Lithium Leisure Battery + DIY UPGRADES + Sink & Hob DELETE - VW T6 Camper Van

I have made quite a few changes to the van in the last few weeks, some I have recorded and some I havent but I have tried to explain most of the stuff I havent recorded too...
These changes are only possible because of you guys, so thank you! The Thank You button and ad revenue have paid for these little upgrades and any money we make from our KZbin channel goes straight back in to making more content that you guys can hopefully benifit from.
Stay awesome and see you on the next adventure
Links
Screen
www.amazon.co....
Tiles used
www.amazon.co....

[@ewanstevenson]

And there was me thinking that double-sided sticky tape was strictly for speed! I've been labouring under that misapprehension for years. Damn you, Blue Peter!

[@steve_and_lolas_hikes]

The Noco is one of the best things I've ever bought. Saved me a few months ago when my alternator died.

[@greigallan1973]

Wow Colin what a transformation. Looks incredible mate.

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Thanks buddy

[@0777cnut]

Some great upgrades there , love the tiles , great content 👍

[@antonyhodgson6105]

Love the changes and upgrades - you have certainly been busy!!! Out takes hilarious 😂😂😂

[@christinamacintyre9972]

Love the new front of the seat - looks class

[@ootnabootwius]

That screen was genius, loved it and what a difference the oak top makes.great job 👍🏻

[@bozwellboyce8364]

Well done Colin - great additions. Interesting you've removed gas and sink. The van looks great

[@averilsykes9467]

Agree about the NOCO GB70 - a real game changer. ❤

[@vanlifegoodies]

Some fantastic ideas there - I can’t believe the solar fully charges the eco flow with the fridge running - I need that !!

[@m1les7]

Fair you’re the daddy at DIY!! Ace vid as usual ❤️🏁🏁

[@richardgriffiths230]

another great video, removal of gas stove and sink is a significant change. Gives you loads of space.

[@timbird5494]

Wow nice work Colin loving the oak work top well done mate 👏👏👍

[@polory1000]

Love those new additions to the van , looking fresh now , a vans never really finished always jobs to do

[@davidaspden3553]

Love the screen idea.

[@Ragorar]

Love the upgrades! Amazing how slowly but steadily you went from a “basic” camper to a really high end one! Legend says one day we can stop spending in our vans but I’m not sure that’s true 😂

[@paulrobinson8263]

Looks ace mate, you are right about the sink we have never used ours in the last 4 years, just back from an ace animal sanctuary campsite near York, you can even take a sheep for a walk through the local village how bizarre is that 😂👍

[@thehappycampers2470]

Worktop looks lovely!! Nice upgrades all round 👍🏻

[@craftertewaka289]

Enjoyed the back to Colins DIY, the Oak top was a great find, you've got me thinking. Love the Renogy, I put their shunt and monitor in the Caddy. Like minded thinking with the Delta.

[@mrzappy123]

Good work...a campervan is never finished. We decided to go gas-less and removed hob/sink and replaced with sink only (use it for storing fruit :-) ). That allowed me to make the top fixed panel in EVOMOTION units above the fridge/drawer into a pull down front cupboard, perfect for storing the induction hob. Next job...

[@dolceitalia5846]

Looks amazing! I love that you have such different ideas than the majority, that I love watching your DIY videos as there is always something that I want to copy :)

[@CamperVanya]

Wicked upgrades! Thinking of switching to lithium myself as I may have made a similar error with my leisure battery which isn’t holding charge well anymore #oops. Happy Easter & happy travels 👍🏻

[@adrianofficer5754]

Excellent stuff, it never ends, always something to do. Well done you. Nice 👍

[@davidbloomfield4135]

Nice work mate, really looks smart bud

[@waynesims1341]

Looking good mate😮 just fitted some DRL to my t6.1 and wheel arch trims over easter weekend upgrades never seem to stop😂

[@daveknibbs4046]

Clever man! Great modifications and such a neat job You could do this as a second job, Colin’s ‘nice’ installs 😬 Great content as always 👍

[@janetowen3042]

Brilliant DIY Colin. 👌🤙

[@MrMrs_H_on_tour]

Looking good mate, loved the mods and outtakes😂

[@vandox21]

Looking good Colin, so is the van 😂 nice one , great out takes 👊🏻

[@tpg500]

Nice job on the mods! At the end you mentioned you were oiling the new worktop but remember that you also need to oil the underside of it too! Otherwise the changes in humidity will cause it to cup/warp over time 👍

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Ah that's great advice thanks buddy.....

