Berlingo Microcamper first outing! ALL of the weather...

[@seanbullmusic]

A towel is just about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can carry.

[@PTTM2006]

If there's something Douglas Adams taught little me in Canada is to never forget your towel

[@Ricketik65]

Yes, I was wondering if Ian had ever read the hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy.

[@davidcooksey1390]

​@@Ricketik65He's a hoopy frood ! 😊

[@forrestrobin2712]

Yep, it's a tough universe out there...

[@peterlarkin762]

Douglas Adams lost a towel on a trip once and was so traumatised he included it in the books, so that we may never forget.

[@Ed_start]

Just watched your interview on Classics World. I’ve been watching and really enjoying all your videos for years, but to my shame I never subscribed. I’ve finally remedied that today - better late than never… Anyway, thanks so much for many years of delightful and informative videos so far and long may they continue. I particularly enjoyed the Leyland National drive a few years ago (very niche, but right up my street) I always feel happier after watching one of your videos- definitely a feel good channel for us automotive enthusiasts. Your channel is a definite “go to” to cheer up a gloomy day! Thanks again and keep it up - much appreciated!

[@oldbatwit5102]

Part of my job, many years ago, was cleaning toilets. Horrible, grubby toilets are a cleaner problem, not a customer problem. Ps.... I just watched a video of a guy chugging along in a narrow boat in Winter and I thought 'What could be more British than that?' The answer, plainly, is HubNut camping in a Belingo at a bloody service station.

[@69spook]

I used to be a toilet cleaner at Kay's Catalogue warehouse on the day Elvis died. A student job at the time.

[@martinneumann7783]

This report reminds me sleeping with my buddy in my Mercedes-Benz 200 Diesel (1972/W115) back in 1989. We drove from Lake Constance through Switzerland to Geneva to visit our girlfriends. They‘ve been living in guest families as «Au pair» students and it was impossible to stay in their house. Thanks for your trip and camping report, Ian. See you next time »»» Martin

[@thomasrpoulsen]

Your travel videos are the best 👍

[@dwarfshortage244]

Bobs a good ‘un! I suffer with anxiety occassionally, and I know how you feel when you have a big day of work coming up and it disturbs your sleep. Meditation and breathing exercises always helps me. Thanks for a great video!

[@69spook]

I used to stay in my campervan at Gordano Service when I was working freelance in Bristol. It was £10 a night back then. Always had a good night's sleep as I parked away from the noisy motorway. I overslept once & when I pulled open my sliding door, there was a car parked next to me, with three kids staring at me in my pjs....😂

[@paultaylor7082]

I used to live just off the A456, but much higher up, in Edgbaston, Birmingham, on a stretch called Hagley Road, many moons ago.

[@HubNut]

I lived in Bearwood so know it well.

[@Alex_Fella]

Ohh yea I know Rownham services. I stopped their briefly on my commute from Bournemouth to Suffolk in my Reliant Robin to see if they had any 20/50 mineral oil for sale. I assumed they wouldn't and I was correct. Managed to pick some up from a Halfords not too far down the road though 👌

[@johnbee7729]

Someone needs a Ford Prefect to help out with the towel situation.

[@welshman64]

Love the camp ,more please.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🚙👍🏻⛺️

[@classicshit2]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@daviemaclean61]

From working night shift one week a month for 25 years, and watching wild camping videos, I can recommend foam ear plugs. It may not get you a perfect nights sleep, but it does help. Cheers

[@grrfy]

Insulating the floor with dynamat and 12mm of dense cell foam and also the inside of the rear hatch made a world of difference in my S-WGN as for rain noise using the light covers usually used for snow ,completely over the roof removes noise a lot and also covers anything like a roof box and stuff stored under it ,from prying eyes.For largert vans I found Former RAF cargo parachutes were ideal ,have a word with the Squadron QMS 😁

[@vertanderniewithkat]

another great video. I did my first berlingo camp not long ago and it snowed.

[@jackscott8931]

22:15 Ha! I was thinking exactly that as you said it

[@01jvb]

Really enjoyable. I liked the "don't touch wet paint" analogy !

