76. Peering around campervans in Nottingham
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- Опубликовано: 21 фев 2023
- I've been given a lithium (LiFEPO4) battery for my campervan by EcoTree Lithium, a brand from Nottingham-based motorhome dealer Oaktree Motorhomes. In this video, I go to collect that battery but spend most of my time nosing around their stock of vans for sale.
Visit:-
www.ecotreelithium.co.uk
omcmotorhomes.co.uk
If you liked the video and wish to leave me a tip, here's the link: www.ko-fi.com/davidjohns and thank you!
Tools & Parts used for my campervan build
Lithium battery ecotreelithium.co.uk/product/...
Autoterm diesel heater: geni.us/Van_Autoterm
Renogy 2kW inverter: geni.us/Van_RenogyInverter
Sink: geni.us/Van_NewSink
Induction hob: geni.us/Van_InductionHob
Portable toilet: geni.us/Van_Toilet
Fridge: geni.us/Van_CoolFreezeCDF26
Charger: geni.us/Van_MainsCharger
Solar Controller: geni.us/Van_SolarMPPT
Gas Alarm: geni.us/Van_GasAlarm
Old sink unit: geni.us/Van_SinkHob
Old heater unit: geni.us/Van_PropexHS2000
Old inverter: geni.us/Van_Inverter
DeWalt jigsaw: geni.us/Van_DeWaltJigsaw
DeWalt drill: geni.us/Van_DeWaltDrill
DeWalt mitre saw: geni.us/Van_DeWaltMitreSaw
DeWalt circular saw: geni.us/Van_DeWaltCircSaw
Web www.vandemonium.co.uk
Twitter / vandemoniumuk
Instagram: / vandemoniumuk
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 
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I also enjoy looking round motorhomes. Thanks for that.
As many RV experts say here in the USA, make sure if you purchase a new to you camper, make sure its a 2019 or older. The pandemic has really created many quality issues with new builds here. 👍
Ooooh...more sneek peeks, thank you ! I love the hinged door with the sink in the shower, very clever.
1:02 👍 good man (nice to hear an honest RUclipsr making it clear)
Thank you 🙏
I do not like a toilet immediately beside the kitchen...😂
No matter the subject of your vlogs, they are always interesting. Thank you. Cheers.
Wow that’s exciting….looking forward to the vlogs and thanks for showing us some of their stock. Rob and the rest of the folks are often spoken about in really lovely genuine terms, so well done folks.
Yes, genuinely friendly folk
Loved looking round the different types of layouts. Nice of them to give you a battery, once it is installed you will be good to go on some epic journeys, don't forget to invite us to come along with you!!!!
Can't wait!
You can never go wrong with a show and tell vlog. Thanks for the time efficient tours, saved me hours (days) of driving and walking. That Auto Sleeper has my eye.
I miss the days when I tromped around in my conversion van. Now I'm married with a kid and two dogs, so I have to have the obligatory American 30ft travel trailer that is poorly built, over priced and is a pain to maintain. I also have to have the truck to pull it. Getting 4mpg going uphill isn't great. I'd love to have something closer to the size your looking at. The battery looks great! I just started playing around with solar and charging last year. I hope it all goes well!
I share your frustrations with the build quality of North American travel trailers. That is part of the reason we opted for a fiberglass trailer built by a company one hour east of Vancouver.
Thanks for the tour. Nothing better than reviewing what’s out there.
Lithium and induction! Welcome to the futuristic world of camper vans👉💟👈
I can see the appeal of a large lounge, of course, but it's just me in the van, and if I am going to entertain guests, I actually prefer to do so around a campfire in the evening, which is necessarily not inside the van. So I'm perfectly happy to give over my lounge space to sleeping or storage space. My WC is very small, and that's fine since I prefer not to spend the majority of my day in there.
Eco tree did our lithium upgrade, brilliant job
Always amazes me that motorhomes are so expensive.... makes you realise how good value narrowboats are with much more room... :)
and they float too!
