You’re so right Colin, so many reasons that are positive. For me it has been a form of therapy whilst recovering from cancer and major surgery. We said for years that we’ll get one when we retire blah blah blah, then suddenly and unexpectedly life throws that curve ball at you and it’s time to reassess your lives and realise that actually sometimes you have to live for today. We went out and bought the best van that we could afford which I thought was bonkers having never spent so much money on a vehicle before, actually since then prices have gone through the roof. The conversion process has take a year or two and thoroughly enjoyed it being a practical person. I’m sure the van will never be finished but simply evolve with time. We’ve now got an exceptionally practical and comfortable vehicle to enjoy quality time and importantly for me a space I can manage my condition, thankfully the cancer is gone but has left me with a momento. Even days out or a sneaky nip out for a fish n chip tea has been totally transformed. My advice to everyone is that a camper is definitely a positive vehicle to own and enjoy. Convert a van in stages as you can afford, all you need is an airbed to begin with as your build progresses if you’re converting yourself. Sometimes in life it is better not to wait for tomorrow.
Nailed it bud 👌❤️I had a nervous breakdown 4 years ago . I didn’t leave the house until 6 months ago , my van is like my second safe place , it’s changed my life bud 🤙 x
Excellent reasons Colin. I can't get over the community you become a part of when you get a van, its just fantastic, especially when you're solo. The feeling of freedom a van brings too is just immense. 😀👍
NOTICE TO ALL POTENTIAL BUYERS:: Please adhere to one rule if you can.....LEAVE NO TRACE!! No rubbish, no toilet mess. Please don't be that person that spoils it for the rest of us because councils around the country are tightening up their rules and banning campervans left, right and center because of the inconsiderate few idiots. Apart from that...enjoy!
I cannot understand why people who enjoy sitting in a pristine field having a picnic would leave anything behind, there is always less to carry back than they took. I bet they would be the first to say oh let’s find another spot this one has trash everywhere Duh!
I agree with so many of your reasons. I have a micro camper that I’ve owned for a year. I care for my disabled son and go out in my little van whenever I can, to have respite and recharge my batteries. I can travel to wherever I want, wild camp or stay on-site, enjoy views from the back of the van with my feet up and the kettle on. In fact, making a cuppa in my little cosy home on wheels is my absolute favourite thing. Cuppa with a view even better. Owning my campervan has changed my life! X
Owned vw campervans for 18 years no car required new t6 project nearly finished open road again lovit .also get lengths of 3 by 2 in at timber yard keep up good work colin.
We pick up our first and new van on Monday. Talked about it for years. Now we’ve done it. Watching you and your family experiences and advice has been so helpful and informative. It’s all about confidence and you’ve really helped in us building this. Thank you. Good work!
Well said Colin. We bought a low mileage mk7 transit. Carpeted it, made bed and bench seat. No electrics or plumbing. Cheap utility tent for cooking, cheap tarp for awning ( when on a campsite). Bob's your uncle! We have as much fun as anyone else in our budget van. 😁
Weve got a citroen berlingo mini camper and now we are 60ish we like going to national trust places we get up in a morning if weather is pretty decent we just go and if it ends up being far away we just stay the night on a camp site somewhere we love it and ive got 2 below knee prospetics and we manage. Plus is nice to tinker about with it adding different things we keep getting loads of ideas when we meet people on campsites. Thankyou so much for the inspiration you give us . So get up and go.xxxx
Bought a VW panel van and started transforming it over time, 6 years in and it’s currently getting a pop roof fitted. Basically the vans are never finished and you keep adding to it. It’s a great investment and I have made loads of memories in that time and well worth the money!
VW T6 panel van converted to camper. Did most of it myself and it’s worth it in every way! It gives you amazing freedom to stay wherever you like for as long as you like. When other people have to drive their caravan home, we head off to the beach!
Decided to get one in March this year for the mid-life crisis😀, basically got it to enjoy more of the small amount of free time we get. And so far it’s living up to expectations. Started with an average 11 reg T5.1. And just keep adding bits, and replacing tired bits.Will get there in the end. Get enjoyment from knowing “I’ve Done That “. Was originally worried about the high mileage, but as long as it’s regularly serviced, Shouldn’t be a problem (kiss of death right there). Videos like yours yours and the wider community show that things can be done by the casual D.I.Y er ( but don’t come here for technical’s😉 ) so loads of tips and ideas to keep the costs down. All though the wallet takes a hit with all the gadgets.(eco flow, totalcool, etc. etc. ) but I do like my toys. Wish I/we bought this sooner.
I bought a T6 panel van 2 years ago and converted it myself…. I loved doing that and there is only a couple of things left to do but as ‘Hamish’ stands at the moment I can go camping tomorrow if I want…. I am a solo camper chick but that doesn’t put me off you meet so many nice people… I wouldn’t want to be without my van I love him so much… the freedom is amazing…. So to all those out there thinking of getting a van, like Colin said go get one you won’t regret it 😉👍🏻
This is a great video (making my way through them all). I've recently got a T6 and love it! You didnt mention there is always something more shiney and better to spend on your van 😂
I love our non VW van 💕. We use it more as a day van as we have 3 dogs and it isn’t so practical to sleep in it (because of the dogs - one is a big one!) however we can if we should need to, we have everything on board: water, loo shower. We stay in holiday cottages but love having the van to explore the area - stopping off for our cuppas, comfort breaks and enjoying the views. We used to have a VW pop top, but it wasn’t as practical for us as our current van, but I wish our current make had all the various bits of merch. that you can buy like all the Dubb stuff - having said that, it probably saves a whole lot of money 😆. Have a great summer - stay safe and well all of you - incl. Branston. 💕🐾
Excellent mate,we have just bought our first camper van in Sydney..Toyota Hiace looking forward to our trips away. I moved to Australia from Bradford in 1982.. cheers
Agree with all 10 Colin, we have a sticker on our Vans fridge which sums up how we felt after we’d got the Camper. “We have two lives, the second begins when we realise we only have one” That’s a good enough reason for us. Great video as always fella 👍🏻
Hi Colin, my wife and live in Spain. Our previous pueblo was up in the Andalucía mountains 600 metres above sea level - hence cold in the winter. Snow and ice even. The answer for us was to buy a camper-van and head down to the coast wild camping for 3-4 months at a time. Enjoyed it for years and years and really miss it. Obviously we travelled the length and breadth of France, Spain and Portugal. Gave our van to family when we actually moved to the coast. It really is a great life.