[@matthewwakeham2206]

I had a Peugeot 106 diesel, not the same engine but maybe an ancestor to that in Bella. The hard starting when cold was caused by the valve clearances opening up. I was able to re-shim it without taking the camshaft out. It was fiddly but possible. Still gutless afterwards but I think part of that was due to timing after doing the cambelt. Or it could have been a weak injection pump. The starting issue was fully cured though.

[@frankie6849]

Weather fanifuctired , Enjoying the videos that you

[@darrenwilson8042]

when you turn left towards Kidderminster I saw a Vectra and thought I see loads of them still around - those last Vectra's pre-Insignia models must be hardy beasts

[@theobster]

I’ve spent many nights in my Renault Scenic, I have a 4inch foam mattress that fits perfectly and I can stretch out fully (5foot 11inches)with the rear seats removed! I leave the parcel shelf in to put stuff on, I have curtains that wedge into the windows.I love it but cars get very cold! In winter twice as much bedding as you would use at home, a hat and a couple of hot water bottles and you’ll be toasty😊 best thing about it is no faffing setting tents up, no stress when the weather turns grim👍🏼 My mates think I’m nuts😂😂😂

[@Invisibleman7]

Looking forward too it, notification set

[@isaacplaysbass8568]

Coming from a quiet rural environment. I found road noise really unsettling when sleeping in my van. But you do get used to it to a certain degree, more so with repeated trips. That said, I do love wearing my bluetooth sleep band with the BT controller on the front, and old school earphone modules inside.

[@allanfoster6965]

Another fab vlog. It did look very cold.

[@vikingaero]

Get a boot awning if you are going to camp with Miss Hubnut, the dog and luggage.

[@johnalees99]

A good mate of mine has done the van thing. He managed to do two laps of Australia in a Toyota Liteace van. I often draw on his experience to inform my own camping trips these days. If you can unbolt the back seats and build a bed frame. This will give a heap more room for storing your gear and supplies. I'm a fan of the self inflating camping mattresses. Leave them set up in the back and it makes it easier to pull over and have a rest on long road trips (especially here where you can be driving for 10 hours a day). Microfibre camping towels are awesome. I have 3 that each roll up to about the size of a coke can. I have been investing in a bit of extra camping gear for going away over christmas, so we are taking a folding gazebo and a tent to go in it, a 12v fridge to store food and cold drinks, and a battery and solar panel to run it (although you could also use a leisure battery in your camper). We're working on being able to run the fridge for 2-3 days away at about 25AH power draw a day. Services are good if you are on the way somewhere and just need to crash for a few hours, but as you saw, the toilets are definitely only use in desperation, and camp grounds are definitely the better choice. All said, apart from the cold, it looks like a fun way to get away for a few days.

[@alansmith1770]

Great video Ian. You mentioned nerves & anxiety I know how you feel. Don't think I could sleep in a van.

[@eggweed_productions]

Ah, my part of the country - New Forest, and Beaulieu NMMT where I worked many (many!) years ago. Bucklers Hard well worth a visit btw - do go next time you're around!

[@SingletrackScene]

Have a look at Britstops for camp overs. Often more convenient for a single nights stay over. - quite often they’re in Pub car parks so you have a potential meal available too.

[@HubNut]

True but not many pubs have showers.

[@SingletrackScene]

It’s not just pubs - it’s leisure centres, village halls, some stops do have services..

[@anthonystevens8683]

Many thanks for sharing Ian. Sleeping in a car/van/hybrid is an experience but when compared to camping in a small tent in s frosty field there are definite benefits. Downsides are usual condensation that in the cold ices up the inside of the vehicle so a good thaw out is ideal to dry everything out, even the microfibre towels. On that subject you may be too young to remember "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" by the late great Douglas Adams where its quite clear that the most useful item to have available is a ....... towel.

[@HubNut]

Not too young at all!

