As long as you're happy other peoples opinions do not matter one bit.

I personally think a van built like yours, with everything the way you want it, where you want it, is fantastic and a hell of an achievement, something you should be proud of…it beats laying down a wedge of cash and driving off in something that’s just like every other one rolled out of the factory..👍

I watch a lot of videos on this subject and you are the most likeable KZreadr i have come across,

Very well answered John, it really is an individual choice. I think your two vans are fantastic, great job.

Too many folks having too much spare time on their hands to pull others down, i couldn't give a rats arse what vehicle you're in, i just enjoy your travels with Mandy and obviously the lovely Cooper bless him, missing him a lot, enjoy John and tc

It’s all down to how well it suits what you want to do and which compromises are the best fit. I’ve bought a 2011 Peugeot Expert to do a solo trip to the Nordics. I could drive and camp but that involves putting a tent up and taking it down and I don’t want to deal with a wet tent. Done that. I’m going to heavily insulate the van so I can survive if my diesel heater fails. Beyond that I don’t need much apart from a bed and a shelf for my camp stove. It’ll end up with more as it may as well be comfortable. I’ve already bought additional lights and everything for solar. It’ll be heavily compromised but should be right for what I want to do.

John, Absolutely spot on with your video. Been thinking about the change from a ducato camper to Motorhome, only on the planet for a short while so good to try different things in life and can always switch to something else later.

Personally I love my motorhome and have got into tight parts of the country, albeit a bit tight at times but wouldn't change it for the world given the space. It's a Burstner 6.6 travel van. Thinking of buying a 7.5, as I want more space for when I go full time. Each to their own though, horses for courses.

Very eloquently explained John with no bias, Perfect!

I've touched on this subject before john you built this camper while alot of things were going on for you on a personal level and you have made a home for yourself and I have noticed that you are settled and positive enjoy your hard work john you deserve it and as far as I can see the camper is a far better more flexible option than a big bulky motorhome take care pal.

Well said, it’s what you and each of us are happy with. I think there’s a stigma also between those who have built their own and bought so goes across anything that’s different - nuts isn’t it! I bought one to learn how to do my own one day (hopefully anyway!) All the best, David & Rachel 👍

It's weird, but in terms of the 'stigma' with owning a motorhome or a campervan, here in South Africa, if you have a motorhome or a caravan you are either retired or it's hired...when it comes to campervans, professionally or personally converted, you are considered wealthy or privileged as those things are worth more than motorhomes - I think because of the import duties on materials and vehicles, being the butt end of the planet. ;) We have a converted Toyota Hilux 4x4 camper, which we love, but would love a 4x4 campervan instead, which is way above most people's budgets. We also don't have a 'vanlife' culture here because of safety concerns and our country is just does not have facilities for that lifestyle. So I personally live vicariously through you and Mandy. I even just recently bought an E-bike, not a Myrider as we don't get them here, but it's changed how we camp and enjoy areas we travel to.

I’ve have a VW T5 which we go to festivals with, mountain biking , days out etc and is great but small even with the pop top. Also have a 7.5 metre Chausson motorhome and it’s pure luxury accommodation when on a long break, but it’s very big and difficult to park and manoeuvre around the lanes where I live in Wales. I converted a 5.99 metre Ducato in 2019 exactly the same layout as yours John and was the best all round vehicle I have ever had. Built to my exact spec by myself and miss it a lot. Was gifted some money so decided to get the Chausson but still kinda regret it. Enjoy your travels and glad to see you and Mandy are great again 🥰🥰

you know what John, I really dont care what anyone thinks about van/campervan or whatever. If the person using it is happy, enjoying using it and it enhances their lives then personally they dont have any one elses opinion to concider. Home is where the heart is after all and you built yours-as did Mandy with love. Much respect as always- Kenny

Spot on John ………each to their own !

Very well said John. Each to their own.

