BUDGET CAR CAMPING SETUP TOUR | Renault Grand Scenic UK 2022

[@BrendanExplores]

Hope you enjoyed this in depth tour of my mini apartment on wheels! 😃If you would like to support the channel and pay for a meal or just top the fuel tank up then here is a link to my Patreon donation page 👍 www.patreon.com/brendanexplores

[@lukewadsworth5954]

Me and my wife own this car now

[@HoneyandMe]

Love your setup, Brendan! I'm heading out on my maiden car camping expedition tomorrow in celebration of my 60th birthday! Time to put the rig to the test! I've become a big fan as I've converted my Toyota Matrix and am working my way back through your older episodes. Take care!

[@BrendanExplores]

That's great to hear! Glad you've done your own conversion 🙂. Hopefully you'll enjoy the videos and here's to many more adventures 🍻

[@janepowell5679]

You are absolutely the ideal person to test out the latest Jackery or Ecoflow power stations . Instead of gifting these to KZbinrs who already have massive leisure battery and solar set ups , you would be the ideal tester . I hope one of sees sense and sends you one for a review. 😊

[@BrendanExplores]

Ahh thanks Jane 👍 one can only hope 🙂🤞. It would revolutionise the car camper!

[@kmtb2011]

that makeshift table is a brillant idea, I have a portable camping table its fiddly getting it set up all the time. tip on your cooler box, what i do is mix salt into a 2 litre water bottle and freeze it so i can use it in my cooler box, salted water stays frozen slightly longer than regular frozen water, i tested it and it worked. for warmer periods id recomment those window nets, it covers your door windows so you can leave your window open and still have privacy, it also allows air to flow though and keeps the bugs out.

[@BrendanExplores]

Thanks mate I appreciate the tip 🙂 I'll give that a go 👍. I'll definitely be investing in some window nets for next summer, that's for sure!

[@trancematics]

Really nice setup Brendan. The sunrise, sunset, sea, nature etc look just the same whether you are in a huge luxury motorhome or a simple car. In fact you actually feel closer to nature in a car. I used to car-camp in a B-Max and loved every moment of it!

[@BrendanExplores]

That's buddy 👍 I love it! 😁 Gets me out there and it's nice and cosy. I actually thought of a ford before buying the scenic. Good cars 🙂

[@nbwelsh]

The hot water bottle reminds me of my parents married in 1965 used it to warm the bed then wash with it the next morning.

[@BrendanExplores]

😂 it brings back old memories for me as well 👍

[@adambroom224]

Just bought one a 2012 grand scenic, who knew it doubles as a camper too 😁 Great video, really inspirational 👍

[@groundhog1143]

Love watching your helarious videos keep them coming 😂😂

[@BrendanExplores]

Thank you mate 🙂 glad your enjoying them 👍

[@groundhog1143]

@@BrendanExplores yeah I'm saving up for driving lessons and a micro camper

[@Rasher1974]

Brendan great conversion consider using an empty milk carton rinsed out of course, fill with water freeze at home use in your cool box/fridge its shape takes up less room than bottles, they are food grade and you can use the water when it melts but they last a couple of days it's a great hack.

[@BrendanExplores]

Thanks buddy and I appreciate the advice 🙂 I currently use a 2 little bottle of ice but I might consider that 👍 thanks for watching and leaving a comment!

[@lukewadsworth5954]

Can't believe it just come across this video and me and my wife currently own this car

[@BrendanExplores]

No way!! Really?? That's amazing 😁 send me a message on Instagram buddy 👍

[@lukewadsworth5954]

@@BrendanExplores will do buddy 👍

[@katrinamcbride9338]

I rrally enjoyed that, and sone great ideas. Thanks

[@BrendanExplores]

Glad you enjoyed it! Brings back brilliant memories in the car 🙂

[@Fortheloveofsimplicity]

Great videos! Just bought some of your recommendations and am looking forward to our first camp in our Honda crv with hubby and dog 😊

[@BrendanExplores]

Thank you Amanda 🙂 glad the video helped 👍. Have a great time on your first camp! 😁

[@jasonhatfield502]

Hiya Brendan , ...well your advice was taken and training has been completed !!!!!! Had a lovely overnight fishing session at Parks's pool in Church Stretton and just having the option to fish through till dark and get my head down without spending a fortune on a bivvy setup was a complete game changer , so cheers agian bud n catch you soon 👍

[@BrendanExplores]

That's great to hear buddy 🙂👍 lovely spot for a camp as well! Here's to many more happy camps 🍻

[@Andy-Aims]

brilliant video. I also have the Renault grand scenic. I like your table.

