10 Campervan Mistakes to Avoid - Don't get caught out!

[@daviddring8692]

Thanks for this video. I'm just about to use my Campervan tomorrow for first time. Me & my wife have been caravanning for many years on a seasonal pitch in Peak District I've been wanting to convert a van for yrs. But my wife never wanted me to. But sadly she passed away last year. So I sold caravan which is paying for conversion of nearly new Renault trafic. But I'm 77. And need to get my skates on. As don't know how many yrs I've got left. But very useful video for me.

[@CampervanTime]

You’re very welcome and fantastic that you’re living your dream out now too. Good luck on your first trip 👍

[@ginabrooks8492]

Never too old David. I'm 75 and loving campervan breaks and holidays. Get out there and live life just the way you want to!

[@linspuk]

I'm finding your channel so helpful - we are collecting our nearly-new T6 conversion in a couple of weeks so the tips are really welcome. I love your presenting style too!

[@angelatt7782]

Good information. Thank you. My husband forced the fridge door, which was on Vent. We need the garage to look at it and fortunately we didnt need a new one. But i do remind him, if it doesnt open, remember Im supposed to be able to open it too and obviously something is in the way.

[@CampervanTime]

So easy to get frustrated and forget the golden rule of 'don't force it'!

[@key2adventure]

Number 10 is awesome 😀 We had some neighbours at a campsite, who obviously didn’t think anyone could hear them. We ended up cheering them on, as they continued into the night keeping any nearby from sleeping. Dare I add that she was a screamer 😅😂

[@CampervanTime]

🤣🤣🤣 everyone loves a free bit of campsite entertainment !!

[@peterb6382]

Such a funny comment.

[@stephenwhitehead21]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@scottiedog100]

​@@peterb6382real life👍

[@jimmer1976]

It was probably these two…

[@TheEwalford]

All those tips were wonderful - Ive never thought of any of them (I dont yet have a camper van to be fair) so thanks for the heads up!

[@Dazza_Doo]

7:00 Interestingly - I've been a long distance Truck (Lorrie) driver and we have dedicated seat belts in the back of the cab, so 1 driver can sleep (if you can) and the other is driving, it is perfectly legal - there might be a kit that could do this for you.

[@CampervanTime]

Good to know!

[@wildhawthorn5912]

Great video both! The bit about a twisted chassis = roof seating issues was new to us, but I think it’s occurred. Another big ‘Don’t do’ is leaving your keys in the van when exiting via the side door. So easy to lock the keys inside the van.

[@CampervanTime]

Yes absolutely re the keys - it’s never happened to us but we know it can do too, very good tip. I wouldn’t be too worried about the chassis/roof thing if all is good on flat ground still. If you’re having any problems with the roof seating properly even on the flat then there might be some slight issue?

[@c1tlr340]

I borrowed my brothers T5 and luckily had the back door that should close 1st open. Closed another door and van locked, lucky rear door was open. Must be common fault

[@AS-yo4qv]

Just bought our first camper… great video, this! I hadn’t considered a lot of these :)

[@sebastianmasso1814]

Picking up our Ascot grey ocean on Monday. Only took four months to arrive rather than the quoted twelve. Your videos are really informative and helpful. This could be the most important one to watch before getting a camper. Many thanks.

[@CampervanTime]

Have fun!

[@muurisepp]

Best advice for ages and should have seen it 7 years ago when I got my MB Marco Polo delivered brand new from shop ...

[@CampervanTime]

Glad it helped!

[@kaprunski]

Some great tips, I think this has put me off buying a camper van. Doesn't seem as carefree and relaxed as I thought.

[@CampervanTime]

It can be if you want it to be!

[@nicolajames1090]

wow. so informative and will employ a lot of things on the list! love the banter and your personalities! humour goes a long way:)

[@janetbowen7854]

Fabulous advice, as ever, will remember all of this when we collect our Campervan and take off for the first time 😃

[@sinesmillie1687]

Your videos are great, guys. So helpful to me as i am about to become a first-time Cali owner. You've given me lots of good advice which i am sure will be invaluable. Looking forward to lots more blogs to come.

