Can you use a Campervan as your only vehicle? Living with an Adria Active for 10 days

[@alanjackson4646]

I have owned a 2000 X Reg. 2.5l V6 Hitop Mazda Bongo for the last 11 years, with care and maintenance it has proved an all round, versatile vehicle. It has all the features of the Adria plus LPG conversion, fitted Propex gas heater, solar panel and DC to DC charging. This was a good honest appraisal of the use of a campervan as a single vehicle. I will never be able to own a £70k van but it is good to see people buying in at the top. I would love to see this vehicle in 23 years time. Regards AJ.

[@clownworld-honk410]

I can appreciate the pros of a converted van although I think the conversion needs more attention to detail when asking £70 odd K. Things like 2 arm rests on each of the front seats, window blinds / fly screens etc should be standard if it's to be taken seriously as a substitute to a caravan or a small motorhome.

[@MWOCQU]

When i bought my (secondhand) T5 day van, one of my key requirements was Caravelle factory rails in the floor. 6 years later when I had the funds to convert to a camper I fitted the Uberbus flux RIB bed that snaps straight into the factory rails. No restrictions on where the seat goes when.driving like a (bolted not bonded) Reimo variotec. A rear bed on rails is DE-RIGEUR if you plan to have just a camper as a daily driver ! Make sure your choice of rail fitment doesnt limit the use "in life!" - - "Once you've vanned - You'll understand! :-)"

[@nigglemoth]

I have a 25ish yr old Mazda Bongo camper with a similar set up to the Adria. I love the versatility of it, I don’t camp (although could with the pop top) but use as a day van - great for a day out with 2 large dogs that need to travel separated and no stress with food and drink since I can cook and make that all important cup of tea in the van. Like the Adria, I can push the seat forward and carry a load in the back. It also drives and parks up like a car, regular parking spaces are fine. The only downside to me is that many car parks have height barriers, especially coastal nature reserves etc, which limits where I can park up. If I had the money, would definitely consider the Adria since it has all I need with the extra versatility of a decent engine and modern cons (like heating!). Thanks for the review :).

[@BagEndGarden]

Apart from the gut-wrenching sadness of leaving Uist 💚 . . . I went from a panel-van conversion AND car to a VW T6 as my only vehicle. Have not regretted doing so although I have to admit there is a significant compromise in living space vs. a Peugeot Boxer, especially in very windy weather when I do not put the pop-top up. Economically: I was due to change my car anyway so adding the car value, the van value and what I was going to have to spend to buy a new car I spent no more in total by getting the VW. And only one vehicle to tax, insure, service.

[@columcreaven8860]

I will soon be in a similar position, price of a t6 in Ireland now 95k😢 might look at Ford nugget plus.

[@michellethomas1707]

Thank you . I still feel upset that your leaving your home but it’s a new chapter in your life. This was an excellent insight into this vehicle and one day I would love to have something like this. I did have to chuckle at Ted he didn’t look impressed at you last camp site bless him the grumbling its what my Westie does too.❤ looking forward to all you future videos. Wising you all the best to you and your family.

[@AJandH_Wanderings]

Andrew, Wonderful videography, practical insights with the Adria and great storyline (with mixed emotions for you I am sure)

[@Harris70-70]

Hi Andrew, just love it when you’re on your travels through Scotland ( particularly on the ferry’s and through places like Glencoe ) the camera work is great , especially in the sun 😂. Had to say felt very emotional for you moving from North Uist , but then we just love Scotland and would like to live there ourselves one day , we are close , moved from the midlands to just shy of the Scottish border 20 years ago but always have the itch to keep on driving north 😊. Lovely to see the beautiful Ted and Dougal back together. Love Teds grumpy attitude 😆x

[@kmason5241]

It's exactly the reason we have a VW Beach 7 seater with modular kitchen set. Its used everyday for school run, work, shopping etc. Less than 2m high, it meets most city carpark limits, SWB means it maneuvers most small city streets. 7 seats means it has wider appeal to those families, businesses wanting 7 seats so a wider resale market, not just campers. Like it or not, VW has a cult status and holds its resale value better than ANY vehicle on the road. Choices are a compromise, would I like more space, there are 4 of us, so very likely, yes. Practically, do I have the space and money for 2 vehicles, no. "Horses for courses."