[@BrendanExplores]

Thank you, brilliant cars aren't they 🙂

[@Andy-Aims]

@@BrendanExplores yes they are. I could have done with a 2.0 engine though as the 1.5 struggles a bit when fully loaded.

[@broadkamikaze]

I'm sure you get more satisfaction from doing this conversion to a car than buying a camper already kitted out 👍Looking forward to watching more adventures.

[@BrendanExplores]

Oh absolutely mate 🙂, at some point it would be cool to do up a van 👍 might take a while but for the time being, the car will do just nicely 😁

[@raffa8736]

Thanks , that looks really good

[@Babybambibertie]

Your set up is amazing! And I also couldn't help but notice the little bedford bambi in your intro drone footage 😍❤️ I have a bedford bambi (it wasn't me in that carpark though) but I'm also planning on making my Hyundai i40 a little car camper/sleeper. Keep up the great content

[@BrendanExplores]

Thanks mate 😁 yeh it's taken me a while but I'm now happy with the setup 👍. I would love a little camper one day 🙂

[@tomasibula2386]

Absolutely love this video. Thank you Brendan. Was thinking of getting a van until I watched this. Just need to be creative with my Zafira Tourer. Looking forward to more of your videos👍

[@BrendanExplores]

Thanks mate 🙂 yeh a zafira is a great vehicle to set up 👍 hope my videos can give you some ideas and happy camping 😁

[@happyhermit2022]

Another goodie thank you and a very interesting tip about the two litre bottle of frozen water.. I have a 12 v Mobicool bag a massive 70 something litres and packaway not rigid. MB32 DC. From Amazon if you pick you moment around €60. The 10w solar panel plugs in to an adapter on the cars 12v...the bag runs all day parked up with little or no drain on the battery....circa 25€ This assumes your 12v is still powered with the ignition off. I love your cooking area using the tailgate as an umbrella. Great upload thank you 👍

[@BrendanExplores]

Thanks mate! Yeh the rear kitchen has totally transformed the camps to be fair 😁. I don't have a power bank yet so I needed a way to keep the ambient temperature cool and the 2 litre ice does a great job 👍

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

Very good review. You could get rid of the kettle and use the saucepan to boil water. Its all about space and storage.

[@BrendanExplores]

Thanks very much and I used to do that before the kettle but I just find having the kettle is more convenient instead of having to clean pans before I can boil water etc 🙂👍

[@acspeter7]

Hi Brendan, we enjoy your videos very much. Please let us know how you can get to that parking of Long Mynd from Church Stretton, thanks a lot😁

[@BrendanExplores]

Hey Renata 🙂 thank you for your lovely comment 👍. The spot I was parked at is called the shooting box. If you search the shooting box long mynd on KZbin, you will find it 🙂

[@ScudoCamper]

Nice mate. Now going from a camper to a car myself looks awesome.

[@stroker9038]

love your video- many thanks

[@BrendanExplores]

Cheers mate, glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@denicejenkinsonfamilycampe2844]

Thank you for the video great to see all the changes you have done. Say hi to the family 👪 hope you all have a great time we are away doing the route 500 start tomorrow but for now we are in Nairn at the camping and caravaning club 😁

[@BrendanExplores]

Thanks guys! 😁 Hi back to you all 👋. Enjoy your trip and I hope to tackle it myself one day! 👍 Is the caravanning club worth the cost do you think?

[@denicejenkinsonfamilycampe2844]

I would just pay as you stay the facilities are all you need simple but effective @@BrendanExplores

[@BrendanExplores]

@@denicejenkinsonfamilycampe2844 cheers for that 🙂👍

[@stu-art360]

Hi Brendan, Thanks for the tip about the Halfords cool box, like you i bought one in their summer sale so had £6 off (18/9/22) plus if you joined their free motoring club you had another £5 off (items over £20) so i got it for about £46!!! Just to let you know about the 12v sockets, i also bought the AA solar powered battery charger, to use whilst parked up, the 12v sockets in the scenic turn off once the ignition is off after about 5mins, thats all 3 in my car, so the only way you can use a solar battery charger is if it comes with an ODBII connector which this does. It plugs into the socket where the garage would put a tester in to see why your engine management light has come on. This is a permanent 12v and is under the rubber mat in the centre console towards the gear lever. I purchased my 18mm ply from wickes as they do a 6ft x 2ft sheet so just needed the sides cutting to fit the car, then bought 12mm ply for the kitchen area. Buying from B&Q would have meant buying 2 8x4 sheets and wasting a lot as they dont do 2ft wide sheets, unless i bought 12mm 8x4 to make the bed and kitchen and then braced the bed area as it wouldnt be as strong as a bed (only using the single bed design). Just need to design something to go where the passenger seat has been removed to make it more flat but i think a bit of ply with some posts to fit in the seat locating holes would work Hope this helps, look forward to more of your adventures.

