Getting My Van Ready for HUGE Photography Road Trip

[@MikeT808]

Thomas preps his van, drive across 16 countries. Fights lions and bears. Gets to his desitination and the light isn’t quite right. Doesn’t get camera out and promptly returns home 😂😂😂

[@Sussxguy]

Hey Thomas, just wanted to say thankyou. Last year had an accident which has left me for the time being pretty much housebound. I used your infor about MPB and managed to grab a camera. Was just a Nikon P950 but it now allows me to have some freedom again sitting in my garden at night having some fun with moon photography. I then with a new lease of freedom to my garden bought a cheap drone a mavik mini so now have some extra enjoyment flying over the fields next to my flat from the garden. Its funny how watching a video (the one with the 500 budget) can make some changes and give me a little freedom in my mind if nothing else.

[@dougaltopping1334]

Get rid of the gas cooker & get an induction hotplate. With the ecoflow you have plenty of power. I use one and it powers everything.

[@jakubstrumillo]

Screw in front number plate at least 4 screws. First bigger pothole with water and You will lose it. And extend diffs, gearbox. transfercase, and fuel tank breathers. Unless they will suck water in. Also protect ECU.

[@Bill.Pearson]

I got off the plane in Madrid and saw on my phone's screen: "It looks like you're in Spain. Hold on a couple of minutes and we'll have you all set up. Within 2 minutes I had full normal service. A few days later, drove to the south of Portugal and got the same message when i crossed into Portugal at Badajoz and got the same message and quick linkages to the new photo network. My Carrier--Google Fi-- take care of everything with no effort on my part. It doesn't even cost more, and I get access to124 or 142 countries. It's cheap to. Highly recommended.

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

I run my Defender camper off an Ecoflow delta, its fantastic, I charge it off solar and it powers the camper and I use an induction hob for cooking, charges everything, just a great bit of kit.

[@Bobsmithabc]

For my van I skipped right over gas stoves and went straight to an induction cooktop and Keurig for my coffee. I’m embracing solar/battery power and 2nd alternator. Hasn’t let me down yet!

[@WJMPhotography]

I'm with you on the Keurig in the van! I was surprised at the massive draw as I have to turn my van on in order for it to heat up that quickly. I think mine maxes out at nearly 1500 watts which is pretty much all my van can handle.

[@Outandaboutwithpoggy]

Thomas when I purchased my Aeropress from Amazon a few years back I purchased at the same time the reusable stainless filter which replaces the throw away one, cost about £7, sadly due to being diagnosed with Parkinson’s recently it isn’t very safe to use for me anymore, but it is a very useful bit of kit and worth every penny, Mike

[@TheCredibleHulk]

3:31 The gas struts are SUPER easy to replace and beef up, so that it could hold the weight of the door + a jerry can. I would go that route, given that the struts already barely hold the door as it is. Kill 2 birds with 1 stone, so to speak.

[@NullStaticVoid]

Aeropress is great. Its easy to clean up, makes great coffee and I swear it uses less coffee than a pour over to get the same cup of coffee. Used one car camping for 2 years. Drawback is that the filters are only sold at fancy coffee places.

[@robdalziel7056]

I have an aeropress and the worst thing are the aeropress bores lining up to tell you the best technique. Just do it your way and stick with what you like best.

[@TwizyMan]

Don't forget the extra overall height that you have added with that jerry can on the roof , you might just be taller than the normal 2 metre car-park height barrier. I watched a builder wipe his ladders off the roof of a van on a barrier last month!

[@robertnystrom289]

I might suggest one minor tweak- you have a dark fuel can sitting on your roof and it's 'agitating' as you trundle down the road. I would assume the can could easily get to 70˚C or so in the sun, and probably hotter. What could go wrong? May I suggest either white spray paint, or perhaps a 'space blanket' tent over said can? Just say'n...

