Van Camping in DIY Camper Conversion (driving home) Europe Road Trip Ep 4

My epic week long road trip in my friends DIY van camper conversion has come to an end. We travel 1000 miles, camp at more amazing places and I catch up on my projects back at home.
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[@krispaterson8828]

Simple - sell them both and buy a bigger van to convert, you only regret it when you realise the caddy is too small 😉

[@colinmiller8361]

Agree. 100%

[@regreg6034]

He should have got a transporter or if not that at least a mwb tranny van

[@SanshoTheBailiff]

Facts

[@Adam-uz9sc]

@@regreg6034 transporter 😂

[@deanmitchell4233]

sell both and buy a bigger van...

[@dirtyhabitz2888]

If it were me, I’d put the car back to stock and sell it. I can’t imagine there’s much of a market for “car campers”. Good luck with the van conversion though, that’s definitely the way to go.

[@mattb231]

Was thinking the same. Will struggle to sell it for market value I reckon

[@williamlemon2954]

Now you've done that road trip with your friend, I'd say..... sell the car and caddy and buy a LWB crafter 😁. Make a comfortable space that you can live in, work in and store all your camera gear, fishing gear and everything you need for a proper long journey. Go big Alex 💪🏽

[@AMG63]

Alex if you feel cramped in the van seriously get a roof box , unbelievable amounts of storage and its all out the way 👍 good luck mate

[@Tin_Town]

I've got a roof box the are a game changer

[@thephone3410]

A can’t believe I’ve never thought of this or never saw anyone suggest it for the polo! Man your a genius

[@kyleowen3371]

Sell both and buy a bigger van...

[@DJVoyagerXue]

he cant get a roof box due to having a solar panel on the roof.

[@Ge0tech]

@@DJVoyagerXue Surprised only one person mentioned this!

[@Chris-be1fo]

I used to work in a plant nursery. They taught me to break the roots up a bit when potting on. It promotes the root growth into the new soil.

[@holyngrace7806]

I admire your determination to figure out the professional vocabulary, which can be so darned confusing. So you know, superfluous comes from Latin superfluus, from super- ‘over’ + fluere ‘to flow’. Around the 1200 - 1450's a lot of Latin words got transformed into English and then, over the centuries after that, into our modern variants. About 80%, of what we speak in modern English is actually taken directly from Latin.

[@jameswelch8275]

I just love keeping up with you n your brother, I unfortunately suffer with anxiety so seeing young lads like you and Carl doing so much like travelling the world and what not gives me hope man getting out there n enjoying yourself is what counts keep up grind Alex 👍🇬🇧

[@amber-leaf-kieth]

I too suffer from major anxiety buddy and I can tell you from first hand experience getting out there living your life fishing camping being alive what ever makes you happy is the way forward and definitely helps. When I'm not doing any of these it creeps up on me 100% keep moving forward and think positive always thats key good luck to you buddy 🇬🇧👍👌🙏✌

[@loneoutdoorsman]

put the car back to standard, sell it on. The Caddy will serve you well for weekend trips and overnight camping!

[@torchandbucket4214]

There's nothing better than a homegrown cucumber 😍 Buy some seaweed extract and a mister to spray your cucumbers daily. It'll keep humidity up, provide some extra good stuff for the cucumbers, and keep bugs down 👍

[@barrywilliams4866]

A different world to the watery tasteless things you get in our supermarkets, bit like the fruit too, wtf has happened to apples, tasteless...nothing like proper home grown stuff...(carrots is another!!)

[@jamesatkinsfishing]

nice one again Alex, you didn't say who you favourite music artist was ????

[@jenniferharman5139]

WELL DONE JIM!! Glad you both got back safely.

[@Shivaziv]

For sure you need to sell the car, as it's very small, cramped and not so effective compared to the van in which you can travel, sleep, camp, take fishing gear, cook, move gear and so on.... and will be much more practical. Can't wait to see the progress on the van!

