The REAL COST OF VANLIFE In the UK

[@ThoseHappyDays]

More updates on our campervan Morgan coming soon...in our efforts to save Christmas 2022. Wish us luck 🙏

[@amysteele2488]

Fingers crossed for you!

[@philipsommeling9256]

Good luck guys

[@suestone7791]

Good luck 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞

[@janedeeleybrewer1741]

Keeping everything crossed for you X 🎄

[@gaeldejonge]

Wishing you both many new blessings in the year ahead ✨ 💫 💜 🙏

[@garryroberts5106]

I lived in a van for 3 years - old school Mercedes which I converted and ran 8:05 on used cooking oil. It was a brilliant time and majorly cheap. Never went to a camp site and never been so financially sorted. It just depends on what you want.

[@InterdimensionalWiz]

we used to make badges, earrings and necklaces to sell on the way. we made £100k in 7 years enough for living.and nice to sit and paint in the evenings.

[@brianmilligan1787]

When I was in the shopfitting 2020 I rented a room in Harrow it was £150 per week it was a large double In 1986 I rented a box room Greenford £35 per week When paying the £150 per week A Liverpool guy said why don't you Buy a van to live in so I did for 2.5 years and we had it to the tee It saved me a lot. It's not easy But it teaches you a lot

[@zaneta3880]

It's great to see this guys doing the hard graft for us. I want my own self build project, but I would never sell a home to fund this adventure. Seen lots of people now finding it hard to start again. Yeah you get the experiences but when age starts kicking in its harder to live in the here and now. I will travel lots when I get my van ready...but I will always come back to my lovely home. Thank you guys for the great adventures shared with us.

[@ThoseHappyDays]

🙏✨️

[@sew_gal7340]

Yeah i was looking at land to park an rv but then i thought...why not just build a tiny home on the land instead? So i am thinking of doing that

[@Pezzer81]

I was thinking the same I would love a converted van to use on weekends off and holiday around the uk but have a house to come back too

[@bobstirling6885]

Worst case scenario is the same whether living in a van or a house and need an emergency fund....a new boiler is the equivalent of a new engine and has the same sort of probability.

[@nicoleprobst4618]

If you want to compare the costs, I think, you have to add the costs for an appartement and a car to compare it with the costs for a van, because it is two in one.🙂

[@louiserichards6252]

I must apologise i thought this was going to be another plea for donations but it wasn't and I'm so pleased that you are not going down that road . I'm almost done with watching van lifers because it seems the content was following that rhetoric like so many other van lifers also having engine troubles . To me you should have this, scenario factored in to your life .with the amount of travel involved you are going to have problems . but at last a couple that do not expect subscribers to donate .so many are struggling just to keep a roof over their heads ,food and heat and pay council tax ,water ect . .

[@reviewer1248]

I totally agree. There are a few vanlifers that expect things to be given to them and don’t reciprocate and it’s not nice.

[@iaincampbell4422]

Suspect you may be allowed to use red diesel for heating as not for propulsion (absolutely must have a separate tank!). You can get it from some farms I suspect. Would double check it is permitted....but if so a lot cheaper!

[@welshbeekeepers8275]

Kerosene (heating oil) for the diesel heater at 80p per litre. (was 30p just two years ago) Why would you pay road fuel tax to burn in your heater? Kerosene can be bought at many fuel stations. A saving of over £400 a year at current prices! Also, Why not source your own firewood for the stove also? Just get a small bow saw and save £260 pounds a year. Just a thought, hope this helps...

[@cardanomm3194]

Thank you for doing this video. I personally would rather travel on a canal than on the road, and it seems that the weekly/monthly cost to live on a van is dearer, though the upfront costs would be dearer to buy a boat. I am glad that you are living life on your terms, which most of us don't. I do enjoy watching the places you go to.

[@cardanomm3194]

@@EnglishVeteran Is it because you don't travel so many miles that van life is cheaper? Personally I would want to live off a canal boat a couple of times a year and rent out when not using. I am just drawn to water, it makes me feel so calm, and if I could live near water permanently I would. I don't have the yearn to travel as to be near water.

