RETRO VAN LIFE - Pros and cons of owning a retro van | 1990 Renault Trafic Campervan

[@nickybunka3529]

Just brought Renault traffic autosleeper mk1. This video helped us make our decision. Thanks people's!

[@HayandKyle]

No problem at all. Welcome to the family 😊 We wish you happy travels in the future

[@nickybunka3529]

@@HayandKyle very happy to be part of the family.

[@stevensteggles7560]

“It’s square and beige” 😆😂 Love your camper. I’m really getting into these old Autosleepers. Such clever layouts 👌

[@collarbone100]

Great video, love our trafic we have a T1000 1984 they are great fun. Only had her for about 4 months so all new. Hoping to go to Scotland early next year. Have fun and enjoy your adventures

[@HayandKyle]

That's the plan for us too! Fingers crossed Merlin will make it up there! 👍🤞

[@marf9tn8ty]

We bought a Talbot express autosleeper just before lock down, and it gets us to all the places a modern van would at a fraction of the cost. Love the video, everything you said about owning an old van is spot on .

[@jonathanstrotton829]

Hi Guys, I have a 1992 Renault Trafic Holdsworth Rainbow which I call Wanda 'cos I wanda off fishing in her. Had her for 18 years now and she's been brilliant. One previous owner and very low mileage when I bought her. Biggest problem I'm facing now is getting spare parts - like steering rack, anti roll bar bushes and coolant hoses. Yes, she's very basic but that's what I love about her.

[@beatledavetherecordcollector]

thinking of buying one of these, your channel has been very helpful the one i am looking at is very much like yours it is a 1988 reg renault traffic

[@HayandKyle]

Thanks for watching Dave, unfortunately we no longer own this van as we quickly outgrew it. Really miss driving it, they are brill vans

[@amusementsrevisited]

Really useful video; we've been looking at the Renault campers and love the vintage 70's look it has for a 90's van.

[@HayandKyle]

Thanks so much for watching 🤗 Glad it helped

[@qbuilds77]

I have just purchased Raymond the Renault traffic auto sleeper rapour,he a 1.7 petrol no power steering ,been kept under cover for the last 7 years and has 21 thousand original miles.i absolutely love him...had 4 new tires,new cam belt a full service and he ticks over better than my 63 plate caddy, auto sleeper made great coach built vans I just love it ..

[@HayandKyle]

Wow, we thought Merlin was low mileage, Raymond sounds amazing! Merlin had new belts recently and we are planning a new carb kit soon too hopefully. We are also in love with these vans, you're in good company! :) Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@crpth1]

@@HayandKyle - About the "carb kit" make sure you really need it. Because by experience I tell you right away. 95% of the times people don't need a carb rebuild kit for nothing. Maybe a good clean, that's for sure on a 30 years old vehicle. Some new gaskets and O-rings, fuel filter(s) and that's pretty much it! Check/change/revise. All fluids, belts, brakes. Lubricate everything that moves or is supposed to move. Clean all electrical contacts your eyes find in there. Or you come across! Get the best tires you can put in it. These are important details/things. The rest, simply enjoy! Cheers

[@nedshneebly6750]

Hey very close to buying this same camper. Traffic auto sleeper 1.7, would u recommend ? Anything I should look out for when buying?

[@marcandsebe]

Your channel popped up as a recommendation and it must be because I like all the things you do. I built my own campervan, I love photography, have a drone and enjoy travelling around the UK, especially the Peaks 😃

[@HayandKyle]

😄 glad to have you on board!! Sounds like you're our kind of person! Any plans to visit the peak district now lockdown is eased?

[@marcandsebe]

@@HayandKyle My first visit away in my campervan is South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park goo.gl/maps/rsTQZ9NzVaSmFqCe6 I have stayed at Ladybower Inn a few times which is an excellent place. I hope to go back up there this year.

[@JohnnyBareToes1]

Lovely camper guys. We own a trafic also, a 1991 facelift one. It's knackered, full of rust and near impossible to get parts for but we love it ! Wishing you many years of happy camping !

[@HayandKyle]

Thanks so much! We agree on the parts issue 😅 We've had to buy a few bits for Merlin so far, but not struggled too much...yet. haha! Cheers for watching and commenting, we appreciate it

[@sim6699]

Own a vintage vw van, almost every part can be purchased new and although they're more expensive than others to purchase, you are likely to sell it for more than you paid.

[@JamesWilliam70]

Always fancied a van, I might start stealth camping in the back of the car first though. Keep up the great vids you two! James.