[@jessicatruman8105]

Love all the upgrades

[@michaelburns9199]

You have skills Colin awesome

[@johnsnowden3580]

Your videos are amazing and I can't wait for the next one

[@TheKnightsShield]

That's all looking really good. One thing I noticed though, when plugging in the Ecoflow, it looks like you'll have to keep the door open a little bit or risk crimping the charging cable. A small hole in the cupboard door, on the top right side corner, would solve that issue. Happy camping!!

[@samueltheman3353]

Ah nice one Colin. Cheers mate. Myself and the Mrs were talking to you at this year's dubbed out on the Cheshire show ground. I wanted to ask you if I could see it but I didn't want to miver you as I was conscious you were working. 😊

[@colindunscombe9882]

Hi Colin, I also deleted my sink and stove top. Like you, I never used either. V interested in the Renogy monitor. That’s something I might do soon. Great video, thanks

[@alanbenham4139]

Top job Colin

[@elainewhitmore787]

Looks great Colin 😀

[@jilly755]

Hi Colin great upgrades I think awesome applies in your case your better than you know and gives us all encouragement to do more....... removing your sink and hob we are assuming you are now reliant to your Lithium for cooking ? really enjoyed your Lake District vids....keep 'em coming please. Happy Days Jill

[@colinlee5429]

Bloody good effort! Looks great

[@bettyourcampervan]

Another brilliant video 🚐🚐

[@chriscarey1879]

Great upgrades, work surface is stonking...How many would you say, on average, dont bother with gas hob and sink Colin? More, less?? Probably like the tailgat/barn door and LWB/SWB debates i suppose. Take care fella.

[@classic1989mini]

Nice work, the screen is fab

[@alanjackson4646]

Great work. Regards AJ

[@stevefinney6572]

Awesome work Colin! You done a good job there!....... can you do mine next? 😁👏👏👏 👍🤙

[@derbyjohn972]

Some cracking one Colin. I've been faffing with my 12v splitter keeps clicking ☹️☹️☹️

[@shanaburchett3639]

Love the new work top!!

[@jamesmccall7538]

Aup. Great vid. So I take it your all electric now and use the small induction hob and electric kettle.. no gas… like the idea

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Hey James, yes and no 🤣, we have portable gas burners from our tenting days so we will also use these too (but outside)... It's a good back up too, just in case electric fails for whatever reason

[@briansweetnam707]

I have a noco boost as well it is brilliant and it can start my tractors too

[@TheRuralGardener]

Great work Colin!

[@annrimmington8690]

Looking good, Nice 👏

[@Andrew-Dixon]

Nice worktop 👍🏻

[@markcrossley9158]

Really enjoyed it

[@madmonkeybbq9974]

Nice, I've got 2 of those batteries and its awesome. I got the renogy 60AMP B2B charger as well and its insane. I'd planned to get solar but I don't need to because of the batteries and the charger. I also got an invertor so I can run 240V off grid.

[@nigelittlewood1327]

Who's a clever boy then 😅 Apart from not having a NOCO already 😢 rookie error😊

[@TheFreelander000]

Everything looks good, Col, personalising your van is satisfying, in’t it?

[@colinrichmond7080]

See you, bye!

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Ah legend thank you 🎉

[@robertglenn5005]

👍

[@faye3791]

❤ it mate x

[@LeisureBit]

Looks brilliant , what a transformation - practical too with your upgrades. At least you don’t have to worry about damaging your battery now with switching it to Lithium. Happy Easter, all the best, David & Rachel 👍

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

100% now all of my batter anxiety has gone! Happy days! Stay awesome happy Easter to you too

[@ronnyrhodes68]

Fantastic video once again 😊 when you go to masons campsite next week are you going to do a tour of the site we looking at booking the electric grass jumbo plus pitch if you get chance can you have a look thanks 👍👍😀

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Thank you and yes there is a full campsite tour coming up ;)

[@ronnyrhodes68]

Great keep up the good work we love your videos proper Yorkshire 😀😀😀😀

[@micro_adVANtures]

Great job well done! I wonder if it would be possible to hinge the frame on the screen and put another shallow cupboard behind it?

