Thomas preps his van, drive across 16 countries. Fights lions and bears. Gets to his desitination and the light isn’t quite right. Doesn’t get camera out and promptly returns home 😂😂😂

Hey Thomas, just wanted to say thankyou. Last year had an accident which has left me for the time being pretty much housebound. I used your infor about MPB and managed to grab a camera. Was just a Nikon P950 but it now allows me to have some freedom again sitting in my garden at night having some fun with moon photography. I then with a new lease of freedom to my garden bought a cheap drone a mavik mini so now have some extra enjoyment flying over the fields next to my flat from the garden. Its funny how watching a video (the one with the 500 budget) can make some changes and give me a little freedom in my mind if nothing else.

Don't forget the extra overall height that you have added with that jerry can on the roof , you might just be taller than the normal 2 metre car-park height barrier. I watched a builder wipe his ladders off the roof of a van on a barrier last month!

For my van I skipped right over gas stoves and went straight to an induction cooktop and Keurig for my coffee. I’m embracing solar/battery power and 2nd alternator. Hasn’t let me down yet!

@WJMPhotography

11 ай бұрын

I'm with you on the Keurig in the van! I was surprised at the massive draw as I have to turn my van on in order for it to heat up that quickly. I think mine maxes out at nearly 1500 watts which is pretty much all my van can handle.

Hmm, maybe a road trip up to Denmark and then on the ferry with stops in the Faroe Islands and Iceland? Either way, excited to follow along :)

Get rid of the gas cooker & get an induction hotplate. With the ecoflow you have plenty of power. I use one and it powers everything.

regarding the bolting of the L-brackets of the fuel canister. Please DON'T forget using either vibration proof nuts (e.g. a nylock nut) or a Threadlocker (e.g. loctite threadlocker 243 should suffice). Otherwise the bolts will most definitely loosen through the vibration of the car and through the bumpy roads you will be driving through. Better be safe than sorry ;)

I got off the plane in Madrid and saw on my phone's screen: "It looks like you're in Spain. Hold on a couple of minutes and we'll have you all set up. Within 2 minutes I had full normal service. A few days later, drove to the south of Portugal and got the same message when i crossed into Portugal at Badajoz and got the same message and quick linkages to the new photo network. My Carrier--Google Fi-- take care of everything with no effort on my part. It doesn't even cost more, and I get access to124 or 142 countries. It's cheap to. Highly recommended.

I waited all week for this and wasn't disappointed. Gadgets, improvements and gratuitous grinding ! This is how sad my life has become. I think I'll buy one of your books now .

FYI - one of my favorite Aeropress accessories to help with mess of it sometimes dripping too much before I'm ready is a little thing called the Fellow Prismo. It's marketed as a method of making more espresso-like drinks in the Aeropress but I think it's really just a fantastic addition to all my Aeropress uses. Definitely recommend looking into it!

I have an aeropress and the worst thing are the aeropress bores lining up to tell you the best technique. Just do it your way and stick with what you like best.

Charging straight from the batteries USB-C port also helps to save on power as otherwise you'd have to convert the DC power from the battery pack into AC and you laptop's charger would convert it back into DC - all of which loses quite a bit of efficiency

Screw in front number plate at least 4 screws. First bigger pothole with water and You will lose it. And extend diffs, gearbox. transfercase, and fuel tank breathers. Unless they will suck water in. Also protect ECU.

3:31 The gas struts are SUPER easy to replace and beef up, so that it could hold the weight of the door + a jerry can. I would go that route, given that the struts already barely hold the door as it is. Kill 2 birds with 1 stone, so to speak.

Thomas when I purchased my Aeropress from Amazon a few years back I purchased at the same time the reusable stainless filter which replaces the throw away one, cost about £7, sadly due to being diagnosed with Parkinson’s recently it isn’t very safe to use for me anymore, but it is a very useful bit of kit and worth every penny, Mike

What? No laser beams?! I thought you said you made upgrades!😂 Can’t wait for this “mystery tour”!