[@werder8570]

regarding the bolting of the L-brackets of the fuel canister. Please DON'T forget using either vibration proof nuts (e.g. a nylock nut) or a Threadlocker (e.g. loctite threadlocker 243 should suffice). Otherwise the bolts will most definitely loosen through the vibration of the car and through the bumpy roads you will be driving through. Better be safe than sorry ;)

[@NeilArthurs]

Yeay for the Aeropress !! 👍 Happy brewing 😃 I look forward to the adventure! 😄

[@andreasgiobel6355]

I like the mix 🙃 of content, way better than a forced video with “basically no landscape content”. Good job! Thx! Maybe late, but a camper pro tip is to get outdoor glue as its way better when exposed to wet/moist for some time. (Regular (indoor) glue will give after moist exposure) A road trip quick fix kit - Gorilla tape and gorilla outdoor glue are the solution to most problems, (some of you here on YT know what mean 😊😊😊)

[@lottatroublemaker6130]

6:47 LOL, I posted a question about what it was on another video, never saw that before… Thanks for explaining!!! 🤗

[@YMMVShaves]

Have a look at the inverted brewing method for the Aeropress, it gets the best out of the coffee 👍

[@davemenard5089]

Glad to see you giving coffee it’s due respect.

[@rafski123]

Looking forward to the next videos! But please, don't use glue for any van work. I've built my own Sprinter camper and the vibrations and heat will rip apart any glue work. Also, as you may already know - make sure you wash away any spash when crossing any water. Salt is a silent killer. And do your research on ferry crossing with a fuel can. One thing you might want to get is a USB mosquito killer lamp - very useful to plug in and zap the little funkers.

[@davidrowe8747]

I discovered your channel only a few days ago and have already watched several of your videos, largely involving the van build. I'm not a photographer, nor do I have a van, but I am really enjoying your well-edited and produced videos; much more interesting and enjoyable than the dross served up as entertainment on telly! I'm thinking of getting a micro-van (Berling or Grand Tourneo Connect) to support my occasional hiking and cycling forays in retirement. My idea is to set up one of those fold-out boot modules, add front curtains, window blinds etc. Your van videos, although way past my level of ambition, have given me lots of useful and inspiring information - thank you!

[@breadman86]

FYI - one of my favorite Aeropress accessories to help with mess of it sometimes dripping too much before I'm ready is a little thing called the Fellow Prismo. It's marketed as a method of making more espresso-like drinks in the Aeropress but I think it's really just a fantastic addition to all my Aeropress uses. Definitely recommend looking into it!

[@cshevlin]

Ohhhhh this will be an awesome series!!!

[@ChrisCameronPhoto]

Hmmmm, Doubt that wood glue will work very well seeing as the veneer isn't wood. Also did you check to see if the Roof mounted Peli Case can be opened with the Jerry Cans in place?

[@GrandWalkingTours]

I am just back from 4 days up the North of Ireland , Droning around the coast , and photography and Gopro car drives , i had the baby Eco flow and its brilliant , its smaller than the ones you had , but i was able to keep my drone , phone , vapes and controllers all charged and gopro on the go , it has a cigerette lighter charge port to so was able to charge while driving and never went below 80% , and thets when i went without plugging it in , then it was top notch .... now im home with 6 drone videos to edit , 12 gopro car drives and 20 reels and hundreds of photos to all edit before we have the "megashoot" on saturday where a bunch of photographers and models get to gether to shoot for the day , ill have so much content , and this was all in a mazda 3 hatch back , spent 2 nights in the back and 2 in bnbs , it was a great trip but im so tired from it , i would love to have a van like this , well bigger to be fair and head off on adventures like you do , always great watching your channel

[@petesuchon7340]

Looking forward to the big trip.

[@herx2429]

Yeah baby can't wait getting very excited 😮😅🙌💯📸

[@73smoo]

Ah, you're going to Iceland? If you use the charger rarely you can use it portable. You just had to lead the cable trough a window or so. But it's also easy to build in a charger for the battery. Just mount the charger and two cables to the battery. Into the other side you stick the mains cable. Ok, to go the secure way you need fuses and ground to the chassis... In a van i still prefer a normal built-in setup with separate devices like a lithium battery, an inverter, a solar charger, a normal charger and DC/DC charger to load the battery while driving. Such a power station is good for camping with a tent, with a very tiny camper or with a normal car.

[@TheBurzhuy]

Some advice on tanks for extra gas. there are special tanks for quadrocycles, they are flattened, 10L tank is less than 10 cm thick. They are designed to be used in off-road, be stackable and use space efficiently. maybe they will be more useful than this gas can you have.

[@christopherharrison3597]

cant wait Thomas , thursday cant come fast enough enjoy

[@gewglesux]

Didn't know TomTom was still in business.Looks like the van is in good shape I'm looking forward to this!

