LESSONS after one year FULL-TIME in our 20 year old MOTORHOME (Van Life Europe)

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One year after purchasing our very first Campervan in Europe, we reflect on some POSITIVES and some NEGATIVES of our choice of purchasing a 20 year old Motorhome. We also discuss the most significant improvements and additions we have made to our Campervan over the past year of full time living in our motorhome. This includes some more pricey items which we believe have been well worthwhile and also some cheap(er) and easy upgrades to improve your van life experience.
0:00 Intro
0:46 Positives & Negative Explanation
POSITIVES:
3:44 Purchasing From A Dealer
4:44 Permanent Bed
5:16 Overhead Storage
5:49 Garage
6:11 Bathroom & Shower
6:56 Captain Chair
7:14 Bicycle Rack
7:27 Stabilizer Legs
7:48 Air-conditioning
NEGATIVES:
8:36 Low Emission Rating
8:55 No Cab Air-conditioning
9:11 Small Fridge & Freezer
9:41 Poor Roof Strength & Design
9:56 No Skylight
10:13 Narrow Bed
10:40 Pressurized Water System
11:44 Unknown Batteries (Age & Condition)
'EXPENSIVE' CHANGES:
12:47 Solar Panels & Batteries
-- ECOFLOW RIVER Pro Portable Power Station 720Wh amzn.to/3PrVMP8
-- 60W Portable Solar Panels amzn.to/3B8hKTc
-- 175 W Flexible Solar Panel amzn.to/3zl1nBm
-- 40 Amp 12V/24V DC Input MPPT Solar Charge Controller amzn.to/3zliumq
15:25 Refillable LPG Tank
16:05 Reversing / Rearview Camera amzn.to/3znTFGI
16:35 Wi-Fi Security Camera amzn.to/3xO4mjF
17:14 Safe / Lockbox amzn.to/3zXURkS
17:34 Steering Lock amzn.to/3tVz5ud
17:51 External Door Locks
18:13 Window Alarms amzn.to/3B5wCBC
18:20 Amazon Echo Dot amzn.to/3zmXeg4
18:33 New Mattress
18:58 Upholstery
19:39 Cordless Vacuum amzn.to/3ncQKJO
20:11 Water Filter amzn.to/3OzLv2F
20:24 Outside Shower Kit amzn.to/3aXamzk
21:04 Window Shields / Shades
'CHEAP' CHANGES:
21:38 Mirrors
22:30 PVC Venetian Blinds
22:54 Spray-painting Cabinets doors
23:17 LED Light Conversion
23:41 Tire Pressure Monitoring System amzn.to/3v696AK
24:08 Battery Monitor amzn.to/3QDeKU2
24:24 3-Way (Fridge) Thermometer amzn.to/3ORQlIT
25:10 Smoke Alarm amzn.to/3n7VHnh
25:12 Carbon Monoxide Alarm amzn.to/3A30pKV
25:34 Kitchen Counter Extensions
26:01 Window Protector Strips
26:22 Cooking Extractor Fan
26:36 Fridge Cooling Fan amzn.to/3cuYMM6
26:57 REFLECTIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
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ABOUT US:
Welcome! We’re Andre and Lisa. A married South African couple who have been travelling together for almost 20 years, to more than 40 countries. In 2017 we took stock of our life, made the decision to 'retire early' and gave up our professional careers and all our personal possessions in order to explore the world as full-time nomads. Over the past two years, we have been travelling through Europe with our 20-year-old Motorhome. Please subscribe to follow along and join us on our adventure! You can find our blog at www.wewillnomad.com where we post regularly about the destinations, we visit along with travel tips and what we spend on travelling.
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#wewillnomad #nomadlife #motorhomeliving

Опубликовано:

25 июн 2024

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Комментарии : 67

@daniellecrida5016 Год назад

The improvement I like the best is the kitchen counter space. The one that amazes me the most is how Lisa did the upholstery so perfectly

@WeWillNomad Год назад

Counter spaces is such a massive challenge in a smallish motorhome. Whoever designed ours has probably never used a kitchen - nevermind one in motorhome! 😆 Yes, the upholstery really worked out great - the reward for Lisa's patience and perseverance ❤

@lisa_the_nomad Год назад

Maybe not quite perfectly! You'll have to come visit to see for yourself though! 😜

@mellmckn 9 месяцев назад

I have almost exactly the same van and live permanently in it, im so happy for this video because you are giving great technical advice that i was struggling with! I was thinking about buying a bigger van to live in over the next two years but you made some great points why is maybe not always the best idea! Im loving your channel and super happy with your videos, next winter i will travel to spain so your video about spain was perfect!

