87. A freezing night in the campervan!

[@pamelapanzenbeck6035]

I can’t believe u don’t have more viewers. U need to tell all of ur cruising the cut viewers u have this Channel. I will but I am nobody. So enjoyable thank u.

[@Vandemonium]

I appreciate that!

[@meta44u]

After a hard day at work, it is wonderfully delightful to view another of your thoughtful vlogs, David. Your sense of wry humour appeals very much and with a glass of red, shifts my mood to quiet enjoyment. Thank you.

[@Vandemonium]

Many thanks! 😀

[@leedavies3629]

Agreed✌

[@tracyfun6918]

Only a glass lol a bit more is in order lol x

[@bobamos3628]

That weatherstripping issue. As a retired dealership mechanic, I installed or replaced many of these. We always cut them long and then forced it into place when installing. We would distribute the excess over the full range to avoid noticeable buckling of the seal. One other thing that would cause the corners to do this is a window glass that is not full seated. Pushing on the outside corners would reseat the glass. In your case it is most likely the weatherstripping has shrunk, which is normal, hence that cutting it long that we did. You have the right idea of pushing it into place and filling the gap to seal it.

[@alanhodgson8443]

You are quite right in what you say, many will stretch the seals as they install and then trim off from the rest. It is a good idea to put the trim in a fridge for several hours so it shrinks, measure what you need and add a bit and then ensure that it is encouraged into place.

[@ianmarshall8452]

Surprised you haven’t put your electric cable in self adhesive trunking

[@UberAlphaSirus]

Same with double glazing rubber. cut it to long and loose the excess on the striaght runs.

[@lindabishop7656]

I was going to call it A Gasket.

[@DaveAppleton]

Also hot days are not advisable for insulation unless needs must because you'll be surprised how much expansion and contraction will happen at different temps.

[@the-gti-guy3940]

*speech to text* I have been watching your videos for three years now and you are the most British person ever and I love everything about it

[@Vandemonium]

😀

[@CherylSteele-rt8dj]

I just love your videos, David. They really do bring a smile to my life and take me to a planet called "Normality ". Thank you so much. You're a fantastic bloke and I know I join many people who long for the good old values. 🎉

[@Vandemonium]

😀

[@Morio412]

I find the lack of Branston Pickle on those sarnies disturbing!

[@buggs9950]

Ugh. A little black pepper is the way!

[@trumpetrider565]

We had cheese and tomato sandwiches today with a smidge of salad cream. Very nice.

[@bluepeter7612]

Indeed so.

[@IN_THIS_DAY_AND_AGE]

Lots of things shrink in the cold.

[@annepoitrineau5650]

be more specific? ;)

[@gillhall7590]

But not on women 😀

[@richardfowler9901]

Lol mine has turned into a snail only comes out for a scatter

[@UKReloader]

I drove HGVs for 25 years, sleeping pretty much 5 nights a week in them. Obviously using a night heater, all over Europe and Russia in temps as low as -25c The best tip I can suggest is crack open the two front windows half an inch, this will prevent your windows from steaming up and causing condensation. Also don't ever run the hearer while driving, as the vibrations can damage the fan inside. One final tip, run the heater at least once a month, all year round. Otherwise your pumps and bits inside can seize up. The trim has contracted due the cold weather. A caravan we had did this, and we were told it was due to temperature changes causing it to expand and contract.

[@TruckinAboutWithSteve]

yeah, I do this in my wagon too

[@philgray3443]

Mine hasn't been started for 7 years. Now I know why it won't start.

[@grahamlewis6062]

What fun. Hot water bottle!! Old fashioned but keeps your feet warm!! 😄

[@ianhebblethwaite1387]

I needed that. Of course, here in Canada I’m chuckling at your idea of cold. I’m also a touch envious.

[@sianwarwick633]

Right ?

[@TeeVeeZed123]

All those beans, who needs a diesel heater!😂

[@andrewsavill8205]

Tip for rice. I use the microwave packs. It says on them that you can also heat them with a little water. What I do though is to heat the tin of chilli, curry or whatever and then add the rice into the mix half-way through and finish heating it all together. It's a double result as you only use 1 pan and you can eat it straight from the pan so no need for a separate plate so no extra washing up!!

