Will This Be Our New Tiny (2nd) Home On Wheels? | Winter Narrowboat Life | Future Van Life?! EP84

Searching for our new van to make into our second home! Just wait till you see the vans we looked at! 😃 Winter narrowboat life settling into our new mooring!
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👋 If you are new here, hello! We're Ben and Emily! We live on our 56 foot narrow boat as full time continuous cruisers with our cat Alan 🌟
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[@danhollifield]

If I may offer a suggestion, go ahead and get the biggest van you're comfortable with rather than a smaller one you have to trade back in later. Even if you have to start with a smaller camping kit-out inside a larger van to take a trip before you've done the complete home fit-out, I suspect that in the long run, it'll be less stress on you to get your license for the big one and turn it into what you need over time. --Dan

[@Wobbz9413]

After some years as a caravan traveler, my only advise would be to ignore all these "experts" and do exactly what YOU want. So excited for you. Have fun!

[@sailingheretic]

I never tire of hearing Benny’s banjo & harmonica “traveling music”. 😀🎶😀 Ben, Emily, George & May, four of my favorite UK peeps. Thanks for the lovely video!

[@normthompson9588]

You are very supportive of each other

[@bindatek8801]

THINK - weight! The armoured vans are a no no, heavy, fuel drinkers! Fitting out too, if you do not FIT a bed, and basically sleep on a mattress on the floor, fold it up against the wall, and look at all that space inside. That is exactly what I do, I carry a small motorbike in mine, in the bed space, then sleep in that same space with the bike outside!! Don't fit a woodburner use a diesel heater (for weight economy). Light weight flexible solar panels and cook on induction plate, but carry a gas camping ring for cloudy days, Some food for thought!! John PS Never carry junk, if it is not used much, it is junk!!!

[@bobtk2352]

Good to hear of your plans. One suggestion: focus your travels on small towns, villages and rural areas. The bigger cities have been vloged to death.

[@orchidhouse297]

You need to call your first CD 'Rambler'. Sounds like you have dampened the natural echo bounce that happens in a small space. Nice to see Allan swinging the camera.

[@123gazs]

Well Emily is looking so Lovley and relaxed and Rambler is looking packed wee narrowboat now.

[@facelikedog]

You've done a fantastic job on Rambler so far Ben. You're a craftsman.

[@BenandEmily]

Thank you so much!

[@coolhand6669]

hey Ben hey Emily yeah when you're looking for a van really look good you want to make sure that what you get has been serviced regularly but you'll find something sooner or later that you really like get something that's been built heavy duty . And that parts are really available easily like you can go online type in the van and see what type of prices the replacement parts are for the van my belts fuel pumps fuel filters you know this the basic stuff it might help and it'll be nice to find something that has a very big alternator like 150 amp to 200 amp alternator that will really help you keep all your batteries charged

[@susannahwhitaker994]

Emily you look so much more relaxed ,nice to see. You are both so excited ,don’t rush into things,take your time and let the spring commence 🤗

[@uco527]

OMG ''Alan Cam!'' When does he start his new channel, please, please send me the link!

[@davidbell4755]

Sooo takes me back to living in a Vario... that friendly engine sound. I thought the Alan statue on the plinth at the beginning was pretty lifelike. Love, Yo'papa

[@posttime29]

Was on a fb group and someone asked about dogs and cats on a narrow boat. One of the replies was, "we have 2 dogs with no problem and Alan seems to do quite well." I currently live in Florida and am considering moving back to the UK and living on a narrow boat. Thanks guys and good luck on your van search.

[@MaggieTremayne]

Fun to see Emily so excited😄

[@NogginsVintage]

Rambler looking great x

[@TheAustinfuller]

That broadcast van looks ace.

[@Red-Robin4]

I ADORE ALAN SHE IS SO BEAUTIFUL AND ADORABLE!😻🥰🥰😻

[@martylawrance]

Loved the Green Goddess, took my HGV test in one of those back in 1977. Crash gear box, no power steering or assisted brakes. Quite a challenge 😀

[@Katrina3121hikes]

9:41 im laughing out loud! Ben playing cards with Alan, so cute!!! Also when saying goodbye to the yellow van, I was sad to see Emily pat it goodbye… but then a proper hug, I felt better 😅

[@lindamarie6574]

Beautiful cat!

