Vanlife Q&A - Your Questions Answered
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 29 авг 2024
- In this video, I answer some common questions on our van build and Vanlife. If you have another question you would like to ask, please leave it in the comments section below.
If you are looking for any of the products mentioned in this Q&A please follow the links below.
Battery to Battery Chargers - www.tomsvanbui...
Please use discount code TVBGREG5 at the checkout.
Truma iNet Box - rover.ebay.com...
Fire Angel Carbon Monoxide Alarm - rover.ebay.com...
Fire Angel Smoke Alarm - rover.ebay.com...
12v DC 3 in 1 Gas Detector Alarm - rover.ebay.com...
Refillable underslung LPG tanks - rover.ebay.com...
Mercedes Sprinter Air Bag Suspension kit - rover.ebay.com...
Disclosure - As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase using the above affiliate link. Thank you for supporting our channel.
If you would like to get your other-half one of my T-shirts please follow this link - www.redbubble....
If you find our videos to be helpful to you and would like to say thanks with a small donation you can do so here www.paypal.me/...
Thank you very much for watching
Best Wishes
Greg & Lou
I have never watched a Greg Virgoe video that wasn’t interesting - and informative. These videos are excellent, every time.
That's made my day, thank you so much!
Your a National Treasure Greg top bloke, looking forward to the next van build.
That's very kind of you Gary , thanks mate :D
@@GregVirgoe no probs mate
I like the story of how you lost it on the ceiling panel and it reminds me of something. I do a lot of camping and traveling on an adventure motorcycle (I know you're into bikes too) and the one thing that always comes up when the topic of "What makes an adventure?" is the struggles and they are almost always featured because with only smooth sailing, you'd have boring stories. I've noticed many van channels seem edit the struggles out or do a short video that only talks about them as a topic and it is usually done as a what we would change about our build. Anyway, glad you told the story because even engineers struggle with mechanics sometimes too. Hope you made it or make it to the TT one day.
Looking forward to the new van build series 👍
Cheers Matt, so am I, I can't wait to get started on this one.
The clear and engaging delivery is perfect for instructing/training. Your knowledge is the truth, too many have a go hero's out there. The insulation video is my favourite. Keep spreading the knowledge.
Time stamps for the 15 questions Greg Virgoe answered in this video:
00:47 Can you leave your solar charge controller on when on a mains charger or a battery to battery charger?
01:26 Are Greg and Lou glad that they fitted the Truma heater?
03:30 Should I use voltage sensitive relay or split charge relay for battery to battery charging?
05:10 Is it wise to put in a massive battery bank so I can be more days off-grid at a time?
06:45 Should i get my gas system checked out by an engineer?
07:40 What do you think about underslung gas tanks?
09:00 Do you have an LPG detector in the van?
10:20 What RUclipsrs did you watch when you were doing your build?
11:20 What job on the van made you swear the most?
13:50 When's the second part of the cigar box guitar build coming out?
14:40 Where do you get water from in the UK?
15:23 Why did you pick a Mercedes Sprinter van?
16:30 What did you do for breakdown coverage in Europe?
17:25 Would you consider fitting airbag suspension to your van?
20:00 What van are you doing next?
My question was: How many days out of 100 days in winter time did you use the tilting option of the solar panels.
Reply may be given the next Q&A if there is not enough time to type a proper answer.
@@rudivandoornegat2371 from what I know Greg doesn’t have tilting solar panels yet
@@and7rei hmmm ..................
Could swear that I saw a video where Greg explained that holes in the struts were really presets for the tilt angle matching the position of the sun during different seasons in Europe.
Absolutely BUZZING that there’s another build series coming.
Really looking forward to your new budget series, amazing idea 👍
Hey Mate. Jaz Morton is from Australia. But some say New Zealand is a state of Oz, so you might be forgiven. I use you and him as the benchmark. Both top notch van builders.
Oh, i'm very sorry, I honestly thought he was from New Zealand, I hope he is not offended.
Cracking video Greg, working my way from your older stuff all the way through. I describe your videos to my engineerings colleages, "An engineer's approach to van build!". Cheers
I like that, it could be my tag line :D
Good, can’t wait to see your next van build, you are without doubt the most informative van life video show on RUclips!
