CAMPERVAN NIGHTMARES - OFF GRID SUB ZERO + NO HEAT = NO SLEEP Avoid my mistake! SOLO FEMALE VANLIFE
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- Опубликовано: 24 июл 2024
- Campervan nightmares - Off Grid Sub Zero + No Heat = No Sleep. Avoid my campervan mistake! Solo Female Vanlife
In this video, the last in this mini Scottish Borders road trip series, the storm's blown over leaving a couple of days of fantastic autumn sunshine in its wake.
First stop of the day after leaving the campsite is Leaderfoot Viaduct just 2.5 miles away. A significant landmark in the Borders.
After that I randomly decide to go for a long drive to Scotland's highest village and pub - The Inn at Wanlockhead. They allow you to stopover off grid for the night so long as you eat and drink there to give them some custom.
So I cross over into Dumfries & Galloway and its a spectactular drive on the way, a driver's dream when taking the B roads.
The day had been great ... then came the evening.
As the chill set in I went to switch the diesel heater on. Dead. Dead as a Dodo. On what was forecast to be the coldest night of the year so far and in the highest village in Scotland, so this was not good. The leisure battery had dropped too low (despite the long drive) to allow me to use the electric heater. If only I'd had my EcoFlow Power Station that I now have! So I packed on the layers and thought once inside my snug sleeping bag I'd be ok. No, it was absolutely freeeeezing all night. Too cold to sleep and I realised how utterly reliant on the diesel heater I'd allowed myself to become. I was ill prepared with any form of back up, not even a hot water bottle!
But I survived to tell the tale and share my learning. If you have any other tips to share please stick them in the comments. Sharing is caring!
It might've been uncomfortable but next day I felt very ALIVE!
Before heading home I took an aerial look at the village. Probably a good place for Spring and Summer when it will be more alive.
Roll on the next trip. It's all good fun, right? I love it 😊
ONWARD!
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00:00 Intro & Recap
00:52 Leaderfoot Viaduct
03:30 Scenic drive
04:38 Mystery bird spot
04:48 Flooded Roads
05:13 Long & winding road - dream drive
05:53 Leadhills & Wenlockhead
07:14 Wenlockhead Inn
08:18 Nightmare night begins!
10:34 The morning after the night before
13:38 Aerial view of Wanlockhead in the sunshine
14:41 My learning & tips
#Campervannightmares #campervan #solofemalevanlife
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Music: Epidemic Sound
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My van is a 2021 VW T6.1 Transporter Camper Conversion by The Custom Shop, Liverpool - www.thecustomshop.co.uk/
If you contact them, tell Ben I say "Hi!"
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I’m Sue from Lancashire, UK.
This channel is just me getting out and about in a converted VW Campervan, occasionally with friends but mostly solo. Fun, laughs, moans, groans, mistakes, and successes. It’ll all be in here!
I’ll share new places, hints, tips, any info I discover and whatever else I think you might find useful.
I began vlogging my solo travels in ‘Vanya’, to help me re-engage with life following the sudden, tragic loss of my husband nearly 3 years ago now. Working through a very complex grief has been the hardest & loneliest challenge imaginable. Some days it still knocks me completely sideways and probably always will. I really don't know. All I do know is that life can change forever and irreversibly in an instant.
By returning to the vanlife we had enjoyed so much together & embracing a new found love of video creation and vlogging, I’m continuing to build strength and balance to move forward through this completely unforeseen and unwanted next chapter of life.
Thanks for joining me. The company is nice.
Sue x
I watched this video last night and immediately had to go and watch from the start of your channel (on the Loch Ness video at the mo). I just want to say, how fantastic your videos are. You are true natural at vlogging. Your husband would be very proud of what you're achieving by yourself. The way you always talk about him is so lovely. We get our new van in January, so I'm sitting here with paper and pen jotting down all the places you are going to lol. Im so happy I have found your channel. I hope you're proud of what you've achieved so far and all the happiness your videos are bringing to others. all the best, and hope to see you on our new soon-to-be adventures.
Thanks for such a supportive comment Chris. I'm glad you found the channel and enjoy the content, it's been a steep but enjoyable learning curve and it means a lot to hear that the videos benefit others. I often wonder what Bri would make of it all, and imagine him grinning! Good luck with the new van I bet you can't wait. If I can help with anything just give me a shout! All the best, Sue 😊👍
What a lovely comment Chris. You are so right Sue’s way of vlogging is so natural and she is super entertaining to watch. Off to check your channel out after such nice words 👍
Maybe red kite. Also a tip I picked up. Fold a blanket into a square and stuff one of your cushions with it. It’s there if you need it and a cushion when you don’t. And doesn’t take up any extra room.
I do that with a spare sleeping bag in one and a change of clothes in another.
