I'm now 110,000 pounds in to my t6.1 204 dsg lwb highline swamper kombi camper, I absolutely love my van .we have covered almost 30,000 miles in 2 years of ownership. We bought a transporter as they drive great and can double up as a daily driver. We have been to Europe twice ,have done the North coast 500 twice, two trips to Ireland and more trips to Dorset and Cornwall than I can remember. Having the ability to load up the van Friday morning and have a long weekend away. We used to go camping for many years and a little spell with a brand new tear drop caravan. But it was the camper van that we always longed for .after saving for a good few years I decided to sell my bmw daily driver and my classic ford sierra cosworth. We bought our van outright. We have embraced dub life ,the festival's, the events the destinations we have stayed and the friends we have made along the way are priceless. We could have a much cheaper van and it would have been still fantastic, but we bought our van from Van Haven and had the best possible vehicle we could have ever dreamed of . I wouldn't be without our van now the 5star hotels we used to stay in are now a thing of the past. We love are van life lifestyle and won't be giving it up any time soon 🤟👍
That’s the right way to do it. Lots of great experiences. Such freedom and you can find places you didn’t know existed. Let me know next time you’re down this way. Would be good to chat about your Van and experiences
I’m about £74000 in on my T6.1 and I’m just hanging on to My bmw but thinking that it may have to go and I just keep the van! I feel better now thanks 😂
@StaycationLifestyle that would be fantastic, I'm off to Ireland again in 14 days time for my 50th birthday than the morning after we get back I'm dropping the van back to van haven for a full refit of the interior we have had the van in its current guse and feel we need to mix it up a bit and make it that little more user friendly. We have spoken before but I'm great with faces but unless with names ,I'm shane Waller. I'd be more than happy to let you see the van.once it's had its refresh I don't mind popping along. Where are you based
@@shanewaller2864 I’m hoping to head over there at some point later this year. We have spoken before, about your Cossie, but never met in person. We could do a “campervan conversation” if you like. Finally got one of those for next weeks video
Im afraid you are acting as an apologist for the price-gouging by insurance companies, big retailers and anyone who thinks the public won't notice an extra 5 or 10% here and there because "everything is getting more expensive" and its quite distasteful. We are witnessing the largest transfer of wealth from the poor and middle class to the rich in modern times. No sector of consumerism is immune from it. The reason that vans are still selling well is because the influencers have taken over the asylum, but many people are squeezed out at the bottom end because it is vastly more expensive than it used to be. Its not just campervan holidays that these people aren't taking, its any damn holiday at all. If you have the money to burn, all power to you. But please dont stand there and say it is good value for money anymore.
I've got a Nissan NV200 conversion which cost me £13k. I've had it for 2 years and spent 70 nights away in France / UK last year and approaching the same this year - Use it !!
We bought a 2016 fully converted camper van the start of 2022, not from the most highly rated conversion company's however never had any issues. To date been away 66 nights and loving it. Everyone we know who went for brand new £70,000 plus have been away about twice each year, to us it was a dream and a dream we will keep on living
What you say may be true, but there is no causal link - they don't use their campers less because they paid more and you don't use your camper more because you paid less. It's a just a lifestyle choice that some take to and some don't - no bragging rights accrue for spending more or for spending less.
The one thing I will say about this is Leccy prices, if you've been to a metered site then you'll know that wee vans are getting ripped off apart from that good vlog ma man 😊
If I had £100,000 cash.... I would be off to my farm overseas! I found van prices way outside my budget. So I purchased a low mileage 5t Mercedes school bus. I converted myself, following all the codes and registering it properly. It has done everything we could need. Fixed bed, shower, kitchen, heating. I personally found insurance and road tax cheaper than my 15yr old car.
It’s the first week of having a T6 conversion for us. Family of 4 with 2 kids and a dog and we are looking forward to the adventures. Very much a newbie to everything relating to campsites and overnight stays but we are living in Wiltshire and are excited to continue to visit Devon and Cornwall but this time without 4 walls. Your videos have been really great for advice and knowledge so thanks for the inspiration 👊🏻😎
Very pleased to have helped. There are so many great places to visit for fun adventures with children. The North Coast of Cornwall is great for dogs, there are only a few beaches they aren’t allowed on
Totally agree with your point of view. My van is my daily driver. So it never stands idle. Ive had 32 days away so far this Yr. At an average of £24 night. Would have been below £20 were it not for a week at half term in Cornwall. But as you say. It's the lifestyle which I enjoy the most. Can't remember if mentioned in previous comments why I'm Campervaning. I use to have a caravan on seasonal pitch in Peak District for 10yrs. But my wife sadly passed away 3yrs ago. So decided to change to Campervan. Also I've now joined club for singles for camping. Which has been really good for me. I'm 80 this yr & really enjoying the life style. Can go away at moments notice. Like last week. Weather forecast was good. So went to Aldeburgh Suffolk & enjoyed it
The problem with campsites being too expensive is that many years ago site owners started turning them into holiday camps providing hotel level facilities at hotel prices. Years ago you could camp in a field with a tap and a toilet quite cheaply. Then more and more of them started adding swimming pools, shower blocks, shops, restaurants, kids areas etc. Nothing wrong with those things but we've now reached a point where you HAVE to pay big money because so many campsites have all that stuff whether you want it or not. Fields with a tap and a toilet no longer exist because greedy camp owners have "developed" them all and of us who don't want or need those expensive things have nowhere else to go unless we want to wild park and risk having to move at 3am when someone knocks angrily on the door shouting "gedd off moi larnd" with shotgun in hand. Nice holiday!
