirrorless options I have tried; and like you, the more substantial body and deeper grip is why I shoot Nikon rather than Cannon. Good luck with whichever choice you make. PS. I just watched the updated mission statement and can't tell you how much I approve. Being somewhat older than you I can confirm that one should never walk on egg shells. Express yourself, assume that others assume good will, and let the chips fall where they may. Now a fan, I look forward to catching up with previous posts and following new adventures. One final thought; I have heard it said that you are judged by, and gain entrance into heaven based on how you treated your last dog. I look forward to seeing you there.

@ very kind words, thank you so much 🙏

And because it's harder to do, more and more people are opting out. Problem is, far too many people follow US based vanlife folk on social media and see how easy the lifestyle seems to be there. But the reality in the UK is very different. Harder to find free park-ups. Fuel far more expensive than in the States. Insurance is simply ridiculous etc.

@@Rxke what lens are you using with it? In my opinion this camera is so underrated. It’s a great choice for someone wanting to move into the DSLR game as you can get them fairly cheaply second hand.

@@GrumpyGitsRoadTrip 28-300 VR visually battered cheap as chips second hand, the combo is suitable for 90% of all situations. Pretty heavy, though, two hours shooting an event and It's a workout!

@@Pitchup-v6x the SNT simply don’t have a clue about running a camping business and how to keep things ticking over in the off peak periods. Really quite sad as they are lovely sites. I’m not surprised the seasonal are leaving, the pitch fees are simply ridiculous for what is on offer especially at the ‘back to basics’ sites. I know of several people who left other of the NF sites since my departure including one who was apparently bullied by the HR person. Sums it up really

Thank you for the explanation 👍 I've very little experience with this type of stuff but as there wasn't another video on YT about disabling this particular relay (which would only be relevant to anyone with an EBL of course) I thought I'd create a video showing how its done. Yes, I've just checked and found your email in my Spam folder. I'll respond shortly 😊

@@GrumpyGitsRoadTrip Gmail is a little keen on false positives, although I should probably add DMARC to my domain...I'll investigate, thanks for letting me know.

@@MrFrobbo mmm. Which email address did you use? The easiest way is probably to contact me via the contact form on my website eltoncilliers.com

@@GrumpyGitsRoadTrip Hi Elton, resent to the email listed on your website (rather than contact form).

@@stuartwallace7536 I’ve got thick skin Stu, I’m not easily offended. And totally agree that many SAFFAs in the UK are considered arrogant. That’s because many of them don’t appreciate they are no longer living in South Africa and constantly want to compare. Or say things like ‘that’s not a Braai, that’s a bbq’ (who the hell actually cares!?) I don’t think I’m an arrogant person. Opinionated, sure, but not arrogant. My issues on the campsites aren’t down to arrogance. They are down to managers who have lost the plot with their ‘power’. People who in any other line of work would never be entertained as being management. What it boils down to basically is that I can earn what I do at a campsite through the services I provide without having to just say ‘yes’ and be treated like crap. The manager on the New Forest site was a total hypocrite. She told wardens off for something that she herself did. She had the wardens mowing her grass around her static caravan! I flat out refused as it simply was a piss take and a total abuse of her title as site manager. On my first site in Devon the site managers were truly awesome people who couldn’t do enough for their wardens. But they ended up leaving with many others that season due to the senior management team in head office and how they were managing their site staff. Those managers had been with the club for 15 years. I would happily work on a campsite over the winter. As there isn’t really much travel and exploring that can be done here in the UK then anyway, but I really need my festival fix. I have worked the past 3 summers and I’m getting withdrawals. So I really cannot consider campsite work over the summer again. Once my pooch crosses over I’m going to head back to SA for a while. I’ve not been back for 18 years so it’s going to be a total shock to the system I think. But I also want to explore the 6 months there 6 months here option. Be well buddy.

@@TCDEWE I think I may just to the same because as you say, towing a motorcycle does make wild parking an issue. Once my pooch crosses over I’m going to store the bike and trailer and do more regular traveling and wild parking. Happy travels.

@@robertgoh7420 a beach is like any other public space so legally you can. Some beaches are private and may prohibit it. Also nudist beaches tend to prohibit photography for obvious reasons

Thank you 🙏My D750 is still going strong a year after creating this video and like you, I have no intention of replacing it until it ceases to work. And then, if I can find a decent 2nd hand one, I'll likely buy another as I truly am a fan of this workhorse.

Hey Stuart. I'm sure you won't be surprised, but I left the last campsite after 5 weeks of employment. I have decided that campsite work really is best suited to retired folk who don't want to travel. Being stuck for the entire summer, earning minimum wage whilst taking BS is simply not for me. I'd consider a winter contract possibly but I won't be applying for any further Summer work until I'm retired and done with my own travelling. How are things your side? Where are you now?

@@GrumpyGitsRoadTrip so, you left the one in Suffolk too? i have left the one in Hampshire and am now just trying to test the lay of the land. maybe we could meet up sometime? BTW, I was offered a job by CCC, ........... in Loch Ness .... promptly declined.

@@stuartwallace7536 yea. Left the suffolk one. Will be in my next update video which i hope to record this weekend. I'm up in Lancashire on a 2 week pet sit, then over to Yorkshire for a 1 week sit then back down to 'base' in North Norfolk around 10th August

You're welcome, glad it provided some value 👍

Did I say it was members only? It’s been a while since I made the video so don’t recall 😊 Members just get discounted prices.

