Subscribed. This is the first of your videos I have seen, so dont know the back story of your van. For what its worth, this is my story. Bought my van a year ago last July. Its a Autosleeper Topaz, 59 plate. Bought it private and spent a good few hours looking at it with a long list of things to check. I knew about some things that transpired but certainly not all. In the year I have had it I have attended to very small,( 5-6 mm), rust bubbles , sorted the cab heater controls,( common fault with the cables behind the dashboard. So dash out), sorted a temperamental central locking, sorted the fridge on gas not cooling, sorted thermocouple on the hob burner,( it cut out as soon as I let go of the switch), sink tap and sink resealed, diesel heater repair, touched up wear on the units, coloured fibre glass repair to upvc in the bathroom where it had stress cracked at screw fixings, bathroom sink tap reinforced where it connects to the sink, new carpets in living area, engine service, sliding window leak repair to both windows,( wasnt leaking badly but just a little and worth doing), anthracite carpet renewed around one sliding window, plastic surround around windows repaired where hairline cracks, gas locker extended to accept larger bottles (since 3.9kg bottles are like hens teeth- now accessible from inside of the van where had to go outside before), blinds removed and cleaned for what I assume is first time ever, cutlery box made and fitted, shelving made, skylights dismantled and cleaned/ refurbished, leather seats cleaned and scratches underneath seats repaired, every moving part lubricated. The gist of all this is they are high maintenance vehicles. Luckily I was able to do the work myself and once learnt I put it into a little book of exactly what was done to repair so I know next time. All the best to you😁
Sorry to hear your run of mechanical problems. Let all the bad luck go with it. Try and stay away from the big garages as they charge extortionate prices . I use a small local mechanic who works by himself and has never let me down and charges very reasonable price . Please God you find one. I hope your luck changes. I currently live full time on a boat but I'm considering doing van life in Ireland. Thank you for sharing your journey. Blessings
@@michaelom8806 Thank you for your kind words 😊Take care and stay warm, I know from experience how cold being in a boat this time of year is, and all the best for your future journey ❤️
* Getting carbon monoxide along with the hot air is not what you want from your diesel heater. The old heater may have been repairable, but it’s finding someone who is capable. Like I said before, it’s comparable to having your boiler replaced in a house. * Upgrades to the van (solar etc.) = home improvements (solar etc.) * I fitted a new steering rack to my van, however it’s rear wheel drive. Front wheel drives like yours can be a lot more involved, like dropping subframes (part of the chassis). * A few years ago, garages were charging £75 an hour for labour so job prices soon add up. * I’m glad you had a lovely day to get over the trauma of your old invoices. ❤️
@@matthewvaughan6327 Prices are shocking at times but as I can't do it myself its just part of it unfortunately, hey ho. Have a great day,and take care ❤️
My first time watching you and Miss V. Lovely photos - the swans especially. Sorry about all the repairs on the van. Have you told us what kind of van it is? Best of luck. I'll be keeping an eye out for you.
Diesel heater fitted £520 and supplied by a well know company I’m not being funny but you need to pick up the phone and phone several companies up garages places where you take your repairs don’t just take people on their trust and your first choice 👍
Hiya it adds up doesn't it ! I have been in a similar situation as I bought my van which was second hand but a professional convert. I had to put in some changes so I could live in full time. Night heater, new leisure batteries and DC/DC charger system , I had a locker what only had space for 2x dumpies and fortunately I was able to convert a cupboard that was accessed when the sliding door opened into a gas locker for 6kg bottle ( professionally done). Plus 4 new tyres and I got a new set of leef springs as it was low and looked like something out of the fast and the furious! 😂 They were the main things but I knew they needed to be done. The labour is a big cost but I can't do it as I don't have the skills and I pay for the professionals to do it. But I do hope my MOT in March goes well and it's only a few little things! You looked very happy on today's vlog must have been due to you touching base with the clan😊.
@@WifeyEdwards Oh absolutely, I've seen family again today, its been a long but a very good day, I'm ready for sleep now. I'd love to have space for larger gas bottles, but there just isn't the room unfortunately, it works out more expensive buying the smaller ones. Hope your MOT goes well for you in March. Take care and I hope you have a lovely evening ❤️
Automotive repairs are horrendously expensive these days. I used to pay through the nose for garage work until I taught myself to do it. For the price of a good tool kit, I saved a fortune.
Let's hope you dnt have anymore problems dnt violent get fed up of walking backwards and forward to set your walking shots up and collect your camera them clips make it more interesting for us but they are a pain to do stay far and warm l9ok after yourself ❤
Cor pampered pooch there if ever i saw one. Mr daughter is fond of sausage dogs too. Woweee thats a lot of necessary car expense going on there. Feel for you Cat. Im really keen on getting my own decent 2nd hand compact motorhome. However the thought of putting aside around £400 a month for repairs is making me think twice. Im guessing you bought without much warranty if any,,, did you have a AA or RAC checkover before purchasing. That said ive also been watching many vlogs from ppl with new MH and the issues they have with them are also horrendous. Its all well and good dealers saying iys a fully comp 12 months warranty on everything but the inconvenience of keep return these MH for corrective work when often its proven no quality control before leaving their depot is beyond belief and often these ppl have parted with £60 - £100 k. anyway i hope you have many years ahead of trouble=free adventures.
