10 Things We Wish We'd Known Before Full Time Caravan Living

It's been almost 2 years since we left our house behind to live, full-time in a caravan. We've learnt a lot along the way, so thought we'd share some of our learning with you :)
00:26 - #1 How to correctly level a caravan side to side…
01:30 - #2 Why there are blue and pink chemicals for toilets…
03:56 - #3 That we didn’t have the correct driving licence to tow…
05:36 - #4 Caravan water will taste rank unless cleaned…
06:49 - #5 How to keep warmer on cold winter nights…
07:38 - #6 The perfect caravan for you doesn’t exist…
09:29 - #7 Our fridge won’t work on 12V power…
11:37 - #8 The blown, warm-air heating is rubbish…
13:47 - #9 The integrated T.V. aerial sucks…
15:37 - #10 Caravan beds can be uncomfortable…
How We Support Ourselves:
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CaravanG...
www.foxunderthemoon.co.uk/
Featured Channels:
The Trudgians - / @thetrudgians
Young Tourers - / @youngtourers2078
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Who are we?
We’re Jamie & Stacey McNeill, two, 30-something professionals, who’d had enough of the rat race in summer 2018, when we quit our jobs and sold our house, in order to live full time in a touring caravan in Wales.
Our channel shows our journey living this way, the highs, the lows and everything else in between. We also use our platform to advocate to others, the benefits of living a lower stress, more balanced lifestyle.
We have built our KZbin reputation to date on honesty and integrity - you won’t find us using ‘click bait’ titles or nudity to draw in ‘cheap views’. We’re here for the long-term to show that this way of living can be a lifelong change for you as well as us.
If you’d like to make contact with us, we’d be delighted to chat with you. We read and respond to every video comment, so feel free to raise a question or anything else that’s on your mind.
Best wishes,
Jamie & Stacey

[@Avantgardist]

Man, you don't know how much I enjoyed your "No bullshit and no instagram livingthevanlife crap"-approach! Just honest real life tips presented by a charismatic and relatable fella. Keep it up! I'm loving it!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks! This means a lot to us. We just hope to grow as organically as we can with a loyal fan base. We also aim to be truthful - this lifestyle is not without its challenges, as the current pandemic is showing. Thanks again for your lovely comment.

[@knightgary3139]

Within the last few years I have battled cancer on two occasions and now I do the things in life that I always wanted to but never quite got round to doing. Whilst recovering in hospital I watched endless videos on jags. I’d always wanted one since being a kid so after leaving hospital I got myself one. I had always dreamed about a small canal cruiser....I bought one. I have always wanted a touring caravan and I am on the look out for a budget one. All with the help of a pension I didn’t realise I’d been paying into 🤔 just wish I had done these things when I was younger and my son was younger. I truly enjoy your videos, great tips and add to the excitement of starting out with a caravan. My advice is to anyone contemplating doing something in life that they’ve always wanted to do....do it.....you can make it happen, your only here once. Enjoy life ! Good luck to you my friends.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Gary, this is a beautiful comment. I am so pleased that you have found happiness after such terrible misfortune. We also believe that it is incredibly important to live the life we've all been given - who knows when it will end. Incidentally, our friend is selling a caravan - 2007/8 Bailey Ranger. You can see it on this video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHyxqqF9a82NmZo

[@lincolntablepodcast3139]

I think theres going to be a massive increase in caravaners in 2021 me been one of them looking forward o our first outing

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

The more, the merrier! Glad to welcome you to caravanning. Feel free to throw any questions our way. I can't guarantee that we'll have all the answers, but I'll give it our best shot!

[@gnd08light72]

I hope so! The councils are just greedy

[@tommccafferty517]

3w3s3s3sss3ssss3s3sses3ss3sse3s3s4e

[@andrewmoorey6103]

I think there's an upsurge at the moment as people cannot get away on their usual cheap package holidays. As the restrictions ease as we learn to live with Covid for the rest of our lives people will drop caravanning as fast as they took it up. We've been caravanning for 20 years and noticed the dramatic increase since March 2020 as anything resembling a caravan was dragged out of the bushes and pressed into use. Some people have been badly ripped off with old damp caravans in very poor condition with defective equipment, poor chassis and tyres and I've heard of a lot of dangerously overloaded and mismatched cars being seen on the roads, the DVSA and police have had a field day stopping people on motorways and fining them for being overweight, towing without mirrors, dangerous tyres or the driver not having the right licence.

