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Urban Van life In Winter living in a van on an urban street

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  • Опубликовано: 17 дек 2022
  • Winter van life The Real Urban Van life a Day living in a van on an urban street
    If you are interested in the Buletti kit i am experimenting with here are links to what i'm using in my van.
    Bluetti AC200MAX shrsl.com/3nhip
    Bluetti B230 Expansion Battery | 2,048Wh shrsl.com/3sa3d
    Bluetti DC Charging Enhancer (D050S) shrsl.com/3nhio
    Use discount code BLUETTIMEL TO SAVE £80 ON ORDERS OVER £500
    I recommend this 2KW Air Diesel Heater from Amazon perfect for camper vans. with LCD, Thermostat Monitor, Remote Control, 10L Tank
    amzn.to/3UYuLEQ
    The all new maXpeedingroods diesel heater,s
    5KW Diesel Heater with Bluetooth amzn.to/3W16tvq
    All in one Diesel Heater Bluetooth Control
    amzn.to/3HBtkth
    12V AC DC Power Adapter for diesel heaters amzn.to/3j5y5RD
    Everything i use in my camper van you will find here www.amazon.co....
    Camper van build parts list
    www.amazon.co....
    buy me a coffee and i will send you a sticker . your support is really appreciated www.buymeacoff...
    Another way to get stickers is through paypal £5.00 Remember to include name and address paypal.me/bigv...
    Treasure hunting equipment I use
    Minelab Equinox 800 Metal Detector amzn.to/3AwjKCP
    Minelab Excalibur II Metal Detector amzn.to/3Mid9zt
    Garrett Pro-Pointer at amzn.to/3KBxIYI
    Evolution 360 Sandscoop ebay.us/wel24d
    Scubapro Nova Scotia Semi Dry 7-5 mm amzn.to/3xaVC71
    Crewsaver Crewfit Sport Non-Harness Manual Life Jacket amzn.to/3NjSz3l
    Filming equipment that i use
    Sony Alpha ZV-E10 | APS-C Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Vlog Camera
    amzn.to/3mFRaYY
    GoPro HERO 9 Black amzn.to/3xobLpJ
    DSLR Microphone amzn.to/3mFgfTT
    Heavy Duty Video Tripod with Video Fluid Head,
    amzn.to/39i6qIC
    SOONSUN Dome Port for GoPro Hero 10 Hero 9 Black amzn.to/3xjtuia
    If you need advice and want fast answers to your questions then join my member's community and get a fast and quick response.
    / @bigvansmallworld
    Jackery UK official website uk.jackery.com?aff=24
    I use this scanner to keep my sprinter running and on the road
    iCarsoft Professional Multi-System Auto Diagnostic Tool
    amzn.to/3Ly6JgQ
    US amzn.to/32IPAPj
    here's a link to my woodstove (affiliate link)
    cubicminiwoods...
    I have put together a collection of popular campervan building products in my Amazon storefront along with some great ideas for you to look through
    www.amazon.co....
    Jackery Portable Power Station
    UK amzn.to/3dovzz7
    USA amzn.to/3136ZBG
    Revolution outside Laundry Locations
    www.revolution...
    Beck's channel / @sacredtraveller
    ebay.us/JGdKuL
    go pro
    amzn.to/3j79OKL
    dji mic
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    Dji light
    amzn.to/3jjyDDx
    dji gimbal
    amzn.to/3GhplRD
    insta 360 X3
    amzn.to/3Wsd1TA
    #vanlife #wintervanlife #bigvansmallworld #melsvanlife #melsvanworld

Комментарии • 219

  • @BigVanSmallWorld
    @BigVanSmallWorld  Год назад

    Bluetti uk website Use discount code BLUETTIMEL TO SAVE £80 ON ORDERS OVER £500
    B230 Expansion Battery | 2,048Wh shrsl.com/3sa3d
    AC200MAX shrsl.com/3nhip
    DC Charging Enhancer (D050S) shrsl.com/3nhio
    I recommend this 2KW Air Diesel Heater from Amazon perfect for camper vans. with LCD, Thermostat Monitor, Remote Control, 10L Tank
    amzn.to/3UYuLEQ
    The all new maXpeedingroods diesel heater,s
    5KW Diesel Heater with Bluetooth amzn.to/3W16tvq
    All in one Diesel Heater Bluetooth Control
    amzn.to/3HBtkth
    12V AC DC Power Adapter for diesel heaters amzn.to/3j5y5RD

  • @toastiesvanbuild4644
    @toastiesvanbuild4644 Год назад +15

    Great video, I use a plant propagation mat to heat the battery it was about £15 and uses 7 watts.

