54. My Campervan; Question and Answer Part 1 (of 3)

[@thermotheo]

Please stop telling us that this isn't interesting. Its fantastically interesting, as I'd love to do what you've done but don't have funds. Love the channel.

[@Vandemonium]

Much appreciated, thank you 🙏

[@thomastrout9997]

When you harken back to previous episodes I find myself chuffed at the fact I can say 'I remember that one. Oh, and two folks, not viewers, said Bless You as they passed my table as you sneezed. Brought a smile, Cheers!

[@psihsist]

I would have happily sat through another 38 minutes!

[@kathyowens9901]

6 years! Seems like yesterday when you started out on your narrow boat adventures! Got bored and moved on to the van, enjoyed every one of those!

[@nicolaharvey6364]

I love your technical solutions, "I have a long stick" Both your channels are fabulous Thanks

[@Vandemonium]

😀👍thank you

[@Bicyclehub]

Great stuff David. You’re such a good communicator.

[@2LaneTraveler]

13:45 THANK YOU for saying this. I know exactly how you feel, and I am growing extremely tired of knee-jerk, reflexive politics where reasoned debate is stifled in favor of hysterical screeching. Responsible people research issues and develop their own viewpoints, rather than parroting someone else's. I quite enjoyed the rest of the video too, even though my camper van is substantially different from yours, and quite a lot older.

[@ghost307]

I only wish that I could give this comment several dozen 'thumbs ups".

[@sandcrabronco]

Before I considered hacking the van up for a pop-top I would look into a tent/screen room attached to the side door opening, as long as it was easy to setup that is. Room to stand up also sit and enjoy the view and tropical breezes in the balmy countryside... Personally I want a very small economical camper with a much larger interior! Thanks for your interesting videos, stay safe and healthy!

[@MissScrappy]

Wonderful hearing someone say they enjoy something SO much that they would like to have a bit of everything dealing with their hobby, to have a chance to try all types of conversions. Happy tinkering. We love David!

[@marilynpease8782]

Just love your dry humor and self deprecating style. As well you are a great interviewer. I can see where you were a great news person too. Keep up the good work. So interesting!

[@ncplantdoctor]

Yes, Mr CC, it was ‘vaguely interesting’. I laughed about your decision of where to place the heater, all the while imagining you playing tetris with the various items which needed to be accommodated. That amused me.

[@shardlake]

Liked the "prodding stick" necessity being the mother of invention to a tee :)

[@korzonas]

Bravo for avoiding politics! Thank you!

[@MrSheckstr]

We are here live at the first ever UK Invitational Narrowboat and Camper-van Olympics! In the spirit of the Original Greek Olympics all the the athletic events have to do with common physical activities that Van Lifers and Narrowboaters have to do on a regular basis Day one is the Tow Path Decathalon Events 1 Coal bag toss 2 water hose relay 3 lock cranking and gate vaulting 4 synchronized circle turning 5 cassette draining for speed

[@lilbatz]

my favorite part of your van is the cupboards. I love the little dowel you used to keep everything from sliding out. Wood working is hard, and mistakes compound. You did a really lovely job.🥰

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you

[@clearprop]

Really enjoyed this - it was good to have a reminder of some of the build choices you made, too. 👍

[@dwc123fitlady]

Well done! With your usual good humor & attention to detail, you've managed to answer lots of questions that inquiring minds want to know. Makes me want to get a van again!

[@LongPeter]

I've found that in lieu of a shower, a bucket of hot water and a flannel is about the best way to bathe inside a tent. Start at your face and work down. Try and and use a only a little bodywash or your your rinse water gets soapy quickly. Rinse the facewasher frequently and wring it thoroughly to avoid drips. You don't need to be soaking wet and you don't need a lather, just scrub bit more than in the shower. If you can't stand, sit or kneel in your available floor space - maybe both to reach different body parts. Having a rectangular bucket you can thoroughly wash your feet in at the end is rather good, especially if you've been walking all day. In your case, you could have a bit of extra hot water on the stove to top off a rapidly cooling bucket if camping in winter. If you need to wash your hair, do it in a separate bucket, out in the daylight. Hard to avoid dripping and you don't need to be naked so might as well stand comfortably and not saturate your bedding. If you're camping around a fire or physically active during the day, I'd do the ablutions before bed for a comfortable sleep. Renew or thoroughly wash your cloth between uses.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

These are good tips. As older people at home, we find this system is also eco-friendly and keeps us 'clean enough.'

