I Need This To Continue Van Life

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While on my first Scotland vanlife trip, I realised a few things about my van and before my next Scotland road trip I'd like to make some changes. In my previous campervan DIY videos, I made curtains and installed a solar panel. In this video I will be making the final improvement to my campervan conversion to make it more comfortable for my vanlife needs.
It's really important for me to be able to work online while travelling by campervan and in this video, I will be installing a portable battery into my van which will provide off-grid power for my future campervan travels.
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🍿 WATCH NEXT:
INSTALLING SOLAR: • I Tried Installing Sol...
NORTHLINK FERRY TO SHETLAND: • Taking The Longest Fer...
SHETLAND ISLANDS: • I Travelled To The UK’...
ORKNEY ISLANDS: • Travelling Scotland’s ...
WHISKY ISLAND: • Visiting The World's W...
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MY FAVOURITE TOOLS & GEAR:
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🔋 Bluetti - My favourite van portable batteries (Use code BLUETTIRA for 5% discount): geni.us/ewxrm1v
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✈️ Safety Wing - My go-to flexible travel insurance: geni.us/yBV4Xey
WHO AM I?
If we haven't met before... Hi, I'm Ruth 👋 and I recently bought a campervan to travel my home country of Scotland after living overseas for 12 years. I’ve hardly seen anything or been anywhere in Scotland and now is the time to change that!
P.S. Some of the links in this description are affiliate links that I get a kickback from.

Опубликовано:

22 июл 2023

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Комментарии : 130

@WarrenKimpel Месяц назад

My popup camper has a 3 way fridge LP gas, 110 V and 12 V that is only to use going from place to place ,LP is not used when traveling ,the only 12 V fridges are more expensive because of the way they are made but is more suitable for some.

@user-ct9pj3wq3e 3 месяца назад

My experiences with my small boat and solar during late autumn in Sweden/Denmark. I had same kind of flexible solar panel of half of the size of yours. So, this was 50-60W solar with simple controller. I had two car batteries: 45 Ah and 65 Ah. The smallest one was for my cabin and another one powered my boat electric motor. Even during rainy days, that panel was able to recharge my cabin battery for few hours of MacBook Air use and to charge my iPhone, including cabin led lighting. When sun come out, I directed that panel directly to sun and was able fully charge my boat electric motor battery within few hours. But all depends the angle that panel is directed to sun. Anyway, I'm sure that this bigger panel will be enough for your electronics daily use even in dark Scottish winters, however, if you wan't more power out of it, you need to adjust the angles.

@ruthaisling 3 месяца назад

Thank you for sharing!

@user-ct9pj3wq3e 3 месяца назад

@@ruthaisling No problem. I got just imterested about your adventures when RU-vid recommended yesteday your story being bited by a dog in France and being in the sea during storm :) So, you got yourself a new subsrcriber. But boating in Scottish waterd and Shetland could be too much even for me :) I think your van is a better solution.

@ewanstevenson 11 месяцев назад

It's great when everything starts to come together the way you want it. Also, love the key fob. Who doesn't smile when they see a puffin? 😀

@pophooray3749 11 месяцев назад

車中泊には『ポタ電』やっぱり必要ですよね！！ルースさんの車が充実して行くのは、見ていて嬉しいです💘

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

とても便利な発明だし、私のバンの屋根の上でソーラー発電できるなんて驚きだ！

@geofre44 7 месяцев назад

I just found your channel. I’m having fun watching your adventures! Love your confidence and happiness!

@ruthaisling 7 месяцев назад

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. ❤

@JohnSmith-uy7sv 10 месяцев назад

Your fortunate to have Simon. Everyone needs a SIMON. 😁

@user-gq3gd4hx4i 11 месяцев назад

憧れのスコットランド。ルースさんの旅とこれからの動画が楽しみです。

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

ありがとう！来週からまたスコットランドの旅行ビデオを紹介するのが楽しみだ。

@mimii3000 11 месяцев назад

So exciting to see the progress with Ernie and to you doing your own campervan! Can't wait to see more of your adventures! The puffin key chain is adorable!

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

Thank you so much, it's been so fun travelling in Ernie now that it's all properly set up!