[@wimseffelaar8950]

We just bought a campervan and I’m happy I watched this! Thank you

[@geoffmartin4695]

Excellent. I thought I knew most hazards... but I didnt!

[@carkdonwah1528]

More top tips. Thanks. The ramps vs pop top and smelly sink. So simple but unless you know… thanks for passing these on.

[@CampervanTime]

You're welcome. We've managed to pick up nice tips through experience and trial and error(!) over the years.

[@computerjantje]

Good tips. Especially valuable to me the lowering a pop roof keeping a window or door open. Also the smelly things down the drain I never realized. never happened yet but could have happened without your tip.

[@CampervanTime]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Commentcomment321]

This was actually a very useful list!

[@angelatt7782]

Just another ask. Is there any detergent that you can recommend we can put down the waste water, to help keep it clean and clear. Is bleach ok, or flash gel spray? Any advice that it will be able to tolerate? Thank you.

[@CampervanTime]

Good question, we haven't really had a need to but I'd think normal kitchen sink cleaning applies.

[@amyowen4150]

Naive question here: where do you put your porta potty when you're using/ going to use it? Our T6.1 conversion is arriving in 4 days! First ever camper and your advise is soo helpful!

[@CampervanTime]

In the middle of the floor / seating area. Not pretty, but keep telling yourself it's better than a bucket in a tent !

[@Deepthought-42]

@@CampervanTime Buy a collapsable Ottoman from Dunelm (about £12.50) to cover it and use it as a footstool when the Porta Potti is not in use and the cover folds flat at night.

[@Great-to-be]

Wow, plenty of great advice and some I’ve never thought of. Thank you so much for posting. 👍👍👍

[@CampervanTime]

You’re welcome!

[@MerfynHughes-ij5co]

Love your videos, so helpful to us Campervan newbies😁

[@SallyRanson]

some good tips as we are going from a motorhome to a camper with pop top.

[@ChassummerSonatina]

Thank you - good to know - wouldn't have had a clue.

[@NorthbySouthwest]

Very good, I like the last point about sound proofing in the pop top, just to be clear I was watching Blazing Saddles up there last week 💨😎

[@CampervanTime]

🤣

[@cooperandy3]

Good reminders, to remember. Nothing broken yet but rapid change of gear from forward to reverse not good. Camping in the sailing club car park near Southampton brought a mid night panic when I realised I had not checked the tide tables. Spring tides can flood the car park and an hour of mental mathematical torture ensued to work out if we would expose expensive metal to sea water or even float away.

[@CampervanTime]

😱 oh boy, that doesn’t sound good!!

[@jasontoovey3420]

Hi Guys, thanks as always for your tips and advice. 2.5 weeks until my new van arrives and your videos have helped me setup, ready to go. Really excited about getting out there.

[@CampervanTime]

Ready, set and VERY NEARLY GO! Not long now!!

[@jrobinson5933]

Love you guys and your videos, laughed out loud there. On our last trip I made the hubby stand outside to make sure no-one could see me getting changed when the blinds were down and the lights on. 😆 🤣 😂

[@CampervanTime]

Ha! Yes thankfully (if you have a Cali) the blinds ARE blackout. That can't be said for the roof canvas if the lights are on inside though and it is pitch black outside... best remember that!!

[@jrobinson5933]

@@CampervanTime ooh really........Will tell the hubby as that's his sleeping space 😄 🤣

[@malcolmnewton9097]

You two make me chuckle, as well as the wisdom of your ten top tips - thankyou. This may take more time than you wish to invest, but I don't suppose you also have a printed summary of your ten top tips, have you?

[@CampervanTime]

Ha! No we haven't, but good idea!

[@cedarcanoe]

Maybe a topic for a future video: chosing a camping-conversion over an original California or the other way round.

[@barbaradollard4186]

I’m here to learn how to reclose a pop-top can??? I’ll rephrase the question??? lol… oddly I have been looking at pop top campers so thank you. I listen to the whole show and I love it. You guys are great carry-on as they say in your country. I’m from the states. Love ya ✌️

[@colinwallace3993]

Jus got our van thanks for those tip guys

[@stephensellick3642]

I just realised as I was watching this I’m wearing exactly the same t-shirt as Will! Great video guys….when you’ve committed such serious cash to a vehicle these are great tips to avoid further pain & expense! Please keep sharing…our Cali is arriving next month!