[@lynnoorman2144]

Love Ted's little waggly tail on his walkies - such a happy tail! The way Dougal took top dog place on your lap when you got back made me smile too! Hopefully you will be able to keep in touch with your Uist community while you are down, helping with your brother. You are such a caring soul to do that. The van does carry a lot of stuff - if you had one permanently you could have another side hustle as a 'man with a van' there is chap round here who has made it his full time business ! Tc.

[@teaforthree1]

Lovely video, bright sunshine heading north, grotty grey heading south plus a tinge of sadness from the music. I get it Of course you can use a van like this as your everyday vehicle. Where it falls down is the camping side of things. Spend the same amount on a 5.4 metre Ducato get a fixed bed and, for me, that all important shower and toilet. Still perfectly feasible as your only vehicle. At seventy grand for something built on a thirty grand van this is shockingly bad value.

[@MarkN67]

This is a great video and very interesting. The van certainly looks really useful and versatile. I'm currently running a car and a VW T5.1. The downsides to running these is that I can't get into my local Tesco carpark in the van as they have a 1.9m height limit. I have a pop top and solar panel on the van. Also, I work a lot in London and the van is too old to avoid the ULEZ zone, the car however being new is exempt. I would definitely need a new Euro 6 engined camper if I only had one vehicle, and I'd still struggle to get into some car parks. Brilliant film though, keep up the great work, I love your presentation style, it's really easy to follow.

[@sueb8270]

I've had a Toyota Alphard conversion for nearly three years. Daily driver and weekend/holiday escape! Love it ❤, wouldnt be without it 😊. Sooo much cheaper than Adrias and VWs

[@williamchanning9055]

What a great balanced review, tinged with a little sadness; well done Andrew

[@pedereskildsen]

We've had a Marco Polo for 2 years like that now. All 4 of go for weekends or weeks of vacation in it. When at home we use it to commute, shop etc. We have often considered a bigger model, e.g. Sprinter based, but we keep coming back to the advantages of less than 2m height and relatively short length. When we do travel for weeks and stay more than a few days, we bring a tent to sleep 2 and serve as a base to keep stuff.

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jonesclanontheroadmoho]

Hi Andrew great Vlog having worked in a vw specialist garage we seen a lot more people using a campervan as the every day transportation T4 to T6.1’s even crafters, just backing up your assessment. Catch you soon NEC maybe? Dave, Julie, & Toby the woof❤❤😊

[@sylviapage8572]

We had a 5m Ford Transit Custom and now have a 6.36m Fiat Ducato and your video reminded me just how versatile the smaller campervans are. I’m the only driver so we did only have one vehicle with the smaller van and they easier to park on your drive at home. We now have two vehicles with the bigger van and had to go to the expense of widening the drive to accommodate them, which not everyone can do. I think after watching this our next van will definitely be a smaller van. Thanks for sharing.

[@turbostream7925]

I ran a Hymer ayres Rock (5.4m Ducato) for 6 years as my only vehicle and can concur that for most of the time you can use one. Sometimes though it was a pain as it was too big especially in Birmingham for local driving, and occasionally when on tour. Like with most things though you can work around it if needs be. Another excellent vlog and test Andrew. I do miss it on long journeys though, especially the making cups of tea on route.

[@Jungheinrick]

Another cracking vlog AD. I have a converted 5t VW Crafter as a camper...dual purpose as I use it as a tow vehicle for work

[@IverKnackerov]

Interesting video 👍 Good to see Adria supporting the channel

[@arimington-is7gv]

You did well cramming all your stuff in and still being able to make use of the camper! Nice video as usual 👍👍 17:06

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Enjoyed your videos of the Adria Campervan 😃 You bring functionality and reality to the fore which is so important rather than all the gadgets, led lighting and lithium that seem to be the current push. Simple is often best and apart from the canopy position, this looks like a smart van 🚐 👍🏻 Trev

[@shaunwarburton5974]

Has poor Dougal had his nose pushed out, for the younger model, if so I think you are forgetting what joy he has brought us and yourself I hope he is not being sidelined? He made most of your vids extra special.