I like to give sound value and trusted information
Can't wait for that suspension video! 👍👍 Oh and another legendary van build
Yeah, I think the airbag suspension will open up a whole world of questions but will be very interesting to follow it through.
Great video. Looking forward to the new build series. I will definitely be purchasing the Truma Inet box. Thanks Greg 👍
It's a fantastic bit of kit and takes the Truma system to another level.
Exciting plans Greg, a minimal van build is how i did mine.
I find it very rewarding to think outside the box when building.
Budget van build great idea vlog vlog😀😀
Looking forward to another build series Greg. Really enjoyed the first van build!
Great video Greg, looking forward to the budget van build series 👍
Thank you, hope you are keeping well :D
Top quality as usual. Great stuff.
Thank you 😊
Thanks Greg, looking forward to the budget van build - great idea and i might copy you !
The budget van build project is pretty exciting. It'll show that good hands is what really matter, rather than fancy tools.
I hope it will show that it doesn't take expensive equipment to turn out a nice looking van.
Great to see you back...we're really looking forward to the new van build and listening to a few "toons" on the corona😘
Great update Greg 👍 and I’m excited too 😁 ❤️🙏👍😀🐾
I'm struggling to keep it a secret :D lol
@@GregVirgoe 😂🙏👍❤️
Hi Greg. I found the up plating process quite straightforward, the company used was SVTech. On the request/ info form giving details like chassis number tyre size and rating plus details off the chassis plate under the bonnet which lists design weight plus UK plated weights for your axles, allowed my van to go from 3.5t to potentially 4.5t however I opted to add an additional 500kg and this was done without any modifications to tyres or suspension. It now allows for that extra pack of beer. Bit like the xxxx beer advert, don’t over do it with the sherry!
The air bag fit was a doddle, but do ensure that you jack your chassis up level leaving the wheels with some contact on the ground. This will ensure that the axle remains secure to the springs when you remove the U bolts. Also have a good think about where you plan to position your gauge/inflation valve. I opted to run the pipes into the rear garage. This avoids a long run to the cab and routing around the exhaust. However if you have purchased a kit with a compressor you may want the controls in the cab. Only other tip I can give is to be prepared to have to fit new U bolts. Do check them for stretch when you remove them paying attention to the “inside” of the U , and how they fit over the new airbag bracket. Good luck and enjoy the ride 👍👍
OMG!!! That is so exciting about the budget van videos! I cannot wait!!! I'd like to ask if you use laundrettes for washing clothes ? Thank you Greg!
Yeah! A new van build! 👍
i like the air suspension, will be interesting to see how you do it.
Looking forward to the budget van build!
Cheers Greg, great video and can’t wait for the budget and recycled build! Will be amazing.
Great blog as always Greg 👌 looking forward to the new build and hopefully I'll see you build a nice 4x4 sprinter for yourself ❤️❤️
Ahh looking forward to new build vlogs. I don't need a show van.. but when I do one want it to serve a purpose and be solid.
Exactly it needs to function above all else, but hopefully still be a little gem
Hi Greg Great Video, In Regards To Your Last Question , A Tip would Be to salvage All Parts Out Of An Old Caravan Ie: zig uint, sink ,Hob,Oven, Toilet, shower, water Heater, Windows,Etc: Thanks Rob
I have looked into that, not so much for the furniture but mostly for the appliances. However, the second-hand caravan market has realised there is money to be made here with the boom of van builds and the cost of even a scrap caravan is stupid now.
Great content as usual Greg, really looking forward to your budget/high quality van build, I think you’ve really hit on something there, personally I would love to do a van build or even convert my T4 caravelle but always worried about the expense of having the correct tools, can’t wait for these series to air👍👍👍. All the best
Looking forward to the new van build 👍. Cheers Greg. Stay safe
Can’t wait for the new van build!
£5 says that by the time you finish the next van build you’ll have 200k subscribers 📈. The content is absolutely brilliant 👍
That would be absolutely incredible and I'll take that bet :D lol
@@GregVirgoe 🤝
Yes Greg! Yes!
Currently converting a sprinter. Your videos have been a fantastic resource! Thank you Greg. Look forward to the next build.