I like that tip. Thanks Jenny 👍🏻
If you're ever in that situation again and have some empty plastic bottles. You can fill them with hot water, wrapped in a thin towel or whatever you have. Make great hot water bottles incase of emergency 😊❤
Great tip . One that I’ve now added to my memory bank! Thanks 😊👍🏻
Loved the video! Lovely scenery and great lessons: 1) Keep a water bottle. 2) Don't run out of milk. 3) Get sorted properly for off-grid camping, and 4) Never diss the porridge.
Top tips aren’t they! 😂👍🏻👍🏻
Enjoyed the video, the latter segment being in my part of the world. Lots of useful tips on the video and in the comments. Try adding a decent flask to your kit, so you can have a hot drink any time in the night. ATB.
Thanks Douglas. A flask is usually on board but must make sure it always is. Thanks for watching and adding a tip 👍🏻
Oh Sue you do make me chuckle. I had a couple of cold nights in the van but then changed to a duvet with a fleecy cover, a game changer! So warm against your skin, been toasty warm since. X
I think a fleecy under blanket will be a good addition. You have to laugh though don’t you 😆👍🏻
Hari O
Was pleased to hear you say twice, "next time"!!! The Borders have so much to offer but so often are the bridesmaid to the Highlands. And absolutely dinny diss the purrage, wummin! There's a reason it is one of the national foods o' this Bonny Land. YAM xx
I will keep returning for as long as possible! And I do love porridge once it’s in front of me I just never fancy it beforehand if that makes sense haha. Thanks for watching I’m glad you enjoyed my videos of the area you love. Can’t wait to return ❤️ x
Poor you I felt really guilty just now whilst sitting next to a radiator that was so warm I kept falling asleep and dropping my phone! 😄 You're a person after my own heart - why drive on an A road when there's a perfectly good B road - preferably with grass growing down the middle! I loved driving in Wales and Northern Ireland for that kind of fun! 💕
It’s the best driving there is 👍🏻😍❤️
Oh no, diesel heater not working, poor you, i hope it's an easy fix. I'm like you Sue I just love being in my campervan. Sadly I'm on my own now, so my van is now my best friend. It's been known for me to park up in the local supermarket car park with the heater on and make a cuppa people watching, Sad, maybe, but I just love my van. Hope your heaters fixed now. Take care, Merry Christmas x
I know what you mean Simon. No better place to be than in the van, whatever the weather! Just something calming and free about it. Space to breathe and just ‘be’. Things have been a bit hectic so haven’t sorted yet but will do soon and all will be well. Take care and have a lovely Christmas 😊👍🏻
Loved the dramatic footage over the viaduct in this one… off to open a beer of my own after seeing your burger and a beer. All the best Sue . 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks very much. Bri would’ve massively approved of the burger and beer. Enjoy yours! 🍻
The Scottish Borders are amazing. Loved the drone footage of the viaduct. As for the heater well everyday is a school day in the van. We really enjoy watching your travels.
Thanks very much for that guys. I hope you’ve lots of travels planned 😊👍🏻
Glad to see you got through the night. You are always learning with camper life. Border counties serve up to wonderful drives.
For such surroundings and scenic drives it was definitely worth the chill experience.
Great video Sue - loved the drone and driving sequences at the start - hope the heater was fixed easily. The hot water bottle backup is a good idea will have to add that to list - also maybe electric blanket off your eco flow maybe … so our heater failed to start and that was when the battery was low turned out the terminals on the battery had come lose and not charging …. I am sure you checked but caught me out
I’ll be honest I haven’t had a chance to sort yet things have been quite hectic. I mention a 12v electric blanket at the end with the tips and it’s definitely a good idea 👍🏻 It’s been recommended to turn the engine over when starting up the heater until it settles down and draws less power than on start up. We live ands learn hehe. Thanks for watching and take care.
oh you poor wee soul, I feel cold just watching you, you definitely need a hot water bottle in the van.... as David said below we have a few alternatives for heating.. but we do have a duvet cover on the bed... take care Sue xx
Thanks Lindsay many useful tips and suggestions being shared. I want maximum back up with little space taken up in my little van. I’ll be better prepared next time 🥶 😉 xx
We always have hot water bottles in Helga. You never know when you might need them 😂 Glad you survived. The area looks right up Slaw’s street. Thanks for sharing Sue x
I can recommend all the places visited on this little break. Loved every minute of it. Even nearly freezing to death! 🙄😁 x
I'm sure your Bri would be glad to see you out and about in the world of people, having adventures and inspiring other people to do the same. I remember after my friend Desmond died saying to people, 'i understand that he's dead and that I'm never going to see him again but it feels really unfair that I can't still phone him for a chat.' Your Pint for Bri keeps a connection with him and it's lovely. We have to find something that connects us and tributes them don't we? I hope you are warmer now and that Xmas doesn't hold too many fears - I'm escaping it and heading to Spain. Cxx 🙂❤️✈️🌞
I love this comment. Thanks Colin. Little new traditions I know have such as the first drink for Bri matter so much and like you say keep an everlasting connection. Enjoy Spain you deserve a good time. Best wishes and take care xx 🎅🏻❤️
Loved your Vlog. Yes two forms of heat are essential try and electrical blanket it’s low power on No1 and takes the chill off also hot water bottle 👌🏻
Definitely upgrade to lithium it’s the best thing I’ve done.
