VANLIFE | What We Loved & Hated

[@CastorRabbit]

Young British couple enjoy holidays and quality camping accessories. Riveting.

[@jacquelinesjourneys]

we also have a pop-top and it's our bed when it's not super windy/stormy. we love it too- it feels like sleeping in a tree house.

[@PalmBeachesPaul]

I've been watching your older stuff after finding you on Eric and Allison's channel. That trip to Croatia looked beautiful and I love how you get silly especially when you asked people to send you pictures of drinking beer down by the water, that's exactly the kind of thing I would do. 🍻

[@user-Tortured-soul]

❤ Use Wide Velcro strips glue to the base of the bed and sew onto the mattress cover link them up and the mattress should stay in place. You can buy gel filled bags that solidify and can be places into the regular trash. Temu is great for storage ideas.

[@oneeyedphotographer]

I saw an idea for a portable shower. Pump bottle as used for spraying pets in garden. Attach to spray with garden hose and (worm drive) hose clamp. Boil the kettle, top up with cold. Wet, lather up, rinse.

[@paulbentley4734]

Lifts my spirits to see your videos ty

[@p24hrsmith]

I live in a motorhome full-time it has all mod cons and is a great space for me and the dog to live. It is however as about as stealthy as standing naked in your local supermarket so I stay on sites mostly which there are many reasonably priced ones with good facilities so no stressing about where to empty the loo and I see it as being more environmentally friendly rather than driving about all the time in a fuel guzzling motorhome

[@johncrisp6683]

Fellow Westy (87) owner here - Bed slippage: that material under carpets for wood floors. Worked for us and just added enough friction vs a lip.

[@captaindingbat]

We have a campervan someone converted (was changed on logbook to campervan) and we’ve made a few changes, such as put a loo in you can access from outside to change the cassette, took the electric heater out and added a diesel heater, lowered the bed (previous owners had bikes and stored them under the bed, was too high for us!) and we also added a small fold down table. We also added an underfloor grey water tank. The new ceiling and wall felt has arrived as the felt over the bed is a bit patchy and we want to replace it in one piece. Will remove the felt from around the sink and cooker too before our big summer trip, to add vinyl tiles. Last thing to do, is to make ‘notice boards’ to put on the back doors above the bed, with wadding and material, using ribbon to tuck things like postcards in. 🙂 oh, the last big job over the next year or so, will be to add a solar system and new lithium batteries. We currently charge the two batteries we have when driving, as well as when we are on hook-up.

[@target844]

To stop the cushion from sliding I would not put a lip on the wood. I would increase the friction between the cushion and wood below. There are lots of different products to stop carpets, rugs, mattresses, etc to stop them from slipping. Just search for anti-slip and some of them on an appropriate store and you find the. The best way to secure them so they do not move is velcro with one side glued to the wood and one sewn to the cushion. The drawback is that more work is required and you can't just flip them around if one side gets dirty.

[@Tom-q8b]

AND THEY ARE BACK AGAIN, LET'S ALL SHOUT IT OUT. Hello Emma and Alex, you made my Monday, I am going to enjoy this Vlog. Hope you guys are good.

[@Chillaxing113]

WOW! You converted your van yourself! Well done Emma! 👏👏

[@WilderhopeAdventures]

Would highly suggest adding a little bit of sawdust (the bagged, compressed kind from pet stores) to the bag in the collapsible toilet...makes it so much easier and nicer to deal with, plus keeps the smell down if you have to transport the bag any distance in the van to a bin! Been using mine for emergencies this way and it really works great.

[@trevorthompson6429]

Fitted sink and running water 💧 you’ll love it 😊

[@SWAGMediaLibrary]

We use Turtle mats (or cheaper alternatives from Dunelm Mill) to completely cover the middle section of floor of the van (from the back of the front seats to partially under the bed). We also have a couple of washable bath mats on top of these to provide extra comfort for the dogs (also nice for our bare feet in winter).

[@Poolinblue]

I follow quite a few van channels but you guys are just the best

[@jonathanwrighton9913]

Hi Emma if you stitch some long lengths of Velcro under your mattress and screw down the other part to the plywood using screws and washers this will stop the mattress moving and should also help when you put the bed away cheers jon

[@martinengelbrecht5384]

Lovely to see your appreciation of each other.