[@shoedesigner]

Definitely cheaper in a van, but I couldn’t do it, for more than a few months, it’s the lack of space and the having to move so often. We move every 14 days and not at all in winter. I really need my back cabin, to get some space, do some work away from my partners desk space which is at the other end of the boat. Looks like a tough life (and I know boatlife is far from easy), so fair play to you making it work for you. You have done well. 🙂

[@maddi3582]

Just love your content and the way you put it across. Thanks for a thorough, straightforward costs video. Many years ago I spent summers in the UK doing pre harvest field work. Great times, best people and beautiful countryside.

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Totally, different experience isn't it

[@jonathanakehurst4489]

Hi. Of course, many of your vehicle expenses you would still have if living in a house or apartment...

[@bildotunechi]

Got so much respect for you guys, especially since you asked people to donate to charity instead of yourselves with all your recent troubles. Really useful breakdown, and great to know your costs.. I hope you can get Morgan sorted ASAP and get back to doing what you love most!

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Pleased you liked it

[@bevd8181]

Morning, lovely to hear you are both OK. Keep Janine in the warm to help her cough. Fingers crossed you get on the road again for your long awaited van life Christmas 🤞 xx

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Thank you 🙏

[@animallover19581]

Chin up, onwards and upwards. Ye have the resilience, and Determination to kick all these problems in the ass🤸‍♀️🤸‍♂️ and come through smiling. All the best in yer future adventures. Keep smiling.👍👏😀😃🇬🇧🇮🇪👫👫

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Thank you 🙏

[@lynnescaddan8919]

Thank you for the video Hope you have a brilliant Christmas & get to see your families. Keep putting out great videos too.

[@freckleboss8467]

As a contractor who works away, converting a van for the days I'm working across country has been a game changer. I was paying £400-500 a month for a bed to sleep in for 2 nights a week in shared accommodation. On top of my home that I pay a mortgage on back home. It has saved me a huge amount of money and also gives me and the Mrs a great little camper to drive off in for road trips 👍

[@PolyMathWannaBe62]

Hi. Loved the video; especially when you share how you make money. Very generous of you. I wouldn't swap the engine because the electrics ina citroen are terrible and will give out eventually too. I've had 2 citroens. I'd stick with a transit or mercedes etc. Good luck.

[@jonsimmons4150]

6 years vanlife, being able to fill up the fuel tank with vegetable oil off tesco shelf was my biggest saver. 40% cheaper than diesel.

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Wow nice one

[@jonsimmons4150]

@@ThoseHappyDays i chose the vehicle with the correct injection pump that could handle it. Old school mechanical injection. Allowed 4000litres per year tax free and "supposed" to fill in a carnet. Supposed to.

[@bennyhill4228]

Nice breakdown video, Thank you for the warning, i'm moving into my Igloo lol

[@ThoseHappyDays]

🤣

[@grantharper6033]

Hi, great video and good that it’s based on current costs however, just looking at winter costs isn’t really realistic because it’s going to be cheaper in summer so really you need to add up a year and work out a weekly average to get a true idea of costs.

[@michaelwalker1145]

For every one thinking of buying a van and starting there own Van life. DON'T. Not unless your van is brand new.. modern vans are junk and after a certain mileage are worthless. Ambulance/X delivery vans ect unless you budget for a new engine and box KEEP AWAY from them. Also take a look a modern vans, a lot of engine parts are plastic.. The water pump is a classic example. These have a high failure rate at a certain age. Me personally would look for a classic Van. No computers and no plastic on the engine and most importantly NO SENSORS. A poxt part that's three week on back order. Honestly people think long and hard.

[@mrssmith3051]

Try to spend a little longer in places you visit, that way not spending so much on fuel each month, small changes will probably make a noticeable difference.

[@shaungilmartin1505]

2 things......1/ Citroen 2/ self destructing oil feed problems on Relays you need to react quick to save the engine.