Thanks it’s good to hear you’ve found lithium the best move. Water bottle and electric blankets are additions I’ll be making too 👍🏻
This was a lovely scenic video,Sue. From the camera, to the drone work and music it was beautifully put together. I do though, think I've decided not to try viv-i-van out in arctic conditions until I feel confident in her after all the repairs. I will try your journey in the new year though and see how I go. I hope you get the heater sorted out soon. I tried mine this morning to melt the ice off the windscreen. An hoiur later the outside of the van was still frozen other than the windscreen but inside was warm so I guess nearly killing myself insulating her must have been a good job lol. If you dont post before Christmas, I wish you the best one you can have and hope to see-and speak to you on here and facebook in the new year. All the best and bessy regs-Kenny.
Oh cheers Kenny much appreciated. I love winter vanlife so will sort my issues out by new year just been a bit hectic here lately. Glad you enjoyed the video. I take it you have a thermal windscreen cover on your van? Couldn’t live without that 😊👍🏻
Have a fantastic Christmas and New Year too 🎅🏻 x
@@CamperVanya sadly not at the moment,Sue. I had funds saved up to buy all the gear I needed to kick start the channel-screens, action camera etc but the massive costs of getting her adblue system, egr cooler and ecu replacement took all that. Now, until I can save up again, I'm doing my travels through the eyes of youtube channels like yours. I'll deffo get there next year though. Never give up.Never surrender :) Bessy regs Kenny
Glad you made it through the night. What a beautiful place you’ve been. I have an electric blanket 12 volt. And I have a small space heater. I power them with my Bluetti 500 watts.
Sounds a good set up. A 12v blanket on my little EcoFlow would’ve made a world of difference. I’ll be well prepared next time! 😊
@@CamperVanya Good!
By the way. My video next week is in answer to your request about the super natural experience. Hope it will give you some valuable information.
@@TheHapiCamper Ooh I’ll look forward to watching 👍🏻
IT may have been a Kestrel. Cannot by sure from the video.
Error Code 15 is that "Brrr it is to cold" for Diesel heaters?
Probably nothing wrong with the heater. Low battery Voltage I think.
Porridge is great for breakfast.
Some great tips there at the end, we have three sources of heat; the van heating, a portable gas heater (Needs ventilation) and a further back up of a Trangia burner which we can use for heat and boiling a kettle or heating soup.
lithium is still to expensive and is not coming down until cars stop using it and you can not always charge them because of the temp. Decent Lead Acid and Solar is my favourite.
Great video, we have driven past those bridges many a time but never actually stopped. Take care stay safe and warm,
Thanks David. Appreciate the advice. Some people tell me lithium others say solar. It’s something I need to educate myself about 🤔 Hope you’re both staying safe and warm up there 😊
Just found your channel excellent content we are new to van life so will be following you thanks
Cheers Alan, thanks for leaving a comment. It’s always good to know who’s watching and that the videos are useful. Best of luck with your van life I’m sure you’re going to love it! 👍🏻🚐
I have a little stove top heater that I bought from Go Outdoors, for £7.50.
Providing you have ventilation it's perfectly safe. It doesn't rely on any battery power to work either.
Great video as normal.xx
Cheers David. Unfortunately I’d no ventilation otherwise my stove could’ve taken the edge odd but I didn’t want to risk it in such a small place. All good learning though 👍🏻
Oh wow Firstly that viaduct is awesome and the bridges so beautiful. And such an interesting drive over to Dumfries and Galloway.
But oh no, that must have been just so cold🥶🥶🥶. But everything is a learning experience isn’t it. You won’t make that mistake again!! So it’s all good 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Cant advise on anything apart from maybe a four season sleep bag just in case?
But such an interesting share again Sue. We loved it. 👍👍👍
Yes sleeping bag quality does play a major part. The difference between lets say an Argos one n one designed to save a life high up in the himalayas is well worth paying for.