[@donovandavidsonAlton]

You done well followed most of it and it was fun sorry that you have to re-think UK.

[@melihbozkurt84]

Make your windows tinted. Especially if you use darker shades you will still able to see outside but nobody sees inside during the day. Night time is different issue. If you turn-on light in a very dark night tint does not work but add some curtains and you will have day and night set up. Concerning the question you have asked, I have a van with a high roof, bathroom etc. Only thing I would change is Roof vent. When I build the van, I did not install roof vent because there is huge air conditioning unit on the roof and the rest is filled with one 320W solar Panel. However, now I wish I would have pushed the panel forward to squeeze at least small size vent between air condition unit and solar panel.

[@DKGoesWild]

Another great video, cheering me up as my van is off getting repairs after a very bad MOT fail. Thing I hate about van life is break downs and expensive repairs. What I love is the places and adventures.

[@roberthubbard3931]

Thanks for all the tips! Do you remember how thick each layer of your mattress is? We need a new one and it sounds like you've hit the sweet spot.

[@slewisgreen]

I will probably never get a van, motels are good enough, though they are not always near where I want to be...but I do love watching the two of you...such a great couple. thank you!

[@kierannicholas6933]

Definitely some good pro's n conns you have raised.. I think some of those concerns would be alleviated with a bigger van. The bigger van you could have a more complex electrical system. a hot water tank, which you could run from your diesel heater to give you showers & so on and so forth.. I recon you can do this full, full time :-D

[@ryanbarlow65]

What jackets do you have I know you posted a link for them but can't find it glad your back ok keep up the good work

[@theageingexplorer9488]

I just would like to have my van finished... like soo many others probably. the final touches that as time goes by, things evolve and you have to alter.

[@AnneRogersPhoto]

Such a difference in terms of your knowledge compared to your early videos! I love my van but I also love coming home. I often wish I had a high top van even though it is slightly more limiting because I get fed up with messing about with the roof, and I'd like the better insulation of a solid roof. I'd also quite like a cassette loo!! But then I have the flexibility of a smaller van. So swings and roundabouts.

[@TheDarrenc1973]

It's good to share the good points and the bad.... you could use a strip of velcro across the front edge of the mattress to keep it in place....

[@tammyyoung5279]

Hello Beans! Have you thought of getting ‘one-way vision signs’ for your van windows? We have them here in Australia, usually for advertisements on buses, or business vehicles, etc., where people can’t really see into the windows, but you have clear vision out of the windows, you wouldn’t have to faff around with taking them on and off🤷‍♀️ I believe you can have your own design printed, so it could be a great way to advertise yourselves? Or not, for stealth purposes…

[@r8edrv4fun65]

Diesel Heater is the way to go! Propane produces moisture. How much moisture depends on how much you use it and the volume of space. I found that out this past winter.

[@thepeacefulpack]

Personally I think converted vans make the Perfect Cottage on wheels. Not as our primary residence only the best alternative to a cottage possible. To be able to explore nature, sleep out in the woods and photograph wild nature...such a wonderful cottage life. It's also a perfect way to travel with pets. Look forward to your next series.

[@pizzagram_ldn]

I've enjoyed your vanlife video, being a vanlifer (amongst other things) myself. The magnetic hooks are genius. I've just ordered myself some!

[@zaynevanday142]

Well Beans thank you so very much for sharing so much with us you are both happy genuine people and you have helped not only me but many others throughout this crazy Covid time so again thank you so very much guys

[@welldai]

I really enjoyed your van clips. you were both the reason I bought a Micro Camper. Kudos to you both and good luck x

[@bhofreit]

Also, adding a strap in the middle of the couch back will enable you to pull the strap which will pull the back into a seated position, while you shove the seat back with your legs. Anyway...worth a try.

[@BrianAlt]

I'm glad you're not abandoning it altogether. Make it even better and get back out there! (after you've planned out your trip, of course) It's great that you gave it a serious try to really learn about what you like and don't like.

[@daveerickson1330]

A rope or strap at the top center of the backrest would allow you to pull it up while still standing at the foot of the bed & push the bottom panel back; could be left hanging down when not in use.

[@hankputnam6436]

Hilarious! You guys are amazing. Ir's a perfect format. More, please.