[@baileytee9368]

I don’t know why I assumed the only costs would be diesel and parking. Good information. I also liked the guest appearances. What personalities! See you Wednesday?❤

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Boxing Day will be our next video 9am, have a great Christmas 🎄

[@baileytee9368]

@@ThoseHappyDays happy Christmas to you both!

[@TTVAN]

I love your channel! Thank you for being so practical, explaining the day-to-day of living in the van, and not skipping over the challenging parts. All in all, you and your partner both seem to really enjoy this adventure of living the van life, which is the most encouraging factor of all. Thanks so much for sharing; much appreciated! 😊

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Thank you, we love van life

[@lindacockram3851]

wishing you both a very Happy Christmas.

[@ThoseHappyDays]

And to you 💚

[@columcreaven8860]

Hi great report about the real costs of van life,I hopy you get your new engine sorted soon and resume living the dream..

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Thank you 🙏

[@17crescent]

You use road-taxed diesel for your heater; surely you could set-up a separate tank for the heater and run it on red diesel at less than half the cost.

[@kristinaidaelassali5015]

Glad to see you guys are ok ,,, if you feel the cold wear thermals under everything from October to march. : wishing you both a merry Christmas xx

[@ThoseHappyDays]

And to you too ✨️🎄

[@kristinaidaelassali5015]

🙏🏻

[@Baphometh69]

I saw your channel a little while before I went to jail, and I’ve just seen it pop up in my feed on KZbin now! I’ve been offline for a year, van life was booming back then. Nice to see y’all getting along

[@ianhoward744]

when i did it stayed on site for 100 pounds a month diesel 20 pound a month if you going to live in it dont move a around all the time

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Yeah slower pace equals less money spent

[@Bozoflix]

Just started following you guys, because of the great energy and good vibes you send us! I hope you get that engine up and running in no time. Happy Christmas for this lovely couple!

[@risenshine2783]

Love your free spirit - keep going in this world of increasing clamp downs on freedom!

[@ThoseHappyDays]

🙏🎄

[@tonyg368]

Hi I feel for you with your mechanical issues, 2 quick thoughts when getting a reconditioned engine you really have got to find a reliable company do some research on this. 2 thought is that you could remove your Luton box and fit it to a more reliable chassis which might help in the long run. One more thought the RAC aren’t very good with recovery and you’d be better off with the AA. GOOD LUCK

[@petuniaromania6294]

I make fuel to run my van a priority because I can stay cool or warm when needed and drive about wherever I please. I am working full time in a healthcare call center and that is supporting this lifestyle.

[@anthonynielsen4645]

We are really lucky in Australia there are so many free places to camp and so many RV friendly towns

[@rodbowes5309]

First time that I have seen one of your vids. Something that appears to be missing is habitation servicing - perhaps you don't do it, but I was under the impression that it is important to have a fairly regular inspection to ensure that seals aren't leaking causing damp and water damage, etc.

[@boatingsibbingandwandering3262]

Excellent information and good video. Let’s hope you new engine is installed soon

[@AIgirls365]

I live in van and work in factory in Netherlands, now for christmas am in my country for paid holiday staying at my family house in Eastern Europe. 😀 Marry christmas, everyone🎄

[@taracourtney9071]

Hope you get your van up and running soon ,miss your videos ,you both rock xxx

[@lorraineselby]

Interesting episode. Good to know all the different types of van lifers budgets. I hope you guys are okay, especially Janine and her cough. Fingers crossed that Morgan is sorted soon . Stay safe and stay positive xx

[@andrewgurney6019]

Try living in a house/apartments', paying a mortgage/rent, heating, council tax etc, the grass is always greener.

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Been there and done it, and know what you mean

[@awhinawallace4611]

Hi, I always watch yous. I live in Kent. I’m from New Zealand, a New Zealand Maori. Kia Ora😀😀

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Love Nz so many happy memories

[@Smilieface2k9]

I've just got back from A&E (I had Biltong stuck in my throat for 21 hours which was not moving) and saw your new video upload, it's exactly what I needed to wind down after one of the most terrifying health scares! Thank you guys for the awesome stuff you do 💚

[@nicktw8688]

Had that happen....not fun!