@WeWillNomad 9 месяцев назад

Great to hear that and happy that it is helpful! If you watch our latest video you will see how we have now even made her better on the outside (which is not so important of course)! Thank you for watching and for your comment. Hope you will stay happy and safe travelling! 😊

@danielmoriarty5444 4 месяца назад

Hi Andre & Lisa. Im following you now for about a month but only looked at this video right now. This was a brilliant video, so much information it was just brilliant thank you so much for sharing all that information. Hope you are doing ok in Morocco, looking forward to your next video. Stay safe. Danny Ireland. 😀😀

@WeWillNomad 4 месяца назад

Hi Danny! it's brilliant that you found this one useful! We actually had a lot of fun making it. Feels like so long ago now 😋

@jessicameyer8702 Год назад

We also bought a 20 year old motorhome in France, the same size and similar floor plan. We are not full timing yet, but travel a lot in Europe. Since we want to full time travel in retirement we are weighing the pros/cons of our current camper. I have to say we definitely can relate to EVERY item on your list in this video, so thanks for sharing your experience. BTW, her name is Silly and she would like to meet Milli some day! 😊 Cheers, Jes & Paul

@WeWillNomad Год назад

Hi Jes & Paul! Thanks for your comment! We're also constantly learning and even now we can't quite decide what layout / style / size of motorhome would be the perfect match for us - or if it even exists! 😆For now we're very happy with our old Milli and we figured as long as the going is good we'll keep using it.

@zandraalberti2332 Год назад

Van life is definitely not for everyone, but seems like you two are mastering it. Of course it really helps to be super practical & a real Mr & Mrs Fixit! Well done to you both.

@WeWillNomad Год назад

Not sure about the 'mastering' part! 😋But we've definitely learned a few lessons along the way ❤

@lisa_the_nomad Год назад

It has definitely been a year filled with a LOT of fixes! BUT... the even more amazing experiences make it very much worth while!

@JohnJCButtigieg Год назад

I really like the way you guys deliver your information and videos. Thank you

@WeWillNomad Год назад

Our pleasure! Thank you for the comment.

@viajandoBR Месяц назад

wonderful ! so many useful information !!

@WeWillNomad Месяц назад

Thank you, glad you find it useful! 😊

@sharonlong8177 Год назад

Great tips and suggestions- thank you 😊 Always enjoyable to watch!!

@WeWillNomad Год назад

Thanks so much! 😊

@robertcameron3008 7 месяцев назад

Excellent video, with some amazing little upgrades to update your van. Thank you for sharing ☘️👍

@WeWillNomad 7 месяцев назад

Thanks for watching! We actually need to make a new video now as we've made so many changes since then!

@TaDi321 Год назад

The best channel for tips on motorhomes! Good job guys 👏🏻

@WeWillNomad Год назад

Wow, thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! ❤

@davidlhuie Год назад

This was an EXCELLENT video chock-full of information, suggestions, and tips. Thanks for not only the video but all the links you provided and for providing such a useful, substantive video.

@WeWillNomad Год назад

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for your positive feedback ❤

@mmm8547 11 месяцев назад

great video

@WeWillNomad 11 месяцев назад

Glad you enjoyed it

@cristinafustinoni9686 Год назад

Felici di aver soddisfatto le vostre aspettative con un mezzo di Fustinoni Sport 👋 spero vi accompagnerà ancora x tantissimo tempo. Un abbraccio ragazzi e 👋💪e buoni kilometri a voi.

@WeWillNomad Год назад

Ciao Cristina! Grazie per gli auguri! Siamo ancora molto contenti con nostro camper e ci godiamo la vita on the road. ❤

@MattelBC Год назад

The best video with tips I've ever seen about used motorhomes! My dog and I are going to start an adventure like this next year and this information helps a lot, especially those who have a limited budget like me 😆 thank you!!!