[@matth1210]

With the toilet ive seen pop up tent toilet. So you could pop it up anytime bit more privacy if your not in a schulded area just suggestion 😊

[@Alivefrom45]

Great video guys. Really good to see you reflex on your build (Emma's build 🤣). Alex i'm sure you can help with the any redesign that take place, even if that is only holding a bit of wood or the camera.

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

Excellent cheery video, thank you. I agree with you - you need a taget. We did Scandinavia a couple years ago, (ie Nordkapp), best place in the worrd to drive and camp.

[@martinengelbrecht5384]

I am amazed at the vans with the 20 lights in 4 m2, with dimmer switches and more.

[@TheWhittleGreenVanUK]

we would live full time in our van, but with 3 kids ranging from 9 to 18 its a bit hard lol, we keep on changing our van, it is/was an original 1990's camper conversion, so it is starting to be tired, and just dosnt work for us, so slowly bit by bit we are changing the bits to fit our travels better, and we are just gearing up for a 2 week trip to France over Easter :)

[@annabelv.2400]

❤️May I say, with all the ups and down of full van life, I do not know what else it did to you both but it appears to me it definitely made you look both more dashing than ever

[@InterceptorSC]

I loved watching the toilet demo again 😆

[@marceycasey1228]

can't wait to see were ull go next and how u are going to make van better

[@jayneboulton4672]

I love your van. It’s simple yet functional. Enjoy your holidays

[@mrghiax]

Got to admire anyone who can live in a van for months on end leaving behind many creature comforts. You do have a really cool van, it is really well thought out all things considered. In years to come you'll never be short of things to say with all the countries you've visited. Hats off.

[@johnmcneal9477]

Built out a full size 2016 170 inch wheel base sprinter van. Love the 4 wheel drive, great head room, diesel power (we regularly tow 14ft flat bed trailer) huge bed and more storage then we can fill and an RV refrigerator. The built in and hidden cassette toilet is a game changer. The solar system keeps the two 6 volt batteries charged along with the DC/DC charger. Self contained fresh water, with hand pump and gravity feed gray water jerry can system. No frozen tanks or pipes. We just love the full windows for all the natural light and views. I dont want to travel around in a box. With the extra dark tinting no one can see in during the day. Insulated shaded for night time. "Dislikes" The Webasto duel heater/cooktop. The cook top is very slow to reach cooking temps and the heater does not put out enough heat for fall or winter camping. It was very pricey. A much wiser choice would have been to installed an Espar diesel heater under the passenger seat and a portable propane 2 burner camping cook top. This option would have more then doubled our counter space. The stock seats are terribly uncomfortable and with the swivel unit we installed on the passenger side my wifes feet do not even touch the floor. She needs to put a little foot stool on her side so her legs dont just dangle. This set up is the perfect size for two adults for weeks of camping and travel.

[@ernestcervantes696]

I have an ongoing half-joke/half-serious dream of uninterrupted 3 years of travel after the kids move out. The wife isn't too enthusiastic about the idea. Right now, with our kids still at home, we prefer short planned trips. Thanks for your content. It's always enjoyable and educational watching you guys.

[@bennycrypto3428]

When Bitcoin goes back to 50k I’m defo getting a camper van 💯%! Great video 👍

[@sheerkhanful]

They make nonskid strips for futons to help keep the mattress from sliding around. The ones I've seen in the US have adhesive backing on one side.

[@russcattell955i]

We have adhesive velcro strips on our boat cushions, works well for us.

[@paulhorton5594]

Your building some great beautiful memories with or without the van .

[@GwenDeane]

A lip is a great idea to hold the mattress cushion on the couch, although it might make it uncomfortable when you're sitting on the couch so what if you just put like an inch or two inch on each side of the couch instead of across the whole thing? Of course the other thing you could do is put a strap like a bit of leather strap or bungee across to hold it as well.

[@AndyLew59]

Hey Em & Alex - thought of coverable velcro for your mattress non slip ( I presume you want to reverse it) - or maybe a curtain restrainer like the trays - or whatever - a little wooden lip - as long as it doesn't dig into your legs when sitting... ; ) Love the series - can't wait for your next trip! 🤟

[@danielwatkins414]

You guys are awesome. Love it when Alex is cheaky! Love the British slang. Love your personalities! Emma is usually easy on the eyes or gorgeous, love the accent!