Hope they are giving you lots of ideas and thanks for watching :D
Excited to see the budget build 🚐
Greg, thanks for the video, will look forward to the budget Van build. Just wanted to let you know I got my van fixed, new inlet manifold, also broken bolt removed and re-tapped, and new air mass sensor in total £722.00 but she runs better than ever.
That's great news Simon, i'm pleased you got it sorted, happy travels
I was just typing to ask about the cigar box guitar and you answered it, I look forward to that video as well as the suspension and new van build yay!! Keep em coming Greg! 😎👍🏼
Greg continues to be the brightest star in a sea full of nebulous information
Great, looking forward to the new build series and some tips. I don't have a workshop or even a drive, but want to self build a new van while living in my current one. It's going to be tricky but hopefully possible! So any thoughts or tips would be great 🙂
You are exactly may target audience for this build, my van will be outside in all weathers, and I will mostly be working off a Black and Decker workmate, with battery tools. Hope there will not be snow
Yet another great video.... glad to see that the top of your head didn't get chopped off after all! Take care
Thank you for watching :D
Really looking forward to the new van build! Budget style would suit me perfectly!
Just because I already have 5 cars and 3 motorbikes and a Solex!
I'm planning to buy my son's van, which he used to carry materials during his house renovation, not new, not in extremely good condition outside and inside, but very well maintained mechanically. So a good base for only 2500€!
Keeping the total cost under 5 or 6000€ would be a bonus!
Hi Greg we up plated our van just after we purchased it in 2015. But last year we added airbags and it’s the best mod we ever did. 👍
That's great to hear. I would be very interested to get your feedback or tips on the whole process good and bad?
Like always a big thumbs up, thank you Greg! Looking forward to all the upcomming goodies! 😁💯👌
I really do appreciate your support, Thank you
Thanks Greg. As you said, Jaz Morton did a great van build series in Australia. He is currently putting out some stunning travel and van upgrade and repair vids.
Max on Max & Lee has just completed his van build in Australia. Masterful build! The early part of his channel is his amazing travel from Canada to South America. He finished up the build on new channel, Max & Occy. Occy, his dog, just returned from an extended stay in Canada due to Covid. Jaz and Max have done a great job!
Budget Van Build. That's a great idea. Can't wait for that one.
I've got so many ideas for this one, going to be really interesting.
Can't wait to see that new van build series sounds great!
Looking forward to seeing your future videos Greg.
Thank you for the support
Thanks, look forward to you new build video as I don’t have to much to spend. Love your videos as I find them easy to understand cheers
I'm hoping this will have lots of useful information :D
Looking forward to watching the budget van build and also part 2 of the cigar box guitar.
That's great, thank you for following and hope you enjoy the videos.
Hi Greg, A really interesting video once again (thank you) - Question ;- Most youtube van dwellers seem to own LWB vans,.......... if you go ahead with your next budget van build series, can this be on a van that is MWB or under? - Also I too am in the market to buying a van, but its always difficult to find a van that is either just on or under 5 metres long (to be able to fit on my driveway) or if the internal height of the van is suitable for someone who is 5ft 11 tall (when you add insulation & finishes on ceilings).
You'll be pleased to know this van will be an MWB, high roof, so its easier to park and still stand up in it.
Hi Greg
I just wanted to say thanks so much for all your van conversion videos. I've been working my way through them steadily and love the way they are constructed and explained in a way that just seem to make sense.
Overall I love the way you always work "Belt and Braces" great work
Thanks again.
Really looking forward to the new van build, sounds like it will match my budget, keep up the good work Greg I am sure it is very much appreciated as much by others as myself.
Cheers and hope you like to the series
Excellent video, it flew past this session. I think there plenty more legs in theses sessions. I was disappointed it ended so quickly. Then you mention the new van and I could even ask 20 questions on that alone.
I am conscious of not making them too long. When the content is interesting to me the time does fly by even when filming. Then I struggle to edit it down to a reasonable time.
Brilliant! Thanks Greg your a star!
Thanks as always Greg! We are super excited to hear you're doing the budget build next! It'll be a brilliant and much needed contribution to the growing vanlife community. 👌 🤩🍾
A little trick that may work for bending over head boards, is if you can cut kerfs in to them to make them flex to the shape you want. Thanks for your videos Greg, absolutely brilliant. No Cigar Box but just finishing my first Acoustic Guitar, maybe one day we can have jam. All the best.