[@terencejay8845]

When renovating my house I was without a shower or hot water for far too long, so I used the local Leisure Centre, where a long hot shower was £1.

[@BillMSmith]

The tea was finished at the 25 minute mark, but I stayed the course. When you described the grouping of KZbinrs at the show it almost sounded like they were rounding you up for control purposes. Be careful (And keep your lawyers number handy. 😁). You should be proud of the skills you've gathered. You've clearly learned a lot in the process and had some clever solutions to difficult space utilization problems. Looking forward to part deux.

[@Fuzzy_Spork]

I suppose if you parked somewhere that you felt an Olympic dive into the front might be required, you could stow the passenger headrests to give yourself more clearance. You don't want to damage your 'dignity' in the process. hahah! :D Looking forward to part two!

[@c.a.g.9379]

Love your content whether on water or wheels.. Always fun to watch and provides something I didn't know each one.

[@cathrynbagley8005]

Years ago the campervan that we had had a solid sided elevating roof - it hinged at the front and back then the sides were hinged up and bolted into place. It was great as it didn't have a high spot and a low spot but was the same where ever you stood. I haven't seen these type of rooves recently and it's a shame as they were an excellent design.

[@Vandemonium]

Agreed

[@dorothydotson7154]

Access to driving reminded me of a time coming out of work and finding my two doors solidly frozen shut, but miracles of miracles my hatchback door did open and I very ungracefully crawled in. Once I got the heater going the doors warmed up enough to get out in a proper way when I got where I was going. In need you will find a way especially if you feel you are in danger. Even diving through a small space. Of course a TARDIS would be better---bigger on the inside and no need to get to a driver's seat.

[@Wheres_wanda_wandering]

Really enjoyed this as you are so enthusiastic about your van. Look forward to part 2. Take care Gill

[@richardwhipple3522]

This was absolutely fantastic! Can't wait for Part 2.

[@peterclarke3619]

I wont lie, for me the best bit was the sneeze.

[@Vandemonium]

Haha I left it in deliberately, thinking someone will enjoy this 😂

[@nmr6988]

Everything looks SO GOOD. Well done, you!

[@willar1338]

You spoke for me when you said “ I want a magic van”. I have a class B RV, which by American standards is tiny. I love that even my tall friends can stand in it, and it has a shower. But when I’m driving or parking it I wish it were smaller. I think I want a Tardis van.

[@samsanimationcorner3820]

Somewhere there's a The Who reference to Magic Bus in there, but I'm not smart enough to find it.

[@nancycraig5601]

Laughed out loud when you talked about the desire for a can like the tardis. That would be perfect. Looking forward to part 2. Thank you!

[@katherinekelly5380]

I actually paused the video when you warned fortification might be needed and made popcorn 🍿 now I’m all set and ready to press play 😀

[@joysedgwick812]

I have no idea how you make this subject amusing and entertaining but you do! See you back on the Cut, in the meantime please keep doing what you do, and thank you.

[@for.tax.reasons]

I love that you feel good about getting in the van and thinking you did that! It must be super satisfying and I hope you're proud of yourself because it's amazing!!

[@peterhendry2154]

Second hand pop top and a jig saw. Just like the windows you did. Yonks ago the wifes parents' Sherpa camper, with PopTop, failed its MOT for rust and it was bad. We shot off to the auctions in Glasgow and ended up with an LDV exactly the same then took it back to Fort William and did a transplant. Biggest freak out was when I had marked out the windows on the outside then realised I hadn't allowed for the incoming floor 3/4" is a lot. The roof went straight up. Well back first then front.

[@The-Rectifier]

A absolutely informative and joyful vid, David. Thx to take the time to answer all our questions. 😎

[@troyw8338]

Alarm goes off at 5:30, get up turn on phone and see David's mug on my screen. Such a much better Monday morning here in Minnesota now. Only thing that could have made it better, David cruzing on the canals in Wales.

[@Vandemonium]

One day...

[@troyw8338]

@@Vandemonium Thank you David for all the great information you add in so many of your videos on both the channels. I worked and lived in London for 2 years (03-05) left after the bombing on the subway train I took every morning 🌄. I've miss England ever since and have never been anywhere thats made me feel so at home. Your videos over these many years have helped me capture that feeling. Thank you for that! Troy

[@michaelspurling4376]

Having once toured the UK, I completely understand not wanting to go bigger in your van. I was used to the wide streets in the US and was in constant fear of taking off a side mirror when driving through a village with people parked on the sides of the road. In Cornwall, many of the roads were a single lane for both directions with wide spots to pass. If you met an oncoming vehicle, you would have to decide who was closest to the nearest wide spot and one of you would have to backup. I think that would be very difficult in a camper van with limited rear visibility.

