kelbee Gee this is so great to hear and really motivates me to carry on! Thank you. I've just been at the VidCon expo which is about RUclips videos and looking forward to using what I've learnt to keep improving :)
The best gas toaster is a four sided S/S pyramid available from Marine stores. You need an AGM Deep Cycle battery with a 5Amp solar charger otherwise you will fry your battery. You also need a special laptop PSU which plugs into a lighter socket and you adjust the current and voltage to your laptop. (From eBay). BTW> Better than a mirror, two reversing camera's; One that points down to the ball ad the other facing backwards. We have also installed LED reversing/work light on top of the rear of the car.
Thank you for this - it's been a big learning curve! I've gotten use to the grill for toast... eventually. I've recently upgraded my batteries with 390ah AGM Deep Cycle batteries and am pretty happy with them! Bette for charging those bigger items like the laptop. I am considering reversing cameras... its on my 'one day wish list' :)
BTW> All these things are cheap to buy but expensive if you need someone else to do it for you. The reversing camera's should be WIFI otherwise there's too much difficult wiring to be done to get the cables from the back to the front where your screen will be. You can also get ones that attach to your rear vision mirror and come on as soon as you engage reverse. BTW, I would cook outside and stop stinking up the inside of your van.
I have so much respect for this, I don't think I would ever be able to live like this. I guess I'd get used to it eventually? Who knows, but seriously, it's incredible.
Study Hard Travel Smart best way to live debt free and have time for yourself and family. Life like this can cost $300-$400 by self including everything. You'll need +$1000 to live a normal life in city.
Hi K. We use a Honda 2 Killowatt Invertor generator when we are off grid I is run for 5 hours in the evening and runs quietly. It will run for 15 hours on 4.5 litres of petrol. of course for heating and the fridge we use the Gas and water heating.
Ok, it has been 2 years since you posted this so I'm sure you have learned to ration your fresh water better and to make sure you are parked where the sun will shine on your solar panels. Good luck in the future. Personally I think you worry about your battery too much. My battery charge controller says my battery goes down to 60% almost daily and I don't worry about it.
Woah! I discovered a brand new way of exploring NZ all thanks to you, Karen! Great job explaining everything detail. Also, thanks for writing the costs as well! :P
Great to hear! I'd recommend a self contained van for exploring NZ. The easiest way to explore the country and because it's self contained, you can stay at some awesome places!
Really great overview of your trials... we've still yet to rent or stay in a caravan on one of our adventures, but we will eventually, so really great to hear your views, opinions and tips.
I know how you feel about staying in a campsite with no gate, I had that experience at the Mosgiel campground. The only site backed on to the local sports field with no fence.. rather uncomfortable!
Hi K, all kudos to you. I'm wanting to live a landlord FREE life in 2020 after 18 years renting in Otago and I've considered a caravan with my old SUV but don't have a huge stash of cash so could you ascertain as to how much outlay cash wise one would need to become a Freebird of the Kiwi Highway ? Just a rough ballpark ? I'm also considering a cheap section and finding SOME way of putting a dwelling on it but it's quite complicated with red tape and beuracracy. I've subbed to you and much gratitude, I'll go through all your videos to try and educate myself. Enjoy the rest of your week :)
Hi Steph - that's a great plan! My caravan cost $30k if that's helpful? Keep an eye on Trademe. I've considered land one day too, but it's not necessary straight away if you can find a few good campground options. Joining NZMCA will open up your campground options too! I've broken down a lot of my costs here: travellingk.com/cost-of-living-caravan-rv/ travellingk.com/how-much-does-living-in-a-caravan-cost/
It's not easy living off the grid. It looks like you've got a good handle on it to get started! You're doing awesome, and seeing this is great inspiration.
Great video sharing your experience during your roadtrip. Never owned or stayed in RV before. Looks like it certainly has some advantages and it would be nice to try it out for my family.
Your camp toaster is great once you get the hang of it😊 we toast two pieces of bread together one on top of each other and just toast both outsides then both insides that way your get two pieces of hot toast at the same time. Works a treat for our family of six 😊 we are about to head off around Australia with our new van (always camped but with tents) looking forward to being off grid too. Glad I have found your channel and love that your in NZ❤️ (
I'm still nervous about setting fire to the caravan, haha. That sounds like a great adventure and keen to hear how you find it! Where are you starting from?
