Full Tour Of The NEW VAN - Our S&L Motorhomes Apollo

A full tour of our new to us S&L Apollo van conversion. If you’re interested in the brand here’s their contact information, they’re a small family run business based in Selby and they’re always happy to tweak their designs to suit your needs.
www.slmotorhom...
Hi We're Rick, Heather & our dog Poppy and we travel the U.K in our S&L Apollo camper van “Athena”
We film the places we visit as our own diary, these videos are meant as a little memento for us but we're happy to share them with you if you want to watch.
We're just an ordinary couple in our 50's filming our adventures with basic equipment so don't expect loads of flash camera action and super editing with great music.
We also film videos of work we have done on our van as well as van reviews for our reference of the next van we might buy. Occasionally there are hints & tips videos too. We do basic site and area reviews including if they’re dog friendly but they’re a guide only based on our opinions which may or may not help you make an informed decision on if you’d like the place.
We do a mix of off grid camping, pub stopovers plus real campsites too, hopefully something for everyone to enjoy!
Please leave us a comment on the videos, we love reading them and reply to each one.
We try to upload once a week so please consider subscribing to see our travels, it’s free and will really help us.
Thanks for watching!

[@KimandWayneAdventures]

Nice van. Heather, an easy fix for the kitchen/toilet rolls…….a hair clip stops them from unravelling 👍😊

[@RickandHeather]

Great tip thanks 🙏 glad you liked the van ❤️

[@stevemate8729]

Lovely van, we have the 9 speed auto Ducato and spent about ten minutes looking for the dipstick !! Fiat had the brilliant idea not to fit one and it's hours of fun trying to work out exactly how you top up the oil. If your oil light comes on you probably will only need to put 2 to 400ml of oil in. Take care as it's very easy to overfill with oil.

[@RickandHeather]

The dash on this has a menu that shows oil level, ignition on cold shows the level, the display showed 3/4 full at 4000 miles, I added a litre (van takes 7 litres) all ok now (oil is super thin 0/30)

[@GeosterTrow]

A big thank you. This was so helpful.❤

[@RickandHeather]

You’re welcome! If you get one tell them where you saw it 👍

[@andyblake1849]

Lovely van, lots of clever touches. Particularly like the tv cabinet, seems the first owner thought of/spent on lots of little & big extras.. We note Poppy travels very light 😂

[@RickandHeather]

That’s the main reason we cancelled our order for a new one, this was basically built for the owners mate and had virtually every extra plus a few ideas not on any other van they have built, it’s a lovely van and yes Poppy has a small amount of items as she also shares ours 🤣

[@paulpowell1259]

So glad you love your new van and already plenty of fun and games in it. We had ours since July last Year and Sarah still asks where things are lol.

[@RickandHeather]

No fun and games 🤣 but yeah we enjoy it!

[@cathrynbagley8005]

I like that cupboard under the raised floor - very useful. Our first van had a raised floor just big enough for a couple of small deckchairs to slide underneath, the later modals didn't have that and I found the floor too low for sitting comfortably.

[@RickandHeather]

Believe it or not this is the only time they have done the floor storage and I think it’s a good idea so they ought to do it more.

[@frenchboy2005-mp1ui]

Yeah, a van tour, hurray! The build quality seems very good on these cupboards and drawers. I always liked the idea of a rear lounge but worried about the lack of storage space. However, the boot in your van is having me reconsider. And of course the colour combo looks boss. I couldn't work out whether the folding bathroom sink is the type that holds water when in use, or not. Thank you for all the info.

[@RickandHeather]

Yes the sink can hold water to a decent level for a face splash, the drain is in the channel behind. If I’m totally honest we’re using the kitchen sink as an everything sink purely because it’s easier than drying the tip up one etc. thanks for the comment and the view, the U shape lounge gives great storage in these 👍

[@tylerstravels0610]

That is a really very very nice van, nearly as good as a Consort 😂😂😂😂 Seriously though very happy for you both as some things you have we wish our Consort had , looking forward to seeing it in the flesh in April, if not before, take care and happy travels 😀 Trev Debz and Tyler

[@RickandHeather]

It’s really nice in the flesh 😊 but so is a consort too, we all like our vans and so we should 👍 see you soon 👍

[@lynnbateman7571]

Beautiful van, lots of space and some really good storage solutions too 😃

[@RickandHeather]

Yeah it’s a lovely design thanks for watching 😊

[@steadycamuk1]

Great van and the fundamental design is sooo good and the build looks top rate and solid as anything. We have a Vline 635 so its a similar layout and the layout works for us beautifully and is so great for camping and storage, but I think yours has the edge on build quality. Enjoy - great trips ahead. PS was a bit startled when Heather lifted the glass sink top and revealed your Hannibal Lecter MURDER washing up bowl , hey not judging peoples hobbies each to their own lol.