[@CampervanTime]

Good choice! Glad you are finding our videos useful. Not long now!!!

[@Michelle-by4uy]

What a great video this was!! what a great sense of humours you have! love this video thank you!

[@CampervanTime]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@whitevanadventures4116]

Good advice about the pop top. Never force it and remember to empty your pipes

[@rgeo2024]

Great video guys, thank you 😊

[@RA-zr5lw]

Good advice re: what you don’t drain down the sink. However, where do you drain your tin of tuna or your toothpaste?

[@CampervanTime]

We tend to try to drain those over a separate bowl or glass, then wash up on the campsite etc.

[@forlorndream1400]

Dont come knocking if the vans a-rocking. Good advice for anyone.

[@CampervanTime]

🤣

[@juliekelly7610]

Can you advise what electric kettle you use please.

[@siwalder1618]

Never have even considered number 5. Nice one 👍

[@dandonovan4999]

Very helpful advice, having yet to take our first trip away….😊

[@jillwatson-brown5503]

Really enjoyed this thank you

[@fayebloomfield3316]

Haha that would be great on a t-shirt.... don't come knocking if the vans rocking. Haha. Great advice thanks guys ☺️🙏

[@sassyboofle6983]

It’s actually really good to hear the mistakes of others before you make them yourself . Why oh why would you not take on advice like this . 👍❤️🐾🫶

[@MarkLoveridge-w2x]

Thank you this has been a great help 11:42

[@vwtransportersandmotorcycl3729]

Great tips, I’m yet to convince the wife to try out the deed upstairs in the pop top though 😂

[@CampervanTime]

You can do it!

[@vwtransportersandmotorcycl3729]

@@CampervanTime 😂

[@Deepthought-42]

Don’t drive off when on hookup. Probably more likely to do this when at home and you suddenly want to move the van rather than when you are packing up on site. Wrap something round the steering wheel as a reminder you have it connected. Put the plug in the sink when driving to stop smells from the waste tank coming out.

[@CampervanTime]

Good tips!

[@richyp1461]

Just got my camper so good for the info. Cheers :)

[@CampervanTime]

Have fun!

[@munmelenfrance6710]

Really useful tips guys, subscribed.

[@pixelukulele401]

Hey love your videos, been watching a while now, think your both awesome. I have a question, I seen a video the other other day that said that some Campers are breaking the law in regards to the cupboards that are installed above the gas hobs, their has to a certain amount of space above a gas burner, my question is do you what that space hight is meant to be? Also I'm looking at getting a camper next year but can decide if I want a vw or a ford, what do you think is more reliable under the hood?

[@CampervanTime]

Thank you! The distance between the gas hob and the 'thing' above it (roof/cupboard etc) is 500mm minimum. This is straight from the Dometic install guide for their gas hobs, which the vast majority of vans use. Not sure about the legal side of that, but that is what Dometic say it must be. In terms of VW or Ford, good question. You'll find owners of both makes and they'll both say they are good and bad. We've only ever had VW campervans but that is more of an image/history/heritage/scene thing, rather than anything rational like 'which engine is better'. Obviously the VW T6 and T6.1 Transporters have a 204hp twin-turbo variant, plus the lovely DSG gearbox, and (used to) be able to ordered with 4x4 too. So I guess it depends on what you fancy really. Both are great and make brilliant campers.

[@pixelukulele401]

Cheers, thank you. I appreciate you getting back to me. The only thing holding me back from vw is the horror stories of the rotary engine, lol, and as you guys have pointed out in this video about some of the electrics. But you guys found ways to fix them, so that put my mind at ease.

[@tubateacher]

Just bought my first campervan (T4) and watching loads of vids for advice, love you two, very genuine and 2 lovely people....subscribed and will follow...great vid 😊

[@CampervanTime]

Thanks, that’s v kind 👍

[@couplandsj]

Hi Will & Sarah, Ive been looking through your videos to see if you have any views on the best levelling ramps to use. Cant find any recommendations so thought I'd ask what you use and do you think they are good or are there any other beter options out there..?