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  Год назад +1

      Great idea 👍

    • @johnrea2115
      @johnrea2115 Год назад +1

      I use the same setup myself keeps the batteries ready to accept charge and with very little drain on them

  • @welshnutterz
    @welshnutterz Год назад +2

    Mel iv got my lithium battery in an insulated box, the residual heat from the charging keeps it above 5 degrees in there. It's also easy to add a heating pad inside the box so you can warm it up if needed. I used a pad from heated seats

  • @EnglishVeteran
    @EnglishVeteran Год назад +4

    So everyone is in “Winter Mode” now. Some kit I think essential:
    1. Silverscreens. External cab window insulation. Brilliant bit of kit.
    2. Honda EU 10i Generator. Economical. Never run short of power no matter how dull or cold!
    3. Good quality sleeping bag (Single or zipped together double) used in conjunction with a winter quilt. Leave it unzipped for comfort. No Van heating required, warm as toast! Can use a hot water bottle as well if really cold. Luxury.
    4. Back up heater. Just in case. Anything to get by.
    5. Dc to Dc charger. Essential.
    Never cold at night in the buff and with no heat on.

  • @theonlywoody2shoes
    @theonlywoody2shoes Год назад +1

    Grab some 12v heater pads (~12w or around 1 amp per battery) and stick them to your batteries.
    Put a switch in so you can run them from the van alternator or direct from the solar cells using an on-centre off-on switch.
    Most of the time this is off. If you are not driving anywhere put the switch so the solar panel feeds direct to the heater pads.
    If the solar isn’t working (winter/snow covered panel etc.) put it so the alternator/van 12v system runs the heater pads and run the engine.
    Once everything is warm enough the batteries will charge from the B2B or solar, and charging the batteries will also put some heat into them.
    I hope you are feeling better soon.

  • @kinross24
    @kinross24 Год назад +1

    Home storage GivEnergy LFP battery operation temp is -10’C to +55’C. Storage temp -20 to 60’C. So they can work below 0’C!

  • @andypsunshineisle5655
    @andypsunshineisle5655 Год назад +1

    A bad experience is a great teacher. You ended the day far wiser than you started. Thank you for sharing as the low temp failings of lithium are something i was not aware of. Hope the quack gets you sorted ....

  • @annpage2464
    @annpage2464 Год назад +1

    Clear snow from your solar panels doesn't need full sun ☀️ to put a bit of charge in

  • @karlhenrys
    @karlhenrys Год назад +4

    Solar panels do work when it snows you have to take the snow off the solar panels with a brush etc 👍

  • @OffGridVanPrep
    @OffGridVanPrep 9 месяцев назад +1

    Great video once again Mel.
    I actually look forward to winter compared to summer. Summer is like a bloody sauna in my van.

  • @aberdeendeltaforce
    @aberdeendeltaforce Год назад +1

    I prefer winter vanlife to summer, van is fully insulated, I have two heaters, An Autoterm 2D diesel and a truma combi 4e, if it gets to hot I put the maxfan on or slide the door open, their are much less people around, plenty of off season free park ups and that cozy feeling you get when your all toasty in your pj's looking at the snow out the window. Love it.

  • @kinross24
    @kinross24 Год назад +1

    So how come home storage batteries like my GivEnergy 9.5kwh LFP unit can be easily sited outside and still perform ok in Scottish winters. My unit sits in my garage. Tesla Powerwall units as well as others can sit happily outside in Scottish, Canadian etc winters. What you need is a built in BMS thermal warming/cooling system!

  • @Marks-Garage
    @Marks-Garage Год назад +2

    Just an observation based on previous videos but the Blueetti was only charging at 190Watts when the van was running which is about 13 amps from the Vans alternator. I would want to bump that up to 30-40 amps so at least you can really chuck some energy into the battery. Most alternators are rated to 90+ amps so should be good

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  Год назад +2

      You are absolutely rite this could be the biggest down side of having such high voltage batteries in these solar generators they all have the same issue I’ll be addressing this in a video once I’m done experimenting with the Bluetti 👍

  • @CjTriker
    @CjTriker Год назад +5

    Thank you Mel for opening our eyes to the lithium battery fiasco….I will be sticking to lead batteries…hope your health gets better..while I’m here I’d like to thank you for all the videos you have put out for all us newbie’s to learn from…all the best mate…..Cj😊

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  Год назад +1

      Thank you for taking the time to comment really appreciated 👍🤓👍

  • @andrewthompson2380
    @andrewthompson2380 Год назад +3

    You can buy lithiums that are designed for cold weather and have heaters in the batteries that stop them going too cold

  • @hazzerhazzer2741
    @hazzerhazzer2741 Год назад +1

    12v electric blanket plugged into the van 12v port and start the van, then put the blanket over the battery packs.