[@franj001]

I agree. Will only lose value and cost you money keeping it

[@duduzilendlovu5278]

travelling is one of my hobies , your travelling in a van and converting it into kitchen& bedroom teaches me money saving skills,keep up

[@Bo88y22]

The secret of a conversion is to keep the weight down. Carrying deadweight for aesthetics if fruitless. The wood in Jim’s van is a deadweight. You can buy lightweight ply especially made for motorhomes. O’ Learies are specialists in all thing van conversions. Main thing insulation. Then carpet the walls ( special stretch and stick stuff) and you are half way there.

[@jasmijnariel]

I agree.. weight equals fuel, equals more fuel and wears down the car even more

[@Carlfishing]

I made the exact same mistake and bought a Vito 109 (short wheel base). I have the basics things in my conversion. It’s great for short sessions in Wales or the North West but would be awful over a week in France. Storage is a real issue due to piles of kit if your fishing too. Hence why I’ve taken up sea angling ( less kit ). Roof box and better storage next. I will get a proper high top as soon as it’s practical but it’s not cheap. You can’t do conversions cheaply I’ve found ( done well ).

[@reggydofe]

when repotting its good to break up the roots a bit before placing in new pot

[@Rich..]

So good to see you doing exactly what you want to do Alex. Relish every moment of it and do it for as long as you can. Life is too bloody short to do otherwise! Keep up the good work!

[@Mattys_Channel]

Thanks for the updates Alex, looks like you had a great trip! And Great content as always 😀

[@Emily-ji9rl]

Since you asked for some gardening tips, I totally agree with the worm farm comment! I have two worm farms that are so simple to upkeep and do not take any time at all to service! Also when planting plants, you should 'distress' the roots - like loosen them up by gently pulling them apart before planting. By doing this, you'll encourage faster spread roots and in my experience a bigger/faster growing plant!! Love the channel :)

[@samz2sik]

Perfect timing for my commute again! Love it

[@tijn2708]

Hey Alex, you asked for some gardening tips. I was thinking that starting a small scale worm farm would be something good to do as this will provide you with lots of the best worm casting compost that your plants will love, also it is a great way to get rid of your green food scrap's. And at last it will provide you with a unlimited supply of worms ( in case you still do some fishing) otherwise you could maybe sell them. Btw I am really digging your new channel, even with the Carl and Alex chanel videos from you about mushroom foraging and stuff like that always got me really exited. Since you started your new channel it resonates even more with the things I do and love in life. So please keep up the good word, one of my new favorite channels.

[@agaming6102]

your content is just so amazing alex. it makes everyone so expired to do things that you do keep up the good hard work LOVE IT!.

[@sol.calling7332]

when you hear life sized ghosts by Catching Flies and another familiar song i cannot name at the moment at 2:28, amazing music taste, love these videos, im about to start traveling again as a nomad and these videos are getting me so excited

[@StevoPvP]

Everyone saying sell up n get a bigger van, I love the fact of tryna me minimalist and make the most of the small space, makes it feel more homey

[@finepeachsnails]

Loved this adventure. Well done, Jim and Alex 🧡

[@jonbrown853]

I like the style you are developing with lots of edits and scene changes. It keeps it lively and engaging.

[@trevorcornes1056]

Always nice to get back home Alex ,looked a great break though,lots of beautiful places you visited. Can’t wait to see your van conversion finished 😄👍

[@4kfreelance]

Just brilliant watching your adventures with my brother.

[@rickyjessome4359]

Fantastic video! I'm in the process of clearing a small plot of land at my grandfather's for camping. There's a nice brook with wild speckled trout within a 3 minute walk. I eventually plan on having a farm there like my grandfather did. And my wife wants to start bee keeping. My grandfather owns 150 acres of of land. Lots of room for the bees to explore

[@pechicha6694]

Loved the cheeky Bonobo snip at the end!

