New Van NIGHTMARE!

[@mpjkea2000]

We full-time in a 7.4 MTR motorhome, we have 2x 11 klo refillable gas bottles. The front window blinds are as new, we have had the motorhome for 4.5 years. We prefer blown air heating as it's faster to heat up. Auto box is a definite for us. We very rarely go on sites. We have 700 watts of solar, 270 amps of lithium batteries. B to b charger, 1600 watts inverter/ charger, no problem even in winter months. We cook , watch telly, charge 2x phones, 2x tablets, lights, iron, etc . We travel in France , Spain we teather with local Sims, never had a problem, digi in Spain, Reglo in France. We start a 6 month tour in Spain , Portugal, France next month. I have a UK passport and an Irish passport. It's a lovely life.

[@itsdeanya]

Always interested to see what different people value. My 81-year-old hubby and myself chose a pull-out bed that runs the length of the van, so we can have a fixed one-person bed to have a quick lie-down on, then the whole thing pulls out for the two of us to lie down on. We wanted something where one of us could be sitting up, having a coffee or working at a table, and the other one could be having a lie-down, at the same time. It was not easy for us to find the perfect van, but once we had that part figured out, it did keep us from buying the wrong van for almost the year it took for us to find the one. :-)

[@bield7]

Interesting vid, as always. We downsized from a 7.4m long Burstner to a narrower, 6.4m campervan as we were tired of trying to access parking spaces and the narrower rural roads with the Burstner. No regrets whatsoever - we’ve just completed the NC500 and it was a breeze in the campervan. Saw quite a few large motorhomes struggling on some parts of the route. Personal choice obviously, but we’ll never go back to a motorhome.

[@mccoysmedia]

Good to see an honest first impression video not the typical “it’s perfect” ones that normally kick about 👍🏻

[@blisteringblue]

Upgrade the gas to Gaslow Refilable Chris. Best thing we did, top up anytime we see LPG pumps.

[@martinslocombe2288]

Absolutely flawless upgrade

[@petermurphy994]

Sadly chris your conditioned to things being wrong because of your experiences of the california your expecting there to be problems you've chosen a premium motorhome try and relax and enjoy your new motorhome there will always be compromises it's the way of things once you get familiar with it you'll enjoy it welcome to the motorhoming community chris happy trails.

[@lesleyashcroft394]

Well said 👍🏼

[@stevebennett6727]

The 9 speed auto box is a game changer. You’re going to be sorry trust me. We actually downsized from a 7.5m motorhome to a 6.36m camper with an extra high top Dreamer Living Van. Best thing we’ve done . Diesel Truma combi too👌🏽

[@PaulCarr-l7o]

Paper blinds will be durable as long as your are gentle open and closing them. Mixed hob is a really good thing

[@JsJourney-nz7ci]

I took delivery of a new 2024 Knaus 650 Meg Ti motorhome in the spring, I then immediately took it to a solar specialist in Plymouth and had a full Victron system with a Multiplus Inverter/Charger, and a big Fogstar Drift Lithium battery with a large solar panel to replace the Mickey Mouse 120W panel that came as standard.. I had a Gaslow system fitted to replace the stock gas bottle system, I can now spend infinite amount of time off grid, I've also had my Ecoflow Delta 2 Max powerbank professionally fitted into the Motorhome along with the new Ecoflow 800W alternator charger to keep it topped up while driving......this is my back up in case the winter sun isn't enough to feed my solar/invereter system. Next weekend my Starlink is being fitted permanently to the roof of the van. I too had to take a bit of getting used to the 2.1m width of the Motorhome but I soon conquered it. Ok so it doesn't fit into supermarket carparks as easily as my old Crafter based Camper but this way I get to keep the VW Crafter Auto that I loved .....just with a bloody big box attacked to the back!......oh I forgot to mention that I'm having the standard roof vent in the bedroom replaced with a Maxxair fan soon.