[@trigmonkey_Lancashire]

Hey up fella loving the screen idea and the little shelves built in to the side Can I ask what screen it is and how it works Many thanks x

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Hey matey, it is basically powered by USB C then the Samsung runs a software called DEX and that makes the screen work like a computer. Then I tether the phone to my phone (to get internet) and then can access KZbin, the internet, iPlayer etc etc ;)

[@trigmonkey_Lancashire]

Hi Colin I've had a quick look at usb monitors not sure what to buy do you have a link for yours please 😀

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Hey buddy, this is the one I have... amzn.eu/d/7fwc4ti it's not brilliant but it does the job :)

[@trigmonkey_Lancashire]

Cheers matey 👍 I like the idea of fitting it flush in the side like yours instead of having a TV bracket

[@mccoysmedia]

We’re about to have the electrics all fitted and think I’ll add that screen, like the idea of seeing how much is being drawn etc. You’re not flogging the sink and hob are you?

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Haha sadly not, I have an idea for it :)

[@anthonycharman4380]

Hi Colin, thanks for the great videos. Can you advise on a Lithium battery that can replace a lead acid one that fits below the drivers seat on a T6.1?

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Hey buddy, have a look at the Renogy line up. Most of them are too tall to be upright and under the seat, but, because they are lithium and not led acid, they can be put on their side and fit perfectly

[@andywhite3515]

Hi I’m just interested as to why you have got rid of the sink and hob? We use ours all the time 😊 great Vlog as always and I love the personal touches you are adding..

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

We never used it, maybe once or twice for a vlog but that's it ... We still have it though it we want to put it back in (maybe a rear kitchen install in the future) stay awesome

[@trishbranthwaite715]

Loving your channel we are getting a ford transit converted now. trying to get insurance is really difficult have you or a NY of your other subscribers any tips to help

[@alastairbanton959]

Awesome work Colin! My good lady would love to know what you use to hold your stem wine glasses underneath your top cupboard?

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Hey buddy, the glasses are from a company called Silwy ;)

[@joanne-zo1ol]

Great changes…. I love your ideas. Have you got any tips for the storage under a rock and roll bed? I’m thinking of installing a drawer but getting the runners right is going to be tricky…..

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Hey Joanne, thank you... It was a right pain in the backside getting the runners right in the storage under the bed. If I had to do it again I'd probably just have cupboard space and some storage boxes 😂

[@raychambers3646]

I used a large shallow plastic box to slide under the bed .

[@Gem13]

Agree with you about the sink and hob. Is that a sirocco fan and do you have a video showing how you wired that and connected it up, please? 😊

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Hey Gem, it's just a cheap fan from Amazon clipped on (not wired in) rechargeable (it is pretty good though and the charge lasts ages)

[@Gem13]

@@Yorkshirepoptopadventures fab, thank you

[@nickmalvern6190]

Hi, what did you secure the wooden worktop down with when covering the hob and sink please. We are looking to do the same with ours as we don’t use either

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

@nickmalvern6190 hey buddy, I used metal L brackets. The ones with two screw holes! Just make sure you don't use screws that go right through 🤣🤣! Also, put more L Brackets in than you think you'll need. Nothing worse than a rattly top when driving :)

[@raychambers3646]

Are lithium batteries a safe option ? You hear a lot of stories concerning lith batteries , could be the cheap and cheerful variety though.

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Hey buddy, I think they are pretty safe, as long as you get a reputable brand.

[@raychambers3646]

@@Yorkshirepoptopadventures thank you I think applies to most things.

[@salliethompson1287]

👌👍

[@67fereday]

Looks great. I love the oak can I ask what screen did you use ? I want to do the same in my Van Many thanks

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Awesome thank you, I used a cheap generic external laptop screen I'd had for ages, I think I've put a link in the description to a similar one :)

[@nadinerivers4126]

Great vlog ❤please can you put in the link what battery charger you got as there is so many on Amazon thanks

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Hey buddy I got this one, it's a 15a charger amzn.to/3UmtmcT

[@sbelly1000]

Why don’t you just get a magnetic end for your power screwdriver?

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Haha THAT would be much easier 🤣🤣

[@colinemerson2863]

My leisure battery will run my fridge for 24 hours is it possible colin to add a second leisure battery so that it would last the whole weekend or would it drain one battery first and damage it. Like you upgrades.

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Hey buddy, I think you have to wire them a certain way for them to be used equally... Have a look online as I'm not sure which way is best... :)

[@dazbbgful]

Nice work Colin. Out of curiosity, why did you choose to cut into your unit to fit the renogy panel rather than just use the app..?