A lot more skill required to build a regular guitar. Thank you for watching 😃
@@GregVirgoe difference being I'd really like your Van building skills! :) Have you ever though of insulating with Aerogel Greg? Very expensive but very impressive properties. All the best.
The small gain in insulation would not offset the massive cost. £100/m2
Lookin’ forward to the van build 👍
Very much looking forward to the upcoming build..what with your great attention to detail and in depth filming of whats being done and why...
Hoping this will appeal to a much wider audience.
Nice to see you again Greg. As much as I enjoyed your Sprinter build videos, i am really looking forward to your next exciting van project. Earlier in the year I was inspired to consider doing my own conversion in the next year or two that will take me to an early retirement and then travelling throughout this country and Europe with my wife. I am fairly handy but know my limitations...recently i'd been doubting my abilities and thinking i'd probably just keep on saving and buy a motorhome off the shelf so to speak. Having just heard you discussing your next project I think this could sway me back again. I hope it's a Ducato/Boxer/Relay type as we'd like the width to be able to sleep transversely but still have a garage area underneath. Any chance you'd consider the dinette layout, we'd still like the option of one other person sleeping at the front. Whatever you decide, it's something to look forward to during the next few months before next spring. Fantastic !
Great Vlog. Informative and honest. I watched Tim's Family Relay conversion too. Looking forward to upweight video {Tracey}
ah ha, like you said Greg you're going to do the build should be good fun popular 2 can't wait to see what you come up with well done cheers
Great vid you should have captured you losing it with the scrapper i can just imagine ya 🤣🤣🤣 glad to see you fit and well looking forward to the van build 🤪❤💙❤💙
You would have seen me in a whole new light :D lol
Hope we catch up with you guys soon. xx
Looking forward to the build 😊
Awesome video Greg and a simple enough one to put together I’d imagine! Would love to see more of these with questions that maybe haven’t been answered yet!
It was less than an hour to film but half a day to edit, it's never as simple as it appears :D lol
Brilliant update. Looking forward to the future content
Thank you for watching
Looking forward to the new build 👍
Yes me too Cheers Dave
You should do the budget build in a carpark somewhere... That's a proper challenge 😅 Good to see you keeping busy 👊🏻
It is being done outside on a drive in a residential setting, so let's hope the weather is kind to me.
Full of good information and tips, look forward to your new series, take care.
Many thanks Bernard
Hello Greg,
I have written to you in the past asking questions about your van build.
Your help has been invaluable. I was actually going to make a video outlining how I had followed your channel to complete my van build with no workshop and ‘basic tools’. I found your channel to be the best by far and had taken photos along the way using tools bought second hand but some new items and reclaimed material that others had thrown out. All done with no workshop and no experience. I finished my build back in April and I have not been able to make the video because the photos were accidently deleted. Now I see that you are going to do exactly what I had intended to do, I thought I’d reach out and tell you what a success it was and much easier because of your guidance. I’m in Australia and the insulation works a treat. Fantastic.
If you like I can send you more information about my experience following your ‘tutorial’ if you think it might enhance your next build that you have highlighted, for those that don’t have a workshop or limited tools.
In short my van is a MWB Sprinter High Roof. I had the passenger side sliding door removed and installed a fiberglass mould and caravan door in its place and a caravan style awning added. The drivers side sliding door was disabled and fixed in place rendering it inoperable allowing for the Lagun table and seat, with porta pottie under, to be installed in that location. External surfboard racks are mounted on the side. Both seats have swivel plates installed. The bed is East / west layout by cutting out the ribs and then reinforcing the outer skin with sheet metal. The cupboards and storage is built in the Shaker style all material was free off the street during Council clean up. I only had to purchase the ply for the walls and floor. I installed two Sirocco fans at the rear. I did the build out in the open air using basic but ‘good’ tools I bought mostly second hand. The new tools I bought were a life saver. Kreg Acu Cut, Kreg Rip cut, pocket hole jig, and a two in one brad nailer. The compressor was $50.
I was worried about the sink/stove cabinet build, as you know it has to be millimetre accurate so I first built it as a ‘template’ using free offcuts from a nearby kitchen maker. I built it in the loungeroom. That was really insightful and I nailed it perfectly because of that process.