[@vipdrumnbass9682]

There will be more now in 2022

[@rubberplantsandwich]

for adding the bog-flush water I use a big lenor bottle - its flatish so it means its easier to top up the flush water

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Oh yes, I like this idea!

[@douglassmith720]

We have a Lunar Ariva 2 berth with the end kitchen/shower room. The electric blow heating works fine because the heated air does not travel far before it is expelled into the living area and shower. Despite it being a 2005 model we have not experienced any problems with the Status aerial similar to the one on your caravan. However as I like my technology we have fitted a Sky+ HD box complete with portable satellite dish and can watch, pause & record live shows. We always use pink fluid but regularly forget to use the blue in the waste tank. The seat bases do not work well so we use memory foam to soothe our aching bones. We have a 100 watt solar panel with 20 amp charge controller to keep the 110ah lead acid battery topped up. We have an electric motor mover which uses electric motors to engage and disengage the rollers which means no struggling with a long lever.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Sounds like you've got quite the nifty set up going on! The motor movers are a definite plus and make setting up on site a whole lot easier!

[@Essexyorkie]

Just about to buy a caravan after having a house fire. Thank you for the tips and you have got great presentation skills.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks for your kind words. Sorry to hear about your house. Hopefully, my video on inspecting a used caravan for sale will be useful to you.

[@enzodelbono9884]

You should be a TV presenter....the BBC needs you...love your channel..

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

You’re too kind! But I thank you for your lovely comment.

[@steveh3483]

Always reverse onto ramps, the braking system on a caravan is such that if you pull it forward on to a ramp when you take the tow vehicle off, it can roll down the ramp backwards....

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

This is a classic debate! We’ve had people tell us to NEVER reverse onto ramps due to how the caravan’s braking system operates. Either way, our caravan has never rolled off the ramps whichever way, so for me, I’d say it’s personal preference, unless the design of your caravan calls for either method.

[@juppyro1106]

Regarding "having the wrong licrnse for towing", as of the 16th december 2021, you are now allowed to tow a trailer of up to 3,500kg (way more than enough for a caravan) by simply passing your driving test, so long as you passed after 1st of January 1997. The government has done this to simplify the journey towards becoming a lorry driver, as there is a shortage of HGV drivers in the UK.

[@dataanalyst5704]

1) The blown air heating is perfect to take the chill off at night, you mentioned the fire but having the fan on actually gets air into all the areas that condensation and mould would form..... so not as useless as you think. 2) The blue shouldn’t be put where the pink goes especially if it contains formaldehyde as it shouldn’t come into contact with skin, it’s an irritant and harmful. However.... I fully agree with you on the alteration of a caravan. As long as it looks like it came that way and not made by the Clampits. I ripped out our end dinette and made an ottoman style bed base with loads of storage in and bought a proper pocket sprung mattress. I used the laminate boarding already there to finish it and it made a world of difference. If you are living or spending long periods of time in it you need a descent bed. Plus, change all the plug sockets for ones with USB’s, it’s so handy if you’ve got gadgets. Ps. Liked you video otherwise.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Hello, Thanks for your reply. The blown air heating was useless in this caravan as it leaked so much warm air that, even in summer, the temperature measured at outlets was only marginally above ambient. The blue in the flush won’t come into contact with skin, as we stand up to flush 😂 Thanks for commenting! Hope you enjoy the rest of the channel.

[@davekelly9345]

this is more of a time saving tip rather than anything else , we lived in our tourer for nearly 2 years and we found that leaving a spirit level just inside the caravan door before you set of was a good and handy way 2 check how level your van is when you arrive (side 2 side )this way you could check the level before un-hooking and you didnt have 2 traipse in and out re-hook start cursing and so on lol

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

'Start Cursing' - How every caravan holiday should start😂!

[@ericajohnson3504]

Another tip for mattress comfort, we bought a memory foam mattress topper which is very comfortable, with our double sleeping bag on top. It folds up ok to fit in the under-bed storage too.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Like this - A LOT! Thanks!