[@BrendanExplores]

Sounds like a brilliant setup Stuart 🙂 I wish I had taken your advice about the Halfords cooler 😂 shoulda woulda coulda eh? Lol. Happy camping mate 👍

[@marklockwood8386]

Yea like it fantastic use of space very creative .I think you stay closer to nature with a more basic set up than a 100k moterhome with all its luxuries kind of defeats the whole point great job 👏

[@BrendanExplores]

Cheers mate 🙂 it's amazing what you can do on a budget 👍 can't wait for some more adventures in it!

[@jathomas873]

Those cool boxes are power hungry you need a compressor fridge. Obviously slightly more expensive than a £60 from Halfords but uses alot less power

[@BrendanExplores]

Your right! Very power hungry mate, I'll have to look into one of them 👍

[@jathomas873]

@@BrendanExplores I use a alpicool cx30 in my lorry for work. I leave it plugged in on the cigarette lighter all night. When I went to bed voltage was 24.9v and when I woke up it was 24.3v. That's with temperature set at -18. The compressor fridges can also be used as a freezer. Those cool boxes you currently have on Average use around 6amp per hour. I paid £250 for mine off amazon but you can get cheaper on ebay. its also Bluetooth so you can control from phone. Also they have battery protection high medium and low. Depending on setting fridge will cut off to protect vehicle battery. I always have mine in eco mode and that sits between -18 to -20 all day. I think advertised it uses same amount of power as a satnav. Max temp is +20 so depending on requirements for temp but I always keep mine for frozen food and chuck the beer in on the top. I'm going to do a 24hr power test on mine this weekend on 12v amps/watts. And see how much it uses over 24hrs. I will let you know because this will show how long it will last on a certain ah battery. Please note this isn't an advertisement for alpicool this is just my experience with what I have purchased

[@a3xloser]

quick feed back, I have been trucking for 40 years, in the old days we had no beds or curtains or heathers, and i survived -22c, but i think that was close to what you can survive TBH minus 22 was harsh, if your bored watch my 2,000,000 mile trucker story it got a true cold fun story in it

[@BrendanExplores]

Jesus!! That is cold 😲 I'll have to take a look at that buddy that's crazy! I'm guessing you just had plenty of blankets then 👍

[@a3xloser]

@@BrendanExplores it may have been colder it was the night the UK record was set 30 miles west of me at minus 27c and I was in the back of the lorry on wood floor no mattress or insulation just 2 quilts, head under quilt so your warm breath stays in, not sure why you don't suffercate to be honest, still looking at the Citroen but was hoping it would be 6foot 4 behind driver seat, but might have to make do

[@janinehiggins1507]

Looks good everything you need .well done .compact and comfortable .🇬🇧🚗👍🌞

[@BrendanExplores]

Thank you very much! Appreciate that 🙂👍 I've been able to make it reasonably comfortable

[@JOYsCAmpeR_ADV]

Great job for solo camper!👌

[@BrendanExplores]

Thank you mate 🙂👍

[@Abeyptfc]

Cool vid Brendan, great set up you have. On your next video tell us about your tattoo’s!

[@BrendanExplores]

Thanks mate and I'll see what I can do 😁👍

[@jamesl436]

Keep up great videos mate great content 👍🏻

[@BrendanExplores]

Thanks buddy 😁 appreciate that 👍

[@paulinefriar6916]

Good job there

[@flightmonkeyuk6944]

this is class mate

[@BrendanExplores]

Thanks buddy 🙂👍

[@mendozaconsultation]

Get the eco flow. Bigger battery bank and you can use ANY STANDARD solar panels with m4 connectors.

