Our First Month Living in A Campervan

[@maramé.r]

Great to hear of your experiences of full time vanlife. I left my home of 20 years (house sale completed and left on 6th Jan) and am now living in my self-converted Peugeot Boxer van. Feeling a bit disorientated having the freedom to go anywhere anytime and not having a house to retreat to but hope the adjustment comes soon. Have family nearby but will venture further afield as the adventure unfolds. Take care

[@wobby1516]

We’ve been motorhoming for 18 years now in both France, Spain, Germany, Holland Belgium Ireland ect we full timed for six years before buying another house, however we still travel for best part of 8 months every year and still love it. We started with a Hymer. Then we had two Carthago’s and now drive a brilliant Hymer Exsis 504. It’ll be our last van as it’s perfect for what we do. If you haven’t already, download the app Campercontact. It’s the best app for the whole of Europe and the full version is just a few pounds per year. A Dutch guy recommended it to us, even if you don’t go for the full version which allows you to post new stops both commercial and safe Aires and parking places, it’s well worth a look. Frankly we wouldn’t travel without it, you’ll be amaze at how many fantastic places there are in Spain both by the sea and back inland. Colin.

[@dianerolton1286]

We are now 72 and 73 respectively. We threw in our jobs at 59ys and 60yrs of age and headed for the vineyards in Malborough NZ where we had work for most of the year and working in the winery when harvest time came and making some good money for the six weeks we were there. I would not recommend that any one ever sells up their home. Too difficult to get back in the market if you have been living off that money. We rented out two bedrooms to family members which paid the insurance rates etc. We were mortgage free. We went home when out of work and picked up with family and friends and what other interest we had. We were into our fourth year when I had a health diagnosis. We had a home to return to and by this time one of us was getting a pension. We didnt work again but continued to have nice breaks away from home. Sold the camper recently.

[@SVImpavidus]

So many good comparisons to our selling up to sail away. We think things will settle and the spends will get lower as van life becomes the norm. If you are in Southern Spain still try Almerimar marina. There is a good van park there. Infact two. Next to dog friendly beaches for Cooper. Big ex-pat community with pub quizzes. (buy a drink and get free tapas) or if you just want something quieter miles of walks along the coast. A few Brits in vans go there and your just a few miles from the Sierra Nevada mountains. Drive safe guys and if your in Italy before we move on come say hi and have a beer. Ant, Cid & the Pooch crew.

[@johnmandy]

Thanks for the info but we’re way past there now 👍🏼

[@ianofsjkartwork]

Yo both look relaxed and happy....thanks for sharing

[@memuzzi1]

Loving the hints and tips. Thanks for sharing. Happy traveling.

[@DJRogEurotour]

I've never seen you guys so Chilled & Relaxed. Thanks again for all the info.

[@redpillinmotion]

Hey guys, so good to hear that you are still happy with your life choice. Brilliant to see your enthusiasm and happiness. Cheers Rob

[@ioannisathanasiadis4867]

I'm pleased to see you enjoying every day and night of your (van)life. Probably I will start mine (full time) this weekend (for a several reasons). I don't have a house to sell (I wish) and be independent for a bit of time as many of you did, but this is gonna be my challenge. Having a job 5 days per week I will have restrictions traveling wherever I want. But this is my choice of how I want to live. THANKS very much, you are an inspiration (including Greg)

[@sailingavocet]

great video. We live on our sailboat, sailing around the world... pretty similar to van/rv life :) maybe we will cross paths someday! Cheers and safe travels!

[@stephenspencer1758]

Just a comment on the use of a Revolut card, I agree they are good, but we experienced a problem purchasing fuel from an unmanned station in France (E.Leclerc), inserted my card and it took everything off the card (£389.00) without giving me diesel. I contacted Revolut and their policy is that it takes 15 days to reimburse your funds, and this was the case for us, we used the card on the 1 January and didn't get our money back until yesterday, even then I had to contact them to hurry them along. So make sure you have other means of financing yourself!

[@johnmandy]

That’s called an open purchase and almost all unattended fuel stations in France do that, so just be cautious about that.