Crikey Colin you've sold it to me and I've already got one lol love your enthusiasm exciting stuff. My wife's like where we going next and she was the one who wasn't fully invested when I told her what I was doing...but yes life changing. Keep it up mate
I'm sold. Sorely on times, you said, "put the kettle on" and "having a wee 'anywhere'". 😅 But seriously, I'm in that position, undecided, got a couple of kids and want to make the most of the time they are still around. Working too much, and time is going by.
Iv always enjoyed camping, you get to go out with your family and meet other family's. Its memories for my kids and for us too. Iv been a camper for 18years, having the transporter has made my life so much more as we can go anywhere and use it daily! The big motor home was always parked up for the winter. Keep up the good work Colin ❤
ive a t6 now part converted at the min so back to sleeping on airbeds lol but like you say its the freedom and adventure the more people you meet doing this sort of stuff you more you find out about other places and events and theres nothing better than the looks you get when your parked on some ramdom car park with the kettle on lol loveing your blogs keep up the great work ps saw you at camperjam but didnt get to say hello but theres always a next time
We've got a Mitsubishi Delica swb 4x4 3.0v6 yeah a little thirsty but will get anywhere and we love it !! Keep up the good work absolutely love your videos 👍
Could not agree More we call are T5 LWB the Swiss Army knife vehicle. It’s used from everything from Family Holiday, Days out and even Dump runs to tip old rubbish would not be with out.
My wife just said, totally agree with being able to pee anywhere, apparently that was the game changer ;-). Seriously we bought our ‘camperWAV’ as it was much easier for us take a holiday with all my son’s medication, wheelchair, equipments, etc and be able to do it more frequently, whilsf also making his day wheelchair van. Love the versaility of these vans.
I had to finish work due to ill health in 2019 at 52. I didn't know what to do with myself. First thing, I got myself a dog. My MK2 Focus RS wasn't the ideal vehicle for going hiking and stuff....so......I weighed it up and just over 12 months ago, sold the RS and bought my T5. Getting a dog and a van were the 2 best things I've ever done. We use it mainly as a dayvan for our hiking adventures but we also go for the odd spontaneous night around North Wales 😁
On the topic of having a cuppa 'anywhere'. On Australia's A1 north of Adelaide, a B-double of poultry food pellets* overturned and blocked the major highway for about an hour ... while waiting I was able to put the kettle on and make coffees etc for umpteen people gathered to watch the cleanup and who brought their cups along ... it was quite the gathering. :) *police officer advised against trying to drive over the pellets "unless you fancy driving on marbles*
Lovely enthusiastic video Colin. We have had caravans motorhomes. But the last 4 years we have had the love of our life our T6 called Geoff. We are in our 60s and just enjoy our van totally . Off to France next month and lost count of the short breaks we have had in him. Having a camper van just opens up a world of freedom and fun highly recommend it if your thinking about it. You will how ever need to learn the V DUB dance when moving around cos room is limited but we have had so many laughs its great.
I just bought a van after watching your videos, we go on a family day out it usually costs us £250 plus and a lot of traveling, tiredness 4 hours there and 4 hours back, I have a 4 and 7 year old. Can't wait too just get out for half the price for a full weekend. This video is making me excited ❤
Love my campervan. I do have one issue. I cannot get away enough in it. Keep well Colin. Oh, can you recommend a tidy (not too expensive) mobile phone holder. I'm Welsh so really tight.
You’re so right on every count, we’ve never been so spontaneous and just at will to say let’s go as we have been since we bought ours before last Christmas. If we’d have done the travelling about and needed to stop anywhere it would have been far beyond what our pockets could achieve, yes we’re paying for the van but it’s not depreciating like most vehicles do while we’re out enjoying it. I love the moments of just stopping, putting the kettle on and just being. After a night catching up with friends just this weekend we ended up on the beach ….back to the van and made bacon baps for everyone …then decided to nip to another beach further down the coast and throw a lone in grabbing a load of mackerel for meals this week - and before we set off for home, a nice cuppa. Even the journey home we stopped to watch some meteors in the night sky and found loads of little pull ins to perhaps stop and be back at the same beaches in future. After years of not being there for family and being away with work, this is a little bit of a reset and I love it.
You are so right with your reasons. Brought ours earlier than planned, but allowed time to ‘learn’ about the camper….and ‘tinker’ (latest thing is using ChipEx….game-changer in my opinion). Work moved to hybrid working, so van becomes my office on certain days…..Skype calls with seagulls in the background is fun 😂. More mobile now with the fitted solar and soon to arrive, delayed EcoFlow Pro arriving Wednesday…. Bargain at £595!! I’ve found my love for photography again too. See you in Oct!
I love the phrase ‘Adventure Station’ , I like to think of the van as a Mobile Bed & Breakfast although I’m only doing continental breakfast in the summer 😎
I bought mine to support my photography work (sound familiar?!), and to enable me to go and do things more easily. My van supports not just my photography but all my interests. I've stayed in it in beautiful places, and in a hospital car park when a family member was terminally ill. Everything is on hand, comfortable, comforting, and familiar, wherever you are. I've made some great friends and the van helps me keep connected with them. I never thought I'd end up 'modifying' it, but well - wheels, electrics, solar, airbrushing.... EcoFlow Pro (your fault..). It was a great 'cafe' during Covid when I'd meet my 'bubble mate' to walk the dogs and then have coffee and cake after. Can just do a single night away or a much longer trip, and the van's always packed ready, just have to load food, clothes & camera gear and then away 40 minutes later. 😉🙂
100% agree. We bought our T6 and it’s like buying your forever home. We might change it at some point but we don’t ever expect to need to! Our youngest loves it - just taking a trip away, rain or shine, we love it!