[@OriginalgEd]

Good to see you brought the Aeropress (as suggested in the Delica D5 video)

[@nldazuu]

Bring it on Thomas!!!

[@markbonham]

Another belting update and intriguing snippets on your trip. 👍👏

[@SwitchMultiMedia]

Can't go wrong with Eco Flow. Just don't plug in a surge protector on the output it will damage the unit.

[@thomasphillips5850]

OK Tom, you have us excited.

[@MindSukys]

Air con is not only for cooling, its great for defogging in cold damp conditions.

[@BrianLackey]

Hmm, maybe a road trip up to Denmark and then on the ferry with stops in the Faroe Islands and Iceland? Either way, excited to follow along :)

[@rogernuffer]

I'd recess the piano hingeon your kitchen board. That would give you ore unobstructed flat Real estate for your daily task such as cooking eating loading and unloading cameras. For car camping I use the Kovea all-in-one mini that uses butane canisters. I don't think that work well for you as the butane canisters only last 45 minutes. On a long road trip you'd end up burning dozens of canisters. Hope your new stove system goes well. They seem rather tall. Enjoy your trip!

[@andrewjones-productions]

Sounds like you are on your way to Iceland. 'Sounds like' obviously doesn't equate to that being accurate. I like the modifications that you have made to the van. I have recently bought the Ecoflow Wave2 portable air conditioner (and heater) and I have been very impressed with its performance. Although I would say that Ecoflow would be wise to develop a version that's shape was more conducive to use in a van or caravan. The machine is great - but the ducts....the ducts.. Putting the ducts aside, please have a safe, successful and enjoyable road trip!

[@bobskiale]

Looks like Carnforth ! hang on it is. 5 miles from me. Have a great trip.

[@ianbarnes1406]

As a new, somewhat clueless, campervan owner, I decided that I should probably get a power pack for those 'off grid' days I'm never likely to have!! Thought I'd probably get a Jackery, based on other YT vids I'd seen, but after doing some research, I decided on the Ecoflow, based on price, speed of charge etc. Seems like my decision was justified. Thanks Thomas!

[@lottatroublemaker6130]

6:10 It that a little Autobianchi/Lancia A112 in the background there? That was my very first car and I loved it, what a fun little car to drive! And when we got lots of snow and many couldn’t get up certain difficult hills etc., that little bug ran up like nothing!!! They should start making it again, electric of course! Would be soooo cool, like a cousin of Fiat 500!!! 😂

[@ChrisWorksCreative]

Loving the upgrades Thomas! Pro-tip on the aeropress... Before you put grounds in, put the plunger in just a tad and flip the aeropress over so the filter end is pointing up. Add your coffee and then hot water. Then put the filter on top and let the coffee sit in the hot water for a couple of minutes. Finally, you just flip the whole thing over onto the top of your mug and press it. I've found it get a bit more flavor out of the beans this way (and probably some added caffeine 😆). Cheers! ☕

[@IgorIppolitov]

A small improvement on your method (i do basically the same): put coffee inside, water, then filter and the cap. Then push out the air, and put onto a cup. This way you can stir the coffee by swirling the whole thing on top of the mug. And if you don't push out the air - the air will expand and make the hot mess around you =)

[@ChrisWorksCreative]

@@IgorIppolitov I totally forgot to mention about stirring! Great callout Igor!

[@eamonhickey]

This is called the "inverted method" for the aeropress, and, yes, it's the best. There's a lot of videos on how to do it (Google "aeropress inverted method"). Just a warning, however: it's precarious. During the 2-3 minutes when it's sitting inverted, and especially when you flip the whole apparatus over to enable plunging, it's easy to spill piping hot water and coffee all over your kitchen (or van). Been there, done that. I'm extra careful now when I do it, but I definitely do it -- the best coffee you'll ever have.

[@ChrisWorksCreative]

@@eamonhickey Great tip Eemon! I've started using a reusable aeropress filter and haven't been able to tell a big difference in the overall taste. It's a bit more oily as expected since the paper filter isn't catching the oils. The reusable filter would be good for the road since it would cut down on having to keep stocking filters in the van.

[@ThorstenMerz]

Is the inverted method better than the standard method? Is film better than digital? In both cases, one isn't better than the other - different, yes; but better? "Better" is a matter of taste. I prefer the standard method. And if you want added caffeine, you're going to have to sacrifice the flavour that comes from a dark roast in favour of a lighter roast, since a lighter roast has a higher caffeine content.