[@RickandHeather]

Haha murder bowl 🤣 yes we liked the 635 but the beds were too short if I remember 🤷‍♂️

[@junewilliams939]

Hi both thanks for showing us around your lovely van. You really do have lots of storage in there. Happy travels in it xx❤️❤️

[@RickandHeather]

Thanks! Yes it’s like a Tardis!

[@sallyburrell7023]

Wow fantastic van. I love all the big draws in the kitchen area . Much easier than cupboards.❤

[@RickandHeather]

Yeah they usually do combinations but the original owner wanted drawers only so they did it. Definitely better for us.

[@Wheres_wanda_wandering]

Thank you for showing us round. The storage is excellent particularly the under floor cupboard. I also like the TV storage area. I can see why you went for it as it seems to have everything you need. Take care Gill

[@RickandHeather]

Yeah thanks Gill, after Heather’s research this ticked all the boxes we love it 🙏

[@gazwarrior]

Lovely van you chose wisely the wheels and colour choice is outstanding.

[@RickandHeather]

Thanks 🙏 based on the 3 colours offered the Expedition Grey is the nicest, and yes the wheels definitely set it off. 😊

[@tomaitchison8726]

Another excellent video, and a beautiful, well set out van. Love all the Victron stuff, and the very professional install - reminds me of my own. We would have to remove a lovely big Rhododendron (planted in 1966) at the side of our drive to accommodate the extra length, we also have to think about ferries to the OH's. Otherwise, I think we would really go for a van like this, especially with the options of specifying what you want, final comment - love it, you guys enjoy it.

[@RickandHeather]

Cheers Tom it’s certainly built well, but it’s twice the price of the old one so…. 😮

[@tomaitchison8726]

Oof, too much for this poor aild Scottish pensioner.. lol. Seriously though, you get what you pay for and I'm still convinced we just landed really lucky with our van. Showed the good lady the video last night , and halway through- no, lovely van but I'm happy with Thevan.. lol@@RickandHeather

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Thank you for showing us round the van, I wish you many many happy miles in the new van, she is a beauty.

[@RickandHeather]

Thanks 🙏 she’s definitely a good looker

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

@@RickandHeather without a doubt, it's the wheels, chunky tyres and colour of the van that make her stand out.

[@RickandHeather]

@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain definitely the wheels 👌

[@HelenandMartinsTreks]

Thanks for showing us round, it’s a great van, so pleased you are happy with it. No doubt you will have many happy travels in it. Poppy seems very at home there as well 🐾. Safe travels and best wishes H&M. 😊xx

[@RickandHeather]

Thanks both, we’re very pleased with her and looking forward to the better weather to start enjoying her more. Poppy’s loving the bed…. 🐾 xx

[@debidavies7833]

Hi both, love the new van. Regarding your kitchen roll unravelling. We have found that if you crush the roll to make the centre oval it doesn’t unravel.

[@RickandHeather]

Ahhh great tip! Glad you liked the van we love her! Thanks for watching 👍

[@peterneal7160]

ALL looks very nice! :-)

[@RickandHeather]

Thanks 🙏 yes we love it 👍

[@user-uu5dk2cs8v]

Hi guys. We own a coach built motorhome and a van conversion does not suit our needs. But I must say yours is absolutely STUNNING. The outside (kerb appeal) looks AMAZING. The build quality looks very good. Happy Travels.

[@RickandHeather]

Thanks 🙏 totally understand, we had a motorhome and couldn’t get on with it, when we retire we’re hoping to go Aclass but for now a van suits, glad you like her though she certainly looks good and we’re very pleased 🙏

[@PeterCalver]

Very nice great colour 😊

[@RickandHeather]

Expedition Grey, I think the graphics help too.

[@timbowling634]

Very impressive van guys looks like new you keeping it immaculate especially with the state of the winter roads. Sherwood looks a great site 👍🏻

[@RickandHeather]

I do like a clean van…. Yes it’s a decent site, we might return one day 🙏

[@paultaylor9652]

Nice video Rick, Heather and wee Poppy.