@@Springer5 I totally understand that perspective and there are still fields as you describe, you don’t see them advertised like the others. Admittedly there are far fewer, which are much harder to find. However another viewpoint is that they needed to evolve. Campsite A built a pool so everyone went there and didn’t bother with campsite B, which then led to B also building a swimming etc etc. The problem now, is that some sites are preferring statics to touring and reducing the number of pitches available.
@StaycationLifestyle I agree. Campsite owners just followed the market which is what they're in business to do. But it still means that gradually everything is going further and further down the "pay nore to get more whether you want it or not" route every year which, as per your video topic , does make "camping" (holiday complex in a field) too expensive for many. In the end that's all that matters because it's bad for the future of the "lifestyle". I also agree that there are some "old style" simple sites around but because they are so hard to find it makes them virtually pointless unless you either hear about one by word of mouth or stumble across one by accident. Again, not conducive to attracting people to the lifestyle. By the time they've finished adding statics, then maybe a small multiplex cinema, a maid service for your laundry and god knows what else it won't just cost the same as a hotel it will be more or less the same lifestyle as well. The only alternative is to wild park and there are plenty of videos out there showing how unpleasant an experience that can potentially be. Is van camping dead? I think maybe 5-10 years from now only 2 kinds of people will be doing it... - rich people in campsites ( holiday villages) - people with no regard for their own, of their family's, safety in laybys and carparks sleeping badly while waiting nervously for drugged up yobs to turn up at 3am and set fire to their van with them inside it. Yes. Camping is dying as I see it. It's not there yet but it's on its way. For the average non rich or non danger loving person anyway. As overpriced campsites push more people into laybys and incidences of attacks increase eventually the govt will be delighted to put a stop to it all. They've already upgraded trespassing from civil to criminal offence. They'd be delighted to make it a safety issue and chuck us all off one and for all. It's very sad.
Been watching your videos since they started and enjoyed everyone, now im a proud owner of a t6.1 kombi and love it and cant wait to start the outdoor life 😊. Could you recommend a good owners club ?
Congratulations, perfect for enjoying the lifestyle. Have a look on Facebook for local groups in your area. They will often have events and meet ups. Also join the FB groups such as Dubbed Out Community, VW T6.1 Forum, VW Transporter Owners Club
I'm a caravanner and enjoy your videos, lots of crossover topic of information. I'm not sure I follow your point in this video. Are you saying it is affordable providing you compromise on everything? Like, your budget used to get you 4/5 star accommodation and you become accustom to that level but now that budget will get you 2/3 star so like it or lump it?
Thank you. I was trying to say a few points. 1. Some people have been saying, you can stay in hotels for the money spent on campervans etc. So my point was, it’s a lifestyle choice, people choose the outdoor lifestyle. It’s not about holidaying cheaply. 2. You can buy cheaper vans and still experience the same things 3. Campsites are generally pay for what you get. You can spend £5 for somewhere to park. £10-15 for somewhere with showers and toilets and for the better facilities you will pay more. Referencing hotels in the fact that a hotel with better facilities will cost more.
@@StaycationLifestyle Agree to a point, cheaper vans = more risk of problems generally as they're likely to be older or higher mileage (same as with cars). I don't necessarily think its hotels vs camping as that's always been a comparison and both have increased in price in recent years and have always been priced on quality/facilities/location. I think people question whether their is enough value in doing either due to increased cost. Although affordability is absolutely a factor I think the bigger question is whether its worth it or not as your money doesn't go as far as it used to therefore you have to either pony up or compromise on quality. That stretches to all aspects of spending nowadays and its this decision where potential new buyers will go 'I can't justify spending on what I want (even if they have the money) but I also don't want an old vehicle that at a higher risk of problems'. And existing owners will go 'I'm used to a certain standard of site but that's more expensive now, is it worth the extra, but I want more than a field with no facilities'.
We run a 1978 VW t2 broke down once ..I have been doing van life for fifteen years never use campsites..before apps came along like park for the night I would use a map to find parking spots ..now we have solar panels every thing works if grid .I have to admit If I had to use campsites I would probably hardly use the van
Lets be real, its all a value proposition. If you value staying in a camper over a hotel then youll pay extra for that. The problem is (IMO) that for years campsites became popular amongst the middle class, pushing up prices and sites and campers catering more to that market. Now that has ebbed away with those going abroad more again and favouring hotels and it seems the industry has alienated its core market. The sites might have more facilities but there isnt a collective willing to pay that anymore. Your argument about buying a ferrari is bogus. Most people who buy ferraris are rich to the point the money means little to them. If you give 100k to a random person basically none of them will buy a ferrari. And in any case noone is getting a free 100k, so they make more considered choices with what to do with their money. The higher the costs of campers and operating it the less of them will choose to spend it on that. Thats not complicated. We all make that choice at some level, unless you're perhaps rich enough to buy a ferrari.