@ChefEarthenware 9 месяцев назад

You've probably already realised this, but without starting the engine you are just charging the Blueitti from the van battery - which will drain it. Also, in case you haven't noticed this yet, the killer for any battery is heating. Electric kettles, hoovers and hair driers aren't really a problem because they are run for short periods, but if you are out in the van in winter you will find that running even a low power electric heater is a problem. If you are at a camp site you could run one from the A/C hookup, but otherwise you will probably need a different heat source. A lot of people who do van life seem to like diesel air heaters, but I've never tried on myself.

@ruthaisling 9 месяцев назад

I don't use the DC unless I am driving. Haven't had much need for it as I get plenty of solar! Yes heating uses lots of electric, in my previous van builds it was the air conditioner, induction cooker and underfloor heating that used the most!

@markrenfrow9873 11 месяцев назад

Hey Ruth ! Ernie is coming right along, you are tackling the things you need to have what you need for life on the road.

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

Ernie seems all set now!

@lukekao8136 11 месяцев назад

Can't decide what's cutier, the key ring, your accent or just you. :P

@naturalist4488 11 месяцев назад

うわぉー知らない間に登録2万超えてる！すぐ10万になる！頑張れ！フリチンルースさん

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

私も驚いている。応援ありがとうございました。

@marypost2353 11 месяцев назад

Great video! Looks like the van is already for your next trip. Looking forward to it! 👍

@miraiakarui5077 11 месяцев назад

It will be convenient if you attach a switch to switch between the power supply from the solar panel and the cigarette lighter socket.😄

@sugiyoshi1010 10 месяцев назад

What a joy it will be to one day see a video of Ruth's solo camper trip. You will be able to make the most of your experience in Japan.

@ruthaisling 10 месяцев назад

Thank you for watching the video!

@doug2078 11 месяцев назад

Great Choice Ruth !!!

@carltonv1 11 месяцев назад

You are amazing Ruth ❤❤❤

@yubereats1465 5 месяцев назад

Have a safe trip!

@ruthaisling 5 месяцев назад

Thanks!

@johnclankie324 7 месяцев назад

Wow that power station is some piece of kit!! Don’t use your hairdryer more that 5mins HoHo… Your alternator will charge it up when moving but it’s a shame you cant leave the solar panel connected. I would seek technical advice, I think if you fitted a solar controller you cold run both at once. Great video so pleased your water pump is working and you can fill the kettle and brush your teeth😂😂 Cheers Mike👍👍

@ruthaisling 7 месяцев назад

Thanks Mike, I'm really happy with it although the solar isn't generating much power now with these short days in Scotland

@seanmcerlean 11 месяцев назад

Some very useful information here Ruth. Thanks 😊

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

I'm glad it was helpful Sean!

@bardock_gg 11 месяцев назад

Very cool, I got my 175 flexi solar panel installed yesterday, ready for my trip up to Scotland! A white and bluey green VW, I'll be up there from about the 16th of August to the 26th, up the west coast (definately checking out isle of Skye), to the north coast, then Loch Ness and the east coast checking out cities and towns along the way.

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

That's so exciting! My 130 watt panel has been working really well even on the overcast days so you'll be grand with 175 watts! Look out for Ernie on the road!

@lukekao8136 11 месяцев назад

If the solar is not charging the "bluetti" fast enough, get a super long extension cord and plug-in at walmart's outlet / "borrow" their power / bleed them dry. Shrug. lol

@nomuneru 11 месяцев назад

Hello Ruth The key holder is so cute 🐦✨ It turned out to be a very nice van🚒👍 I'm looking forward to your pleasant travel diary🎉

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

I love the key holder too!

@michaelf.h8507 11 месяцев назад

Great video -never knew about a portable battery : I need one too. In passing I noticed that your van is the same as mine a red Hiace! Best van ever made! Good choice

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

I'm glad the video was helpful! I haven't seen any other red Hiace vans on the road yet! It's nice to know there are more out there. It's been running great so far

@robertgrenader858 2 месяца назад

The battery and converter are going to bounce around in that cabinet. Some sturdy brackets and Velcro straps will secure the components from damage.

@nichoth1 9 месяцев назад

Nice, I was so concerned in the previous video when I only saw the panel and no charge controller.

@Kimiotazunete 11 месяцев назад

It's a great video !!

@jamesurquhart4704 22 дня назад

Thanks!

@ruthaisling 22 дня назад

That is very kind of you! Thank you!

@ryudokuroma8184 11 месяцев назад

Portable batteries have become popular for camping, I have one of BLUETTI's batteries and it is cosy and long lasting. The large capacity of it provided means it takes a little longer to charge, but it is reliable, and the combination with the solar panel will surely make Ruth's trip more comfortable.