  • @stevekent3991
    @stevekent3991 Год назад +1

    The weakness isn’t the lithium batteries, the weakness is not integrating heat pads and insulation. End user error.
    I have LifePo4 cells in my back garden being charged by solar when the outside temps are below zero.
    The cells are stored in an insulated box with heat pads which switch on via temperature sensor relays.
    Your application of using lithium batteries includes being in sub zero temperatures so you need to mitigate being in sub zero temperatures. These commercial products like Bluetti are convenient for the general public to purchase but you are better off building a custom solution for your needs.

  • @letsbefrank6269
    @letsbefrank6269 Год назад +2

    Given that the lithium batteries won’t accept charging below 5c I’m surprised anyone in cold climates would buy them as the average winter temperatures in the UK are between 0c and 7c. Mel, what were you thinking? Stay warm with your wood heater, 😊 4:26

  • @paulsingleton1970
    @paulsingleton1970 Год назад +4

    Super informative video Mel, I appreciate you taking time to film this in your hour of need and with a nasty cough 😷 get well soon

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  Год назад

      Thank you 🙏

    • @paulsingleton1970
      @paulsingleton1970 Год назад

      Just an afterthought, as solar isn't an option in winter how about a small wind turbine? I wonder if that would be a possibility?

  • @bobeagle2380
    @bobeagle2380 Год назад

    Hi Mel
    I have a VW EUP electric car, I’m pretty sure it has a lithium battery, I charge it most nights between 12.30am and 4.30am, it’s charged fine throughout the cold weather.
    Don’t know why it works but it does.

  • @stephenchalloner1306
    @stephenchalloner1306 Год назад

    Get well soon Mel. Have a look at roamer battery. Xtreme battery can go down to -30 and still charge. Uk based and great service.

  • @joline2730
    @joline2730 Год назад

    Well, it's about time the Sowf got some snow ‼️‼️ Year after year up here in the Norf we get lots of the white stuff and you get (so my London friends tell me) hardly any ‼️ But this year (so far...) we've only had a light grazing of the stuff - Hurrah ‼️
    And No, .... solar don't work when covered in snow - glad you sussed that out Mel 😄😄😄🤣🤣🤣
    Hope you feel a lot better soon - stay close to that log burner, and wrap up ... 🔥
    Hugs from Jo 💚💙🎄☃️🎅🧑‍🎄

  • @banntheman7925
    @banntheman7925 Год назад +2

    Mel keep safe, see the doc from Sunny Skeggy

  • @mentalneil
    @mentalneil Год назад +7

    Bloody hell Mel, get to the Dr's, get yourself some antibiotics, otherwise you'll end up in hospital. Thankfully you were able to charge your unit in the house,

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  Год назад +1

      I’m doing a little better now but still not feeling very well 👍🤧👍

  • @manondeslauriers2645
    @manondeslauriers2645 Год назад

    my Victron system warns me when the voltage gets too low, before shutting off, I believe when it gets to about 13.3V, it shuts at 12.9V. that way it preserves the life of the batteries by not getting down to zero volts

  • @nikoloko5561
    @nikoloko5561 Год назад

    Nice one Mel
    Hope you got sorted at the Drs
    Stay well
    Stay charged
    Stay warm and have Rum or two !
    👍😎

  • @Bigchaser01327
    @Bigchaser01327 Год назад

    Nothing wrong with lithium, problem is lack of knowledge from sellers. My batteries have in built heating with warm the batteries, thus allowing them to accept a charge.

  • @rhiantaylor3446
    @rhiantaylor3446 Год назад +1

    Not the first time that I have thought that the small but still significant electrical load from a chinese diesel heater needs careful planning. It gets dark hereabouts from 4pm-ish and dawn breaks around 8am so there will be 16 hrs or about 16x40= 640wh of power consumed overnight while your solar panels are not producing - assuming you have cleaned off any snow !

  • @richardwillson101
    @richardwillson101 Год назад +4

    Hi Mel,
    I had a similar experience this week, although thankfully I have a lead acid leisure battery and was able to charge it.
    I had parked up very near work for the week and because of the snow and ice, wasn't driving the van, but instead walking to work.
    On the third night, the temperature got lower than -8, having not been above -1 for the entire day.
    My diesel heater had been keeping the van warm, but due to not driving, and the cold, it dragged the battery voltage down.
    I woke up in the night to find the diesel heater dead and refusing to fire up, with the internal temp of the van being 0.2 degrees.
    It was very unpleasant, so I had to brave getting up and taking the van for a quick drive at 4.50am! This put enough charge back in for the heater to fire up once again thankfully.
    Hope you are doing alright now and can find a solution for the coming weeks.
    All the best, Rich.

