IT'S ALL GONE WRONG!

Well this wasn't exactly what I had planned...
See y'all on Thursday at 5:30pm (ish!)
For more action and BTS follow me on Instagram: @ alex.thecameraman
( / alex.thecameraman )
Have a business and need some media support?
Alex & Team: www.tomco.media
For all enquiries please email: [e-mail]
RELEASE TIMES:
THURSDAY 5:30 PM UK TIME
SUNDAY 5:30 PM UK TIME
If you enjoyed today's video and want to see more then please let me know down in the comments below, and don't forget to give this video a 👍!
-----
Kist used to make this video:
MAIN VIDEO CAMERA SETUP:
Sony FX3
Sony 16-35 F4 Zeiss
Sony 24-105 F4 G Lens
Tilta Cage
Smallrig Audio Handle Plate
Sony Audio Top Handle
Small XLR
Rode NTG4+ Mic
Manfrotto 055 Tripod x2
Manfrotto Pro Video Head x2
SECONDARY CAMERA SETUP:
GoPro Hero 12
Chest Mount
Window Mount (sticky pad)
Chest Mount
Head Mount
Tripod/stick
THIRD CAMERA SETUP:
iPhone 13 Pro Max
Sony A7iii
Samyang 14mm
AUDIO SETUP:
Zoom H1 Audio Recorder
DJI Wireless Mics
Rode Smart Lav+ Mic
Rode NTG4+ Mic
DRONE SETUP:
DJI Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo with Hard Case + variable ND filters
PHOTOGRAPHY SETUP:
Sony A7iii
Sony A7R
Sony G 24-105mm
Samyang 14mm
EDITING SETUP:
MacBook Pro M1 Pro 2021
Samsung 27inch 4k Screen x2
Sandisk SSD
Premiere Pro (video)
Lightroom Classic (photo)
Photoshop (thumbnails/major photo editing)

[@IRSA1]

Honestly, Alex, the people who sold you that motorhome filled with rotten wood and a repulsive stagnant toilet have a lot to answer for ; decent people do not behave like that ! As it stands, your perseverance is impressive. ❤

[@richardd8352]

Depends....what the purchase price was? I mean it runs and drives.....

[@mrstevepace]

Someone knew it was leaking like a sieve hence the copious amounts of expanding foam everywhere. What it depends on is if the seller mentioned it had or was suffering significant leaks.

[@jacquelynhollinger4006]

Get new window,no need to cobble it together. You have updated so much,you deserve new windows all around.

[@KennethCrace-i1x]

Look for the same camper at your local junk yard and buy the windows you wanted. If you all have junk yards I call them. All is looking great Alex.

[@mrstevepace]

Junk Yard? Are you from the USA? We call them scrap yards here and there prices are normally pretty high he will be looking at a couple of hundred pounds for each window as sellers know they are 400 to 600 pounds new.

[@dianayavetz6286]

Years from now you’ll be so glad you documented this renovation. It’s been fun watching you problem solve things. You have great support from your family. Love the lights your dad got you! Keep going, Alex!

[@dthrasher1001]

I realize you are disappointed not to be able to spend the night as planned, but you're right about slowing down a bit. You've done such a good job and made tremendous progress, more than I expected in the time you've been working. I'd suggest just using a new piece for the window instead of using the old pieces. Also, I understand you want to cover the seats with something more modern looking, but I think they look great on camera (I know that might be different than in person). I'd suggest waiting on that until you've done everything really necessary. Look forward to you first night in it!

[@jimford9873]

Love the difference camera man boot to handyman boot all the screws etc Love the volgs Alex and the van restoration tolet um brilliant

[@cherylmcnair5594]

It is a pleasure to see you renovating this old vehicle, you’ve done so well. Probably buy a new piece for the window, as maybe someone may think it would be easy to break into.

[@lindagage7315]

Looking forward to you getting ahead with the van! You will be relieved! Looking good so far! Well done

[@annettebierbaum9030]

You are doing a great job Alex...👌♥️♥️

[@pamabernathy8728]

Alex, you are a star! Give yourself credit, Sir! You are restoring, nay, IMPROVING, a 35 year old camper van. On a budget. Learning how to do the work yourself, with a bit of lovely help from your family. I am an old lady in the US, & I have nothing but admiration for you. Alex. Oh, & let's mention that you've had snow, rain, 50 mph winds to contend with. Turtle is already SO much better -- consider the condition poor Turtle was in when you accepted the challenge of making it into a mobile editing studio. Speaking of which, your editing of the Turtle videos is spot on. Hang in there, please don't feel discouraged for more than a moment here & there! Blessings from Southern California, where we are having our first rain many months.

[@katherinehoffman9865]

Alex, you are doing such an impressive job. Your hard work has really paid off. I'm looking forward to your adventures down the road.