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

That's great to hear you have had a good experience with your Bluetti. I've been using it for a few weeks so far and it's lasting a long time for me too, the solar keeps it topped up.

@travellingmalin4029 11 месяцев назад

I’ve recently just come across your videos and loving them. I can’t believe how much you paid for the van! Absolute bargain. Can’t wait to follow you on the road.

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

Glad you think that. So far it's been running well too which is great!

@scottwatschke4192 Месяц назад

Very informative.

@ruthaisling Месяц назад

Glad it was helpful!

@tomwinch9107 11 месяцев назад

Great to see how simple things like running water make you so happy! Until you have lived without running water it is difficult to appreciate it Hopefully tracing the 12v feed to the water pump is not too hard - if you can divert it into your solar charger / battery the power will always ready. Hopefully the power feed to the 12v lights in the back of the van is also easy to re-route. Can you get a switch to change between 12v charging and solar charging? I thought the voltage from the solar panel was much higher than 12v (especially when you get to add a second panel), so it seems a little odd that there is not a separate input for solar and 12v All the best with your travels Almost forgot - your key-ring is cute (I have a small collection of key-rings as my daughter used to get me then as presents from school trips!)

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

Having the water up and running has made such a huge difference. Thanks for your advice regarding the wiring, setting up some 12v lights and the wiring for the pump so I don't need to put the key in the ignition will likely be a future DIY project!

@user-th1st5vq2d 11 месяцев назад

パフィンのキーホルダー、とてもカワイイです。木製というのもステキ。❤ アーニーが少しずつ進化してますね。これからの旅が楽しみです。

@ruthaisling 10 месяцев назад

ご声援ありがとうございました！

@keancv Месяц назад

downtown aberdeen was a shocking disapointing

@tonysutton6559 11 месяцев назад

I'm so pleased that you didn't go with your original plan of hooking your solar to the battery without a controller as it was a disaster waiting to happen. The charge times are a bit theoretical as with engine charging and solar input your Bluetti will never get too low unless you spend all morning drying your hair while vacuuming. Why don't you just get a 12v picnic cool box as a stop gap until you are in a position to fit a fridge? You never know, saying that you can't afford a fridge might tug at the heart strings of a manufacturer and they might send you one for free. Water saving tip 1: get a small washing up bowl instead of filling the sink. Water saving tip 2: clean your teeth with a small glass of water instead of using a running tap. Water saving tip 3: fill a cup and pour it into the kettle when making a cuppa. It saves gas as well (although I tend to boil aenough to make about 4 cups and the store it in a vacuum flask). I found these things out on Mull when the only way of topping up our fixed water tank was walking 30m to the tap and back with a couple of 2 litre pop bottles.

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

Thanks for all the water saving tips Tony, they are very helpful. Especially storing hot water in a vacuum flask as I think changing that gas canister over might be an ordeal and I'll probably run out in the middle of nowhere haha!

@tonysutton6559 11 месяцев назад

@@ruthaisling We emptied a gas bottle on Lewis and I was in a panic (even though I had a full spare) but I asked at the campsite and discovered that there were far more places to exchange bottles on the Outer Hebrides than there are in the West Midlands and it was cheaper as well. I don't know what things will be like now that Calor have said that they are discontinuing most of the smaller sized bottles

@kazukuni4571 11 месяцев назад

姫路での経験が役立ってますね。気を付けて車中泊を楽しんで下さい。　from HIMEJI jpn

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

姫路から応援ありがとうございます！

@colinblack7049 11 месяцев назад

Hi Ruth, great video, I'm glad to see you're getting a bit more organised with the van and the Bluetti will make a big difference. If you're not too bothered about a fridge, what about a cool box? They are a lot cheaper, now you have a working pump for your water would you consider a bigger tank with a filler on the outside of the van? I love the wee keyring.

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

Hi Colin, I never thought of a tank outside, that's a very good idea actually, something to consider! Thank you

@colinblack7049 11 месяцев назад

@@ruthaisling Actually Ruth, I meant a larger internal tank, or one underslung on the chassis with a filler on the side of the van just like your diesel tank.

@tomsimpson4518 8 месяцев назад

when are you going to Arran we love the way you show us around places and explain things of interest keep it up

@ruthaisling 8 месяцев назад

I will at some point!

@SalKnt 11 месяцев назад

Ernieの一歩一歩の進化.👍いいですねェ!.