[@Smilieface2k9]

@@nicktw8688 I'm really glad I am not the only one! From my time in A&E I think I've picked up Strep A, my throat is incredibly sore! Just in time for Christmas 🤣 hope you're doing better and all is good! Remember to CHEW thoroughly, it's not worth it 😖🤣

[@Kay-outdoors459]

That was interesting, & a real eye opener. Good luck in getting back on the road ❤

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Pleased you liked it 😀

[@tree7603]

Sorry if u been told this? But think not, as u not said anything? Remember you got hit twice, get it checked out. Also You are a smart man, I know you will easily learn.(from KZbin) so get studying your van engine. Soon see how simple it is. I love your channel, thanks for sharing. How holidays..💖🇬🇧🌟

[@OG_Bearcat]

You have the best attitude and optimism. Morgan will be good as new and you’ll be home before you know it!

[@hallmanager4911]

Interesting to hear an honest account of the cost of vanlife. I enjoy your videos - excellent production, and you are both great in front of the camera!

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Thank you very much!

[@robertpoole6967]

Happy Christmas & Happy New Year

[@ThoseHappyDays]

And to you too

[@norfolknomad]

The one question that has always been in the back of my mind is… what do you do for a permanent address? It’s ok if you have family or friends who are willing to let you use theirs, but what if you don’t? I mean you’ve got to have an address for licenses and insurance etc. how do you truly live permanently in a van?

[@ZerHour]

Definitely agree that vanlife costs allot of money these days the days of cheap living are gone especially if staying on sites which these days cost more than renting some flats mainly die to fuel in th the recent minis 8 temps last week minus 1 by day was easy burning £15 a day on diesel with heating had to be on non stop if parked up .

[@davidmoody3810]

you could definitely reduce your food bill also have a look at Smarty for your phones, a lot cheaper and pretty reliable signal in most places

[@ThoseHappyDays]

We used smarty for a bit, unfortunately not good in Europe

[@the_phoenixproject]

Glad you are still staying positive guys! I'd love to hear stories of your travels. New Zealand sounds AMAZING 👏 Have a wonderful Christmas 🎄 ❤

[@vanessaouyang1220]

Most of these costs apply to house living too. Not all houses have laundry facilities, although there is greater scope to put one in. Heating a van would be cheaper, as you have a much smaller area to heat. Water is EASIER in a house, but it will never be free. Most people own a car, which also requires maintenance, as does a house, so double up on that one. Houses incur taxes, so if you own a car too, this also doubles up. Still a great video though 😊

[@paddylack6386]

Myself and my wife are planning a long trip to southern Europe in our elderly van early summer when we finish with the lambing. I plan to make some cash busking and local gigs.

[@lyndseybeaumont7301]

Good luck with the van, hope it’s sorted for Christmas guys x

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Pleased you like it

[@rgmm8888]

Much love and respect. Merry Christmas ⛄🎄

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Merry Christmas to you 🎄

[@davedoingdavethings247]

Hi guy's, really sorry to see your van problems but this is modern vehicles for you. They may go faster and pull better than pre-electronic hdi diesel vehicles but they won't do starship miles, you can only get a quart out of a pint pot for so long before a bang. I've lived off grid for 10 years in a 30ft long touring caravan that I've modified, I'm about to start towing it with my 1955 4x4 army lorry for the summer show season. I had an 03 jeep grand cherokee to tow with until the gearbox developed an intermittent fault so I sold it even though I could have fixed it, this was the small end of the wedge and it would have started falling apart. I to have a diesel heater and woodburner I made my self, I wouldn't be without it now. Hope to see you back on the road soon, merry Christmas.

[@lillylillylilylilylilylily7125]

If you are ever near St. Helens Merseyside you are welcome to park on the drive and hook up to the electric to charge everything back up once you are back on the road

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Amazing thank you 😊

[@d_s_ctube]

Fair play to you both for doing winter in the van. I just assumed most people park it up and rent a flat for the winter.

[@doramaso]

I've lived in a van for 8 years. It's much cheaper than renting a flat and I've saved up enough to put a massive deposit on a house.

