Mercedes Vario Camper Van Conversion STORM BERT Rips through the UK and Wreaks Havoc

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Everything I use in my camper van is available in my Amazon Store www.amazon.co.uk/shop/melsvan... - remember, this is an affiliate link, so every purchase helps keep these awesome videos coming at no extra cost to you. Thank you! Check out Beck's Channel / @sacredtraveller .

[@SACREDTRAVELLER]

This was so much fun to edit. The storm has wreaked havoc in the garden too!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

It was a whirlwind of fun, and the garden got a little too "stormy" for its own good! Nature really knows how to throw a party.

[@grabowskycountry]

We’d heard it was a banger even here in Canada. Hope that’s the end of those winds for you. Cheers

[@Cheekymonkey1]

Good afternoon Becky and Mel i love watching your KZbin videos on your KZbin and channels I hope both of you are well and enjoying converting on your KZbin channel please keep safe and warm and please keep up your good work on your you tube channels

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

We truly appreciate your lovely comment! It means a lot to us that you enjoy our content. We’ll definitely keep working hard to bring you more videos!

[@smrangers22]

Rock&roll mel 😂😂- ,

[@patrickjobling8676]

Stroooth mate .. drama plus .. good to see ya got it sor"ed me ol rusty ate .. may ya hinges swing freely and love to the bex ..😍😎😁

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Haha, thanks, buddy! Just trying to keep it together while the storm goes all WWE on us! 🤪

[@stevepjackson]

Great update Mel. Looking forward to the next one 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I really appreciate your kind words! Your enthusiasm means a lot to me, and I can’t wait to share what’s next!

[@jsimes1]

The struggle with the weather is real! I am building out my van in the driveway too but last year I put up one of those garage tents! I got a really cheap one from China so you know it is rubbish! When the rain isn't coming into the tent then the wind is trying to wiz the tent away to Oz or the snow is making the roof sag down on top of the solar panels! 😂 I hope you come up with a solution to keep your plywood dry that stuff ain't cheap!! 🙏🏼🤞🏼👍🏼

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

It sounds like you've had quite the adventure with that garage tent! I totally understand the struggle. Let’s hope for better weather as we continue our builds!

[@crikhooah7204]

Thanks for your Time Mel ..I am starting my own build ATM and I love watching you. I am struggling with electronics.. 😗 ..

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Electronics can feel like wizardry sometimes! Just remember, if it sparks, it might be a sign to take a step back and consult the manual! 😂

[@estherstephens1858]

Hi Mel, I live in the U.S. in Florida. We had hurricanes like crazy this season. Please be safe.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you for your concern! Florida has had quite a hurricane season, but I’m staying prepared and safe!

[@DA11NOON]

Good vlog Mel Be safe 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks a bunch! I'll keep it safe and fun, promise!

[@karlcronin6589]

Great to see you working on the van again, yes bloody water evey where.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I really appreciate your support! It’s encouraging to see you excited about the van project. We’ll get it sorted out soon!

[@geoffcallicott2060]

Well done Mr Mel you are a star - if you were anywhere near me (Devon) I’d come and help you- years ago I did an Iveco 65/12 lorry and had it re registered. Best thing was everywhere I went they all panicked- the big red rusty bus was an eyesore and everyone thought they been invaded by the travellers 😂😂 😂👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

A big red rusty bus causing panic? Sounds like the perfect recipe for a reality show! “When Travelers Invade Devon”-I’d watch that!

[@robertanderson2142]

brill mel vans lookin good

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I appreciate your kind words! The Mel Vans really do have a unique style!👍😀👍

[@WhipperdeetsAdventures]

The storm has been awful 😢 workshop looking great 😊 wish I had a 7.5 ton license 😢

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks for your support! The workshop is coming together nicely despite the storm. Hope you get that 7.5 ton license soon!

[@billvincent7348]

Make some wooden frames up and fit heavy duty tarpolin to it as temporary doors at the rear of your van to keep the weather at bay!!!!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Ah, the classic tarpaulin solution-perfect for those days when Mother Nature decides to throw a tantrum!

[@timstradling7764]

Arrggh! Wet wet wet here too all night and day. Totally waterlogged. My sympathies. It’s all about mitigation of the effects😢 Still clearing our shed for the rebuild😅

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

It sounds like you're dealing with some tough weather! Hang in there, and I hope the shed rebuild goes smoothly for you.

[@Ritarelay]

Another fab instalment :) just a thought if you let some air out of the wheels will it miss that bolt? Much love as always to you both ❤

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Great idea! But if we let too much air out, we might end up with a “flat” outcome! love you too 🙏

[@kevinbarlow611]

Hi mel is there a foldable sink unit I can easily fit into my campervan

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Yes there is I came across them in welfare vans and also mobile mechanics have them in there vans too I’m sure if you google something along those lines you will find them good luck 🤞

[@rogergoldup1077]

Why don't you unscrew bed frame while your doing the garage saves all that bending under neath bed and then put it back when done

[@Myk9-training]

Great video can you not get somemore clear plastic and put it up at the front it will let the light in but keep the rain out and some of the wind then when you have your back doors open the rain will hit the clear plastic and not in the back of the van lol

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Clear plastic? Great idea! Who knew we were just one sheet away from being rainproof? Next thing you know, I’ll be building a sunroom on wheels!