You mean the question in the title? Do you struggle with understanding grammar?

I have opted or a low loading transverse trailer now. Far easier to load on my own. It does have its drawbacks as is a proper b@stard to reverse with 😊

Thanks.Are you happy to share the make and model?

Indeed, but in my case the issues that come with that simply aren't worth it. When you're treated like a child and made to abide by ridiculous policies that the business cannot actually give you a reason for it just does my nut. Having to have the emergency phone overnight at least 3 nights a week and not being paid to be on standby is also in my opinion a p!sstake. By law, people on standby should be paid minimum wage, so make no mistake, these camping companies make far more off your efforts than you gain through the employment

@@GrumpyGitsRoadTrip Agree, when i add in extra hours including on-call, i worked out that i was being paid circa 8 pounds per hour. However, their argument is that there are plenty of people who want to do the role mainly because of the free accommodation offering and therefore they think they can abuse the system accordingly. I have been in many sites with tyrant owners/managers who simply have no idea how to manage people and attempt to bully their staff because thats the only way they know how to 'manage' people as they have never had any formal training in management. This is the main reason why i have decided to get out and get a pwopa job with pwopa management!

As per the video, my sister is down in Hampshire so I do get down there when I can. When are you in Hampshire till as its unlikely I'll be able to get down there until the 2nd half of September? Would be great to grab a drink! Once my pooch crosses over I too will not be spending the entire year in the UK. I really do not want to spend another winter here but that all depends on how much fight Shaka has left in him.

@@GrumpyGitsRoadTrip not sure as things will likely change begin July - will keep you updated. but will def organise a beer somewhere.

Yesterday marked 1000 days living in my MH. In those 1000 days I've met many vanlifers, boatlifers, caravaners etc. In my personal experience of all the folks I've met, only 2 or 3 have been at it full time for more than 2 years. My own experience is that it does become easier with time It seems if you can crack 2 years full time you're good to go. Not sure where in the world you are but living on the road in the UK is becoming increasingly more difficult. Especially so if your main reason for undertaking vanlife is to save. More and more height barriers being put up in parkups that have been there for decades. No camping and/or No overnight parking. This is primarily to a minority of users of these park-ups have zero respect and 100% sense of entitlement and are displaying anti-social behaviour from throwing/leaving their litter, emptying chemical toilets on the verge etc. But of course, when measures are then taken to reduce this anti-social behaviour then the community shout 'Foul!' but will take no responsibility for policing their own community. This means more and more people are now seeking out or having to opt for campsites or pay overnight parking fees in those areas that do permit it for a fee. So whilst many start vanlife, a small percentage go on over 2 years, even less over 5 years etc. My motto about my current lifestyle, is that vanlife is for now and the foreseeable future, possibly not forever. Perhaps the video title is a little 'click baity' I don't believe I suggested anywhere in the video that few people are starting van life. Its just a list of reason why people, in large numbers, quit van life in the first 2 - 3 years 😊

@@GrumpyGitsRoadTrip No worries. I didn't take your commentary badly...and I agree with much of what you said. I also don't think you intentionally left out the "new joiners" aspect - that wasn't the topic of your video, after all. I also don't think that "saving money" is a valid reason for doing van life - considering that most people end up quitting their jobs and just donig temp work on the road, they're not "saving" anything... they've really just stopped spending money on all the things they used to. If they're not putting money away, then they're not saving anything. I'm in the US and van life has gotten a bad rap (not entirely without reason) and it's getting harder and harder to do. Nothing like in your neck of the woods, but getting there. Anyway, thanks for the thoughtful response - it's great to hear your perspective and follow up!

Not this season. And I certainly would never work for the CCC again and would advise anyone looking for a warden role to avoid them at all costs. Hope you're keeping well?

@@GrumpyGitsRoadTrip Got any jobs there?

Thank you very much. As I say in the video, I can deal with cold. Its the damn combination of rain AND cold that I really will never come to terms with. And the sheer number of days of rain we have had this winter especially here in the UK

Cheers boet 👍

I’ve endured 26 winters o& the UK. Each one has been more challenging so I’m afraid for me personally there will never be a time that I’m used to it. So will just need to head abroad once that’s an option 😊

For most of the Winter period I have been house/pet sitting so parked up on peoples properties. When I'm not pet sitting I stick to small campsites before I tow a motorcycle on a trailer which means finding parking in city streets isn't really an option. I'm not sure which city your friend parks in but its getting increasingly difficult to enter, let alone park in English cities these days with all the low emission zones going up.

@@GrumpyGitsRoadTrip Leeds

Not sure I follow?

I’ve not heard of that. I will look into it. Thank you

I think hairstyle is a bit of a stretch 😂 There certainly is hair, but no style at the moment. I need to get to a hair salon. Thank you 🙏

That is absolutely the intention once my pooch crosses the rainbow bridge. As mentioned in the video he is too old (14) to put him through getting all his injections up to date etc. But one he does cross over I won’t spend another winter in the UK.

Thats a very kind offer Jackie, thank you very much 🙏 I've been on the road for 30 months now and this winter is the first time I've really, seriously considered throwing in the towel on this lifestyle, but then I realise how little I've actually explored for my long-term photography project. I'm totally fine during Spring/Summer, its just the Winters that I really cannot deal with anymore. It's clearly not in my DNA to be wet and cold.