[@risenshine2783]

Great video thanks and prayers for you for Christmas!

[@ThoseHappyDays]

🎄🎄🧑‍🎄🧑‍🎄

[@RuthT90]

The very first vehicle I owned was a Toyota Hiace when I lived in NZ for 18 months! Thanks for the video, very useful.

[@ThoseHappyDays]

We totally rate them

[@robayre482]

So basically it cost u a fortune cos u did it all wrong

[@jayfrancis1429]

Hey, cheers for the vid been contemplating doing this for years now as im sick or wasting money for renting etc, im thinking of three vehicles, a luton to convert or just buying a horsebox not the 7.5 ton kn just bit smaller 😂and converting the back to accommodate my motorbike which will not be much to do, or just wait out for a ex military truck and convert that as all i be doing is driving it mostly on weekends and booking holidays off when i get chance. So many choices. And designs to thing about. And trying to sauce products and kit to build a home on wheels

[@Sam_Stanton]

Loved this video, not something I will be doing full time but I love the whole idea & community behind it. Appreciate the transparency & encouragement this video offers. Top guys 👏🏻👊🏻😊

[@ThoseHappyDays]

You are so welcome!

[@theGENIUSofART-understood]

I spent 800 pounds for an old ford tourneo (passenger transit) and built a wooden bedframe and shelves for 200 or so. had a great 6 month tour of portugal/spain.

[@joyhursey1480]

Hi you two Hope things turn out ok and 2023 is a good year for you and everyone. Keep positive and have a wonderful Xmas what ever comes next.

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Happy Christmas 🎄

[@PRESTIGEANDCLASSIC]

Hey, great video this. just wanted to ask have you thought about winter battery charging via a AC to DC charger running off a small generator. an 800watt generator can give you about 40 amps per hour to the battery.

[@ilikejelly7890]

Crikey! People don't realise how expensive it is when on the move and it is not all sunshine and roses. Puts the pressure on for you to get sponsors and clicks. Your videos are great guys so keep at it. You have had a rollercoaster of a year. Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you both. Michelle.

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Thank you! Appreciate the support 🙏

[@zaneta3880]

Would never sell a home to have this adventures... It can be done still owning a home that you can rent it out and have a cushion in case.

[@NigelHyphenJones]

@@zaneta3880 if you are astute, you can capitalise on fluctuating house market prices. There will shortly be a house price correction, it is inevitable.. Inflation , high taxes and low productivity is a recipe for disaster. Being financially liquid during these times isn’t such a bad thing….. 👌

[@zaneta3880]

Brick and mortar will always be a safe option as long as the area doesn't go downhill like some places in Burnley, Cheetham Hill, etc. I will be building my own Motorhome next year, to do what this guys do.. But not full time of course. I guess I just don't want to end up old broke and homeless 😂😂😂😂👍👍

[@andywalsh8761]

Just discovered this channel. Love the content and the genuine positivity of the creators. Huge respect for the attitude of ‘giving it back’ to the small businesses based in the areas you visit. Many don’t. All the best, Liam and Janine. Sincerely hope your van gets fixed with no more drama.

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Thanks mate 👍

[@jamesirons3803]

The very best of luck and a very good Christmas and a happy new year take care.

[@stevendavis7079]

Sorry to learn about your engine failure but you did appear to drive for too long with the low oil pressure light on. That is what killed it. Hope you get sorted quickly.

[@fellazvintageretro2675]

It's does make you think when your on the side of the road in the dark. And then your home gets towed away. It's much easier in the summer. But winter is hard. Think you need to slow down in the winter to get by. But with you two being you tuber's i bet its flat out at all times.

[@p24hrsmith]

Thanks for this guys I've been looking at what it cost me to live in my motorhome especially as during winter I stop on sites and was surprised that my monthly cost are towards the lower end of the 3 in this vid.

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Good work 👏

[@BrianDias007]

Surprised that full time van campers like yourself haven't added or done a vegetable oil conversion to run on your diesel engines - you can then pick up free used oil from chip shops etc etc (who normally have to pay to dispose of it) then filter the oil through an old pair of jeans and run your campers on it - something to look into with the price of fuel these days.