[@percyob1]

Really enjoyed your camping shenanigans. Please do more, sir ;-)

[@davidflamee]

Apart from waking up around 5.00 am that was a pleasant experience. Towels may be an issue, forethought needed. The oil filled radiator is a great idea for a good nights sleep, and will only require low settings, go for the mini version, it will more than suffice.

[@NeilBarratt]

1962 Morris Minor Traveller 775 EHO. It's had the same owner since 1983!

[@tichwykes]

I had a Citroen Xsara estate for 10 years & in all that time it never liked starting up in the cold, even replaced the glow plugs & it made no difference so no idea why it were like that. Great trip & test though although in November brrrr certainly jumping in the deep end. Thanks for the journey

[@s1914]

Great vid Ian! Really enjoyed it 👍

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

There was a motorway services station on the M5 near Worcester that was selling diesel for £1.89 per litre on the 19th October. The next service station along had it for £1.45 per litre.

[@MultiVogon]

First Auto Shenanigans , then Hubnut travelling roads I know well from a former life. Quite the memory lane trip this evening 😅 Welcome to the wonderful world of Berlingo camping. I've got to convert mine back to camper mode soon for 4 nights away later in the month. Heating will definitely be required, and yes the top half of the van being toasty with the bottom half frozen is my experience too 😀 Whilst there's technically room for two to camp, they work much better as a solo IME. But 2-person mode is good for days out and picnics if you've got the table to use etc. p.s. I do NOT miss commuting on those roads around Bristol...!

[@fhwolthuis]

You and Bella did well, Ian. If you really want to do winter camping maybe get a proper winter sleeping bag? Also, a urinal bottle might be a good idea (seriously!), it can also keep you warm after use 😅😂

[@Gazbrand]

Great video 👍love the van life vibe, and in a super berlingo, my favourite supercar..... This will go interstellar now this channel for sure 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@grahamcockerill2406]

I always have a toiletries bag +towel, sox & jox oh and a dunny roll i keep in the car, you could keep it in that drawer you have Ian. Aussie Graham.

[@karlambler7014]

Have you ever considered a roof box to help with storage

[@mfbfreak]

Tip: on aliexpress you can get compressed towels, full size. Avoid those in the red wrapper, those are of thin material similar to moist toilet wipes. The ones in white and blue ones, that are properly hockey puck size, are actually big enough to towel off a whole person if they dont have long hair like i do. You spend 5 minutes peeling the entire thing apart, but then you have a alright sized towel. Put two of them in the car, they're sealed so they don't get damp. You can wash and reuse them (though not compressed anymore) a couple times. The ones in the red wrapper are good if you need a large rag to do emergency clean ups with, but i don't like them for toweling off.

[@theirishvideos]

One of those roof rack storage bins would probably sort out the luggage problem.

[@thebaldconvict]

Forget the heaters, heated blanket and maybe a hot water bottle is what you need here

[@TurboTimsWorld]

Great video and I know you have already said no to a camping battery BUT, may I suggest a small split charge relay with a NP7-12 battery, the battery often runs shop alarms but gives you a 12v supply (will fit into a sandwich box) to use with a drop down to 5v usb. 2yrs ago down here in Devon I stayed online for 4 days while the house was off grid due to the power grid lines falling over in the wind. The other house on the farm used a Mitsubishi outlander hybrid to recharge phones and things, oh and the solar and wind turbine on the farm don't work without a grid connection !

[@andysalter4473]

Great video Ian!

[@actuallyusingmyrealnameher5061]

Just think, if you’d timed it slightly differently you could have been camping in the unusually warm and balmy 14 degrees we’ve had this weekend 😎

[@NeilBarratt]

Looking forward to the Impala test. I've never seen one apart from in pictures, and as you know I like microcars.

[@anadolman3246]

Bella really is the universal vehicle.

[@colinhutchinson5282]

After a few years camping I went on to caravanning, even then a very good pitch was about £20 - A WEEK !!

[@martyjones1413]

You and Steph 'today' are killing it content-wise 👏

[@aston-martin-internationalist]

Might be worth investing in a diesel heater, there are specific ones for vans and they're, almost silent, cheap to run and will definitely take the bitterness out of sleeping in the colder weather.