Lol, totally understand😊 We have done a lot of off grid camping over the years with our 4 girls so fingers crossed for an easy transition. Looking forward to getting the hang of solar. Wasn't so keen on emptying the toilet cassette but now I have done it a few times and it's not so bad lol. Oh and we are leaving from Albany, Western Australia. We are on count down mode now😊
Yip, we tried homebrand napisan which is meant to be environmentally better, but worked out pretty quick its only good if your on the road and its sloshing around lol. We now use a chemical if staying a few days in one spot😊 I plan to document our trip via fb and RUclips mainly for family and friends spread all over Australia. I have a couple of videos up but nothing in the last little while as we have been super busy packing up our house and preparing to leave. Have been getting a few clips of things along the way so hoping once we finally get on the road I will have more time to edit. It's all completely new to me so learning as I go😊 I'm glad I found your channel I have now watched all you videos and love seeing NZ. I was born in New Plymouth but haven't been back in almost 11yrs.
11 years! I think it's time for a visit, haha. I'm glad you've enjoyed the channel and thank you for these tips. I would love to see your journey too. And keep filming the packing up part as it can be really interesting. Bus Life NZ shows it really well: ruclips.net/channel/UCn1UMQOumHKy2WIZKgYQK9g
Your doing great, well done. I know the struggles and live in mine full time with my son. Great honesty but what achievements when you overcome the obstacles 😊👌
Travelling K lol everyday is a learning. We just moved into Kamo Springs during the cold but did the freedom camping since December. Watching different RUclips vids on full-time living gives great tips and ideas. look forward to upcoming vids 😊
Solar power is the way to go for sure but i agree quite pricey to set up and maintain sometimes. Way to hang tuff though...good video as always...thanks again
@@TravellingK it maybe seems steep but just break it down to the individual peices like you are doing and it will become 2nd nature like walking. After all you didnt start out walking. You had to crawl 1st. Keep at it Girl. 👍🙂😉
Way too late for my suggestion...but I would get a reversing camera installed in a position where it can pick up your tow ball. My husband can hook our trailer up just using this, works really well.
Interesting video. So do you do this a lot yourself. Very cool how you have solar power. You seem very wise about this stuff, and I really enjoy watching.
I bought the caravan last October and am living and travelling in it as much as possible. It's been a huge learning curve with plenty to still figure out.
Just a thought but rather than having a container you have to carry could you not get an aquaroll so you can pull it along and would also hold much more water.
A wastemaster is great for grey water and you just wheel it to the disposal point . There is also a ledge to balance your toilet container when emptying it .
Running out of water seems to be the biggest problem you face! How long does the battery last if you stay off the gird? What if you had the electric heater on overnight?
Yes, water is an ongoing chore, haha. As I have solar panels, I should be able to stay off-grid indefinitely. The tricky part is staying in sunny places and being cautious on overcast days. The heater can run on gas or electric, but I prefer a hot water bottle at night!
If you have an inverter you can switch it off when you don´t need to use the power. The inverter take energy when its on. Take things that need charging with you and charge where you are. And in the car ofcource. Good luck, nice to find you. Don´t be scared life is to short :-D
Yes and before I lived in a tiny house on wheels with solar panel system so it took me awhile to understand to shut the inverter off in winter time when not needed :-D
Hi from french country. For max off secure , do you know HEOSAFE : additional lock for exterior door ? For a shower more powerfull, did you try a more powerfull pump and close some hole of your showerhead with glue ? See you later.
I hadn't heard of HEOSAFE! Thank you. The main problem with the shower is not being able to handle that amount of water with the tanks. Plus water starts to sit in the base after a while. I'm not sure it's designed for long showers *sigh*, oh well.
Hi and good morning ( in north of french near DUNKERQUE ) Have you verify if any bugs leave in the hose under the shower tray ? In generally the shower tray hose diameter is designe to be able to drain as the pump can give ! Keep us inform See you later.
Isn’t your car supposed to charge your caravan battery while driving? Normally the cable going from the car to the caravan should supply power to a booster or charger that tops up the battery and keeps your refrigerator running.
Hi John, I am a graphic designer and work online. Also starting to earn through Patreon too. This older video explains more: ruclips.net/video/bkHeCyTSVz0/видео.html
Random thought for you. Have you got a carbon monoxide alarm? If you don't I would recommend. We would have got poisoned without it. Guy put me onto your channel. :)
@@TravellingK I really love your videos. Thank you for replying. My partner and I are getting our first caravan next month and have been watching your videos learning loads along the way. 👍😁
Is it legal to own a gun in your camper or rv? I plan on moving there within a few years and will bring my AR15. I assume it is legal to carry since its a human right to protect ourselves and our family?