Brilliant, ace video as always - all great reasons to make the most of every minute in the van. Just going into ours on the drive makes you feel you are on holiday, before you’ve started the engine. I love the idea of calling it an ‘Adventure Station’, as planning the interior for your own needs to is like Jenga, you have your very own Tardis. The advantage of a SWB means you can have your ‘hotel/office’ but park more or less anywhere and not be too visible. We downsized our LWB van to a Ford Nugget and the big rear kitchen with pop up height, plus a ladder to upper bed is so well designed. Have many more adventures together before Olivia goes her own way. Your videos are a delight, just the right touch of humour with solid Yorkshire practicality. (And the quiff!)
We have a lwb t6. We are sat in the awning chilling out watching u. Just one night away and all the convenience of just going wherever, when ever you want.
Yes 🙌 well said Colin another reason we love having our camper is the great group of friends we’ve made and still making more new friends all the time 🧡🫶🏻
You nailed it Colin. For me half the fun of owning our merc viano white pop top converted mpv is to tinker and try to make more space with tricks like you have shown on your vlogs. We just came back from 8 weeks on the continent. 5 countries and many miles. If people are debating camper over mobile home, think flexibility, most campers will drive like a car and fit in car parks and small parking spaces being under 1.8 metres high.
That's the Great thing about Vans , Family Time , and the Freedom to Have Spur of the Moment Adventures , so Important when the Children are Younger , I Enjoyed our Trips when the Children were Young .🙂
everything you have said, we spent 2 years trying to decide and they are ace. On a financial front we were all ready to look at buying one and paying monthly/ selling my car etc, but after some savvy advice we took equity out of the house, so got to buy out right, well worth thinking about if you have money in your house and are not planning on moving etc. As for reasons, we use it and spend more time together than we did before. shopping trips and me sitting with a bacon butty and a cuppa while the girls shop, kids doing sport and having a warm and dry place to get changed. to the obvious holidays and trips away. the last funny thing we have found is places like the national trust even have special parking areas for vans, so you can set up have a picnic instead of being penned in like the cars.
Dear Colin, have been watching your videos for the past year while waiting for our Cali to be delivered. You’ve definitely been a great inspiration to us and this is a great video for those who are thinking about it. Ours has just arrived on the drive, we love it for all the reasons you say and we’re raring to go now armed with plenty of “ Colin” tips! Hope we get to meet up sometime!
Superb reasons Colin. I got my first camper van which is a converted Citroen Dispatch in mid-July 2022. I've done a couple of single nights out in it doing a bit of wild camping and only last week spent three nights in a little village called Fairbourne on the Mid-Wales coast and I am loving it. Didn't want to leave but sat staring at the steering wheel for ten minutes and realised how many more adventures I will be able to have in it over the coming years and am already thinking of an over night somewhere this week. There are a couple of issues though with owning a camper van, one being I have seemed to have got an infliction, for some reason every time I see a camper van when I'm driving along in it I have started shouting out CAMPERVAN! 😳Secondly, there are just so many places to chose to go to.
Hi Colin can’t beat getting away for a night /weekend and just chilling feels like you’ve been away for a week . Had t5 , Mh & gone back to a Vline van .Happy Days
Wife and I have just acquired a 1996 Toyota Estima Emina, (think Previa), people carrier which has been standing for four years. I got it in exchange for some tree work. It looks pretty good, there is some welding to do at the back but nothing I can't tackle as I used to be a mechanic. I think I'll convert it fully to a camper but it would be possible to use it as it is because I'm told, the seats swivel around to make a bed. Looking forward to getting it home so I can go over it properly. Thank you Colin for this video, it has really fired me up to do this project.
I converted my own campervan like you. Pop top, cupboards, rocknroll bed and under mount water tank were made and/or fitted by 3rd parties, but the rest I did myself. Not a massive van being a Nissan NV200, but I have a soft spot for it.
Cracking video and reasons for a camper. I managed to get my T5.1 last year as my job changed to a shift pattern giving me 2 weeks off every 7 weeks. Got bored just sitting at home when everyone else was working. So use the van to get out with the camera further afield, visit friends and family just like you said. Best this I ever did.
I'm a Lancashire lad thats been adopted by Yorkshire friends so now "technically " a non poptop adopted Yerkshire vanner LOL...though thats not strictly true as Ive said on comments before. I loved the video and always loved the channel, but as Ive said before, solo camping is my problem. I'm still struggling to do a solo camp and not been out on my own yet. I'd love to find a "community" where people meet up like they do with Vdubs but mine is a vivaro. It would be so nice to know you're going to somewhere you know others are going to be so you dont feel alone. Ironically I only just got my van after six weeks when the ECU decided to die on me the very day I managed to pluck up the courage to do a solo bimble and spent six weeks pining for Viv-I-Van wishing I could be out in her....only now to have deep second thoughts about going some where and parking up on my own. I realise I'm dead lucky to have her to go away in but I'd love for folk to tell me how to get into the right mindset to use her. You seen so bubbly, and up for the challenge. I wish I could be the same way. Anyway. enough said. I love your channel and its content and cant wait for the next one. repect, Kenny
All the reasons to buy a van, look at the folk that you have met!! Two people who wander round campsites singing birthday greetings at all ours of the day. One thing you didn't mention was having a drink or two buying things off the net and then bidding on another van, I guess we have the option in which van to go off in!!! 2 Vans better than one?
Colin, you have covered all the advantages of a campervan comprehensively. I would just add that nowadays they are a very good investment, particularly a VW.
