Biting Off More Than I Can Chew Overwhelmed by My Mercedes Vario Camper Conversion

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  • Опубликовано: 9 фев 2025
  • Ever feel like you’ve taken on a project that’s way bigger than you expected? That’s exactly where I’m at with my Mercedes Vario camper conversion. The size, the complexity-it's a LOT. In this video, I share the struggles, unexpected challenges, and moments of doubt that come with turning this beast into a home on wheels. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by a big build (or life in general), you’re not alone! Stick around for some laughs, lessons, and maybe a little inspiration to keep pushing forward.
    Electric Hot Pot that i used in this video amzn.to/4hph6mo
    Everything I use in my camper van is available in my Amazon Store www.amazon.co.... - remember, this is an affiliate link, so every purchase helps keep these awesome videos coming at no extra cost to you. Thank you!
    Beck's Channel / @sacredtraveller .
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    Tiny Home share this video with a RUclipsr friend:
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    DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description may be affiliate links. If you purchases a product with these links, I may receive a small commission. However, there is no additional charge to you. I appreciate your support! :)
    #vanlife #bigvansmallworld #CamperConversion #melsvanlife #melsvanworld #vanlifeuk

Комментарии • 87

  • @christopherboone5461
    @christopherboone5461 16 часов назад +5

    Nothing less than you deserve fella. Having done two vans I know what it takes and you are next level.
    Keep going and keep the videos coming.

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  16 часов назад

      Much appreciated thank you 🤙

    • @ilikejelly7890
      @ilikejelly7890 16 часов назад +1

      If something goes wrong in my van , your channel is the first I will look up to see how to fix something. Take care , I hope the channel continues to grow , you deserve the best. Michelle .

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  16 часов назад

      @@ilikejelly7890 thanks again for your positive feedback I really appreciate it let’s hope nothing goes wrong with your van 🫶🤙

    • @ilikejelly7890
      @ilikejelly7890 16 часов назад

      I learned how to fix my diesel heater from you and other bits and pieces. And you answered questions, really appreciate what you do and try to help others.

  • @markanthony2040
    @markanthony2040 16 часов назад +4

    Ahhhh right thanks for the reply mate, keep up the good work pal,..chin up, all your troubles will be a distant memory one day, be mindful of that, one day it will be Sun, Sea, and sand, and thoroughly enjoying your labour of love,.. ''love and peace''...🙏

  • @Defender200tdi
    @Defender200tdi 13 часов назад +1

    I had a co2 rifle. Bought it to teach my son to shot as they have no recoil. The downside is the power varies with the temperature meaning the point of aim changes almost every time you use it. They have been known to exceed the power limit on warm summer days. Remember to put a drop of ATF on the end of the capsules to stop the seals drying out and leaking all your co2. Had so much fun with it i ended up upgrading to HPA even bought a high pressure pump that runs of my leisure batteries to recharge it. Again no recoil and can group six shots in a spread the size of your thumb nail at 70 feet.

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  5 часов назад

      I just got a little corsman it’s so much fun 🤙

    • @Defender200tdi
      @Defender200tdi 3 часа назад

      @BigVanSmallWorld would that be the rat catcher with the skeleton stock? Nice and light.

  • @Shan-outnabout
    @Shan-outnabout 16 часов назад +3

    I have just bought a van and your videos are an inspiration and real informative. One day at a time Mel x

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  15 часов назад +1

      Thank you for the kind words and all the best for your new project 🫶🤙

  • @RiotRetroGaming
    @RiotRetroGaming 17 часов назад +3

    I feel for you bud. I've done it a few times.
    I did learn to work in one area at once and finish it if you can... it will be too much if you look at everything at once. ❤

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  17 часов назад +2

      Yeah I’m learning this over time to just do one thing at a time and then move on to the next 🤙

  • @christopherboone5461
    @christopherboone5461 17 часов назад +2

    Excellent video as ever. Keep going you are amazing. The build is looking marvellous and is a testament to your skill at fabrication and imagination and use of the available space.

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  17 часов назад

      That’s very kind of you to say thank you for your encouragement really appreciate it 🤙

  • @DianeNomadz
    @DianeNomadz 2 часа назад

    Now that you've set a goal you will get it done! ❤

  • @SACREDTRAVELLER
    @SACREDTRAVELLER 17 часов назад +3

    brilliant video babes. The van is coming along with all your hard work, even though its hard going in the winter xx

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  17 часов назад +1

      Thank you so much! It's definitely a challenge, but I'm excited to see how it all comes together! xx

    • @petersmith862
      @petersmith862 16 часов назад +1

      Keep going Mel, it’s going to be great when you finish it. Can’t wait for the finished article.