[@martinroberts4391]

We have just bought our first caravan thanks to the towing laws being changed. Thank you truck driver crisis, best thing to come out of the covid

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Awesome! That makes me enormously happy. We need more to enter caravanning to keep things going! Enjoy it!

[@higgy1726]

Dog storage 🤣👍🏼 cracking video like a lot have people will have said, no nonsense, no Instagram vibes 👍🏼

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks! We try our best to please!

[@carriegaye3403]

Nice, natural, presentation!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks! It doesn’t come naturally! I don’t know why, but I find it incredibly difficult 😂 Thanks again 😀

[@carriegaye3403]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels Well, in spite of that, it comes across as very natural and pleasant. Which makes me want to watch further episodes.

[@danuk2005]

Thanks for the video as it does raise a lot of points someone new to caravanning with perhaps an older caravan wouldn't even start to think about. One thing I would say about modifying the inside is to be careful of weight and your payload and to get the caravan weighed before towing.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Hi Dan, Glad you enjoyed the video. You raise good advice for anyone modifying their van. For me, the weight of the removed materials was similar to the new materials, so we should be fine. I should probably have mentioned this! Don't want people installing a washing machine there! Thanks for watching! Jamie

[@himwotdus]

Good to see you back and doing caravan related vlogs. Keep em coming !

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks for your comment! Up with the caravan vlogs and down with the travel vlogs! Okay, okay, we get the message, it's all about caravanning! Less travel more caravan content! Ha! Ha! Thanks for watching! Jamie :)

[@kapihuria]

Can we just say what an amazing job the camera person was too! ❤️ love these videos, learning so much. Thank u!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Glad you found it useful! Thanks! :)

[@andyfermo1586]

Thanks for the tips. We’re about to head on a 12mth lap of Australia 🇦🇺 and these little nuggets are very useful to know before heading off on our adventure

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

That sounds like an amazing adventure! Will you be putting out any content onto KZbin?

[@andyfermo1586]

Yes Jamie we’ll be documenting our adventures whilst also helping veterans and first responders experiencing PTSD

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

A very worthy and noble cause - do let me know when you have the first video up and I'll give it a watch :)

[@ludicer122]

Excellent video, super down to earth about caravanning, love it!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your lovely comment.

[@HappiCamper]

Wonderful, thank you!

[@lisabeaumont]

Newby here, and that was really helpful, I’ll subscribe! Thank you.

[@flopskicollins8482]

I'm living in a fendt caravan 2016 model, I love it, I'm on a traveller site at mo, as council won't house me because ma ex missus has our house until I force a sale. I have no bills, I get on with tha travellers, and I actually feel safer here than some areas iv stayed in ma home town. It took me a while to get used to toilet and shower situation, but you get used to it. Thinking of a campervan next, an maybe tow a trailer with ma motorbike😁

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

So glad that you are enjoying living how you are. It's not for everyone, as some don't enjoy the hardships that come with it, but if you can look past those, there is a lot to be gleamed from it! Best wishes for the future!

[@flopskicollins8482]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels thank you, I do enjoy not being stuck to our governments ways on control, il be looking for my own bit of land to set up ma own little farm to eventually live on😎

[@googlemusiconly1138]

I was in a similar situation and a biker. I’ve now got 2 caravans, still got my bike and I kept the marital home but I rent it and live in the caravans on my drive. One is my office and bed and one I tow for getting away. Only bought the second one yesterday. My motorbike is in my garage. I’m a biker chick with a difference. I used to hang out with travellers back in the early 90s. Enjoy your freedom 😊

[@flopskicollins8482]

@@googlemusiconly1138 glad to hear from a fellow outcast😎😂, I enjoy tha freedom from society, it's been an experience I won't forget. I'm going to get a van an another bike, so onwards an up upwards ma friend 😁👍

[@ellr4650]

I'm weeks away from beginning the same route for similar reasons..actually looking forward to it. Been down for so long

[@ambulancekidd]

Excellent video & coming from someone who has caravanned & motorhomed for 56yrs tells you that I'm impressed. One very minor criticism is how heavy handed you are with doors, water hatches & the likes will come back to bite you, be gentle, these parts are not of household quality & when they break you'll have water going where you do not want it. Keep up the good work, best wishes...Rob

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Cheers, Rob! In truth, I just get a little over excited whilst filming. I’m usually very gentle!