[@shirleyhewitson3421]

That was lovely. Thanks! Already looking forward to the next one. 🤗

[@HayandKyle]

Thank you! The next one should be a lot of fun :)

[@thelovertunisia]

We had a Renault traffic mark 1 when I was a child, great memories.

[@HayandKyle]

Its a great little van 👍 just done a bit of work on him today actually 😅 had a bit of a leaky window! Think he's starting to show his age! All sealed up now 👍

[@thelovertunisia]

@@HayandKyle In the Diesel version be careful they overheat really quick.

[@stevensteggles7560]

Regarding bathroom, can definitely recommend the ‘Evershower’. Looking to incorporate in my build.

[@ArtyVanHoming]

if you are getting cold ,really consider buying a Chinese diesel air heater under£100 well worth the investment

[@LostNative]

Just found your channel. Love the van and video. I'm currently finishing up self-build. You can easily make the window pads yourself, they are super easy 😝

[@HayandKyle]

Thanks so much! We might still do a self build at some point in the future. We'll have to get cracking making our own pads then 😅 What van do you have?

[@EllOfAWalk]

Another great watch guys.. Thank you😊👍

[@HayandKyle]

Thank you! Just a little mini vlog, next week should be a good one 😊

[@ArtyVanHoming]

my first campervan AUTOSLEEPER RV50.pretty much the same as yours but 4 berth and this design was absolutely brilliant .plenty of low storage, drove like a car but i had a small 1.4 engine. believe me i always regretted getting rid of it ,and when i finally get to build mine ,i will be using some of the design features of my old van.these are quirky but so much fun enjoy.

[@HayandKyle]

Ahh awesome! 😅 Ours is technically 4 berth, there are two hammocks in the pop top! Ours has a bit of storage but definitely could do with more 😂 we've got an inflatable rollmat for the bed and a memory foam topper 😅 but they both take up quite a bit of space! We think we've finally figured out how to get him fired up quicker now, learning how to use the choke properly has helped 😂 I think we are finally ready to take him out on longer journeys 🤞we were just talking yesterday about how much character the van has because of the age!

[@ArtyVanHoming]

@@HayandKyle does yours have the underfloor storage

[@ArtyVanHoming]

@@HayandKyle i miss my old van 24 years since i had mine ,but i really regretted it when it went. was never the fastest thing but it was really practical. i always used the hammocks as storage when parked up

[@trojanwiz3888]

Another great video, love the intro! Do you guys think you will kit out your own van in the future?

[@HayandKyle]

Thank you, much appreciated! We have lots of plans for the van, initially however we are putting more money under the bonnet to make sure the engine is as best as it can be and work out from there 👌

[@ireneparkin5660]

Great video love it and the autumn colours are spectacular😍😍love the bloopers too, they're sooo funny😂 looking forward to next week's🤗😍😍

[@HayandKyle]

Thank you! :) All the trees have turned brown now 👎 We might do a full vlog at black rocks when we can :)

[@christophlenz8102]

Hi, Christoph is my Name and I own a similar Renault Trafic I have an issue to register it because I cant find the engraved chassis number have you got an Idea where to find it?

[@jakinthebox2252]

Ive had my 1989 Renault trafic for around a year now it's fully stripped out currently being welding up as rust isn't to pretty on it lol, will then be a full rebuild and full respray to finish it off 👌💯

[@HayandKyle]

We've only had Merlin for about a year too! He's in pretty good shape but we are aware they can get a bit rusty. Wish you the best of luck with yours! They are lovely little vans. Thanks for watching and commenting ✌️

[@thedonmarko5485]

Best thing we have for our Trafic called Brian, is a pair of Duvalys as they make sleeping much more comfortable.

[@HayandKyle]

Brian is an amazing name for a van 😂 love it 👌 The sleeping arrangements are a bit hit and miss, I'm sure we'll settle with something that is comfortable whilst remaining practical eventually

[@thedonmarko5485]

@@HayandKyle We called him Brian because he's as slow as the snail in the Magic Roundabout, however the slow pace makes you appreciate the scenery. You need to join the RTMR Club as its a great source of information and spares.

