Starting DIY On My Campervan

I’ve returned from my first campervan trip and it’s now time for me to start DIY on my campervan. While on my first vanlife UK trip, I realised a few things about my van and before my next Scotland road trip, I’d like to make some improvements to my campervan conversion to make it more comfortable for my vanlife needs.
In this video, I will be treating rust, insect-proofing my van and making my own DIY thermal window covers / curtains. Creating my own DIY campervan curtains was quite a time consuming project but was an affordable option and now my van will be private without the risk of anyone being able to see inside!
EQUIPMENT USED IN THIS VIDEO
▶ Rust Treatment: geni.us/kHczTu
▶ Rust Paint: geni.us/xVKm0Ye
▶ Insect Mesh: geni.us/8b1Xok
▶ Double-sided tape: geni.us/MPcOz
▶ Thermal Insulation: geni.us/hkdFj
▶ Carpet & Glue: geni.us/vbBqTAw
▶ Herringbone 2cm Fabric: geni.us/AbGU8A
▶ Suction Cups: geni.us/eALiuh
▶ WINDOW COVERS VIDEO
• HOW TO Make DIY Therma...
🍿 WATCH NEXT:
NORTHLINK FERRY TO SHETLAND: • Taking The Longest Fer...
SHETLAND ISLANDS: • I Travelled To The UK’...
ORKNEY ISLANDS: • Travelling Scotland’s ...
KINTYRE PENINSULA: • Travelling The Scotlan...
WHISKY ISLAND: • Visiting The World's W...
EXTRA CONTENT ON PATREON:
🎬 Get access to exclusive uncut and bonus videos, behind-the-scenes content and sneak peeks into future projects - / ruthaisling
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 My Scotland Google Map: geni.us/L7sek2P
💌 Free Scotland Travel Guide: ruthaisling.com
MY OTHER SOCIALS:
📸 INSTAGRAM - / ruthaisling
🎥 FACEBOOK - / ruthaisling
📱 TIKTOK - / ruth.aisling
🌍 WEBSITE - ruthaisling.com
MY FAVOURITE TOOLS & GEAR:
🚽 Trelino - The best van toilet (Use code RUTHAISLING for a discount or gift): geni.us/lC0UmdH
🔋 Bluetti - My favourite van portable batteries (Use code BLUETTIRA for 5% discount): geni.us/ewxrm1v
🚐 GoBoony - My favourite van rental site: geni.us/YxVpAj1
🎵 Epidemic Sound - Music in my videos: geni.us/a1Qq
✈️ Safety Wing - My go-to flexible travel insurance: geni.us/yBV4Xey
WHO AM I?
If we haven't met before... Hi, I'm Ruth 👋 and I recently bought a campervan to travel my home country of Scotland after living overseas for 12 years. I’ve hardly seen anything or been anywhere in Scotland and now is the time to change that!
P.S. Some of the links in this description are affiliate links that I get a kickback from.

[@Martin37vg]

Personally i would get those rust spots cut out and new steel welded in soon as possible . Plus the new seals as others has said as it will only get worse over time and make it more costly to fix. A stitch in time comes to mind. good job on fly screen as they are difficult to get in taught.

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for the advice!

[@user-nu5xs8cj5t]

Thank you for all your hard work in renovating the Arnie, Its beautiful now, Drink espresso at a Scottish cafe eat scone wish butter or strawberry jam. アーニー号の改装ご苦労様です、綺麗になりましたね、どこか、カフェでエスプレッソ飲んでsconeにバターを塗りイチゴジャム付けて食べて下さいね。

[@ruthaisling]

本当にありがとう。イチゴジャムのスコーンが大好きなので、楽しみにしています！

[@kazukuni4571]

DIY ご苦労様、防錆処理は見えない底も必要と思います。 頑張って下さい。from jpn

[@ruthaisling]

ご声援ありがとうございました。

[@Docter730]

日本での経験が大分役になってますね。 錆の穴はコーキングで塞ぐとより完璧になります。 冷蔵庫のドアのはずれたのも修理しなければなりませんね。 これからも頑張ってください。

[@ruthaisling]