[@freespirits7476]

Love the new camper.. we are doing your ultimate road trip/ nc500 now, we are heading over kylesku bridge Today.. been great guides.. thank you.. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿😊❤️

[@arthurkettle3010]

Great no-nonsense stuff again Chris....back with a bang with this van mate! 👍

[@DS-cf1zc]

Driver seat - the problem you are encountering Chris is the average motorhome buyer by age demographic, is most likely older than you are, and perhaps carrying a bit more girth. My T6 has a 160w daylight solar panel - which feeds a AGM battery - and powers my heater, fridges, lights and phones - the solar element was revolutionary when I had it fitted - I can go off grid for literally weeks without issue and I can stay static in the winter and it will charge enough in daylight. Love it - best upgrade I discovered. That flappy noise - I might have ripped it off and posted it back to the company for them to workout. 🤣

[@ScottishVanTrips]

That front blind will go to the top, there's a little bump on the rail you need to get it over which holds it at the top but needs a little more force to get over it...

[@sharonblowers278]

Re any issues with drop down bed. If it's the same as ours, there's a secret button between the up/ down arrows. Press that whilst pressing up button twice, down button twice, then up button twice again. Bed should reset.

[@PaulCarr-l7o]

Alde wet system heaven compared to diesel heating. Never noticed being thirsty on gas. You need to get used to rattles! Fix one and another appears

[@diannemarshall7473]

Enjoy your new van. Make new memories. But you will definitely notice the difference when parking up. We’ve been stung several times for parking fees having to pay for two spaces. It’s garbage but we have no regrets. 👍🥳

[@NorthernFoxingUK]

Now then Chris Just discovered your channel will watch a few and I'll buy some guides. Just wanted to day I hope you mention something about Fishnish Food Bar in your Mull guide. Food is amazing and locally sourced and honestly love the staff there. 😊

[@camperblackmagic7603]

Please please NO lighted candles in the van I talk from experience, Nice MH and the upgrades will make off grid life easier I personally prefer the Grand Californian .

[@ChrisSloanes]

ooh really? explain more, ill take them out now! haha got me worried now. I always have windows open

[@camperblackmagic7603]

@@ChrisSloanes One lighted on the table and a wife with far to many cushions in the van 🚐 moved one and forgot about the candle in the glass seconds later whoosh 💨 and a case Don’t Panic Mr Mannering thank god for the fire 🔥 extinguisher 🧯 since then no more candles 🎂 lol 😂.

[@ChrisSloanes]

@@camperblackmagic7603 aye actually suppose probably doesn’t go since Dani is clumsy too 😂 I’ll get some of the fake ones haha

[@hughmarcus1]

@@ChrisSloanesair quality. Most people have no idea of the levels of airborne soot particles from candles. In something like a motorhome with a small air space they’re a disaster. I used to own an asbestos company. We had to have regular face fit tests for the masks we wore. These involved fitting a mask with a monitor attached to a computer & measuring whether the mask leaked. How they created the conditions was a small room & a large candle. I was always shocked at the readings on the laptop after a few minutes of that candle burning.

[@andyarmitage2895]

Enjoy your new van guys but trust me you will regret not having an auto box on that van

[@richardbroom4324]

We spend 5 weeks abroad each summer in ours. I've changed to the refillable gas bottles. I would use up two 6kg bottles easy. We also are off grid the whole time. Couple leisure batteries and a solar panel

[@KevinWilkinson-c8l]

Hi Chris, good to see you back. We have an IH Fiat Campervan to which the previous owner had a Cinderella incinerator toilet fitted, not sure what make you are considering. We have had the van now for over a year and the wife loves it, clean, convenient, and warms the bathroom up as well!! It can be up to a month of use before the ash needs emptying, but the negatives are uses quite an amount of gas, about 185g a flush so an underslung gas tank would be recommended, and it does need liners which cost about £50 for 500. As a Geordie by birth, but now a ‘Southerner’ it is great to hear your accent, reminds me of my childhood staying with my Nan in Easington Lane Co Durham, and Crimdon beach. I think Cinderella Toilets also do a pure electric version? Hope all goes well. Kevin

[@ChrisSloanes]

Hi Kevin, thanks for the comment. Ive been so undecided about it now, ive heard both good and bad and ive been worried that if i have an issue with it whether that would end a trip early or not. You not had any issues with it so far? Haha yeah thats only 5 mins from where i live really. Bet its slightly warmer down there tho!