[@scottgordon1781]

All good fun and news . Regardless of the size of van you choose, get a really good idea of what you are buying ! Do you get any sort of warranty ? Ben is quite practical , can check oil and levels , any log book available ? What is the mileage ? Maybe find a mechanic you can trust, put it up on a lift and check out underneath and any oil levels . Lift wheels and check bearings . And front steering rack . Also a factor is MPG , would avoid an automatic ! Ben is still busy with Rambler , Em needs a license no need to rush, look around .

[@dianekenyon586]

Can't wait for you to get your van

[@northstarcreative]

You’ve picked a lovely spot to settle for a bit

[@PaulAnn-y2b]

Exciting times. Only mistake that we made was buying a right hand drive. In hindsight a left hand drive would have made more sense as most long terms like us spend more time on the road in Europe. UK is a pretty small place and can be easily toured in LHD. Have fun.

[@narrowboatersatlarge]

Bigger is not always better. Taxes, insurance and, expecially, fuel have to weighed up. Decide what you want/need and what you can't do without. Weight width and height will all dictate where you can go. In Europe lots of supermarkets have sun canopies with 2 to 2.5m clearance. It makes for fun trying to get in to do the shopping, for example.

[@dorothygillstrap7549]

I was thinking the same thing. Bigger might be a little limiting when trying to park. But I don’t know their plans so maybe it’s not an issue.

[@ethelmini]

This... Especially if you're thinking of going abroad. You could be putting yourselves in a different category for ferry fares, regulations, insurance... If you're going travelling, it's a vehicle first & foremost. If it was up to me (and of course it's not 😄) I'd be looking at big Minibuses. You'll get the standing height, in a fuel efficient shape. They can be lower mileage and well maintained, if they've been run by schools etc. It won't look out of place in rural/touristy areas for the same reason. It may also mean the interiors have been abused a bit, but you won't want much of it anyway. If the seats are serviceable there's a market for them with people converting panel vans in to crew vans. If you don't need a Cat C licence, more people will be able to drive it, such as family, which could be handy if you need to move it when you aren't about.

[@BrassLock]

As a _never-lived-in-a-van-person,_ I have to agree with all your observations. It makes sense to me to observe what hire-firm's fleets of campervans consist of in each country. I observe that Australia and New Zealand hire fleets of touring vans/campers fit your criteria.

[@coreysoutdooradventures1950]

You've done a fantastic job on Rambler so far Ben keep up the grate worck mate

[@laurensmith485]

I could feel Emily’s enthusiasm for those vans😂 & to have May with you two was a bonus as I follow her too,she’s so lovely,I always feel your vids are too short & want more,well I guess I’m going to have to wait another week🤦🏻‍♀️😄

[@narrowboatlongpod4176]

A good location if you're Fairport fans.

[@piawal]

How exciting! As you have the experience of traveling in a van, I bet you know exactly what is important for you in your next home on wheels and I fully understand that part of it is more space. My partner (she is the driver) and me live fulltime on wheels since 5 years now and after 3 years we upgraded from an old VW T3 to a also old Mercedes, an ex-horsetruck, 7,5T and we are so happy to have a few more squaremeters.. The driving experience comes automatically by being on the road, you easily get used to the bigger dimensions. After buying it we did built up only the basics and add to that as we go and while travelling, hardware stores are everywhere, like currently in Portugal. Wish you a good decision that suits you and exciting times till then!

[@lornaelliott6670]

Sad to see you moving away from continuous cruising. Best of luck for the future

[@ronaldhornsey7453]

Hi take the biggest van you can cope with fit it out so you can live in it even if it means you carry on fitting it out as you travel 😊

[@PaulAnn-y2b]

Took delivery of your new CD today - it’s fantastic

[@brianlopez8855]

Ben has his Mancave now...

[@dancarter482]

I have a 614 Vario bus to live in - they are fantastic and huge but they are _lorries_ basically! Everything about them is BIG. If you're running an auto version you are going to have a major culture shock when you start buying diesel for it. Mine felt intimidatingly huge at first when trying to take it to familiar places - but when I was designing the layout it didn't feel big enough ... ...

[@Rachellovescheese]

I love watching vanlife vlogs & conversions. I’m excited for you 🤩 Emily, you looked so bloody cool driving that big van. I was quite taken with the green goddess! 😂 Rambler looks really beautiful Ben. A man of many talents

[@damianbutterworth2434]

I hope Alan is OK. I will love to see when you see her again how she reacts the first time your back. I would miss my cat so much.

[@sianwarwick633]

Cats 🐈 are so territorial aren't they... they often don't get along as easily as dogs do.