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  Год назад +2

      Well done I’m thinking AGMs have there own benefits too 👍🤓👍

    • @patrickvanreeth7355
      @patrickvanreeth7355 Год назад +1

      @@BigVanSmallWorld guess you could say bluetti + agm are 'frends wit bene fits' then 😀🤓

  • @stephenpoessl5464
    @stephenpoessl5464 Год назад +1

    I think you need to see a doctor and what a carry on with your flat batteries good job you have a Bob to go to.

  • @LittlePetieWheat
    @LittlePetieWheat Год назад +1

    Lion and LiFePo4 are not the same. Lion (10°C to 55°C) Lifepo4 (-20°C to 60°C). Thanks for all your insights.

  • @pegadmin4787
    @pegadmin4787 Год назад +4

    Hi Mel....In the years we put into designing our Sprinter conversion, two major things were well thought out, those being power and insulation. We have been in plus 40 deg C in Turkiye in the summer, ( no A/C) and minus 30 deg C in Gudauri Ski Resort in the country of Georgia. We have 900 watts of 3 x 300 on the roof of domestic solar panels, not automotive ones, and we have created a tilting system. We have 400 amp hours ( 4 x 100 amp/hr) of Super Deep Cycle AGM's. They can be charged when freezing. Can be discharged to 100% WITHOUT damaging them, beating Lithium hands down, they are just a little heavier. Beating the normal AGM's and Lead Acid, as with those, you carry half their weight which you can never translate into power. We have a youtube channel called WheelyLiving. Very best wishes. Tony and Carolyn. :)

  • @Anita6687
    @Anita6687 Год назад

    Thank you for the info on batteries. Hope your chest gets better soon. Merry Christmas to you and Becky.

  • @allankerr668
    @allankerr668 Год назад

    Brilliant Mel! Hope you got a doctors appointment!!!😎

  • @wanderingbychoice
    @wanderingbychoice Год назад +2

    Really great info mel, I have lithium but did not know about charging problems when cold, so thanks again get well soon and a happy Christmas and new year to you and Becky🙏🚌👍

  • @brianperrett3201
    @brianperrett3201 Год назад +1

    I have a couple of LiFePO4 batteries in my car camper (1 under front passenger seat, other 1 half under same seat) as auxiliary 12V power and inverter use. Solar charged and a home made 12V charger that plugs into car power socket.
    I didn't lose power as they were 80% charged but when I started car up and plugged charger in recently (cold morning, been using 240V heater to warm up car while getting up, batteries down to 55% charged by now) and... nothing happened! No charging! Charger was on and a bit of winter sun, what's going on?
    Checked all connections, fuses etc. Powered up inverter and meter showed discharge, then I realised, cold turn off by BMS to protect batteries!
    Luckily there is a warm air vent under passenger seat and the heater soon warmed at least 1 battery sufficiently to start charging again.
    A bit scary at first until I remembered the cold shut off, I thought £1000 of batteries had died! Mind you, I'd rather they shut off than get damaged, plus my system is easy to remove and take indoors to charge.
    You can get thermostatic controlled heating pads for lithium batteries, perhaps 1 or 2 under the boxes you have may help?

  • @lenward474
    @lenward474 Год назад +1

    Below commented about heater in battery..sounded new to you..here in colonies used alot. Basically a laboratory flex heater pad with thermostat. Easy to do yourself. Van tank heater pad,even car seat heater upgrade kit. Cheap too 12 thermostat. Also re security..idea put to on Small separate lithium like Dakota for I've fishing. Built in charger,heater,could run system as backup...

  • @kellymelrose8527
    @kellymelrose8527 Год назад +1

    You help a lot of people so its nice that u get freebies..guess it wd be good to have a spare traditional leisure battery for such emergencies..

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  Год назад

      Thank you 🙏 and yes I did have one at first but like an idiot I took it out when I got the expansion battery 🤷‍♂️

  • @jamiepetrie9619
    @jamiepetrie9619 Год назад

    Great video as ever Mel, I live full time in my van, with 3 dogs and my wife, we have a BLUETTI eb150 for power and a cubic mini grizzly for heating, really enjoy your channel, get well soon mate👍

  • @TheUrbanCamper22
    @TheUrbanCamper22 Год назад

    I decided to go with Agm as a secondary battery. Potable jackerys are fine, but if they are dead and you have no way to charge, you're screwed. At my temperature. -40 Farenhight lithium won't be able to take a proper charge.