[@diogopassagem]

Thanks guys. Just brought the same from 89. Pieces and parts is also what worries me I will look for some groups on facebook too. Thx from Portugal

[@HayandKyle]

Welcome to the family :) We have been lucky so far and our van is in good shape for its age. We definitely recommend FB groups for parts and advice. Catch you in the next vlog ✌️

[@crpth1]

In Portugal should be quite easy to find parts. Although never forget that Ebay can be your best friend, when it comes to find parts online... Haven't been mentioned, but another pro of these vans is that parts are cheaper than it's modern counterparts! ;-)

[@diogopassagem]

@@crpth1 Oh yes totally, much cheaper to maintain . Obrigado

[@donnamirelle42]

Hi I’m planning on doing part time van life . I know this might sound a strange question but can you tell me if I would be able to drive ur type of van on a normal car license? Sorry if this is too personal. ❤

[@HayandKyle]

Hi Donna, thanks for reaching out. Kyle drives our van on a normal car license 🤗 You can drive a lot of vans up to a certain weight limit, so we're sure you'd probably be fine. You can always check online also just to be safe. Hope this helps, and thanks for watching ✌️

[@gastrictipple27]

I have this exact same one , would love to know where you get your parts ???

[@HayandKyle]

Classic Trafics on eBay is a good dedicated store for all things old Renault Trafics 👌👌

[@gastrictipple27]

Id love to know about your gass bottle copper pipe , what bottle do I need ?? Kined regrads Van life massive

[@meganparkes1963]

We get ours next week 👏🤩

[@HayandKyle]

Exciting times!! We really loved this van, it absolutely ooozes character

[@ksfwfc2899]

I have this van!!! 2 years older tho. I love her! Quirks- always needs choke to start! But choke light has just stopped working. Think the water tank leaks :-( or something leaks. When she's in 4th gear doing like 33 miles it feels like she needs to be in 5th gear. Odd. Draught comes through holes in door. I love it tho. I'm currently painting all the old fashioned wood white. This model has a ton of perks with the bunk beds, roof, windows, fridge etc, loads of storage. I put a camping loo under one of the seats! Ha ha. I always have to pee a lot. Love this channel. Please show me any jobs you've done inside. Thanks guys x

[@HayandKyle]

So many quirks to this van! If you are on Instagram give us a follow instagram.com/hayandkyle will send you some pictures of the van inside! ☺️

[@ksfwfc2899]

@@HayandKyle I'm on the Instagram but I'm a bit rubbish at it. Ok I'll buzz u

[@tashpailing1845]

Lovely video. Just love the bloopers. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@HayandKyle]

Thank you! We are glad you enjoyed it :)

[@AntonioSilva-ob9bp]

What kind of top speed do you get on your van and what engine does it have? I have a 2.5D and I only get 90km/h (~55mph) with the engine screaming, supposedly it was made to carry heavier loads.

[@dunk8157]

Sounds like it's geared really low so it's good for deliveries etc. VW T4 1.9d is the same people put a higher 5th gear on so the engine isn't turning so fast. I had an old vehicle which I cruised at 45mph I so it's not unusual, just annoying compared to a modern one.

[@deeplyaverage]

Any Facebook group/Website recommendations specifically for the Renault Trafic? I bought one recently and would like to have something to fall back on if I have any questions I need answering!

[@HayandKyle]

Renault trafic MK1 spare parts and info and Renault Trafic camper owners are the ones we would recommend and use regularly 👍👍

[@predragv.365]

Trafic is a great van. Dont wory 👍👍👍

[@yourmoonhealing]

Hi Guys! I was wondering if you can share the link to the facebook groups as I have a Renault Trafic from 1988 but we need a part for her to get her back on the road! thanks

[@HayandKyle]

Hi Bryony. Sure! We don't have links, but we do have names! One of the groups we joined is called "Renault Trafic spare parts and info 1980/2001" and the other group is called Renault Trafic Camper Owners" Both Facebook groups have been incredibly helpful in getting spare parts and info on our van :) Hope this helps, thanks again for watching and we'll see you in the next vlog! Cheers!

[@yourmoonhealing]

@@HayandKyle thank you so much!

[@sajindranathkovattil5412]

How can find that the free the steering my van it's too heavy to turn

[@AmberParsons-c8f]

Thinking about buying a 97 Rimini and wondered what the Facebook group is for advice?

[@HayandKyle]

Hi Amber, there are a couple but the one we used was "Renault Trafic MK1 for sale, (Parts, Camper-Vans & Spares)"

[@stuartgizzi4023]

is this a 4r or 5 speed gewrbox.i bn looking at one not sure if its 4 or 5

[@HayandKyle]

Merlin was a 5 speed Stuart ✌️ And he needed all 5 😅

[@thelovertunisia]

Is that in Kent? There aren't many mountainous regions in Britain.

[@HayandKyle]

It's in the Peak District :) Black Rocks to be specific ✌️

[@thelovertunisia]

@@HayandKyle Amazing nature. Greetings from Tunisia. I visited the UK once in 2002 spent a month in Colchester and went on a few tours through England I loved it. This Covid is making everyone lose the will to live, there is no more fun in anything.