[@carolynandcocohaywood2638]

Hi Andrew, this was a lovely video. I have a Elddis Autoquest cv60, I absolutely love it, it is 6 meters long so when I do use it for shopping I tend to park at the back of the car park. But most of the time I use the car as it is easier.

[@barrykemp1397]

Hi Andrew, nice to see someone has cottoned on at last. Not everyone can afford a spare vehicle just for holidays etc, some of us have to make do with one. The way things seem to be going there may be even more in the same boat before long! Hopefully more manufacturers will soon catch on give a greater choice of sub 2metre vans with pop tops or electric roofs, as per the much lamented Mazda Bongo!!!

[@cliff6797]

Hi Andrew Enjoy your videos but not sure this one hits the mark. I have seen this van at a show and had the opportunity to have a good look at it. Had you taken another human rather than Ted you might have noticed that the wider furniture makes the rock n roll bed particularly narrow (105 cm). Or that you can't get into most of the cupboards without keep moving the rear seats back and forward. You did notice the limitations of a single burner hob and the awning rail being on the wrong side. Being able to get out of both side doors does of course mean less cupboard space. You didn't mention the low build quality compared with a similarly priced VW. Yes it did save you from having to rent a van for a house move once every 3 1/2 years or buying a few biscuits at a service station. And it is much better than a hotel at a service station. But it is £70k!! Or equivalent (excluding running costs and £50 per night pitch at CMC sites) to 875 nights in a hotel. But then it is your only vehicle😁. Don't take offence - just for fun. Keep up the good work.

[@teaforthree1]

Totally agree, poor value for the price. Spending that much for a small camper van you’d go VW, way higher residuals.

[@kitty_s23456]

Saw this vid at 111 comments! It must be my lucky day. I enjoyed the vid, thank you! Love to you, Ted & Dougal. 👍🏼🐶🐕

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Thanks for this video Andrew. It's a plan for us to buy a multi purpose vehicle just not at 70K more like 17K hopefully. We aren't going to get a pop top. Just came back from France and a possible vehicle has sold which is annoying it was a XLWB vito so quite long but more space for us as a family. Then get a roof tent or two depending to go on top so plenty of space for people to sleep.

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

The ferry footage was wonderful

[@AnneThompson-dg3mx]

Really liked this video - not that I would pay that amount for a camper but like you said holiday van and every day car. Thank you Andrew.

[@andrewjditton]

Our pleasure!

[@louisesymonds9963]

Thank you Andrew. I’m in the process of doing this now to justify my very first secondhand camper. Hopefully I can manage it as my daily driver and only vehicle.

[@anneshirley1748]

Lovely video Andrew! Thanks for doing this one, emotional for you but you seem ok about it all! Ted is just gorgeous, I love him as much as Dougal!! You did travel a long distance in one day, you must have been very tired at the end of it!! Enjoy Dusseldorf and happy birthday for later this week, which one is it? 50.....something or other!! Have a good one and have a nice pink Gordon's & tonic on me!! Take care till next time, love and hugs xxx 😘🥰🐶🐕

[@lindaclarke6396]

A great video, truly professional. You can really see the production quality. Beautiful scenery en route too.

[@LisaMarli]

Ted is so cute. Bummer that you had to leave your lovely home. May a wonderful place will be waiting for you when you can move back there again. But yeah, right now, family is important. That is a lovely van. And yes the awning needs to be on the kitchen side, wherever the kitchen is. Everyone hangs out at the kitchen. 😉

[@C9OLB]

How strange we have exactly the same awnings and sun canopy. Although we sold the sunncamp porch awning couldn’t get on with it at all, we now use the sun canopy, super quick to put up. My just seen those lights you have and just ordered some😂 more money. Great videos really enjoy them👍.

[@grannieannie1371]

This is what im planning on doing. The advantage of a campervan in Australia is that you can get in and out of more remote camping spots than you can in larger vehicles. Especially with a minor lift some all terrain tyres and a locking rear diff.

[@MrTyger11]

We have a one year old transit custom campervan it's our only vehicle which we have already had two, 3 months trips abroad. We have absolutely no issues using it daily.