日本での経験はとても役に立っている。 特に警察バスの建設は。 冷蔵庫は完全に壊れてしまったので、それについては今後のビデオで紹介する予定だ。😢

[@Uribo-pr3yy]

ルースさん元気そうでね ＤＩYお疲れ様です。 ルースさんもいろんなスキルを持ってますね～流石です。 頑張って下さい

[@ruthaisling]

応援ありがとう。

[@SRG1956]

運転席と助手性の車の下からも確認し錆が有れば錆止め塗装とアンダーコートをされた方が良さそうですね。窓の目隠しは完璧ですね。👍

[@ruthaisling]

アドバイスをありがとう。もっと錆がないか調べてみます。

[@user-bw8tk3du8q]

ドアのゴム（whether strip）が痛んでいるために走行中の水しぶきが入ってきてます。 なるべく早くゴムをかえないと、さらにさびますよ。 軽バンで一か所￥7〜8000円しますから、ハイエースはもっと高いですけど。 穴が開いて中が錆びるとなんともできません。

[@ruthaisling]

アドバイスありがとう。郵便用のバンだったから、ドアが何度も開いていて、雨が中に入ってきて、シールが腐って錆びたんだと思う。なるべく早く新しいゴム・シールを調達しようと思います。

[@user-uo3cu8hl6v]

ルースさんの元気な姿が見れて嬉しいよ！応援してるので頑張って下さい!

[@ruthaisling]

応援ありがとう。

[@lynmoore8355]

omg how awesome are those windows now, a job well done

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks!

[@01seiyer74]

少しづつ綺麗に、快適になってゆきますね。見ていて楽しいですね。😄

[@ruthaisling]

ビデオを楽しんでいただけてうれしいです。

[@michaelgoode9555]

Good work to help stop the rust spreading but the dreaded "tin worm" will need a proper repair longer term. The old rusting steel will need cutting out back to clean steel and new sections welded in. Use the opportunity to do some underbody rustproofing to prolong the life of your van.

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for the advice Michael, going to get it properly looked at this week

[@ryudokuroma8184]

The North Sea expedition was great. Maintenance is very important for a used car, and rust prevention of the steps is important. Many people make their own fixings for windows, but Ruth's fixings are great because they also insulate the windows.

[@ruthaisling]

I'm glad you enjoyed the ferry video! I'm looking forward to using these insulated window covers!

[@THE-RIVER-RAT]

They look fantastic. I know who to call if I need some. Hehe

[@kazu2644]

ドアのゴムモールを早急に交換した方が良いと思います。そこから雨水が侵入していると思います！

[@ruthaisling]

私もそう思う。できるだけ早く新しいゴム・シールを購入するつもりだ。

[@howardscott1556]

You should be able to get new door seals from a scrap yard. Worth doing those sooner rather than later as they could be letting water in.

[@ruthaisling]

Great advice, thank you!

[@madformorgan7848]

Window covers look good - well done. Thought I saw some holes on the passenger side under that step. You need to look underneath to see if they go right through. If so you may need some welding done as it could be an MOT failure. Best check with your local garage. Jeff

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for the advice Jeff, got the MOT in a few weeks so going to ask the garage to check to chassis for any more rust!

[@wata5951]

I'm looking forward to the DIY series😊 If you find a problem, the active Ruth who will improve immediately is wonderful👍

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you! There will be a few more DIY videos over the next few weeks, so please look forward to it!

[@user-nj2qk3ky1f]

赤い救急車はまだ動いていますね。まりこちゃんとちもちゃんもびっくりしますので動画をお願いします。😊

[@chrish3305]

Great job! Really enjoying the attention to detail and no-nonsense powering through the jobs. My favourite quote of this video is “Okay. Last night it got dark.” 9:26 Correct! 😂

[@ruthaisling]

Haha, I should have said too dark to see! 😂 Thanks for watching!

[@nosaltadded2530]

Nice work. One suggestion. As for the entry steps. Treat the other side as well. That's where the corrosion begins. Maybe check with an automotive body shop to replace some of the sheet metal. I've only been to Scotland once and I don't know if the roads are treated with road salt when it snows. That's what it looks like. Road salt isn't a problem here along the Texas Gulf Coast, but I've lived in places like Kansas City and road salt just destroys vehicles.