  • @c0ll0
    @c0ll0 Год назад +1

    Put it on top of a hot water bottle 😁

  • @WonderingWomble
    @WonderingWomble Год назад +1

    Hi Mel.. I was just down the road from you last weekend, Sharpness docks, in all that cold and snow, camping at the dockers club.. I was so toasty in my van, but little Will was parked next to me and he has a Ecoflow and had the same problem.. he has no heating in the van and uses eco to run a little 200w 240v heater just to take the chill off.. NOT ENOUGH, it shut down. I am glad that I have AGMs in for the winter, I hang my ecoflow solar panel upright on the side of the van and there was just enough sun in the day to totally recharge my batteries back up without running the engine, ho which they will charge as soon as the engine starts, I say in winter put a couple of AGM's in as a back up.. Cheers Bud and Stay WARM

  • @claretaylor7434
    @claretaylor7434 Год назад

    Aww hope you get well soon x

  • @debbie62140
    @debbie62140 Год назад +2

    I prefer to switch everything except the fridge off at night or away from the van, so I have it on a different kill switch to the rest of the living area. Just a heads up, Mel. If you have any of those cheap Chinese toggle switches, supposedly rated at 20 amps, check the voltage drop under load across them. My heater often errored low battery (even though battery was full) until I swapped out the cheap toggle switch for a better quality one. Hope you feel better soon.

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  Год назад +1

      Thank you Debbie no I don’t have any of them switches I’m feeling like I’m over the worst of it now 👍🤓👍

  • @AJ-qn6gd
    @AJ-qn6gd Год назад

    In case you’re not aware you can buy on e bay Amazon etc self adhesive heat pads that can be stuck to sumps for pre heating no reason why these can’t be used to keep batteries warm (all batteries slow down when cold) these use about 250 watts at 240 volts.

  • @michaellynch8867
    @michaellynch8867 Год назад +1

    Hope you're better soon mel

  • @bobbyfischer6786
    @bobbyfischer6786 Год назад +1

    Sorry to see you not looking your good healthy self, Mel. Hope you get better soon. Keep on keeping on, the best is yet to come.

  • @mrvanderson7937
    @mrvanderson7937 Год назад +2

    Get well soon Mel !!
    I’m the same, a huge build up of blurghh in my lungs that won’t cough up… 🤧🤧😷😷
    My fuse went & I didn’t realise it, turns out I have been running my fridge/tv etc on 9V for 2 weeks & had no heater. The sparky changed the fuse & somehow it’s gone back up to 14v and staying there. The sparky said about lithium not charging from around 2 degrees and below.

  • @DUB-sential
    @DUB-sential Год назад +1

    Lithium titanate is a better chemistry for cold climates.. not as energy dense but lasts much longer and works in the cold

  • @whippetsadventuresandoneman
    @whippetsadventuresandoneman Год назад +3

    Aww bless you bud not good 😢 I can’t believe all the snow your getting there. ❄️⛄️⛄️
    Hope you’re get well buddy ❤️‍🩹
    Being honest I’ve noticed this with my cctv bud draining my battery :( your totally inspiring and amazing bud ❤ hope you get better soon bud 🤗

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  Год назад +1

      Thank you buddy for all the encouragement and support hope you have a great Christmas and a prosperous new year 👍🤓👍🤗

  • @grahamsfarmportugal2022
    @grahamsfarmportugal2022 Год назад

    Ikr that's why fogstar battery's are selling so well (built in heaters in batterys) ihad same issue during -10 last 2 weeks. Had to abandon the van at parents house.

  • @viv-i-vangoesforth
    @viv-i-vangoesforth Год назад +2

    not good news Mel. You also sound proper under the weather. I really hope you get the lithium sorted. I'll stay with my lead acid ones for the moment ( cant afford lithium anyway-way beyond my budget) I hope you get better son and I hope you're ok this winter. Bessy regs -Kenny

  • @denisecafferky2248
    @denisecafferky2248 Год назад

    Hope you feel better soon Mel x

  • @jamesmackay4652
    @jamesmackay4652 Год назад +1

    Thank goodness you have your alarm,hate to think otherwise.

  • @smarty0604
    @smarty0604 Год назад +2

    You would have thought the manufactures would have integrated a small heating circuit to keep the battery’s above 0?? Which warns you the battery’s are
    1 low and need to switch over to charge
    2 switches the small heater on to keep the battery’s between say 0-1 to allow a charge to be applied ?
    Alternatively make your own to wrap around the battery’s to keep them above 0 and below say 5 ?