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Thanks buddy, I chose the panel 1. Because I'm a bloke and I like a good LCD panel in the van 😂😂 2. Because it's more of a glance thing rather than using the phone all the time... A quick glance and I can see the power levels ;)

[@gillnicholls9665]

Snazzy.xx

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Yesssss ❤

[@marvrogers9540]

Sooooooo... did you correct the tiles? If you don't tell me I'm gonna have to scour every one of your videos from now on to satisfy my ocd! Also do you find that having the delta 2 like that is practical? I'm in two minds as to whether I should fit mine sideways to give access to the 240v sockets at the back. We'll actually the power switch for the 240v sockets if you ever want to use them. I suppose I could use my phone each time. Have you got a cunning solution?

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Haha I haven't rectified it as I didn't have enough spare tiles, sorry 🤣🤣! You'll be seeing the mistake in a fair few videos to come 🤣🤣! As you saw I've added an extension lead to the delta for easier access, there is also another extension lead from the back too, so I'm utilising 2 of the four sockets. If I needed more I could just add more extension leads (single socket ones) so that I'm not fiddling at the back of the unit. Re the inverter thats built in, I just use the app, solar charges the unit so I don't mind leaving the inverter on while I'm camping to save any faff with the app. So sorry, no massively genius ideas yet 🤣🤣! It would be much better if the inverter button was on the front of the unit though...

[@marvrogers9540]

@Yorkshire Pop Top Adventures thanks, I've found an option in the app where you can have the ac powered on all the time whenever the unit is on. I havent tried it yet but that would hopefully mean that i wont have to fiddle with anything at the back and just use the main power on button to start up everything. Hope that helps :-)

[@samueltheman3353]

Hey Colin. What type of tv/tablet did you use mate?

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Hey buddy, its not actually a tablet or tv, it's just a USB C external monitor plugged in to a Samsung phone with DEX - here is the screen amzn.eu/d/7DOQKJ4

[@Meza201]

If you've got a lithium leisure battery in the van, what is the ecoflow used for?

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Hey buddy, great question. Sadly 100ah, if I was running 230v appliances, wouldn't last very long soI use the Ecoflow to run 230v appliances in the van (I'd need an inverter otherwise) plus its nice to know that the 100ah leisure battery is pretty much solely for the fridge/lights and running the diesel heater. I also charge a lot of camera gear in the van and the ecoflow it good extra power on the go.

[@Jasonion74]

👍Do you leave the solar panel permanently plugged in to the eco flow ?

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Yes buddy, it has built in MPPT so it knows not to overcharge etc etc.. I have a switch in line to turn it off when it's fully charged though and for safety (like a back up of a back up)

[@njt937]

That board you used to screw the screen in was that in when you bought it or did you make it

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Hey buddy, I'm not 100% sure what bit you mean. I'll try answer but if I have the wrong end of the stick, please let me know. The board on the wall (that I attached the screen to) I built from scratch. There is a video on the channel somewhere that shows me building it ;)

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

This one buddy kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaWpgYR_qNp2gpI

[@njt937]

@@Yorkshirepoptopadventures I’ll have to try find that video nice Addition that is instead of the normal black installation. Also that new Leisure battery how much did that set you back

[@njt937]

@@Yorkshirepoptopadventures thank you pal hopefully catch you in wales soon have a pint or two 😂🍻

[@michaelcorcoran2781]

Wot battery did u buy

[@TheBenwickrambler]

I tried to connect my Honor Magic 5 Lite (Android 12) phone to the same monitor that you used but with no success. Which phone/OS did you use please.

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Hey buddy, it's a Samsung phone thing only... It's called Samsung Dex that runs from a screen :)

[@TheBenwickrambler]

@@Yorkshirepoptopadventures guessed that was the case from post-purchase research. Amazon have already refunded me, so no loss. Thanks

[@kevinkelleher7868]

Hi Colin . Just a quick question , did you have to change the type of alternator charging with that battery? What system do you use. Thanks

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Hey buddy, as far as I'm aware (and from what my mechanic friend says) no, it's the split charger and battery charger that needs to be lithium compatible. All seems to work OK so far!

[@kevinkelleher7868]

Thanks Colin . So is it a simple split charger you have or a dc to dc charger that some people say you need.