[@Dutchbelg3]

Hey Bean buddies, You did very good! I loved to see the trip around Europe and I loved to see you both happy which occasionally happened once in a while :- p One day when you grow older (like me) you will realize there are no happy moments without some dull and irritating frustrating moments. I always say: there are no mountains without valleys!! And you live confidently through the valleys once you know by experience you will reach the other side of the river :-) I am eager to see the next chapters of your adventures!! Hugs, Hans

[@lancelotlake7609]

Perhaps you can put a bit of Velcro hooks on the bottom of the mattress and loops on the bed frame?

[@FreeBirdUKVanLife]

Velcro on the cushion at the back to stop it moving.

[@tedeast4789]

You guys are awesome! You have the rest of your lives ahead of you to explore and create more lasting memories. You're doing it right. Thanks for sharing your adventures and I look forward to watching your next adventures!!

[@matthewlove4876]

These videos just make me miss my T25 more and more!! I need to have a word with Santa!!

[@gissie391]

Can get mirror stick on you can see out but not in.try a snow bath. Would like one.

[@lynn3051]

We have a T6 and put strips of heavy duty wide Velcro under our cushions and they don’t move xx fab vlog as normal we are ecstatic with our new Jackery that Andy my other half won 💗

[@susannortham11.11]

I like the fact that you didn't dump a lot of money into the van and yet it's proven to be really useful and functional. Nice to have options like that. For example, the Scotland series was mind-blowing and the van was perfect for taking in all the scenery.

[@cliveharris2347]

Don't abandon your van it's a beautiful mastang and it's running like a charm 😭😭 the van look like it can go for a hundred more years I love your van it's like your best friend cool running 🌈💙✌️ out 💯👈

[@jillgrant2696]

I think you did a great job i recently bought a camper that slides on back of right doing work on but plain to do long trips with it hopefully gas prices in us will come down by than we are paying 4.40 a gal

[@adymallett6720]

"She-Wee"🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣, just can't stop laughing at that Alex!!!! Enjoy real toilets,baths,showers and life we all take for granted,so glad you are not stopping your trips,have loved all of your films....looking forward to when you start up again. Love to you both.... BEANS OUT.......for now!😍

[@jilllangman9343]

How annoying that people dont do their jobs properly any more. They like to charge though. It could have cost you your lives. That was such a dreadful time for you! Im enjoying your trip and seeing your gorgeous baby, so keep on posting please. Love to you all from Australia. 🇦🇺🌈💕🌻🌸

[@alohatvn]

Great 👍 video 🆒️ 📹. Will miss the van series but look forward to your next adventures. Notification bell 🔔 is turned on so we don't miss future videos

[@phyliciajoykloes]

Aw, such a lovely video! I like that you listed the things you liked and would improve on.

[@mclucky7086]

Wonderful episode. A welcome insight to what really works and what might be worth changing. I think you may well have changed my wish for a hightop van [ prices are totally unrealistic now, ] and go for a pop-up on a more stealthy one that gets to places that have height restrictions. Above all, you are lovely together and that's the secret ingredient to van life. Thanks for your time and patience.

[@dianegombrich9215]

Loved your winter van series. Can’t wait to see what’s next!

[@xtremesales7644]

enjoyed the series , to keep the van private and secure i would suggest the some 50% tint installed on all the rear windows , with black out blinds, outside cant see in, however you can see out and wirh certain thicker film no smash and grab merchants will get in to the van. and blinds use less room than cutains,

[@FoodieMeatsFood]

Really enjoyed the van life series. I don’t think I would be brave enough to do something like this myself , but it was very enjoyable to see your journey.

[@kierannicholas6933]

Do it.. it can be daunting, but the freedom you get.. well worth it

[@SoxRoxBoston]

Great video on all the details of the Bean Machine. Both things good and bad. I'm sure that both of you.... wait I mean Emma😈.... will improve it before your next adventure. Nothing but love Alex 🤣🤣🤣

[@EASYTIGER10]

re the previous vid, if I had a van (not currently an option with full time career), I think I'd always start with at least an outline itinery rather than be totally open ended. I'd use the van as a way to visit places I wouldn't otherwise be able to. When I went interrailing during and after Uni (4 times!) we always started with a basic outline plan of places we wanted to get to and when to get to them by, but improvised in between. It worked really well.👍

[@mrshadenoughofallthis911]

I think Emma did a marvellous job with the van.