[@lesklower7281]

Good you to see testing Bella as a campervan and she seems to be very adequate as a campervan a very versatile van car tow vehicle for Bob she is the real Swiss army knife of vehicles

[@sallyhobbit1956]

Great vlog .Thanks

[@richardhoneybun5509]

Next time your in the Wiltshire area you can camp at ours with proper facilities or even a proper bed if the grandkids aren't here 😁. Bonus is 6D Deisels are 4 miles from us if Bella needs some tinkering. Get a decent goose down sleeping bag you will always be warm, no need for heaters then 😉

[@tug1345]

Just an idea about when you both try camping in Bella together, you could cut down the passenger side of the bed to make it shorter, that way you won't have to fold forwards the passenger seat, could provide extra maneuvering room for you both

[@normanstephens5391]

Epic.. Cheers 👍👍

[@thatcheapguy525]

welcome to Rownhams Services Ian. they only did a make-over of the Westbound side a few years ago. it was crap before and only acceptable after. it's the only service area I've ever had the need to make an official complaint to. good for a pee though 😁

[@dizzy2020]

Roofbox plus a soft cover you throw over the roofbox - down the sides and strap it to the wheels That will cut a lot of rain noise on the roof AND exterior noise AND give you somewhere to put stuff - only slight issue is where to put the cover when it's soaked but folding it UNDER the roofbox is one option... It does make you more conspicuous but you're not "Camping with Steve" - it's not a stealth exercise? :)

[@jonathandeeley6276]

Great video Ian.🙂👍

[@wollywotsit]

Always welcome to camp on my drive in Bella or bob in the future. Near beaulieu

[@eamondevlin1860]

I have an Ambro Boot Jump. Works much better with the rear seats removed i.e all that increased capacity.

[@69spook]

Andro....

[@sallyhobbit1956]

Use your bed as a template and use good quality plywood and heavy duty piano hinges. Cheers!

[@Soooperspeed]

you should fit a diesel heater under the car and run that they are amazing and can keep you warm really well

[@twocvbloke]

If cold weather camping is going to be a thing with Bella, it'd definitely be worth insulating things up, that or as previously suggested, watching some camping videos where they sleep in tents in wintery weather for ideas on what to have on hand for the frosty nights (one I have been watching is WildBeare, she's slept in actual snowy weather and stayed snuggly warm in her kit!)... :)

[@mickfoster7140]

That shower scene was a bit scary.

[@69spook]

Don't want to slip on the soap 😂

[@anthonyharrison3343]

Love the airline table Ian😂 Bless Miss Hubnut she doe's look after you!. Have you thought of a roof box for Bella? Got one on my Xsara Picasso. Throw everything in it for camping!

[@biker_dan]

I tried camping in the car years ago, fine on your own but for two it is claustrophobic and confined with breathing in each others breath, not too healthy. Maybe a roof tent would be better? I guess we are a bit alike, anxiety kills me and because of this I like my own company, don't mind family but I'm not too good with others, which might surprise alot of people. I know what you need Ian, a Transit van. 😊

[@richardbest5240]

I think you could do with a heated mat/pad you can put on the floor of the car.

[@devlad]

Definitely recommend some earplugs, foam ones are alright and cheap enough, though these days I use "Loop" Quiet ones

[@sim6699]

Perhaps consider a fitting a 5kw Chinese diesel heater for a quiter fan over a 2kw.

[@Luwinkle]

Maybe a heated blanket might be a good investment? Wouldn't need to run a loud heater and could cut back on amount of blankets packed.

[@colinhutchinson5282]

"Can never have too many towels" !

[@michaelcoffey7362]

Good video , stay warm 😀

[@MF-fg3cg]

Move the block under the hinged joint

[@HubNut]

The hinged joint is beyond the edge of the back seat.

[@hueyw1916]

that was a fun vid! enjoyed the snappy editing- felt like a new approach? nice intercut sections and just a lot tighter all round- could be the way forward? Oh and a 'Tame Impala' reference sneaked in! can't be bad!