[@manchestervanlife]

Made up your enjoying it , have a good time and stay safe , great video 👍🤟🚚😎🐕

[@100Jim]

You two seem happy and chilled

[@MyNameIsHoward]

Hi Guys ; It was Fantastic to finally get to meet you all , I had a great evening sharing vanlife stories, tips and tricks of living this crazy but brilliant life. .... ..Happy travels and I hope we cross paths again at some point , Howard 😎

[@johnmandy]

Great meeting you too mate and boy have you got some epic stories 😎😁

[@suepaulbrown9512]

Twas a long time coming for you, but look at you now! living your dream and fitting in so much. So nice to see how much you are loving it, you guys deserve it. We are booked and setting off next month. Having the same van as you has made us realise we too can do it! More Mandy cooking for me please ooh and Paul Brown wants to know if its worth taking the extra loo cassette? Thanks for the tip about the Money card! xx

[@dawnharrold4474]

Great video guys and thanks for being so honest about stuff, it’s really helpful 👍. I noticed in the video that Mandy’s hair was looking a little green, sorry Mandy I hope it’s just the light but if not here’s a top tip ......( I’m a hairdresser 😁)...... sometimes this happens because of chemicals in the water, usually chlorine. The easiest way to neutralise this is put tomato sauce on your hair, it’s very smelly but works really well. It’s because of red and green being the opposite colours. Again I’m sorry for my cheek but hopefully it’s helpful 😁...... Have fun 😘

[@garrystacey7018]

Great video thank for sharing

[@numberplateguy8511]

Good point made etc about first month in holiday mode but it's very easy to live every month in holiday mode and it cost a fortune etc but at some point people have to live abroad like a local Eg going grocery shopping instead of takeaways and restaurants etc

[@davethompson6726]

Great video well to be honest you both make great content vlogs enjoy

[@sailingavocet]

pretty awesome!

[@johnmandy]

Thanks Dave 👍🏼

[@TheBeggFamily]

We use a Monzo card, which is excellent abroad too and is prepaid from our bank account. They are now a full bankk too, so we could get our pensions put in there, but choose not to. Monzo does categories too and ‘saving pots’ where they could be Cash ISAs too!

[@woolleycodwanderers4833]

Congratulations on your first month 👍 glad everything going well 😊 useful to see what costs are 👍 fuel etc ... take care 😘🤗❤️🤠🐾🐾👵🏼

[@TheBoondockers]

How time travels fast great vid guys we will soon be doing our first year vid can't wait to see yours😨😨😨😉😆😂😂😂😂

[@denweston5941]

Hi John and Mandy. Please give us a monthly update even if its only a couple of minutes to let us know how you are and what you are up to. It's an inspiration for me while I slowly convert my minibus to hopefully go full time van life in September.

[@twistedtube1310]

A cracking first month and catch up cheers.

[@TheFatboy1964]

It's been Great watching you 2 i love what you do we have bought a van and converted it to do van life part time I watch all you van lifers on you tube cant wait to get out and about drive safe Guys

[@onemanandhiswhippet]

👍 nice one Guys 👍 great to see it all working out 👍😀❤️🐾🍺🍟

[@petergti16v]

Hi,been watching your vids ..helped us leave the UK 1st dec .I was talking to someone today who said he'd spoke to you recently ..we are currently just above Aguilas on a site that has converted shipping containers for showers toilets washing machine!..i met you at northallerton boondockers last year ..I bought the snow socks,a digital volt meter ..and the wooden steps have come in very handy!!!...iv subscribed and good to watch your experiences...May catch up down the road!

[@chrisneedham5803]

Good morning ....... enjoy yourselves

[@kevinallen8305]

Excellent blog. thoroughly enjoyable.

[@henrybarnett1063]

UK certainly needs to learn.Good vid happy travels.

[@mkrmkr3805]

I agree. There's a sound business opportunity I feel to investigate and implement good solutions to facilitate an easier van life in the UK. I live in my motorhome full-time travelling around and I feel that supermarkets (ala USA,) motorway services, the National Trust and even council owned car parks/land etc could make money by just being more van life friendly.