@WeWillNomad Год назад

Thanks a lot! After we made this video we thought of so many more ideas to help others and what our thought process is on the 'ideal' motorhome. We'll definitely make another video on what to consider when you buy a second-hand older van. All the best for planning your trip! 😎

@MattelBC Год назад

@@WeWillNomad many thanks!! Fantastic! And with trailer is it possible to do these things too? Stop at these service spots or can you only stop at parks? I'm thinking which option to choose, I should start an adventure next year :)

@WeWillNomad Год назад

If you want full flexibility it might be best to have a single self-sufficient vehicle. In a lot of 'sostas (Italy) or 'aires' (France) only motorhomes or campervans are allowed. It also makes maneuvering and driving in cities - and parking! - so much simpler.

@karinsiljestemland1164 5 месяцев назад

❤

@SlimTortoise Год назад

I did the same trip in 2008/9, From Sept 1st to Sept 1st, Down to the bottom of Spain to the top of Norway The wife and I still have the same van and she will be 20 years old next April, Still going strong. Spain was much different then, hardly any places to park legally and I remember just one GPL filling station in the country (There may have been none I forget my dates when they started using GPL). Now we are just happy to Winter in Spain as we live in France. Great stuff, btw. Enjoy 🙂

@WeWillNomad Год назад

Thank you again. Spain is still one of Lisa's favourites and if you give her half a chance she might never leave! 🤣

@dingbat1966 Год назад

Dankie vir die vid. Baie informasie. Ons planne vorder, maar intussen beny ons julle wat dit al reeds doen.

@WeWillNomad Год назад

Dis maar een stap op n slag. Solank daar n doelwit is. Die beplanning is ook deel van die lekker. Groetnis!

@davidadebruyn2653 Год назад

Wonderful tips, although I don't think van life is for me.🤔 You two really make it looks very easy to do this kind of traveling🤩🤩almost considering it🤪

@WeWillNomad Год назад

😆😆 It sure has its challenges but it's a wonderful way to travel Europe - as a long-term way of living it's probably not for everyone (us included!)

@susie9893 Год назад

Move over Lisa, you've been replaced. Who would've guessed that Andre would meet his match in a hand-held vacuum? 🤭 But thanks for making this video guys. I had been meaning to ask for a dedicated video for security in Europe (I know you've mentioned bits and pieces along the way). Could you comment on your experience of this in Europe? Were there specific instances that lead to certain precautions?

@WeWillNomad Год назад

Coming from South Africa we're certainly fairly conscious of potential risks. In Europe for the most part the risk is usually for our vehicle being the target of break ins and that's what we focus on primarily. We try to be diligent with our security routines when we leave the vehicle unattended as well as when we're sleeping. That said so far, we've never 'felt' threatened or unsafe. There were times where we assessed the situation and decided to keep going. Frankly the greatest risk with this type of travel is being on the road itself.

@RenLuuk Год назад

I just bought a 1975 vw “hippie” van. Still at the garage getting engine fix ups. Any advice for driving older vans across Europe? Do you have a list of garages you could go to if needed??

@WeWillNomad Год назад

That will be an adventure! Only advice would be to go slow. For mechanical support it might be worth reaching out to Kombi Life for some advice.

@ricardobaldoki6768 Год назад

Howzit Guys, I might of dreamt it, but I thought you said you had a filter on your water fill hose? i.e water entering your tank is filtered - if so, can you share details please. fanks man

@WeWillNomad Год назад

yes! Take note we always only fill up from potable sources! To fill our main water tanks, we use a simple filter in-line with the hose (search for Camco Tastepure Water Filter - but there are others). This keeps sediment to a minimum which means we don't have to check our pump filter that often. We then also have a Geekpure 4-stage water filtration system under the sink with a separate tap for drinking water.

@MrFrobbo Год назад

Hi guys, you mention 6m and we're looking at south spain and I spotted a length sign in a previous vid, is this common, do parks have 6m limits regularly or do people simply ignore them, signs & fines? Cheers

@WeWillNomad Год назад

In Spain especially at parking right on the beach you will find a lot of length limits (usually 5.5m). But it's different everywhere. People do ignore the signs and sometimes get away with it. Sometimes... Not worth the risk IMO. Sadly, this type of behaviour will inevitably lead to more bans..

