Counter spaces is such a massive challenge in a smallish motorhome. Whoever designed ours has probably never used a kitchen - nevermind one in motorhome! 😆 Yes, the upholstery really worked out great - the reward for Lisa's patience and perseverance ❤
We also bought a 20 year old motorhome in France, the same size and similar floor plan. We are not full timing yet, but travel a lot in Europe. Since we want to full time travel in retirement we are weighing the pros/cons of our current camper. I have to say we definitely can relate to EVERY item on your list in this video, so thanks for sharing your experience. BTW, her name is Silly and she would like to meet Milli some day! 😊 Cheers, Jes & Paul
Hi Jes & Paul! Thanks for your comment! We're also constantly learning and even now we can't quite decide what layout / style / size of motorhome would be the perfect match for us - or if it even exists! 😆For now we're very happy with our old Milli and we figured as long as the going is good we'll keep using it.
I have almost exactly the same van and live permanently in it, im so happy for this video because you are giving great technical advice that i was struggling with! I was thinking about buying a bigger van to live in over the next two years but you made some great points why is maybe not always the best idea! Im loving your channel and super happy with your videos, next winter i will travel to spain so your video about spain was perfect!
Great to hear that and happy that it is helpful! If you watch our latest video you will see how we have now even made her better on the outside (which is not so important of course)! Thank you for watching and for your comment. Hope you will stay happy and safe travelling! 😊
Hi Andre & Lisa. Im following you now for about a month but only looked at this video right now. This was a brilliant video, so much information it was just brilliant thank you so much for sharing all that information. Hope you are doing ok in Morocco, looking forward to your next video. Stay safe. Danny Ireland. 😀😀
Van life is definitely not for everyone, but seems like you two are mastering it. Of course it really helps to be super practical & a real Mr & Mrs Fixit! Well done to you both.
The best video with tips I've ever seen about used motorhomes! My dog and I are going to start an adventure like this next year and this information helps a lot, especially those who have a limited budget like me 😆 thank you!!!
Thanks a lot! After we made this video we thought of so many more ideas to help others and what our thought process is on the 'ideal' motorhome. We'll definitely make another video on what to consider when you buy a second-hand older van. All the best for planning your trip! 😎
@@WeWillNomad many thanks!! Fantastic! And with trailer is it possible to do these things too? Stop at these service spots or can you only stop at parks? I'm thinking which option to choose, I should start an adventure next year :)
If you want full flexibility it might be best to have a single self-sufficient vehicle. In a lot of 'sostas (Italy) or 'aires' (France) only motorhomes or campervans are allowed. It also makes maneuvering and driving in cities - and parking! - so much simpler.
This was an EXCELLENT video chock-full of information, suggestions, and tips. Thanks for not only the video but all the links you provided and for providing such a useful, substantive video.
Felici di aver soddisfatto le vostre aspettative con un mezzo di Fustinoni Sport 👋 spero vi accompagnerà ancora x tantissimo tempo. Un abbraccio ragazzi e 👋💪e buoni kilometri a voi.
I did the same trip in 2008/9, From Sept 1st to Sept 1st, Down to the bottom of Spain to the top of Norway The wife and I still have the same van and she will be 20 years old next April, Still going strong. Spain was much different then, hardly any places to park legally and I remember just one GPL filling station in the country (There may have been none I forget my dates when they started using GPL). Now we are just happy to Winter in Spain as we live in France. Great stuff, btw. Enjoy 🙂
Wonderful tips, although I don't think van life is for me.🤔 You two really make it looks very easy to do this kind of traveling🤩🤩almost considering it🤪
Move over Lisa, you've been replaced. Who would've guessed that Andre would meet his match in a hand-held vacuum? 🤭 But thanks for making this video guys. I had been meaning to ask for a dedicated video for security in Europe (I know you've mentioned bits and pieces along the way). Could you comment on your experience of this in Europe? Were there specific instances that lead to certain precautions?
Coming from South Africa we're certainly fairly conscious of potential risks. In Europe for the most part the risk is usually for our vehicle being the target of break ins and that's what we focus on primarily. We try to be diligent with our security routines when we leave the vehicle unattended as well as when we're sleeping. That said so far, we've never 'felt' threatened or unsafe. There were times where we assessed the situation and decided to keep going. Frankly the greatest risk with this type of travel is being on the road itself.
I just bought a 1975 vw “hippie” van. Still at the garage getting engine fix ups. Any advice for driving older vans across Europe? Do you have a list of garages you could go to if needed??