@@grahampitt8882 Campsites evolved, as a campsite improves facilities so does its competitor to keep up. Unfortunately that’s what has happened and is continuing to do so, with some sites favouring static homes and reducing or removing touring pitches. There are still cheap places to stay, but their marketing isn’t like the other sites so are harder to find. The point of the Ferrari (ok bad choice) was essentially saying we all make different choices and was a direct response to “you can stay in hotels for that” which of course you can, but people choose the lifestyle. I do understand exactly what you mean
I have seen a lot of decent T5 models (from 2014 to 2022) at good prices, but been sat for months and prices reduced. I don't think the market is as good as some are saying.
A lot are advertised at over inflated prices, even with the discounts. Good vans are selling. A Cali with low mileage was advertised last week, I enquired (out of interest) and it sold very quickly with lots of enquiries. And that was a 6year old van over £50k. The California Ocean has always held value very well
The only possible way that it is cheaper to holiday in a new caravan, motorhome or campervan, is if you can spread the cost over may uses to divide the substantial capital costs, which sum up to much more than the vehicles themselves. If you are retired or have regular assured breaks, then yes it may be financially advantageous but if you are a younger working person, only able to use the liesure vehicle on the 25 holidays a year you get, plus a few bank holidays, then no, it is much cheaper to jet off to Spain or somewhere abroad, which has no capital costs. It is as simple as that.
With the NCC approved, how do you think this will affect the prices? In the sense that smaller businesses may not be able to produce the same conversion each time. There will probably be costs involved for them to register a certain model, and will it lower the monopoly pumping up prices etc . Cheers and great video.
It was a request for the NCC to do something, but the task would be a big one. Even the smaller reputable converters welcome a change. A lot of them are doing the job right. It would be different to the current approved status, which is only very limited models. It would be complex as there would be different aspects. A criteria could be set out for new vans with specific requirements and procedures to follow, documentation to retain etc, but what about vans that have already been built? It’s not an easy project
When a very basic campsite, is charging as much to camp on a piece of grass , as it would cost on a monthly basis ,to rent a house in Manchester . Then someone taking the mick. Not to mention that, the guy with the house, as probably spent £250,000 on it , then as a tenant that wants you to repair and maintain it were to campsite owner as to cut the grass . And how many pitches does he have on that site. Know what I buy a campsite .
If I am in a field with no hookup the same as someone in a tent but it’s normally double the price. Electric hookup pitches are stupidly priced and now sites are trying to you to pay for electric on top. Am electric hookup pitch is the same price as a night in a premier inn! @@StaycationLifestyle
@@StaycationLifestyleI’d only was a toilet and showers, and looking around you can get them for 30 to 40 and for me hotels in the lakes are 120 so it’s a big saving, elsewhere there isn’t a big difference but I’m gonna stealth camp if it’s a nice area
I develop properties, land with planning permission is really difficult to get at a decent price, other land (which is useless if you want to live on it) is reasonable on pricing.
@@Mark-ec3lp hi you're right but my hope is to buy woodland close to home so i can build a cabin with permitted development and just enjoy the land not live on it. I believe the permitted overnights allowed is now 60 days in a year plus if its close enough to home you can be on your land from dawn til dusk 365 days a year. With all the convinience that a house offers theres no need to try and live on agricultural land or woodland when you can have both.
Blimey, who are you trying to kid? Anybody who buys a campervan or motorhome is indoctrinated / forced onto campsites who rip everybody off! Many offer just a car park or grass verge, no facilities for £20 a night! Get stuffed! A decent second hand van is £30000+ so who has the cash for that? You sound just like a double glazing salesman advertising for sponsers. Wild camping is despised by many people because it is free and greedy farmers and land owners do not like that. As for safety the DVLA are quite strict on conversions and garages follow that. A mass of information and guidelines are freely available. Another regulatory body is another rip off for campers. Yes van life can be very rewarding but you quickly learn to avoid the sharks trying to frighten you into spending money for their benefit not yours, you know what I mean!
Firstly, I do not have a single sponsor, maybe the NHS or the police would like to though, as alot I talk about is improving safety, removing potential dangers and helping people stay legal. As not everyone is aware. You say "garages follow that", well i can assure you, many DO NOT. The information maybe "available" but there are unfortunately a great number of vehicles that are built poorly, dangerous and in breach of regulations. This is a bigger problem than many know. There are plenty places to stay at less thatn £10 a night. There are loads of places with hot showers and toilets for not much more. There are also places with facilities like pubs, farm shops, etc that people can stay for free, sometimes even without eating there. In last Sundays video i showed a VW Transporter T5 whih someone had built a 2 berth camper for about £6k. They then made it 4 berth for an extra £700 and then some cosmetic changes too.