    • @VanlifeHQ
      @VanlifeHQ Год назад +2

      They do make lithium battery’s with heaters built in & total agree with you I would have made a wrap around jacket

  • @dreamingoftheoutdoors7757
    @dreamingoftheoutdoors7757 Год назад

    I have a Renogy 200ah LiPo4. It stops charging at 0'C but will continue to provide power down to -20'C

  • @simonpriestley4424
    @simonpriestley4424 Год назад +1

    Happy Christmas and new year to you both

  • @KevinMcMillan
    @KevinMcMillan Год назад +1

    Hi mate I love lithium bit I refuse to install one in the van not because of safety or anything like that but all lithium batteries have a BMS and that usually fails before the battery will not a huge issue to open up the battery and fix it but its another peice of tech that can have an off day and go into a protection mode meaning no power. I guess for local day to day van coming that's not as much of a pain but if you are away to another country or in the middle of nowhere you are stuck. Leadacids take the abuse of the charge cycles and demand better but that's just my opinion.
    More importantly your diesel heater should not fill your van with smoke at all... I have serviced many of these. The burn chamber is completely separate to the hot air that comes into the van so the only reason I can see this happening is if your gaskets have cracked in the heater not a big job to replace or if you installed the hot air intake outside causing it to pull in exhaust fumes from the heater. If it was the 2nd one I would advise to get them moved as far away from each other as possible. Personally I didn't connect a air in for the reason of it becoming a more vulnerable system overall.

  • @PIXscotland
    @PIXscotland Год назад +1

    You need to be able to switch your full electrics to the van battery. The van can supply "endless" power in an emergency. In this case to an inverter and a 1kw fan heater would have saved you.
    Maybe another option is to have a spare flooded battery that is never loaded, but charged from a basic b2b and can be switched on if required. Dirt cheap and useful.

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  Год назад

      Brilliant idea I’ll get onto that as soon as I’m able to 👍👍👍👍

  • @grahamunderwood9353
    @grahamunderwood9353 Год назад

    not sure if they will be any good but you can get heater pads they use to ferment beer when its in the bucket might be enough to keep your batteries warm enough to take a charge i use a usb baby bottle heater to warm my gas cartridges for my stoves in the winter months when out in freezing temperatures

  • @petemoring67
    @petemoring67 Год назад

    Hey Mel .... we were ALL Warned by the various Router companies a few weeks ago NOT! to keep turning your router on and off too much as it shortens their LIFE dramatically having to Re-Boot all the time - Just a thought .... 'Lessons Will Be Learned' EH?? with the old COLD and batteries .... I wonder if EV's get a similar problem in icey conditions ?? ..... Had that old Chesty cough Myself for a couple weeks ... Draaaaaaining isn't it? .... Mines just on the way out now ... Good luck 😄

  • @theoldhobbit3640
    @theoldhobbit3640 Год назад +2

    PPPPPP...... I wont explain, you probably already know 😮🤣🤣. If Lithium requires a minimum temp for charging, which you say is zero degrees, does that mean that you garage does not maintain a temperature about this and if it does, what would it not accept a charge when you started to run your engine? You have oodles of power on board considering the amount of power packs you have so shouldn't really have a problem firing up your diesel heater let alone that lovely little wood burner you have. Easy solution, move your lithium to a place where you are confident it can be kept well about zero when using the wood stove. No, I'm definitely not Troll of the Week, just surprised that such a well versed hardcore vanlifer like your good self would be caught out. Seriously though mate, keep safe and make sure you look after yourself.

  • @stevenwilcox7287
    @stevenwilcox7287 Год назад +1

    Aww bless you Mel I really do hope you get well very soon.

  • @DaveTheDasher77
    @DaveTheDasher77 Год назад +1

    The cubic mini just paid for itself,,lol.
    I just upgraded to the grizzly,with the oven kit,it’s awesome.
    I can slow cook a stew all night over 8 hours,with the fire damped down,
    Also the grizzly lasts all night,because you can damp it right down.
    Take care mate,and you and Becky have a safe and Merry Christmas,and a happy and prosperous new year.🎉

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  Год назад +1

      Fantastic I’m seriously thinking of going grizzly happy Christmas 🎄 👍👍

  • @germurphy4986
    @germurphy4986 Год назад

    You can make a 12v heating pad system for the lithium battery, and wire it up to a thermostat so they will auto heat the battery and prevent freezing.

  • @sasvanach7859
    @sasvanach7859 Год назад +1

    I run my van full time off my bluetti 1500 this happened to me this the other day . Had to put it next to a radiator wait and charge it once it warmed .. first time in two an half years this has happened.. cant complain 😂😂

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  Год назад +1

      Thank you for taking the time to comment it’s nice to know I’m not alone 👍🤓👍

  • @texdog2772
    @texdog2772 Год назад +1

    I might have to get one of those if my super quiet Honda generator stops working. I just fire that up for a few hours and put batteries up to 100% charge. Generator runs a 60 amp Intela-power converter to charge batteries. I run generator under edge of converted cargo trailer if raining or snowing and can hardly hear it while inside trailer.