@MrFrobbo Год назад

@@WeWillNomad thanks guys, what about that place full of MHs in Alemeria where the sign was? There was even a double axle beast on levelers! So no point sticking to 6m or less for Spain then?

@WeWillNomad Год назад

Technically all or most of those vehicles were breaking the law. There seems to be more leniency during the winter from local law enforcement from what we've learned but we should consider what impact our actions might have for the future of overnighting in these places. Sticking to 6m length has the advantage of fitting into normal parking bays and cheaper ferries. For a motorhome 7m is probably the sweetspot as you might end up with more storage space but you should be mindful of weight. Comfort, space, weight, cost, convenience. All factors that require balancing.

@shesails3313 Год назад

How easy is it to just park anywhere? Can you park anywhere in Europe?

@WeWillNomad Год назад

Anywhere? No, it's not quite that simple unfortunately. Every country and even region or municipality will have its own restrictions. It's also important to understand that 'parking' is not the same as 'camping'.

@TrentGustus Год назад

I'm curious about what chassis and motor this little rv has. Especially since you are getting such good mileage

@WeWillNomad Год назад

It's a 2002 Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD and our avg consumption over the last 2 years (20 000 kms and 45 refills) is 10.2 km per liter after 45 refills.

@TrentGustus Год назад

@@WeWillNomad I'm in canada, and curious about camping in Europe since I met some Germans last summer who had sent their rv to canada and camped in North America for a year. Our small 23ft rv is gas and gets half the mileage of yours. The distances in canada are far greater, we went for a week and a half last year and did 3000 kms, our fuel was about $1500 , Canadian, which I suppose would be closer to $1100 euros. As I see camping is much different in canada, most of the sites we go to have 30 amp hookups, water and sewer at each site. Picnic tables and fire pits. The space between sites is mostly obscured by trees. Some of the sites we go to, solar would never work with the tree cover.

@TrentGustus Год назад

@@WeWillNomad our fuel was also cheaper than yours last year at about $1.70 can a liter , (up from $1.10 the year before)

@WeWillNomad Год назад

@@TrentGustus It's funny when you say 'small' 23ft - as in Europe most motorhomes are well under that. The majority of 3.5t vehicles here are based on either the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer or maybe Merzedes Sprinter chassis which makes the newer models all Euro 6 compliant and pretty fuel efficient. Even our old one is reasonably efficient and still very common on the road as it shares the exact same chassis of that era's Peugeot Boxer and Citroen Jumper. We have to pay attention to width and height as much as to length as the roads can be very narrow in parts of Europe. A lot of towns also limit traffic to > 3.5t vehicles and if you really want to explore the countryside smaller is usually better.

@WeWillNomad Год назад

@@TrentGustus You should also check the video we made last year on what we think is important in choosing a motorhome in Europe: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-t7IlaFDTV6w.html

@commuterbranchline8132 10 месяцев назад

Milli Vanilli. Lol

@WeWillNomad 10 месяцев назад

😁

@commuterbranchline8132 10 месяцев назад

@@WeWillNomad I remember those guys. What a great name for a Van!

@obulay213 Год назад

Vanlife sucks big time. I dont want to become handyman/ van driver. Constantly warrying about air conditioning/heat/ water/ quiet sleeping space /washing / cooking . year of wasted time

@WeWillNomad Год назад

Yes, traveling by van can definitely be challenging at times - and we probably won't do it forever. But on the flip-side it can provides a great way to see a lot in a short time - and affordably.

@regtitch5200 Год назад

🤣😂

@pietersmith7433 Год назад

Hi, maybe this has been asked before, I would like to know what you live off money wise, what income stream etc, liked this video, regards Pieter

@WeWillNomad Год назад

@ Thanks! We'll probably do a Q&A at some point on finances. But we definitely don't make money from RU-vid 🙂 The short answer is, we're principles of the 'FIRE' movement and live off investments we accumulated when working.

@susie9893 Год назад

Most of what you mention is a continual concern for most ppl - especially homeowners. It's just homeowning on wheels. Welcome to being an adult