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you! I got it repaired by the garage so it’s all good now!

[@nosaltadded2530]

@@ruthaisling Thanks' for replying. I was beginning to think that I was being a bit too "nosy". My philosophy on camping is quite simple. When room service closes, I turn on the TV to a nature show. Now, I'm camping. Just kidding....🤪☺

[@colinblack7049]

Well done Ruth, you're a very resourceful young lady. Roll on the next episode.

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks Colin!

[@seancobb8853]

Ruth just watching you is so cool your an amazing person

[@seancobb8853]

Ruth you are just an amazing young woman and I love watching you please 🙏 keep it up

[@kenhughes3434]

Thank you. I enjoyed bumping into your channel. Happy travels.

[@thebear307]

Ruth your energy and enthusiasm is amazing as is your diy skills.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks so much!

[@travellingone8149]

where theres a will there is a way ...very resourceful lady 👍

[@ercieyyy]

Thanks for all the tips you gave on this useful video 😊

[@ruthaisling]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Good job done tackling the rust. The window covers looked great. ❤

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks 👍

[@rachelhudson8362]

That's bias binding. How talented you are

[@carolynjones6116]

Absolutely brilliant 🎉, I’m gonna be making those blinds for my van . Thank you for the inspiration ❤

[@ruthaisling]

Fantastic, they have been so good so far!!

[@sarahcrombie4619]

Brilliant loving the diy. Look forward to what else ur going to do. And ur next adventure. Its tempting to make those curtins for at home for summer as its been sooo hot this summer.

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks so much, they would be ideal for the house, wouldn't they! 😂

[@nomuneru]

Hello Ruth. I'm looking forward to the DIY project. The window covers are perfect👌I always enjoy watching your videos with my wife👍✨ Don't lose to rust😆🇯🇵

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you for watching, I'm glad you like the window covers!

[@user-yf9wr5wu6p]

Great ideas for your thermal curtains as your DIY project . Love the use of small suction cups !

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks so much! 😊 they’re working well.

[@user-rd9gc9hf8v]

セロテープってイギリスでもセロテープって呼ぶんですね。 ちょっとびっくりしました。 ルースさん器用ですね。 それに行動が早い！

[@Irukadakazusa]

こんなにテキパキ働くイギリス人を初めて見た気がする。

[@ruthaisling]

僕がイギリスじゃなくてスコットランド出身だからかな(笑)。

[@georgerichardson964]

Great curtain job well done

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you! 😊

[@taka10346]

日本のキャンピングカー🇯🇵も、見て下さい。最近　凄く良くなってきてますよ。

[@ruthaisling]

日本のキャンピングカーのユーチューバーをよく見ています(笑)。

[@jamesskinner4188]

Great job on the van ❤❤❤

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you! 🤗

[@doug2078]

Nice job Ruth ! Definitely try and replace those door seals.

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you, I will

[@jamesskinner4188]

You are amazing ❤❤❤

[@airriel]

息子の車の防錆処理の参考になったわ😊ありがとう❤

[@ruthaisling]

役に立ててよかった。

[@hemuhemuful]

That's a really good idea. I learned a lot

[@ruthaisling]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jameshiggins.openworld]

What a lovely Channel this is and what a lovely lady you are James

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you James.

[@jamesdocherty5919]

You can buy rolls of plastic tint for the rear window thats a bit fiddely to put on . Theres plenty on a roll if you dont get it right first time😊. KZbin does videos on how to. It also keeps the van more secure when parked up during the day.

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

The window are tinted James, it just doesn't work at night with lights on inside 👍

[@lapuchap7866]

Good job!

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks!

[@davidtoddhoward]

Great work 👏🏻

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you 🙌

[@kazuyan5223]

Ruth Wonderful 😁👍🏻👍🏻 You're used to camping car DIY in Japan ‼️ I'm looking forward to it.

[@ruthaisling]

Yes! Thank you!

[@Nis_Ma]

Nice workmanship 😊

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks! 😊

[@markrenfrow9873]

Hey Ruth ! Nice work !

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you!