[@katherinekelly5380]

Love this idea ! I don’t think I’ve ever seen microwave packs of rice, is it just in the rice aisle or does it have to be refrigerated?

[@Lizapendleton]

​@@katherinekelly5380 in the rice aisle. Lots of different ones.

[@liljasere]

It a bit expensive but I do this too

[@andrewsavill8205]

@@katherinekelly5380 they're in the rice aisle. Various makes, I tend to use supermarket own brand as much cheaper than Tilda or Ben's.

[@soniadowney7427]

​@@katherinekelly5380i love them ..1 min in the microwave

[@peterb2272]

"Rice is messy". I am amazed you have not discovered the delights of a rice cooker. Produces perfect rice in an easy to wipe out container. But as a fellow electric only van owner, I found it is also a brilliant low power one pot cooker. I have used mine for scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, salmon on rice with veg, bacon and eggs, miso soup and porridge. Probably ok for heating anything tinned as well. Draws a miserly maximum of 300W. Just be sure to get one that has a keep warm function and a non-stick liner. For the two of us I use the Lakeland mini for about £35.

[@everythingyouknowis]

American viewer here. Man was it trippy watching you drive down the wrong side of the road.

[@Retep4565]

At least his steering wheel is on the right side.

[@stevebarbier5602]

We drive on the proper side of the road, it's you lot that drive on the wrong side.....................😄

[@markyoungman148]

@@stevebarbier5602 Precisely. Ask the Japanese, the Australians, the South Africans, etc.

[@martincannon1078]

You heard about the Belgian government who decided to be like the British and make all the cars drive on the left...and then a week later all the lorries had to drive on the left too! I'm not from Belgium but live in France, hence our humour towards the Belgians.

[@Scodiddly]

"Very distantly in all that fog I think there's some hills over there" is possibly the most British phrase ever, at least to a Yank.

[@garymcafee5995]

Now isn't that so much better than the Madness of a Cruise Ship

[@geoffupton]

rather not see it in the cut tho 😂😂😂

[@nevillemignot1681]

'The madness of a cruise ship'.......................... I'm sure that both have their pro's and con's.

[@thomasfrench2012]

Loved the Gordon Ramsay joke. Still chuckling about it. Thanks for the laugh on this cold and snow covered day.

[@funkyglider1216]

Master Chief David, you really know how to live, indeed, but I dare to recommend to roast the beef first a little bit before adding the mavellous beans to it, that's what I would do. Love that movie as all your clips. Greets from Vienna

[@WingingItBoatingonaBudget]

Seeing your superb cooking effort, (beans and tinned corn beef) reminded me of your Cruising The Cut video when you made bread - which I still think is THE funniest video KZbin!

[@sianwarwick633]

No. The scones making is genius. You have buy a separate scone pastry cutter

[@greenspiritarts]

Fun vlog, thanks for bringing us along! I love the running commentary as if it is an Olympic event or a murder mystery! As for your chilly feet… here in far North America where we deal with some serious cold for many months on end, may I suggest something you might really like: re-chargeable boot heater inserts. Do not get put off by the “boot” part. These are generally wafer thin pads that can be charged up via USB then put into shoes, boots or trainers (as I believe you Brits call casual athletic style footwear) and the pads give off a gentle heat for several hours. Alternatively one can get full booties that have permanent wiring in them that are plugged in, charged up, then worn for toasty joy for many hours. Might be just the ticket … a pair for the van and a pair for at home! Think of them as little electric blankets for your feet! They are marvelous! ❤

[@sianwarwick633]

Wear leggings and sweatpants, if necessary. Jeans are the idiot's way of keeping warm in winter. Looped weave material vs flat weave

[@pollenhead]

I'm no expert on weather stripping but as a man who has taken a cold plunge in a chilly swimming pool I know about shrinkage. 😁

[@Vandemonium]

😳

[@bernadettec6386]

🤣

[@raybrown2197]

To stop condensation, Get a pair of old socks half fill one with cat litter, tie it up to seal it, then put it into the other sock and leave on the front window,

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

Now this is the kind of tip that I like. Simple yet practical. Thanks for sharing this 🙂

[@I_must_get_a_van]

Yes. Thank you for the tip…😃

[@Servant_of_Christ]

Welcome to Sweden to really test the heater, today we only have -18°C but last week it was -43°C, it was mosquito free!