[@mattkent2651]

Hey Kyle, what was wrong with your speedo? I have the same problem. How did you fix it? I have bought a 1992 Renault Trafic Autosleeper and its nearly finished by way of restoration. Cost me nearly £4000 but its amazing. Now worth probably £8,000 just having a paint job. But indeed, I need to fix the speedo!

[@HayandKyle]

Hi Matt, thanks for reaching out. The speedo as it turns out gets "stuck" every now and then which is a common fault with these models. We never directly solved the issue as it actually works 80% of the time and I always have a GPS maps app running with the speed listed on it in mph which is more accurate than the van. From what I've read you can take it apart to free it up a bit before reassembly, but we are yet to sort that. ✌️

[@mattkent2651]

@@HayandKyle Hey Kyle, nice one thanks for replying me and Celine. We're just about ready to get ours on the road for the summer so its just about to go through its MOT. Do you know if its an MOT failure?

[@HayandKyle]

Personally not sure because our first MOT is coming up soon. It did have an MOT before it was delivered to us though, so you'd like to think not. The van shouldn't move during the MOT so not sure it's something they can mark you on to be honest, but I'm no professional mechanic 😅

[@Travelbeatcreations.official]

Hi, I don't know if you still have the van, but I still have mine and India is marketing their brand new Renault trafic.... Tata Winger for the 2024 model year, so parts on my end should be pretty easy peasy lemon sqeezey🤣

[@mehrezaneesah]

How to top hi how to top up water tank for washing please I just bought same van

[@HayandKyle]

Ours was under the bonnet, there was a pipe on the right hand side and it goes to the underslung watertank 👍

[@ljhm6816]

I have got an 87 traffic Autosleeper? She's a rusty French Madam.

[@pieterdegelder6563]

Is the Renault traffic worth it?

[@tridaks]

How do you find it to drive on a long journey? I had a long wheelbase L reg Trafic minibus and toured Scotland in it and it was ok, but I also more recently had a D reg Autosleeper Trafic and found it hard work. Maybe it was just that one that wasn't very good?

[@HayandKyle]

To be honest Merlin is a lot of hard work on the longer journeys 😅 No power steering will do that to you though. We've not done Scotland in him yet, so we'll let you know if we have any arms left after the trip! ✌️

[@fouadhoblos3611]

I live somewhere in the world these vans are available and cheap.. i intend to get one and convert it..

[@HayandKyle]

We say go for it 🤗

[@fouadhoblos3611]

@@HayandKyle if i may, any air conditioning in ur van?

[@AlfredoMr1963]

No mostraron como se despliega el techo

[@HayandKyle]

You're right we didn't 😅

[@mattkent2651]

Also dude, what was the facebook group you joined for Renault Trafics?

[@HayandKyle]

'Renault Trafic Camper Owners' and 'Renault Trafic MK1 spare parts & info'

[@mattkent2651]

@@HayandKyle Hi Kyle, thanks for the info. I joined both groups! Nice find, I don't know why I didn't think of it earlier!

[@HayandKyle]

@@mattkent2651 not a problem, glad to have helped

[@andrewdavis9223]

😅that looks a cracking van enjoy 😊

[@captaindave47]

I have one like yours same colour only mine is a high top not pop top My Speedo hasn't worked in the last 18 months. It's a really common fault on these vans. I love mine it's the 1.7 petrol , I think like yours is too. The only problems I have had have been from the cooling system and I have had a lot of them. And she needed a bit of welding around the back. I hope you have as much fun as me. Check me out on Instagram. Travelingvan47

[@HayandKyle]

Your van looks great! We are now following you on Instagram :) We struggled with the cooling system too, Merlin is on a brand new radiator and coolant tank, they do run hot!!

[@SoloistaPh]

Keep it up

[@HayandKyle]

Thank you! We will! :)

[@SoloistaPh]

More power to your channel, I'm planning to do vanlife here in Philippines too , I like this kind of set up just like yours 🥰

[@randalmotorhomemusicasdicas]

Musica linda!!! Video muito legal Abraço do Brasil

[@douglasvick9703]

New And Later used ones much to expensive .!!!.Good Older models OK....Just converted a late model Transit(Rust free)...Euro 5 ..OK for Europe (crit air)..Proper job ...All under6000£ on the road ...Modern but cheap just as is wanted.!!!!

[@sjyfgbei4056]

No toilet?!?? No problem!!! Just go behind the bushes.