[@Vandemonium]

Yep, sounds about right! 😂

[@sidneybowerman558]

Having had a touring caravan for years (until a family circumstance meant we had to move towards a static van) I am sat here nodding in total agreement with your wise words David. A great video which will no doubt help folks setting out on their first few camping/campervan trips.

[@JISJ1964]

I didn´t have tea, I had some weak beer instead. The limit of staying at a camp site sounded generous to me, who normally stay at youth hostels, in Sweden where I live you can´t normally plan to stay longer than 3-4 days in a row. In Sweden we also have the "Everymans Right" allowing us to camp wildly everywhere except for close to peoples homes.

[@colblimp]

Fantastic video, very interesting. Can’t wait for part two.

[@familyw5661]

Great to see you again David Q&A was Great!

[@stanleyclark7758]

Hello David. Interesting or not, your delivery makes for compelling watching.. Thank you, and I look forward to the next instalment. (By the way. It was very interesting. 😁) Best wishes. Stay safe. Stan

[@siobhanappleton4985]

Spent half the video imagining you attempting to vault over the front seats to the drivers. 😂 You look chuffed about your van in general and you own skills throughout the last half as well. Which is highly justified.

[@moondancer5115]

Love a Q&A... thanks David. Stay well.

[@stephenbrooks1692]

Well one cup of tea and only two digestive biscuits later and we have seen Part One. 😉 Steve n Joan. PS Actually Joan had two digestive biscuits and an Ice Cream Nugget wafer and is still drinking her tea!!! Good one David we look forward to Part Two. 😉

[@dallassukerkin6878]

As ever, good sir, it's a pleasure to visit and chat :). A most entertaining half hour excursion around the topic of vans and their conversion :D.

[@ScaseFacetime]

You can get pop-tops that pop up to the same height all the way around... thanks for the chat😄

[@kimsmith6974]

Really enjoyed spending time with you again David, your content is always interesting, thank you.

[@for.tax.reasons]

The show looks like a lot of fun :o I hope you have a great time!

[@joeclarke9782]

I sort of like the English idea of camping only in designated camping areas which is exactly opposite the camping policies in California where tens of thousands camp out anywhere they like - in front of businesses and residences, on highways, on public school property (Seattle) etc.

[@Capitaine.Albator]

Nice video! Liked the part about politics… Sage words of wisdom. Too many people on KZbin talk about politics and the scary part is they know nothing about it. 👍🏻✌🏻🇨🇦

[@waynem2869]

Hey my friend.. just discovered you tonight (big cruising the cut fan).. so pleased you found motorhome life... Just to let you know that 28 days Max on a camp site ..then leave for 48 hours (I think)...then return to live your ultra cool and free life hahaha 🤣... for 28 days again Hope this helps... just subscribed again!!! See you again soon Wayne

[@lorikendrick1705]

My Dad could fix/rebuild/construct anything. Then, I married a man who thought duct tape was the answer to all repairs......oi NOPE. A Handyman or DIY GUY is a human of great beauty and much appreciation and admiration. I do have a precious son in law that is fabulous, when I can tear him away from his own life....

[@lobstercheescake8264]

Wow, another fantastic David vlog.. enjoyed every second drinking my coffee and I don’t have a Van. How Megahobby or some other huge Company hasn’t snapped you up for their front man- I don’t know-they are missing out big time. I wish I could go to this Van Show-but alas I’m in the USA-would be worth it just to meet you. You can make anything interesting-showers/toilets-even cheese sandwiches!! Q&A part deux? Bring it-can’t wait!

[@BrassLock]

Looking forward to part 2 where you tell us how you maintain your battery on trickle charge *without disconnecting* any terminals 😀😀😀

[@davidpiper3652]

Two cups of tea and lots of Jaffa cakes. I had a pop top with the side lift. When it was open it was a bit like having a ridge tent on the roof with one solid side, so all the extra height was down the middle and that worked out really well as the worktop was one side and a seat on the other. I'd definitely have that again but no one makes them anymore. Looking forward to part two and the bizarre questions!

[@leslielutz1874]

You read my mind when you brought up the regular driving around topic. Really enjoyed this!!