Good video John, would be good to get a part 2 with the other things you mentioned in this one, engine sizes etc auto/manual etc , thanks for your time.👍

Nice video John, as you said, what's in other people's heads is their business. I also think building your own van is a great achievement and means you're more likely to have the confidence and skills to fix things when they break.

There does seem to be some real snobbery within the van world in what you drive for sure, but I for one, don't need a tv, microwave, shower etc etc just happy to be out there enjoying life. Love what you and Mandy have build for yourselves.x

Interesting honest assessment from someone that has experience of the various options 👍

A lot of people buy houses (new builds and older houses, some of which need work done on them) but a small number of people design and/or build their own homes. It’s always better to configure your home space to work around your needs, and it doesn’t matter if it has foundations or wheels. So glad you are happy with the choices you’ve made, and having built it yourself you can make any changes going forward if needed.

Fair play bud… at the end of the day as long as we’re happy in the van we drive and stay in it’s all good. Happy and safe travels 😊

I went from a coach built to Ducato based camper van and don't think that someone with a self converted van is poor... to be truthful i'm a bit envious as you've made all your own layout choices and (hopefully) enjoyed the process of the build. I also think you pay a large premium for a professionally converted van and given it's effectively a luxury goods item end up dealing with dealers. Some of my experiences have been so bad I cannot believe they are in business.

Brilliant video Jon and well explained 👌

Great video spot on , I’m a little disappointed in my van conversion, but I got to get it done as I need a getaway. You’d have a good laugh at it maybe, but it will work for me , and I will modify things as I go ,just like you would if it doesn’t work out for you . Enjoyed your analogy and I never thought you made a mistake , I have personally learned and continue to learn from you ,well done good luck 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇬🇧🇨🇦

We wanted the motorhome over a campervan or caravan just for the comfort and the room to give each other personal space. we limited ourselves as to where we could go, but the reality is we're happy to live full time in it, and go places where it goes without putting it at risk. If we want to go somewhere right off the beaten track, they rent vehicles for that. As you say, it's what you want. Also, my 7.8m motorhome is quite small compared to what I drive at work...60m, 200 tonne road train. so what you may find hard to take somewhere, may not be that for me....same as what you can do with electronics is far more than I know...Horses for courses, and as long as you are happy in what you are.

Great video ❤

Totally agree with you about British motor homes, which is why we bought a Hymer. Not new and not too big, like us! We want to drive around visiting friends and family in France and Spain, able to take our large dogs with us, simple as that. If we had no dogs, we would have a camper van. Now to get rid of the gas!

Great Video John !❤❤❤❤❤it Mate 👏👏👏👏👏

Great video pal u just love ur van and am so happy for you ❤

We recently changed from a T5 to an Autotrail (yes I said Trail 😂) 6 berth, 7.5m motorhome as we wanted more space, different areas for us as a family of 4 plus a dog and less set up time at campsites. I agree it does make a racket with everything moving and creaking but it seems the build quality on our 2005 one does appear to be better than newer ones from what I’ve read and the only things we’re having to sort are age related things. I know we’ll go back to a larger van conversion when our two don’t bother coming away with us any more but like you, it’s whatever fits at the time.

Hi John, I think it has so many different aspecs to it, I agree on your take on UK built motorhomes, they seem to be low quality, compared to something like a Hymer, and I wish they had more pride in what they produce and not just think about the profit, eneryone has different wants and needs from a vehicle, like you said there are some who just want to holiday in it, and then some who want to live in it. your van looks great and you have it the way you wanted to have it, and that makes it personal, and with the way your plan things it is well thought out and meets your needs well.