[@KevinWilkinson-c8l]

@@ChrisSloanesNo issues whatsoever with the toilet. Put the liner in, go, close lid, press button. Then a clunk as it drops down into burner followed by a whoosh. Another person can then use after a minute. After the first couple of times you forget about it and it just works! There is no perfect solution. We spoke with Clive at Pump Technology Newbury, he was very helpful and certainly helped build our confidence in the product, it turned out he trained the staff at IH Motorhomes to fit the systems. In the manual on their website you can see how easy it is to operate and more importantly trouble shoot and rectify any issues. We have only had the liner catch once in a year and that’s it. Kevin

[@nemoscamperadventures7563]

Great video, nice to have you back. Enjoy it mate and chill with it

[@grapesodatravels]

We're started the process of trying vanlife so this is useful timing. Chat with The Slaws about the levelling system; they swear by theirs! Looking forward to visiting the NEC Motorhome and Campervan Show soon with open eyes! If any KZbinrs are going too and want to give us an encouraging hug, we'd appreciate it!! #anxious

[@vivienogden9916]

Spoke to someone at the Overland show who fits gas toilets, he said they are planning to bring out a diesel version next year making fuel management easier.

[@andytaylor1562]

The seatbelt anchor should have covers over the nut

[@RB-lt8kt]

Nice looking motor home. Fuel economy ? Currently got an Eldiss 840 caravan and 4x4 but like the idea of down sizing to a motor home now kids have grown up. With the solar you can just get panels and a good solar power station so get quotes for both. I use a Bluetti power bank for my work van to power equipment and it works very well. Less wiring and portable power. A Bluetti AC200 max might be good enough and you can plug in extra Lithium batteries without buying the Bluetti ones. It also charges off the 12V socket while you drive along. Solar on the roof is good but you can add folding panels to boost the charging.

[@MECamping]

Regarding the toilet you mentioned, I guess it burns with propane and it takes a lot of propane to burn your waste. Just a heads up. I would suggest to mount a bigger propane tank under the motorhome instead with is easy to fill when needed. Thanks for the tour.

[@On_the_vanwagon]

I’d also recommend the twin gaslow refillable tanks

[@dcurleyifa]

Hi Chris, think about a heat exchanger to take heat from the engine to heat water, it’s free heat and it should save your gas 👏

[@edwardmcdermott4675]

Refillable gaslow, best upgrade we’ve ever done!

[@ADRIANB10]

Chris, your videos made us buy a GC600 and had amazing times. The only thing I would trade for is the new Hymer MLT hopefully in two years .Enjoy 😅

[@alansmith5401]

I had the self levelling system on my caravan , I was worried it would go wrong however in 5 years it was fine . A head turner when you arrive on site and just press a button. No more water pooling in the shower tray.

[@PaulCarr-l7o]

Until you get your toilet sorted have you tried the disposable bags you put into your bowl? We use them as an emergency back up cos number 2s are banned in out Thetford waste tank! Upgrading suspension particularly on the rear axle is a good idea. Large Motorhomes do get thrown about a bit especially on motorways on the continent

[@barryjackson8512]

Nice van. But manual box isn’t a trade off. Much better than Auto. 😂

[@kaikito7662]

Re: you selling your books. You're more of a spiv than Alan Sugar!!!! My shivering Scottish wallet and I ended-up cowering behind the settee!

[@ChrisSloanes]

haha its a business so without the book sales theres no videos. Id like to not have to put an advert in but that would need youtube to increase the payment amounts by about 600% or people to pay for the videos and since everyone is tighter than a gnats arse i think a short ad for the books is the only option haha.