The fixing of the overhead cupboards was a solve it as you go issue because though I built it square and plumb it would distort slightly when I attempted to mount it due to the curvature and shape of the internal ply lining wall as it approached the rear barn doors.
What I liked about your channel is that you were thorough and you were inviting, just like the BBC. You have been a great help. Thank you. My son is so impressed he wants me to help him build his.
I'd send you some pics of my van if you can tell me how.
Giacomo ‘Working on a Dream’
I had the external tank and, yes, they are much bigger. The downside is filling them if you're parked up somewhere. If doing it again, I would get a "T" so you can plug in a Gaslow or normal bottle if the need ever arises. No, I didn't think I'd need to ever have the plug-in system. Yes, it would have been very useful on a couple of occasions...
That's fantastic, a build series. I'm very interested in the payload increase procedure and how you get on, my van could do with a bit of an upgrade as I am near the limit too, it has a very low payload unfortunately. A brilliant video anyway so thanks for doing them.
AA European breakdown cover is good. We broke down in our Hymer in Spain on a Saturday & had to be recovered onto a flat bed vehicle to be taken to a garage. Complicated by covid as we had to go in a taxi rather than in the recovery vehicle. Had to wait till Monday to get the vehicle fixed. Was back on the road by Monday afternoon. We love your channel, we find it very informative. Can't wait for the next build.
Great answers & well explained Greg.....stay safe.....thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching Ian
Another greatly informative video Greg - Thanks, and plenty more variety to look forward to in the future. We will definintely be craning our necks every time we pass the workshop from now on. Best wishes to you both.
Sorry to disappoint you guys but as I said in the video this build is not being done in the workshop, but in another location on a normal residential estate out in the elements, so please pray for nice weather.
@@GregVirgoe 🚐🌤🌥☀☀☀🙏🙏🙏 Amen 😉👍
Looking forward to the new van build. Can't wait to see the airbags as well need to sort my ones out
There is a load to come on here that's for sure. :D
Yes very much looking forward to a new van build . It would be nice if it leaned more toward a camper van then a luxury apartment like so many people are doing now . Some thing to live out of not into. Thanks for your wonderful Videos .
This will be function over form, but still nice to the eye :D
Ooh. Sounds exciting. I'm looking for my first van.
0:13 Hi Greg, just recently subscribed, brilliant stuff, love the technical explanations. I’m planning on getting a LWB sprinter for conversion. There will be four of us, so I’m looking for ideas on sleeping space, I’ll also need to fit another seat for travelling, I’ve a girl and a boy, so I’d need a referee if I was to put them in a double. I was thinking of a single bench/ bed.. or even a single bed that lowers
. The main help I needed was with the extra travel seat and attaching it to the floor. Would it be a case of fitting the base straight to the floor, and then fit the insulation/ ply around the base? Any ideas would’ve great.. Thanks for all the content… I’ve got the van bug…
Have you thought about roll out bunks for the kids that you can roll away and clip to the wall during the day. You can raise the seat but need steel support channel or box section and longer high tensile bolts. Don’t scrimp on the secure nature of this as it will have a lot of inertia 👍🏼😊
I left you a comment on your Instagram a while ago about things you might do differently. I’d love to see a video on that. Gas, Fan, inverter etc. Thanks Greg
Thanks, Greg, great informative vid
Respect you massively Greg but 16:15. You nailed it why the boxer is intact the better van base. Yes, for delivering parcels the Sprinter wins - no doubt, but for SLEEPING and living in the Unique width of the Boxer is win. As for the rust...........
Great video Greg. I really enjoyed the van build 1, and am always so grateful for the way you share the knowledge you have. Can't wait for the van build no. 2 👍👍
Amazing, can't wait to see the next build and that suspension change!
Hi Greg,
good to see you back on your channel ,looking forward to the new van build project 👍
For water Pop into a builders merchant eg jewson often have an outside tap in the yard. Or a farm shop.
I hope removing your bump stops and plates are easier than it was for ours on our 2016 Relay! That was possibly the job that has caused the most swearing for me 😂😂😂 great content as always 👍
Its wonderful to see you bubbling with excitement over your next project!