[@MrJimmyjamjam]

Brilliant Alex.. really enjoyed that and your free spirit out look on life is so refreshing..

[@jaa7286]

Seeing these videos are so refreshing. Keep thriving my guy, cheers

[@xIDarkSideIx]

Loved watching these been a great little mini series

[@myspanielshuntingNZ]

Once again a very enjoyable video to watch, full of interesting stuff and of course your quirky humour which I appreciate😀

[@jamesjimb]

Cruising to Yazoo - Nobody's Diary excellent choice haha. Loving the videos Alex

[@marialorenavillanueva5342]

thanks for sharing..glad u had a great trip

[@nicovantol7363]

Nice holiday tour on main land Europe. Looking forward to see what your plans are with the inside of your VW Caddy !!!

[@randomstuffwithcharlie4876]

another great vid Alex

[@richf9502]

Loving the content cant wait to see tbe conversion you should get yourself a roof rack/box keep all the nom essentials out of the way a solar pannel and a jackery

[@apxrs564]

Good on you, Been living life properly.

[@sun-sea-solar]

I probably couldn't live without my van. It's literally done it all. Right now I'm waiting for a spinal procedure in a hospital car park in my van drinking coffee all cozy in my bed.

[@potatofrappe]

when gardening, one piece of advice I've always been told is that you should grow your plant in a slightly raised mound, to give the plant the most room to grow down into the soil, but also to prevent it being starved of oxygen by pooling water under the soil, so you'd like make a hole slightly less shallow and then mound the soil up to the base of the plant.

[@Gizzzzzy]

I would put 4 bamboo sticks upright inside the edge of the pot in the shape of a square. Tie the top of the bamboo together with a cable tie to create a pyramid shape, as the plant grows use smaller ties to fix the plant to the frame, this will keep them off the floor and give them support to grow. I am all in on potatoes this year, I found a place online that did blue, black, purple, pink, and multicoloured varieties, they are about 4-5 weeks out, happy to send you some to try or sow yourself next year 👍

[@tysonsmith6384]

Another smashing video, on TikTok there is a channel called micro camper and he has converted a be caddy and it’s really impressive in the back check him out, your the only KZbinr that I seem to wait for videos to be uploaded! Keep them coming 👨‍🚒

[@stehaughton5074]

While'st converting your Van, i recommend a video for you " the fishlocker workshop, van conversion VWCaddy Maxi" Happy Travels ✌

[@powershed]

deffo worth a watch! The Fishlocker workshop is a good channel

[@jayzamedia]

keep them coming constant growth

[@ralphrohr]

Sell the polo after setting it back. No normal thinking Person would sleeo in polo-camper😂. And after driving caddys and other van for years i can say, you immediately get used to the size. And your seat is higher, u can see traffic better. And when you get old: it is easier to get in And out... 😉

[@SanshoTheBailiff]

14.50 - The notorious skinhead ep. Italy trip was epic!

[@nickclegg9434]

Convert your car back to standard and get it sold. Put that money towards the van repayment and your camper conversion. A bigger van would be great but I think you will be able to make good use of the space in your van with some well thought out planning. Keep it up Alex 👍🏻

[@baldvale5418]

Hi Alex, loved this vlog it was full of great content & really interesting. Sell your car as it's costing you too much, use the money to get some professional advise/plans and the materials you will need for your Van then get a friend to help you out. Your van is noisey because it has not been sound proofed yet & is just an empty metal box so the conversion will cure that. You will soon get used to using the van & reap the benifits it will give to you. All the best.

[@ETYSURF]

Great video alex!

[@zeez9053]

Nice to see you use bucket size plant pots

[@kgsadventures3627]

Great video again

[@mattstiffseagoat]

So jealous you saw Bonobo in ally pally! Saw footage and it looked amazing!