[@richardsmith5249]

I used my ancient T25 as a daily driver for about 3 years, until a problematic MOT put it off the road for a few months until the rust was sorted out. The high top was occasionally an issue, but on the whole nothing to worry about. And cooking on a single hob ring? Half the world has no better. It's just a matter of planning and organisation.

[@stephaniewakeham4131]

What a beautiful van 😁 apart from the sadness of moving, it would have been a great road trip 😁🙋‍♀️👍

[@johnclough5573]

Hi Andrew . Because of your videos we are touring Western Isles now. Not taken caravan . Am staying in a lovely place in Grimsay at the moment .

[@shetlandsheep3081]

We have a hybrid Toyota Alphard as our only vehicle when our old car gave up the ghost. Much cheaper and fits into a normal car parking space. We have an air beam awning to add space.

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

Hi Andrew. We sold our old motorhome and fiat car and now have a Mazda Bongo Campervan. As an everyday vehicle. Height is a problem with some barriers. Other main issue is shopping people park along side sliding door makes it Really difficult to unload shopping from shopping trolley. Tailgate won't lift up with cars behind. But also campervan Conversion rock and roll bed in way. Etc. Apart from that all is well for everyday vehicle. That's our opinion regarding ours. Cheers from old George and Jane

[@elashfoxart]

Great to see you’ve got Freddie back 😁

[@TomMorse95]

Hi Andrew, That's down in St Margarets Bay where you are I used to work at that pub across the way the Coastguard as a Chef.

[@stevezodiac491]

You showed us the downside of a tailgate. All the stuff falls out when you open it. Something that barn doors are much better at stopping.

[@sueb8270]

But a tail gate keeps the rain off if you need to get something out in a hurry. Swings and roundabouts 😊

[@IngramCars]

Excellent review, you can really see why this vehicle makes perfect sense.

[@GaetanHobby]

Thank you Andrew for the review 👍🇨🇵

[@P00katube]

2:16 Try leaving your valuables in your campervan parked on the streets of San Francisco!

[@columcreaven8860]

Adrian really make nice vans and caravans, great review as always.

[@lindakirk698]

That's a good review Andrew. Hope life is good for you down in Kent x

[@yippee8570]

£70k?! I want something small so it can be the only vehicle but I think I'll have go the second hand route and possibly the self-conversion route. Still, this gives me ideas of how it will work and what little things I might need. I have not even got £1k saved yet lol so it'll be a while. Great video, as always!

[@ecole3139]

Just joined your channel.... I really love that kind of life... Thanks for the vid 😊

[@happysporran]

Fully understand and commend your decision to leave the Outer Hebrides Andrew, but I still felt some sadness at seeing the packed Adria.

[@autumn1549]

Excellent review we also really like Moffat.

[@pharmacistsdoitoverthecoun5012]

I have a VW California Coast as an only vehicle and its perfect due to its dimensions.

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

Looks like a much more usable vehicle than a VW. On covering things up, I bought a black blanket which we nicknamed my stealth blanket. When transporting a bike in an estate car, the strealth blanket mean that no one can see there’s a £6k bike in the back.

[@stevezodiac491]

Privacy glass is much better.

[@teaforthree1]

How is it more useable than a VW. Quite the opposite I think plus the depreciation will be much faster

[@LeisureBit]

Surprising how much gear you got in there, it’s great that it can adapt for things like that - so many are inflexible due to the layout. Will have a peek at the Harrogate show next month. Great video, All the very best, David & Rachel 👍

[@ginnyshayne2702]

I’m sure it was difficult to head north to Uibhist and then leave again. Glad you had the vehicle loan to make the trip comfortable and cost savings. Best wishes!

[@Rexjackson007]

Sorry Andrew .. you think it is bad in UK … try towing in Australia! Maybe 1 in 50 work as a drive through for our Model Y and Adria 361 LT….metropolitan chargers everywhere are car only and in regional Victoria where we live, the distance between chargers when towing is borderline, plus you need to detach 95% of the time.

[@commuterbranchline8132]

An excellent video and demonstration of a most versatile vehicle. The Rail mounted bed/ seat makes all the difference, much like the Ford Nugget, but with a side kitchen. The £70k price is what it is, but new vehicle prices are very steep these days, show me something new that’s cheaper? Certainly a great vehicle, but not the use case or value I would seek.