[@eugenekennedy9408]

Looks great 👍 enjoy the adventure ( ps nut cover missing on driver seat belt mount 😢) you might already know !

[@GaryMitchell-y1c]

Hi Chris We have been following you on your van life, hope you don’t mind us asking but are you selling you vw and how much please. Hope you both enjoy your new motorhome. Regards Gary & Maxine 👍

[@ChrisSloanes]

Hi mate, thanks for the comment. Glad you don’t mind watching mediocre videos 😂😂 I am but it’s going to its new home tomorrow. Someone has purchased it 👌🏻

[@GaryMitchell-y1c]

@@ChrisSloanes Thanks Chris We will carry on enjoying your adventures. Take care Gary & Max👍

[@DanHeywood92]

Going to be amazing by the sound of it mate.

[@mramsey123]

Lovely van mate its seems to have evrything you could need and them 6kg calor bottle last a bit and can picknup anywhere even on market place if you really get stuck like we did. Only thing i was going to ask was are you upgrading the tires. All the best 👍

[@EndoTempus]

Great video Chris, little off topic but I was wondering what ever happened to Hemlock?

[@christopheberton3302]

Why not buy a winterproof affinity One with full options. Inverter, 300w solar, lpg gaz,

[@Kimk29]

Where is bespoke solar I'm looking to upgrade my system thanks kim

[@Ballsy66]

I would like to know as well, can't seem to get anyone reliable around York

[@shaunsmith8423]

I use Safefill bottles in my Grand California Chris 👍

[@nutsnproud6932]

If I bought a new van and it rattled like that I would have taken it straight back to the dealer and ask nicely if they can fix it.

[@gerryturley6070]

From what you have told us the negatives might come back and haunt you over time. You will probably lose more space in the bathroom if you fit a incinerator loo. Great video though.

[@hoot2820]

By crikey..you sir are very watchable.. I looked at buying guides but youtube says it can't open links

[@ChrisSloanes]

Strange it should do. Head to www.sloanesmedia.com or the store on my KZbin page it should work? Thanks 👍🏻👍🏻

[@petermccall6880]

Could I ask who’s doing your battery/ electrics upgrade pse? 👍

[@ChrisSloanes]

Bespoke solar providing the kit and adapt vans installing it

[@petermccall6880]

@@ChrisSloanes Thanks, will check them out.👍

[@adriantunnicliffe4926]

@@ChrisSloanes Hi Chris. do you have links/contact details for them please as Google isn't being very helpful. Many thanks.

[@ChrisSloanes]

@@adriantunnicliffe4926 haha yeah it’s sometimes a pain to find people. drop me an email at [e-mail] and I’ll ping your their details.

[@adriantunnicliffe4926]

@@ChrisSloanes Many thanks, will do

[@enzyme86]

I'm not sure you mentioned what you bought there. Isn't that essential information? Good luck with it though!

[@scottwilson4077]

Need to get that seatbelt sorted, any impact and your torso will be getting thrown out the belt!

[@scotttacchi2991]

Well that’s the end of the NC500 for you…. I bought your book and did the NC back in may this year in my vwt6.1…fabulous! The thought of doing it in anything bigger than a t6 makes me sick.

[@ChrisSloanes]

Of course not. The nc500 roads are fine in anything if you’re confident driving them

[@richardbroom4324]

​@@ChrisSloanes did the nc500 in my 7.5m motor home. No issues

[@Sky-Blues-Gib]

Did you do your research before buying this van. It seems like you chose wrong?

[@ChrisSloanes]

Course I did and nah it’s perfect. Teething issues and some weaknesses where the grand California was good but other than that it’s exactly what we wanted

[@darrenpardoe]

The front blind should come up to the top & block out all light.