The thing is John when you build your own you know it is done right I'm hoping to start mine in a couple of week

great video John, love your van, and the Motorhome was what you needed for 2 adults and family, or in your case Cooper, he needed space as well, but needs change and now the van suits your needs, and you can get to a lot more places with it being narrower and more ground clearance. and as for the Snob value, cant stand people like that. each to their own and let people live how they want to. stay safe and have fun, catch you on the next one.👍

I have a Bailey 765 I have changed a lot of thing John changed tyres,battery’s,solar,camera now is good

Hi John, you've inspired me to build my own Campervan, ive got a L2H2 vivaro which is just over 5 meters that i am building into my first campervan. :)

I'm very impressed by the build quality and innovation in your van John; I only wish I had the skills. Almost 10 years ago we bought a new Citroen Relay and trusted a 'professional' company to do the conversion. They completely trashed the van and the conversion was too dangerous to use. I went to Trading Standards and the Police and he was eventually sent to prison for 3.5 years. We found a brilliant local company to fix it, but it cost a lot of money and we never received a penny back from the first converter. A very stressful time and hard lesson learned. So I completely understand why you wanted to manage and control the whole build; you have a great van that's allowing you to travel and live a great life. Well done John!

I think its a fluid question. What's right for me right now was not right for me 5 years ago. Situations change. The only thing that has remained constant is a need for safe shelter when traveling and exploring. If I were full time my needs would be different. Enjoy the road while you can, get outdoors as much as possible and follow that dream.

In the morning i drive off in a 2015 grand tourneo connect , it is going to be a micro camper , yes it's small but it ticks the boxes i have and i can use it as a normal car when i need to or a camper when i need that ,once converted the touring begins :)

Well said John! To each his own. In my case I was so green, i would not have know where to start and I was lacking time. I went for a professionally built conversion, not quite bespoke, I chose the floor plan with a few modification. The builders were quite professional and understood my needs (most of them 😉). If I were to get a new one one day, I would surely get more involved in the design but I am quite happy with what i have. and I MADE IT MY HOME, simple as that.

As lovely as your Motorhome was, I’m with you on why you changed and this is why I’m building my van. Cost is also a factor as i can build a better spec where I want it for the money i have and i can improve it without fear of hurting the resale value if I need to change. Like yours I have some key needs as I wanted something i could work from so i can extend my travel time. It also needed to have space for my Husky to join me, so a factory build was unlikely to work without further expense and modification. The work you have both done on your builds should be an inspiration to many and if they look on in disapproval at your self-build then that tells you all you need to know (not my kinda people)

Just remember you do you. It won’t suit everyone but as long as you’re in your happy place and not affecting someone else’s enjoyment all is good.

good vid on channel thanks lee

I love everything about our 7 mtr long A Class apart from exterior width! Would also love to build a camper van. A bit concerned that we’d miss the space though. Good to hear your thoughts 👍

@jimf4748

Жыл бұрын

Do you find having a vehicle this size seriously restricts where you can go? When we moved from a caravan to a MH we looked for the smallest that suits our needs (full size cooker, loo, shower etc) and chose a 5.5mtr Auto-sleeper Symbol. We find it great, as it can go anywhere and even park in city centres (forthcoming LEZ's notwithstanding). We also use as a second car, but it is very much personal choice and I sometimes envy large MH's like yours!

@laikatravels

Жыл бұрын

@@jimf4748 I wouldn’t say ‘seriously’ restricts where we go but it’s always a consideration. Old towns with narrow streets need to be avoided. The length has never been a problem. The plus side is that we can fit a small motorbike in the internal garage. So when we park on the outskirts of a town we can get the bike out, weather permitting! I like the fact that you can use a smaller van as a second car. We never used ours at all last year, so paying insurance etc for it to sit there. Guess there’s pluses and minuses with all of them you’ve just got to figure out what is best for you.

WISE-WORDS❤😊 oh great Gadget Fella ! , Building my own Renault Traffic to our own spec more simple as not full timing ing it . Keep on Vlogging Fella . ☮️❤️👍🚌🌟

I think the amount of people and pets using the van is a major consideration, I think your van is great for you on your own as that’s what you designed it for. The motorhome suited the three of your needs at the time with its additional liveable space vs places you could go, although I do remember your going some epic places with the help of your rugged tyres. Try before you buy people, we bought out first motorhome a Bailey new and it was hardly on the road with number of faults and don’t get me started on how noise is was driving but our second one was a new Mercedes/Hymer BML 790 which only had one thing to sort out after purchase and best of all no rattles when driving. I love the self built vans as they are so creative, individual and tailored to your needs and tastes, if I could covert a modern 8 meter bud with all the drivability and reliability of my Hymer that would be amazing 💭 🛌 💭

You are the wealthiest person, you have a beautiful home, the freedom to go where you want when you want. Nobody’s opinion should matter, they are just unfortunate to have absolutely no idea what they are missing. I know where I would much rather be.