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

アーニーはもう準備ができている！

@ourvanviv8858 11 месяцев назад

Hi, have a look at vevor compressor fridges, perfect for solo traveller and not very expensive.

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

Great to know, I'll have a look, thank you

@wata5951 11 месяцев назад

Portable power supply is convenient♪ I want something with a slightly larger solar panel.

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

A larger solar panel would have been nice, but due to the roof space it was tricky. I've been out using the van for the past few weeks and the solar has actually been doing great. It's always topping up the Bluetti battery and it's never dropped below 80% yet!

@okuyamad7039 11 месяцев назад

Good work Ruthさんas always😊 To be honest, currently I don’t have a plan to purchase those camper-van But it would be very helpful to checking your videos when the time comes to buy 🚗🚎👍🏻

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

Thanks, glad the videos are helpful!

@user-ep7jd4vg8x 11 месяцев назад

田舎町を紹介してくれるの楽しみにしてますね😀

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

来週を楽しみにしていてほしい！

@NoTricksNoHacks 9 месяцев назад

Wait, by charging blue-product from car 12V socket when engine is not running it's just energy flowing from one battery to another and ends with car not starting. Don't understand why not collect solar whilst driving, IMHO charging it from car make sense only on long rainy roads. But Mr. Puffin the Key Keeper is really cute!

@ruthaisling 9 месяцев назад

Yes always plugged into solar unless the DC power is needed. Haven’t actually used the DC charging at all

@Wobblycyril 9 месяцев назад

Hi Ruth = love the Vlogs - I'm hopefully picking up my new camper van in next month or 2 - I'll send you you the YT link x

@ruthaisling 9 месяцев назад

How exciting!

@MicroCampers 7 месяцев назад

You could get an Alpicool compressor fridge. I have the C9 and it ran for 35 hours on from an Ecoflow River 2 Max. Your Bluetti would run it for days.

@ruthaisling 6 месяцев назад

Thank you for the suggestion, I'll look into it!

@DaveWorld 4 месяца назад

Should get 8amp from vehicle which is 100w prob low as at 97% does the bluetti have a app as with my eco flow you can pick 12v charge rate

@ruthaisling 4 месяца назад

Yes it has an app too but haven't been using it much

@martincotter6370 11 месяцев назад

Hi Ruth, great Vlog are you going to do a Vlog about methods for off grid internet connection and which is best? I am retiring next year an hopefully will do some travelling so this subject would be most interesting. Great channel Martin 😀

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

Hi Martin, I have been using mobile tethering so far but I just ordered Starlink, still waiting on it to arrive. So I'll share a video about that once I've used it for a few months!

@martincotter6370 11 месяцев назад

@@ruthaisling Thank you so much Ruth. Will look forward to your excellent evaluation 👍

@DMBall 4 месяца назад

Oho! Now we see what the critical electric need was - a hair straightener. Wonder what Ruth looks like without it.

@ruthaisling 4 месяца назад

I love my curly hair actually, you can see it in some other videos when I'm a bit windswept haha

@jacko9720 11 месяцев назад

Great video, very informative

@wozentme 7 месяцев назад

I think just from the ease of install and safety, this has to be the way to go. Not being a permanent part of the van means it can be used outside the van. From a safety aspect, the Bluetti handles the maintenance of the battery. Having worked in automotive testing i have seen what happens when this type of battery is either overcharged or over heated, its not pretty. Would be curious to see how its performing after 6 or so months. Another great video.

@ruthaisling 7 месяцев назад

Yes in terms of DIY, they are so simple which is great! What do the problems tend to be after 6 months?

@wozentme 7 месяцев назад

@@ruthaisling I wouldn't expect any issues after 6 months, most of the reviews have been positive. Was just curious if you have noticed something unusual.

@user-ok2cb8wu6q 11 месяцев назад

👍

@patrickjobling8676 11 месяцев назад

Gotta tellya mzz ruths .. ya gettin it all organized ..i still have a good laugh at your testing of the hob burner ..😂🤣anywhos lurv the poofin key ring fabbo .. i canny wait furr ya next installment.. pip pips n carryon pilgrim..

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

Thanks Patrick, glad you like the keyring. Luckily the stove has been running fine since that video haha

@patrickjobling8676 11 месяцев назад

@@ruthaisling ...😁pip pips

@Labeilofest 7 месяцев назад

He didn't crimp the MC4 connector properly. They need the porpper crimp tool to ensure zero risk of fire due to a bad crimp/connection.