@@StaycationLifestyle Re read my post . Pubs for example let you stay if you buy a meal somewhere in the region of £30. I am afraid you are incorrect many places charge rip off prices and those with the facilities you quote can charge £35 per night, almost B+B prices.The Caravan club is continually being hammered over site charges and losing many members. There is a definte move to get all motorhomes/campervans on sites.Any advertising to facilitate that function I find repulsive. It is advertised as living free yet underhand moves are trying to contain it. The garage I use does safety checks as part of my MOT. As for many places to stay for less than £10 - name them. So the only safe vehicles are the ones you 'promote'. Your post pushs people to buy an expensive van and park it on a site. That is an appalling waste of money and is not freedom. I undestand your disapproval.
@@billmccarthy9689 Off the top of my head without looking it up, Praa Sands, Tintagel, King Arthur’s car park, all £10 or less. There are a few more in North Devon, Bude, Widemouth Bay. Strawberry Fields farm shop is free and you don’t need to purchase anything. There are pubs that you can just buy a drink. There are lots of cheap and free places. There are people who NEVER pay anything and stay I great locations. Unfortunately there are people within the campervan and motorhome community who don’t respect places, they litter and cause damage, THEY are the problem and spoiling it for others. How many RUclips videos are there of people being attacked in vans, people having bad experiences? The answer is more than there should be unfortunately. There are many many very good reputable converters, BUT unless any have NCC approval there is no guarantee the conversion is compliant. The crazy thing is, the NCC approved conversions are often cheaper than the tarted up poor conversions, so saying I’m pushing people to buy more expensive is far from true. I’m pushing people to make sure they carry out the relevant checks, make sure what they have has been built properly. Get a gas and electric check. Next week there is a video discussing that and over the next few months you will realise the perspective I’m coming from. And that will include some panel van converters. Regarding the MOT aspect. I spoke to 3 MOT stations last year and they said the amount of poorly fitted/incorrectly fitted seat beds was a lot. However as part of the MOT they would pass. I subscriber stopped me at the NEC last year and said following a video, they had their bed checked and it was indeed dangerous. Theirs was an expensive conversion. People can bury their heads all they like, but it’s a problem and it needs sorting.
@@StaycationLifestyle Firstly re-read your headline which attracted me to read it? I will not be reading anymore. 'I’m pushing people to buy more expensive is far from true.' your words. Re read the previous line. As a pensioner I have been motor homing for seven years and only had one 'harassment' moment as a 'beeping' motorist passed. I called in at the Tan House and was informed it was £10+ to sit on an adjacent road. I refused and found another nice park up further down the road, for free! Incidentally, the passing motorist came from the direction of the Tan House? Many motor homers, especially the elderly, fuelled by fear are being pushed into expensive vans and onto sites. That is not motor homing. Most voltage levels in vans are way below SELV so do not form any real safety problems except for complete idiots. Many litter louts are locals with carry outs from McDonalds, et al. The vast majority of 'vanners' are very respectful. In France recently I saw and recorded a convey of ten very expensive looking white vans being escorted from a very large c/p by the police. Never gave me a second look! This NCC sounds like another quango set on screwing the motorist again and you are championing them it seems. I am not burying my head in any sand at all but have it raised high on the lookout for people like you. Your words again 'they had their bed checked and it was indeed dangerous.'. You do not say why it was dangerous? This evokes fear in people which resonates throughout your blog. £100,000 on a van, no chance. As for sales I saw on line another you tuber walking down rows of vans for second hand sales none below £35,000 and they were not selling! The Government is doing its best to limit our freedoms and you are part of that it seems. In conclusion I would not buy a second hand car/van from you, no offence.
@@billmccarthy9689 I don’t sell vans 🤷🏻♂️ Never have. Maybe I shouldn’t care that people are being screwed over by cowboys, it doesn’t affect me, but somehow I do care. Maybe that why I give hundreds of hours a year doing charity work to help others. I think you have totally got the wrong end of the stick what I’m trying to do here. Maybe over the next few months (if you watch) you will understand. Even this Sundays video may help you understand more. The bed was dangerous because it was bolted through the chassis with no plates. The low voltage wiring is what causes most of the problems. I make no apology for championing the NCC. Perhaps look them up and understand the importance of them. I’m very surprised you haven’t heard of them, they having been the trade association for 85 years
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I'm now 110,000 pounds in to my t6.1 204 dsg lwb highline swamper kombi camper, I absolutely love my van .we have covered almost 30,000 miles in 2 years of ownership. We bought a transporter as they drive great and can double up as a daily driver. We have been to Europe twice ,have done the North coast 500 twice, two trips to Ireland and more trips to Dorset and Cornwall than I can remember. Having the ability to load up the van Friday morning and have a long weekend away. We used to go camping for many years and a little spell with a brand new tear drop caravan. But it was the camper van that we always longed for .after saving for a good few years I decided to sell my bmw daily driver and my classic ford sierra cosworth. We bought our van outright. We have embraced dub life ,the festival's, the events the destinations we have stayed and the friends we have made along the way are priceless. We could have a much cheaper van and it would have been still fantastic, but we bought our van from Van Haven and had the best possible vehicle we could have ever dreamed of . I wouldn't be without our van now the 5star hotels we used to stay in are now a thing of the past. We love are van life lifestyle and won't be giving it up any time soon 🤟👍
That’s the right way to do it. Lots of great experiences. Such freedom and you can find places you didn’t know existed.