[@jaynerice529]

Really enjoyed your no nonsense and proper basic tips that everyone needs when starting! Thanks!! Jayne

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Glad it was helpful! Feel free to ask any questions 😃

[@marybarnes9898]

Thanks, have enjoyed your presentation. We bought a 21 year old 2 berth L shaped lounge Swift two months ago, have adapted the double bed to two singles (one shorter ) and added memory foam toppers. Didn't drill into anything, its a supplementary bed base on legs held in place by bungee cords. Much more comfortable and now both of us can get up without disturbing the other. Sadly only had 3 nights in it so far, but will start again next Spring. I was however surprised how much all the extras for caravan cost, even though we were left the most important stuff , actually spent another £2000 on stuff including a second hand awning and other second hand things and obviously had a tow bar fitted. Best wishes.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Glad to hear that you've been able to adapt the space to suit your needs better. Yes, caravan accessories can be pricey. We try to avoid buying something unless we absolutely need it! Shame that you haven't been able to make as much use of your caravan as you'd like. Depending on how you feel about winter, is it possible to use your caravan year-round and there are some sites that are open to touring during the winter. However, if it gets really cold, you may find that the water in your aqua roll freezes! Best wishes, Jamie

[@evyordanov]

Brilliant, mate! Good job on this video 👏

[@soniawallis4967]

Brilliant advice, thank you. Genius idea about the double quilting for the bed too.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

No worries! Thanks for the comment :)

[@amenerstugard1894]

How FANTASTIC! Thank you EVER so much! 🙂🙂🙂

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

You're very welcome! Glad you found it helpful.

[@samhartfieldlewis5247]

Good going, definitely right the perfect caravan doesn’t exist. We got one not a super expensive one but am currently totally updating to what will work for us. Nice one take care Sam

[@dairekearney66]

thanks for that info guys. im looking at getting a caravan soon and you helped me make up my mind on what I want to do

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

I’m so pleased to hear that we’ve been of help 😀

[@rt-ks2bh]

Fantastic tips,,, love your explanations lol,,you got a good sense of humor got my vote,,,cheers

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Great to have you on the channel!

[@saralouisemulhern4463]

Loved watching this

[@jamiemurphy1316]

Fantastic help, we have just bought our first caravan, tips are brilliant 👏

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Glad you enjoyed it. Feel free to ask any questions 😃

[@ia23947002]

Just taken up caravaning found your video very informative thanks for taking the time

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Glad it was helpful! I've got another caravan tips video in the pipeline!

[@karenaustin1436]

Thanks for the tips, will be great help when I finally go for it

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Don't delay! A better life is just around the corner ☺️

[@AndyJWalsh]

Hi Folks, Splendid video. Entertaining and informative. I lived in a static caravan for a year in the 1980's. Had a great time!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Hi Andy! Thanks for watching our video. It’s always interesting to learn of others who have experienced living in caravans and thoroughly enjoyed it. Hope you’re keeping well. Thanks Jamie

[@tylerburgess8709]

For the bed, look at a memory foam mattress topper. It's honestly a game-changer. And as it's memory foam you can roll it up easily when not in use.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Hi Tyler, Thanks for your comment. We've considered this before, however our problem is a lack of storage at present. Under the bunk seats, we've got some food stores under one and the bedding under another. Despite them rolling up, I don't think we have anywhere to store one at present. Perhaps once the pandemic is over, we will reduce our food stores and have space. Thanks! Jamie

[@jongabriel7808]

Excellent guys. Just bought my first caravan and the tips were awesome. Thanks again.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

You’re very welcome! Glad you found it helpful.

[@cesar190472]

just got my first caravan!!! what a great video!!! thanks.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Have fun! Where are you off to first in it?