LifePO4 is life changing, I switched from a 100ah deep cycle SLA that weighed about 74 pounds to a 100ah LifePO4 that weighs only 23 pounds, the weight difference is amazing. Also for a portable power station I’m building went from a 15ah SLA that weighed 9 pounds to a 18ah LifePO4 that weighs 4 pounds
I really enjoyed the tours of all the motorhomes.
You all have some high quality rolling stock over there.
Thanks!
Thanks, David. I also love looking at camper vans, houses, etc. Great fun! Happy installing!
Very nice installment. I am in agreement with your comments on the various styles. That "narrow" bit would make me feel very closed in!
I thoroughly enjoyed your campervan tours thank you!
Really enjoyed this!
I really enjoyed the peeks into the various campervans. I think I like the one at about 8:00 best. The one with a decent sized bathroom. I would prefer a lighter colored fit out. It was a bit dark for such a small space.
An interesting video all around. I also like to see different vans and layouts.
Love seeing the euro RV's from across the pond. Thanks for sharing.
Looking forward to seeing those upgrades 😀
Taking the van out when it can't make a cup of tea?!?! When did this become a primitive survival channel? 😁😁
Hahahaha I know!
But it can still make a cheese sandwich- so semi primitive?
I like the smaller vans myself. The designs have to be more ingenious with space and you can do a lot of things outdoors. I’ve never seen the need for a shower in a van. The bigger the motorhome, the more difficult it is to drive around urban areas and get parked.
I would like a shower, some campsite ones are a bit gross and showering outside isn’t always a good option. I agree about smaller being more ingenious and more interesting!
@@Vandemonium our caravan has a shower and loo that is always nicer than the most luxurious ones we have used on any site, we can both shower together when the mood takes us. But Bicyclehub's point is right for what they do, horses for courses as always.
Always fun to do some upgrades!
Glad you had a decent time!!
more of these motorhome and camper van reviews! i really enjoyed that :)
Loved this! U.K. Is rocking motorhomes with better designs And not too pricy! Arizona’s lowest price is now six figures…
Cheers David. Looking forward to the upgrade video
Interesting campers. The coach builts don't appear to add a lot of external size while making the inside feel quite a bit bigger, and more customizable.
That battery is HUGE!
Thanks for taking us along on your little trip. I love looking in all the different models. I am looking forward to seeing you install the new bits and pieces you got. Take care God bless Gloria 🐂
Thanks for watching!
Ooo, you ended video in the best moment of all!
Hi David good seeing you again! I have a 2003 Symbol and it's lovely
Love your videos David great job!!
Thanks so much!
Morning David. Fantastic video. Thanks for taking us through those Vans and showing the various layouts. It’s our dream to have a camper and escape the farm at some point in our future. We are so thankful for your content. It’s always enjoyable. Cheers Dan and Deb
Thanks 👍
Lovely tours
Glad you enjoyed them
Lovely video as always! It was fabulous meeting you the other day to chat about vans, videoing and all the rest. You're our favourite RUclipsr by far. Thumbs up as usual.
Thank you, lovely to meet you too and cheers for saying hi 👍👍
Thanks for peering into those camper vans while picking up your new lithium battery! I really am itching to get one, now that I'm retired. But, never having used one, I think I should rent first. It's so helpful watching you and the CamperVibe girls, I'm learning what to look for. It'll just be me and the dog, and I'm rather antisocial as well, so don't need lots of seating, but an actual bathroom with separate toilet and shower is non-negotiable! So, thanks again and hope the new battery helps as you finish up your remodel and get back on the road!
If I was going to going to buy a camper van, I’d want a fixed bed. 👍
Yes! A fixed bed and a separate dinette/sitting area were must haves when we purchased our travel trailer/caravan late last year.
Thanks Rob. I liked your reviews. Not too critical, just explaining what you'd rather like the layout etc. Hope you have great success with that huge battery, both in fitting and future use. Thanks again for the 'down-to-earth' info.