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  Год назад

      Nice 👍 one I’m going to look into fitting one under my van in the spring 👍

  • @justsayin3097
    @justsayin3097 Год назад

    Think I’m going to run a Diesel heater pipe to the battery box
    Thanks for the tip

  • @jeanniehyde8090
    @jeanniehyde8090 Год назад +2

    Your health is important Mel 😢please listen to all the advice from your fans, and get to your Doctor for some antibiotics 🤗get well soon stay safe you two x

  • @somethingblueboatlifecambr1112
    @somethingblueboatlifecambr1112 Год назад +1

    Hi Mel
    Sorry to hear your issues with power ,must say we have simular issues on our boat and i am supprised you hadnt got into the habit off shutting everything down when you leave the van or during the night we have been doing it since clocks whent back.
    We do have genny we run to charge our lithium via 3 kw inverter charger
    Really sorry you feelin unwell mate keep your self warm and safe 😎

  • @shaunkelly7540
    @shaunkelly7540 Год назад

    reminds me of the film apollo 13. good luck pal

  • @davidlambert9813
    @davidlambert9813 Год назад

    Thanks Mel for another great vlog. I had the same problem with my lithium batteries during the really cold weather. Even though I had 30% left the BMS stopped the batteries being charged until they had been warmed up. Fortunately I had the Truma 4e and somewhere to plug into the mains hookup. One the batteries had warmed up they started to charge again. Valuable point about having a power backup, next investment I think. One to note is that some lithium batteries (Renogy) have a heater function.

  • @SandVan
    @SandVan Год назад +1

    Great video 😊🚐

  • @aprildangelo7457
    @aprildangelo7457 Год назад

    Very good you had installed the smoke alarm, still a shock waking up quick and trying to get your bearings, thanks for pointing out the lithium battery problem i think your the first to mention that, as you only hear how much better they are, i can't help thinking a while ago you done a review on a generator, did you not think of running that to get you back on even kneel, before now we have used a Honda suit case generator plugged into our ehu when caught out wild camping to charge the batteries, good video as ever.

  • @Antonia.Bradley
    @Antonia.Bradley Год назад

    Exactly the same thing happened to me last night Mel. Battery output drops off a cliff below 20%.

  • @PK_Blinder
    @PK_Blinder Год назад +1

    I mounted my Lithium batteries next to my Truma water heater under the dinette seat. Then the ambient heat from the Truma keeps the batteries around 10 degrees minimum. You need to speak to @roamervans about their Xtreme battery range... 👍

  • @colinabrehart5592
    @colinabrehart5592 Год назад +1

    That's very interesting Mel. I think that may have decided for us to carry on with the lead acid leisure batteries 🤔. Hope you feel better soon mate🙂👍

  • @michaelshanahan3555
    @michaelshanahan3555 Год назад +2

    Hiya Mel!
    Love your channel. Its the first time I've commented on here bit, have been watching for 2+ years. You were a massive help( and J.V.) when I converted my LWB Sprinter in the first lockdown.
    What in the diesel heater caused the smoke, did it cause any damage to the unit?
    Get to the docs mate!!
    Huge thank yous for all you do. X
    Mike.

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  Год назад +1

      Hi Mike thank you for taking the time to write really nice of you the diesel heater survived ok 👍

  • @ian3779
    @ian3779 Год назад +1

    I am so glad I never listened to the hype about lithium batteries! This is the 3rd vlog I've watched this week saying the same thing. I'll just stick to lead acid and save myself a couple of grand.

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  Год назад

      Yeah it’s literally my biggest fear come true 👍😊🤔

  • @dsmale7067
    @dsmale7067 Год назад +1

    Keep warm 👍

  • @offshoretinker
    @offshoretinker Год назад +1

    Hi Mel,
    Re a question I posted on an earlier video.
    Hi Mel. Could you expand on why you don't use the vented lid and how do you equalise pressure in the tank?
    Thanks.

  • @anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204
    @anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204 Год назад +1

    good see you put a vid up hope you have good chrismas and new year thanks lee

  • @markclark9934
    @markclark9934 Год назад +1

    Good information on lithium batteries sorry you got so much negative comments in response , thought you still had the bank of AGM batteries installed as a backup?

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  Год назад +1

      Yes I did have an AGM but I removed it to make room for the expansion pake

  • @johnwebster2263
    @johnwebster2263 Год назад +1

    Not a plug, C what you did there Mel. Lithium batteries don't like the cold weather and They cost a few quid.

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  Год назад +1

      Yeah I’m not so sure about them anymore

    • @johnwebster2263
      @johnwebster2263 Год назад

      @@BigVanSmallWorld wonder if your old batteries would of suffered the same fate as those lithium batteries

  • @HAGGIS19757
    @HAGGIS19757 Год назад +1

    Grate. Stuff love it keep it coming.