[@suelois3187]

So good, thank you. I learned a lot about my own caravan.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Glad you found it helpful. I’ve learned most of what I know from being in it and having to make repairs. There’s a few more jobs on the repair list and I’m sure that the list will keep having things added to it. Enjoy your summer ☀️ 😀

[@LowVisionUKTerrysView]

really pleased I came by your channel. never been in a caravan before. bought a 2002 2 berth to see if we like it...and really quite excited about it - cant wait to try it out. have subscribed, and look forward to binge watching your other videos :-)

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Welcome aboard! Caravanning holidays are a superb way to explore the UK. Feel free to forward any questions that you might have and I will do my best to answer them!

[@BallisticBurns]

Really good video, appreciate it. The mrs and I are moving into a Buccanner Cruiser 5. Bricking it, is an understatement. Never towed anything. Don't know the caravanning etiquette. So thank goodness for videos like this and others. :)

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Awesome! Exciting times ahead for you. With towing, slow and steady is the key. You'll have a great time. Let us know how you get on!

[@RealNewZealandAdventures]

Thanks for all the information we will be heading to the uk for 6 months in april 2023 and looking forward to caravaning our way around

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Have fun! The UK is an awesome country to explore. Check out Travelling K's UK tour - she's a fellow Kiwi, so may be able to give you some interesting insights into 'Life in the UK'!

[@jamesdecross1035]

Tip 7 = so useful… thank you!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Glad it was helpful! This is something that we definitely didn't know, but once you do and you think about it, it does make sense! Thanks for commenting!

[@ct026]

We’ve had our 1999 caravan for two days! The learning curve is quite enjoyable.......at the moment! The blown air heating info was interesting. New sub. 👍🏻👊🏻

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Awesome! Welcome aboard! How have you found your blown air heating? Yay or Nay?

[@stephenacquah9053]

Very enjoyable, informative and enthusiastically presented. Well done 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@rf9663]

Excellent video, thank you.

[@rorymax8233]

I love your take on things , thanks

[@eilidhmu]

Brilliant advice! Thanks guys ❤️

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

You’re very welcome! 😀

[@janwaite9701]

I have an 1998 Elddis converted for Australia, this was so fun

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

How interesting! What changes do they make for the Australian market?

[@raymondpiper8294]

Did you have a hard time shipping the caravan ?👍

[@stuartrich2499]

Great vlog....well informative and intersting!!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tarabray8521]

Im so glad we have found your channel! We have also decided to embark on a full time caravan lifestyle, with our young son. Your Videos are really insightful. Thank you!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Hi Tara! What a lovely comment to receive! We’re so glad that we’ve been able to inspire you and to have been part of your journey. We were in the same position two years ago and can honestly say that we have no regrets. If useful, we’re always happy to have skype chats with people, if you’d like any advice or help along the way. Enjoy the journey! Jamie

[@tarabray8521]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels that would be amazing thank you! It would be great to chat to people who are doing it ad people think we are crazy 😂 especially with a toddler in tow!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

@@tarabray8521 No problem. Add me to your Skype and we'll have a chat at some point - [e-mail]

[@andrewnatt1448]

Brilliant vid thanks. We have finally decided to go down the caravan route rather than the Motorhome route and so your channel really helps.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks, Andrew. Glad to learn that we’ve been of some help to you. We also agonised over buying a motorhome or a caravan and settled on the latter primarily because of budget - we got more for our money buying a caravan. Thanks for taking the time to watch 😀

[@craigtobias3609]

Watching from South Africa . . .very informative. Thanks.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Love South Africa! My Mum was born in East London, and we still have family out there so get out when we can. We did a trip video of our last visit there, which on our channel. Thanks for watching 😀

[@flybobbie1449]

Toilets, i used the cheap blue blocs from Lidl. Work just great and cheap. Breaking solids no problem, just give the cassette a good shake before emptying. If living on just one site, i covered the underfloor with loft insulation. Also insulate your outside water barrels. two 50 litres would last a week. And when buying a caravan buy one with the storage heater next to the sink and shower. Easy to insulate in winter. I lined the walls with floor tiles to reduce condensation. I only used my heater all night one Xmas, when temp dropped to -13 c.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

All good tips there. I'm not sure whether the blue blocs you mention would be compatible with the septic that we have here, but I will do some further investigation. With regards to additional insulation - this caravan will require some remedial work in the coming years, so I'll incorporate additional insulation in to that. For example, the floor needs replacing, so I'll substitute the existing material for kingspan boards, etc.