Didn't know TomTom was still in business.Looks like the van is in good shape I'm looking forward to this!

Tom: Cutting down on coffee. Me: Umm… Tom: A couple cups… Me: Oh ok that’s not bad. Tom: …per week. Me: 💀

Aeropress is great. Its easy to clean up, makes great coffee and I swear it uses less coffee than a pour over to get the same cup of coffee. Used one car camping for 2 years. Drawback is that the filters are only sold at fancy coffee places.

I run my Defender camper off an Ecoflow delta, its fantastic, I charge it off solar and it powers the camper and I use an induction hob for cooking, charges everything, just a great bit of kit.

I am just back from 4 days up the North of Ireland , Droning around the coast , and photography and Gopro car drives , i had the baby Eco flow and its brilliant , its smaller than the ones you had , but i was able to keep my drone , phone , vapes and controllers all charged and gopro on the go , it has a cigerette lighter charge port to so was able to charge while driving and never went below 80% , and thets when i went without plugging it in , then it was top notch .... now im home with 6 drone videos to edit , 12 gopro car drives and 20 reels and hundreds of photos to all edit before we have the "megashoot" on saturday where a bunch of photographers and models get to gether to shoot for the day , ill have so much content , and this was all in a mazda 3 hatch back , spent 2 nights in the back and 2 in bnbs , it was a great trip but im so tired from it , i would love to have a van like this , well bigger to be fair and head off on adventures like you do , always great watching your channel

I absolutely love having an AeroPress at home and bringing it on the go. There’s not a better portable coffee maker.

Hmmmm, Doubt that wood glue will work very well seeing as the veneer isn't wood. Also did you check to see if the Roof mounted Peli Case can be opened with the Jerry Cans in place?

Your energy alone shows your excitement for this trip! Good stuff Tom, nice shopping spree, great updates to your rig, may the journey begin! 👍🏼⛰️

With the large battery capacity you have have you considered an induction cooking ring, even as a backup? Very clean and no co2 to worry about.

Yeay for the Aeropress !! 👍 Happy brewing 😃 I look forward to the adventure! 😄

Find a way to isolate the roof top gas can from the metal rails and bolts, you don't want to wear a hole in the can :o)

@mgman6000

11 ай бұрын

Same thing I was thinking wouldn't be good to leak gas on a solar panel 😮

I am looking forward to playing "Where in the world is Thomas Heaton?" for the next month along with great stories and images. Safe travels!

I think you need a UK sticker/flag on the number plate if going abroad.

Glad for these adjustments. Bet you my hat that "setting 10 minutes aside for prepping coffee" will grow real old, real fast. See you in a couple of months.

A really great video, Thomas. Your prep for the upcoming trip is impressive and I give you lots of credit for doing so. Actually this kind of prep can save on lots of problems later when you think ahead and plan just as you have. Look forward to seeing your videos as you hit the road.

Loving the upgrades Thomas! Pro-tip on the aeropress... Before you put grounds in, put the plunger in just a tad and flip the aeropress over so the filter end is pointing up. Add your coffee and then hot water. Then put the filter on top and let the coffee sit in the hot water for a couple of minutes. Finally, you just flip the whole thing over onto the top of your mug and press it. I've found it get a bit more flavor out of the beans this way (and probably some added caffeine 😆). Cheers! ☕

@IgorIppolitov

11 ай бұрын

A small improvement on your method (i do basically the same): put coffee inside, water, then filter and the cap. Then push out the air, and put onto a cup. This way you can stir the coffee by swirling the whole thing on top of the mug. And if you don't push out the air - the air will expand and make the hot mess around you =)

@ChrisWorksCreative

11 ай бұрын

@@IgorIppolitov I totally forgot to mention about stirring! Great callout Igor!