[@RickandHeather]

Thanks Paul 🙏 appreciate it

[@LeisureBit]

Lovely van - good to see you’ve found a home for things in it. I had a couple of questions which sparked my curiosity / Have you weighed or do you plan to weigh your van? Assume it’s a 3.5t? Did the change in van or any of the suspension mods make much difference to insurance compared to your previous cv20 out of interest? The MPG side, we get about 5mpg more with our auto (can do better if you drive carefully) but normal driving. Wonder if it’s extra weight, the bigger engine or tyres or a combination? Anyway - cracking van - electrics look good too 😀👍 I can understand why you went for it. All the best - David & Rachel 👍

[@RickandHeather]

We haven’t weighed (daren’t 🤣) but I would suspect a fairly low payload compared to Pearl… the thing is it looks ok because of the suspension, insurance was more because the value was higher, has a fully monitored tracker on too, tyres will definitely zap the mpg but I love the look so…. Anyway we’re stuck with it now 🤣 cheers

[@johnriordan288]

Thanks for that was looking forward to it for a while. The van looks beautiful.REALY nice. Would love it. Can’t wait for the bike rack one. Whatever make is the windscreen cover looks good? Hope you have many good miles with it. Well ware love your videos

[@RickandHeather]

Thanks 🙏 we love her too! The screen cover is from Minster Products, there’s a video on the channel showing it 👍

[@barr0ld]

I don't usually watch your blogs the day you release them but as I've been badgering you for this one I feel I owe it to you. I'm just about to hit "play" 😊

[@RickandHeather]

What’s your verdict then?

[@barr0ld]

@@RickandHeather - No wonder you're so happy with the decision to change - great vlog, and really enjoyed the tour - it was worth the wait until you had time to do it properly, and am looking forward to seeing it in the flesh when we eventually meet up again. PS - I loved Poppy's interaction at exactly 24 minutes 😉

[@RickandHeather]

@@barr0ld thanks matey look forward to seeing you both soon 🙏

[@karlospappy8908]

It is a lovely van Rick & Heather, with that great spec, the only thing I would have wished the previous owner had specked would have been Truma Diesel but that's only a small thing. Nice H allows you take Anette with you, fun fun fun😂😂 Cheers K.

[@RickandHeather]

Yeah, we had spec’d diesel on the van we ordered but it wasn’t a dealbreaker really faced with the extra stuff that was on this, we could always add a diesel one as we have the space. Annette is nice and quiet 🤫

[@sandrapearson728]

Really interesting to see how you do things, I am sure you’ll have many adventures in her.

[@RickandHeather]

Thanks 🙏 we’re looking forward to our continuing travels 😊

[@iansmith2693]

very nice , just very nice .😀

[@RickandHeather]

She’s beautiful isn’t she?

[@VanLife_At_Last]

very nice van and great vid well done now subed thanks

[@RickandHeather]

Thanks 🙏

[@ruthkirby9277]

Hi Rick and Heather. Love the space in your 6.4m van the cab area is brilliant. Like loads about it, the step up coz yep shorties like me can see in the cupboards and legs not dangling, the slide out bed mechanism and the struts on the lift up section of the 2bed. I would have an S and L!!! My only concern with a longer van would be payload and parking. Took our 6m to the weighbridge…….hmmm it’s ok but only just with bikes!!!! You did warm me. 😂 AtB Ruth

[@RickandHeather]

The payload is definitely an issue Ruth, I daren’t even think about weighing in the summer with bikes on and boot loaded! The bike rack is about 60kg…. luckily it will hide it well with the suspension….. seriously though I’m thinking if up plating might be an option although I’m sure a lot of the bigger vans are overweight at 3.5t… parking isn’t an issue as such as we don’t use it as a daily car and if we go to the shops I park well away in 2 bays.

[@ruthkirby9277]

@@RickandHeather yes up plating with Van weight engineering seems sensible to me and the road tax is then reduced bizarrely. Hey ho, you live and learn😂.

[@birdnest5814]

Great tour 👍👏😊💕

[@RickandHeather]

Thanks 🙏 glad you liked it 😊

[@juliemarkham7481]

Great van. Love your throws - where did you get them from?

[@RickandHeather]

Where everything is from! Amazon! H might have a link..

[@heatherdodds549]

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0CHM944C4?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

[@wanderingwaspiwoman]

Thanks for showing us your lovely new van. Happy holidays in it. Wee question: where does your dog lie when travelling?

[@RickandHeather]

There’s a harness attachment on the side of the passenger seat and she lies in her bed in the footwell between Heather’s feet.

[@wanderingwaspiwoman]

@@RickandHeather Thank you. We are getting a similar van and unsure where our dog will go. Previous can she had the passenger seat. Is it a D bring fitted. We thought about that.