Bri bought this one a while back and it wasn’t a cheapie. I will check it out 👍🏻
I thought mine was a 4 season but need to check. It was all good fun. Certainly felt refreshed and alive the next morning! 😆Absolutely gorgeous area to visit. Glad you enjoyed it 😊👍🏻
@@CamperVanya 😃😃😃🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶
But what a brilliant area 👍👍👍
Brilliant Sue. Loved the drone footage and wow you got that flock of birds. Blinking brrrrrr though. You made us shiver. Hope you have a brilliant Christmas xx
Hi guys, thanks for watching. Those birds were fantastic, timed their entrance to perfection! Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year. I look forward to seeing where next year takes you 😊 xx
Only just found you but love your humour so will be watching more.. super drone work 😁
Thanks Rose I’m glad you like the channel content. I do enjoy creating the vlogs. All the best 😊👍🏻
I felt for you in the cold, but you did make me laugh! Love your positive attitude. Hope you had a good Christmas and all the best for 2023 Sue. ❤
It’s all part of life’s rich experience and makes you appreciate warmth when you have it. Thanks Linda and very best wishes to you too 😊🙏🏻
Scotland looks amazing. Definitely need to get there one day, sooner rather than later. Thanks for sharing tips you've learnt. Keep the lovely videos coming.
Hi, lovely to see your comment. Hope you’re well. You definitely must get to Scotland, you won’t be disappointed! Thanks for watching 👍🏻
Another entertaining video. Some great tips. I don’t know how well we’d cope if the heating went off! The hot water bottle is a great idea. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Sylvia. Hope all is well with you. Next time anything like this happens I will be SO well prepared 😆
Oh bless you Sue, I totally can relate as you know. Hope you get it fixed ASAP. It is deffo a learning curve. Warm hugs xx
Fun too in such a weird way haha c
Hi Sue. More stunning scenery. Your bird was a falcon of some kind and almost certainly a kestrel. Lovely birds. Well done for surviving such a cold night with such good humor. Hope you get it sorted x
Hi hope ur well. Gorgeous bird just sweeping in like that. The night was sooo cold but also a valuable learning experience! 😉
Hi Sue. I visited Wanlockhead area about 30 years ago. The mining museum was very interesting. I remember driving in on the B797 and seeing men stood in Mennock water panning for gold. Thanks for another interesting video. Merry Chistmas & a happy new year to you.
Hi Graham. Thanks for watching. I bet that was an interesting sight. I’d love to pan for gold! Certainly a place to return to. Have a wonderful Christmas yourself and all the best for 2023 🎅🏻 😊🙏🏻
What beautiful scenery and those roads, minus the flooded bits.
We have recently had a couple of nights without the heating on at night, not a nice experience in minus temperatures…..It won’t be too cold 🥶
Safe travels 😊
I was very naive with that comment haha. Much as frosty nights are fun in the van with heating, no heating and too cold to stay asleep really isn’t is it. Take care 🥶🥶
Sue that made me feel so cold ! The area looked nice where you stayed at the highest pub in Scotland and its a shame you had no heatin the van . I always take a hot water bottle when we camp and the instant oats just in case ! Loved the drone footage, the miners cottages were beautiful and you gave good advice at the end :) 👏 ~ Anna
Thanks Anna. Glad it was useful. Some things are such common sense but we don’t always think about them beforehand. Take care 😊
Fantastic drone footage, glad your safe and well and still enjoying your freedom ! Have an amazing Xmas 🤶, we packed ours up and are in France currently. Red kite for sure - they have so many up in D and G
I’ve had red kite and kestrel suggested. I’m not good on my bird ID. Have a great Xmas in France and best wishes for 2023. 😊🎅🏻👍🏻
Lovely place to explore. Might add to the map, the old villages have a cuteness about them. Might do the pass as well. I still need to get a hot water bottle as a backup, keep forgetting. Keep up the wonderful adventures. Safe Travels x
Thank you 😊 yes get a hot water bottle IMMEDIATELY! 😂
Always lessons isn’t there and you are very right, things do go wrong and some great tips as a backup - imagine if you have a backup though you won’t ever have an issue :). I have a 800/1500w fan heater for emergencies (clearly it wouldn’t run for ages but keep the chill off assuming battery is charged of course) - Lovely scenery and area - all the very best, David & Rachel 👍
Thanks both. I feel so much better informed now as a result of the experience so a lot of good has come out of it. Take care 😊
Merry Christmas and a happy new year sue 😊🙏❤️🚐
Thanks very much guys and all the very best to you both. Hope you've had a good Christmas and have a wonderful 2023! Take care x
Hello! Thanks For Sharing this Great Video
Best wishes for a joyous Christmas filled with love, happiness and prosperity!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2023
Feel The World
Thanks very much and best wishes to you too for a Happy Christmas & New Year 😊