@eamonhickey

11 ай бұрын

This is called the "inverted method" for the aeropress, and, yes, it's the best. There's a lot of videos on how to do it (Google "aeropress inverted method"). Just a warning, however: it's precarious. During the 2-3 minutes when it's sitting inverted, and especially when you flip the whole apparatus over to enable plunging, it's easy to spill piping hot water and coffee all over your kitchen (or van). Been there, done that. I'm extra careful now when I do it, but I definitely do it -- the best coffee you'll ever have.

@ChrisWorksCreative

11 ай бұрын

@@eamonhickey Great tip Eemon! I've started using a reusable aeropress filter and haven't been able to tell a big difference in the overall taste. It's a bit more oily as expected since the paper filter isn't catching the oils. The reusable filter would be good for the road since it would cut down on having to keep stocking filters in the van.

@ThorstenMerz

10 ай бұрын

Is the inverted method better than the standard method? Is film better than digital? In both cases, one isn't better than the other - different, yes; but better? "Better" is a matter of taste. I prefer the standard method. And if you want added caffeine, you're going to have to sacrifice the flavour that comes from a dark roast in favour of a lighter roast, since a lighter roast has a higher caffeine content.

Wow...awesome prep. Can't wait to see your adventure...stay safe out there. Don't try anything that give you second thoughts.

I absolutely love long photography adventure trips like you're doing. I've done over 3 weeks solo in my modified '05 Chevy Suburban. It looks like some real useful upgrades. Happy adventuring.

Yeah baby can't wait getting very excited 😮😅🙌💯📸

It's exciting to see you so excited! Life is exciting living vicariously through you as well. Safe travels.

Looking forward to the next videos! But please, don't use glue for any van work. I've built my own Sprinter camper and the vibrations and heat will rip apart any glue work. Also, as you may already know - make sure you wash away any spash when crossing any water. Salt is a silent killer. And do your research on ferry crossing with a fuel can. One thing you might want to get is a USB mosquito killer lamp - very useful to plug in and zap the little funkers.

6:47 LOL, I posted a question about what it was on another video, never saw that before… Thanks for explaining!!! 🤗

Ohhhhh this will be an awesome series!!!

I like the mix 🙃 of content, way better than a forced video with “basically no landscape content”. Good job! Thx! Maybe late, but a camper pro tip is to get outdoor glue as its way better when exposed to wet/moist for some time. (Regular (indoor) glue will give after moist exposure) A road trip quick fix kit - Gorilla tape and gorilla outdoor glue are the solution to most problems, (some of you here on YT know what mean 😊😊😊)

Yay. More photography adventures! Let's get on with it then :)

I discovered your channel only a few days ago and have already watched several of your videos, largely involving the van build. I'm not a photographer, nor do I have a van, but I am really enjoying your well-edited and produced videos; much more interesting and enjoyable than the dross served up as entertainment on telly! I'm thinking of getting a micro-van (Berling or Grand Tourneo Connect) to support my occasional hiking and cycling forays in retirement. My idea is to set up one of those fold-out boot modules, add front curtains, window blinds etc. Your van videos, although way past my level of ambition, have given me lots of useful and inspiring information - thank you!

Sounds like a great van/photo adventure ahead. Definitely looking forward to watching - have fun.

Coffee tip. Try to find a local roaster Tom. The beans in the supermarkets are pretty terrible and in some cases are several years old.

Thomas, I have been watching you for several years but not certain how long you have been on You Tube. I will say this, you are absolutely funny with your enthusiasm about your new toys!! Seriously, I had to stop for a couple of seconds because I was smiling too much. I hope you went out and bought some coffee beans, but I hope you couple switch some of your new grounds at home. Big question, how does your wife take all of this? I know you are married or you like wearing a wedding ring. I never hear you talk about her or any children, but I think I heard you mention her once. Anyway, I watch all of your videos and look forward to watching your videos.

6:10 It that a little Autobianchi/Lancia A112 in the background there? That was my very first car and I loved it, what a fun little car to drive! And when we got lots of snow and many couldn’t get up certain difficult hills etc., that little bug ran up like nothing!!! They should start making it again, electric of course! Would be soooo cool, like a cousin of Fiat 500!!! 😂

Air con is not only for cooling, its great for defogging in cold damp conditions.