[@RickandHeather]

@wanderingwaspiwoman the harness clip has a metal end that’s bolted to the seat mount and the standard lead clip the other end if that makes sense

[@janetelson6646]

Lovely van happy travels🙋❤️

[@RickandHeather]

Thank you! 😃 we love it 🙏

[@johnrocker2986]

You chose well the van is excellent and rarely do we see S&L Campervans sadly.

[@RickandHeather]

They are only a small company so don’t mass produce but yes they build a good product 👍

[@danielrussell446]

Such a beautiful van so glad you are enjoying it! Can see now the benefit of the extra room and the Apollo layout all the best Daniel

[@RickandHeather]

Thanks Daniel we’re loving it!

[@johnriordan288]

Hi Rick REALY love watching the video it is beautiful. A question if you know? What length is the inside from where the the bulkhead would be to to the back doors are ? Thanks

[@RickandHeather]

I’ll have to try to remember to measure it as I’ve no idea off the top of my head 😊

[@johnriordan288]

Thanks

[@RickandHeather]

@johnriordan288 4070mm for the interior length

[@johnriordan288]

@@RickandHeather thanks Rick that’s great

[@Coffeevaners]

Beautiful van Ricky. Does it carry a euro pallet and 8*4 plasterboard as all builders vans should. #takingThemicky . Loads of storage for tools. Does it have the obligatory swish bang side door😂😂 . On a serious note, just stunning. Love it. ❤️ ❤

[@RickandHeather]

I specifically asked for a super loud swish bang and a pitch next to a caravan 🤣 for some reason this went in my post review section so even KZbin knew you were taking the mick! Cheers Al 🙏

[@Goldenretrieverandacampervan]

Enjoyed this review, some blether on, this was good, to the point non apologetic, 👍🏻

[@RickandHeather]

Glad you enjoyed it thanks appreciate the feedback 😊

[@Goldenretrieverandacampervan]

@@RickandHeather lovely van & plenty of storage 👍🏻

[@Hales57]

Lovey van.

[@RickandHeather]

Thank you 🙏 we agree!

[@sandrapotepa569]

Hi Rick, You have told us that you are going to create a video of the bike rack. In the meantime, can you tell me the make of the bike rake please. Stefan and Sandra.

[@RickandHeather]

There is a video of the bike rack on the channel now

[@sandrapotepa569]

@@RickandHeather Thank you for letting us know. All the very best.

[@RickandHeather]

@sandrapotepa569 you’re very welcome

[@BenEdwards-mi2mf]

Lovely Van. Did you choose the AT tyres or did it come with them? How are you finding them? thanks

[@RickandHeather]

It came with them but we wanted them for looks, love them although mpg does suffer slightly, little more noise but not terrible. Thanks for your kind words 🙏

[@daveke110ck]

Hi Rick, noticed you have bf Goodrich tyres fitted. What pressures are you running them at?. Just fitted a set to my van and not sure what to run at.

[@RickandHeather]

At the moment they’re at 60, seems ok they’re a lot softer than the camper specific tyres.

[@daveke110ck]

How is the wear on them looking? Set mine at 65psi

[@RickandHeather]

@@daveke110ckseem ok at 5k miles

[@daveke110ck]

Think I will leave mine at 65 and see how they go

[@johnrocker2986]

Can I ask what make is your screen cover.

[@RickandHeather]

It’s a Minster products polar screen we did a video about it on the channel if you search 👍

[@davidhurley2425]

What is the height of the van with all the fittings.

[@RickandHeather]

Standard height is 2522 I’d guess it’s probably 2600

[@christinecorner8973]

Can I please ask if the seating is as comfortable as the IH?

[@RickandHeather]

The van or hab? We find it great both sides as we did on the IH one, you can specify different foam firmness anyway 👍

[@christinecorner8973]

@@RickandHeather the habitation

[@RickandHeather]

@christinecorner8973 hi yes as I said it’s equally as good we found but like I said both manufacturers will allow you to choose the firmness required

[@christinecorner8973]

@@RickandHeather thank you very much. I’m enjoying your videos and you have a beautiful van but I’m looking for something smaller as I travel alone with my toy poodle. I’m hoping (I have messaged them) that you can get the 5.4 with a boot. 🤞

[@travelcampervansandmore]

Fitting a steering wheel lock at a campsite. Really?

[@RickandHeather]

Absolutely! Can’t be too careful and it’s a good habit to get into in my opinion