[@Myk9-training]

​@BigVanSmallWorld 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 channel going turn to barn conversion instead ❤

[@davidyendoll5903]

I did warn you of the storm coming ! I guess I am around twenty miles south of you . Last Tuesday we had snow , maybe 12 mm , and then continuous 40 mile plus wind and rain for two days . So I expect that caused a change in your plans or what ! Rent a bunker ! Lol

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

LOL, a bunker might not be a bad idea! Thanks for the warning! Hope you’re surviving the wild weather down south!

[@davidyendoll5903]

@@BigVanSmallWorld Still just in S Glos ! Our grandson was 5 today , but work has taken the family to Wales , Ronda valley don't you know . Apparently they , the locals that is , needed bigger wellies to get about yesterday . Time to get that van fixed up and run real south , like Morocco , for the winter ! Mel, I love your videos and learning a bit , or sometimes lots , about van converting . I do like that calcifier whatever it is called .... the heat storage tank thing ! I wondered if it might be used in another way ... on a cold start situation , could stored warm water be sent to the engine block ?

[@onemanandhisdog9]

So, unless I missed it, another week with virtually no progress on the Vario? Do you have ant plans that it needs to be ready for?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I appreciate your patience! We're working through some challenges with the Vario and will keep everyone updated on our progress.

[@Jerry06660]

Hmmm i see new doors for the barn coming soon, winter will be a nightmare 💨💨

[@SACREDTRAVELLER]

Sadly no way of putting any doors anywhere!!! 😂😂😂

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

New doors for the barn? Sounds like a winter makeover! Let’s hope they don’t become the new hangout spot for the snowflakes!😂👍

[@Jerry06660]

@@SACREDTRAVELLER Where there's a will there's a way 😏

[@david1976aful]

Have you give any consideration to sheeting the front of your area into the caravan with the same type of polythene used on the back wall?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That's a great suggestion! Using the same polythene for the front could definitely provide some added protection and consistency. I’ll look into it!

[@phild1860]

Remember you can always take the air out of your tyres to save a centimetre or three...

[@SACREDTRAVELLER]

Yeah we could but then a pain to keep refilling. Plus Mel doesn’t want to do this as it can cause the tyres to come off the rims.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Haha, so true! Just don’t go too far or you’ll be rolling on rims!

[@davidpatrick1813]

Make sure to keep the neighbor's tarp protected ...................... I am sure you have thought it already. un pause

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Haha, for sure! Gotta keep that tarp safe and sound, right? Neighbors gotta stick together!

[@TheIcyhall]

Hello Mel, how long have you been on the project...?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hi there! I've been on the vario project for just over a year now, Due to helping so many people at my old barn and filming its taking quite some time but saying that it's been an incredible journey so far!

[@MarianMoise1974]

I really like the rear bumper and tail lights on your vario. It's made of steel or aluminium? Please, on your next video, make a little close-up. Thank you!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks for your comment! The rear bumper and tail lights are actually made of Steel I’ll definitely consider doing a close-up in the next video!

[@MarianMoise1974]

@@BigVanSmallWorld Thanks!

[@Alan_Vanlifer]

Mel, got any barn space to rent?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hey there! Currently, I don't have any barn space available for rent, but I appreciate your interest!

[@Vandaloo-Adventures]

Hi Mel, could you not store your ply on the roof of the van? they would stay dry and flat?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That’s a great idea 🤙

[@Meandmissy]

Ask the owner if you could close of the front with some clear polyurethane sheet

[@SACREDTRAVELLER]

We will be once the garage area has been built out as it closes the space up too much and can’t open the van doors 👍🏻

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you for the suggestion! I appreciate your input and will definitely bring it up with the owner.

[@J273]

Why dont you put the wood under the van ? Should keep it dry

[@SACREDTRAVELLER]

The wood is being kept up the side due to needing to move the van inside and out, so storing under the van just makes more work for us.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That's a great suggestion! Keeping things dry is definitely important, and I'll consider it for next time!

[@rogerstarkey5390]

@@BigVanSmallWorld Bolt some 4" castors onto an 8x4 OSB sheet, lay ply on the OSB then roll it under the van? Doesn't have to be strong, just enough to pick up the corners

[@turkeyphant]

typo in thumbnail

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 🙏

[@CarpyChris1964]

Shadows from your cammera are spoiling the video quality m8

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Yeah I know I was quite annoyed when I noticed that and actually cut lots out because of it I will definitely try to avoid it in the future thanks for your feedback though really appreciated 👍🤓👍

[@neilmasson2310]

Why not put doors on your bit

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Doors on a bit? Only if they come with a welcome mat and a "please knock" sign!

[@Desmond.TuTu.]

Asbestos roof 😷

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Asbestos roofs: the original ceiling of doom! Let's just say, if your roof has a mysterious past, it might be time for an upgrade!

[@mlgs26]

The van is nearly finished. If you had of just got on with it instead of all this messing about it would of been done by now.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

True! If only I had a magic wand to speed things up-though I might just end up turning the van into a pumpkin!

[@jamiemurphy3404]

That van will cost a small fortune in diesel for you

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

True, but think of all the epic road trip stories I’ll have to share as I pump that diesel!

[@richardd8352]

"Why did you drive in not reverse"...? ...😅 people are pedantic! I mean its not tesco carpark 🤷

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

If it was Tesco car park they would be saying you can’t park that there it’s to big ! I’m really looking forward to that 🤣😂🤣👍

[@ollypolly18]

Mel sorry to say fella I couldn’t take anymore of the god awful background music so missed most of the video No need for it really

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Oops! Looks like I went a little overboard with the background beats. I’ll be sure to keep it more “background” and less “front and center” next time!