Great Video Thomas, Good to see the modifications to the Van. looking forward to next week! thanks for sharing

Can't wait for next week's video and future adventures! I live vicariously through your experiences! 😊😊😍

The sense of anticipation is palpable! Excited for you, Tom!! 👍🦘

get an adapter to charge battery as you drive.

I’m glad you’re keeping the Delica!

Terrific van/travel accessory update video. I really envy your van setup. You have the nicest conversion for photo journeys I have seen.

Invert the Aeropress to get better control of the brew. It makes a big difference

cant wait Thomas , thursday cant come fast enough enjoy

Nice you done the prep video,now just looking forward to the adventure.

Shoutout to ecoflow for hooking up my guy Thomas ❤❤❤

The aeropress is great but if you aren't getting good coffee from that v60 that you've had it's user error, don't blame the v60. I suggest watching some James Hoffman KZread videos to learn how to do it correctly (for both the v60 and the aeropress) . You'd probably like his videos anyways he is basically what would happen if you took a total photography nerd and made him obsessed with coffee instead of photography

I might suggest one minor tweak- you have a dark fuel can sitting on your roof and it's 'agitating' as you trundle down the road. I would assume the can could easily get to 70˚C or so in the sun, and probably hotter. What could go wrong? May I suggest either white spray paint, or perhaps a 'space blanket' tent over said can? Just say'n...

Bring it on Thomas!!!

Brilliant video!! Can't wait for next week, enjoy your trip.

lots of cool additions, all very exciting! looking forward to seeing the adventure. bon voyage!

Good to see you brought the Aeropress (as suggested in the Delica D5 video)

Great! Do not forget the breathing tubes of the axles, the tank, the gearbox. The upper ends schall be in the same level as the snorkel is. May it is a good idea to put the main engine ECM to a higher level, too. And, do not let stop the engine until the Delica is in the water and water can get in through the end of the exhaust. It will meet the cylinders 😅

@iComplainer

11 ай бұрын

shoot i didn’t know about any of that

@flyboy5736

10 ай бұрын

@@iComplainer Probably because you don’t really need to.

@iComplainer

10 ай бұрын

@@flyboy5736 i certainly don’t but the topic interests me and i didn’t consider all that’s entailed in a proper semi-amphibious off-roader.

@flyboy5736

10 ай бұрын

@@iComplainer I doubt Thomas will be doing deep water crossings often, if at all. Doing so on your own and without a winch is asking for trouble 🙂. The snorkel is best for dusty situations and in really dusty conditions (like many outback roads here in Australia) fitting a sock to the intake also helps. By the way the snorkel intake is back to front, or more correctly I have never seen one fitted that way myself. Very common to see a snorkel on an Australian vehicle. Anyway I wish Thomas all the best on his trip and can only envy his masterful photography.

From a mechanic of 17 years, this is so cute. But. Well done indeed.

As a subscriber also getting serious with espresso, I'm proud of your extra accessory for yourself. Great items, very ideal for camping. Cheers to more travels.

Amazing prep. Looking forward to the next few videos...

WHAT!!! What do you mean, cutting back on coffee! I'm telling Morten :D Cant wait for your adventure to begin Thomas! :)

Uploaded 1 minute ago? Im off to buy a lottery ticket. Fantastic video as always

I also started my coffee journey with an Aeropress and a Hario Mini Slim Plus. That was some time and money ago.... ;)

Good luck Thomas. Look forward to your next video and to see where your off too.

Glad to see you giving coffee it’s due respect.

To be honest sir, I think you done a superb job, converting this …

Looking forward to the big trip.

I'm excited to find out what you're up to! By the way, the Aeropress was a great idea. I've used one almost every day for several years now and it's still working fine and makes great coffee! I was worried that the piston might eventually perish and lose its fit, but it's still like new. Not sure what it's made of, but I'm impressed.

Good on you Thomas, have a great trip.