Hi, Chelsea and Mike here. Lovely video you have. Very enjoyable. We are dreading the cold the most when we come back to the UK ❄️ we have liked and subscribed to your channel. Chelsea and Mike
Hi thanks ms very much I’m glad you like the channel. All the best to you on your return to the uk! 😊👍🏻
Another brilliant instalment on the Scottish Borders, your certainly getting across the appeal of these places. Some exceptional drone footage throughout the video although your flying through the viaduct was a very skilled bit of manoeuvring. Some of those scenic off A roads looked a little hairy, I wasn’t seeing many passing places. Your van with the failed heater looked as cold as our apartment for the last 9 days. Thank goodness the weather has returned to normal today. The last thing we need in a heating crisis is extended snow, ice and sub sub zero temperatures! Some great tips at keeping warm at the end! Can just picture that little lead mining village in its hey day with the mine going and the miners going in and out of the pub maybe having raucous scuffles with biker gangs that were passing through, thats my imagination going now, guess you wasn’t the only one that would drift off at school! ❤ 🚐
Haha we drifters should be celebrated for our imaginations 😊🙌🏻
@@CamperVanya just those drone shots of the village at the end, could just picture it full of comings and goings! 😂
Hi My Dear New Friend
Thanks For Your Video And Sharing it
Merry Christmas And Happy New Year 2023
Hi there. Thank you. Best wishes to you too. 😊🎅🏻👍🏻
Oh ty for the shout out. The little butane heater is a good back up too and doesn't take up too much space. The blanket gets warm but not really hot enough unless you use it under the duvet. I've been using in Loui. Xx
Yes I heard that it is best to start the engine up b4 putting heater on, which is great if you have access to your cab on a morning, I dont! lol ..also if u do have access to cab Sue you could have put the cab heater on a bit to warm up xx
There were other vans parked so starting the van up in the early hours wasn’t an option unfortunately. One things for sure though, I’ll be prepared for anything next time. 😊👍🏻
What a lovely area to freeze your bits off lol. Great video and Merry Christmas
Yes if you’re going to freeze your bits off that was definitely the place to do it. Best wishes to you both for Christmas & New Year 😊
Nothing worse than being cold. Fluffy socks and a hot water bottle help - as does a dog 😉.
I would have been knocking on the pub door asking for sanctuary 😂
I certainly had lots of layers on it was just too cold to get to and stay asleep. All good fun haha 🙄😆
Helloooo lovely Sue, just watched this together on the big screen, what a great way to end your Scottish border series! That cheeky little stow away 🐝 Wow that viaduct was lovely and you was very daring with those awesome drone shots. Glad that Inn that was 65 miles away down that scenic but very narrow road, was open when you got there 🤭 -1 is cold but we have just had a week from hell in Scarbados where it hit -9 😳 you looked like you was wearing your sleeping bag that coat looks lovely and toastie! I did laugh when you got distracted telling us how you got distracted as a child 😂 l’d love to think Bri has RUclips in heaven so he can look over you and see your adventures. Stay awesome my lovely & Merry Christmas 🎄
Oh what a lovely thought Bri watching RUclips up there. I’m sure he’ll be loving your channel too he did enjoy his walks with his mates. Sorry you’ve been frozen at home at least mine was just a night. Hope ur sorted now. I rang ahead for the pub hehe. Best wishes for a lovely Christmas & New Year ❤🎉 x
Leaderfoot looked beautiful. Gorgeous viaduct. Nice shot of the 3 bridges. You certainly took the scenic route! Wanlockhead looked interesting. Great pub stopover. Ooh chilly. Hope your heater gets fixed ok think I’d have run the engine for a little bit. Our heater sometimes errors out if we are using LPG. Usually at night then we have to reset it🤣 hot Water bottle is an excellent idea👍 we have an electric fleece too Draws 150 watts. Runs on a power bank and has auto cut out after 1,2 or 3 hours so you don’t flatten the power bank. They cost around £50. Machine washable too. 😊
Hi Ellie & Graham. The electric fleece sounds so cosy! Will give it a look. Thanks for watching. Take care x
As I tell my scouts, learn to drink tea or coffee, black or white, with or without sugar & you will never be short of a brew!
Also keep the sachets of hot chocolate for a treat / emergency. If all else fails just hot water !
Take care and stay safe x
Cheers Steve. Powdered milk will be carried from now on hehe 👍🏻
you are a wonderful woman and you make great vids. gutted you lost your lovely husband. feel for you enormously. lost my first wife of 36 years 2005 3 months after i got prostate cancer. i am still here and remarried 6 years ago. life goes on. all the very very best ok
Thanks John. That means a lot. I’m sorry for your own loss too but it’s uplifting to hear how life can get brighter again. All the best to you too 🙏🏻🙂
A wonderful adventure!