[@damianbutterworth2434]

@@sianwarwick633 I`ve got a female rescue cat that is very territorial and 2 males come round to visit her but she argues with them all the time. But yesterday when one was walking away she ran behind it and tapped his bum and ran off like she was playing and her tail wasn`t bushed up like she was angry as normal. I might get some peace now lol.

[@arkadventure2]

If you’re going to Europe, remember the roads in places are quite narrow so you’ll want something that’s not too big. Also there are height restrictions and what about taking a huge van on ferries?

[@Jacqueline-es5yb]

I guess you also have to think about when you come home for a while on the canal, where you would store the van, size matters!!! haha

[@eyebrowz8145]

Greetings from a couple of Cropedy narrowboaters (syndicate boat). Good luck with the van guys but In the meantime get yourselves into Banbury and find “Zushi”….the best Korean/Japanese restaurant we’ve ever eaten at! Dan & Andy.

[@lynnecollins3284]

My thoughts, if you are looking at bigger van then you should get a bigger one. As you will be spending a lot of time in it. Allen playing cards and can was great. Also was that one of Benny's songs?

[@northstarcreative]

Go as big as you can afford fuel to run it. You can always sell if your circumstances change

[@alanjohn6355]

Could be worth drawing out plans for what you actually want in the van, see what size van it actually fits in.

[@bluedeva]

Going for an old service (police/ambulance/forces) van means that at least you know the van will have a good service and maintenance history especially they have to follow much stricter rules to operate

[@julianwatts1399]

Looking at what you did with Rambler, kitting out a van should be fairly easy for you both. Bought your new album Benny!! Love catching up with you guys every Sunday!! Xx

[@michaelamilesmiles2097]

Well you two are certainly enjoying life Emily's face has not stopped smiling I am sure you will both up and running in your van that you choose looking forward to which one you go for you both look so happy stay safe both of you and Allen see you next week 🌹✌️🚐

[@catherine999]

All looks amazing, good luck

[@phillipsharpe6459]

I'm lucky as I'm a old fart 68 when I took my test many years ago they included all sorts , 7.5t lorries busses, trailers, I'm also from derbyshire, good luck picking a van 😂👍

[@MatthewShepherd-wm4tz]

Definitely need more Alan-cam.

[@88chrisbrown]

Brilliant choice of van just make sure you know about the problem areas first they rot under the headlights and the windscreen typically but make sure you take a torch and have a proper look good luck guys!!!!

[@Lee-yc1if]

Nice Man Cave

[@salscycleshop3416]

I so enjoyed the Alan video, a whole different perspective. Love your journey and being able to come along for whatever ride you three are on 😊

[@mikeleake9488]

My mum had a twin tub washing machine years ago…momentary nostalgia!

[@_Tiamat_.]

💜💙💚

[@johnwakefield2496]

Great video guys. I'm really excited to see what van you choose as I know the standard of conversion will be great if the 2 boats are anything to go by. Take care both and stay safe and warm...and Alan of course. Enjoying my brews in my Ben and Emily mug btw 😊

[@MuddyHuddy259]

I’m incredibly happy for both of you. Well excuse me all three of you. I think it’s going to be so much fun to watch your new adventures.

[@marielouisebeck8732]

I’m so excited for you both, love watching your progress, you have both come so far. Do what is right for you both ❤

[@racebanning6390]

SUPER RAD PLACE TO SHOP, GLAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO UPGRADE TO A BIGGER SPACE FOR TRAVELS. THANKS FOR SHARING THE CITY , TOWNS, AND EATERIES WITH US, ITS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE FOR MAJORITY OF US TO TRAVEL THESE DAYS WITH REDICULOUS RRESTRICTIONS AND COSTS , TO BE ABLE TO VISIT THE U.K. YOUR CAMERA IS OUR ADVENTURE. BE BLESSED YOU ALL, AND ALAN... THE CAT OF FEW WORDS. 😋😁😁🙏🙏🙏👍👍🐱🐱

[@brockshields9336]

Enjoyed your comment but...... MUST YOU TALK SO LOUDLY ? ! ? ROTFLMBO ! ! !

[@plasmaDave]

I am sure you know about them but those van planner services online look very helpful designing the interior

[@53221carvel]

I would look at the one that is partially converted

[@vibrationsofhealinglove]

Perhaps sell the boats; get what you can for both and look at a truck conversion or perhaps an r.v from ccrv

[@pbjabq]

Alan always wins!!! LOL Good for you all to be settling in. Can't wait for the new adventures and mooring times.