[@alanscott8063]

For rice in the van we use Uncle Ben's rice in a bag. Boil in the bag, lift the bag out of the pan of water and let it drain. Open bag and onto the plate. A lot less mess.

[@LABTESTED]

You are truly the king of video titles i laugh when i see the latest vid, thanks so much for your videos so enjoyable

[@Vandemonium]

Glad you like them!

[@DaveP668]

Pre cooked sachets of rice are ideal for camping, put the bag in boiling water and heat up for 5-10 minutes. Alternatively boil in the bag rice as its self straining. Cold feet need goose down slippers, you look a sight, but your feet are warm and you don't go outside in them so who cares!

[@richardh8082]

Microwave sachet rice. Much easier :)

[@steve3231]

and you can get small portions of rice veetee 2x125g stir fry or microwave, at most supermarkets.

[@G-ra-ha-m]

I would avoid keeping cooked rice around for long - isn't that how botulism works?

[@daveberry2177]

hog roast is better

[@chrisaris8756]

I suspect the window seal has contracted with the cold - if it’s like car trim the metal inside it will contract in the cold.

[@amtrak1007]

window gasket material but that's what us ungrateful colonists who play with trains call it. Thanks again for a pleasant video to consume.

[@sicily6740]

David, my mouth watered at the sight of your cheese sandwiches. The buns were beautiful, English cheese is delightful, and the tomato was perfect. I'm a bit jealous as I've not slept more than 4 or 5 hours for some time.

[@Slowpaws1389]

Agreed!

[@SpanishRabbit13]

The way you stated in the video, making the gap of the seal at the bottom of the window larger so you can rearrange the seal back into the corners is the best way to fix your window seal. Sometimes they shrink like that, and sometimes they expand and you get them deforming out of place.

[@philgray3443]

I am impressed by your battery, solar and inverter. I am watching my own Victron plugging away with blazing sunshine on the panels, but my old battery is saying, enough already and wants to retire.

[@lesleygascoyne7428]

This has made my day David . Just got home from work, couldn't think what to have for a late lunch and behold you are making your legendary cheese sandwich. So I had the same. Thank you 😅

[@Vandemonium]

Glad to hear it 😀

[@fullpulse2000]

David thanks for the vid, the issue with the window gasket maybe your van is growing.

[@dougwilson4537]

🤣 Beautiful observation. Maybe he needs to take the van on longer runs, more often, to keep it trim and fit.😁

[@lucindawilson5510]

glad you survived the night thanks again

[@mw0lge]

nice one David. On my victron smart solar, I set the absorb to 13.8v and float to 13.4v for my LifePo4. Once or twice a year I adjust it to take the battery to 14.4v absorb, 13.8v float to give it a full blast. I settled on 13.4v for the float after realising that the battery tends to sit around that if left alone for a while. I need to get one of those heaters for my van and I will have to watch your install video again. What a lovely quiet (at this time of year) camp site that was. HNY ! cheers. Oh, and as you well know, things do shrink in the cold.. hehe :)

[@0HARE]

Glad to see that you made it through the night without too much going wrong. That diesel heater seems to be the genuine article. Happy Camping!

[@clearprop]

Another immensely enjoyable video, David. Best wishes.

[@Vandemonium]

Many thanks!

[@Slowpaws1389]

Good work! I have a puppy ShihTzu, she is my main source of heat when camping in Northern Quebec

[@merson812]

So enjoyable for which I thank you.

[@grahamlawrence8452]

Corn Beef Hash, nothing wrong with that. You just need some good old Smash potato. Lovely video. enjoy

[@johnthorogood6601]

Gee that's a strong cup of tea

[@stupidburp]

Shiny mylar coated bubble wrap is pretty decent for insulation and quite cheap. It also works as a pad to sleep on under a sleeping bag or blanket.

[@angiemcguinness355]

Another great video and a perfect lunch.

[@edroosa2958]

So good to see common sense and simple meals. So many “roughing it” videos of people camping with no tents end up making gourmet meals. Nice video, thanks

[@nadogrl]

Sounds like you’ve been watching Mav.