Without doubt. It’s all part of the rich experience. Fantastic area to explore 😊
Ive done this before the gas ran out in my heater in my motorhome,think it was -10 that night,have a merry xmas debs xx
Hi Debs it’s a reminder how much we rely on heaters but all good fun. Hope you’re well and have a lovely Christmas and New Year xx
@@CamperVanya Ditto sue xx 💎
@@CamperVanya Hope you been good 😁 🧑🎄 🎁 🎁
@@debsmostexcellentadventure5353 Erm, so-so 😉 xx
A thermal window cover is a must in winter you made me laugh same luck as us lol looking forward to your next trip thanks
Haha. Yes wouldn’t be without the thermal cover. I use external on campsites and internal anywhere else in case I need to drive off in the night I can then do so without getting out of the van. Happy travels! 😊🚐
Great that you can enjoy the van life in all weathers shame the heater not working that night but now you have your back up battery that shouldn’t happen again. Also very brave sending the drone under the viaduct great views though 😊
Thanks Julie. The EcoFlow would’ve been a godsend in this situation. Great to now have it on board 😊👍🏻
A favourite road for me is the B729 from just outside Dumfries on the Thornhill road, across via Moniave to Carsphairn. I've had some magical drives along that road.
Ooh good to know. I love such a drive as those in my little van. Pure magical joy! 🚐
I enjoyed your video again as always....wow what beautiful parts are in between say very beautiful nature too.
Bad about your heater then it is indeed very cold at night, but you survived again 😊.... I can only say Respect to you how you do all this alone and take my hat off for you Sue 🙏🙏🙏
On to the next video can't wait 😁😁😁😁😁
So to end with your expression ...Onwordddddd 😊👍
Haha ONWARD! indeed. Always. Such comments really are encouraging to read though so thanks very much 🙏🏻😊
@@CamperVanya
😊👍
Awesome video,my biggest nightmare would be running out of milk ,tea without milk just cannot do it,thanks for sharing your travels.😍
Thanks for understanding my pain with the black coffee point Maggie. Back up coffee mate will be carried in future! 😊
Hi Sue! Loved the elegant viaduct, and the village looked really nice👍 Bad luck with the heater going wonky! I usually take my 4 season down bag that I use for tent wild camping, at this time of year. I think the bird was a kestrel👍 All the best & season's greetings👍😊
Hi Des hope you’re well. The heater thing caught me off guard right when it was really needed but we live and learn! Take care and best wishes for Christmas and New Year 😊
@@CamperVanya Yes, I've noted your tip about firing up the engine to give it a booster to start it! Not had a problem so far, but always a first time!
A good back up off grid, in an emergency to get you over a cold night, if the diesel heater isn't working, and packs up small, is an electric underblanket.
They only use up to 70 watts on full output. You could use one powered by your ecoflow or if you have just liesure batteries, from a cheap portable, plug in 12 volt to 240 volt, 300 watts inverter. From Halfords they are £36.99. If you have 2 x 100 amp hour batteries, that equates to 1200 watt hours in total, taking both the batteries to half from full, enough for your fridge ( 50 watts ) and blanket ( 70 watts ) overnight for ten hours without anything else on. Then charge from your alternator and or solar panel, the next day. A fan heater, would empty an ecoflow delta 2 in a few hours, not enough to get you over the full night. I think that the best solution though, is to use your ecoflow delta 2 for the electric blanket and leave the liesure batteries to just power the fridge and the rest of the van. I love porridge but unfortunately I am allergic to oats, you can't win them all.
Fantastic advice Steve. Thanks very much! 👍🏻👍🏻
Hi
We have been camping in a tent in Scotland at minus 7 and did not get cold. You need three things an insulated base to lie on, the compressed sleeping bag and many mattresses do not work well, camping mats and many self inflating mattresses do. Ours has an R value of 11, you want at least 5. The second is a close fitting high insulation base layer such as a merino wool top and trousers. These keep the heat close to the body having puffy thick layers distribute the heat too far from you, many outdoor layers only keep you warm if active. The final item is a proper 4 season sleeping bag, preferably down or a high tech equivalent. Look at its comfort rating temperature which needs to be into the minus three or lower. A silk liner will also add a few degrees of additional protection. The heat needs to be locked close to the body. An advantage of all of these is their nature also means you are not too hot on moderate days. They are not cheap but they will all last for twenty years or so. A budget of around £500 £250 sleeping bag, £150 mat, £100 merino base layer/pyjamas, £50 silk liner. As a minimum.
Thanks so much Stephen for the great advice. I’m by no means a softie but was so ill-prepared that night. You have to invest in good quality and that never comes cheap but is worth it in the long run 👍🏻
@@CamperVanya Hi you are very welcome, I was so sorry to hear how you ended up in this situation but I am sure your Brian ( I hope I have the right name) would have wanted you to find a way to enjoy life again. I have recently lost my Baby sister, My best friend and his wife in very short order, I have some idea how grief can hurt so deeply. I have just retired and my wife retired a few years ago. In October we picked up our California and we will be travelling soon. We are in a similar starting area to you in North Manchester so have easy access to the Pennines, Yorkshire Dales, Wales and the Lake District.
For winter gear we use Thermarest mattresses, Rab down sleeping bags, smart wool merino thermal wear and sea to summit silk liners. Our winter camping has been mainly for Astronomy.
I hope the New Year gives you an ever easing heart and lots of new adventures to bathe your soul. Be kind to yourself.