[@camperfam]

Grand Cali every day of the week. Had ours two months now without a single issue and use it as a daily. Couldn't imagine using nor holidaying in your new white whale. :D

[@ChrisSloanes]

Had my fill of sitting in essentially a Transporters rear seats in the rain for over 50k miles in the grand cali. Need some luxury and space these days, Maybe its an age thing as i am clocking on a bit haha. Yeah it seems most grand calis are all fine now, think with me gettting one so early i seemed to be part of the Beta test haha

[@MikeDuffy-fp4zy]

Manual, is less convenient, not exactly a night mare in my book. The rattles are very, very annoying and some seem very easy to design out, those screens are rubbish and rattle like mad, cram some foam in the rails, never use them and get a screen cover. Nice van though, enjoy 👍

[@paulgamble8837]

Just a thought, is the van 3.5t? If so, I'd check your payload as I believe mobilvetta state it's around 300kg which leaves you very little room for manoeuvre in upgrades, belongings etc.

[@ChrisSloanes]

Around 350kg. I think after upgrades we will have around 150 left. Be tight but we do travel light. I’ll see where we end up after the mods and go from there.

[@paulgamble8837]

@@ChrisSloanes ok Chris, good luck mate.

[@steveholt6618]

Hi Nice Van , Have you checked the weight with all modifications & extras ie family & items

[@ChrisSloanes]

Nah but we be fine. We pack light 😂

[@Terry-zs4ir]

Nice video Chris, would you kindly pass the details for the company that fits the incinerating toilets?

[@Ballsy66]

And to me please, many thanks

[@SlimTortoise]

Part two we look outside 🙂

[@tammylain7754]

what is this van?

[@Torrox4]

Having watched other YTers use the incinerator toilets id steer well clear. Expensive rubbish, they all seem to work great at first then breakdown all the time & thats not what you need. 😅

[@g00dspeed98]

Hey Chris are off grid park ups in Scotland generally big enough for the new van ?

[@ChrisSloanes]

Yeah course. It’s only 7m the van, only a meter bigger than the grand California. Most are big enough for 3+ vans

[@g00dspeed98]

👍 great Scotland is next years adventure

[@garysmith7286]

Quick question. How tall are you? Reason why I ask is that I'm 6ft 3in and looking to see if I would bang me head on the beds when sitting in the lounge? It's always been a problem in different caravans.

[@ChrisSloanes]

I don’t think you would when you’re sitting but standing with that bed would be an issue. I’m 5 foot 10 and I can stand with the bed above me but you definitely couldn’t. Sitting would be fine

[@urbanarkoverland]

I saw a sprinter on the way in the gate. Just sayin

[@pathfinder303]

The RATTLE ! could be the trays inside the cooker.

[@ChrisSloanes]

I took them out. I think it was the fly net thing on the door as it seemed to stop once i moved it.

[@itsdeanya]

I am interested in your experiences with your incinerator toilet.

[@david1519]

A shite and a golden shower at the same time is going to be a very tight experience 😂😂😂

[@djbnstn]

Hello mate. Wondering if you’re selling the Grand California? Nice to see the sights of Birtley and Chester in the background of the video 😂

[@ChrisSloanes]

I am. It’s on auto trader at the moment. 😂😂 nice spot of roadworks

[@djbnstn]

@@ChrisSloanes ah champion, will take a look. Aye I can’t help but notice you haven’t bothered with drone footage of driving on the A167!

[@ChrisSloanes]

not quite the dramatic scottish scenery watching drone clips of Barry and John ruining everyones day by spending months building a cycle path haha

[@johnhatfield1070]

Why can’t you empty a toliet cassette in a public toilet?

[@Sky-Blues-Gib]

Flushing out the cassette if there are hangers on?

[@ianbrown5924]

640 sgx

[@Dimeeeeeeeeeee]

oioi first comment, see ya tuesday

[@lespownall8221]

Chris, Firstly, you lost some respect when you started wearing crocs, now you've gone and bought a Fiat ffs, haway man, get a grip

[@ChrisSloanes]

😂😂 at least I had some respect from you at some point? Suppose now I need to ask what you drive? 😜

[@lespownall8221]

@ChrisSloanes Of course, you still have loads of respect, just kidding, although I'd never commit either of those sins. The new van is great inside btw, and I love your vids, and totally appreciate your humour.