[@o2bntexas2]

I found this extremely interesting and helpful. Thank you

[@ThoseHappyDays]

We are pleased thank you

[@dessieb123]

fantastic videos hope all goes well for the both of you. and your'e back on the road very soon

[@tkbyrne]

Enjoy the vids. Best of luck with the van troubles.

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Thank you, happy Christmas 🎄

[@davidboyden5700]

Most people just use there vans for the weekend & it's cheaper than getting a b&b you don't need to spend money on car parks overnight just find a road that's got no restrictions for parking like I do & I think trying to live in your van it's crazy it's going to be expensive if you're moving about all the time

[@wordup1944]

In leysdown eating a fry up in my camper, hope you get it fixed before xmas.

[@weederfish9254]

Van we in now 05 T300 mwb high roof, decent condition ex ambulance part converted, bed sink double hob & grill £1750

[@weederfish9254]

1st van ducato £600

[@hArtyTruffle]

I’ll stick with the flat then, and use my bicycle public transport and foot power for travelling then. That’s way more expensive than I imagined. Good to know and thanks as ever for sharing 🫶🏻

[@jakcarn4184]

But what if you don't travel and keep it local. Bulk stuff in storage centres. Showering in gyms and cooking in the van

[@conniethomas4753]

Keep smiling as will defo see the light again soon :-)

[@bigmonkey999888]

Hi, Merry Christmas and a happy New Year Steve

[@ThoseHappyDays]

You too Steve cheers ✨️🎄

[@Lynt144]

What was your total cost per week? I saw the two guys costs on the screen but not yours? Thx in advance, hope you get you're home back soon 💞

[@ThoseHappyDays]

We did flash it up, but you may have missed it. Our weekly cost is around £370 approx

[@shaochan905]

Are you going for Premium Diesel. £1.80 is quite high for standard diesel. It's been hovering around £1.40-£1.50 in most areas right?

[@chantellemayo9460]

Hi guys missing your videos how Morgan getting on hope to see more videos when up and running again really hope you have a wonderful Christmas and brilliant new year and some luck x

[@beaulieuc8910]

Very good advice, and how to survive winter. I think one has to also think how to do vanlife when one's gets older and less fit. You are right, maintenance is so important. Also I would worry if criminals would steal your van if you are out and about, does the van have an alarm and can you insure your vehicle for contents like houses?

[@SarahJane96]

I've got 5k in savings and got a three month sabbatical (start of June til end of August) but contemplating doing a few cheeky festivals on my way around the UK....hoping it's enough!!

[@lisawalls1863]

Hi I'm 15 and when I'm older I'd love to live in a van with me and I'd get a puppy. I'm starting to save now and I'm really excited this video is very helpful. I don't want to live in an apartment it seems boring to me and I would prefer to travel and be more nomadic. I have some questions though 1. Where do you go to the toilet? Do you have to stop somewhere everytime 2. If you buy a van in the UK where they drive with the steering wheel on the right side what happens if you go to say Switzerland where they drive on the left? 3. Is it cheaper to buy a van in another country? 4. What type of van should I get?

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Hey we answered all these questions in a previous video which says on the title Want To Live in a Van - Watch This First 😀 (or something like that)

[@Koalabears7777]

You guys are awesome! Much love ❤. I hope Morgan is 100% better extremely soon. ( And doesn't cost a fortune) . But no matter what happens you 2 have each other at the end of the day. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

[@Milkyway109]

Merry Christmas you two, hope things are all good despite the recent hiccups, have a good one 👍 🙏🙏🙏🎄🎄🎄

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Same to you!👏

[@kevan65]

Late to the comments but great content. Thanks. Hope you got your van engine sorted.

[@fringedwellermccatintyre730]

That was very interesting, guys.

[@raurausharmaine9066]

Hope things get better for you guys keep safe and happy holiday xx

[@ThoseHappyDays]

And to you too ✨️🎄

[@robertbaverstock8569]

Merry Christmas to you both I hope you have your van back for Christmas