Cheers
Thought I'd check up on this video - RUclips have been very remiss on notifications. So you see, I'm very seriously looking at possibilites. Doesn't matter if it is lefthand drive or Right hand. Great to see you getting some equipment for upgrades. Nice Ad for Oaktree Motorhomes as well.
I love looking around other vans for ideas, there's always some new ideas popping up from various firms. I saw a slide out induction hob the other day, and I thought, that would be great in a small van/kitchen - heaps of benchtop space and a double Induction hob when you need it, but no need to put it away each time like I do.
Good luck with the upgrades David you deserve the support from EcoTree.
On a personal note i like your setup as you have a house and tend to use the camper for short trips so a bigger van could be a mistake.
I'd like to get another van at some point, probably a mid sized kombi van which I'll use as a car/van/camper with a modular design. When in camping mode think a tent on 4 wheels.
I like the one with the loo right near the cooker. Ideal for multitasking.
more than your jobs worth....oh wait.....
That was an abrupt ending, I was left looking at the screen expecting more 🙂
Sorry!
great video!🏆
Kitchen and bath in the back of the van, definitely!
Great video for many reasons, but the thing we appreciated was a good look at the insides of vans, and what you get for your money. And the jury says we* will stick with towing our Swift Corniche for now! I hope the new battery gives you off grid reliability and whatnot, and also feel rather happy you came away with the van you arrived in, instead of some mobile pleasure dome you don't really need, for all those people you never have sat in your van.
*Two tall people, two largish dogs.
Absolutely get yourself an old Autosleeper like Jits, amazing campers!
I do have a soft spot for them
@@Vandemonium they are just so well laid out, better than a lot of the modern campers. And they have great character.
Hi David. You need to open the rear doors to experience the benefit of those seat/bed arrangements. Ive experimented with a central bed, and it works well, if at the expense of the step thru from the front.
I prefer the van conversions rather than the coach built ones too. I've rented a couple of the Fiat Ducato conversions (like the first one you looked at) but with full time beds at the back. I know you don't like that layout but with the back doors open onto the beach, while laying in bed, is pretty nice. I think it's Weinsberg who do lots of the Ducato conversions. The walkway down the middle was "ok" - could be wider - but the shower cubicles in them are quite small. They were fine for a week or so but full time I'd have to have one with a bigger shower / toilet area. The Thetford toilets in those conversions usually sit really high so, even if you're close to 6ft, your legs will dangle while you are having a "sit down" wee!
Going for a "murphy bed" that folds down in a van conversion is probably what you're after.
I'm probably getting a Ford e-Transit to convert this year so I'll let you know what sort of layout I go for - to see if it meets your approval :)
Haha yes, do!
I do enjoy your videos... The difference in terminology between the UK and Canada is interesting.
Another reason I enjoy your videos is that have just (early December 2022) purchased a 22 foot long travel trailer (caravan?) produced by a company only 70km from where we live and am always on the lookout for storage ideas and modifications.
We've made four "shake down" trips so far, each of increasing length and challenges as a way of doing incremental testing.
FWIW... we've had a camper van/motor home/B-Class in Australia (twice), Canada (once) and a C-Class (not sure what the UK equivalent is) in the US so we have some varied experience...I know you've mentioned in previous videos that you are reluctant to travel too far from home because of family concerns, but if you do ever want to visit this part of the world (British Columbia Canada) and hire a camper I'd be happy to offer suggestions and ideas.
yes go for a pop top something to film for next project.😄
A very enjoyable watch, with my cheese sandwiches of course.
Excellent 👌
That German one is my taste! started looking them up after this video!
Burstner also available in New Zealand.
You really have to remember that you are stepping down into traffic if you use the main door.....if parking briefly to see the sights on our narrow roads.
These motorhome conversions made me appreciate how much width there is in a narrowboat. ;) Coachbuilts are slightly better, but I prefer the external appearance of conversions, too. That Bursner almost changed my mind, but then the Auto Sleeper Symbol+ came along. I almost wish I could use a motorhome right now! :D
I had 2 of the old (1970s) VW pop top campers and I’d stand and cook.