@philkfoto 11 месяцев назад

Buy a travel hairdryer rated at just 500watts.

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

Good idea, thanks!

@hyotannonejiro4737 11 месяцев назад

キーホルダー素朴でいいですね。アニーさんとの初旅の記念にピッタリポータブル電源は中古をかいましたか？そうであれば節約ですね

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

キーホルダーも大好き！携帯用バッテリーは中古品ではありません。でも、中古の方が安いと思うよ。

@ianhoughton3349 11 месяцев назад

Wow that’s a nice freebie to score, shame you had to lose fridge

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

Hopefully will get a fridge at some point but to be honest I've been surviving ok without one!

@user-nu5xs8cj5t 11 месяцев назад

The solar panel and the battery are supplied wish water, so let's get more subscribers and buy a refrigerator, Scotland seems to be heading to wards winter now, let's buy a hot water bottles, Electric blankets use a lot of electricity, so your trip to Scotland will begin soon. ソーラーパネルとバッテリーに水供給はOK, あとはチャンネル登録者を増やして冷蔵庫を買いましょう、スコットランドは現在冬に向かっているようですね、湯たんぽを買いましょう、電気毛布は電力をたくさん使いますからね、もう少しでスコットランドの旅が始まりますね、期待しています、頑張れルースさん.

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

電気と水道があることは大きな違いだ！

@user-mf1rg3ul8e 11 месяцев назад

ルースさーーーーーん✨お久しぶりですお元気そうで何よりですしょーたさんの動画に居ないので。。。😢 お二人は結婚するものだと思ってたんですけど。。。さっきルースさんの動画に気付いて、登録させてもらいました。これから配信楽しみにしてまーす😊

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

久しぶりだね。僕の新しいチャンネルに登録してくれてありがとう。本当に感謝しています。

@AmericanAdventuresInJapan 11 месяцев назад

The reason you’re only getting 30-40 watts when the engine is running is because your battery is already past the 95% mark so the system will try to trickle charge it. You should be able to get 100 watts from a 12v source. You can also get a dc to dc inverter, 12v to 24v, what that’ll do is fool the Bluetti into thinking it’s plugged into a big solar panel, up to 360w. Those dc to dc inverters are only $20 or so. So it’s something to think about.

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

Thanks for the advice, it's very helpful!

@ShazWag 7 месяцев назад

Probably a stupid question, but can the Bluetti be used as being charged at the same time? Who's Simon? I need him! 🤣

@ruthaisling 7 месяцев назад

There are no stupid questions! Yes, you can recharge and also use the BLUETTI at the same time. Haha Simon is great! 😂

@richardsracingmad 11 месяцев назад

U seem very “ switched on” Ruth, good info here for newbies

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

Glad to hear the video was helpful!

@cmassey1262 9 месяцев назад

Hi how much was the battery thanks

@ruthaisling 9 месяцев назад

The battery is linked in the video description, the price varies if there is a sale or not so you can check the price there

@cmassey1262 9 месяцев назад

@@ruthaisling thanks Christopher

@seiji8059 11 месяцев назад

ルースさん！こんな動画出してたなんて！登録者しました。ショウタくんとの日本一周めっちゃみてました！(^^)

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

翔太と僕を長期にわたって応援してくれてありがとう。本当に感謝しています！

@georgerichardson964 11 месяцев назад

Very impressive work and glad you have got things sorted. BTW marry me 😍

@tridaks 11 месяцев назад

Ruth, you're first videos were interesting but the last couple have just been extended adverts for you to promote company's products. YAWN YAWN :-)

@ruthaisling 11 месяцев назад

Thanks for watching the videos, I'm glad to hear you have been enjoying them! However, sorry you feel that way about the last couple of videos. Italki (in last the last video) has been a huge part of me learning Japanese and I've taken over 300 lessons on the platform so I wanted to share with others what has helped me, and italki offered to sponsor a section of the video. I have also used Bluetti batteries in the past and really like them. I only introduce products or services as a paid promotion if I would genuinely recommend them! There will be be paid integrations in my videos from time to time, as the diesel tank doesn't fill itself... if only!!

@tridaks 11 месяцев назад

@@ruthaisling Hey Ruth, yes of course you gotta do what you gotta do! I usually enjoy your vids and you're certainly in a fabulous part of the country; I just have a thing about being bombarded with ads every time I use the internet, it's nothing personal. Happy travels 🙂