[@mariec.6568]

Great job, Alex! So much progress. Hi to Layla!

[@drumminghands6356]

You come so far in your camper renovation!❤ perfect setup!❤

[@nicolinavincelli9369]

Alex, I admire your tenacity, you are doing great. Always bumps along the way, but when it is completed and you look back, you will have a laugh. Thanks for sharing, stay safe, heard the wind is bad in the UK.

[@koenverscheure6153]

Well done!! The best solution is buying new windows if you have some money to spend. Second hand windows are most of the time not worth the effort. You need a crowdfunding... "Help Alex to get his new windows!!" :D

[@christinemulka3614]

For cleaning the sink. Get oven spray and plastic wrap. Spray. Cover. Wait 2 hours. Wipe with paper towels. Rinse with sopping wet sponge. Glossy clean!

[@lynstoneham]

Toilet is the only thing that puts me off buying a camper van. But the van is looking good to what it was

[@marysell6184]

WOW! I am continually amazed at your progress with renovating "TURTLE"! Also, KUDOS to you for always choosing to deal with setbacks and challenging tasks in a positive way. I am sure you have learned so much since starting this project. Keep up the good work! I, too, love the lights your dad gave you for Christmas - VERY COOL! Looking forward to your next video!

[@vickielibby7006]

You have done a great job. You will get used to dumping the "pot" its a part of life for campers and the convenience on the road is nice.

[@nigelbond4056]

Turtle’s looking fantastic Alex, you’ve worked so hard and done a terrific job. I’d certainly go for new or reconditioned windows, it’ll make such a difference. Best laid plans and all that… your inaugural night will come soon enough 👍👏❤️

[@donnalewis4895]

Replace the window it will be more road worthy.😊

[@imawehole]

Coming along nicely. The cassette toilet is simple and easy. once you get used to it. They have stuff to put in the tank to keep the smell down. And always use single ply tissue in it. I also hope you install all new water lines. Maybe go into a camping chat room to learn the tricks of the trade from people who live on the road. Your doing a great job.

[@malagastehlaate9923]

I would do what you can for now and then see about sourcing some used windows... when you can. Can't wait to see it all finished up and being useful!

[@meganhall1306]

Great work Alex 👏👏xxx❤

[@williamchanning9055]

I know you will be disappointed in not being able to stay in Turtle as planned, but to be honest i think its a blessing in disguise. Get the ceiling properly secured, then have your mattress in place and you'll be good to go. Slow and steady young man ❤ 😊

[@pamabernathy8728]

A quick Lela cameo soon, please. I know she can't be with you for this part of the Turtle work, but I am missing her. ❤

[@chrisbray4322]

You need to buy a bottle of Milton's to clean your water tanks you will get it from your local chemists. This is made for cleaning baby's bottles.

[@susanwoods3507]

Well its looking great! You are doing an amazing job Alex! You're motivation and cost efficiency is inspiring! :)

[@vickielibby7006]

There are portable camp showers that you can use outdoors for warm weather and wearing swim trunks. 😅 or for washing the dog .

[@julietheodorou5039]

You have done really well. Good things take time . Give yourself credit😊

[@JLR1957]

Alex, the person you purchased from should have emptied the toilet cassette! That's disgusting 😮❤🇦🇺

[@TammyMullins-tp5uf]

😅 i believe i would throw the toilet tank away bùy a new one

[@MrDominicBrant]

replacing the cassette may be impossible because of the age of the vehicle - but it's worth googling the model number. The issue is the toilet bowl and connections may be custom to that van.

[@Ksp1009]

Alex, I hope you are so very proud of all yours and family and friends hard work in such a short time frame. Well done to all of you 👏🏻 Although, I’m disgusted that the previous owners did not empty the loo - it’s just appalling for you (or indeed anyone else) to have to deal with that.

[@RichFlynn1]

Hi Alex, measure the window find a caravan / campervan scrapyard, they'll be second hand one somewhere 👍

[@samirwildcat]

I think its impressive what you have achieved so far. the decor is the last thing you need to be worrying about. Next time youre at the Pethericks ask Alexander if her can whip you up some new covers. watching from New Zealand

[@DocTgo5]

💚It's getting there Alex... anxious for our first sleepover.

[@LindaNichols-wf4lq]

Can't be too bad! You have SUN! Yes flooding the engine b4 auto burn each fuel piece in the engine. Put in the plastic window why deal w/ the broken piece it will break again add the wind accident waiting to happen! One step st a time you are moving forward!

[@suecollado8696]

💕That is one of the biggest problems with diesel heaters they run out quickly💕A small log burner is great especially if you put the Flue close enough to a roof hatch for easy breakdown (shortening it when driving)💕An added bonus is the storage space where the diesel heater was & you can burn your rubbish💕

[@marydawson8939]

Alex, you have done an awesome job on the van! I can’t believe how quickly you got it all done! 😀🇦🇺

[@shirleybewley6646]

Oh! lolol Life happened! Well, I figure when plans don't work it's just protecting us from something bad.