[@CampervanTime]

Hi Simon, we use the Thule ones as they come with a good bag and are nice and compact when stored. www.thule.com/en-gb/van-accessories/comfort-and-security/thule-levelers-_-307617

[@couplandsj]

@@CampervanTime great, thanks. I was undecided between the Thule and Fiamma ones. However I saw a number of reviews of the Fiamma ones that said they split/broke under load.

[@pluc99-pl99]

Thank you for lots of good advice! Adding Archimedes and his lever to your Pythagoras, the table leg hinge can easily break when you reposition the interior table by sliding it while the leg is resting on the floor. Always lift.

[@CampervanTime]

Yes very true, great tip!

[@JourneyWithJoanne]

Thank you, lots of great tips!

[@soniahull7233]

I've heard that you have to pay for 2 campsite pitches with a LWB vehicle without the tent attached. Is this correct please?

[@CampervanTime]

Depends on the campsite and the size of the pitches - same applies for extra large tents too. When we borrowed a grand California earlier in the year we didn’t pay extra on a campsite

[@Imaging80]

Interesting advice, but number 5 - the roof not closing properly - puzzles me. Maybe i didn’t understand it. But how can the closing mechanism on the roof not work because of something below the wheels? Especially if that something actually levels the car.

[@johndewey6358]

Excellent points. I think if you have a gas burner or even a diesel heater having a working Carbon Monoxide detector is a must. Now days they sell combined Smoke / Carbon Monoxide detectors so you only have to replace one battery!

[@CampervanTime]

Great tip!

[@kimhorton6109]

#1 Some pubs let people stay in their lots after hours. Swivel the seats is good.

[@stephenwhitehead21]

No 1 DNA, but was very illuminating. Pretty solid advice, thanks

[@sallygiles4200]

Great video guys …thanks for the tips

[@ELLOUISEBOBBY]

On a camp site does drinking matter? Only on park ups I assume.

[@CampervanTime]

Correct ! If drinking were banned on campsites I think they’d go bust!

[@lotuselansteve]

Why would one ramp affect the chassis? If the vehicle is level it doesn't matter how many ramps you use.

[@01rnr01]

It's about the car being essentially raised via a single wheel/point so the chassis will bend a bit etc

[@tobybarker6808]

is it ok to have a pop top up in wind/rain? are they waterproof and windproof?

[@CampervanTime]

Yes on both accounts, but an obvious need to be sensible about things - driving rain against the canvas with 60mph winds not a good idea. medium rain and a bit of wind, not a problem.

[@jackiei3685]

depends on force basically a tent we generally close ours

[@1977drz]

Thanks ❤

[@mikesparkes9126]

Good info’ regarding lowering the roof if on ramps. I guess the same might apply if on very uneven ground.

[@CampervanTime]

Yes that’s right - it’s all about the potential body/roof twist diagonally across the van - the scissor mechanism just doesn’t like it.

[@spivvo]

No.5 excellent tip… would never have occured to me. You could have combined no 9 and number 10….. “it’s not going in“…. “Don’t force it!”. “Sssssh”

[@LeisureBit]

Some great tips there - we don’t have a pop top (at the moment anyway) but really useful to know. When you shut the sliding door you can tell the difference when a door or window is open so can imagine with a lot more air. Your last one made us chuckle 🤭 all the best, David & Rachel 👍

[@CampervanTime]

It’s funny you say that about the door because sometimes I go to shut our sliding door and one of the front doors is open and it does shut a lot easier/quicker !

[@marcuswashtell4884]

Hi guys. You didn’t mention the awning problems

[@CampervanTime]

Ahh yes - the strapping it down, pooling with water etc! We have some other video ideas where we'll cover that!

[@glennblundell976]

That's a really good call. I nearly forgot to put the ground pegs in ours once. Can't imagine the damage it could cause if we knocked the uprights or the wind caught them.

[@richardhodgkiss5701]

Great video guys, keep up the informative content.

[@CampervanTime]

You’re very welcome!

[@prubbrecht]

I can see you have a red canvas for the roof top… ever regretted that? Does it not leave a red shine in the cabin?

[@CampervanTime]

No, never regretted it. We fitted the Brandrup isotop from day1 in our van so no, there isn't a red hue inside at all. We love how it looks and how comfortable it is with the isotop installed.