[@mike.garnham]

Talking of friendliness - it's one of the best parts of travel. Many years ago we (myself and wife), were in a Caravan Club site in Norfolk and had been there two weeks. As I was preparing to leave the guy in the next caravan (who had also been there two weeks), came by and said .......... 'off home then?' Isn't it odd that two weeks had passed with no engagement? Maybe I am unapproachable? Maybe he was pleased to see me go? I hope not! Thanks for the video. Are you enjoying your new formats more?

[@sanclewphotographic]

Excellent Q & A all Questions answered, nice and articulately look forward to part 2, Regards, Colin.

[@kevgermany]

Hi David, pretty sure you mentioned adding more solar panels to the NB here. I'd suggest that you don't try cutting threads, experts make it look easy but it's not that easy. Instead, suggest you look at rivnuts. These add a thread to sheet metal without cutting a thread. Simply drill, insert the rivnut with the tool and then you're ready to go.You can get a kit with the insertion tool quite cheaply online and it's much less grief than tapping threads. If you decide to go this route, use steel or stainless rivnuts, not aluminium (corrosion will set in), and use loctite thread sealer around the rivnut and thread. Greg Virgoe has an excellent video on this.

[@Vandemonium]

You know, that's really not a bad idea at all, cheers!

[@kevgermany]

@@Vandemonium another thought, if you haven't drilled into thick steel before, check up on how to do it. Centre punch, followed by ascending drill sizes with slow drill and oil is good.

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers again, yes I'm OK on that, have done it before.

[@FireStormintheTARDIS]

@34:42 Splash you!! :-D I absolutely loved your Q&A. You are just awesome!! Oh and don't trim it down!! it was amazing to watch

[@willar1338]

I can hardly wait for the bizarre questions!

[@lewisgardner1660]

Did you know the DVLA has changed the rules on converting vans into campers? You did yours at the right time.

[@maptrotting1]

Thanks for the discount code David. I've just used it to book my ticket so hope to bump into you and say hello at the show on Saturday!

[@Vandemonium]

Great! Weather forecast is looking decent so far 😀

[@laurahenshaw3590]

I thought you would say the part you were most proud of would be the cabinets with the simple, yet ingenious hinges & locks! Although I have to agree with you about the potentially terrifying nature of the propane. Having installed it all yourself along with the detector and having the entire system pass the inspection with flying colors... Yes, that does indeed surpass the ingenious cabinets. Cheers!

[@eastcoast4233]

Really good. Always so upbeat and helpful. Would have appreciated, if possible, the timestamps to the individual questions.

[@kenthompson2160]

As far as a shower goes, have you ever considered using a solar shower with a privacy enclosure during the warmer months. We use a rubber floor mat to stand on. During the winter, warm a pan of soapy water and using a wash cloth, wipe yourself down. Don’t make such an ordeal over it. No water splashing inside. Repeat as necessary. ✨✨

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Interesting to hear you say about making a micro camper, I have converted a Citroen Nemo with a full size bed, electrics, fridge freezer, fresh water and sink with grey water. I enjoyed the Q and A. I actually watched your series when I was designing my Van conversion. Its had extensive use over the last 2 years. I just thought you'd be interested.

[@Vandemonium]

A Nemo! That’s the one I was thinking of. Sounds great 😀

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@Vandemonium it has a full size bed and it so comfy. I just don't have your headroom.

[@lauracox2018]

You are enjoying life! Me, too! I live and travel nomadically for 10 months of the year in a class C motor home. Western U.S. is a fabulous place to camp and explore. But you get to play with a van AND a boat!! Love all your videos. ❤️

[@Smudgie]

I'm part way through my Proace (later model) conversion and I have really enjoyed all your videos. I get the feeling that the later version is a little more difficult due to the flared panels in front of and behind the wheel wells. Having said that, they all offer different challenges I imagine. Mine was the question that made you sneeze. :-)

[@johnwunderlich7491]

Aah, this video and a recent email from cousin( one year younger than me) reminded me of my first camping trip as a young adult. Made a reservation at a KOA near where are we wanted to attend a race. Borrowed a tent, turned out to be a children's tent, that leaked, rained all weekend, at night we tried to heat it with the Coleman lantern it got so cold. Would have loved to find a van of any kind. Enjoyed your video of Q&A and look forward to the second half.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

THANKS for hosting an informative and riveting Q&A. Halfway, you mention Continental destinations you would like to try. I can but encourage you to do so. We are Americans but we spent a month in Europe every year in our active retirement, learning as much as possible about people, places, cuisine, architecture, and history. Just as enquiring as you are, actually. Of course, viewers are fans of your fine British reportage. You would be 'leaving your beat.' We would be 'missing' that important aspect of your 'Brand.'