Good day out
'UPGRADES'! ...... whaaaaa!
We’ve got a vintage AutoSleeper, and where the microwave is in the one you featured, we had a drinks cabinet!
That sounds perfect!
Motorhomes always make me think of a certain scene in the film About Schmidt!
Very nice
10:30 winner winner chicken dinner
Love browsing the camper vans, and new toys always provide a positive charge! Thanks for that!
Don’t think those campers tempted you…hopefully you’ll build one to your own design soon😀👍
I already have!
Noticed on one of the coach builts that the sink was very near the entrance steps. I think standing at the sink one would need to be aware of where their feet are to avoid an accident.
It’s the kind of thing you don’t always realise until after you’ve tried it!
Looks like your hooked up so to speak. Cheers from South Jersey!
I think most designs are to please the wife. Also, one thing the customs often do have is a larger alternator, to charge the bigger batteries.
On the pop top - I bought a 2001 VW Transporter last summer with the pop top that opens sideways like a concertina; I'm 6ft 1 and I can stand up and cook in with plenty of head clearance.
I'd love one like that but no-one seems to make one for my type of van, unfortunately.
@@Vandemonium I don't even think they make them for VWs any more, though I may be wrong. One of the benefits of a smaller wheelbase is the price of ferries and the chunnel btw, if you're planning on a new van and going abroad at any point. Cheaper for tickets with a van the size of the VW and below like yours.
It was fun going through the various styles of motorhomes/campervans. Could I put up with this or no, I don't like that layout at all! Thanks for sharing.
I wonder if you have ever visited the USA and looked at some of the campers over there. The class A diesel motor homes are phenomenal, but possibly a bit big for the UK roads.
I’ve been to the USA a few times but never to look at motorhomes.
Must admit the Burstner beat the others for quality and finish.
It was noticeably top-notch!
@@Vandemonium
I owned a huge twin axle Burstner 1992 van fixed beds
It floored British made vans for everything
I have so many questions but also ample patience and I suspect many of them shall be answered in future chapters. Onward.
I wouldn’t bank on it so do ask! 🤣
that one with the heater opposite the refrigerator seems not positioned logically ! Thank you for the views and commentary.
Oh! ta-ra then.
Thanks ...request next time can we go LARGE in a motorhome .....like you ( I think) we need to take the best of several to make one we like. Solution build interior self as u have done/ doing
By the way 40°+ here today ...high 30°already ...no need for demister
Jan Adelaide
Tease us at the end with lots of new goodies in boxes and end it? That's a bit cruel. Leaving us on tenterhooks until next time. Oh well, lots to look forward to.
Coach-built probably means more problems. The ones that use the factory steel body are probably more structurally sound.
But coach built also means better insulation and more space
Please please look at our chausson 640 it does everything you want
This will give you a fair amount of charging cycles!
Several thousand, I believe!
What do people DO in these vans - you ask. Well, the standard answer is - If you don't know, you are too young to know! 🙂 - - Those campers with two sets of facing seats - when they are all occupied - where do you put your feet - in each other's pockets?
Great production. How do you keep the exterior of the van so shiny ? It’s always clean! Can’t wait for the battery Instal. Thank you.
Haha I wish, it’s filthy now!
David have you ever done a cost analysis; your van as home during several trips a year vs hotel rooms/rental cars costs? What with prices of hotel rooms (decent) being what they are I should think it would be a bargain for the oft-travelled (the van, that is). Great jaunt, this one. Cheers!
I haven't; I imagine the hotels are cheaper actually (overall) but the van for me was about a challenge and a hobby (in building it) as well as its then use for travel.
Oddly enough we just did a bit of analysis with running costs for our caravan: CAMC and C&CC memberships, plus nightly site costs, storage, and maintenance/service costs for the van. We looked at our fuel economy towing/not towing vs the prices of B&B and hotels, and arrived at the decision that our caravan was an utter bargain. Luckily we are are retired so try to go out on weekdays for trips, plus we aim for minimal facility sites as we don't need onsite showers or toilets, which keeps the costs down. I like to cook, so we don't have many meals out.