[@okuyamad7039]

Wonderful! You did a good job👍🏻 Although I don’t know how you found the rusty steps underneath rubber parts 😲 But I also recommend to replace the rubber moldings around steps(doors?)as well 👍🏻

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks! I'll try and source some new rubber seals at some point!

[@andrewpreston4127]

Nice job with the curtains.

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks!

[@cdj1664]

hi Ruth, ive just discovered your channel, your camper looks very nice

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@davesdaze]

Hi Ruth. Love your van videos. You do a lovely commentry. That rust really wanted cutting out and welding. Must be rusty under too. Mot issue. Window covers look good. Where are u off to next. Safe travels. Best wishes David and Beverley Norfolk

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks David and Beverley. MOT due in a few weeks, I plan to get the garage to take a proper look under the vehicle for any more rust. Still deciding where next, hopefully some more islands!

[@tomwinch9107]

Great explanations Ruth - and lots of useful DIY jobs ticked off the list! As others have mentioned, if there was a small hole in the step it's worth getting a small bit of welding done to make a longer lasting repair. It's not likely to be urgent (you have probably held the welding back by a few months to a couple of years, depending on how much water / mud gets splashed onto the area. I don't think it will be an mot failure - if you know a friendly garage you can get reliable advice. If you can get to the underside of the passenger step do have a look to see if there is a chance to paint the rust cure on that side too. I would be careful with filler - it might have improved since the 80's ... car body filler used to retain moisture and cause more rust ... it is also additional work removing the filler in order to repair it properly later! Hope this is useful opinion (masquerading as advice ;-)

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks Tom for the detailed advice, this is really helpful!

[@ianhoughton3349]

Did well with those blinds. Maybe add bit of filler to cover where rust has left little holes, then if you painted whole step area with bitumen paint last for eve.. good work

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks Ian, I'll look into getting some filler

[@LunaCity777]

Good Job !

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks!

[@user-ke4xc7gg7n]

すごくきれいなところですね❤ スコットランドにいってみたいです🎉

[@user-ke4xc7gg7n]

ルースさんは、すてき❤

[@ruthaisling]

いつかスコットランドを訪れてください

[@patrickjobling8676]

Well mzz ruth pilgrims.. todeeys power word ..template ..😍😎😁..lookin forward to all this diy stuff .. jolly good carryon pip pips .

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@michaelbruchas6663]

In the US - you can buy vehicle-specific curtains or window shades. Made in the US, too.

[@ntproject8969]

ルースさん❣️頑張ってね😊🟠🟠🟠🟠🟠👍

[@keith2964]

Current situation with the wiring !🤣😂🤣🤣 Get It ? 👍😎

[@janeconnors1807]

Just come back from 3 very hot weeks on the Isle of Mull. Blinds would have been a great idea. Curtains are a faff. Looking forward to your next video

[@ruthaisling]

Sounds great, can't wait to get to Mull in the van!

[@janeconnors1807]

@@ruthaisling take your time when you get there. It's a magical place. Have fun

[@user-lr4gv4wb7k]

good job👏👏👏👍

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you! 😃

[@camelia9802]

Ruth, the door step really needs welding.

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for the advice, I'm planning to get it properly checked out this week at the garage!

[@user-xg8dr9sm8e]

Greatest😊

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you! 😃

[@pophooray3749]

『Blind on windows』は大事ですよね☺

[@ruthaisling]

プライベートを楽しみにしているよ(笑)。

[@WalkontheWildlifeSide]

Hi Ruth. Your window covers came out brilliant. Great job! Well done on your steps. If you paid someone it would probably cost a few hundred 😊

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks so much!

[@mickclark427]

Hello Ruth mick from Hull really enjoyed this episode I hope you are doing OK 😊😊xx

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks Mick, really glad you enjoyed it!

[@mickclark427]

You are very welcome xx

[@tonysutton6559]

I would make blinds for the cab windows as well. You will notice a real insulation benefit over just using curtains and they also keep the early morning light out in the summer.

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for the tips!