[@ety634]

Carbon monoxide detector a must for any gas appliance 👌

[@paulfreespirit]

Great tips!

[@ijust7493]

Superb advice, thanks

[@CampervanTime]

Our pleasure!

[@nigelduckworth4419]

Lots of lorries have sleeping accommodation behind the front seats and so overnight on a car park the driver would still be in charge of the vehicle. Proving that, if over the limit, he or she intended to stay there asleep until the effects have worn off might well be the same challenge as is sometimes faced by campervan owners. The motto therefore should not be Don't drink and drive but Don't be in charge and drink.

[@christinahogg3752]

Another great video full of good information I would like to add one more tip which we did (more than once). Do not cross the doors over on the kitchen units as the door catch breaks easily.

[@CampervanTime]

Great point!

[@PeterPanQuails]

I wish VW has an option for replacing the gas cooktop and heaters to electric induction cooktop and electric heater. Much safer and the space for the gas bottle can be used for the battery.

[@CampervanTime]

That would be good - never seen anyone do that with a Cali. I have seen a Grand Cali with a full kitchen sink/burner replacement with induction hob though.. 🤔

[@hamishs5443]

Last year when away with both my son and granddaughter to Bude I went for a night time visit to the site facilities. On my way back I heard this loud snoring and thought oh he'll if both of us make that noise what about the other campers. You can imagine my relief when I realised the noise was coming from the tent next to our Cali. Mine you as I got closer I could hear my son.

[@CampervanTime]

🤣🤣 yes we've had noisy snorers near us in the past too, it's very funny !!

[@keithmcmillan1]

Hi there, another well executed and informative video, 10 mistakes that could so easily be made, while getting carried away with the cali experience!!! Keep up the great videos, and look forward to the next!!!!

[@CampervanTime]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks!

[@6349cf]

Enjoyed that, but there isn’t much you can use the sink for is there?

[@CampervanTime]

It is limited, yes. BUT we have used it for washing up very occasionally as long as not too fatty etc.

[@jackiei3685]

storage 😂😂

[@jessicatruman8105]

Yep North Uist is always windy! Lived in Lochmaddy for 13 years

[@CampervanTime]

You’re very lucky, such a fantastic place and amazing memories we have from our trip.

[@LynetteShawMcKone]

Just back from site with my 13yr old g/daughter, who gleefully pointed out a campavan 2 pitches away that was a'rocking every morning and evening, she said "they're a bit vigorous, aren't they nana?" I couldn't stop laughing at her nonchalance 😂 The woman always emerged from the van red-faced, but whether that was due to embarrassment or exercise I wouldn't like to guess😅

[@CampervanTime]

🤣

[@petercoombs1486]

Your advice please or future vlog would you cook with the washing panel up or down when using the right hand burner ? , or is it just using common sense If you decide to keep it down.

[@CampervanTime]

We always try to lift ours just to be on the safe side, and also remove the bowl too as we’ve seen them melt if left exposed to the burner for a long time (long simmer, for example). I do always tell myself that the top of the fridge is glass though and we don’t open that when we use the left hand burner….

[@petercoombs1486]

@@CampervanTime There is no definitive advice in California Handbook would be interesting to find out who does what . Really good vlogs ✅

[@Dazza_Doo]

The best Cold weather that I have, and yes in Aus it gets below 0*c - a Pro sleeping blanket (sleeping bag), one that is rated below -10*c You can get a right and left for pro-versions of the sleeping bags and combine it into 1 large one, if you really want to. I've heard that the Diesel space heaters are really good as-well, in the UK they have been found to be very cost effective, even when at the house. Any clothing designed for cold temperatures, look at some brand names. I have one jacket (which is made from similar material as the sleeping bag, that keeps me warm on the coldest nights, OK not much is going to help you in a blizzard

[@aralivas4014]

Why not use the heating ?

[@davidmarkland8108]

Good tips, thanks. Another one that is quite a common mistake with the Cali (that I discovered too late!) is to make sure you don't leave anything on either of the two handy little shelves formed at the rear of the interior ceiling (above the back seat rest) when you drop the bed back down having pushed it up to get standing room. It will snap the hinges at the back. I was lucky that my dealer kindly repaired mine under warranty but it's a real faff to replace a hinge and would be expensive.