[@Easty3735]

Andrew, your videos are and continue to be an inspiration. I am sorry to hear you're having to leave the hebrides but obviously duty calls and I have no doubt that you will return home to the islands in the future. I look forward to your future videos. All the best 👍

[@andrewjditton]

Many thanks!

[@yaminthegrey]

Hari OM Ah yes, but are you a van convert?!! I admit The Grey's just shy of 6m length does work against it at times, as well as its height, but I just love the convenience of a van over a caravan. Delightful video again - though sad to think no more Scottish views... at least not till you decide to visit again! YAM xx

[@pedrofreitas1663]

Very good, love this video 😊

[@WanderingWilkos]

Will you be at the NEC show in October Andrew ??

[@maryodonnell5760]

Impressive - and so many ideas - that was a beautiful journey to and from, would be worth booking you for a consult if ever touring the UK. At 70K wonder if it'd be warmer than the usual campervan in winter...? Ted is so cute lol, and the double decker doggies at the end was a treat...

[@radleyg9486]

Have an Alphard campervan, as a daily driver…love it.

[@susannetoon2709]

Love this video mainly because it is a great oportunity of spending time with you and the boys. Re camper van.There are much better ones than this Adria one.The height is a big problem .It needs to really incorporate electric now .Fiat make combined automatic and manual ones wit combined with hybrid fuel on much superior batteries giving 189 miles on elect compared to some only still giving around 120. Andrew this is a lot of money to spend on one one very small camper van.I would prefer your caravan and your car if spending that amount of money Or the van expawers have just been given which although 2012 has everything automatic manual exchange dual fuel hybrid Air conditioning and they can stand up and feel bit of space to walk about . Absolutely Love your videos though .You have made it look and feel like a wonderful vehicle so Adria should be very pleased with this promotion and well done you but much more would be expected for that amount of money .So Adria I think need to rethink where theh are going with this one.Love S x

[@teaforthree1]

Sure, spend just a few grand more and get an Adria Twin. Shower. Toilet. Then save by going on CLs not the mega expensive club sites.

[@paulruffy8389]

You're bang on that cheese Andrew. I feel like after many many years they have finally done what seemed impossible. lol

[@pamcullen537]

Amazing amount of stuff you got in there ! The only thing you didn’t mention & with apologies, was the toilet facilities on board or where there none? 💕🦆

[@teaforthree1]

No toilet.

[@pamcullen537]

@@teaforthree1 For that price they could throw in a bucket ? 😂

[@nicolemurphy2629]

Lovely Steam Railway Nice camper but way out of price range for many. Happy Travels!

[@joesoy9185]

In a motorhome or caravan, you'd never have made it down to St Margaret's Bay - another advantage of the van. Any news of the house sale ?

[@arjay399]

Hi Andrew, I was looking for the previous video on the Adria to show a friend, but I can’t see it. Is there any particular reason why you have taken it down. I enjoy your videos, and wish you well for your move down south.

[@23toxic23]

Yes you can have a campervan as your only vehicle. I have a Mk7 jumbo high top ex-riot police van. All the toys and was professionally boarded out by the police conversion company. I just fitted it out with the thing I wanted it. It came with an eberspatcher heater and full aircon throughout the van. The cell area I use as cooking and storage. I don't like the conventional camper look. Prefer the white van blacked out window type. All of which are riot proof on this one. It's a mean looking van. 22ft and never a problem with parking. You just need to think and plan things out a bit.

[@colinblack7049]

Hi Andrew, I like the Renault, the rock and roll bed looked a little on the cosy side for two. Did you sleep with your head at the kitchen end so you could make a cuppa without getting out of bed? I think I would rather sleep with my head at the back door, it looked darker and there's no chance of the pillows falling off. The scenery was fantastic. Best of luck with your move.

[@Aramis5]

Nice video, thank you

[@riboid]

Oh, we stay on the A82 - Great Western Road..

[@dolorescraig8322]

That meal looked tasty. Some garlic bread and a glass or two of red wine with it, well.......mmmmm!!

