Making Stuff, Going Places
Making Stuff, Going Places
Jason is a DIY tragic who would rather build it himself than pay someone to do it for him. In addition to travel videos, this channel will include some videos on his creations ranging from campervan builds to landscape gardening - Jason can do half a job on anything!
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I remember these times from 30 years ago, brings back the constant need to find somewhere to park and never knowing how long you can stay. If I was to do it again I would find off beaten places the van could get to and stay a fortnight each time. In a tank of diesel is the same energy as my electrical energy for 3 months in summer with the air con going 24-7 in a property, the energy used just to go somewhere far away without it being a way of life can be exhausting, people travel too far and the wrong places apparently looking at those full car parks, find somewhere you can fish and use it wisely.
If your down south try Narooma and mogo comes online fully in august , really good trail
I definitely want to ride the south coast in the warmer months. Love Narooma as a town, so keen to ride there as well.
Dogs park should of been poo free it is usually the MALES that don't pick up dog poo which is a shame as dog parks always have bags there...just LAZY MEN... Did U have fish and chip at Honeysuckle Bay suppose to be fantastic there...😂😂😂😂if U come back check that out for us...
Can't find a Honeysuckle Bay. Do you know the name of the shop?
Thanks for showing us around Newcastle I need to get up there
Worth the trip. But better on a sunny day 😁
Lovely video that I just stumbled down a rabbit hole and found 😊 must check out the others now!
Thanks for watching, Lynn. Got heaps more to come, so make sure you subscribe 😊
Another great video! Great footage of the dolphins too. I tried to capture them on my phone but it wasn’t very good lol. Wish they would put a dump point somewhere in Newcastle, it would be so handy! It’s great how Newcastle is so chill about campers in vans. I’m enjoying it while it lasts, it never used to be this good until recently. We call Horseshoe car park the van park. It’s always chockers with vans lol. Hope you managed to get somewhere warm for a while.
Thanks Sally. I wish I had the camera with me when the dolphins were surfing. That was awesome 😁 It is nice that they don't try to run us all out if town in Newcastle. Hopefully that philosophy will catch in in more places around the country.
For sure the best place to do fulltime vanlife is here (anywhere) in Australia. - Very natural and relaxed videos. And fantastic van.
Thank you! Yeah, I think it's pretty good in Australia for this sort of lifestyle.
I reckon you might have had a view of Mater hospital from your tank stay
No, couldn't see any hospitals. 😊 It's a secret 😂
Hi Jason. Watching from Mildura. I was a bit disappointed that we didnt see any footage of the inside of the lighthouse but Im happy your off to Nelson Bay which is where my aunt lives & also my mother lived i. Port Stephens for many years. There are lot of beautiful beaches and walks to do. 😁 there's great views from the mountain down past Sholle bay, ( wrong spelling ) & some military history on the other side of the mountain. Also The sand dunes are worth a trip out to. :) have fun. 😁
Hi Carol. The lighthouse wasn't open at the time, so couldn't get inside unfortunately. Watch out for the next videos on Nelson Bay... beautiful and relaxing place! 😊
Awesome video. Looks cold!
Not as cold as Victoria! 😂
I grew up in Nelson Bay, and for Uni & any major shopping, had to go to Newcastle. And I just realised that I've never once been inside Fort Scratchley. I've been to all the POI near it, but never inside it. While you're in Nelson Bay apart from the walk to Fingal Island via the spit you mentioned, I recommend you also do the Tomaree Head Summit Walk for a 360 degree view of the area. Plus also the walks around Fingal Head, Boat Harbour and Anna Bay. There is also great views to be had from the Inner Light (aka Coastal Patrol) at Little Beach.
Also Gan Gan Lookout. The road up there is a little steep but paved. I'm sure your van will make it up there.
Since my video uploads are about a week after me being somewhere, I've already left Nelson Bay, but fortunately I think I've ticked all your suggestions 😁 The hard part is cramming it all into 2 videos and keeping them under 30 min 😂 Really nice up there!