@@stephenrussell6074 I’m so sorry to hear of your own recent losses. That’s a lot in a short time which can’t be easy. I’m glad you and your wife are getting out in your new Cali. We had planned on doing similar so enjoy every well earned second of it 👍🏻
Thanks for your very kind wishes they’ve warmed my heart 😊
Best wishes for a wonderful year of travels! Take care.
Teddy bear duvet and pillow covers I recommend...used in -3 and were fantastic
Oh that’s worth looking up. Thanks Alison 👍🏻
@@CamperVanya I also forgot to say I bought wool filled duvet and pillows
I feel your pain…..your so brave. ❤
All’s well that ends well and a valuable lesson 🥶👍🏻
Although I now live in a motorhome for many years I used to tour about in a sports car and camp in a tent even in winter so I have a sleeping bag rated to -15c and even in subzero conditions I suffered more from being to hot in it rather than cold. Of course I don't need it now but have it with me because you never know and I can be certain it will never go wrong
Hi, I thought mine was a good all season sleeping bag but in this situation I was shivering. Yours sounds like heaven. What do you have?
Nice video ...🙂 👍
Thanks Raimo 👍🏻
We love your vlogs. You have a lovely sense of humour, bit of the Alan Bennett style, that is humour not looks! Have you ever thought about writing a travel diary, sure it would make great reading 😍
Thanks for such a lovely comment … and for clarifying about the Alan Bennett look 😅. I’ve always liked keeping travel logs so who knows 🤔 x
@@CamperVanya Please do, we would buy one!
Awe you poor thing there is nothing worse than been cold a water bottle may have helped you sleep better. Lovely scenery tho Sue and I hope you enjoyed your burger & beer. 🍺. Didn't reckon much too your travelling companion he was definitely buzzing 😂. Anyway on that note I will buzz of great video look forward too some more. Take care. Jane x
Hi Jane and thank you. Yes it was a case of too cold and shivery to sleep properly. A simple water bottle would’ve fixed that. Take care x
You looked frozen a hot water bottle would have been the answer right enough! You cant beat porridge to heat you up though! Glad you enjoyed the Scottish Borders👍Graeme
Oh I always enjoy it Graeme. Frozen or not haha. Thanks for watching 😊👍🏻
Apart from hot water bottle, I carry those heat pads.. hot hands.. self heating. I don’t have heating in my van, apart from a fan heater for hook up!
I’m quite hardy usually but that night really was freezing and even a hot water bottle would’ve made all the difference. I learned a lot that night! 😆
I’m about to improve on my leisure batteries for the same reason (diesel heater). I woke to thick frost in the inside of all of my windows. Reminded me of being a child in a poor single glazed council house in the 70’s. I survived then and (as you may have guessed lol) survived a frozen night in my van too. How hardcore are we 😂
We are Nik! I was the same in the 70s. No central heating, double glazing or cavity wall insulation. Just blankets and hot water bottles. That probably helped me through this night! 😆
@@CamperVanya that’s what this life shows you…how resilient you are ❤️
Sorry I had to laugh. Been there, got the t shirt. Freezing your knackers off in the van allows you membership of an exclusive club 😂😂. My top tip Sue is invest in a 4 season down bag by Rab sheer heaven.
Pub looked good.
Thanks for sharing your pain❤
It was a great place to visit and I thoroughly enjoyed it despite the heating issue. I’m immensely proud to have become a member of the group haha! 🙌🏻🙌🏻
Ps I will be looking at the sleeping bag mentioned. 👍🏻
Nightmare when your diesel heater chooses not to work. If it makes you feel better, we camped in -19°c in Colorado. Now that was cold. Even with our diesel heater 🥶
OMG that just makes me shiver at the thought. Makes for amazing memories though! 😊😊🥶
@@CamperVanya it was so cold, that our pillows froze. You're right though, if it doesn't kill you, it's fun to look back on later 😊
Another thought to add to all the useful tips: keep some small portions of UHT milk in the van for such occasions when you run out of normal milk. Can't be doing with no tea in the morning! 😆
👍🏻👍🏻
Won’t be too cold 🤣🤣
Never fun trying to stay warm while freezing.. It’s waaay to cold right now.. enjoyed the video though!
How naive was I! I hope you were wrapped up warm whilst watching 😆
@@CamperVanya haha for sure!! We’ve been in that situation tenting several times.. end up sitting in the car with the heat running haha
How did I miss this one! 😮
How did you!?! 🤷🏻♀️ thanks for watching 😊
@@CamperVanya I will make sure that does not happen again! 😂😂
On a note about using power in best way the more modern laptops will run from the centre usb on the River 2.
I hope all is well with keeping warm.
🤓
Thanks Pottsy appreciate all the info you've given me on this. Have a lovely Christmas 😊👍
@@CamperVanya check email also. SP.