@@grahambroome8781 I bought it privatly, and no i didn't get it checked out first, I was gazumped with one i did previously, the guy sold it after i paid for the AA to check it over... this one seemed good on first inspection but honestly its all good, I'm glad I didn't pay more for it though, its my home so you do what you have to don't you...and like you say, theres no guarentees even with a new one, things still go wrong and people have issues with the dealer. Take care and all the best with finding a van that's right for you ❤️
Absolutely, and I do trust the garage that does the repairs on the van, you do pay for that too, I wish they had some kind of return customer discount though 😊
They charged you £1000 to install solar?? Best thing to do is learn how to donit yourself, it can be scary but RUclips is your friend and invest in decent tools. I used to payfor everything and it cost a fortune...
@@Shifytee123 Electrics is something I don't want to mess with, I mean I can change light bulb, and I'm even happy to change a light fitting or socket but na, I'm glad I left that one to the profesionals, I know my limits :)
@Vanlife_With_Miss_V fair enough, Solar is low wattage and pretty much plug and play. It's very safe imo. Anyways, obviously, do whatever you want, but no harm in doing a bit of research on some things to see if you're able to do them. I only say this because I feel like you got ripped off a little there, if I am wrong on that please someone correct me and I will do anyone's install for £300 lol
Thank you Cat...you put a smile on my face each time.... hope you have a breather from the expenditure....stay safe 🙏
@@1049Phil Thank you 😊 that's a lovely thing to say, that's put a smile on my face too :) have a great day ❤️
Hi I just started to watch your video for the first time I realy enjoyed watching love your beautiful little dog 😊
Subscribed. This is the first of your videos I have seen, so dont know the back story of your van. For what its worth, this is my story. Bought my van a year ago last July. Its a Autosleeper Topaz, 59 plate. Bought it private and spent a good few hours looking at it with a long list of things to check. I knew about some things that transpired but certainly not all. In the year I have had it I have attended to very small,( 5-6 mm), rust bubbles , sorted the cab heater controls,( common fault with the cables behind the dashboard. So dash out), sorted a temperamental central locking, sorted the fridge on gas not cooling, sorted thermocouple on the hob burner,( it cut out as soon as I let go of the switch), sink tap and sink resealed, diesel heater repair, touched up wear on the units, coloured fibre glass repair to upvc in the bathroom where it had stress cracked at screw fixings, bathroom sink tap reinforced where it connects to the sink, new carpets in living area, engine service, sliding window leak repair to both windows,( wasnt leaking badly but just a little and worth doing), anthracite carpet renewed around one sliding window, plastic surround around windows repaired where hairline cracks, gas locker extended to accept larger bottles (since 3.9kg bottles are like hens teeth- now accessible from inside of the van where had to go outside before), blinds removed and cleaned for what I assume is first time ever, cutlery box made and fitted, shelving made, skylights dismantled and cleaned/ refurbished, leather seats cleaned and scratches underneath seats repaired, every moving part lubricated. The gist of all this is they are high maintenance vehicles. Luckily I was able to do the work myself and once learnt I put it into a little book of exactly what was done to repair so I know next time. All the best to you😁
@@vamboroolz1612 Wow 😮you win 😂 thank you for subscribing ❤️
Sorry to hear your run of mechanical problems. Let all the bad luck go with it. Try and stay away from the big garages as they charge extortionate prices . I use a small local mechanic who works by himself and has never let me down and charges very reasonable price . Please God you find one.
I hope your luck changes.
I currently live full time on a boat but I'm considering doing van life in Ireland. Thank you for sharing your journey. Blessings
@@michaelom8806 Thank you for your kind words 😊Take care and stay warm, I know from experience how cold being in a boat this time of year is, and all the best for your future journey ❤️
* Getting carbon monoxide along with the hot air is not what you want from your diesel heater. The old heater may have been repairable, but it’s finding someone who is capable. Like I said before, it’s comparable to having your boiler replaced in a house.
* Upgrades to the van (solar etc.) = home improvements (solar etc.)
* I fitted a new steering rack to my van, however it’s rear wheel drive. Front wheel drives like yours can be a lot more involved, like dropping subframes (part of the chassis).
* A few years ago, garages were charging £75 an hour for labour so job prices soon add up.
* I’m glad you had a lovely day to get over the trauma of your old invoices. ❤️
@@matthewvaughan6327 Prices are shocking at times but as I can't do it myself its just part of it unfortunately, hey ho.