  • @GaryMon5050
    @GaryMon5050 10 часов назад +1

    Hi Mel
    You will get there 100% for your easter travels with Becky looking forward to it already, your videos are what I aspire to achieve but I do remember your earlier ones not as polish but still very enjoyable that why I subscribe way back when
    Cheers Gary and Mon 50/50

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  5 часов назад

      Thank you so much! Gary Mon really appreciate that you take the time to comment 🫶

  • @Flossy_tops
    @Flossy_tops 16 часов назад +5

    For what it’s worth here is my opinion… Because it’s taking so long the challenge of getting it finished is the issue inside your head. Like I keep saying and will keep on saying, concentrate on getting it finished for heavens sake … We are all desperate to see you off on your travels once again in your luxurious Vario… 😊

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  16 часов назад +3

      Thank you for sharing your thoughts I think you hit the nail on the head 🫶🤙

  • @dudeleboski2692
    @dudeleboski2692 15 часов назад +2

    I remember your 1st videos, when you didn’t like Power Tools. Now look at you!

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  13 часов назад +1

      Oh my goodness me thank you for sticking with me for so long 🫶🤙

  • @koningbolo4700
    @koningbolo4700 59 минут назад

    the best tip for those procrastinators who are having a hard time getting started: Do the hardest thing first before moving on... At the very least get started...

  • @johndulling8831
    @johndulling8831 13 часов назад +2

    Not trying to be rude but you have upped your game and quality now from all your previous builds even down to the tools you use now ,you used to say all we needed was very basic tools to build the carpentry furniture .That was fine using cheap cladding and tee hinges for doors so what im trying to to say is keep going press on as quality takes a lot longer 👍🏻

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  5 часов назад

      Thank you for the encouragement really appreciated 🫶🤙

  • @tonydean1262
    @tonydean1262 16 часов назад +2

    It's hard to get motivated after a break and having to move to a different location but im sure you will get the van finished before Easter

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  15 часов назад +2

      Thank you for the encouragement! It means a lot to have support while tackling this project. I’m hopeful that I’ll finish the van in time for some spring adventures!

  • @Myk9-training
    @Myk9-training 10 часов назад +1

    Great video, nice to see you jump back on the build but is is always hard when there is million of jobs to do where do you start 😂❤

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  5 часов назад

      Thank you I’m back on it now and hopefully make some progress 🤙

  • @dennischapman7944
    @dennischapman7944 14 часов назад +2

    It seems to be waffle on any day recently, Come on mel sort your head out. If yor hearts not in it , bin it. All the best.

  • @SimonWatson-nx1kt
    @SimonWatson-nx1kt 14 часов назад +1

    Lidl did a spray last week for Marden ... don't think many people realise it is a deterrent for pine martens as they do a lot of damage to car electrics in Bavaria/Austria ... may be worth a spray!

  • @markanthony2040
    @markanthony2040 16 часов назад +8

    Hi Mel, i have watched you since the very early days, and love your content, but just recently most of your stuff is members only, i subscribe to your channel already but there is a whole myriad of off grid material out there i don't want to be a member,...Why can we watch your build the normal way, or does it come down to money.

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  16 часов назад +1

      Membership is just a way for people to show there support and to be able to enjoy videos that I make that are not van related for instance if I release a video like me diving in the Maldives it wouldn’t get many views and that would damage my channel because RUclips would lesson my channels reach

    • @pw9062
      @pw9062 16 часов назад +2

      I’ve enjoyed the journey this far but time to go sorry Mel

  • @simonrichardson5203
    @simonrichardson5203 9 часов назад +1

    Spooky when you said you cashed in your private pension I was thinking what I am gonna do with mine i posted it off yesterday, take it now no point being drip fed it when older

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  5 часов назад

      Go for it! Just be careful of over paying tax as they may put it down as PAYE talk to an account 🤙

  • @campervandreams
    @campervandreams 17 часов назад +2

    Good job planning ahead 👍

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  17 часов назад

      Thanks! Planning is definitely key to making this conversion a success.

  • @Deiseboi
    @Deiseboi 13 часов назад +1

    Mel keep at it lad...regarding rat/mouse traps more the better i have them all over the house garden...average per week get 2/3 of the little devil's thats the joys of living in the countryside 😂....remember rome wasnt build in a day ...my van in getting loads done to it ie service brakes etc etc...god i miss it sleeping 5 nights aweek in my truck big difference with space.

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  5 часов назад +1

      Thank you for the positive encouragement really appreciated 🫶🤙

  • @vinnyOdea878
    @vinnyOdea878 2 часа назад +1

    Content a bit thin on the ground?

  • @mariogajewski6069
    @mariogajewski6069 16 часов назад +12

    Sorry to say your channel has lost its way.😢

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  16 часов назад

      I’m doing my best to keep it ticking over while I’m building out the vario what content do you prefer? I’d be genuinely interested

    • @petechatten-berry1865
      @petechatten-berry1865 15 часов назад

      I was thinking this but didn't want to comment, even though that is what the comment section is for.
      Hopefully things will get more interesting and build related now Mel has a goal in sight.

    • @mariogajewski6069
      @mariogajewski6069 14 часов назад +1

      You need to show you working on the van and show progress.
      Not what you are cooking or holidays.
      😮

    • @johnwebster2263
      @johnwebster2263 4 часа назад +1

      I agree, the interesting stuff has disappeared from the channel, to be replaced by a talking head style.