[@CampervanTime]

Ouch!!

[@davidyule3605]

Good common sense suggestions. Every one of these. Be safe, and have fun! Liked and subscribed.

[@CampervanTime]

Thanks for the sub!

[@ozmanfidaar6311]

Having propane (gas) leak detector is important. I've one that detects both carbon monoxide and gas.

[@Anathchar]

Why were you blushing when taking about noise from up in the pop top.lol

[@CampervanTime]

LOL!!

[@keithflying1]

Multistory carparks , vans ill av a go

[@jackiei3685]

nice people very helpful hate to be negative but it's a VW transporter , why do you need ramps why do you use water tank , it smells, water is digusting we carry 2 x2 litre water bottles, brews taste much better and don't have winter hassle of water tank if draining cans, use potty and speaking of the potty only water paper in nappy bag makes emptying much easier try to do it every day we have solar panels, diesel heater we DO use campsites, maybe you don't but hubby loves chatting (for hours !) while washing up pop top means you're basically in a tent with metal base really bad weather we close the top keeps canvas dry & van quiet enjoy xx

[@kayjaykay6285]

Great video guys! Re the pop-top - my tip - don't leave your mobile on the ledge beside the light switch and put the roof down - then wonder where your phone is! 😳

[@CampervanTime]

Ha! Yes, we've done that too !!! Thought the roof was broken as it wasn't going down correctly !!

[@huntert8c]

Some fantastic advice, having sold my 70s dormobile its worth me remembering the new van will be more airtight

[@CampervanTime]

Absolutely! Stay safe!!

[@scottiedog100]

Touch some wood 😂 Love it👌

[@janetbowen7854]

Another tip, don't leave spectacles on the ledge and pull the roof bed down, I managed to damage a pair in the rush to get the roof bed ready after realising that the downstairs bed in the hired VW California was just too small for us both to get a comfortable night's sleep. I ended up sleeping up there for the 5 nights of our trip, the classes were replaced, so expensive error!😃 Thanks again.

[@paulbuono5088]

That first one was interesting because I live in Italy and you're actually allowed to camp on the side of a highway (I assume but not sure inside your car) because they want you to be able to pull over and sleep if you're drunk and not feel pressured to keep driving to get home.

[@ginabrooks8492]

Great video again Will and Sarah. Couple of things: 1) When emptying the van (ours is Alfie) of all it's water, I usually open the waste water valve but run the remaining freshwater down the sink at the same time to give the waste tank a flush though. If I don't have much fresh water left I refill it again and flush it down the sink. Be interested to know if you think it's a good idea to leave the valves open after emptying. 2) Before bringing the pop top down make sure the upper mattress is pulled forward level with the front of the bed to ensure the back of the pop top drops down properly to where it should be. Always look forward to your videos - I learn so much.

[@CampervanTime]

Great tip there re: the roof and mattress, very good point! In terms of the drains, we always leave ours closed after we’ve emptied, because that way if they jam, at least they’d be jammed shut rather than open, and it also stops things crawling in there too !!

[@ginabrooks8492]

@@CampervanTime -Will go and close them now. Last thing I want is a big black spider crawling up through the plug hole!

[@wildhawthorn5912]

Agree about flushing out the waste tank with clean water. We also do this while sterilising the fresh water tank.

[@Belgske60]

Add a some Chemical toilet flushing water to the waste tank to avoid smell and clumping

[@Trevor.Adams640]

Also, when dropping your pop top, make sure the top bed is down. Don’t ask how I know this!

[@CampervanTime]

🤭

[@pamray2029]

And make sure there's nobody still in it!

[@CampervanTime]

🤣

[@Chetterhummin88990]

“Motorhome? Game on!” Should be made into a bumper sticker

[@CampervanTime]

I like that!

[@drygulch100]

Good video - some excellent tips, just not sure of christian names to say hi back ( then again first video of yours I have watched )

[@CampervanTime]

Glad you liked it! It’s Will & Sarah 😃

[@whitevanadventures4116]

My top tip is don’t crack your head open on a shelf

[@CampervanTime]

Ouch!!