[@mkrmkr3805]

Greetings. Congrats on your 1 month van life. Today I'm celebrating my 9 month anniversary living full time and what I'm finding is that if storage issues do get resolved frequently. Living in and getting to know your van just naturally throws up solutions over time. And I do get a weird happy buzz when a storage solution becomes apparent because we're all living in a restrictive space so space, convenience and ergonomics are all big contributors to comfort and happiness. And I wonder, has the penny properly dropped with the 3 of you that the van is home regardless of location and that this is now your life ? It's a magical and exciting feeling I found. Hey, the best to you people. Live your life because it's not a dress rehearsal. Have a safe and happy journey and hopefully I will see you at Quirky again this year. Mark. 🙏☮️

[@Davidov1967]

I'm trying to imagine trying to get my partner to sell up buy a van and sod the system. No chance. I respect all you Van Lifers . 😎❤️

[@johngoochy1432]

Glad to see you guys are having a good time, whilst we love the UK, have to say it is getting difficult to find park ups now, everyday we are seeing more and more signs that prohibit sleeping in your van overnight that were not there before, Probably why we see so few other nationalities touring our country.

[@ICENI-Britannica]

Hi, the ease of van life out here is so true; i know that the UK is a great deal smaller in landmass in comparison to Europe but, perhaps a modicum of thought and effort back home could address these shortcomings to some extent; one day maybe. Great to hear you are loving every moment. Take care and safe travels. (You must be somewhere ahead of me now.)

[@kevinthebespectacledpilgrim]

Very informative. Happy travels.

[@garethpearson176]

Morning looks like you have got thing good and thanks for the tips the bank card sounds like a good thing have fun and keep safe 👍👍

[@gailh3048]

Love the Revolut card. It has some great security settings eg you can turn off on line and contactless payments. You can set it to save the odd pence up to the nearest pound on every purchase, and have separate ’vaults’ to save money in

[@wevegonetouring]

Gail H having watched this video I looked in the App Store for it as we had Thomas Cook Cashcards preciously, they still work of course. This Revolut card gets slammed for customer service, whats your real world experience please.

[@dweamy1]

@@wevegonetouring I've found their customer service very helpful when I've had to contact them.

[@gailh3048]

wevegonetouring I’ve never had to contact their customer service (touch wood!) I’ve been able to resolve any questions in the help section. My experience has been very positive used in in France and Spain and now use it back in the U.K. as it’s functionality helps with budgeting much better than my main banking app

[@LostInEurope]

Happy you're enjoying yourselves over there, life is so much easier when you get out of this red tape hell... now you've got to slow down and embrace how cheaply you can actually live, I reckon it will shock you 😉

[@johnmandy]

I think the next month will be very slow travel, once we get around Portugal area. 👍🏼

[@vanlifesueuk5938]

Kj

[@The_Arby]

Nice one John and Mandy :-) Hope your both good :-)

[@user-kb1ir7dy8j]

Is a strange presumption that van life is a cheap option for living , but from your figures it doesn't sound as if it is ??? ...thanks for the insight as it had been an idea in my head for my retirement, but maybe not so much now ...cheers xx

[@johnmandy]

I think you’ve not watched the full video, £650 is our regular monthly budget, the figures we mention are us in holiday mode. Worth watching the full video 👍🏼

[@scottl5028]

Yeah sure is easier over in mainland Europe..... Its one of the reasons we don't go full time over here... Just too moody and muddy.. Agro emptying a d filling. Agro finding decent park ups. We absolutely love getting off the ferry and taking a deep breath.. Need more Aires over here for sure. 👍🏼

[@markhughes1252]

Hi both been following Greg im doing a vw crafter for the family just want to see thanks vids are great i love my gadgets toooooooo lol 😂 great help keep it up stay safe mark from the hughesys 😁

[@mange2]

Congrats on the one month vannaversary guys. 👍

[@barry-cq4xg]

i.f you want to trim your living/travelling budget, i would recommend your visit the "expawers" on youtube. that delightful couple really have in sorted. Great video, you both look good

[@sailingavocet]

they are awesome!

[@michaelvalls2835]

Hi john love watching your videos, I need some advice on my VW t6 which I know your once had one I’m running the electric cable from the main battery through and wondered what route you took for this. My thoughts were to come in behind the glove box?? then try and get it under the rubber flooring would this be right or is there an easier route. Cheers Mike

[@johnmandy]

That’s the same route I took, through the bulk head, behind the glove box, follow the door sill and tuck inside the trim, then off to the offside of the van and back to the battery position.