Ohhh Van #2 - I've dreamed and schemed over van #2, as an upgrade, long before I've finished van #1, but I'm really impressed by what you're doing - actually by doing it with limited tools you're demonstrating an answer to a question I asked a couple of years ago. Good luck!
Thanks again for the helpful hints, tips and inspiration!
I would like to thank you for all your great vids 👏👏👏👍🚐 absolutely brilliant
Looking forward to the new van build project, even though it wouldn’t be directly appropriate to me 👍💙❤️
Great Q&A session Greg, and you swearing no I don't believe that 😃but it would have made great viewing .
Looking forward to seeing your new van build. Always very informative 👍
I have a sprinter like yours almost to the limit and i put the same airbags on. It was the best thing i have done. I'm flying around roundabouts like a normal passenger car. the wind doesn't blow me around and i don't have to grip the steering wheel hard anymore.
This is great news indeed, something else decent to watch over the winter! I have an Iveco daily MWB that I’m intending to transform into a camper van, your budget build series will be an invaluable help!
Can't wait for the new van build mate- greetings from the Orihuela Costa, Alicante. ES.
Great job, really looking forward to seeing the new van build series.
Another great video Greg and I'm soo looking forward to your next build series and the cigar box update 👍🙂👍
I know it can be some what of a controversial subject and everyone can have their own opinions along with experiences on the subject of batteries and charging them but here's mine and I too have extensively researched this time and time again.
A sealed lead acid isn't as fussy as AGM ( glass matt ) when it comes to charging, gel is worse again and I'll not even talk about Lithium.
A sealed lead acid will take amps readily but nearing the end off charge they are difficult to get those extra amps into, they need to be forced in to a degree.
Sealed lead acid are normally the cheapest option but you still need a good one or more, good heavy/thick plates. They handle a good alternator pumping in many amps fast.
A simple isolator switch does the job in most cases depending on the vehicles alternator type. An aternator will only charge to a state where the battery/batteries need, that's why we can drive all day and not damage the main starter battery.
Leaving a sticker or notice EVERY time on the steering wheel to remind you to reconnect after the engine is started is good practice as is a notice placed over an entrance to the accommodation area so as to remind to disconnect the batteries with the switch.
This system is also great for quick jump starting if for some reason the vehicle starter battery needs help.
Some so called split relays are very inefficient or of poor design and battery to battery chargers can charge way too slow.
Me...I dump as much power as I can get into my battery, my alternator is 55 amps so 55 amps per hour roughly of driving, putty it wasn't 75 amps lol, prob the original at 29 years old.
My leisure battery is over 3.5 years old but could do with a boost charge to 15.5 volts, drained and repeated again, holding at 15.5 volts for 1 hour, this boils off most sulfate that has accumulated, this will eventually build up along the bottom over time though and eventually raise to the bottom of the plates, the battery by then will have finished it's life. It's good to do this twice a year, Once before winter and once before summer.
This is a time proven method that is not only less expensive but is simple and works and works reliably well at that.
I would be more than happy to have this system in another van.
My van is old and came with this set up, probably from the factory, I've had great success with it.
I've had the same battery in my van when I got the van for two years, the guy before me for 1.5 years so who knows when the guy before him fitted it or how any of them looked after it.
I've never let it run down below 12.1 volts but usually never bellow 12.2, this is probably the most important thing along with not leaving it low for long periods of time.
A sealed lead acid charged this way and looked after in general can serve well for 5 to 7 years.
Greg, I know this is probably not information that interests you as you're happy with your set up, it's just another simple system, that anyone with on a tight budget can still get a good working reliable system that they can be happy with at a very economical price.
Most people I think start of with this system and abuse it, they think the fault lies with their system so they upgrade, they spend a small fortune on the upgrade so they tend to look after their batteries better and then assume it's a better system than they had before, I believe this is the case for the most part.
Anyway, this is info that could have saved me some of my many hours of research and joining the dots so I hope it's useful to some.
Now, I've been donated two monstrous and in great working order, never drained below 12.4 volt ( apparently ) Golf cart batteries. The guy had no reason to lie as they were given to me.
Should I fit them in my van or purchase another van to fit them in 😂
Great idea on the budget build Greg!
Thanks Mike