My first camper trip was in 1970 ( hired for a week), I have had a few since then and the latest is a transit custom pop-up. ( I have had transits for work vans) Now retired and in my seventies, there is nothing better than jumping in the camper and away for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks. My main problem is that my partner still works so most of the time I am solo,( some folks don't think it is a problem but a good thing) I AM NOT SAYING!!!!! Thanks for all your videos and ideas. Thanks for sharing. ATB
Well said Colin van life is all about making memories with family and friends carnt wait to get mine finished. It got 156000 k on the clock never had any problems with her 👍👍
Something I've noticed is that, even away from festivals, strangers will just start a conversation with you about the van as you're walking round a campsite or as they're walking past. They share stories and ask about places you've been, share tips and tricks. You don't get that much in a tent. Great conversation starter. Just be prepared to be chatting for a while 😂
I'm in the need a van but can't afford it camp. My husband runs his nerf events the other side of Leeds. There's nothing to do over there and him being unable to drive means I take him, drive back, drive back to get him and drive home again. It would be so useful to be able to drive over there and be able to work and entertain the small dude in his own space. I'd love to do rally's and festivals as well so the kids can just go off and I can just sit with a cuppa. I keep hoping for a lottery win!
My 22 year old movano self build I did about 5 years ago owes me about 3 grand, and it’s been a real asset to getting myself and the dogs out and about. I can’t see myself owning anything else.
City breaks, for instance York, the caravan and motorhome site is within walking distance from the centre. This as well as hotel price, you are also saving car parking costs for the duration of your stay. The biggest reason though is that it can change your life. I am retired and the wife has a very short week every other week. We can now afford to go away every other week, since we bought and had the van converted, which we couldn't afford to do in hotels.
I love my van hands down the best purchase every even the wife who really didn't want me to buy it lives it she is coming away with me tonight for the first time she has never even camped before 🙄Mine was bought with high milage 217k but drives like a dream had it in for service, cambelt and water pump mechanic said will last forever if you keep it serviced..
Had never thought about a camper till 4 years ago with in a space of a week I managed to get 6 points on my license ,so the red rocket an Audi RS4 Avant was sold then the wife decided that one boxer dog wasn't enough and got a second one.so I headed to Wales and bought a ex rac 63 plate 5.1 converted it and have never looked back we could not be with out it .
Great video again .. the biggest reason for me is the speed and convenience that you can turn up and enjoy where you are , like 3 mins to park up and go .. same when leaving .. takes 10mins to pack and go .. especially is the weather turns .. those poor people packing tents away in the wind and rain :/ No thanks … that’s my biggest reason :)
Yeah these are all the reasons I have my heart set on a T5 facelift or a T6 panelvan to convert on my drive. Am hoping to get one before I'm 50 (2030) but how? Just a massive wall of expense and unsurety even with your video on how much less it cost than buying an already made camper I can't find the cash or the potential base vehicle in Hudds or nearby. This is why, time and time again I say thanks Col for literally filming my aspirations. Thanks also for improving the taste of my coffee with the nice and spicy mug iii!
Great video Colin, all that excitement and adrenaline and the quiff never moved. Got myself a panel van t6, part sorted, goes in in two weeks to be completed and then wooohooo I’m on it, can’t wait.
We got ours because we love camping and its freedom and back to nature aspect .We are not 20 anymore and want the added comfort of a bed with a mattress and to be able to get dressed standing up. If you like the older vans and you are needing it for work in a city, check the ULEZ restrictions,for older vans ,once they are 40 years old they can be driven in the zone without penalty. Ours has a few years left till then.
I’m sold. Have been since the start of summer but can I find a van already converted for the spec I want and what I consider a good budget (and close to Manchester), can I heck. Keeping my eyes on DoC, auto trader daily. Anyhow. Another top vid Colin. Think you sold me this dream many moons ago.
I agree with the 5 reasons plus extra reasons. Haha. I just love mine. Best thing I have ever bought. Never ending spending though haha. I love the Freedom, the adventures, I have a toilet where ever I go haha. But main thing for me is I can take my dog with me and I don’t have worry about taking her, as most camp sites have dogs. So she can come with me all the time. And she loves the van. So even better haha.
Is it bad to say we escape the kids in ours? 😂 the drama of 7 girls and we need one night a week on the Northumberland coast. I’m surprised he hasn’t driven it off on his own lol great points though!
Thanks mate. were just about to pick up our first camper van after caravanning for many years. We have a labrador so just trying to figure out where to sleep him when he joins us on our adventures :)
Right i'm off to tell the Mrs you said i need a van...wish me luck
You’re so right Colin, so many reasons that are positive. For me it has been a form of therapy whilst recovering from cancer and major surgery. We said for years that we’ll get one when we retire blah blah blah, then suddenly and unexpectedly life throws that curve ball at you and it’s time to reassess your lives and realise that actually sometimes you have to live for today. We went out and bought the best van that we could afford which I thought was bonkers having never spent so much money on a vehicle before, actually since then prices have gone through the roof. The conversion process has take a year or two and thoroughly enjoyed it being a practical person. I’m sure the van will never be finished but simply evolve with time.
We’ve now got an exceptionally practical and comfortable vehicle to enjoy quality time and importantly for me a space I can manage my condition, thankfully the cancer is gone but has left me with a momento. Even days out or a sneaky nip out for a fish n chip tea has been totally transformed.
My advice to everyone is that a camper is definitely a positive vehicle to own and enjoy. Convert a van in stages as you can afford, all you need is an airbed to begin with as your build progresses if you’re converting yourself. Sometimes in life it is better not to wait for tomorrow.
Nailed it bud 👌❤️I had a nervous breakdown 4 years ago . I didn’t leave the house until 6 months ago , my van is like my second safe place , it’s changed my life bud 🤙 x
Excellent reasons Colin. I can't get over the community you become a part of when you get a van, its just fantastic, especially when you're solo. The feeling of freedom a van brings too is just immense. 😀👍
I am after buying a vw t6 camper for all them reasons it is brilliant 😃
NOTICE TO ALL POTENTIAL BUYERS:: Please adhere to one rule if you can.....LEAVE NO TRACE!! No rubbish, no toilet mess. Please don't be that person that spoils it for the rest of us because councils around the country are tightening up their rules and banning campervans left, right and center because of the inconsiderate few idiots. Apart from that...enjoy!