[@maddavvid2339]

nice 1 gadgets glad your loving your new lifestyle. there are no free facilities in the uk because they just want us to work all week and any free time we have, we have to pay dearly for, where as the rest of E U get to enjoy their days off for free stay safe , have fun , be lucky .

[@kjt105g]

Hi to both of you, can you post a link to your plug-in extract fan please? Can't seem to find it on your site and not sure which of your earlier videos it's linked on.....Thanks

[@johnmandy]

Here you go amzn.to/2tbV1Ff and in ggg4 I show how it's connected.

[@kjt105g]

@@johnmandy Thanks very much

[@kevbarry6457]

Come to Aussie......you'd like it here. The Grey Nomads is a big thing here. Plenty to keep you company. I didn't know where you were until 11.30 in when you said...."and since we got to spain"....Ha!

[@davemoncaster7055]

Hi to you both and Cooper, please keep the monthly vids coming so informative and helpful. We have been planning our escape to live full time in our van for nearly a year, looks like we will be delayed by a month or two but seeing it from you as you are experiencing it is great. One question is how has Cooper taken to van life we have our own dog and it is a concern with how she will adjust.😊😊

[@johnmandy]

We have very closely checked on coopers behaviour once we moved into the van full time, in the UK he was a little sad, the poor weather and constant travel meant we couldn't get out of the van so much with him, but now we can spend a few days in one spot and the weather is better cooper is really loving van life as much as us.

[@NOMAD-LEISURE]

Keepin it real as always!,wat a big step it is ,i wouldent have the b##ls to do wat uve done ! Best of luck to u both 👍

[@lifesgreatadventure1237]

Great insight guys.. and good understanding of outgoings but I understand you have incomings too... this balances the books as far as Van life sustainability goes but some people may not have that luxury. So it’s worth noting for awareness of people wanting to live the Van life.. just a thought... be safe.

[@johnmandy]

That’s just life, nothing to do with living in a van.

[@Paulsvanlife]

What’s the name of you security cameras I like the idea of running on WiFi Thanks paul

[@johnmandy]

That’s all covered in our recent security video 👍🏼

[@katcankan7129]

Morning Gadgets ☕😊

[@johnmandy]

Good Morning Kat 👋🏻

[@dizzytak]

Hi guys, I know you have left a link to the fan you use and mentioned in this vid, I've tried looking for the link and can't find it. Could you please link it again. thanks. Also I love watching your vlogs and videos, keep on enjoying the vanlife 😊

[@johnmandy]

Here you go amzn.to/2tbV1Ff - in our ggg4 video I show how its connected up

[@Iveavan]

Great to see your both enjoying it out there 🍻😉👍, how warm is it? Have had to put the heating on at night ?

[@johnmandy]

It's 20 degrees today, I'm editing this weeks vlog, sunshine, seaside, beer and life is good. We spent 2 days in the mountains this week and it was freezing overnight, heating was on then but not now we're at the beach. 👍🏻

[@Iveavan]

@@johnmandy wow so fairly warm then on the beach.... Beats the views of the battery room mate 😂👍.

[@lawrenceflanagan5037]

the night temp in Murcia about the same as daytime in NW.UK but for less than 2 moths

[@terryrensch2561]

Hi Guys you seem to be getting about Dont worry to much re budget i think your still in the holiday spirit as opposed to living keep reviewing your expenses they will settle but enjoy your van life

[@MoThomson]

It must be tricky not to get cabin fever with such long term campervan living, are you not tempted to have the odd night in a hotel or B&B ?

[@johnmandy]

Cabin fever? When you can change your view whenever you want, explore the outdoors and do almost anything you want I doubt anyone would get bored with that.

[@nathancheeseman4582]

Hi both, I would just like to say that I really do enjoy watching your videos and some are very informative too!! What are your plans when u get back to the uk?

[@Sam-mb1yk]

John, I have a question. In domestic solar systems there's a gadget which uses excess generated power to heat your house's hot water tank. How much work would it be to install that in your van? It could reduce gas use year-round, but I don't know if the electric element in the combi4e would work with DC, or go through the inverter but accept less than the expected 900W for one element. I've recently discovered your channel and am working my way through the videos :)

[@Sam-mb1yk]

Just remembered it's called a Diverter

[@johnmandy]

Yes, it works great. You have to add relays and such, but it can be done.