I'm not sure. New Zealand has a different set-up to America and mainly farmers or deer/boar hunters own guns. New Zealand is the type of place where the police only have tasers... pretty safe.
No you cannot carry an AR-15 rifle unless you hold an E grade gun license and you wouldnt be able to carry it in a campervan. If you shot someone entering your caravan in NZ you would be sent straight to prison.
It is if she’s not plugging into the power grid. She was only using power from a battery which was being charged by solar panels, hence she was off grid.
My daughter and I have been binge watching your videos and LOVE them! Please keep the videos coming as they are so informative and interesting.
kelbee Gee this is so great to hear and really motivates me to carry on! Thank you. I've just been at the VidCon expo which is about RUclips videos and looking forward to using what I've learnt to keep improving :)
The best gas toaster is a four sided S/S pyramid available from Marine stores. You need an AGM Deep Cycle battery with a 5Amp solar charger otherwise you will fry your battery. You also need a special laptop PSU which plugs into a lighter socket and you adjust the current and voltage to your laptop. (From eBay). BTW> Better than a mirror, two reversing camera's; One that points down to the ball ad the other facing backwards. We have also installed LED reversing/work light on top of the rear of the car.
Thank you for this - it's been a big learning curve! I've gotten use to the grill for toast... eventually. I've recently upgraded my batteries with 390ah AGM Deep Cycle batteries and am pretty happy with them! Bette for charging those bigger items like the laptop. I am considering reversing cameras... its on my 'one day wish list' :)
BTW> All these things are cheap to buy but expensive if you need someone else to do it for you. The reversing camera's should be WIFI otherwise there's too much difficult wiring to be done to get the cables from the back to the front where your screen will be. You can also get ones that attach to your rear vision mirror and come on as soon as you engage reverse. BTW, I would cook outside and stop stinking up the inside of your van.
As soon as I seen your toaster I bought one thank you again for the best vids on caravan life 😀
Oh that's great! I seriously set off the fire alarm too many times with it, haha
I have so much respect for this, I don't think I would ever be able to live like this. I guess I'd get used to it eventually? Who knows, but seriously, it's incredible.
Study Hard Travel Smart best way to live debt free and have time for yourself and family. Life like this can cost $300-$400 by self including everything. You'll need +$1000 to live a normal life in city.
Hi K. We use a Honda 2 Killowatt Invertor generator when we are off grid I is run for 5 hours in the evening and runs quietly. It will run for 15 hours on 4.5 litres of petrol. of course for heating and the fridge we use the Gas and water heating.
Generators do seem handy to have...
Nice description of how it all works, looks fun!
Ok, it has been 2 years since you posted this so I'm sure you have learned to ration your fresh water better and to make sure you are parked where the sun will shine on your solar panels. Good luck in the future. Personally I think you worry about your battery too much. My battery charge controller says my battery goes down to 60% almost daily and I don't worry about it.
Woah! I discovered a brand new way of exploring NZ all thanks to you, Karen! Great job explaining everything detail. Also, thanks for writing the costs as well! :P
Great to hear! I'd recommend a self contained van for exploring NZ. The easiest way to explore the country and because it's self contained, you can stay at some awesome places!
Really great overview of your trials... we've still yet to rent or stay in a caravan on one of our adventures, but we will eventually, so really great to hear your views, opinions and tips.
I know how you feel about staying in a campsite with no gate, I had that experience at the Mosgiel campground. The only site backed on to the local sports field with no fence.. rather uncomfortable!
Yes, it's for that peace of mind, isn't it. Well, I'll avoid the Mosgiel campground then, haha
Hi K, all kudos to you. I'm wanting to live a landlord FREE life in 2020 after 18 years renting in Otago and I've considered a caravan with my old SUV but don't have a huge stash of cash so could you ascertain as to how much outlay cash wise one would need to become a Freebird of the Kiwi Highway ? Just a rough ballpark ? I'm also considering a cheap section and finding SOME way of putting a dwelling on it but it's quite complicated with red tape and beuracracy. I've subbed to you and much gratitude, I'll go through all your videos to try and educate myself. Enjoy the rest of your week :)
Hi Steph - that's a great plan! My caravan cost $30k if that's helpful? Keep an eye on Trademe. I've considered land one day too, but it's not necessary straight away if you can find a few good campground options. Joining NZMCA will open up your campground options too! I've broken down a lot of my costs here:
travellingk.com/cost-of-living-caravan-rv/
travellingk.com/how-much-does-living-in-a-caravan-cost/
It's not easy living off the grid. It looks like you've got a good handle on it to get started! You're doing awesome, and seeing this is great inspiration.