[@sjsobol1]

Usually takes a few large cycles of the battery capacity for the BMS to get a full measure of the actual battery capacity. Probably have to discharge it to about 15% and then charge it back up to 100% a couple of times. Your BMS may also figure out the state of health (SOH) of the battery giving you the current capacity against the nominal (listed) capacity.

[@Vandemonium]

It's not a BMS reading though, it's from the shunt.

[@rickkearn7100]

David, there are mountaineering gear suppliers that sell down booties with a substantial footbed for short jaunts in the night. Exquisitely warm, take it from someone who can't live without them on cold winter nights out on the three-season porch! Regardless, enjoying this channel of yours immensely as always. Cheers.

[@omvaren]

Nice to have been with you all night. It's not only that they are driving on the wrong side of the road, also the eating habits of the English are keeping me on the mainland for the time being. I can always take the night boat when the crisis comes to close.

[@1934frazernash]

Ran a espar heater in my peterbuilt and was comfy at minus 35f no problems at all.

[@Conflictofinterest902]

I have an autoterm and I don’t like using the thermostat because I don’t like it ramping up and down, pumping out cool air and restarting etc. cause I feel the restart uses the most power. I use it via the power settings. Put it on flat out to warm the van up, then lower the settings down to minimum to maintain the temperature. It’s also quieter that way as the fan is slow, the ticking slows right down and it doesn’t wake you up. Just give it a blast to clear it out once the trip is over and the heaters not gonna be used for a while. I’ve found that method uses the least power because it uses minimum power to tick over and maximum power to keep starting up. Try it, you have nothing to lose. It’s also quite fuel efficient ticking over compared to ramping up and down

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers - I'll have to try to see if I can find that mode!!

[@davidmonkman6677]

David you should have your own comedy show i find your vlogs very amusing and occasionally informative😅

[@davidgeorge1281]

I think he went full "Partridge" on more than one occasion....😂

[@okcantbelieveit294]

Id’ve been disappointed if a cheese sandwich hadn’t made an appearance! 😂

[@chrispnw2547]

Me too!

[@briansilver6196]

Cheese and onion 👍

[@johnb4183]

Made with toasted bread ?

[@propulsar]

Corned beef and baked beans!! In this vlog you have surpass your legendary culinary skills. Ha ha! spellcheck just changed that to baked jeans maybe there's an embryo of an idea there for future trips.

[@mplsmark222]

I think Field Marshal Montgomery would approve.

[@nothereorthereoranywhere]

As to the window rubber gasket lining, that happens. I had two different VW Camper Vans, and that is a routine thing to replace. Both VW Vans were a 1978 Transporter version (converted to a Camper) and then a 1986 Vanagon.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Not only is the price right, there are fresh eggs on offer!

[@MrBigTea]

You could use a tumble dryer tube to move the heater outlet in the van over night

[@remyllebeau77]

You could also use an electric blanket for alternative heating overnight.

[@EelingStudios]

Dead right! My single lecky blanket draws 30 watts on low, can't think of anything cheaper to keep warm...

[@nickvincent3029]

@@EelingStudiosTeddy Bear Bedding. Game changer.

[@lindabishop7656]

Oh, and I put my waffle syrup in a cup(not much) and dip pieces of waffle in. That way I don't end up with syrup all over the plate that I unsuccessfully chase around with waffle pieces. MUCH less waste.

[@pierQRzt180]

for the feet I have the same problems , what I discovered is: if I am ready to stay inside then I have socks for inside (cozy ones) and I put on 2 or 3 pairs and it is still cozy and yet so warm that sometimes I didn't realize that my feet were the problem, not the heating.

[@drhandle4498]

'Perfecto luncho' - sounds like a spell that I would like to learn to cast anytime, any place.

[@sianwarwick633]

😅😅🎉

[@nigelturpin3533]

Buy a mini rice cooker! I love mine..quick..simple..easy clean...and finally decent brown rice as well as white...definitely van worthy...

[@lecochonbleu]

You ought to get hold of a "5 season sleeping bag". That will keep the cold away as you sleep, and you can also sit in the sleeping bag as you have your coffee and toast in the morning, before getting into the front and turning the vehicle heating on.