[@stephenturner7949]

I have a converted vw transporter , i always said that if i was left on my own i would sell our house and split the proceeds between me and my sons , then i would travel and live in the van full time , no council tax , no rip off energy bills and no house maintenence , just the cost of running my van which would be a hell of a lot cheaper than running a house , now don't get me wrong i hope my wife has a lot of years left in her yet but she knows that this would be my lifestyle if i was left behind 👍

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

Hopefully Someday, the UK will catch on but it looks to be the opposite 🙄 How could you not be having a great time 🤣 Bl**dy cold outside here that's for sure. Safe travels guys 👍

[@alyballinger6981]

Could I ask how you manage with post to your old address, did you redirect if so how are you getting any post?

[@johnmandy]

We have mail redirection from the old house to a family member, they just read out our post over the phone every week.

[@Pugwash.]

It sounds like you're still in a honeymoon period on the budget? How does it compare to monthly expenses on your old house?

[@johnmandy]

Oh the house was costing us several thousand a month, so we’re winning now 👍🏼

[@bobm130]

Because of the ease of finding park ups abroad, would you have bought a larger van if you had known what you know now. more space more comfort.

[@johnmandy]

We chose this van as it just fitted on the driveway of our old house. However, it’s the perfect balance of living space and manoeuvrability 👍🏼

[@NomaddUK]

Hi guys. Great to hear how things are going. You have the same rear view display as me. Do you have a video of how it was installed? I have a Renault Trafic and bought a combined top brake light and camera but the display just say no signal. Thanks. Also, you mentioned the CCTV cameras. Do you have a link to where you got them and what they are?

[@johnmandy]

Yes it’s covered in my security camera install video. 👍🏼

[@NomaddUK]

@@johnmandy Thanks John. When you come back to the UK where are you planning on visiting? Cheers!

[@johnmandy]

No ideas really, we have some shows to go to and some trips to plan too.

[@seandarcy2018]

John and Mandy. Great vid. That revolut card and app. Is great have my from oct. I use it as my main card. Now the budget app is great. Also travelling the UK. Rate for currency exchange😉👍🇮🇪=🇬🇧

[@neilredmond1011]

Great video as usual guys , would just like to ask you would you recommend auto trail by that I mean build quality etc , I will be purchasing my van in the next few months and after looking at loads of vans I really like the v line sport model , but as I am new to this I need as much advice as I can get, I will be living in it full time so trying to find a brand that have a solid reputation for quality build any advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers

[@johnmandy]

I would strongly advise you to watch my videos over the past 12 months, then you can judge for yourself. 👍🏻

[@neilredmond1011]

Thanks John , have watched your videos there very helpful, the only thing I can’t seem to find out is which brand seems to have the best reputation for build quality for example i here swift vans are not worth the money for the quality of van, vantage have a good reputation but seem a bit expensive for what you get, were as for nearly 10 grand cheaper auto trail give you a lot more extras,

[@neilredmond1011]

Alan butterworth, thanks, yes I’m looking to live in it full time

[@johnmandy]

I’ve spoken to many owners of campervans and motorhomes, from swift to hymer and they all have build quality issues. I’d say never buy new, a used van will most likely have all the niggles fixed and it also represents better value for money, plus you’ll always have to fix something in any van.

[@neilredmond1011]

Gadget John on tour yeah think your right thanks again John 👍

[@lindsaybenison683]

Just one wee question, does your monthly budget include your costs of insurance, tax for the van etc.. just curious for when we start touring abroad in the future. Looks like you are both loving your new lifestyle..

[@johnmandy]

Annual costs, such as tax, insurance and servicing aren’t included in our monthly budget. We pay each cost in the most economical way possible.