[@flybobbie1449]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels I just used the loft insulation from BandQ. Just held in place by running some string or wire to hold it in place. Just stops the wind chilling the floor.

[@justmark1976]

Our Knightsbridge also has a soft floor, it has gone right under the bed, around the table storage about s two/three foot section. I've looked underneath ours and looks dry and sound, so I was planning on using a resin that you inject into drilled holes to fill the voids caused by the ply delaminating. Replacing the floor sounds very involved and expensive, so if you want to try it first and let us know how you get on... 😁😁😁

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Mark Thompson There’s a section that will need replacing anyway, as it’s rotten. I know the dowels and the resin, which is straightforward enough to do. Not sure when or whether we’ll do it!

[@riboid]

@@flybobbie1449 kingspan is twice the performance of bq loft insulation at the same thickness approximately.

[@yaquot]

Gonna Have my first caravan tomorrow and just watched this video. It's really amazing and given me a good idea of what I could be expected soon 🤗.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Glad to hear it! Welcome to caravanning

[@johnthespark8433]

Excellent informative video 👌

[@dazbrowne4984]

Had my caravan nearly 2 years elddis cyclone wish I had watched your video before our first outing very informative cheers 👍

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

That's great to hear. Glad we've been helpful ☺️

[@jeffstocking509]

First time watched one of your videos and we are just about to purchase our first van so very helpful Thanks

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

That's awesome. So glad that you found it useful. You'll have a blast with your caravan. Lots of happy memories waiting to be made.

[@lovefromaustralia6961]

Hello! I just bought my first caravan, and am picking it up this weekend. Your video was hugely helpful, and I found it great to learn from someone so friendly and fun. From someone who is new to it all, Thank you for sharing your knowledge. 🙂

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks! We certainly don't know everything, but happy to share what we've learnt!

[@jacktrawinski8140]

Great tips! Thanks for the video

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@the.best.is.still2come195]

Thank you for the video and regards from Poland!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks for you comment and glad you liked it!

[@jeffbanks9955]

Great vid and very useful. Thanks to you both!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@JoniqueLife]

Tip top advice! Essential to know that yes we sometimes need to amend our dream van along the way! Nothing is perfect at the start!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

So true! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@dr.t.]

Brilliant, informative and funny too, you'd make a good teacher 😎😎

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Ha ha! Thanks. If only my video skills were as good as my teaching was ;)

[@andrewfishpool89]

I have the same watering can. Good choice.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

It's a fine watering can 🌻

[@chrishines6148]

Such useful info, great channel, thanks 🙏

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

[@domcovers8729]

I've just bought my first caravan! This was very helpful. Specially about the drinking water pipes! Thanks

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Awesome! Glad we've been helpful for you. Where are you heading first in your caravan?

[@domcovers8729]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels for a test out I am thinking Dalby forest. I want to seal along the roof seems first so may make a video on this as can't find many? It's an old van so needs some tlc. But I'm with you on making it your own. The floor is also a bit bouncy but hopefully this is all. :/ I'm also working out what I need for alko stabiliser as been told standard tow ball to small. Nervous about the first tow!!! 😬

[@shed.projects5150]

Our self build camper has a 12 / 240v fridge which works on 12v = 24/7, powered by solar panels, along with cold water tap, and we cook with gas. All works great, no shower though, but saying that, we only stay in it for a few nights at a time and the camp sights always have showers. thanks for the vid. Paul UK

[@catharinaalperud9981]

Yes! And also THANKS for a really really informative video!!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@Noobiarus]

Not good at reading instruction before trying to put stuff together but this video is so simple from leveling up to dressing the bed thanks so much.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Glad you found it useful 😀

[@BrettsJackson]

Fantastic video again guys, thanks!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks!

[@steveparkinson8230]

Pleasantly surprised.. subbed! Looking forward to watching more..

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Awesome, thank you! Feel free to ask any questions you like - we always respond. One of the nice things about being a small channel!