[@rogerjones2706]

The CC limit of 21 days on club sites is a self-imposed. - the legal limit is 28 days. - over 28 days requires a residential site licence.

[@katherinekelly5380]

I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am!, at your vehicle options being so different - the names are pretty great too😀

[@Teresafromtheyarnshop]

Oh I wish you would have demonstrated the Olympic style leap through the pass through...just sort of kidding... 😂. So informative as always. We sold our RV and I would so enjoy a van like that.

[@lorikendrick1705]

When might we see part 2, David? You are so detail oriented and pretty good at forecasting a potential problem down the road and trying to avoid it. I enjoyed that you went to such trouble to re-fit cabinets about the cooking area and some plumbing hookups that just were not easy access. SO many would just make do. You FIXED it and made it better! No one likes to rip out and re-do, and you did it a few times with the camper and made it work to your liking. The 'shower tiling' and faucet replacement project, in the boat, cracked me up. YOU lost it, and I thought, finally, the man IS human.....I thought you were gonna sink the ship!!! Good recovery, Stepped away, took a breath, 'carried on".

[@Vandemonium]

Part 2 … when I get around to it!! I’m busy editing a canal video at present and it’s driving me mad, the pieces just won’t fall into place. Grrr.

[@lorikendrick1705]

@@Vandemonium always good to know the smooth floating swan on the canal has legs doing warp speed under the water line.....it all looks so easy and well done, D. fuss on....look forward to it.

[@greghilton7797]

The picture you painted in my mind of you in a kiddies paddling pool was hilarious. Cheers

[@archmcdonald6170]

Well done, very informative. Being from Australia with a full size caravan with toilet & shower can see why a shower is a necessity.

[@campingstoveman]

Re windows being glued in, they are all deemed as part of the initial crash cage around the occupants, try cutting the window off and you will find how strong the bond is. Good and interesting video.

[@annerimler]

Waffle away! This has been very enjoyable. Wish I could make that show and meet you.

[@logothaironsides2942]

our renault kangoo is small. It can have a double bed , kitchen box, loo, cupboards. We are just going to get a bigger stand-up-inable van as standing bent double cooking inside when its pouring outside gets tired very quickly after a couple of days and needing the loo in the night means having to wake up the second person so you can move the bed to get to it. You van looks pretty spacious.

[@danieltaylor5231]

I tried the oat crunch's I got for my birthday while watching.(I really liked them) I'll open the digestives and try them for part two tomorrow. Your saying have a cup of tea and a biscuit at the start of your Q&A's here and on Cruising the Cut are what prompted me to ask for McVitite's for my birthday. I also quite enjoyed the Jaffa Cakes.

[@hellyavard8552]

Thank you David great questions but even better answers! Looking forward to Part 2

[@maofangjushi4711]

Very smart idea, I mean Q&A, well done David 👍👍👍

[@castingshadows282]

Great Q&A Vlog David. 👍 Can never imagine you running about in your Birthday suit, seeing you take a shower using that strange looking tent was enough for me. Visions of it blowing away whilst you were in the middle of doing your wash routine. 🤣Best you convert that roof. Good luck. See you in the next part of Q&A's.

[@Vandemonium]

Yes, probably best for most folk if they don’t try to imagine me naked!

[@brianthomsen1163]

I would love for you to come to the states and rent an RV and do a massive road trip!

[@Vandemonium]

So would I!

[@paulwilliams-ob1py]

well that was all very interesting David. in Tasmania they have stopped being able to stop on the side of the road and camp, now have to go to a campground, from what I understand about the mainland is that you can pull up anywhere on the road and camp.. (well not on the road exactly..lol but off to the side). look forward to part 2 of the Q & A...

[@sprint955st]

8:50 yep that about sums it up, no having fun for you thank you very much. And 11:10 let’s face it, land over here is either private, or it’s owned by Her Majesty and has been for hundreds of years, or it’s owned by the Church (I’m sure you can walk from Oxford to Cambridge all the way on Church owned land), or it’s managed by National Trust and no-one’s ever going to loosen their grip are they?

[@sherrie-deejenkins6504]

Hi David just love your videos know matter what the subject. I always get b a good laugh .