Absolutely, cracking advice... :)
I cannot understand why people who enjoy sitting in a pristine field having a picnic would leave anything behind, there is always less to carry back than they took. I bet they would be the first to say oh let’s find another spot this one has trash everywhere Duh!
I agree with so many of your reasons. I have a micro camper that I’ve owned for a year. I care for my disabled son and go out in my little van whenever I can, to have respite and recharge my batteries. I can travel to wherever I want, wild camp or stay on-site, enjoy views from the back of the van with my feet up and the kettle on. In fact, making a cuppa in my little cosy home on wheels is my absolute favourite thing. Cuppa with a view even better. Owning my campervan has changed my life! X
Owned vw campervans for 18 years no car required new t6 project nearly finished open road again lovit .also get lengths of 3 by 2 in at timber yard keep up good work colin.
We pick up our first and new van on Monday. Talked about it for years. Now we’ve done it. Watching you and your family experiences and advice has been so helpful and informative. It’s all about confidence and you’ve really helped in us building this. Thank you. Good work!
You'll love it. I'd never go back to a car now
Enjoy it dave you won't regret it.
Well said Colin. We bought a low mileage mk7 transit. Carpeted it, made bed and bench seat. No electrics or plumbing. Cheap utility tent for cooking, cheap tarp for awning ( when on a campsite). Bob's your uncle!
We have as much fun as anyone else in our budget van. 😁
Weve got a citroen berlingo mini camper and now we are 60ish we like going to national trust places we get up in a morning if weather is pretty decent we just go and if it ends up being far away we just stay the night on a camp site somewhere we love it and ive got 2 below knee prospetics and we manage. Plus is nice to tinker about with it adding different things we keep getting loads of ideas when we meet people on campsites. Thankyou so much for the inspiration you give us . So get up and go.xxxx
Bought a VW panel van and started transforming it over time, 6 years in and it’s currently getting a pop roof fitted. Basically the vans are never finished and you keep adding to it. It’s a great investment and I have made loads of memories in that time and well worth the money!
VW T6 panel van converted to camper. Did most of it myself and it’s worth it in every way! It gives you amazing freedom to stay wherever you like for as long as you like. When other people have to drive their caravan home, we head off to the beach!
Decided to get one in March this year for the mid-life crisis😀, basically got it to enjoy more of the small amount of free time we get. And so far it’s living up to expectations. Started with an average 11 reg T5.1. And just keep adding bits, and replacing tired bits.Will get there in the end. Get enjoyment from knowing “I’ve Done That “. Was originally worried about the high mileage, but as long as it’s regularly serviced, Shouldn’t be a problem (kiss of death right there). Videos like yours yours and the wider community show that things can be done by the casual D.I.Y er ( but don’t come here for technical’s😉 ) so loads of tips and ideas to keep the costs down. All though the wallet takes a hit with all the gadgets.(eco flow, totalcool, etc. etc. ) but I do like my toys. Wish I/we bought this sooner.
I bought a T6 panel van 2 years ago and converted it myself…. I loved doing that and there is only a couple of things left to do but as ‘Hamish’ stands at the moment I can go camping tomorrow if I want…. I am a solo camper chick but that doesn’t put me off you meet so many nice people… I wouldn’t want to be without my van I love him so much… the freedom is amazing…. So to all those out there thinking of getting a van, like Colin said go get one you won’t regret it 😉👍🏻
This is a great video (making my way through them all).
I've recently got a T6 and love it!
You didnt mention there is always something more shiney and better to spend on your van 😂
I love our non VW van 💕. We use it more as a day van as we have 3 dogs and it isn’t so practical to sleep in it (because of the dogs - one is a big one!) however we can if we should need to, we have everything on board: water, loo shower. We stay in holiday cottages but love having the van to explore the area - stopping off for our cuppas, comfort breaks and enjoying the views. We used to have a VW pop top, but it wasn’t as practical for us as our current van, but I wish our current make had all the various bits of merch. that you can buy like all the Dubb stuff - having said that, it probably saves a whole lot of money 😆. Have a great summer - stay safe and well all of you - incl. Branston. 💕🐾
Hi, for years always wanted a camper, and just got a lovely T6, so its all a learning curve, so your videos are invaluable, thanks.
Most importantly (can't believe Colin never had this as his number one choice) it's great for jumping in the back for a quicky 😂😂😂
Excellent mate,we have just bought our first camper van in Sydney..Toyota Hiace looking forward to our trips away. I moved to Australia from Bradford in 1982.. cheers
Agree with all 10 Colin, we have a sticker on our Vans fridge which sums up how we felt after we’d got the Camper.
“We have two lives, the second begins when we realise we only have one”
That’s a good enough reason for us.
Great video as always fella 👍🏻
I’ve not got a camper, but I love your enthusiasm.
yeah Colin I've just bought a Mazda bongo getting all fitted out ready when I've passed my test
Hi Colin, my wife and live in Spain. Our previous pueblo was up in the Andalucía mountains 600 metres above sea level - hence cold in the winter. Snow and ice even. The answer for us was to buy a camper-van and head down to the coast wild camping for 3-4 months at a time. Enjoyed it for years and years and really miss it. Obviously we travelled the length and breadth of France, Spain and Portugal. Gave our van to family when we actually moved to the coast. It really is a great life.
Crikey Colin you've sold it to me and I've already got one lol love your enthusiasm exciting stuff. My wife's like where we going next and she was the one who wasn't fully invested when I told her what I was doing...but yes life changing. Keep it up mate
I'm sold. Sorely on times, you said, "put the kettle on" and "having a wee 'anywhere'". 😅 But seriously, I'm in that position, undecided, got a couple of kids and want to make the most of the time they are still around. Working too much, and time is going by.