[@joanhall3718]

I’m conflicted between pop top and high top. I’m planning on living full time 5-10 years with slow international travel between trips. The flexibility of a pop top looks amazing, but I worry about giving up the upper storage and the storage under a fixed bed

[@fangsbites]

I loved your van life series both in Scotland and in Europe. Glad you’re totally abandoning it. However, it’s always good to take a break to get a perspective. I know you’re enjoying yourselves in the next destination so keep doing what you’re doing. Can’t wait to see the next series.

[@genericsmith2840]

First of all thank you for your content. As I've watched I keep thinking you could make a private shower incorporating the open back doors and the diesel heater as a water heater. I would want more water pressure than the gravity one from Scotland. So a small pump. Though you may need to capture the used water to dispose of later. And it would require you go carry more water. By the way I am amazed how little water you carry. Water is heavy but it may be worth it for the flexibility. Enjoy the break. We all need one even from fun.

[@teresatucker3446]

Great vid and love your comments and tips! Had a tiny Fiat Doblo (ideal for one 5’tall) solo van lifer!! And yes - your van will indeed evolve with experience!! Keep the vids coming!!😀👍

[@eugeneandmichellesmargiass6465]

You make me want to do exactly what you’ve done! Great series, watching you adapt is heartwarming! Thank you!

[@johndu4864]

Changing your sofa to a bed just put a handle/ strap at the head of the bed-pull up with your hands and push with your knees!

[@andrewphillips3791]

Good luck for your new trip great vids as always.

[@always.wondering.wandering]

You have a great little van and it's only going to get better because I like these up and coming changes you want to do. Don't have my van yet but it's on order. I'm learning so much from all of you who are out there traveling in your vans. Looking forward to this Scandinavian trip you have planned for the Summer. Take care Beans

[@sheilajoseph9953]

You have a lovely little van. And the choice of cooking outside is great. Maybe instead of curtains look for blackout venician blinds. You have so many little spaces to put things its great. And I love your pop top roof. 😊

[@kevinh2761]

Our van is similar to Jits, we love using it for short breaks but I'm not sure we would manage full time vanlife

[@NyreeAlana]

A great way to wrap up the winter season and incredibly helpful to those planning or considering vanlife. ❤

[@travelertrome8449]

Not going to lie. I am happy the van is having a rest and hope to see you guys hop on a plane again! Latin America is such a huge unexplored area for you guys with so many incredible places to visit! I follow some of your friends as well, and hope to see less vans, and more flights! Still loved this series though. I just like you guys a lot! Which is why I subscribed!

[@robclague8495]

In the future I intend to live in a van/motorhome all year round. So I will need a diesel heater and lithium batteries. Along with an inside shower and toilet. Have you thought about wfi? Good luck with your future adventures

[@lyndonwebber1389]

I can see why you enjoyed that van .

[@gwynethglas-brown9171]

Great video pleased your home safe and well . Think the van life be much more fun in the early summer in to Autumn. Sure your Scandinavia trip will be awesome 🤩. Looking forward to your next adventures. Take care 🥰

[@jeanoliver3004]

Really glad you're planning to keep your van and carry on with your epic trips ❤️ I'm in 'later' years and I've just got my first van 😊

[@colinpettet3434]

Just love you two, looking forward to your next travel vlogxx

[@2Travelis2Live]

I wouldn't mind living in an RV because it has a shower and a toilet. I really don't like living without those. If I were to camp in the winter, I would want to be chasing warm weather. This isn't always easy. I like the stove that can be either in or out of the van and the pop top. For the size of the van, I thought it was quite functional.

[@rmounty64]

Good luck with modifying your van for future use. Good to see you both again and look forward to when your next road trip may be.

[@simonportlock2235]

Hi Emma and Alex, Thank you for your video's for the last 3 months, its been great to follow you. I have a number of plans for my van and the caravan this summer. Thank you for your enthusiasm and your honesty. Take care. X

[@gabygaedecke2411]

Nice recap, helpful for those planning a virgin vanlife adventure. Big hugs from Canada.

[@suzybeetravels]

Oh wow! Scandinavia in the van sounds amazing! We will look forward to that 🙂

[@arkadiuszjozwiak6103]

SUPER EPISODE;) I CAN ASK FOR A LINK TO THE FILM OF THE BUILDING OF YOUR T4