Thank you! I'm slowly getting there. Plenty to learn!
This is really interesting and a really good rundown on living in a caravan. I'll be waiting for more of your caravan adventures! :-)
Great video sharing your experience during your roadtrip. Never owned or stayed in RV before. Looks like it certainly has some advantages and it would be nice to try it out for my family.
My caravan has 2 double beds, so large enough for a family! It's a fun way to travel :)
Good work on the NZMCA parkover's they are great! There are also some awesome cheap DoC sites that are cheap..
I happened to pass some amazing Doc sites today in the Coromandel! Altho the roads would be challenging while towing...
Seems like an adventure to stay off the grid. I am not sure how long i'd last so hats off to you!
I'm hoping it will get easier with practice, haha
Your camp toaster is great once you get the hang of it😊 we toast two pieces of bread together one on top of each other and just toast both outsides then both insides that way your get two pieces of hot toast at the same time. Works a treat for our family of six 😊 we are about to head off around Australia with our new van (always camped but with tents) looking forward to being off grid too. Glad I have found your channel and love that your in NZ❤️ (
I'm still nervous about setting fire to the caravan, haha. That sounds like a great adventure and keen to hear how you find it! Where are you starting from?
Lol, totally understand😊 We have done a lot of off grid camping over the years with our 4 girls so fingers crossed for an easy transition. Looking forward to getting the hang of solar. Wasn't so keen on emptying the toilet cassette but now I have done it a few times and it's not so bad lol. Oh and we are leaving from Albany, Western Australia. We are on count down mode now😊
Yeah, the toilet cassette chemicals really help, haha. Will you be documenting your trip? Or keep in touch as I'm curious to hear how you find it!
Yip, we tried homebrand napisan which is meant to be environmentally better, but worked out pretty quick its only good if your on the road and its sloshing around lol. We now use a chemical if staying a few days in one spot😊 I plan to document our trip via fb and RUclips mainly for family and friends spread all over Australia. I have a couple of videos up but nothing in the last little while as we have been super busy packing up our house and preparing to leave. Have been getting a few clips of things along the way so hoping once we finally get on the road I will have more time to edit. It's all completely new to me so learning as I go😊
I'm glad I found your channel I have now watched all you videos and love seeing NZ. I was born in New Plymouth but haven't been back in almost 11yrs.
11 years! I think it's time for a visit, haha. I'm glad you've enjoyed the channel and thank you for these tips.
I would love to see your journey too. And keep filming the packing up part as it can be really interesting. Bus Life NZ shows it really well: ruclips.net/channel/UCn1UMQOumHKy2WIZKgYQK9g
Your doing great, well done. I know the struggles and live in mine full time with my son. Great honesty but what achievements when you overcome the obstacles 😊👌
That's great to hear! Any tips you could pass on? haha
Travelling K lol everyday is a learning. We just moved into Kamo Springs during the cold but did the freedom camping since December. Watching different RUclips vids on full-time living gives great tips and ideas. look forward to upcoming vids 😊
Solar power is the way to go for sure but i agree quite pricey to set up and maintain sometimes. Way to hang tuff though...good video as always...thanks again
A steep learning curve!
@@TravellingK it maybe seems steep but just break it down to the individual peices like you are doing and it will become 2nd nature like walking. After all you didnt start out walking. You had to crawl 1st. Keep at it Girl. 👍🙂😉
Good info and honest showing some the downs as well as the ups. The weather looks like the UK.
Thank you! The weather really is similar to the UK, haha.
Been thinking about living like this for a while, interesting to see all the ins and outs. Also didn't realise oranges grow in NZ!!
Oh, that's great to hear! There's pros and cons, but I'm overall glad to be doing this... keeps life exciting!
Glad to hear to pros outweigh the cons :) It definitely seems more exciting than living in one place!
Way too late for my suggestion...but I would get a reversing camera installed in a position where it can pick up your tow ball. My husband can hook our trailer up just using this, works really well.
My loan car has a reversing camera and it’s been so so amazing for attaching the caravan 😍
Great video. I was under the impression Lead Acid batteries were OK going down to 50% on a regular basis.