[@TheOnceAndFutureDoug]

FWIW with power and coffee shops, the simple solution is you ask and say, "It'll use X amount of electricity and I'm happy to pay." You'd be surprised how often people are cool with it.

[@chrishall6364]

Enjoyed the video; my guess is a trip to the Icelandic Highlands taking his van on the ferry from Denmark, with maybe a stop off at the Faroes; we shall see; I could be way out!🤔

[@JamesBillingsPhotography]

That was my guess, based solely on the river crossings and potential for dust.

[@kyleweightman7019]

Worth doing diff breather extensions if you think you're doing lots of water crossings 👍

[@nordic5490]

You are one of the few who have installed the snorkel hat in the correct direction.

[@sh8d0w]

Invert the Aeropress to get better control of the brew. It makes a big difference

[@ottodanbyii6253]

Find a way to isolate the roof top gas can from the metal rails and bolts, you don't want to wear a hole in the can :o)

[@mgman6000]

Same thing I was thinking wouldn't be good to leak gas on a solar panel 😮

[@matthieupasquier9594]

I’m pretty sure you’re heading to Iceland 🎉! I envy you! Good luck for the sea crossing 🤢🤮. And right choice about the aeropress. Been using it for ages now. Perfect for road trip.

[@johndgn]

Good vid Thomas, agree with the Aeropress, local shop sells me an Aeropress labelled fine grind bag of coffee, too coarse and not so good, need to get it right if your rationing so so low 😁

[@GodIsReal]

You indeed make me curious… and these Ecoflow powerhouses look interesting indeed. Will check them out.

[@henrymc5733]

Learn the inverted method for the Aeropress, much better option.

[@gregs2466]

Thomas, I have been watching you for several years but not certain how long you have been on You Tube. I will say this, you are absolutely funny with your enthusiasm about your new toys!! Seriously, I had to stop for a couple of seconds because I was smiling too much. I hope you went out and bought some coffee beans, but I hope you couple switch some of your new grounds at home. Big question, how does your wife take all of this? I know you are married or you like wearing a wedding ring. I never hear you talk about her or any children, but I think I heard you mention her once. Anyway, I watch all of your videos and look forward to watching your videos.

[@BTurner.]

With the large battery capacity you have have you considered an induction cooking ring, even as a backup? Very clean and no co2 to worry about.

[@JasonBrownafewmomentsl8er]

The aeropress is great but if you aren't getting good coffee from that v60 that you've had it's user error, don't blame the v60. I suggest watching some James Hoffman KZbin videos to learn how to do it correctly (for both the v60 and the aeropress) . You'd probably like his videos anyways he is basically what would happen if you took a total photography nerd and made him obsessed with coffee instead of photography

[@lottatroublemaker6130]

10:11 - Hmmm… Now you have space to strap down 2-3 plastic storage tubs there too… Additional space for things to make life on the road easier, maybe? Might as well utilize that space you made… 🤗

[@stomperthemixer1]

Awesome Toys & Awesome Vlog, Ive Just Completed The NC 500 With Simular Setup, Excluding The Two Big Boys From Eco Flow, I Did Have My Big Camping Fridge/Freeze From Outdoor Revalotions Which Was Packed Full. Looking Forwards To Your Road Trip Buddy.

[@vargavideo]

Spot on about the Aero Press!

[@manueldinisphotography]

Looking forward to see your new adventure!!!

[@paulcleasby9448]

Looking forward to it.

[@daniel.lopresti]

I also started my coffee journey with an Aeropress and a Hario Mini Slim Plus. That was some time and money ago.... ;)

[@mikebartow9415]

Happy trails!

[@eMotion_Video_UK]

Just so you know, a square number plate is only legal on a motorcycle and the trailer of an articulated truck. But the truck it’s self has to have one where the letters are all on one line. As do all other vehicles. Landrover discovery’s where sold with square rear number plates, but you do see the odd one with an inline plate on. The owners probably wouldn’t do this if it hadn’t failed the MOT or they have had it picked up in a roadside check.

[@andreasfriedl9858]

I love the Aeropress for travel as well. I am using the Knock Aergrind hand grinder designed and built in Edinburgh - just up the road from you. It's so well made and a joy to use.