Howzit Guys, I might of dreamt it, but I thought you said you had a filter on your water fill hose? i.e water entering your tank is filtered - if so, can you share details please. fanks man
yes! Take note we always only fill up from potable sources! To fill our main water tanks, we use a simple filter in-line with the hose (search for Camco Tastepure Water Filter - but there are others). This keeps sediment to a minimum which means we don't have to check our pump filter that often. We then also have a Geekpure 4-stage water filtration system under the sink with a separate tap for drinking water.
Hi guys, you mention 6m and we're looking at south spain and I spotted a length sign in a previous vid, is this common, do parks have 6m limits regularly or do people simply ignore them, signs & fines? Cheers
In Spain especially at parking right on the beach you will find a lot of length limits (usually 5.5m). But it's different everywhere. People do ignore the signs and sometimes get away with it. Sometimes... Not worth the risk IMO. Sadly, this type of behaviour will inevitably lead to more bans..
@@WeWillNomad thanks guys, what about that place full of MHs in Alemeria where the sign was? There was even a double axle beast on levelers! So no point sticking to 6m or less for Spain then?
Technically all or most of those vehicles were breaking the law. There seems to be more leniency during the winter from local law enforcement from what we've learned but we should consider what impact our actions might have for the future of overnighting in these places. Sticking to 6m length has the advantage of fitting into normal parking bays and cheaper ferries. For a motorhome 7m is probably the sweetspot as you might end up with more storage space but you should be mindful of weight. Comfort, space, weight, cost, convenience. All factors that require balancing.
Anywhere? No, it's not quite that simple unfortunately. Every country and even region or municipality will have its own restrictions. It's also important to understand that 'parking' is not the same as 'camping'.
@@WeWillNomad I'm in canada, and curious about camping in Europe since I met some Germans last summer who had sent their rv to canada and camped in North America for a year. Our small 23ft rv is gas and gets half the mileage of yours. The distances in canada are far greater, we went for a week and a half last year and did 3000 kms, our fuel was about $1500 , Canadian, which I suppose would be closer to $1100 euros. As I see camping is much different in canada, most of the sites we go to have 30 amp hookups, water and sewer at each site. Picnic tables and fire pits. The space between sites is mostly obscured by trees. Some of the sites we go to, solar would never work with the tree cover.
@@TrentGustus It's funny when you say 'small' 23ft - as in Europe most motorhomes are well under that. The majority of 3.5t vehicles here are based on either the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer or maybe Merzedes Sprinter chassis which makes the newer models all Euro 6 compliant and pretty fuel efficient. Even our old one is reasonably efficient and still very common on the road as it shares the exact same chassis of that era's Peugeot Boxer and Citroen Jumper. We have to pay attention to width and height as much as to length as the roads can be very narrow in parts of Europe. A lot of towns also limit traffic to > 3.5t vehicles and if you really want to explore the countryside smaller is usually better.
@@TrentGustus You should also check the video we made last year on what we think is important in choosing a motorhome in Europe: ruclips.net/video/t7IlaFDTV6w/видео.html
Vanlife sucks big time. I dont want to become handyman/ van driver. Constantly warrying about air conditioning/heat/ water/ quiet sleeping space /washing / cooking . year of wasted time
Yes, traveling by van can definitely be challenging at times - and we probably won't do it forever. But on the flip-side it can provides a great way to see a lot in a short time - and affordably.
@ Thanks! We'll probably do a Q&A at some point on finances. But we definitely don't make money from RUclips 🙂 The short answer is, we're principles of the 'FIRE' movement and live off investments we accumulated when working.
The improvement I like the best is the kitchen counter space. The one that amazes me the most is how Lisa did the upholstery so perfectly
Counter spaces is such a massive challenge in a smallish motorhome. Whoever designed ours has probably never used a kitchen - nevermind one in motorhome! 😆 Yes, the upholstery really worked out great - the reward for Lisa's patience and perseverance ❤
Maybe not quite perfectly! You'll have to come visit to see for yourself though! 😜
We also bought a 20 year old motorhome in France, the same size and similar floor plan. We are not full timing yet, but travel a lot in Europe. Since we want to full time travel in retirement we are weighing the pros/cons of our current camper. I have to say we definitely can relate to EVERY item on your list in this video, so thanks for sharing your experience.
BTW, her name is Silly and she would like to meet Milli some day! 😊
Cheers, Jes & Paul
Hi Jes & Paul! Thanks for your comment! We're also constantly learning and even now we can't quite decide what layout / style / size of motorhome would be the perfect match for us - or if it even exists! 😆For now we're very happy with our old Milli and we figured as long as the going is good we'll keep using it.
I have almost exactly the same van and live permanently in it, im so happy for this video because you are giving great technical advice that i was struggling with! I was thinking about buying a bigger van to live in over the next two years but you made some great points why is maybe not always the best idea! Im loving your channel and super happy with your videos, next winter i will travel to spain so your video about spain was perfect!