Let me know next time you’re down this way. Would be good to chat about your Van and experiences
I’m about £74000 in on my T6.1 and I’m just hanging on to
My bmw but thinking that it may have to go and I just keep the van! I feel better now thanks 😂
@@jaysjourney365 🤣 Definitely keep the van if it’s a choice 😀
@StaycationLifestyle that would be fantastic, I'm off to Ireland again in 14 days time for my 50th birthday than the morning after we get back I'm dropping the van back to van haven for a full refit of the interior we have had the van in its current guse and feel we need to mix it up a bit and make it that little more user friendly. We have spoken before but I'm great with faces but unless with names ,I'm shane Waller. I'd be more than happy to let you see the van.once it's had its refresh I don't mind popping along. Where are you based
@@shanewaller2864 I’m hoping to head over there at some point later this year.
We have spoken before, about your Cossie, but never met in person.
We could do a “campervan conversation” if you like. Finally got one of those for next weeks video
Im afraid you are acting as an apologist for the price-gouging by insurance companies, big retailers and anyone who thinks the public won't notice an extra 5 or 10% here and there because "everything is getting more expensive" and its quite distasteful. We are witnessing the largest transfer of wealth from the poor and middle class to the rich in modern times. No sector of consumerism is immune from it. The reason that vans are still selling well is because the influencers have taken over the asylum, but many people are squeezed out at the bottom end because it is vastly more expensive than it used to be. Its not just campervan holidays that these people aren't taking, its any damn holiday at all. If you have the money to burn, all power to you. But please dont stand there and say it is good value for money anymore.
I've got a Nissan NV200 conversion which cost me £13k. I've had it for 2 years and spent 70 nights away in France / UK last year and approaching the same this year - Use it !!
We bought a 2016 fully converted camper van the start of 2022, not from the most highly rated conversion company's however never had any issues. To date been away 66 nights and loving it. Everyone we know who went for brand new £70,000 plus have been away about twice each year, to us it was a dream and a dream we will keep on living
Seems like you did it the right way. They obviously have the budget, but not the drive for the lifestyle.
What you say may be true, but there is no causal link - they don't use their campers less because they paid more and you don't use your camper more because you paid less. It's a just a lifestyle choice that some take to and some don't - no bragging rights accrue for spending more or for spending less.
The one thing I will say about this is Leccy prices, if you've been to a metered site then you'll know that wee vans are getting ripped off apart from that good vlog ma man 😊
If I had £100,000 cash.... I would be off to my farm overseas!
I found van prices way outside my budget. So I purchased a low mileage 5t Mercedes school bus. I converted myself, following all the codes and registering it properly. It has done everything we could need. Fixed bed, shower, kitchen, heating. I personally found insurance and road tax cheaper than my 15yr old car.
That’s brilliant. I love some of the conversions on the bigger vehicles, people have some great ideas
there is a place up in scotland that convert japanese imports, from £20k, and you can use some of them as daily drivers..
Absolutely, it isn’t as expensive as people think. Any budget can have a form of vanlife
It’s the first week of having a T6 conversion for us. Family of 4 with 2 kids and a dog and we are looking forward to the adventures.
Very much a newbie to everything relating to campsites and overnight stays but we are living in Wiltshire and are excited to continue to visit Devon and Cornwall but this time without 4 walls.
Your videos have been really great for advice and knowledge so thanks for the inspiration 👊🏻😎
Very pleased to have helped. There are so many great places to visit for fun adventures with children. The North Coast of Cornwall is great for dogs, there are only a few beaches they aren’t allowed on
Totally agree with your point of view.
My van is my daily driver. So it never stands idle.
Ive had 32 days away so far this Yr. At an average of £24 night. Would have been below £20 were it not for a week at half term in Cornwall.
But as you say. It's the lifestyle which I enjoy the most.
Can't remember if mentioned in previous comments why I'm Campervaning.
I use to have a caravan on seasonal pitch in Peak District for 10yrs. But my wife sadly passed away 3yrs ago. So decided to change to Campervan. Also I've now joined club for singles for camping. Which has been really good for me.
I'm 80 this yr & really enjoying the life style. Can go away at moments notice. Like last week. Weather forecast was good. So went to Aldeburgh Suffolk & enjoyed it
The problem with campsites being too expensive is that many years ago site owners started turning them into holiday camps providing hotel level facilities at hotel prices.
Years ago you could camp in a field with a tap and a toilet quite cheaply. Then more and more of them started adding swimming pools, shower blocks, shops, restaurants, kids areas etc.
Nothing wrong with those things but we've now reached a point where you HAVE to pay big money because so many campsites have all that stuff whether you want it or not.
Fields with a tap and a toilet no longer exist because greedy camp owners have "developed" them all and of us who don't want or need those expensive things have nowhere else to go unless we want to wild park and risk having to move at 3am when someone knocks angrily on the door shouting "gedd off moi larnd" with shotgun in hand. Nice holiday!