[@juliejackson6638]

Love your videos and if I had a spare £70k I’d buy one of those lovely vans! Looks amazing! ❤

[@davesheffield3620]

70k for that , you’ve got to be of your rocker to buy that , I had to laugh at one single burner 😂

[@teaforthree1]

Agree! Appallingly bad value for money

[@sarahbertram2219]

Enjoyed the video as you are always so thoughtful and your voice is so relaxing. Sorry I still don’t like the van- for me anyway!

[@pauln9833]

Given this trip I would have loved to know the MPG figure. Apologies if I have missed it in comments etc

[@daviddring8692]

I have a Renault trafic 2019 lwb premier edition. And use it as a car. My only vehicle. I never have any problems at all with parking. Like do many people use that as an excuse for SWB . By the way. Was that a blow up mattress in roof. I'm looking for a self inflating one double as yours is.

[@richardclarke1157]

I use my automatic 2020 sprinter camper van as my only vehicle, fits in parking bays but will not go in all car parks, best thing, having a toilet with me all the time, at 79 I need quite often, why pay another lot of tax, insurance and depreciation? Just my take?😊

[@teaforthree1]

Yep, toilet essential

[@gavindyke2363]

Hi Andrew. Thanks for the videos. Do you still have your caravan or has that had to go due to moving?

[@swdman1234]

Just wondering Andrew as we love our caravan which we tow with a new Defender. However as you said they are a very big,wide unit. I had an idea we could get this with the upgraded engine and use it as you demonstrated as an everyday vehicle. We could then sell the Defender fit a tow bar to campervan and still be able to tow our caravan. Do you think that this is possible?

[@teaforthree1]

Good plan

[@jeffjohnson847]

Hi Andrew great video where is Dougle

[@mwatkinsphotos]

With more and more car parks coming with 2m height restrictions a camper van can sometimes struggle being a daily driver

[@warwickwolf3999]

It’s a real pain in the bum.. this is why I’m thinking a daily van conversion under 2m and a decent caravan would be a good combo.. 👍🏻

[@tandsky]

Our van is 2.05m with adding the solar panel but we rarely have a problem as we just allow for it and when in a strange area I just Google car parks and height restrictions. We find it perfect.

[@tracielawrence9310]

Did you ever stop over night without hook up? What would you say its off grid capabilities are?

[@philipellis7039]

I used to have a long commute and it wouldn’t have been ideal for that but now that I’m a man of leisure that would be fine as a day to day vehicle. Lot easier to park at supermarkets or town centres than a motorhome when away as well. However, just too cramped for us as a couple and we would need to be reliant on campsites rather than aires, stellplatz,etc, when touring.

[@teaforthree1]

Same money will buy you a Ducato based van with decent sized bed shower and toilet. Club sites just too dear nowadays

[@stuartwallace7536]

Huge amount of money for not a lot of space.

[@tracielawrence9310]

Did you put the dreading roll out awning out and back on your own?...how did you find it please?

[@eamoneejit]

Wasn’t there another, earlier video about this van? From the week before? I was watching it but didn’t finish it. Or am I losing my marbles?

[@andrewjditton]

Sadly some people were upset by it. That's not what I set out to do so I took it down.

[@eamoneejit]

@@andrewjdittonOoh, okay. Comment sections can be a minefield even on hobby channels, which seems bonkers. Sorry you felt compelled to remove something you worked hard on, but respect your decision and integrity. Good luck & safe travels.

[@mentonish]

You must be a little sad leaving your scotish home base, yes scotland is as england was 50 years ago. stay safe

[@gin9991]

How about height barriers?have you dared to go under a 2m one yet?

[@tonysutton6559]

I would be very wary, 2m height barriers vary in height.

[@susangoodall5037]

Hi Andrew...Where is your other dog ?

[@stanby2712]

Fully packed, where is your rear view visibility?

[@tonysutton6559]

In the wing mirrors, just like with most vans, motorhomes or when you are towing a caravan.

[@anitajohannadrost]

👍👍👍🥰🤩🍀thank you. 🇳🇱👋

[@mattdavis8034]

70k...ouch....

[@graemebraid4552]

Local conversion company is offering a new Renault ( manufacturer backed) for £48,000 😏

[@commuterbranchline8132]

Who’s offering that? Asking for a friend…….

[@teaforthree1]

That’s more like it

[@stanby2712]

Plant based cheddar = ultra processed! Eat real food!