[@lindsaybenison683]

@@johnmandy thanks for that 😊

[@markpullinger7324]

Hi guys as I haven't seen all your videos am I right in that you are full time in van ?its a shame videos aren't Numbered like cruising the cut does unless I'm missing something. Good videos thanks for sharing 👍

[@johnmandy]

Yes we live full time in our van and our fulltime van videos are numbered, GoGoGadgets 1 to 7 so far, 1 vlog per week. 👍🏼

[@markpullinger7324]

Gadget John on tour thanks for that guys I will go back on videos. It's a whole new adventure well done to you both escaping the rat race 💪😊👍

[@numberplateguy8511]

Plus you'll downsize at least two or three times more before you'll be content with what you need as you'll get bored of keep moving things you don't need from front to back of van all day etc

[@Neiljevans1]

Bit of a long winded questions...how long are you going to be in Europe compared to the UK and do you think once you've seen everywhere will you get bored and want to go back to bricks and mortar

[@ivecamperbuild_thomas4084]

I will be fitting a filler system in my van when I get the outside almost finished so I will beable to use almost any water , when I was driving a truck around Europe they have far better then they are in the UK even filling up with fuel most petrol stations used to give free drinks .and the company I worked for when drivers drive in you just parked the truck up and they unloaded and loaded it and even give the truck a wash and hover the cab out . While the drivers take a shower they even have rooms if you need to take your bed time brake , I think once you get over the holiday feeling you will spend a lot less ,I hardly used toll roads you will find you will see more nice places and save on toll roads .

[@roamforloam7917]

Hey, Are you guys going to head over to morocco???...…… love your tech advice, very helpful...…..

[@johnmandy]

Not this year, who knows about next year though.

[@TheJeanGenius]

Morning Gadget family 😁 Glad you're both settled in to van-life. Loving seeing what you're up to and the gorgeous backdrops to your park-ups, especially loved the Spaghetti Western set you visited 🤠 Love and hugs from the Dutchies 🌷😘❤

[@feelgoodwithfibro]

Hello! We really love your videos on KZbin and we are planning to buy a camper van ourselves and travel in it full time, however we are struggling with a full time insurance for a panel van conversion (we have been told by so many it has to be a fully or semi-integrated Motorhome like you have just changed to...). We have a UK address, but no drive, and we won't have any other vehicle when we get this one, which seems to be a problem for most insurance companies. Any help here will be much appreciated! Best regards Idan and Izabela

[@sircaptainchaos2388]

Thought I had woke up on a van tech Tuesday but no I realise it's nearing the end of the week With another happy vlog of your travels Happy days enjoy the freedom

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Gd Morning I got a quick Question for you why do you upload your videos so blooming early in the morning 😂🤓👍

[@timdmx512]

middle of the afternoon for me!!

[@johnmandy]

Hi Mel, it’s so people can watch before they go to work or go about their day. I’ve been thinking of changing it to early evening 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@adventureaways1534]

Lifes too fast, It seemed like only the other day i watched Mandy wave to all her work mates through the window, Well good job on doing this and never looking back!

[@TangentToWhat]

I really enjoy watching the two of you interacting. By the way, the reason you're not seeing Spanish van dwellers? They're here in Northern California working in the marijuana industry.

[@lolavan7750]

So what's happening now?

[@servantoftheservant5022]

Newsubscriber let's c what u got 🇿🇦

[@barry-cq4xg]

interesting comments on Europe and in comparison with the UK. Still everything will be better when we exit the EU.........................won't it??????

[@pamfreeman5197]

John and/or Mandy or even Coops... whoever might think this worthy of a response. PLEASE.... I was going down memory land and watched this again. Great stuff but I have a query... a general one. I've been dying to ask for a very long time, so just humour me! "You" say things like "we'll leave a link below..." "we do this in the description below...". But WHERE below??? On KZbin all I get below are these comments. Aha, I say, perhaps they mean on the website... Nope! ok so Instagram... so far nope! Please doctor, could you let this patient down gently and give me a hint. I've noted on other channels peeps mention "down below". HELP, HELP, HELP educate this decrepit old pensioner. Noting that not all pensioners are decrepit or old you understand!! I was just using it figuratively! Here's to the three... of you. Keep up your fantastic and realistic, not posey-posey, but just right videos. Thank you for ALL that you've shared over the months and years. Take care. To Coops "X" and an invisible but very tasty Bonio!

[@johnmandy]

That is covered in a few videos, under the video, on a laptop or desktop, you’ll see the video title, to the right you’ll see a drop down arrow, click it to see the video description.

[@pamfreeman5197]

Many many thanks. That explains a lot. I've been watching you all on my tablet and although it's brilliant, it obviously doesn't cover the parts that other gizmos can. So now I know. Thank you so much. I loved your recent forest days in Scotland. Great stuff. Thanks for taking the time to reply. Much appreciated. Pam