Good advice ........

I don’t care what people have as long as it works for them, we all have different needs, no one should be criticised for what they choose, no option is perfect, they all have their fors and againsts, we’ve had a coach built, currently have van conversion and will be changing to a A class when we go full-time in a few weeks, will miss the convenience of the van but will love having more interior space, ya win some you lose some. 😊 Happy Travels John x

I quite agree with you on British build quality, a mate of mine had a brand new MH from Autotrail. The screw heads on the wall panels had a a paper sticker over them instead of a cap OK it looks good until you make the front bed for the first time and as you place the seat cushions into place they swipe of the paper screw covers. Good video Thsnks Dennis Ps where in France are you at the moment.

We had a motorhome and lived full-time for nearly 10 years. Loved it but restricted some things we could do. Since we sold it 3 years ago I really miss it but I would actually prefer a campervan now. So much easier to park and drive etc. But wether we will ever be able to afford it now is another matter. As others have said it is entirely up to the persons own finance etc. Love your motorhome/campervan. Quite agree about British motorhomes, not the same quality as the foreign ones.

John I think your spot on,,we've changed fro a swift sundae 630l to a swift mondial ((peugot ducato 2.2 factory built with all modcons, we would not go back, I've gone from 25 mpg to around 40 on a good run,kand the only space you actually use is the floor area,and your right it's taken us a lot more places than the othe big bus,...but at the moment I'm writing this on the beach In Parga Greece and it HOT ,❤

Great video John, we had a 7.5m low profile French MH, with an island bed, which we loved. We are now considering downsizing to a panel type van camper van, so as my wife can feel more comfortable driving it. The negative sides you mentioned about the large MH re-parking, access, road space never really bothered me, in fact saw it as a challenge and always found good parking etc. I am slightly concerned we are going to miss the space, we have 3 medium sized dogs and I like to have wetsuits paddle board and wfh stuff along with me! I intend borrowing or renting one first in case we decide it is not big enough for our needs.

Well said John

Thought we would like a motorhome, but seeing yours and Mandy van plus campervibe, we hope to find a camper we can afford before we die-🙃

It doesn't bother me what other people think and as long as it does what you want it to do its can be your perfect van. I used to love my 1981 VW T25 pop top (except for the leaky roof and almost non existent heating system) but as I got older my needs changed. I wanted at least 4 belted seats, a dedicated toilet, fixed bed and the ability to tow my little dinghy. I was happy to go with a van conversion or coach built but in the end I found our absolutely perfect solution - a demountable truck camper that sits on top of a double cab pick up. It ticked every single box on my list plus a few more nice to have things and the best bit is that if we're staying in one place for more than a couple of nights I can take the camper off the truck, leave it onsite and drive anywhere that we want to in a 4 x 4 pick up.

Totally agree with you John that space is the only possible loss from big to small, and in fact we don’t miss the space at all with all the other plusses you mention. Our downsize is a Tischer 230s demountable on a Ford Ranger everything we need for comfortable travelling and so much more vehicle flexibility. Happy travels to you from the USA. #rollingsouth_

@tonysutton6559

Жыл бұрын

All the best people have demountables. I've enjoyed seeing your adventures on the facebook group.