@@Springer5 I totally understand that perspective and there are still fields as you describe, you don’t see them advertised like the others. Admittedly there are far fewer, which are much harder to find.
However another viewpoint is that they needed to evolve. Campsite A built a pool so everyone went there and didn’t bother with campsite B, which then led to B also building a swimming etc etc.
The problem now, is that some sites are preferring statics to touring and reducing the number of pitches available.
@StaycationLifestyle I agree. Campsite owners just followed the market which is what they're in business to do. But it still means that gradually everything is going further and further down the "pay nore to get more whether you want it or not" route every year which, as per your video topic , does make "camping" (holiday complex in a field) too expensive for many. In the end that's all that matters because it's bad for the future of the "lifestyle".
I also agree that there are some "old style" simple sites around but because they are so hard to find it makes them virtually pointless unless you either hear about one by word of mouth or stumble across one by accident. Again, not conducive to attracting people to the lifestyle.
By the time they've finished adding statics, then maybe a small multiplex cinema, a maid service for your laundry and god knows what else it won't just cost the same as a hotel it will be more or less the same lifestyle as well.
The only alternative is to wild park and there are plenty of videos out there showing how unpleasant an experience that can potentially be.
Is van camping dead? I think maybe 5-10 years from now only 2 kinds of people will be doing it...
- rich people in campsites ( holiday villages)
- people with no regard for their own, of their family's, safety in laybys and carparks sleeping badly while waiting nervously for drugged up yobs to turn up at 3am and set fire to their van with them inside it.
Yes. Camping is dying as I see it. It's not there yet but it's on its way. For the average non rich or non danger loving person anyway. As overpriced campsites push more people into laybys and incidences of attacks increase eventually the govt will be delighted to put a stop to it all. They've already upgraded trespassing from civil to criminal offence. They'd be delighted to make it a safety issue and chuck us all off one and for all.
It's very sad.
The options we have are endless, stealth camp , campsites can be decent if you look around. Stay over night in a car park and shower in a local gym
Been watching your videos since they started and enjoyed everyone, now im a proud owner of a t6.1 kombi and love it and cant wait to start the outdoor life 😊. Could you recommend a good owners club ?
Congratulations, perfect for enjoying the lifestyle. Have a look on Facebook for local groups in your area. They will often have events and meet ups.
Also join the FB groups such as Dubbed Out Community, VW T6.1 Forum, VW Transporter Owners Club
I'm a caravanner and enjoy your videos, lots of crossover topic of information. I'm not sure I follow your point in this video. Are you saying it is affordable providing you compromise on everything? Like, your budget used to get you 4/5 star accommodation and you become accustom to that level but now that budget will get you 2/3 star so like it or lump it?
Thank you.
I was trying to say a few points.
1. Some people have been saying, you can stay in hotels for the money spent on campervans etc. So my point was, it’s a lifestyle choice, people choose the outdoor lifestyle. It’s not about holidaying cheaply.
2. You can buy cheaper vans and still experience the same things
3. Campsites are generally pay for what you get. You can spend £5 for somewhere to park. £10-15 for somewhere with showers and toilets and for the better facilities you will pay more. Referencing hotels in the fact that a hotel with better facilities will cost more.
@@StaycationLifestyle Agree to a point, cheaper vans = more risk of problems generally as they're likely to be older or higher mileage (same as with cars).
I don't necessarily think its hotels vs camping as that's always been a comparison and both have increased in price in recent years and have always been priced on quality/facilities/location. I think people question whether their is enough value in doing either due to increased cost.
Although affordability is absolutely a factor I think the bigger question is whether its worth it or not as your money doesn't go as far as it used to therefore you have to either pony up or compromise on quality.
That stretches to all aspects of spending nowadays and its this decision where potential new buyers will go 'I can't justify spending on what I want (even if they have the money) but I also don't want an old vehicle that at a higher risk of problems'. And existing owners will go 'I'm used to a certain standard of site but that's more expensive now, is it worth the extra, but I want more than a field with no facilities'.
We run a 1978 VW t2 broke down once ..I have been doing van life for fifteen years never use campsites..before apps came along like park for the night I would use a map to find parking spots ..now we have solar panels every thing works if grid .I have to admit If I had to use campsites I would probably hardly use the van
Lets be real, its all a value proposition. If you value staying in a camper over a hotel then youll pay extra for that. The problem is (IMO) that for years campsites became popular amongst the middle class, pushing up prices and sites and campers catering more to that market. Now that has ebbed away with those going abroad more again and favouring hotels and it seems the industry has alienated its core market. The sites might have more facilities but there isnt a collective willing to pay that anymore.
Your argument about buying a ferrari is bogus. Most people who buy ferraris are rich to the point the money means little to them. If you give 100k to a random person basically none of them will buy a ferrari. And in any case noone is getting a free 100k, so they make more considered choices with what to do with their money. The higher the costs of campers and operating it the less of them will choose to spend it on that. Thats not complicated. We all make that choice at some level, unless you're perhaps rich enough to buy a ferrari.