[@Globalweb999]

You really enlightened me on TV signals. My Abbey 216 is 19 years old and I bought it 2 years ago.Everything about it is brilliant EXCEPT the tv won’t work! However you have just made my day when you said about the Digital signal being introduced in 2005! Great info...THANK YOU 👍👍

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Wonderful! Glad it was useful for you. However, a T.V. aerial technician commented, reckoning that I am wrong about that point, as the hardware isn't that different, however I cannot find another reason for the difference.

[@alexandrospapadopoulos1474]

Awesome advices, thank you

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

You're most welcome 🙂 Feel free to ask any questions. If I know the answer, I'll happily share it with you. Take care, J

[@valentynacartlidge2916]

Love this. Great video 👍🏻

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@LuckiesLife]

Blown air heating works superb in my Senator Wyoming 5. Mind you when I first bought it I had to reconnect all the corrugated cardboard pipes that had popped off the vent outlets and replace the ones that were crushed flat. It also helps to open the far vents and allow the van to heat up from the back first (at least for my van). Now I just have to sort the damp in the front window and rear bathroom (unless you guys feel like doing it and I cough up the readies!) and sort the water heater that trips everything out when I use it. Great hint on double quilting. There's a reason why I love your caravan channel so much. Awesome work, always engaging videos with interesting content, great presenter and great camerawoman. Keep being excellent!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks for your lovely comment. Sorry to read about your damp. We definitely don't fancy doing another caravan in a hurry but would definitely encourage you to tackle it! Our blown air heating was hopeless. They'd installed outlets into the awning area, so it was incredibly leaky. Keep us updated with how you get on!

[@themadchook]

nice video ,picking up my first caravan on xmas eve cant wait for out first trip in the spring

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Awesome! You won't regret it. How soon are you hoping to get out in it?

[@heatherpalmer]

All great advice some I’m already doing in our van 🎉especially the double quilting 😂 my god those seats are hard 😂 xx

[@starcruiser75r12]

Love the video guys. Been with you since the beginning and glad you are loving the van life. Very helpful and informative video. Interesting about the tow load plus car. I bet an amazing number of people are unaware of the weight allowance - if it is even enforced I wonder. Full respect to you guys. Spread the love. Keep living the dream.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Hello! Thanks for sticking with us - we really appreciate it. We know that we don’t post as often as our subscribers would like us to, but we also don’t always have a lot to tell! I’m in the process of crafting a video all about towing weights, which I’ll try to get out ASAP as I’m sure that it’ll help a lot of people. We often get questions on it. Hope you’re well. Thanks Jamie

[@starcruiser75r12]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels Your future video on towing weighs is going to be very interesting. Looking forward to seeing it. Fully understand that you dont release videos very often. Quality is always better than quantity. Keep living your dreams guys. You are helping to blaze the trail for people wanting to get out of a rut and live happer lives. Rock on!

[@garethhughes380]

Great vid, some great tips, looking to get our first van so this was really helpful, thanks, Gareth

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Glad you found it useful. Prices are high at the moment. Maybe try to approach caravan sites and tell them that you're looking to buy and do they know anyone. Certainly on our site we get caravans come up for sale frequently.

[@garethhughes380]

Thanks, I didn't think of that we have been looking on the usual, ebay, marketplace etc.

[@alexisamtosta]

Nice video. I just subscribed. For a long time I am plannig to live full time in a caravan. This video came in handy.

[@moyaking8961]

Thank you for this. I'm a newbie at caravaning and I'm trying to learn everything from scratch 😯

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Awesome! Welcome to caravanning! We were newbies in Spring 2018, but have been on a steep learning curve since. If you need anything, feel free to ask and if I can help, then I gladly will. 😀

[@moyaking8961]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels I've now subscribed to your channel. One thing that I am trying to find out is about the gas! I live in Cyprus and caravans are very rare out here and finding info sucks. My caravan is a 2002 Lunar Lexon end bed. I can run the fridge, cooker, hot water and heater with gas. As the UK have different regulators the caravan hasn't got one. Do you know if I need a low or high pressure regulator? For my house gas hob I have a low pressure regulator. Now I must get back to watching your other videos 😀

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Hi Moya, Was your question: Which regulator will you need for your gas bottle bought in Crete? If so, then I have absolutely no idea 😂 You’ll have to source one from a local camping store. Sorry that I couldn’t help this time 😀

[@moyaking8961]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels Awww bless you, thank you anyway.