[@alfredmilyard5076]

Definitely a wonder way to spend some time before breakfast watching your van Q&A! I would Love to see your Dr. WhoVan tour when the become available 😁 Always a thrill seeing one of your vlogs David. Cheers from the USA

[@michaelburroughs7494]

Interesting Q & A. I truly enjoyed it.

[@ChrisBrown-jh2mo]

As I understand it most caravan sites are limited to 28 day stays by their planning permission. The smaller van you refer to is a Bipper, think it may no longer be available new. I'm in the process of converting a SWB Peugeot Expert, same spec as yours, with single front seats, and a pair of removable minibus seats in the back.

[@richardbradley961]

HELLO DAVID, ENGOIED THE VIDIEO, I CONVIRTED A SHORT WHEEL BACE MEDIUM ROOF TRANSIT VAN WHICH I CAN STANT UP IN @ 6 FEET TALL, AND FIND IT NO TROUBLE TO PARK AT SUPER MARKETS , VERRY COMFEY AND ECNOMICAL ON DIESEL. REGARDS RICHARD.

[@joline2730]

To Richard Bradley: I think your Tranny must be a high roof, as I have a medium roof and the head height is approx 5ft 6ins. I am 5ft nuffink!

[@Krieghandt]

Your videos are always vaguely entertaining :) As a long time tent camper, from one man low profile to medieval pavilions, bath bathing will not work. You can wash with a cloth and bowl, or you can stand out in the rain. Dems your options. At least you have the rain option, where I camp, it's a desert.

[@lindahansen1440]

Watched it all! In Portland Oregon!

[@robsin2810]

Well done, David. Keep them coming.🇦🇺🙏👍

[@chrismont5475]

Another Interesting talk , Enjoy listening to your voice very soft. Cheers from Canada

[@sarabaldeschwieler7763]

Confirming cold tea by the end, but thanks for the interesting and informative answers!

[@eekee6034]

The van's looking nice inside; lovely amount of light and the ceiling color brings out the best of the grey walls. The clubs are the Caravan Club and, I think, Caravan and Camping Club. That sounds about right. Many years ago, I was a member of the one with the less fussy name. Do they still have the cheap "certified locations"? Not that those were ever anything to shout about unless you were concerned with minimum expenditure and brought your own washing facilities. David, I'm imagining you scrambling into the drivers seat as much like the Dukes of Hazzard getting into that car of theirs. :D Making something yourself and enjoying using it is quite special. :) And I'm scared of gas too! :D I want a TARDIS van too! XD I've had thoughts about lowering the floor as far as it can possibly go, but that's beyond coachbuilding; it's starting to get into the area of vehicle engineering. The chassis rails could go under the cupboards and beds at each side, I guess, but I have nowhere near enough engineering accumen to calculate the required material strengths. It would also need a cross-beam to keep the side rails working together. This would raise the floor at the rear doors if nowhere else, unless the whole body could take that force. I didn't consider a monocoque design because I wanted to keep the center of mass low, but now I think of electric vehicles with big banks of batteries, keeping the batteries low down might do the trick. The following ones are from personal experience, but they're a bit negative: I'm sure British car park spaces are still defined by the tiny size of 60s European cars. My parents once had a 60s Mercedes; it was an old banger by then. In 1990, they got a new Ford Escort, and, as measured by how it fit in the garage, it was at least a foot wider than the Merc had been. This itself was basically Ford cheating on the "best in class" comparison of interior space, but that's another story. The attitude against "wild camping" is a reaction to the "new age travellers" of the early 90s. Suddenly, thousands of people decided to live in caravans and camper vans, and there just wasn't room for them. I'm speaking as someone who lived on the South Coast near Brighton which is a ridiculously densely populated stretch of land at the best of times. In one particular case, the travellers didn't help by occupying a large grassy area which was very heavily used for leisure because it was by the sea. When they were made to move on, they moved a tiny distance into the neighboring borough's continuation of the same patch, and of course when they were moved on by that borough's council, they just moved back to the first spot.

[@agriben7591]

cant wait till part 2

[@jamesrichardson476]

A friend of ours has a VW T5 conversion, with a side lifting pop up roof, which must have been fitted about 3 or 4 years ago, so I guess they're still a thing. Our van (also a T5) has a fore and aft pop up roof, with the higher point at the front. This is because (a) you can stand at the galley whilst cooking and (b) the rock and roll bed takes up most of the back end of the van, so you can't stand there very often anyway. But the clincher is definitely that you should be able to stand and cook, at least to my way of thinking.