Iv always enjoyed camping, you get to go out with your family and meet other family's. Its memories for my kids and for us too. Iv been a camper for 18years, having the transporter has made my life so much more as we can go anywhere and use it daily! The big motor home was always parked up for the winter. Keep up the good work Colin ❤
ive a t6 now part converted at the min so back to sleeping on airbeds lol but like you say its the freedom and adventure the more people you meet doing this sort of stuff you more you find out about other places and events and theres nothing better than the looks you get when your parked on some ramdom car park with the kettle on lol loveing your blogs keep up the great work ps saw you at camperjam but didnt get to say hello but theres always a next time
We've got a Mitsubishi Delica swb 4x4 3.0v6 yeah a little thirsty but will get anywhere and we love it !!
Keep up the good work absolutely love your videos 👍
Could not agree More we call are T5 LWB the Swiss Army knife vehicle. It’s used from everything from Family Holiday, Days out and even Dump runs to tip old rubbish would not be with out.
Love this… 😊 just brought a fiat doblo.. can’t wait for adventures 😊
jealous of the waves I saw you receiving. I was invisible in my caddy 😅
My wife just said, totally agree with being able to pee anywhere, apparently that was the game changer ;-). Seriously we bought our ‘camperWAV’ as it was much easier for us take a holiday with all my son’s medication, wheelchair, equipments, etc and be able to do it more frequently, whilsf also making his day wheelchair van. Love the versaility of these vans.
I had to finish work due to ill health in 2019 at 52. I didn't know what to do with myself. First thing, I got myself a dog. My MK2 Focus RS wasn't the ideal vehicle for going hiking and stuff....so......I weighed it up and just over 12 months ago, sold the RS and bought my T5. Getting a dog and a van were the 2 best things I've ever done. We use it mainly as a dayvan for our hiking adventures but we also go for the odd spontaneous night around North Wales 😁
Lying in my van “bumble” day out, lovely picnic now listening/watching cricket on village green🥰 one of my best purchases ever!
On the topic of having a cuppa 'anywhere'.
On Australia's A1 north of Adelaide, a B-double of poultry food pellets* overturned and blocked the major highway for about an hour ... while waiting I was able to put the kettle on and make coffees etc for umpteen people gathered to watch the cleanup and who brought their cups along ... it was quite the gathering.
:)
*police officer advised against trying to drive over the pellets "unless you fancy driving on marbles*
Lovely enthusiastic video Colin. We have had caravans motorhomes. But the last 4 years we have had the love of our life our T6 called Geoff. We are in our 60s and just enjoy our van totally . Off to France next month and lost count of the short breaks we have had in him. Having a camper van just opens up a world of freedom and fun highly recommend it if your thinking about it. You will how ever need to learn the V DUB dance when moving around cos room is limited but we have had so many laughs its great.
Super video getting our van in 2 weeks can’t wait. Thank you for all the tips
I just bought a van after watching your videos, we go on a family day out it usually costs us £250 plus and a lot of traveling, tiredness 4 hours there and 4 hours back, I have a 4 and 7 year old. Can't wait too just get out for half the price for a full weekend. This video is making me excited ❤
Love my campervan. I do have one issue. I cannot get away enough in it. Keep well Colin. Oh, can you recommend a tidy (not too expensive) mobile phone holder. I'm Welsh so really tight.
You’re so right on every count, we’ve never been so spontaneous and just at will to say let’s go as we have been since we bought ours before last Christmas. If we’d have done the travelling about and needed to stop anywhere it would have been far beyond what our pockets could achieve, yes we’re paying for the van but it’s not depreciating like most vehicles do while we’re out enjoying it. I love the moments of just stopping, putting the kettle on and just being. After a night catching up with friends just this weekend we ended up on the beach ….back to the van and made bacon baps for everyone …then decided to nip to another beach further down the coast and throw a lone in grabbing a load of mackerel for meals this week - and before we set off for home, a nice cuppa. Even the journey home we stopped to watch some meteors in the night sky and found loads of little pull ins to perhaps stop and be back at the same beaches in future. After years of not being there for family and being away with work, this is a little bit of a reset and I love it.
You are so right with your reasons. Brought ours earlier than planned, but allowed time to ‘learn’ about the camper….and ‘tinker’ (latest thing is using ChipEx….game-changer in my opinion). Work moved to hybrid working, so van becomes my office on certain days…..Skype calls with seagulls in the background is fun 😂. More mobile now with the fitted solar and soon to arrive, delayed EcoFlow Pro arriving Wednesday…. Bargain at £595!! I’ve found my love for photography again too. See you in Oct!
ChipEx?
@@Dmrdecs paint repair kit
sold!! Just waiting on prices to drop a little Colin!
I love the phrase ‘Adventure Station’ , I like to think of the van as a Mobile Bed & Breakfast although I’m only doing continental breakfast in the summer 😎
I bought mine to support my photography work (sound familiar?!), and to enable me to go and do things more easily. My van supports not just my photography but all my interests. I've stayed in it in beautiful places, and in a hospital car park when a family member was terminally ill. Everything is on hand, comfortable, comforting, and familiar, wherever you are. I've made some great friends and the van helps me keep connected with them. I never thought I'd end up 'modifying' it, but well - wheels, electrics, solar, airbrushing.... EcoFlow Pro (your fault..). It was a great 'cafe' during Covid when I'd meet my 'bubble mate' to walk the dogs and then have coffee and cake after. Can just do a single night away or a much longer trip, and the van's always packed ready, just have to load food, clothes & camera gear and then away 40 minutes later. 😉🙂
100% agree. We bought our T6 and it’s like buying your forever home. We might change it at some point but we don’t ever expect to need to! Our youngest loves it - just taking a trip away, rain or shine, we love it!
Brilliant, ace video as always - all great reasons to make the most of every minute in the van. Just going into ours on the drive makes you feel you are on holiday, before you’ve started the engine. I love the idea of calling it an ‘Adventure Station’, as planning the interior for your own needs to is like Jenga, you have your very own Tardis. The advantage of a SWB means you can have your ‘hotel/office’ but park more or less anywhere and not be too visible. We downsized our LWB van to a Ford Nugget and the big rear kitchen with pop up height, plus a ladder to upper bed is so well designed. Have many more adventures together before Olivia goes her own way. Your videos are a delight, just the right touch of humour with solid Yorkshire practicality. (And the quiff!)