[@lisaedbrooke7592]

Hi Alex I'm loving your video's I really look forward in seeing them.. please never give up on doing them because I will miss you so much.. and they are so amazing to see and I am loving how you make things look so easy in doing things well done..Alex please tell me what I am doing so bad in trying to grow my vegetables and when you do your honey please can you let me know because I would like to pay some please.. Alex please don't take any notice of the people that are very negative and horrible... because Alex your are fantastic and everything you do is amazing and I am so proud of you and the things that you are doing and done... and I think that they are most probably jealous of how far you've come don't take any notice of them... your better than they will ever be... keep the wonderful videos coming please... thankyou...

[@runerune-_-9727]

I love your compliment to the cars silence, you should try my old fusion from 2006 and that picture would totally shift 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Nice video, what beautiful places you travelled through. Looking forward to see your van converted 😀

[@christopherstorey7005]

You should sell both and get a bigger van to convert and have massive adventures.loving your videos.

[@DJVoyagerXue]

I am really enjoying your new channel and the content you are putting out dude ;)

[@AMG63]

Put everything back in the polo , get it cleaned and sell it as it should sell pretty quickly as the used car market is crazy right now.

[@krisk4513]

Hi, Alex! Really like your videos. Can you do one where you camp overnight in the rain and cook inside the van? Something nice and cozy with updates through the night. Just an idea - I like that type of camping video. Have fun!

[@Relaxationdecibles]

Gotta say I miss you and your brother fishing, but your new content is fire none the less. Keep it up Alex! Get a Mercedes 2500 sprinter you wont regret it. I have traveled all over the US and Canada in one and its the perfect size to stay comfortable. Also if you ever come to the US again I'd love for you to visit my 80 acre homestead!

[@Dxuble_Tap]

I would 100% buy your car!!! It’ll be such a good little first car

[@christianmadsen1469]

You could consider to do a raised bottom in the van, so you can make drawers under the raised platform. That way your storage won't affect the living area s much.

[@tnt123skeleton9]

wish I went on that trip

[@timshippam3906]

I'll have a couple jars off you. Happy to pick them up as on down the road from you. With the car just put the seatting back in it and like that. Be easier to sell as you have a larger market.

[@choppergibbs100]

Tease away the roots and slightly tare them when potting on. Doing this encourages new growth and stronger roots to develop. ✌️

[@nikaveyard1176]

Google who Alex dad is.. and how many Chelsea medals he's won 😉

[@Kikija7000]

When making repetitive stuff, it saves time if you do one thing for everything and than next.. so you don't have to put down and pick up tool again.. 😉 For example make all frames, than put all comb sheets and then nail them.. I haven't made them myself, but I'm sure it can apply, a bit of time menagement there.. 😉😉

[@liamburnes845]

As always another brilliant upload can't wait for the honey to drop...and don't know if you watch maverick o you tube he has a jeep he lives in back off his new upgrades are sick worth having a look give you some tips for your van

[@lewisporter5666]

Love you Alex 💚💚

[@just_alex]

Ahhh thanks Lewis :)

[@patrickdaniels6829]

You need chickens, then youll get cheap fertilizer and eggs. Youll be a rich man with honey cucumbers and eggs... thats almost a sandwich filling!

[@leroy4693]

You should convert the polo into a gardening / fishing / mushroom foraging machine!

[@just_alex]

Hmmm I would like to see what that looks like! Haha

[@Eva-li2pe]

Alex it looks like you have space and why not grow peppers as well? Use the the same concept of growing in the bag but grow them vertically on a sticks next to each plant. Great job!

[@pluto6772]

It be so cool if Made a cooking channel love the look of the food you make

[@lakedistrictmatt1641]

The van will be quieter once insulated and carpeted so probably won’t miss the car as the van will then be a nicer place to be than a bare shell.

[@florentkryeziu7324]

Hello Alex, the first hive is not strong enough to work even a box of honey, you better wait until bee finish this one.

[@robgood719]

I’ll by some I only get it from sources like your self honey that is not messed with to much is the way a spone full a day with help keep the colds away and helps with hay fever ✌🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@daniellehynd575]

@Johnfishlocker has a great build on the VW bud..