[@Simon-ui6db]

Might be an idea to get one of them chinese webatso clones to fit to the engine so it will preheat the coolant and warm up the cabin quickly. I've got the hot air heater version fitted in the boot and good lord does it warm up the car quick.

[@Simonicusmaximus]

Earplugs are in order methinks. 😊

[@bentullett6068]

Now all we need is someone to do a comparison video with the Dacia Jogger you tested with the bed mode feature (strangely getting more popular sight since your video on it)

[@vwestlife]

"Static caravan" = "mobile home" in American-speak.

[@ruk2023--]

Good video, great thumbnail.

[@panman1964]

Watched a video from Kent Survival (I think it was) overnight camping in a smart car.

[@HubNut]

Brave indeed!

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Seen that myself, tempting the amount of miles I am putting on the Smart and doing day trips....

[@wollywotsit]

Ian, I think you should look for a little c15 romahome, could be fun for a bit

[@HubNut]

Even slower than Bella!

[@neilbucknell9564]

@@HubNut but more comfort is worth the risk of further humiliation on Kitch's dyno!

[@69spook]

Can't stealth camp, plus can only be used as a camper, as the rear door is very narrow. I looked into it & am going for the Berlingo ala Hubnut.

[@TheCounty90]

2 weeks ago I did some stealth camping in my Caddy Maxi after watching the Wedding Present in Gloucester. Uninsulated and now I have the flu. Connection?! To be honest once wrapped up I was nice and warm. Only thing is no windows and can’t get out if the power fails and doors locked so too dangerous until I can sort that.

[@LeeAllen-lq7ml]

Volvo B8R with MCV bodywork..seats 98

[@brucemacdonald876]

22:34 you are in Tilshead, on Salisbury Plain.

[@davidwillars1250]

That was a good ‘un! Very entertaining. Don’t miss Bucklers Hard it’s a great place well worth a visit next time you go over to Beaulieu. Maybe in Spring though!

[@Eric_Hunt194]

13:00 anyone else think of Ben Elton's Motorway services toilet routine? You didn't have to go in whirlysplat, did you?

[@2tone209]

AY UP MR AND MRS HUBNUT

[@mbak7801]

Hearing your own heartbeat in your head (Pulsatile tinnitus) I believe is high blood pressure or some other conditions (none great). Check it out yourself and also at your GP. That is quite important at your age.

[@69spook]

Yes nurse!

[@bernhardkuhn5676]

At 28:00: You look like Brother John from Robin Hood in this hoodie!

[@Rosiebro-r2h]

Get yourself a couple of hot water bottles 👍

[@andyarmstrong1493]

Put a blooming towel in that pull out drawer, for goodness sake!

[@mbak7801]

It would go damp if left there though.

[@andyarmstrong1493]

@@mbak7801 Fair point, but in a plastic zip bag it should be ok. Well, at least it would be better than some micro fibre flannels.

[@69spook]

Too easy for Hubnut 😂

[@scottyg7284]

Lesuire battery and inverter would run an electric blanket at least, that would make things much more tolerable.

[@Dhira108]

Hopefully it will be a much more pleasant experience during spring and summer 🌞 But looks great for single camping, may be a little cosy with Mrs HubNut included. But great content as always

[@terryatkinson899]

Nearly missed this 😮

[@ColinCarFan]

Fun video! Have you considered joining the Camping & Caravan or Caravan & Motorhome Club for £55/£65 a year as they have Certified Sites/Locations that have max 5 spaces and usually cheaper than commercial sites. Generally quieter too.

[@HubNut]

Cheers. I have, but quite a few of their sites are minimal or no facilities it seems.

[@indecisiveauto]

Do you ever remember your towel? 🤣❤🙈

[@StevensPaul]

Memerorirs of an Asphalt Hippie 🚙💨. Picked up some cars you would Love including lots of French and Italian Cars including an Black and Orange '85 Fuego Turbo/5+Speed which I bought for $550😮👀. The majority of them are simply going from one property to another for storage.

[@gefthetalkingmongoose]

Job's your uncle 👍