[@bumblingaroundinbumble3489]

I don’t dare tell my husband about the base van yard, we converted an ambulance and love it, he would do another project in a heartbeat 😂

[@Ausguy1975]

My dog luvs watching Alan and Alan cam is awesome . We luv watching you guys here in Perth Australia.

[@tilerman]

That old Merc will be hard to live with i reckon, slow heavy and cumbersome. That company has a mint LWB Ducato, half the price, half the mileage, more modern and with a bit of poke. I driven Ducato's both for work and pleasure for years and they are great vans for the money and i've found them very very reliable. ' the exPAWers' have recently got a Ducato and are fitting it out at the moment, worth checking out their channel.

[@sianwarwick633]

What's that upside down tetracotta orange 🍊 hat beside the tree by the boat ? I see that you transferred the outside van yolky colour to the inside of Benny's work space. That's cool. I would record a bit on the road, Ben, if possible. But that might not be what you want to be spending time on. At 11:09, we have that print here too, in Chinese restaurants. She's beautiful. My travel suggestion: North Africa, western area, not Algeria. thanks for the 'rejection'. Interesting vests. I like the horse's overcoat, and the new to you overcoat, and greeting to the pheasant

[@wheelhouseadventures8176]

Good luck

[@AlbertPartridge-t2z]

Ben my lad i would not show so much of what you have on rambler, there are some who think they have more right to it than you, just a word to the wise you might have alarms or other such things but the way things are these days be bloody careful please.

[@elelegidosf9707]

I'd go for a LWB 3.5t Luton van. More space than the Mercedes Vario, plus straight, square walls - so easier/faster to convert - and you wouldn't need an extra licence

[@morgidvmw0mdv]

The Green Goddess brought back some lovely memories for me, when I was 21 (I'm now 76) I joined the part time fire service here where I live and the station had a green goddess stationed there, it was part of the AFS Auxiliary Fire Service, Eventually they were disbanded and sold off. Aaaa fond memories.

[@dr.chrismort8448]

Ah, found you on Spotify. Hope you get royalties👍

[@Jemma.and.Ganymede]

Ooh Basevan! I need to check them out…

[@maidbloke]

You two and May, 3 of my fave KZbinrs 😍

[@shirleygreaves9650]

I think I know that van place, near where I live in Ashbourne. Rambler is looking fantastic, you’re doing a great job! Sorry to see little yellow van go-but at least you can still see it! I think I’d go for a fairly big van, otherwise you’ll be wanting to buy a bigger one in a year or two. Stay safe and warm, lots of love. xxxxx

[@stevecapper9321]

wow guys thats a fair sized van for you two would be nice once you fix it up the way you want it think the security van and the amoured type van are ones to steer clear of as they will very heavy wich means next to nothing MPG wise that broadcasting van looks just right for you wish you all the best hope you find the one you want . Steve & Sandra on Lady Bella 65FT narrowboat.

[@jeecreative]

Benny; been listening to your music on Spotify. Genuinely, it's excellent, really enjoyed it.

[@martynnicolle3937]

Get the 609 brilliant trucks

[@eon498]

Another positive for you both ,,let your dreams run wild,,well done .🎉

[@shogun666able]

Guess your heads are popping with all that's going on. But one thing to consider is big vans need lot to drink which today will cost to do very few miles and the joy of travelling will become visiting many garages chore to fill up once again. But looking forward to seeing your next adventure.

[@themermaidtree1144]

So many fun and fantastical choices! Your boat remodel is wonderful, not the same boat at all! If I may contribute to the long list of helpful advice from a wonderer myself: 1) vans or RVs with bathrooms have better resell value and, trust me, you will appreciate the convenience and luxury right off 2) with the current world inflation, lumber feet is very very expensive right now. You may come out much cheaper in the long run with an already converted C class RV than a DIY. You can travel much sooner in comfort and put your custom touch on it as you like during your travels. That said, such exciting times ahead for you, can’t wait to see your adventures! Most importantly, you having the ability to upgrade and buy better boats and vehicles is a huge testament to your hard work on the Etsy shop and KZbin paying off! Excellent job, you two!

[@vanessadaniels400]

You are both so fabulous and a breath of fresh air xx can’t wait to see where your travels take us all xx

[@alanjohn6355]

Love the Alan cam, has to be said she looked like she enjoyed being a semi stalker going through the undergrowth. Not sure how far it us from you, but there is a company called "van station" near Birmingham, also on here if I remember correctly, could be worth looking at as well, just a thought. Be good to see what you do with a van build.