@@grahampitt8882 Campsites evolved, as a campsite improves facilities so does its competitor to keep up. Unfortunately that’s what has happened and is continuing to do so, with some sites favouring static homes and reducing or removing touring pitches.
There are still cheap places to stay, but their marketing isn’t like the other sites so are harder to find.
The point of the Ferrari (ok bad choice) was essentially saying we all make different choices and was a direct response to “you can stay in hotels for that” which of course you can, but people choose the lifestyle. I do understand exactly what you mean
I have seen a lot of decent T5 models (from 2014 to 2022) at good prices, but been sat for months and prices reduced. I don't think the market is as good as some are saying.
A lot are advertised at over inflated prices, even with the discounts. Good vans are selling.
A Cali with low mileage was advertised last week, I enquired (out of interest) and it sold very quickly with lots of enquiries. And that was a 6year old van over £50k.
The California Ocean has always held value very well
@@StaycationLifestyle Even so, prices (including 'bargains') are stupid for what you get.
@@Mark-ec3lp oh yes, it’s crazy money
The only possible way that it is cheaper to holiday in a new caravan, motorhome or campervan, is if you can spread the cost over may uses to divide the substantial capital costs, which sum up to much more than the vehicles themselves. If you are retired or have regular assured breaks, then yes it may be financially advantageous but if you are a younger working person, only able to use the liesure vehicle on the 25 holidays a year you get, plus a few bank holidays, then no, it is much cheaper to jet off to Spain or somewhere abroad, which has no capital costs. It is as simple as that.
Van prices are high but still selling because dealer are offering 10 year finance.
With the NCC approved, how do you think this will affect the prices? In the sense that smaller businesses may not be able to produce the same conversion each time. There will probably be costs involved for them to register a certain model, and will it lower the monopoly pumping up prices etc . Cheers and great video.
It was a request for the NCC to do something, but the task would be a big one. Even the smaller reputable converters welcome a change. A lot of them are doing the job right.
It would be different to the current approved status, which is only very limited models.
It would be complex as there would be different aspects. A criteria could be set out for new vans with specific requirements and procedures to follow, documentation to retain etc, but what about vans that have already been built?
It’s not an easy project
@@StaycationLifestyle 💯 it reminds me of when trailers no longer could be built by a guy in a garage over a few beers. 😆
When a very basic campsite, is charging as much to camp on a piece of grass , as it would cost on a monthly basis ,to rent a house in Manchester . Then someone taking the mick. Not to mention that, the guy with the house, as probably spent £250,000 on it , then as a tenant that wants you to repair and maintain it were to campsite owner as to cut the grass . And how many pitches does he have on that site. Know what I buy a campsite .
How much do you think is reasonable to charge for a pitch big enough for an awning, with toilets and showers provided?
Could you tell me which company in Barnsley you were referring to please that are approved? 🤞
Vanlife isn’t too expensive. Campsites are too expensive
Out of interest how much would you expect to pay for a campsite and what facilities would you expect?
If I am in a field with no hookup the same as someone in a tent but it’s normally double the price. Electric hookup pitches are stupidly priced and now sites are trying to you to pay for electric on top. Am electric hookup pitch is the same price as a night in a premier inn! @@StaycationLifestyle
@@StaycationLifestyleI’d only was a toilet and showers, and looking around you can get them for 30 to 40 and for me hotels in the lakes are 120 so it’s a big saving, elsewhere there isn’t a big difference but I’m gonna stealth camp if it’s a nice area
Buy a Porsche 911, an older one. Buy a T6.1 and go away every weekend
Good choice. Similar to me, but I’d be putting a deposit on the New California Ocean 😜
Thats easy, buy recreational land (edited)
Get planning on it and sell for a profit 😀
@@StaycationLifestyleI meant to say recreational land, land with planning permission or being likely to get it would be hard to flip for a profit.
I develop properties, land with planning permission is really difficult to get at a decent price, other land (which is useless if you want to live on it) is reasonable on pricing.
@@Mark-ec3lp hi you're right but my hope is to buy woodland close to home so i can build a cabin with permitted development and just enjoy the land not live on it.
I believe the permitted overnights allowed is now 60 days in a year plus if its close enough to home you can be on your land from dawn til dusk 365 days a year.
With all the convinience that a house offers theres no need to try and live on agricultural land or woodland when you can have both.
Blimey, who are you trying to kid? Anybody who buys a campervan or motorhome is indoctrinated / forced onto campsites who rip everybody off! Many offer just a car park or grass verge, no facilities for £20 a night! Get stuffed! A decent second hand van is £30000+ so who has the cash for that? You sound just like a double glazing salesman advertising for sponsers. Wild camping is despised by many people because it is free and greedy farmers and land owners do not like that. As for safety the DVLA are quite strict on conversions and garages follow that. A mass of information and guidelines are freely available. Another regulatory body is another rip off for campers. Yes van life can be very rewarding but you quickly learn to avoid the sharks trying to frighten you into spending money for their benefit not yours, you know what I mean!