Don’t forget to top off the blinker fluid

I’m excited ! Looking forward to it !

I would imagine this comment is too late and the trip is done or still underway. Thomas, YOU HAVE ROOM in the new rack for MORE THAN ONE FUEL can ( Jerry Can )… never forsake FUEL or space for BEER… lol Love what you are showing us… while I won’t be driving while there… I am taking a trip to Cork Ireland next month to see a friend.

You are one of the few who have installed the snorkel hat in the correct direction.

Another belting update and intriguing snippets on your trip. 👍👏

I am so looking forward to seeing your adventures!

You indeed make me curious… and these Ecoflow powerhouses look interesting indeed. Will check them out.

SWEET! Looking forward to following along

Have a look at the inverted brewing method for the Aeropress, it gets the best out of the coffee 👍

I can't wait to see where you're headed.

You were very influential in my van build on a 2022 AWD Toyota Sienna, which I had lifted. It's probably not as rugged as your Delica but it does get up to 36mpg on occasion. So interesting to see how people have different needs, tastes and interests. My van came with a 1500 w inverter and I also purchased a 1500w Jackery. I installed a sink and a refrigerator but I have a Keurig for my coffee and a microwave for heating up my frozen dinners. I want my coffee as soon as possible in the mornings, hence the Keurig, but I can certainly respect your admiration for the coffee process with the grinder and the press. I also often end up shooting until well after sunset and at that point, I just want to eat ASAP and get some sleep, which is why I opted for the microwave. I am also with you on the MacBook Pro. I bought a new one last year and usually charge it as I drive. (Also bought a safe which is bolted down to the van floor for when I am out hiking and want to leave it I the van.) But I definitely have you to thank for the 8020 idea as my bed frame looks rather similar to yours. When I eventually post my van build video, I will be giving you the bulk of the credit as well as a link to your channel. Thank you for all of the ideas and for your inspiration! Best wishes for your upcoming trip! :)

As a new, somewhat clueless, campervan owner, I decided that I should probably get a power pack for those 'off grid' days I'm never likely to have!! Thought I'd probably get a Jackery, based on other YT vids I'd seen, but after doing some research, I decided on the Ecoflow, based on price, speed of charge etc. Seems like my decision was justified. Thanks Thomas!

3 years ago?! WOW i start to watch your videos few videos before you start the reform in van :)

Worth doing diff breather extensions if you think you're doing lots of water crossings 👍

Looking forward to see your new adventure!!!

I have the small ecoflow river 2. Best device I invested in. It ran my camp lights, charge my phone, camera gear, my smaller battery packs. Blew up my air mattress. The only downside is that it did not come with the cable to connect the solar panel. I had to buy that after I bought the bundle.

Looks like van video is what people got most exited besides rest of content or Thomas 😂

Always an inspiration. Thanks again Mr. Heaton.

Can't wait Thomas.

I'm excited for you, Thomas, and looking forward to sharing your adventure. I'm thinking that with so many new accessories to get used to it would be nice to do a close to home two night shakedown cruise if time allows. Better to avoid surprises on the main adventure. I agree with you about wanting to enjoy that one superlative cup of coffee in the morning. I'm down to one 20-oz cup cup in the morning and I want it to be a good one. I've gone through all the grinding and French press, etc. Have now settled on a brand of dark French roast that I like but I insist on making it in a percolator. I think it makes the best cup of coffee, and besides, I like to watch it and listen to it perk. Reminds me of the old steam locomotives of my childhood. Takes five minutes total to finish perking.

Looking forward to your next adventure. Good luck and CHEERS

Very excited to see where the road takes you next thinking and hoping Scandinavia but we`ll see enjoy the ride you are truly well prepared 👌

Enjoyed the video; my guess is a trip to the Icelandic Highlands taking his van on the ferry from Denmark, with maybe a stop off at the Faroes; we shall see; I could be way out!🤔

@JamesBillingsPhotography

10 ай бұрын

That was my guess, based solely on the river crossings and potential for dust.

Genuinely excited for you.