[@kevinmartin3859]

There was some very nice vans there as an ex van driver I used to drive a mb sprinter lovely van to drive and good seating position plenty of umph if it was required that ex broadcast van is ripe for conversion but just remember the heavier the van possibly more juice used but good luck in your choice 😊😊😊

[@jpaulrice]

Those vehicles are something I've never seen anything like that. And if you get one, it looks like he would be ready for the apocalypse.

[@karenjaques3937]

Dear Ben, Emily and Alan, you are growing into the magical realm. ❤ it. It's an exciting time for you guys. Wonderful vlog. You make a great trio. Lots of ❤ from Arizona 🇺🇸.

[@nigelkunning115]

That Vario van seems really expensive! Look at LWB Iveco Daily or the Luton version if you want bigger and square.

[@katienorthenmore1892]

Hello. I am new to your channel& just subscribed. I was fascinated to see your trip to the van place. !! Wow. 20 years ago .we did a very similar thing and bought a 608d Mercedes Welsh bus. Did take out all the seat almost and converted it. We had 2 young children then and not many people were doing that back then. We went to Europe and lived in her right up until the winter. ( no wood burner). Then went back to a house. It aS a great time. Difficult. & challenging. But lived every day for it. Would do it again! Loved the vans. Ours was called Dilly.

[@ozhelendee]

can't wait to do more travelling with you. The one thing that has puzzled me with vans are those ones that are fitted out with so much heavy timber & heavy heaters. I realise they can look & feel more homely however so much weight means using more fuel. Anyway I am sure you will choose wisely & Benny has done a great job with Rambler.

[@dancarter482]

The weight doesn't effect fuel consumption that much - big water tanks and other junk like awnings and roof racks create major drag. I stripped _TONS_ out of mine before the first re-fit and actually ended up needing to add weight to make it handle and not spin on wet grass!

[@bryanhanson9523]

If you are going to sit on a campsite by a beach for two weeks with children and dogs and daily fees, then the size of the van is immaterial. With my small van I could go under barriers, park anywhere and wild camp down country lanes. I had a Honda generator, and a PORTABLE Alpicool fridge/ freezer which doubled up as an extra fridge as I seldom had the need to keep frozen food. Ideal for shopping and picnics. This was a brilliant piece of kit, look them up. My main issues were bathing and a toilet. And somewhere in the van to relax in comfort without setting out the bed

[@michaeltrotman6960]

It makes sense to get the bigger van instead of doing it twice I'm with an automatic it will be much better to drive won't be so tiring on distances

[@anniejones1839]

Loved Alan joining in with the card game. What a great day you both had. I wish you all the best with future van adventures.

[@chrisgerrard5854]

Go for the Merc van amazing reliable not bad on diesel as well 😊

[@BasJon]

I have only started watching your channel this last week, I am really enjoying it, makes me wish I would of done something similar in my life but hey ho its too late for me now and oh as the saying goes for the right choice of van, dont run before you can walk, my honest opinion is dont go too big, you could get something now in which you guys could use this year and maybe in a few years you can upgrade, whatever your choice is I wish you lots of luck and fun 🙂

[@Mossywoodland]

P.S. Rambler looks as Emily describes.. warm and cosy.. Most small boats I’ve seen look awkward to inhabit but yours looks very habitable. Seems that Alan approves of your new tunes! The secret ingredient?😉

[@A-Nobody]

Good luck van searching. All great fun! If you're planning on touring Europe a lot, be careful with vehicle size in length, height and weight. All come with a lot of extra costs through Frances toll roads etc. Lower max speed issues too.

[@shieldmaidenlovesoli9387]

Alan does parkour 😂❤❤ I've watched you for a long time now.. You are both absolutely beautiful people ❤❤

[@judymurphy3842]

Hi Guys. Just love your videos. Thank you for taking us on your new journey. Look forward to each week. Love from New Zealand.

[@serenadm6619]

Have you thought of a horse box, they make fabulous homes :)

[@Mossywoodland]

Mercedes vans! Phwoar!!! 😍 And the apocalypse vans were very sexy too. Very excited for you and at least you’ll know your old van is still in the family. Hope Alan works it out with her new neighbour 🍀🤞🏻🥰

[@50mileninja]

Bennys music adds a lot to every episode. Great episode guys, the simpler, creative life you represent is very inspiring to us. 😊