The bird was possibly a kestrel
Thanks David you did well from my rubbish capture but it was such a treat to see 👍🏻
Makes me feel cold just watching it 🥶hope you had your thermals on xx
I needed more than thermals that night! 🥶 x
Nothing worse than being cold. We’re up Dumfries Galloway at the moment. It’s been minus 6.
Brrrr! Bet that heater’s getting hammered! Stay safe n warm
@@CamperVanya yes its on at 17 degrees constantly when we’re parked up. So we’re using a fair bit of lpg to keep us all warm.
It's a good idea to carry cappuccino coffee sachets, just add hot water for a hot drink.
That’s a definite for future winter trips 👍🏻
What size and type is your leisure battery? And if you were driving from leaderfoot to leadhills, your split charge relay should have topped the leisure battery up. Your leisure battery should never have been at 11.7v if the split charge relay was working correctly. I'd have the split charge relay looked at to see if it's providing the correct voltage (about 14v) to the leisure battery as the engine is running.
Hi it’s weird. When I’ve driven since it has shown 14v but it didn’t hold the charge here as it should and used to do. It’s a 110ah AGM leisure battery.
@@CamperVanya First thing I'd check is the ground wire on the split charge relay, make sure it's securely connected and that it has a good ground connection to the van itself.
@@itsallfabrication Thank you 👍🏻
If your leisure battery is lead acid, I'd suggest that upgrade to a lifep04 battery as that will last you for years. Definitely worth the initial cost. A sleeping bag for arctic conditions is absolutely great for winter weather. A usb throw is also very handy......assuming that you've the battery power of course. Cannot understand though if you were so cold, why didn't you start up the engine to warm yourself up?
Yes lithium is looking probable at the moment. Unfortunately I couldn’t just keep starting the engine up throughout the night as there was another van parked up nearby and that would’ve soon annoyed them.
HOW did those birds not take your drone out?? 😵
We actually like a frosty night in the van 😁 must be our natural body insulation 😂
I usually love a frosty night too & all year round camping. Diesel heaters are sooo toasty (when working!). I missed having Bri to snuggle up to. He’d have laughed if he’d seen me! As for the birds it was a moment of pure magic 😍
@@CamperVanya you’re doing a grand job on your own Sue, just keep giving him things to laugh at 😁
Those porridges are nice are nice aren't they!
We went to a castle near that viaduct. But we can't remember what it was called!
Xxxx
They’re great to have in. Tasty and warming. Was it Thirlestane Castle you visited? xx
@@CamperVanya possibly! Lol xx
@@blakes4ontour Sorry I forgot, you never know where you are 😂 xx
@@CamperVanya hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!! Xxxxxxx
Error on heater will be for low battery voltage.
Cheers it’s looking that way. Been so hectic lately though I haven’t had a chance to check 👍🏻
What about tea lights under a clay flower pot in a pinch? Or is that just too dangerous?
Ok if awake in the early evening but when sleeping I would avoid any naked flame inside the van. You just never know. One things for sure I’ll be better prepared next time! Thanks for watching and commenting 😊👍🏻
Carry a carton or 2 of granulated milk. Doesnt taste too bad in coffee either.
That’s a definite addition from now on. Thanks Gary 👍🏻
The bird was a Kestrel.
Fab. Cheers for that. It was beautiful to see right in front of me and another reason why taking the scenic route is the best option 👍🏻
@@CamperVanya The scenic route always wins!
Sorry keep having brain farts...Food also builds body heat during digestion, so make sure you eat too. Xx
I’d eaten well before 😋 🐷 👍🏻 x
It was a bit grainy, but I'm pretty sure it was a bird.
So not an otter then?
@@CamperVanya If you see an otter, chances are it's a sea otter 😁
Keep a couple of those foil survival blankets in the van, they take up no room and really do work.
What a great idea. I don’t have a lot of space for endless blankets so I like this 👍🏻
get a jar of coffee mate or some evap milk for spares
Coffee mate for sure from now on 👍🏻
First year of owning the van and learn something every time we go away. Last weekend woke up to 5 inch of snow in Gloucester. Those porridge are great and get a decent thermal outer cover for your windscreen. Powdered tea and coffee are always kept in the van
Yes powdered milk will be added. I already have an outer thermal cover but only use that on campsites. Anywhere else (wild, off grid, pub) I use interior thermal covers in case there might be a need to leave in the night if for some reason I felt unsafe. I could then do so without having to get out of the van. An important consideration I think, especially as a solo female 👍🏻
Lovely video Sue. Good to see that it's not just me who talks back to the satnav..😆
Sorry to see that you had issues with the diesel heater. Hope you get it sorted soon.
Cheers ☺️
Hi Gaz hope you’re good and keeping warm! Solo travel leaves you talking to everyone and everything doesn’t it 😆👍🏻
@@CamperVanya 😆😆 ...yep it sure does..!!