[@barbaracholak5204]

Greetings from California USA Progressing at a steady pace .. Salutations

[@WyhnTemple]

It’s looking good, Alex! You’ve already changed so much in the van that I wouldn’t worry about repairing the window. Just get the new pane. You bought the van to turn it into your studio, not necessarily to renovate it to original specs. Do what you want to do.👍☀️❤️

[@christinemulka3614]

Color suggestion for the cushions. Consider medium gray.

[@AlextheCameraman.]

Thanks!

[@katherinehoffman9865]

There is too much grey in the world!

[@divetechltd2731]

Looks great, but do you think the walls behind the bathroom liner will also be wet and rotted?

[@AlextheCameraman.]

I’m 100% sure the whole other side is rotten!

[@gaelenecole4707]

Love the progress on Turtle Yep I’d go to the camper knacks yard to try and buy a good replacement .. I feel your pain over the cassette loo … practice makes perfect 👌 Looking forward to our first sleepover ❤

[@kencase2179]

Turtle is starting to live her new life! Looking forward to your first adventure with her.

[@elisabethhopson5639]

Oh dear Alex, sorry about the delay. I think you should have a new window as the broken one is not really viable. You could re-cover those cushions, if you don't like them. I would make sure the water system is completely flushed out and safe. If any water has been in there for a while, you could be looking at Legionnaires disease, so make sure any water systems are safe. I would also try sleeping in the van at home, or at your Nan's as a test run. If there are any problems, at least you can get help quick, or go sleep inside. It is January afterall. My birthday today, so I should know! 😆

[@MarlaHerrmann]

You're getting there so excited for you

[@jb3558]

the covers you are after are called 'throws' lol

[@AlextheCameraman.]

That’s the word 🤣

[@lhmcd5538]

May I suggest to take the glass out of the shelving in the bathroom. The last thing you need is smashed glass all over the bathroom floor. Great suggestions from so many people. May you please take care and stay safe. Hope Lela is ok. 👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️🤩🤩🤩

[@suzanneb6150]

I couldn’t keep that toilet! You can get van compost ones now like for narrow boats I think

[@MrDominicBrant]

the problem is replacing it would mean a completely new system, which would need to be fitted. But replacing the cassette is the easiest thing IF there is a replacement available.

[@sallyturner1669]

I think I’d go buy a new toilet cassette. It looks like what they use on Narrowboats.

[@Rob-.]

Alex, Great progress! 🎈 Replace the windows. Those are double glazed insulated windows. They do make a huge difference in heating and cooling. You might be able to buy used ones from a junk yard. Personally, the new ones are made better and now have the feature that you can lock them in a ”cracked" position for airflow and security. Good for Lela!

[@caroltaylor-hinds6050]

Thank you Alex for another great video. Love my Sunday nights with you 👋😂❤️

[@pj1043]

Where you are going asleep above put a small/medium size nice pile mat to go there & then put the mattress on top. If possible get a waterproof couch cover over your van couches. I agree some of the comments & get all new widows. Well done on your van conversion Alex. Keep Cracking on.😊

[@AprilK-vs3gb]

You’ve made such a difference! Love it!

[@willr69420]

REPLACE the window, DO NOT REPAIR it, repair would be a mistake.

[@TheAngela2468]

Lots of fun 😊😊😊

[@NeilWinter-qx2dj]

You need a product called Puraclean to clean and sterilise your water tank. Nicola

[@patricianewton4922]

You'll get it Alex, we all have the utmost confidence in you and your achievments!! Carry on Bub, you're doing great. The fairy ligts are really cool!!! What a neat idea from Dad!

[@juliequinlan6564]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏💙 Thanks for the update - you’re doing so well!

[@margdyke1446]

Well done Alex. Your hard work is paying off.

[@lizthompson4159]

Fix the window with plastic you won't be happy with tape . Good job.

[@cecoya]

Great job Alex, I don't think that I could have emptied the toilet. Yuck!!! I am glad that you are about finished with the camper and it is drivable now. You have a great day

[@MK-Farm-Michigan]

Use a pale of dish soap and Bleach warer or Amonia for that bathroom, Alex. Then rinse with a separate bucket of water.

[@EtchedInTimeLLC]

i love that last little light with the reel of string lights!

[@stevenbarnett2497]

Just replace with a sheet of Perspex like the other one would be better than trying to fix the original window back together at least it will be weather proof again save buying new complete windows

[@audreyatherton3373]

Looking good Alex

[@dmars92]

Hi Alex great progress. You can get a refresh kit for the loo (cassette and seat) if your budget can run to that. 😅

[@davidbirrell8964]

The "Thetford" refresh kit should be available from a good caravan/motorhome dealer. Aldi often have the toilet fluid and rinse on their centre isle offers as well as a good caravan wash product that I have used. I heard that ASDA cheap toilet paper decomposes well in caravan cassette toilets.