Great to hear that and happy that it is helpful! If you watch our latest video you will see how we have now even made her better on the outside (which is not so important of course)! Thank you for watching and for your comment. Hope you will stay happy and safe travelling! 😊
Hi Andre & Lisa. Im following you now for about a month but only looked at this video right now. This was a brilliant video, so much information it was just brilliant thank you so much for sharing all that information. Hope you are doing ok in Morocco, looking forward to your next video. Stay safe. Danny Ireland. 😀😀
Hi Danny! it's brilliant that you found this one useful! We actually had a lot of fun making it. Feels like so long ago now 😋
Van life is definitely not for everyone, but seems like you two are mastering it. Of course it really helps to be super practical & a real Mr & Mrs Fixit! Well done to you both.
Not sure about the 'mastering' part! 😋But we've definitely learned a few lessons along the way ❤
It has definitely been a year filled with a LOT of fixes! BUT... the even more amazing experiences make it very much worth while!
I really like the way you guys deliver your information and videos. Thank you
Our pleasure! Thank you for the comment.
wonderful ! so many useful information !!
Thank you, glad you find it useful! 😊
Great tips and suggestions- thank you 😊 Always enjoyable to watch!!
Thanks so much! 😊
Excellent video, with some amazing little upgrades to update your van. Thank you for sharing ☘️👍
Thanks for watching! We actually need to make a new video now as we've made so many changes since then!
The best video with tips I've ever seen about used motorhomes! My dog and I are going to start an adventure like this next year and this information helps a lot, especially those who have a limited budget like me 😆 thank you!!!
Thanks a lot! After we made this video we thought of so many more ideas to help others and what our thought process is on the 'ideal' motorhome. We'll definitely make another video on what to consider when you buy a second-hand older van. All the best for planning your trip! 😎
@@WeWillNomad many thanks!! Fantastic! And with trailer is it possible to do these things too? Stop at these service spots or can you only stop at parks? I'm thinking which option to choose, I should start an adventure next year :)
If you want full flexibility it might be best to have a single self-sufficient vehicle. In a lot of 'sostas (Italy) or 'aires' (France) only motorhomes or campervans are allowed. It also makes maneuvering and driving in cities - and parking! - so much simpler.
This was an EXCELLENT video chock-full of information, suggestions, and tips. Thanks for not only the video but all the links you provided and for providing such a useful, substantive video.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for your positive feedback ❤
The best channel for tips on motorhomes! Good job guys 👏🏻
Wow, thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! ❤
Felici di aver soddisfatto le vostre aspettative con un mezzo di Fustinoni Sport 👋 spero vi accompagnerà ancora x tantissimo tempo. Un abbraccio ragazzi e 👋💪e buoni kilometri a voi.
Ciao Cristina! Grazie per gli auguri! Siamo ancora molto contenti con nostro camper e ci godiamo la vita on the road. ❤
I did the same trip in 2008/9, From Sept 1st to Sept 1st, Down to the bottom of Spain to the top of Norway The wife and I still have the same van and she will be 20 years old next April, Still going strong. Spain was much different then, hardly any places to park legally and I remember just one GPL filling station in the country (There may have been none I forget my dates when they started using GPL). Now we are just happy to Winter in Spain as we live in France. Great stuff, btw. Enjoy 🙂
Thank you again. Spain is still one of Lisa's favourites and if you give her half a chance she might never leave! 🤣
Dankie vir die vid. Baie informasie. Ons planne vorder, maar intussen beny ons julle wat dit al reeds doen.
Dis maar een stap op n slag. Solank daar n doelwit is. Die beplanning is ook deel van die lekker. Groetnis!
❤
Wonderful tips, although I don't think van life is for me.🤔
You two really make it looks very easy to do this kind of traveling🤩🤩almost considering it🤪
😆😆 It sure has its challenges but it's a wonderful way to travel Europe - as a long-term way of living it's probably not for everyone (us included!)
great video
Glad you enjoyed it
Move over Lisa, you've been replaced. Who would've guessed that Andre would meet his match in a hand-held vacuum? 🤭
But thanks for making this video guys. I had been meaning to ask for a dedicated video for security in Europe (I know you've mentioned bits and pieces along the way).
Could you comment on your experience of this in Europe? Were there specific instances that lead to certain precautions?
Coming from South Africa we're certainly fairly conscious of potential risks. In Europe for the most part the risk is usually for our vehicle being the target of break ins and that's what we focus on primarily. We try to be diligent with our security routines when we leave the vehicle unattended as well as when we're sleeping. That said so far, we've never 'felt' threatened or unsafe. There were times where we assessed the situation and decided to keep going. Frankly the greatest risk with this type of travel is being on the road itself.