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers, I have a suitable sleeping bag but prefer sleeping under the duvet

[@lecochonbleu]

@@Vandemonium Aha. I posted my comment response to the vid title, and before I saw you have a good duvet. These can be as good. However I keep a five season bag with at home (!!) whether for waking, sleeping or both, which is my security in case the power goes off! Even if there is still oil central heating @ home, the system to turn it on relies on the electricity working! So it could be one to keep handy for the minus fives to come if your diesel heater would ever pack in. Watching van life people it seems those little heaters tend to be very reliable, but I'd be failing in my comment purpose if I gave you a false sense of security now! 😂 Of course there's little room in a van to store a large sleeping bag just for emergency. Still there are some small ones. I think Snugpak is a maker - around 23cm x 23. I hope the big freeze living in my head never happens to you. (Though preparation helps any stress living in some part of the head.)

[@dmcarpenter2470]

David, nice Friday video. Thank you

[@a1d3nh0]

many a cosy night I've had in my camper with the gentle ticking of the diesel heater pump :-)

[@stephenmccarthy6892]

Rice is easy with the absorption technique. Twice as much water as rice by volume and heat slowly until all the water absorbed. Lovely fluffy rice, works every time no washing or rinsing. Use basmati though.

[@michaelbrennan-qr6ed]

Hi love your video's (van and narrowboat). May I suggest cutting the cornbeef into cubes and heating in the beans .

[@johnnyrvf]

I was a HGV driver who spent nights out in the wagon. Over the years I got used to the hum of the heater unit and now sleep with a ventilator fan at home! It's very soporific.

[@CherylSteele-rt8dj]

David, I'm of no practical use to you, DIY wise, but I love your films and watch you at breakfast, lunch, and dinner because you bring normality and balance into this mad world. Bless you. Enjoy life and keep bringing joy to us out here please. 🎉

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you :-)

[@carolleenkelmann3829]

Oh it's so good to be on the road again.

[@TheBlueOwl21]

A very enjoyable and entertaining video David. 👍

[@layalabi1667]

That was really freezing cold!! Glad that all works well...but nothing like fluffy socks for cold feet!!!😊😊

[@jonralph1]

your right, not great to keep a full charge on the battery. You might want to try leaving something low draw on, like an interior light, or a light sensitive night light. the light will draw the battery down, especially overnight and the solar will recharge during the day. It should keep the battery constantly cycling

[@sianwarwick633]

Is that functioning like a trickle charger ?

[@Dr.Pepper001]

10:15 In the States we call that a pond. Not quite large enough to be a lake. You picked a great spot to camp. The cold, however, I could do without.

[@OhioticketswithRobert]

I was surprised to see others there camping in the cold weather. Good economic heater you have.

[@darth_yoda]

I could imagen that that place would be quite lovely on a warm summer day just sitting listening to the birds by the lakes :)

[@honorharrington4546]

Yes, trim like that does shrink over time. Installing it as long as possible and using black #M trim adhesive helps. Yes, the lithium batteries are affected by cold. Dumping some heat from your heater would help in very cold weather. Love your overdone 'restrained' British humor. :)

[@iainlyall6475]

wow! @7:03 i thought my tea was dark :-) @8:29 that's not a lake, more like a pond. living beside lake huron, we would call that a puddle :-))

[@geoffcampbell7846]

Miniature van, Miniature lake. All good in a Miniature world. 😉👋

[@davidh4514]

That's not dark!

[@nadogrl]

😂😂😂 Also, a friend used to joke that I would just “wave a tea bag” over my mug…I like it very weak, and nothing added.❤

[@geoffingram2742]

Expansion and contraction in materials which occur due to atmospheric conditions.

[@KennaGreen]

Another American here. This my first time watching one of your van shows. Am impressed with your set-up.

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you!

[@nilo70]

Thank you David for making this episode ! I greatly enjoyed it and learned a few things along the way too ! Cheers From California 😊

[@randomcitizenname]

Yes, a vandemonium video. Been looking forward to one in quite some time.

[@NoelBarlau]

I find myself continually wondering what our ginormous 48,000 lb. American Class A diesel pusher would look like in one of those campgrounds. It's embarrassing to even contemplate, if I'm being honest. How uncouth! Another excellent video, David. Something to be savored. Thank you.