    • @captaincoxyboy
      @captaincoxyboy 9 минут назад

      Sorry to say I agree, each time we think Mel’s going to start on the build he finds a distraction, anything and everything except cracking on, sorry Mel, think the majority want to see the build getting done to be constructive, as a guess of course

  • @Miles-pg7gf
    @Miles-pg7gf 16 часов назад +1

    Hey mate that ply does look good 👍 good video mate 👍👍

  • @du7ch384
    @du7ch384 17 часов назад +3

    In the first shots, comments on how big the van is, Irronically channel name is Big Van.... 😮

  • @bettyourcampervan
    @bettyourcampervan 14 часов назад

    Its a labour of love Mel 👍 great video

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  13 часов назад

      It sure is thank you for the positive vibes 🤙

  • @jansweeney1333
    @jansweeney1333 15 часов назад

    👋Mel , I presume when you get the Vario finished or at least up n running ,you ll move into it full time….will you be selling your old home 🤔.? Another grt &informative video I see what you did to the unit at the back beside the water tank. That s also avoidable ( see what I did there - the wee space …avoidable 🤣🤣) have a grt wk 🫶🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Jan

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  5 часов назад +1

      When the vario is done I’ll be taking a break from work and have a little trip up to Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 than ill start working on my sprinter plans are to do a rebuild on it

    • @jansweeney1333
      @jansweeney1333 44 минуты назад

      @ ok ,that sounds interesting re working/refit of the sprinter but in the meantime looking forward to seeing the Vario done & you moved into it…have a good stress free wk. 🫶🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Jan

  • @paulbulbeck8623
    @paulbulbeck8623 16 часов назад +3

    Can I ask why do you need two vans ?

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  16 часов назад +1

      I live in the sprinter and I’m working on the vario once the vario is finished i will be moving into that and possibly refitting the sprinter and then I have to decide what one to keep I may decide to keep them both no reason why I can’t have as many vans as I like some people have more than one house a home and a holiday home I don’t have a house so why not have two vans? One for daily use and one for holiday and adventures 🫶🤙

  • @dudeleboski2692
    @dudeleboski2692 15 часов назад +1

    Mel, How many Watts does the Genny have Vs. the Track Saw?

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  5 часов назад

      It’s a little 2.8 but for some strange reason it won’t charge my Bluetti in the vario so I’m a little disappointed

  • @KennyRoberts-w3z
    @KennyRoberts-w3z 15 часов назад +5

    Come on Mel.......your Waffle Wednesdays are in danger of spreading out to "Everydays a Waffle day", I've followed you for ages but you seem to be wading through quicksand recently, maybe swallow your pride and ditch the Vario as you don't seem to have your heart in it anymore.

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  15 часов назад +1

      It’s all good I’m just getting back into the swing of things winter is always hard and slow 🫶🤙

    • @shaunyb87
      @shaunyb87 13 часов назад

      That was a bit strong lol. Iv made a few comment before but it does take time lol

  • @Grt234
    @Grt234 16 часов назад +2

    Mel get permission from the land owner before you start shooting,other wise it can be classed as armed tresspass.5 years minimum prison

  • @alanhesse2507
    @alanhesse2507 15 часов назад +2

    Wow Mel I do like your channel but stop waffling so much

  • @kevj1964
    @kevj1964 17 часов назад +3

    Easter you say, c’mon then crack on 🐣 😜

  • @germurphy4986
    @germurphy4986 14 часов назад +2

    Looking forward to progress on this build, but to be honest, padding out the video with cooking makes me turn it off immediately. Respect otherwise.

  • @garyholland5463
    @garyholland5463 15 часов назад

    Hi Mel, how do you keep in touch in Europe using the internet

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  5 часов назад

      I have 3 devices / mobile phone / Mobile Router/ Starlink.

  • @moz6616
    @moz6616 13 часов назад +2

    I don't think you want to finish it Mel you like your old van to much or have you moved into a house raffle it off cos it's not getting done what you post for a week is probably a hours work come on Mel pul your finger out

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  5 часов назад +1

      I know it only seems like I’m not doing much but trust me I work 12 to 15 hours a day it’s 6Am now and I’m already on my second coffee

  • @roygardiner4002
    @roygardiner4002 15 часов назад +1

    Air gun? or you could just finish the big beast behind you....

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  15 часов назад

      @@roygardiner4002 most definitely finishing the van is priority 🤙

  • @davidhughes7041
    @davidhughes7041 3 часа назад

    I agree awful.

  • @audibell
    @audibell 17 часов назад +2

    Try and convert a minibus

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  17 часов назад

      A minibus? That’s like saying, “Why not just build a mansion while you’re at it?” 😂

    • @audibell
      @audibell 17 часов назад +1

      @BigVanSmallWorld I don't like the vario Like the Mercedes-Benz sprinter

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  16 часов назад

      @audibell not to worry some people have no taste