We have a lwb t6. We are sat in the awning chilling out watching u. Just one night away and all the convenience of just going wherever, when ever you want.
Yes 🙌 well said Colin another reason we love having our camper is the great group of friends we’ve made and still making more new friends all the time 🧡🫶🏻
You nailed it Colin.
For me half the fun of owning our merc viano white pop top converted mpv is to tinker and try to make more space with tricks like you have shown on your vlogs.
We just came back from 8 weeks on the continent. 5 countries and many miles.
If people are debating camper over mobile home, think flexibility, most campers will drive like a car and fit in car parks and small parking spaces being under 1.8 metres high.
That's the Great thing about Vans , Family Time , and the Freedom to Have Spur of the Moment Adventures , so Important when the Children are Younger , I Enjoyed our Trips when the Children were Young .🙂
everything you have said, we spent 2 years trying to decide and they are ace. On a financial front we were all ready to look at buying one and paying monthly/ selling my car etc, but after some savvy advice we took equity out of the house, so got to buy out right, well worth thinking about if you have money in your house and are not planning on moving etc.
As for reasons, we use it and spend more time together than we did before. shopping trips and me sitting with a bacon butty and a cuppa while the girls shop, kids doing sport and having a warm and dry place to get changed. to the obvious holidays and trips away. the last funny thing we have found is places like the national trust even have special parking areas for vans, so you can set up have a picnic instead of being penned in like the cars.
We have a Nissan Elgrand camper. Love the freedom to be able to jump in and head off on adventures. A cosy little home on wheels.
You captured it all there, we all need to press the reset button every now and then. 😊👍
Picked up our newly converted van couple weeks ago and loving the family trips out in it now.
Dear Colin, have been watching your videos for the past year while waiting for our Cali to be delivered. You’ve definitely been a great inspiration to us and this is a great video for those who are thinking about it. Ours has just arrived on the drive, we love it for all the reasons you say and we’re raring to go now armed with plenty of “ Colin” tips! Hope we get to meet up sometime!
Superb reasons Colin. I got my first camper van which is a converted Citroen Dispatch in mid-July 2022. I've done a couple of single nights out in it doing a bit of wild camping and only last week spent three nights in a little village called Fairbourne on the Mid-Wales coast and I am loving it. Didn't want to leave but sat staring at the steering wheel for ten minutes and realised how many more adventures I will be able to have in it over the coming years and am already thinking of an over night somewhere this week. There are a couple of issues though with owning a camper van, one being I have seemed to have got an infliction, for some reason every time I see a camper van when I'm driving along in it I have started shouting out CAMPERVAN! 😳Secondly, there are just so many places to chose to go to.
I grew up with VW campers from 3 years old. Fantastic times and memories.
Hi Colin can’t beat getting away for a night /weekend and just chilling feels like you’ve been away for a week . Had t5 , Mh & gone back to a Vline van .Happy Days
Wife and I have just acquired a 1996 Toyota Estima Emina, (think Previa), people carrier which has been standing for four years. I got it in exchange for some tree work. It looks pretty good, there is some welding to do at the back but nothing I can't tackle as I used to be a mechanic. I think I'll convert it fully to a camper but it would be possible to use it as it is because I'm told, the seats swivel around to make a bed. Looking forward to getting it home so I can go over it properly. Thank you Colin for this video, it has really fired me up to do this project.
I converted my own campervan like you. Pop top, cupboards, rocknroll bed and under mount water tank were made and/or fitted by 3rd parties, but the rest I did myself. Not a massive van being a Nissan NV200, but I have a soft spot for it.
Cracking video and reasons for a camper. I managed to get my T5.1 last year as my job changed to a shift pattern giving me 2 weeks off every 7 weeks.
Got bored just sitting at home when everyone else was working. So use the van to get out with the camera further afield, visit friends and family just like you said.
Best this I ever did.
Love your thirst and enthusiasm for van life x I would love one but can not afford one so instead I watch your videos x
Love your passion Colin, wholeheartedly agree. 🤙🏼
Totally agree Colin. Same reasons for us buying a ford nugget.
I'm a Lancashire lad thats been adopted by Yorkshire friends so now "technically " a non poptop adopted Yerkshire vanner LOL...though thats not strictly true as Ive said on comments before. I loved the video and always loved the channel, but as Ive said before, solo camping is my problem. I'm still struggling to do a solo camp and not been out on my own yet. I'd love to find a "community" where people meet up like they do with Vdubs but mine is a vivaro. It would be so nice to know you're going to somewhere you know others are going to be so you dont feel alone. Ironically I only just got my van after six weeks when the ECU decided to die on me the very day I managed to pluck up the courage to do a solo bimble and spent six weeks pining for Viv-I-Van wishing I could be out in her....only now to have deep second thoughts about going some where and parking up on my own. I realise I'm dead lucky to have her to go away in but I'd love for folk to tell me how to get into the right mindset to use her. You seen so bubbly, and up for the challenge. I wish I could be the same way. Anyway. enough said. I love your channel and its content and cant wait for the next one. repect, Kenny
All the reasons to buy a van, look at the folk that you have met!! Two people who wander round campsites singing birthday greetings at all ours of the day. One thing you didn't mention was having a drink or two buying things off the net and then bidding on another van, I guess we have the option in which van to go off in!!! 2 Vans better than one?
Colin, you have covered all the advantages of a campervan comprehensively. I would just add that nowadays they are a very good investment, particularly a VW.