I just bought a 1975 vw “hippie” van. Still at the garage getting engine fix ups. Any advice for driving older vans across Europe? Do you have a list of garages you could go to if needed??
That will be an adventure! Only advice would be to go slow. For mechanical support it might be worth reaching out to Kombi Life for some advice.
Howzit Guys,
I might of dreamt it, but I thought you said you had a filter on your water fill hose? i.e water entering your tank is filtered - if so, can you share details please.
fanks man
yes! Take note we always only fill up from potable sources! To fill our main water tanks, we use a simple filter in-line with the hose (search for Camco Tastepure Water Filter - but there are others). This keeps sediment to a minimum which means we don't have to check our pump filter that often. We then also have a Geekpure 4-stage water filtration system under the sink with a separate tap for drinking water.
Hi guys, you mention 6m and we're looking at south spain and I spotted a length sign in a previous vid, is this common, do parks have 6m limits regularly or do people simply ignore them, signs & fines?
Cheers
In Spain especially at parking right on the beach you will find a lot of length limits (usually 5.5m). But it's different everywhere. People do ignore the signs and sometimes get away with it. Sometimes... Not worth the risk IMO. Sadly, this type of behaviour will inevitably lead to more bans..
@@WeWillNomad thanks guys, what about that place full of MHs in Alemeria where the sign was? There was even a double axle beast on levelers! So no point sticking to 6m or less for Spain then?
Technically all or most of those vehicles were breaking the law. There seems to be more leniency during the winter from local law enforcement from what we've learned but we should consider what impact our actions might have for the future of overnighting in these places. Sticking to 6m length has the advantage of fitting into normal parking bays and cheaper ferries. For a motorhome 7m is probably the sweetspot as you might end up with more storage space but you should be mindful of weight. Comfort, space, weight, cost, convenience. All factors that require balancing.
How easy is it to just park anywhere? Can you park anywhere in Europe?
Anywhere? No, it's not quite that simple unfortunately. Every country and even region or municipality will have its own restrictions. It's also important to understand that 'parking' is not the same as 'camping'.
I'm curious about what chassis and motor this little rv has. Especially since you are getting such good mileage
It's a 2002 Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD and our avg consumption over the last 2 years (20 000 kms and 45 refills) is 10.2 km per liter after 45 refills.
@@WeWillNomad I'm in canada, and curious about camping in Europe since I met some Germans last summer who had sent their rv to canada and camped in North America for a year. Our small 23ft rv is gas and gets half the mileage of yours. The distances in canada are far greater, we went for a week and a half last year and did 3000 kms, our fuel was about $1500 , Canadian, which I suppose would be closer to $1100 euros. As I see camping is much different in canada, most of the sites we go to have 30 amp hookups, water and sewer at each site. Picnic tables and fire pits. The space between sites is mostly obscured by trees. Some of the sites we go to, solar would never work with the tree cover.
@@WeWillNomad our fuel was also cheaper than yours last year at about $1.70 can a liter , (up from $1.10 the year before)
@@TrentGustus It's funny when you say 'small' 23ft - as in Europe most motorhomes are well under that. The majority of 3.5t vehicles here are based on either the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer or maybe Merzedes Sprinter chassis which makes the newer models all Euro 6 compliant and pretty fuel efficient. Even our old one is reasonably efficient and still very common on the road as it shares the exact same chassis of that era's Peugeot Boxer and Citroen Jumper. We have to pay attention to width and height as much as to length as the roads can be very narrow in parts of Europe. A lot of towns also limit traffic to > 3.5t vehicles and if you really want to explore the countryside smaller is usually better.
@@TrentGustus You should also check the video we made last year on what we think is important in choosing a motorhome in Europe: ruclips.net/video/t7IlaFDTV6w/видео.html
Why not say how much u paid for a 20 year old van?
Milli Vanilli. Lol
😁
@@WeWillNomad I remember those guys. What a great name for a Van!
Vanlife sucks big time. I dont want to become handyman/ van driver. Constantly warrying about air conditioning/heat/ water/ quiet sleeping space /washing / cooking . year of wasted time
Yes, traveling by van can definitely be challenging at times - and we probably won't do it forever. But on the flip-side it can provides a great way to see a lot in a short time - and affordably.
🤣😂
Hi, maybe this has been asked before, I would like to know what you live off money wise, what income stream etc, liked this video, regards Pieter
@ Thanks! We'll probably do a Q&A at some point on finances. But we definitely don't make money from RUclips 🙂 The short answer is, we're principles of the 'FIRE' movement and live off investments we accumulated when working.
Most of what you mention is a continual concern for most ppl - especially homeowners. It's just homeowning on wheels. Welcome to being an adult