Well John its not so often i am on the same page as you but this time from my point of view you hit the nail on the head a self built conversion of a van is which best way to go if you live full time on the road as you say the motorhome / camper market is not setup to build vans for full time use its market is weekend use with a couple of two week holidays a year as such the fittings door handles etc are not up to what is required for evey day living things need to be robust which as you found out when you put your van on a weighbridge does give extra weight to the van but in my view is not a failing also the power needed in a live in van is not the same as a leasure vehicle the only downside to an ex fleet vehicle is high miles on the van as compaired to a motor home .Our van is a 25 year old bessicarr with 70 000 mile on the clock most of them driven by me including our last trip which was to turkey and back in fact we were living in dalyan when you were there xmas 2021 .I agree a coach built moterhome is hard work to drive compared to a steel van and would not be my first choice for eating up the miles day in day out. But to give credit where its due our 1998 ducato got there and back with no problems and passed its mot with just two new side light bulbs and a cvboot to give her a clean bill of health .

An important and well scripted video of the considerations of owning a home on wheels!!

At the end of the day John...The van fits your needs and takes you to where you want to travel too ❤❤❤

well said John

Very interesting

I agree with what Mandy said it is more John, but as you are now back together is this 2 van convoy going to work long term

As someone who will be deciding whether to live in a van or a motorhome, this is one of the best discussions I've ever seen, and it flags up many points that others miss. At the moment I live on a boat, and to be honest I got the size issue wrong, in that I went for a smaller boat based on price. But I often regret not having a bigger boat with more storage space. So I'm only too aware that you never truly know what space you can live with happily until you actually try it for real. My thoughts at the moment are that an Autotrail C63 with a large front lounge would be really spacious and pleasant to live in. BUT it doesn't have a garage space. Could I live with that? I just dont know, but watching informative videos like this will at least give me a chance of making the right decision, so thank you very much.

I just changed from a van to a motorhome and much prefer this one. I think if the van was properly set out I would have kept that. My MH is around same length, bit wider though,

First rule of happiness, sod what other people think.

Went to the Birmingham Caravan and Motorhome show. Must say John your van is every bit as good or better than most of the vans there yesterday. In fact when i come to think about it, i would probably choose yours.

@GadgetJohn

8 ай бұрын

Thank you 👍🏻

Your definitely correct about motorhome quality.. i bought elddis evolution and the quality was not there, many issues from brand new.. German built definitely better.. I would love to do what you’ve done as you know how its built.. great van well done.

Besides I do not give a sh*€ about “status” regarding different mv cv what not, I like the personal preferences which are shown in self build camper vans, how people solved things as for instance cooling / freezing food, I love the idea of having to separate boxes like you have done, because it is more energy efficient and autist as I am I like things separated :-) also just the really personal feeling each self build breaths -if that is proper English- anyways, a really informative and “food for thoughts” episode John!

Hari OM It's not for anyone to tell you its was a mistake - if they do they are clearly not paying attention! I LOVE your van. Having finally got word to collect my E-Transit next Tuesday, I can finally get into making proper decisions about how I am going to build that out... exciting, challenging and, ultimately, satisfying! YAM xx

I still hanker for a Tardis, agile and spacious and they appear to be infinitely configurable.

Hi John. As a child my father used to say. Camping is under canvas. So if you have a canvas pop top then your van is a Campervan. Everything else is a Motorhome. But recently I have heard Campervan is a brand name of VW. So basically I am totally confused. But I am nearly 70. So that's my excuse. Cheers from old George

Hi John , firstly i couldn't give a shit what anyone else thinks about what ive got or not got but well done for explaining all the differences and pros and cons . I personally think your van is very high quality and you are a very clever guy doing it yourself to that standard 👍 👏 . Have you never thought about doing the odd one for some extra cash or was one enough !!😂 ? Yours has to be up there with the best self conversion ive seen. Happy safe travels 😁👍👏👋

@GadgetJohn

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, but I think I’ve worked on vans enough for the next few years at least 😂

From what I've seen, a lot of the self builders (yourself, Greg Virgo, Liam etc) produce a better product than than many of the factory built examples. I've even seen evidence that suggests there was no insulation or vapour barrier on the rear door of a very premium brand panel van converter. Also agree with you regarding UK manufacturers. I was very happy with the quality of my Burstner and hoping to get the same from the Rapido (if and when it eventually turns up!). My next (last van) after the new A class is going to be a self build. Just not ready to down size yet what with the dog, SUPS, EMTB''s and Kayaks etc.Everyone is different so one single best answer for all.