My first camper trip was in 1970 ( hired for a week), I have had a few since then and the latest is a transit custom pop-up. ( I have had transits for work vans) Now retired and in my seventies, there is nothing better than jumping in the camper and away for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks. My main problem is that my partner still works so most of the time I am solo,( some folks don't think it is a problem but a good thing) I AM NOT SAYING!!!!! Thanks for all your videos and ideas. Thanks for sharing. ATB
Love the Enthusiasm Colin , Be Well my Friend , Love to the Family .🙂❤👍
100% , Colin you have said it word perfect it's a life style. My New family now is huge because of VW life 🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻
Omg,you was fantastic and so real and natural.
You have sold the idea to me 🥳
I am not a 🌈 lover but you are the man 👍👍👍👍👍
Well said Colin van life is all about making memories with family and friends carnt wait to get mine finished. It got 156000 k on the clock never had any problems with her 👍👍
Yes its one of the best buys we have done,waiting for our new Vline Sport in September can’t wait
Something I've noticed is that, even away from festivals, strangers will just start a conversation with you about the van as you're walking round a campsite or as they're walking past. They share stories and ask about places you've been, share tips and tricks. You don't get that much in a tent. Great conversation starter. Just be prepared to be chatting for a while 😂
Love your enthusiasm Colin and wholeheartedly agree with every reason.
I'm in the need a van but can't afford it camp. My husband runs his nerf events the other side of Leeds. There's nothing to do over there and him being unable to drive means I take him, drive back, drive back to get him and drive home again. It would be so useful to be able to drive over there and be able to work and entertain the small dude in his own space. I'd love to do rally's and festivals as well so the kids can just go off and I can just sit with a cuppa. I keep hoping for a lottery win!
The other thing is hotels are impossible with 4 kids. It's always 2 rooms so we end up not going anywhere. Drives me mad to be honest
NAILED it 🤙 exactly our experience the best bit for me is the community DUBED out festival was amazing everyone is so friendly. Just do IT 😎👋
My 22 year old movano self build I did about 5 years ago owes me about 3 grand, and it’s been a real asset to getting myself and the dogs out and about. I can’t see myself owning anything else.
Think you've hit the nail on the head there Colin, all of those reasons 👍
Great video and pretty good insight into the family bonding side of it.
If we hadn't already ordered a Campervan that video would have done it for us can't wait to get it 👍🏻
plus want to have plenty of adventures all around England
City breaks, for instance York, the caravan and motorhome site is within walking distance from the centre. This as well as hotel price, you are also saving car parking costs for the duration of your stay.
The biggest reason though is that it can change your life. I am retired and the wife has a very short week every other week. We can now afford to go away every other week, since we bought and had the van converted, which we couldn't afford to do in hotels.
I love my van hands down the best purchase every even the wife who really didn't want me to buy it lives it she is coming away with me tonight for the first time she has never even camped before 🙄Mine was bought with high milage 217k but drives like a dream had it in for service, cambelt and water pump mechanic said will last forever if you keep it serviced..
I’ve got a petrol T6and love it, I get moaned at because I’m always cleaning it. I’m planning to drive to Turkey to see a friend in a couple of years.
Had never thought about a camper till 4 years ago with in a space of a week I managed to get 6 points on my license ,so the red rocket an Audi RS4 Avant was sold then the wife decided that one boxer dog wasn't enough and got a second one.so I headed to Wales and bought a ex rac 63 plate 5.1 converted it and have never looked back we could not be with out it .
Great video again .. the biggest reason for me is the speed and convenience that you can turn up and enjoy where you are , like 3 mins to park up and go .. same when leaving .. takes 10mins to pack and go .. especially is the weather turns .. those poor people packing tents away in the wind and rain :/ No thanks … that’s my biggest reason :)
Yeah these are all the reasons I have my heart set on a T5 facelift or a T6 panelvan to convert on my drive. Am hoping to get one before I'm 50 (2030) but how? Just a massive wall of expense and unsurety even with your video on how much less it cost than buying an already made camper I can't find the cash or the potential base vehicle in Hudds or nearby. This is why, time and time again I say thanks Col for literally filming my aspirations. Thanks also for improving the taste of my coffee with the nice and spicy mug iii!
Yes, I was right “…wee in Aldi carpark!” Nicceee! 😂
Great video Colin, all that excitement and adrenaline and the quiff never moved. Got myself a panel van t6, part sorted, goes in in two weeks to be completed and then wooohooo I’m on it, can’t wait.
We got ours because we love camping and its freedom and back to nature aspect .We are not 20 anymore and want the added comfort of a bed with a mattress and to be able to get dressed standing up. If you like the older vans and you are needing it for work in a city, check the ULEZ restrictions,for older vans ,once they are 40 years old they can be driven in the zone without penalty. Ours has a few years left till then.
I’m sold. Have been since the start of summer but can I find a van already converted for the spec I want and what I consider a good budget (and close to Manchester), can I heck. Keeping my eyes on DoC, auto trader daily.
Anyhow. Another top vid Colin. Think you sold me this dream many moons ago.
I don't know how you whittled it down to five and a bit. Love my van - VW T6 long wheel base.
Enjoying weekends away with hubby and dogs and cheeky quick nights away work permitting
I agree with the 5 reasons plus extra reasons. Haha.
I just love mine. Best thing I have ever bought.
Never ending spending though haha.
I love the Freedom, the adventures, I have a toilet where ever I go haha.
But main thing for me is I can take my dog with me and I don’t have worry about taking her, as most camp sites have dogs. So she can come with me all the time. And she loves the van. So even better haha.
Is it bad to say we escape the kids in ours? 😂 the drama of 7 girls and we need one night a week on the Northumberland coast. I’m surprised he hasn’t driven it off on his own lol great points though!
Hi Colin , I Remember the " 2 Men Behaving Oddly " Video's , Lol.😂🙂
Great video mate. Where does your dog sleep in the van when you are away please?
Hey buddy, he sleeps in the footwell, he loves it there!
Thanks mate. were just about to pick up our first camper van after caravanning for many years. We have a labrador so just trying to figure out where to sleep him when he joins us on our adventures :)
I’m chilling in my van watching this now. Just been for a swim in Derwent water. 😁