Have a great day,and take care ❤️
My first time watching you and Miss V. Lovely photos - the swans especially. Sorry about all the repairs on the van. Have you told us what kind of van it is? Best of luck. I'll be keeping an eye out for you.
@@marypladsen5231 Thank you 😊 its a 2006 Renault Master, with a Timberland conversion. Thanks for watching, have a great evening 😊
You damn right they are , im lucky to able to do most myself , timing belt and drive shaft changed , darnt think how much it would of cost me
Diesel heater fitted £520 and supplied by a well know company
I’m not being funny but you need to pick up the phone and phone several companies up garages places where you take your repairs don’t just take people on their trust and your first choice 👍
Hiya it adds up doesn't it ! I have been in a similar situation as I bought my van which was second hand but a professional convert. I had to put in some changes so I could live in full time.
Night heater, new leisure batteries and DC/DC charger system , I had a locker what only had space for 2x dumpies and fortunately I was able to convert a cupboard that was accessed when the sliding door opened into a gas locker for 6kg bottle ( professionally done). Plus 4 new tyres and I got a new set of leef springs as it was low and looked like something out of the fast and the furious! 😂
They were the main things but I knew they needed to be done.
The labour is a big cost but I can't do it as I don't have the skills and I pay for the professionals to do it.
But I do hope my MOT in March goes well and it's only a few little things!
You looked very happy on today's vlog must have been due to you touching base with the clan😊.
@@WifeyEdwards Oh absolutely, I've seen family again today, its been a long but a very good day, I'm ready for sleep now.
I'd love to have space for larger gas bottles, but there just isn't the room unfortunately, it works out more expensive buying the smaller ones.
Hope your MOT goes well for you in March. Take care and I hope you have a lovely evening ❤️
@@Vanlife_With_Miss_V nite nite you two and keep warm 🥰
Automotive repairs are horrendously expensive these days. I used to pay through the nose for garage work until I taught myself to do it. For the price of a good tool kit, I saved a fortune.
Let's hope you dnt have anymore problems dnt violent get fed up of walking backwards and forward to set your walking shots up and collect your camera them clips make it more interesting for us but they are a pain to do stay far and warm l9ok after yourself ❤
@@SimonErrington-v3e No, she's not bothered, but I do think at the moment she'd rather be wrapped in blankets anyway 😂take care lovely❤️
P.s good morning
@@SimonErrington-v3e Good morning 😊
Cor pampered pooch there if ever i saw one. Mr daughter is fond of sausage dogs too. Woweee thats a lot of necessary car expense going on there. Feel for you Cat. Im really keen on getting my own decent 2nd hand compact motorhome. However the thought of putting aside around £400 a month for repairs is making me think twice. Im guessing you bought without much warranty if any,,, did you have a AA or RAC checkover before purchasing. That said ive also been watching many vlogs from ppl with new MH and the issues they have with them are also horrendous. Its all well and good dealers saying iys a fully comp 12 months warranty on everything but the inconvenience of keep return these MH for corrective work when often its proven no quality control before leaving their depot is beyond belief and often these ppl have parted with £60 - £100 k. anyway i hope you have many years ahead of trouble=free adventures.
@@grahambroome8781 I bought it privatly, and no i didn't get it checked out first, I was gazumped with one i did previously, the guy sold it after i paid for the AA to check it over... this one seemed good on first inspection but honestly its all good, I'm glad I didn't pay more for it though, its my home so you do what you have to don't you...and like you say, theres no guarentees even with a new one, things still go wrong and people have issues with the dealer.
Take care and all the best with finding a van that's right for you ❤️
No wonder the thing doesn't want to walk, its no legs
@@michaelholt7963 😂😂😂 you're not wrong 😂
Spent 6k in the last 2month on upgrades etc 1991 hymer my home
@@hegster1966 Ouch, I feel your pain, it'll be worth it though, I didn't include upgrades in my pricing, I'm scared to look 😬😂
@Vanlife_With_Miss_V new upholstery new lithium new victron new stainless exhaust injection pump timing done mot all worth it 🙄
Definetly not parts that are costly its labourand to fund someone trustworthy
Absolutely, and I do trust the garage that does the repairs on the van, you do pay for that too, I wish they had some kind of return customer discount though 😊
They charged you £1000 to install solar??
Best thing to do is learn how to donit yourself, it can be scary but RUclips is your friend and invest in decent tools. I used to payfor everything and it cost a fortune...
@@Shifytee123 Electrics is something I don't want to mess with, I mean I can change light bulb, and I'm even happy to change a light fitting or socket but na, I'm glad I left that one to the profesionals, I know my limits :)
@Vanlife_With_Miss_V fair enough, Solar is low wattage and pretty much plug and play. It's very safe imo. Anyways, obviously, do whatever you want, but no harm in doing a bit of research on some things to see if you're able to do them. I only say this because I feel like you got ripped off a little there, if I am wrong on that please someone correct me and I will do anyone's install for £300 lol