With your skills and apparent enjoyment in doing the work for me (who doesn't have those skills) it's a no-brainer to have a purpose built campervan. A lot of mass built stuff seems very flimsy - my coachbuilt certainly was (Pilote). The size issue is also important in terms of accessing places. I've got a T5 rising roof campervan now - which is too small - but much easier to park, drive and go to different places. The ideal is I suspect a T5 which you can expand to an A class on arrival in a space big enough for it (Ho ho) . By the way if you're up for doing it it would be nice to have a video tour of the van now it's finished (for now anyway)

@GadgetJohn

Жыл бұрын

If I could build a tardis van then I’d be very busy 😂👍🏻

Hi John you are in a tailor made van. Its like having a tailor made suit. Very classy!😜

Its all down to your own personal choice in what you want in a Motorhome or Campervan

Hi John, what would you say about m.p.g is it a lot better in the campervan, and my other point it is swings and roundabouts small outside means small inside and so on.keep living your life your way 😂😂😂😂😊

@GadgetJohn

Жыл бұрын

The van is slightly better on fuel, around 4mpg more on average than the Moho.

Life is to short John , just enjoy it mate ❤❤❤

I like the fact you have no gas on board, to me that’s why doing your own you have choices like that. I think your vans are beautiful, Mandy’s would suit me down to the ground🥰

also john could you do a proper diagram of your electrics because I want to do the same and be totally off grid

@GadgetJohn

Жыл бұрын

There’s no point, there are so few wires it’s hardly worth the effort. The dedicated video where I show my electrical setup is more than enough to replicate it.

Perfect answer... You pays yer money and makes your own choice/s thingummy. It's what YOU want in YOUR mind... Nobody else's so.... That's it! Perfect!!

Its an interesting topic, and probably some people may wonder if the balance of pro's and cons of a larger coach built against the smaller van conversion fell towards the old van or the new? People may come to the discussion having already cast a vote on your decision hoping, perhaps to be vindicated, but thats the wrong approach. Everyone chooses the van that best meets their personal needs and wants, and accepts compromise when necessary. To have the chance to build the van you want and include all of your requirements from the outset is everyones dream, but not too many have either the skill, knowledge or experience to produce a quality finish, nor have the time, tools and location to take up the challenge. But whatever the outcome, if the van does what its designed to do then thats good enough. I'm certain that anyone who has built out their own van will be the first to tell you if there's something they would do differently after using the thing for a while, but when they are completely happy with their choice, be generous with the applause, and save the criticism for the mass market manufacturers whose standard of build is often appalling but massively expensive at the same time. Clearly John, you made the correct decision, well done. 👏👏👋

Hi john how would you have managed in your van with mandy and coop that could be the difference

@GadgetJohn

Жыл бұрын

That’s a very well documented situation!

If your happy that’s all that matters 😊

I bought a 66 plate Swift with 750 miles on in 2016 abused it for a few and afit of lockdown madness complete ly stripped and rebuilt to my needs. Extra inboard water tanks (190 LTR) QUEEN S size murfy bed insulated floor plenty of solar and storage,and much more.During the rebuild I was appalled by the standard of factory build and now have the perfect van for my needs.over the years I have travelled in combi vans ,self builds and caravans I can't deal with the van snobbery from both m.homets looking down or self builds keeping it real brigade, we all travel the same path but on a different way

Is weight an issue? I'm thinking that while building it yourself one might choose too heavy materials or build it unecessary sturdy so once loaded up it might get overweight.

@GadgetJohn

Жыл бұрын

I tried so hard to get everything I wanted and to be under 3 tonnes but I was 10% over the mark, but that’s carrying everything I own too, so that’s not bad, however, I can say that being as light as you can will pay off in mpg and fewer tyres if nothing else.