[@user-ok2cb8wu6q]

👍

[@xavierlumley7997]

Waiting for your diesel air heater episode

[@ruthaisling]

Coming very soon 😂

[@rightenough4126]

Good job on the rust, hopefully the van will serve you well Does the van have a name? 😊

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks, the van is called Ernie!

[@TheRealSimpsons1]

What about under the vehicle? All the rust on the steps will still be there and rusting underneath the steps. That needs the same treatment too.

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for the advice, will look into it!

[@lukekao8136]

Love your accent!!! :)

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks 😅

[@lukekao8136]

@@ruthaisling you're welcome. :)

[@lukekao8136]

@@ruthaisling Last time I heard your kind of accent was in a movie, called "Austin Powers, done by an actor, Mike Myers, "fake accent" I like your real accent better. :)

[@honeygg6084]

👏👍

[@kazkam3567]

Hi ruth.I think it's better to paint not only the inside but also the back side of the out side.

[@ruthaisling]

I will check the underside again, thanks for the advice!

[@kazkam3567]

@@ruthaisling You're welcome have a nice trip.

[@stevenhogg2710]

you wont of stopped the rust hun it will still eat the metal away from the underside only way is to cut it all out

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for the advice, I'll get it checked out more!

[@scottmasson3336]

Current situation of the wiring!😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@r33gtr77]

Hello Ruth-san, Good job about rust repair. I would like you to request to check under body. You may find rusts. I worry about it. Because I'm in charge of anti-corrosion test department of car company.

[@ruthaisling]

I will check it out, thank you very much for the advice!

[@naturalist4488]

おー、その車でユーラシアを走り日本へ帰って来てください 1ヶ月くらいで帰ってこれるでしょう！ モンキーショータをビビらせてください（笑）

[@ruthaisling]

1ヶ月？早いですね(笑)。 アーニーは新幹線と同じスピードには達しないよ(笑)

[@GeorgeJackson2006]

元気ですか～🎶

[@ruthaisling]

元気ですよ！

[@SalKnt]

👍. 暑そうですね. 暖流に乗って椰子実🏝来るんでは❓.

[@ruthaisling]

スコットランドにしては珍しい天候だ。今週は雨が戻ってきた(笑)。

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

You sprayed glued everything else. You should have sprayed glued them to the glass. Then they would never come off. The suction cups always break loose from the sun. I hate those things.

[@carybarrettwildlifeandtrai3261]

Hi Ruth why did you not go for a bingo ??

[@ruthaisling]

Do you mean a Mazda Bongo? I like Japanese vehicles so I would have gone for that too! In a previous video called "How much did my van cost" - I shared a bit more about why I bought this vehicle. The main reason was because I wanted to be able to stand up inside!

[@mrjiggs3761]

Hi Ruth, do you have a link to the channel you did with your husband?

[@ruthaisling]

The channels are called Bappa Shota and Bappa Life. I stopped appearing in videos on those channels about 10 months ago!

[@mrjiggs3761]

@@ruthaisling okay thankyou Ruth

[@kirinthe3rd01]

30°C in Scotland is crazy🥵🥵 Your DIY skills are excellent. You will probably be able to make your favourite Mitarashi‐dumplings(Mochi)😂😂

[@ruthaisling]

I'd love to be able to make them! I must try it some time!

[@jamesbell6606]

Are u Macaulay Culkins sister ??? Askin for a friend 🤕

[@jamesbell6606]

Lovely ...👍

[@ericnafita]

いつでも姫路に帰って来てね。

[@Jake-ol4nk]

'promosm'

[@user-xg4et5pe6j]

Ruthさん日本語大丈夫ですかね？ 今更なんですがJAPANには戻って来てくださるんですか？

[@ruthaisling]

定期的に日本語のレッスンを受けています。数週間後には、このことについてのビデオが公開される予定です。楽しみにしていてください！

[@ladybug16421]

WTF.

[@Iruka-tv]

洗濯出来ます 布団干せます ゴミ捨てれます いそうろう させて下さい 役に立ちます ダメ？

[@ladybug16421]

You talk a lot

[@user-te7lp7rl3q]

[@lesliewatts7537]

you're a natural video maker, well done. of course a pretty face always helps.

[@ruthaisling]

I'm glad you liked the video, thanks for watching!