[@ea7hellcat]

Alex when you give water to them don’t wet the Leafs as it can kill them off as the sun hits them

[@philipwray8722]

Another Thursday morning treat 👌 please keep me in mind when selling your honey 🤣🍯🍯 I really want some 🤣 hope you and Carl are well

[@BFKILLER]

Plant deeper well help the plant support it self a little more when growing.

[@BFKILLER]

Put a tray under them to hold the water.

[@HahaSully]

@flowhive need to sponsor this man. I'd love to see your review of one!

[@ragnorremix8426]

Sell van and car and get same large van as your mate and he can help you convert it, that would then allow you to properly live off grid

[@ybt8128]

Get rid of the car, map the van and look into getting better seats to make you feel more comfortable and car like. You will notice a difference a lot when you start insulating the rear out. The noise will go to next to none👌

[@tj6742]

Do you ever read your comments Alex ? Just wondering . Many a great advice your subscribers have given as you've asked for feedback . I love your content btw 👍🏾

[@Vigilant.CitizenGaming]

You should a lot happier / enthusiastic keep it up bro :)

[@rares8219]

Hi,i like your contet!👍

[@Dirt-Diggler]

Horses for courses 👍 I have a large transit ambulance camper and a connect day van/camper, i use the connect more than the amby, it's easyer to park, less obv, more Stealth ect BUT less storage, cramped, have to cook outside ect Both have pluses and minuses, depends on the trip 🤔 If i couldn't decide for myself what was best there's no way i can give you any advice worth listening to 🤣🤣 Just thought I'd share that waste of time 😁 Your welcome 😂😂

[@wollywotsit]

What about something a bit larger like a transit, you can add a pop top when funds are available. Hyundai iload / i800 are a good alternative

[@Itsmedansee]

Hey nice video! Get yourself a book called “the encyclopaedia of country living” see if it gives you more ideas 🙂

[@esxboi6765]

@Alex there's a little speaker symbol next to the word if u press that it will play an audio recording of how the words pronounced

[@gregcoffey1974]

Alex, I live in East TN. Right on Cherokee Lake. It's close to Dale hollow, kinda lol.. Cherokee has tons of carp.. but the water is very stained to muddy alot where the carp would be living.. the main lake usually stays light stained to clear. With all that said , how do you catch carp in muddy water ? Do you use the same rigs that I've watched you and your brother use or do you have a particular suggestions ? Thanks for any help if you even see this msg this late after the video posted..?

[@06appleyardh]

I'm in the same position as you! Are you concerned with fuel prices? Doesn't look like they are going down any time soon...

[@georgebishop4757]

roof top tent for the caddy could give more space inside for living

[@charlieluckham1600]

Quality vid again as usual. Now, show me the honey 🍯🐝! Can't wait until you've harvested 👌👍

[@davidgoudie9879]

Please please get back to fishing with your brother, you 2 together were the best

[@jasmijnariel]

Euhm, did you miss the point with the vid were they explained why they splitted?

[@leoncharite6547]

Get an awning for the caddy and a roof box

[@jonathanphillips3257]

Look forward to the honey harvest and you using a centrifuge to get the honey out of the frames. Have you got access to one there ? Normally your local bee club may have one to use for a small fee. I fortunately found a second hand one on goid old fb market place 😀

[@just_alex]

Yeah I’m going to try find one for myself! :) Excited for it!

[@dominictran8495]

Who was it the on stage in the Royal Albert Hall? Curious as I thought you would see a DnB related artist.

[@Abeyptfc]

nice one alex, great vid once again man. what band did you go to see? Lookin forward to brewing a honey beer with your honey when it’s ready! take care big boy!

[@Heve62]

I wonder if theres demand for a camper polo. Compared to a normal polo i think you would get more money or it would be much easier to sell as standard