Firstly, I do not have a single sponsor, maybe the NHS or the police would like to though, as alot I talk about is improving safety, removing potential dangers and helping people stay legal. As not everyone is aware.
You say "garages follow that", well i can assure you, many DO NOT. The information maybe "available" but there are unfortunately a great number of vehicles that are built poorly, dangerous and in breach of regulations. This is a bigger problem than many know.
There are plenty places to stay at less thatn £10 a night. There are loads of places with hot showers and toilets for not much more.
There are also places with facilities like pubs, farm shops, etc that people can stay for free, sometimes even without eating there.
In last Sundays video i showed a VW Transporter T5 whih someone had built a 2 berth camper for about £6k. They then made it 4 berth for an extra £700 and then some cosmetic changes too.
@@StaycationLifestyle Re read my post . Pubs for example let you stay if you buy a meal somewhere in the region of £30. I am afraid you are incorrect many places charge rip off prices and those with the facilities you quote can charge £35 per night, almost B+B prices.The Caravan club is continually being hammered over site charges and losing many members. There is a definte move to get all motorhomes/campervans on sites.Any advertising to facilitate that function I find repulsive. It is advertised as living free yet underhand moves are trying to contain it. The garage I use does safety checks as part of my MOT. As for many places to stay for less than £10 - name them. So the only safe vehicles are the ones you 'promote'. Your post pushs people to buy an expensive van and park it on a site. That is an appalling waste of money and is not freedom. I undestand your disapproval.
@@billmccarthy9689 Off the top of my head without looking it up, Praa Sands, Tintagel, King Arthur’s car park, all £10 or less. There are a few more in North Devon, Bude, Widemouth Bay.
Strawberry Fields farm shop is free and you don’t need to purchase anything. There are pubs that you can just buy a drink.
There are lots of cheap and free places. There are people who NEVER pay anything and stay I great locations.
Unfortunately there are people within the campervan and motorhome community who don’t respect places, they litter and cause damage, THEY are the problem and spoiling it for others.
How many RUclips videos are there of people being attacked in vans, people having bad experiences? The answer is more than there should be unfortunately.
There are many many very good reputable converters, BUT unless any have NCC approval there is no guarantee the conversion is compliant.
The crazy thing is, the NCC approved conversions are often cheaper than the tarted up poor conversions, so saying I’m pushing people to buy more expensive is far from true. I’m pushing people to make sure they carry out the relevant checks, make sure what they have has been built properly. Get a gas and electric check.
Next week there is a video discussing that and over the next few months you will realise the perspective I’m coming from.
And that will include some panel van converters.
Regarding the MOT aspect. I spoke to 3 MOT stations last year and they said the amount of poorly fitted/incorrectly fitted seat beds was a lot. However as part of the MOT they would pass.
I subscriber stopped me at the NEC last year and said following a video, they had their bed checked and it was indeed dangerous. Theirs was an expensive conversion.
People can bury their heads all they like, but it’s a problem and it needs sorting.
@@StaycationLifestyle Firstly re-read your headline which attracted me to read it? I will not be reading anymore.
'I’m pushing people to buy more expensive is far from true.' your words. Re read the previous line.
As a pensioner I have been motor homing for seven years and only had one 'harassment' moment as a 'beeping' motorist passed. I called in at the Tan House and was informed it was £10+ to sit on an adjacent road. I refused and found another nice park up further down the road, for free! Incidentally, the passing motorist came from the direction of the Tan House? Many motor homers, especially the elderly, fuelled by fear are being pushed into expensive vans and onto sites. That is not motor homing. Most voltage levels in vans are way below SELV so do not form any real safety problems except for complete idiots. Many litter louts are locals with carry outs from McDonalds, et al. The vast majority of 'vanners' are very respectful. In France recently I saw and recorded a convey of ten very expensive looking white vans being escorted from a very large c/p by the police. Never gave me a second look! This NCC sounds like another quango set on screwing the motorist again and you are championing them it seems.
I am not burying my head in any sand at all but have it raised high on the lookout for people like you.
Your words again 'they had their bed checked and it was indeed dangerous.'. You do not say why it was dangerous? This evokes fear in people which resonates throughout your blog. £100,000 on a van, no chance. As for sales I saw on line another you tuber walking down rows of vans for second hand sales none below £35,000 and they were not selling!
The Government is doing its best to limit our freedoms and you are part of that it seems.
In conclusion I would not buy a second hand car/van from you, no offence.
@@billmccarthy9689 I don’t sell vans 🤷🏻♂️ Never have. Maybe I shouldn’t care that people are being screwed over by cowboys, it doesn’t affect me, but somehow I do care. Maybe that why I give hundreds of hours a year doing charity work to help others.
I think you have totally got the wrong end of the stick what I’m trying to do here. Maybe over the next few months (if you watch) you will understand. Even this Sundays video may help you understand more.
The bed was dangerous because it was bolted through the chassis with no plates.
The low voltage wiring is what causes most of the problems.
I make no apology for championing the NCC. Perhaps look them up and understand the importance of them. I’m very surprised you haven’t heard of them, they having been the trade association for 85 years
What a load of rubbish