Totally get your views..but my knaus sun ti doesn't rattle or creak ..could I live in it full time ..not a chance ..

Interesting I went from caravans as a kid to bivi bag and a motorcycle Then tents increasing in size and equipment carried 🙈 to return to a bivi bag and motorcycle Then sailed a yacht and once married onto campervans and MoHos I love the campervans but happy wife means happy life so settled on a MoHo as she won’t let me build an overland truck YET 🤔😉😂😂😂 Keep the videos coming, I’m getting lots of great information and ideas 👍😎

LOve the idea of a self-build BUT we know we are too lazy to do it so our Knaus motorhome is a compromise vehicle. I like a bit of comfort but I DON'T want a full size British cooker - we have a tiny oven-grill which often is only used as an extra storage space. We like our French bed and having a 'bathroom' but very rarely shower in it - that's what visits to the campsites are for. What ever we have it is ours and we love them

Gosh that Bessacarr had a hooooj rear overhang for its wheelbase.

I love my campervan. Easy to park and go any a post van can go. Doesn't stand out unlike a Motorhome.

We have an a class but wave to all motorhomers and camper banners. Fewer campervanners seem to wave back, though. 😎

The answer needs to be, this suits my needs NOW, the MH did it’s job then, the Self Conversion satisfies your needs now. Things change. People change. Needs change. And two fingers to anyone that looks down on anyone else’s choices. Life really is too short. Take care both.

N0 you did not make a mistake, the only thing I would like on my l3 h2 boxer van is to replace my 2000 watt Renogy inverter with their new inverter charger. So you have b2b charging, 320watts solar, and charging on 240v hookup. I am in the lakes at the moment, and glad I don’t have anything bigger. Free parkups are getting scarce,

@GadgetJohn

Жыл бұрын

The inverter charger is fantastic, 75 amp charger is great, but the unit is as big & heavy as the 200ah battery.

Ps, any video on your drone please sir

@GadgetJohn

Жыл бұрын

Check my recent videos 👍🏻

Hey John - you started in a caravan what about including that in your description?

@GadgetJohn

Жыл бұрын

It was so long ago that I’d forgot 😂, and very few people I speak to mention caravans.

hi john thanks for your advice regarding lithium batteries. i have been to a motorhome service center to look at getting more solar panels on the roof to help increase the power on the 2 AGM 100ah batteries. i thought that my usable ah would be 100ah allowing for 50% dod. they insist this is wrong and that my available power would be 200ah with the battery in parallel. i have been on a few motorhome forums with this question and have received different advice so say its 200ah some say its only 100ah. i am waiting for the company to get back to me tomorrow with a quote to install some more solar on the roof possibly 400w to add to the 100w that i already have .when you messaged me back you suggested that i would be better of getting a lower ah lithium but to increase the option to recharge what i already have. there advice is to keep the 2 100ah AGM which are only just 2 years old and to add the extra 400w of solar . they insist that i have 200ah of usable power and i don't need to upgrade the batteries to a 200ah lithium. any advice you can give to me would be great before i talk to them so i don't sound like a complete knob. lol.

@GadgetJohn

7 ай бұрын

AGM batteries will get to below 12v when they’re around 50% capacity. Therefore in order to be able to supply 12v to your devices you’d find 200ah of AGM would only actually supply 100ah of usable power above 12v. Don’t bother with solar unless you’re going to spend your time touring in summer, or in Spain in the winter, get a 30A victron or 50A renogy DC-DC charger fitted.

You have a home on wheels that you made how you want it. Nice 👍

I brought a brand new swift van 2012 forty grand , in 2018 paid forty two grand for a new swift motor home , so got twenty grand for my old van , then paid seventy Three grand for my swift motor home but got forty three for the old one then a straight swap for a benny van , I think it was a waist of money , a camper van is so much easier to park and drive ‘ took me 11 years to find this out