I was told 20%, sometimes 25%. I've heard Lithium is fine to 60%?!
Interesting video. So do you do this a lot yourself. Very cool how you have solar power. You seem very wise about this stuff, and I really enjoy watching.
I bought the caravan last October and am living and travelling in it as much as possible. It's been a huge learning curve with plenty to still figure out.
Just a thought but rather than having a container you have to carry could you not get an aquaroll so you can pull it along and would also hold much more water.
I have an aquaroll already, which is perfect for campgrounds when there is a tap nearby.
A wastemaster is great for grey water and you just wheel it to the disposal point . There is also a ledge to balance your toilet container when emptying it .
Running out of water seems to be the biggest problem you face! How long does the battery last if you stay off the gird? What if you had the electric heater on overnight?
Yes, water is an ongoing chore, haha. As I have solar panels, I should be able to stay off-grid indefinitely. The tricky part is staying in sunny places and being cautious on overcast days. The heater can run on gas or electric, but I prefer a hot water bottle at night!
You looked genuinely scared in the beginning, but i'm sure as you get more experienced you'll enjoy these things as it goes along.
haha, maybe I need to show my enjoyment of this experience a little more!
milo (my dog) didnt like the fire allarm haha :)
If you have an inverter you can switch it off when you don´t need to use the power. The inverter take energy when its on. Take things that need charging with you and charge where you are. And in the car ofcource. Good luck, nice to find you. Don´t be scared life is to short :-D
I eventually learnt that the inverter must have been draining the power. I hadn't realised! Looks like you live in a motorhome? Great to see!
Yes and before I lived in a tiny house on wheels with solar panel system so it took me awhile to understand to shut the inverter off in winter time when not needed :-D
Hi from french country.
For max off secure , do you know HEOSAFE : additional lock for exterior door ?
For a shower more powerfull, did you try a more powerfull pump and close some hole of your showerhead with glue ?
See you later.
I hadn't heard of HEOSAFE! Thank you.
The main problem with the shower is not being able to handle that amount of water with the tanks. Plus water starts to sit in the base after a while. I'm not sure it's designed for long showers *sigh*, oh well.
Hi and good morning ( in north of french near DUNKERQUE )
Have you verify if any bugs leave in the hose under the shower tray ?
In generally the shower tray hose diameter is designe to be able to drain as the pump can give !
Keep us inform
See you later.
Isn’t your car supposed to charge your caravan battery while driving? Normally the cable going from the car to the caravan should supply power to a booster or charger that tops up the battery and keeps your refrigerator running.
It's something that you need to add to the caravan and car yourself. I actually JUST had this done and a video about it will appear soon :)
does your front door on a regular house have huge unclimable fences? you can get temporary ones for wildlife...
You are right - a fence really does nothing and it's all in the mind.
Hi, I admire you for doing what you do. I was hoping you could let me know how do you make an income to keep sustaining your life style please?
Hi John, I am a graphic designer and work online. Also starting to earn through Patreon too. This older video explains more: ruclips.net/video/bkHeCyTSVz0/видео.html
But a smaller tank fills up quiker than a larger one
Yes, but I'm not strong enough for a large tank😂
Random thought for you. Have you got a carbon monoxide alarm? If you don't I would recommend. We would have got poisoned without it.
Guy put me onto your channel. :)
You were nearly poisoned!! Ok, it's now on my 'to buy' list. Glad you made contact :)
Sounds like you need a generator for cloudy days when your off grid
I eventually got decent batteries that made all the difference :)
I love the content of your videos but the background music is really distracting from what your saying.
😞
The more I make these videos the quieter the music has become😀
@@TravellingK I really love your videos. Thank you for replying.
My partner and I are getting our first caravan next month and have been watching your videos learning loads along the way. 👍😁
Is it legal to own a gun in your camper or rv? I plan on moving there within a few years and will bring my AR15. I assume it is legal to carry since its a human right to protect ourselves and our family?
I'm not sure. New Zealand has a different set-up to America and mainly farmers or deer/boar hunters own guns. New Zealand is the type of place where the police only have tasers... pretty safe.
Andres Patino b
No you cannot carry an AR-15 rifle unless you hold an E grade gun license and you wouldnt be able to carry it in a campervan. If you shot someone entering your caravan in NZ you would be sent straight to prison.
It's not off grid living if your staying on sites is it!
It is if she’s not plugging into the power grid. She was only using power from a battery which was being charged by solar panels, hence she was off grid.