[@BrendanExplores]

I've got my eye on them that's for sure! 🙂 Thanks for the suggestion 👍

[@mendozaconsultation]

👍

[@lottiehindley9816]

Love it, I think the big camper is cheating really as you'd have everything no challenge at all just my opinion. Enjoy the getting back into nature is priceless

[@BrendanExplores]

Thank you very much 🙂 yeh it's definitely more exciting in the car that's for sure but I do like my home comforts 🤣. Thanks for leaving a comment 👍

[@lottiehindley9816]

@@BrendanExplores I've not long had a kangoo micro camper - had a day trip today bit nervous about nite ones but building up to it shortly it was van and car bods on you tube spurring me on :)

[@buzzingadventures1980]

Some nice mods👍

[@BrendanExplores]

Thank you mate 🙂

[@PixiesChannel12345]

Banging set up fella, A lot better than mine lol hardly got any sleep in the last car camp I did, My air mattress went flat lol my back was killing me. I need to get some memory foam and something to go on top of it. I also need a new gas stove all I have is just a little burner which is ok for boiling water for a cuppa lol.

[@BrendanExplores]

Cheers mate 👍 yeh I can't recommend memory foam enough really! I couldn't live without it to be fair 🙂. Check out the link in the description to the foam I use, really comfortable 👍

[@PixiesChannel12345]

@@BrendanExplores Already have lol gonna get some on payday yahoo, and a decent night's sleep in the car lol.

[@BrendanExplores]

@@PixiesChannel12345 nice one mate 🙂 you won't regret it 👍

[@staceybennett1133]

great set up, Brendan but when i tried to sleep in back of car the alarm kept going off, ( vw golf ) how do you stop alarm but still lock car and stay save?🤔 thank u.

[@BrendanExplores]

Cheers Stacey and I had the same problem with my car when locking it with the key fob. Try locking it from button inside the car when your in it 👍 that worked for me because locking it using the dash button doesn't activate the alarm because the car still thinks your inside 🙂

[@kaostic9658]

Hi, great video!! How much of the blackout material did you purchase to cover all the windows.

[@southbucksbushcraft6572]

This is awesome.. I have a ford c max I am looking at converting as looking at camper vans or vans to convert is way expensive..

[@BrendanExplores]

Cheers mate and I was in the same position as you 👍 doing out a big car is about 10-20x cheaper than a van 🙂

[@southbucksbushcraft6572]

@@BrendanExplores im starting to realise that haha. Just scouring YT for ideas on how to go about it and where to get most of the stuff from..

[@BrendanExplores]

@@southbucksbushcraft6572 b&q and Amazon was my friend 🙂. I've actually for a full Amazon list of all my car camping gear in the video description if that helps 👍

[@southbucksbushcraft6572]

@@BrendanExplores ill take a look mate thanks

[@peterpeacock8543]

Some good ideas their mate looking for a car that me and my girlfriend can do some summer camping in?

[@BrendanExplores]

Thanks buddy and I would recommend a similar car to this 👍 maybe a ford galaxy? There pretty roomy as well 🙂

[@MatysGames]

Is there anything you do specifically to prevent your windows from steaming up? Also do you do anything about releasing CO2 during the night? It’s heavier than oxygen, so can be quite dangerous.

[@MB-es5vj]

Nice one mate 👍

[@BrendanExplores]

Thanks mate 😁👍

[@archiemillington306]

looks good

[@GazHogan]

Very cool, you're an inspiration bro

[@BrendanExplores]

Thanks mate 😁👍

[@kelleychambers799]

Brendan, like everyone else on this thread, you've inspired the snot outta me... ok, not literally... but you get the idea! ;-) Anyhoo... I live in the states. Clearly, the states are not on the up and up with your RidgeMonkey... I can't find it ANYWHERE... not even on eBay. SO! I have a challenge for you... recommend a suitable, states friendly, replacement! Up for it? 😀

[@BrendanExplores]

That's lovely to say Kelley and I'm glad your enjoying the videos 🙂. The ridgemonkey certainly is a great piece of kit and it's basically a double sided non stick frying pan 👍. There are a few about but I've found that ridgemonkey have the best non stick surface 🙂. Maybe try typing in double sided frying pan 👍

[@kelleychambers799]

​@@BrendanExplores I am, you're a doll and you even makes some damn good vids! LOL! :) I see a few of the double sided non-stick frying pans but I've asked if they work like a ridge monkey and both sellers on amazon said no. :( Oh well, I'll figure it out and when I do, I'll let you know in case you get others asking about alternative solutions. ;) Cheers!

[@kelleychambers799]

One last thing (well, for today!) do you have a video where you build the platform that your mattress sits atop? I'm curious how you navigated the highs and lows of measuring the legs.

[@pandaww.]

How common is it for the gas to leak? I tend to keep mine in the cooker ..because I like to live on the edge lol

[@BrendanExplores]

😂 not a great idea when your sleeping bud but I keep mine under the car 👍

[@pandaww.]