[@louisburley1597]

I absolutely love having an AeroPress at home and bringing it on the go. There’s not a better portable coffee maker.

[@samsungtaba558]

If you're using a ferry to leave the UK, most don't allow you to carry a fuel can, full or empty. Worth checking ahead

[@NeilAlmond]

Can't wait Thomas.

[@GirdHerd]

Ecoflow is an excellent brand.

[@Ericbjohnston5150]

get an adapter to charge battery as you drive.

[@WS-bk7uu]

Coffee tip. Try to find a local roaster Tom. The beans in the supermarkets are pretty terrible and in some cases are several years old.

[@costelloandsilke7321]

Hi Thomas. Regarding your search for top quality coffee, I think I would get a Bialetti which you could just put straight on your new gas burner and no faffing about with kettles and that plastic thing - or better still, get an Alessi Conica - the most beautiful coffee maker ever made - designed by the sadly departed Aldo Rossi.

[@mitchellmysliwiecphotography]

SWEET! Looking forward to following along

[@carolynspohrer8493]

I am looking forward to playing "Where in the world is Thomas Heaton?" for the next month along with great stories and images. Safe travels!

[@thehowlingterror]

Maybe have that fuel can facing arse end into the driving rain. Plus worth checking that the lid lets vapours out and not moisture in.

[@ScottHervieuxOutdoors]

I have the small ecoflow river 2. Best device I invested in. It ran my camp lights, charge my phone, camera gear, my smaller battery packs. Blew up my air mattress. The only downside is that it did not come with the cable to connect the solar panel. I had to buy that after I bought the bundle.

[@Nick-Trodd]

I’m excited ! Looking forward to it !

[@thomassorensen9749]

Will Sun/heat from the front windshield bother the batteries getting hot?

[@The_Cyberz]

Don’t forget to top off the blinker fluid

[@neilt]

I am with Three, and I have never had a problem with roaming. I simply pay a small daily charge and continue as if here in the UK.

[@ares5858]

Good choice buying the AeroPress!

[@martin_emrich]

Have you considered a small induction hob instead of the gas burner?

[@ElwoodPDowd-ed7pc]

I’m glad you’re keeping the Delica!

[@francisschweitzer8431]

I would imagine this comment is too late and the trip is done or still underway. Thomas, YOU HAVE ROOM in the new rack for MORE THAN ONE FUEL can ( Jerry Can )… never forsake FUEL or space for BEER… lol Love what you are showing us… while I won’t be driving while there… I am taking a trip to Cork Ireland next month to see a friend.

[@walruss60]

Looking forward to your next adventure. Good luck and CHEERS

[@williamfalls5681]

Good on you Thomas, have a great trip.

[@stevebloom9287]

Good luck Thomas. Look forward to your next video and to see where your off too.

[@vladbalo7160]

Thomas, big fan. Get a better coffee grinder. Make sure it has steel burrs, not ceramic as on yours. Consistency and grinds size really effect the bru. Ceramic aren't that sharp and gives uneven size of the grinds so you coffee could be sour and bitter in the same time.

[@yakub3962]

Shoutout to ecoflow for hooking up my guy Thomas ❤❤❤

[@Lou-f]

How’s the battery getting on, any extra capacity to run a small induction stove?

[@Cocktail_Kvltist]

I am so looking forward to seeing your adventures!

[@alien6551]

I would also take out the passenger seat to make more space while travelling abroad if your on your own just a thought

[@charlesfulcrum3170]

Hope you have a great trip and can’t wait to see the video’s. The service and mods to your vehicle, very wise. No sure about your new cooking arrangements. Too many bits and connections. A neat all in one unit would have been better.

[@MarkHoudePhotography]

Your energy alone shows your excitement for this trip! Good stuff Tom, nice shopping spree, great updates to your rig, may the journey begin! 👍🏼⛰️

[@antonoat]

This will be good! 👏👍😀 Fuel is currently approx £2.00/ litre in Iceland!

[@allansisson355]

I can't wait to see where you're headed.

[@_thomaslemke_]

Have a safe travel!

[@jatflash]

Genuinely excited for you.

[@guycl2381]

Warm coffee, 360 Camera, Snorkel on the Delica .... rivers .... you're gonna take underwater pictures of river trouts with the Xpan ! 🙂