[@Vandemonium]

Probably wouldn't make it around the roads!!

[@ClogDancingFiddler]

I especially love the cookery segment of your videos, you deserve some sort of award or recognition; I bet your tyres are Michelin too! 😁

[@Vandemonium]

Hahahahahaha love it

[@richardjoyce1]

5:07 No real plans are the best plans! 🙂

[@mphunty]

Great to see it all working. Tip for rice, get a dumpy/soup thermos and boil in the bag/microwave rice. Stick the rice in with some boiling water, stick the top on and leave for 20 mins job done. Now waste of gas or electric and easy to clean up. I have a single burner so this allows be to cook what i am having with it whilst the magic is working.

[@1787danrob]

Excellent video, I must improve my van. I've been living in my minivan since 2015 in Canada BC and Alberta, I've not converted anything just stow n go the seats, foam mattress, 0-3 sleeping bags depending on the season, No heater, no fridge. I set up a kind of internal tent for privacy. Just the right amount of clothing. Coldest temp was -35C, but in BC no less than -10C on the coast, extreme heat is worse than cold. I will do a proper conversion one day and always looking for tips, Thanks

[@bluebellwood4287]

Lovely jubbly John is back. I remember when you got your green cushions :) I still enjoy watching you make your gourmet meals. Happy trails to you . Blessings to you and your loved ones.

[@ReachGaming]

I still don't know why I love your videos. Keep it up! I watch almost everything you upload.

[@Vandemonium]

Glad you like them!

[@brendalloyd1903]

You looked so cosy David. Well done with dinner. Love corned beef and beans, protein AND fibre, nothing better. Must get the complicated recipe to me asap! Keep exploring the explorable??

[@blue2smoke]

I immensely enjoyed this episode, particularly the cuisine was a delight. In contrast to so many other videos this was very relaxing after a days graft. Top marks 👌

[@SirDasalot]

you need to cover your solar panels when not using the van for long periods if the battery is at 100%. if you get a little immersion water heater you can run the panels thru that when the battery hits 80% thus not over charging them.

[@AnthonyLee-u1z]

From your favorite colonist in Maryland . I've been camping since 1972 and I was age 12. In tents,truck's campers' shell and on my boat. Take everything I suggest as only to help you. 1. Always have a full can of diesel for your heater. 2. Carry a small electric heater since camp grounds has electricity or use you battery. 3. The stripping came off due to cold and shrinkage. 4. Use a sleeping bag under you . For more comfort and heat. OH how mid evil no crisps and napkins with your lunch . Enjoy your outings . I would enjoy spending time boating and camping with you . We could share tips.

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers !

[@ThomasK4SWL]

What I love about you, David, is that the thumbnail image for this video is about as dramatic as I've ever seen on either of your channels. 😄Brilliant video as always and, by the way, I do think you ought to graduate to a nice van-made Croque Monsieur at some point. You know...take your cheese sandwich to the logical next level.

[@ben31tube]

No explosions! That's a good start!

[@OregonOrcadian]

Jolly good shakedown cruise, David. Thanks for sharing!

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

I use rechargeable usb hand warmers. Chuck them in the bed . Nice warm bottom. Sheet that is. Vid soon. Old George

[@nadirsadiq6345]

For the issue of the heat outlet being under the bed, you could use a duct pipe and channel the air away so you don't have to close part of the bed just to swith it on.

[@MrAtheHun]

Thanks!

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you so much! ☺️

[@LisaMarli]

Those were ponds, but they were pretty. I second down booties, they really help cold feet. Pre-cooked rice is your friend. Because I cook for 1, I rarely cook rice from scratch any more. And yeah for the heater working as planned. Warm is good. Now you can camp any time you want.

[@0xFEEDC0DE]

I would keep the heater on overnight, just at a lower temperature. The required load of energy to go from slightly uncomfortable to comfortable will be easier in the morning. The idea is to maintain a thermal load in the vehicle you top up.

[@campervibe]

😂😂 now that’s my kind of cooking! Gourmet that David, excellent job 👍 (Lou)

[@Vandemonium]

Hahaha yes indeed 🤣🤣