I'll keep them in the roof box I think ..not sure when I'll have to car camp again as council been kind enough to provide hotels

[@pandaww.]

Also your videos made me start cooking .so thanks for that you've saved me a bit of money 💰 and dog defo eating better now lol

[@abdullahnamer3544]

Hey mate your car completely fantastic “✌🏻

[@BrendanExplores]

Thank you very much! 🙂

[@maimoo2173]

Hi Brendan, have you checked to see if the LED strip itself isn't sticky I found this out recently when I used them, should just peel off the back 😀

[@BrendanExplores]

Hey 🙂 yeh mines sticky just not sticky enough unfortunately. It wouldn't stick to the roof lining but with a couple of tabs of super glue it was ok 👍

[@gkygrl7]

Do you use a battery powered fan when it gets hot?

[@BrendanExplores]

Yes I brought a rechargeable mini fan to use in the summer 😁

[@johncarruthers9467]

you can take the seats out that easy??? I'm going to check mine later!!!

[@BrendanExplores]

I was surprised as well 🙂

[@johncarruthers9467]

​@@BrendanExplores oh my god it worked... it's as got day a game changer! now just need the time to start measuring up for a single bed!!

[@BrendanExplores]

@@johncarruthers9467 happy camping buddy 😉😁👍

[@amazingethan4262]

Hi Brendan is this possible in a smaller car ?

[@BrendanExplores]

Absolutely! Check out a channel called "Morts" if he can do it, anyone can 🙂👍

[@mumtazzafar5696]

How do charge your phone. I am thinking of making this set up in my car for fishing purposes. Just thinking whether constantly charging my phone from the car charger socket will probably drain the battery

[@Sunsandsea962]

Nice setup 👍...I'd just like to ask - Is the car reliable😊

[@parkarlsson7955]

Maybe I can answer :) Have the same year and model. 190000km. 2.0 diesel motor. Last two years changed the generator, changed bushings for the front wheels, changed both springs in the back, changed electronic parking brake on the right. Changed the master breaking cylinder on the same wheel as well and brake discs plus pads. Changed battery. Some funny electronic alarms coming sometimes, most often that the battery is old. Yep, it works now :) So pretty solid car but not the most reliable car I have had. That was the SAAB 9-5.

[@THEROADTRIP-MH15Campers]

Hi, Like From India i am also lovein budgeted camping🎉

[@serhiibenko2523]

Great 👍

[@fernandesloyal]

Do you live full time ? Bro ? I may go home less soon but I have a car

[@MrRychu85]

Can grand Scenic fit 6.4 mattress ?

[@BrendanExplores]

It can fit a full size double mate 🙂👍

[@ilhantil]

What do you think about an inflatable mattress?

[@BrendanExplores]

I think they are great if your not able to have a fixed bed I'm the back 👍🙂

[@ilhantil]

@@BrendanExplores I am trying to convert my Corolla Verso into a micro camper, but my budget is really low, for now. So, I am considering an inflatable mattress. Also, I am trying to build my KZbin channel, doing this

[@BrendanExplores]

@@ilhantil I actually brought my memory foam single mattress for around 30-40 pounds from Amazon. I have a link in the video description if it helps? 👍 Very cheap but super comfortable 😁

[@ilhantil]

@@BrendanExplores about that, I found a lot of them online, but what thickness should I choose?

[@ilhantil]

@@BrendanExplores just checked the link. Apparently that one has 3 inches. Is it enogh?

[@BeyondTheHorizonxx]

I went smaller than you, ive got a Fiat Panda camper lol

[@1must723]

i am 6ft 1 inch high can i fit single mattress in back can a lay down at my hight thank you :-)

[@BrendanExplores]

The length will be fine but you will have to narrow down the mattress if you want anywhere to sit 👍 🙂

[@1must723]

Ok thank you for reply will look into it :-) @@BrendanExplores

[@christinamacintyre9972]

Its a great car for a camp conversion isint it - the seats make it

[@BrendanExplores]

It really is 🙂 brilliant car to be fair 👍

[@alunjones9153]

Hi I'm new 2 van life seen wondering where use d ridge monkey have asked 4 1 4 my 50th ill keep watching I own a little 2002 citreon berlingo called Mary she's a good girl she gives me d run around!!

[@BrendanExplores]

I hope you get your hands on one mate and I know Adam uses one as well, brilliant bits of kit 🙂. Happy camping 👍