  • @scottmoles573
    @scottmoles573 Год назад

    Always great informative videos mate thanks for sharing 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏽👏🏽

  • @Robbiedagobbie
    @Robbiedagobbie Год назад

    Hot water bottles! Too warm you and your batteries! Worth a try..

  • @christsyoutubekanaal9864
    @christsyoutubekanaal9864 Год назад +1

    If you let your wood stove burn so that your bus reaches room temperature, and therefore also your battery ''Open the hatch where the battery is located, so that it does not impede the heat and this cabinet also heats up faster, and therefore also the battery and once it rises above freezing point, the BMS will go out of its safety mode, and will simply charge it with your alternator (Dynamo) or connected to the mains power (This is the advantage of a wood stove, or a gas stove that does not need electricity to to feed)

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  Год назад +1

      Yeah that’s what I have started to do I may even take the doors off completely for the winter 👍🤓👍

  • @marks-0-0
    @marks-0-0 Год назад +2

    Mel is it worth building a small insulated box to put the batteries in with some low powered trace heating inside?
    In the opposite direction I built a cool box out of 100mm Celetox this summer which works amazingly well, it keeps things frozen for days.

  • @djmarine4499
    @djmarine4499 Год назад

    After I learnt the hard way after a battery to battery charger failed within a month of purchasing it brand new that the Bluetooth app indication of charge is a very very rough guide always look at the sum voltage and a lithium charge index to see what's actually I'm there as the apps can he very very out of sync on boats we have to use lifepo4 lithium batteries and they are a game changer I wouldn't go back to lead acid ever again but as with everything you have to learn a new chemistry and how to look after it last week saw many nights at minus 8 outside several inches of ice on the water batteries located under the floor so under the water line they never dropped below 1 degree in an unheated area of the boat (was experimenting to see how low they would go) chalk it down to experience and monitor your charge rate via voltage and you won't go far wrong I'm sure! The cubic stove was a marvellous addition to a cold morning when the powers out sounds like you need that chest looked at though Mel don't cone down with full on lurgy for Xmas! All the best for the festive season fella 😁

  • @taniamercer329
    @taniamercer329 Год назад +1

    He t to the doctors Mel
    Am confused if that’s becci dads house where you charge the pack up who driveway you parked on over the road
    How you get sorted with the power.
    Get well soon ❤

  • @Jonny2284
    @Jonny2284 Год назад +1

    Just as a thought, but what about one of those low wattage tube heaters near the batteries to keep their temperature up in the coldest days?

  • @magneto263
    @magneto263 Год назад +1

    Mel .... I know bugger all but a suggestion .... can you divert your vans engine heater towards your battery bank? Just a thought. G.

  • @richardcranium3403
    @richardcranium3403 Год назад

    Hey Mel. Could u not add a normal leisure battery on a switch over for extremely cold weather ?
    (Get well soon mate) ✌

  • @jasonannesley5889
    @jasonannesley5889 Год назад +1

    Bob make sure you charge him for all the electricity he uses cheeky sod.😉

  • @ifell3
    @ifell3 Год назад +1

    Hope you get better soon, and get a generator aha

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  Год назад +1

      Thank you and yea definitely looking into getting one under the van 👍

    • @ifell3
      @ifell3 Год назад

      @@BigVanSmallWorld didn't you get one from maxipeed'imebobs

  • @somethingfromk6816
    @somethingfromk6816 Год назад +1

    Why not utilise the wood fire stove to heat the van?

  • @matthewmansfield3817
    @matthewmansfield3817 Год назад +1

    Hi Mel I see Renogy says their lithium smart battery self heats, do you think it would be worth me paying the extra for one of those. Cheers mate happy Christmas.

  • @thethreemusketeersvanlife
    @thethreemusketeersvanlife Год назад +1

    Cant you direct some heat from your diesel heater into your garage....thats what we do .....

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  Год назад +1

      Yes I have done that

    • @kstewart3657
      @kstewart3657 Год назад

      I don‘t know what‘s more shocking, your lithium battery problem or that nasty cough. Both need urgent attention. Your video will be a wake up call to van lifers who have invested in lithium batteries as the answer to their energy needs. No point in heating the living area of the van and leaving the unheated garage area cold enough to render your batteries useless. Time for a rethink of your heater trunking routes? But get that cough sorted first. Stay warm and healthy.

    • @kellymelrose8527
      @kellymelrose8527 Год назад +1

      Ive just done that as well as i think the cold from around the back doors was coming up through the mattress

  • @cdunphy457
    @cdunphy457 Год назад

    why is the batter ycold its in your van its in your van and your stove warms the van your battery's went flat then got cold is my guess,, would like to hear exactly what happened