[@kevinkelleher7868]

How would I know if my t6 alternator is compatible with lifepo4 battery

[@kevinkelleher7868]

Nyce😊

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Hey @@kevinkelleher7868 Mine is a CTEK250se which is compatible with Lithium, the simple split chargers will damage your battery bud... - Speak with the chaps at Rayne Automotive, they will help you out loads... :)

[@rhysauckland8628]

Hi colin purchased the screen today and it doesn't work on iPhone 11 or Samsung A6. Help 😢

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Hey buddy, your phone has to have Samsung Dex for it to work... I'm not sure which Samsung's have it but my S8, S9, S10 and z3 flip does :) maybe worth getting hold of an old S8 or S9 (cheap as chips now) and it will run :)

[@rhysauckland8628]

@@Yorkshirepoptopadventures thanks for getting back to me much appreciated. Another stupid question how do you put things onto your. Would I need a sim card for it as well. I really like your videos to. I've got some prices to get my kombi converted. Ridiculous prices

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

@@rhysauckland8628 Hey buddy, you would just add files to the device as you would if it was a phone and they should show up in the gallery once you are in the DEX application - Re: the internet, just use your actual phones celular service to connect to the phone you have conneced to the screen via a hotspot (basically sharing the internet connection) or alternatively you could add a sim card but that would mean paying for another contract or PAYG

[@Tommieanddads]

Are you selling the hob and sink

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Not at the moment buddy, I may have a use for it :)

[@jonathanwrighton9913]

Hi Colin do you have a split charger running from your alternator or do you just charge your leisure battery from mains power and solar thanks Jon

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Hey Jon, I do have a split charger, it's the CTEK D250SE so that's compatible with lithium, the other (more simple split chargers) are not sadly. We already had the CTEK so it wasn't another expense to add to the install but if you dont already have one it can get pricy pretty quickly!

[@jonathanwrighton9913]

@@Yorkshirepoptopadventures thanks Colin I’m thinking of changing to lithium when my batteries are at the end of there life

[@ianschofield7350]

Hi Colin , now you have lithium what spilt charge system do you use ? If any

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Hey, I'm still using my CTEK DS250SE as they are ok to use on lithium (according to CTEK) but the cheaper more simple split chargers won't be suitable

[@ianschofield7350]

@@Yorkshirepoptopadventures Cheers Colin 👍🏻keep the videos coming

[@22Jeffers]

What power Solar panel have you got? Got any links?

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Hey buddy, it's just 2 X cheap 100w solar panels from Amazon ;) amzn.to/3zGfrVd

[@22Jeffers]

@@Yorkshirepoptopadventures Thanks mate. 👍🏻

[@MarcusHorwood]

Which echo flow model do you have??

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Hey buddy, its the delta 2

[@MarcusHorwood]

@Yorkshirepoptopadventures Is there anything you have found you can't use on it? Also any chance you could put a small video together on you wire set up with as really don't want to buy soloa as well as have the ones on the roof...

[@hunglikeadonkeybutnotassmelly]

I cant stand it ! you have unused switches on the Renogy head unit. I may break into your van and wire them in to something otherwise I wont sleep.

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

🤣🤣🤣 sorry mate, I'll wire them in asap so you can get some sleep 😴

[@allanb52]

You should go to bed to sleep...or just one other thing..... I listen to music and since mine is an adventure vehicle I don't watch TV. I neither have nor need a second battery, so my living space is maximised. If you have a jump starter you dont need a second battery. Spend your money on diesel and go places.

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

I agree buddy, but I also think that everyone should use their vans as they wish and find their own happy place ;) stay awesome

[@allanb52]

@@Yorkshirepoptopadventures But all these youtube channels are the same. I live in Portugal and go away a lot to different parks and most of the people with TVs in their vans never come out. I wonder why they don't stay home, now all the rest who don't, are out and about socialising. The most interesting are those that have very little in their vans. A TV is such a social killer. I wish someone would talk about this instead of filling these vans up with TVs and microwaves, they are campers, one step up from a tent.

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

As long as you are happy mate, that's all that matters. Our screen is there mainly for the days when it's absolutely bucketing it down with rain and we want to cosy up and watch a film. Or for when I'm stuck in the van by myself in winter, when I'm on a site alone and have nothing else to do... Going away and sitting in my van watching TV isnt at the top of my agenda, I like socialising, hiking and bike riding (as you'll see from my other videos, my channel promotes getting out there, firepits and meeting folk) Have a fantastic week

[@daveknibbs4046]

Clever man! Great modifications and such a neat job You could do this as a second job, Colin’s ‘nice’ installs 😬 Great content as always 👍

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Haha imagine that, I'll call my company "I'll sort your van out but it might end up looking shit" to cover all angles of complaint 🤣🤣🤣