Roughly if we didn't tow the van and took a hotel, or lodge, or B&B etc for five days, we would only save £30 fuel cost on one return trip from E Lancs to the northern Lakes; the cheapest B&B that would accept dogs was £50 to £60 per night more than on the dearest club site, a lot of self catering lets only rent out for a full seven days at a time, and on top of that, a lot of places don't accept dogs.... I honestly think Dave would find his way of doing things is even cheaper than ours.
It's a good question, and as well as it being a lifestyle choice, I'd love to see what sums other camper van folk do to justify a fine way of life.
I think you need to factor in the initial cost/purchase of the caravan /motorhome and possibly tow car. Caravans /motorhomes are no longer cheap. You can fund a lot of hotels/b & bs for cost of caravan or motor home. It’s really about choice of how you want to holiday.
🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗
Cheers Ken
Where de go?
Are you going to the NEC campervan show this week?
No, I didn’t get a ticket and don’t want to be tempted by shiny vans
like buy motor home for work use
So, a longish journey and no diesel spills ? Also did the sealant on the water system work or is that yet to be tested ?
No diesel spill from that tiny pinhole 😀
It's OK. You aren't trying to sell anything.
I didn't like the toilet right next to the food preparation area
Get both jobs done.....oh wait.....
Motaholic -- where's Nick?
Do electric motorhomes need a seperate battery for living needs. ?
Yes
:)
David, l bougjt a new cooker (for my house) and the delivery men would not fit it because as it was against a wall next to the door it was against regulations as it was a fire hazard. How does this fit with camper vans which have the cookers cheek by jowl with not only wooden fitments but also soft furnishings?
Largely because there are very few regulations for campervans, it's the wild west. Seriously.
@@Vandemonium Oh dear. l wonder how many fires there are in campervans?
Now you have almost finished the van is it's time to sell? 😀
Noooooooo
Are you at the nec Saturday ?
No, I forgot to get a ticket but also I didn't want all the temptation of those shiny vans!!
@@Vandemonium that’s my worry this weekend
I am curious about "ice on the inside" of the windscreen? In Canada we get lots of cold, and in Southern Ontario we get lots of humidity. But I don't think I have ever encountered ice on the inside, only on the outside. What leads to this happening?
Hmm I don’t know really, just moist atmosphere and quite cold weather (I think it was -7C that night)
Moisture in the van. Exactly where it is coming from take some sleuthing. People who sleep or cook in their van can have it, for example.
@@Vandemonium Had you been working on the van the day before? Your breathe will increase the humidity inside.
perhaps condensation
Well fellow Canadian (Vancouver area here)... it is moisture on the inside of the car/truck. A couple days of just above zero wet rainy weather when you are sucking in cold wet air from outside as you run the defrost followed by a cold (sub-zero) night will get you frost on both sides of the windshield. It is really quite annoying... scrape the windows while the car warms up and then get in to find the windshield dripping on the dash as the frost inside melts.
Vancouver is the only part of Canada I've experienced the double frost problem and I've lived in the Yukon, Winterpeg and Nova Scotia...
Don't like the first Motorhome either - why? Well, I'd use it alone (yes: I am into being alone, no I don't hate people, I am just an introvert who needs his space and sharing a space that small? Yeah, recipe for me going ballistic!) so I don't need a table that sits 4 and I'd rather have a large bed in the back, than a lounge (can do that on the bed!)!
Hm...Pop-Tops also sound like a disaster IMHO, especially since they let all the noise in and in bad weather they probably aren't super great either!
Coach-Build? Ok, first I heard them being called that (we in Germany don't have an extra name, all of these are called "Wohnmobil" (so mobile home))...but I hat their doors! You pay a premium for them and then they give you a door you can't pass while carrying stuff or dresse for bad weather...seriously! Proper doors please! Not to mention that they often use very cheap materials (prefer self built actually!)