[@philpots48]

Alex, it's looking good!

[@harryreid9015]

Buy a new cassette for the toilet it will be more hygienic

[@petemoss1951]

Very nice Alex! Do the windows the best you can, so you don’t get water in them! You know what will work best for you! It was fun getting a short ride in Turtle today. Thanks!

[@AnnMcWilliams-p5x]

I painted my bathroom toilet ans hand basin they. Look wonderful now

[@margielynch7196]

Alex, you have done a great job so far, but you need to replace the windows and change out the water pipes and the toilet. It’s worth waiting until you will feel comfortable before you go on the road. Good luck ❤❤

[@brendabear839]

This is my first time commenting hopefully not the last you have done a fantastic job on filming and walking us through what will be your home some might find it boring but for me it’s very interesting I always watch it when I have the time a few day after you’ve posted the reason is because I take care of my older brother who lost his wife last year and he has been in chronic pain and depression so I binge watch your videos when I have a little time love your videos weather it be at the pathricks or watching the sun set you’re a very talented young man 💜💜

[@Chestnut442]

Looking good Alex. When shopping for the new windows, inquire about Lexan versus Perspex. I believe Lexan is much stronger, but is thereby more expensive.

[@nelleg152]

Well done tackling the toilet ❤

[@bartonone2005]

Hello, Alex!! Life requires a series of adjustments, and you are navigating that very well!! Everything will come together at the right time, and you are patiently working toward that goal!! I look forward to your further adventures with "Turtle"!! Chuck in Northern New England

[@susanharvey8944]

I never use the water system in any RV that we have owned for 50 plus years. I used water to flush etc but drink I always use bottled water. If we are going for a short trip I take a gallon by toilet and can control flush amount. Much less and save winterization worries if camping in cold weather.

[@stevenmansell7612]

Good job done. Now just to say there is a new. Mic on sale. Some were. On the market. That’s is. Amazing it. Does lots of things like cancel back ground noise. And lot of things it called new microphones hope this is useful to your business.

[@shirleygardner5483]

Don't rush things just because you feel you need to. Things will work out. New windows needed!

[@1woestekikker]

YOU SHOULD DRIVE TO PHILL IN FRANCE AND LET HIM WATCH IT 😮

[@mariagillinson8527]

You need a composting toilet. I’ve seen a few people put them in their campers but I’ve never experienced them. You’d have to research them.

[@allanmilnes1636]

To get the yellow out of plastic you can submerge it in hydrogen peroxide and put a uv light on it

[@MK-Farm-Michigan]

I think if your living it it I think you might be sorry getting rid of sink and stove.

[@Weap0nsgradePine4pple]

Seemed like that was a good water-proof test at the end there too! Have you had any leaks since you replaced everything?

[@sdfilyer]

When you put the go pro on your head while driving it is very hard to watch - flying back and forth as you check your turns etc. A steady cam would be way way better

[@mbuonato]

They have spray fabric dye if you can’t find the right size cushion covers.

[@teresaderscheid-m2n]

Replace the window, you wont like it just being fixed. Good for you!!

[@millywood6801]

Save up for double glazed windows, cold outside warm inside single glazed will run with condensation

[@lundworks9901]

Borax & Dawn dish detergent in the biff, drive around before dumping to avoid a poop mountain.

[@Bugs1953]

Chaos😮

[@ritchi4343]

great work Alex. Have you had a test poo yet? lol

[@AlextheCameraman.]

🤣🤣🤣

[@pamelawright1369]

Thank you for sharing 😊

[@GenaF]

So it all went a bit wrong. I think you need to make lists Alex so in advance you can go through them and check off when you have bought diesel, and been to screwfix and make us so you are fully ready 24 hours ahead of the time you plan to leave. Ive just bought some of those lights ahead of buying our van. Your Dad had a good idea, theyre brilliant.

[@MrDominicBrant]

Top Tip: use biological washing liquid in the loo instead of the branded toilet chemicals. It's way cheaper. Totally eco-friendly and cheaper. Use an off brand, or supermarket's own. It's what I, and many others, do on our boats

[@inkmetal1]

Wow it's almost time to call Turtle Home.

[@deborahmapps1430]

Use blue in the toilet cassette it breaks down any waste add a bit of water to it hope that helps x

[@Hugh-S]

Whoever sold you this camper should be absolutely disgusted with themselves. You're doing a bang up job on it though.

[@jamesbaker429]

Just get a replacement from a van breaker,you will suffer some condensation problems and drips as you didnt install a air tight vapour barrier under the ply.