[@sarahdenyer2519]

Ditto... 😀👍

[@saddlerkey]

Informative video , hope you are both well and safe given covid 19 take care!!!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

We're both doing well, thanks. Our site has been closed to the public, but we have remained behind to help maintain things. Stacey is still out cutting the grass and I'm spending a lot of time in the garden planting veggies, repairing things in the caravan and other bits and pieces. We're also both studying for the TEFL qualification, which will allow us to teach English online. Exciting times! Thanks for watching. Hope that you and yours are well. Thanks Jamie :)

[@youkaydan]

Great presenting skills!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thank you kindly!

[@stevelutwyche]

New subscriber and a 'Vanner for 40 years elapsed, but with a 20yr gap in the middle! Some great tips here, good presentation style too, like it!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks, Steve. Glad you liked the video. It’s nice to be able share what you’ve learnt along the way and we certainly have made many mistakes! Thanks for getting in touch. 😃

[@dekkard]

Good job, thank you from Austria! 🤘🏼

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks! Love Austria by the way. Skied in Mayerhoffen many years ago. Very beautiful place. 👍

[@daveshaw1514]

im sold thank you guys.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Awesome. When are you heading off?

[@karenglazbrook2016]

Thanks for some great tips - love the honesty and the mods for the dogs -😀 have shared with my daughter who is thinking of renovating an old van. Will definitely check out some of your other videos! Cooling is more of an issue for us but I am sure when I get to venture out further again I will find winter🤔 Definitely interesting to see some van from the other side of the world! 😀

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Hi Karen, thanks for your lovely comment. Where are you based? Do encourage your daughter's project caravan and share pictures with us along the way. Feel free to browse the other videos on the channel and throw any questions or way. Take care, Jamie

[@johnob1824]

love your way of life

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks! We took a break from the caravan this winter, but are looking forward to returning to it full-time very soon!

[@sarahdenyer2519]

This was sooooo useful - thank you. I have a (new to me) Elddis Mistral Vogue 1997, so very similar and extremely helpful advice. However as my caravan is only a small 2 berth, the blow heating makes sitting on the loo a delight! 😀 Plus thank you for the aerial advice, I’ll stick with iPad downloads for TV. I ow also know how to make our water taste better! 👍 So pleased I stumbled across you guys. Sarah. 😉

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Hi Sarah, I'm really glad to hear that we have been helpful to you. We have lots of caravan-related content across our channel, so feel free to have a browse and let us know if you have any questions! Thanks Jamie

[@thischannelisdiscontinued8643]

Great video 👍

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks! Hoping to put out another top tips style one soon. Just waiting for the motivation to film it 😅

[@adamdalziel]

Great tips, thank you

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Glad it was helpful! There's more top tips on the way!

[@reesv01]

Well-presented video :)

[@chichi7983]

Super helpful thanks I'm a complete newbie😊

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Glad to have been of help 😃

[@beverleypearson2646]

Great tips : thank you 🙏🏼 Never even though about the old fixed roof aerial 🤦‍♀️ not being Digital !!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Some have said I'm wrong on that point, but I took great pleasure in cutting it off this winter 😂

[@eaglestu6639]

Nice one mate great advice

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Glad it helped. I've got another tips video coming out soon.

[@smudgealdrin1512]

If on hook up I use one of those plug in oil filled radiators set on low to keep it warm in the winter. It takes the bite out of winter overnight for sure.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Great tip! Caravans can be chilly in winter, that's for sure!

[@smudgealdrin1512]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels They are great .. dont turn the thing into a sauna overnight .. but really does take that slap away when throwing back the duvet to get up . I used one in -7 in Norway .. worked a peach .

[@alfiemcelhinney3649]

Great video!😁👍🏼

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks!

[@scotts6012]

New to caravans, some really helpful info. Need to clean our lines. I would say though our gas and electric blown air heating is super. Thermostatic control very quite setting for night.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Hi Scott, Glad to hear that your heating is better than ours. Ours is just so leaky that it loses all its heat by the end of lines. Welcome to caravanning! 😀