Do you find it hard to find in your van to find somewhere where there’s no other campers. I’m tossing up between a van or 4x4, when I’m travelling I don’t want to be parked right next to other campers. I like peace and quiet😊
Finding a peaceful place is probably the hardest part of vanlife. There's just so many people in Australia now that everywhere you go, there are other people. But they're not always noisy. Having a 4wd helps but then you tend to get all the 4wdrivers and they are very loud and quite often disrespectful to other people. I don't know how many of my videos you've seen, but if you watch a lot, you'll get a good feel for your question.
@@MakingStuffGoingPlaces I just found you recently so I’ll have a look through. Thankyou for the reply!
If U want a quiet spots let me know I can DM you some. Just don't want to spread the word too much as the council getting a bit picky lately.
Thanks for the offer. Best keep them to yourself. There's definitely some I won't share too 😊 Not a big issue for me at the moment as I don't need to stay anywhere long term. Just keep roaming around 😁
That's it, im getting a van, nice set up you got there , plenty room, how far north are you planning to go?
😂 yeah, I love living in the van! Not always easy, but we'll worth it. I want to get up to Qld soon, but lots of "stuff" that I keep needing to attend to... we'll see 😁
Lovely beach views and dolphins , thank you for the views , even in the rain they where stunning , another great video <3 :D
Yeah, still a great view! 😊 Thanks
Hi Jason. I’m not one to do comments but felt compelled watching your videos. My husband moved me from California to Australia nearly 5 years ago and I’ve really enjoyed your videos as it gives me ideas where to go and what to see in Australia. You do a great job, please keep going and thank you!
Thank you very much for the encouragement! Really means a lot and very happy you enjoy watching 😊
I'd be changing that hot water system. Canberra is a really good place to hang out and ride your push bike you can have a shower at the pool at Dickson up the road from the lake in Canberra $3
Been to Canberra a lot in the past but just not in winter! 😁 Lot of mountain bike parks around there.
Mate go north get out of the rat race , just do it
Soon! Got to go help out my mum in Sydney for a week then want to go way north in July!😁
@@MakingStuffGoingPlacesWhen you get up north make sure you stop at Lennox Head / Skenners Head / Byron bay Lighthouse
Thanks for the recommendation. I've added them to my list.
Great video again Jason. Do you have Wikicamps, that should say where (if any) dump points around. I really like Newcastle, only spent a small amount time there but nice town, lots to see. Shame about the weather, hopefully has cleared up for you by now. I also like the fact you move on if weather inclement, with the notion of going back in a few days...we don't always have to keep heading in the one direction, which is an easy mindset to fall into... flexability 👍 Looking forward to next video.
Thanks Pauline. I have Campermate rather than Wikicamps, but have found it not to be as helpful lately. Does show dump points though...none in Newcastle 🙄 Fortunately the weather cleared up after those few days and it's been great during the day. More rain coming though 🙄
Did you pop over to Stockton ?
No, I didn't. Just looked at it from the other side 😁
You’ll love it up here I live in Anna Bay be careful on the spit many people have been caught when tide comes in
It's certainly a beautiful place and I love Anna Bay. The rocks around the shore are pretty special! The spit isn't going above water at all now unfortunately....spoiler for the next video 😂
Great video Jason. Your videos are always entertaining and as always give a "Real Deal" view of van life. That entire Port Stephens area is really interesting. You'll get some great footage at Mount Tomaree. Cheers, Sean
Thanks Sean. I'm working through my footage now and there's just so much! Really hard to cut it down to less than 30 min 😂
I think I know the place near the water tanks! Spent 2 weeks there last year with an air b n b looking over the water. So many whales! We're thinking of moving somewhere up there it's a great area.
Yeah, I was planning on moving up there too when I was working. It is a beautiful area.
you should head up to tea gardens and hawks nest and make a video of the area
I want to go further north at the end of July, so will probably go that way. Haven't spent much time there in the past.
Mate, ive really been enjoying your channel, but I was wondering, do you realize that after almost every sentence... you laugh? Its usually a sign of insecurity, but maybe not in your case. It just gets a tiny bit annoying after a while, just sayin.
Thanks Jim, yes, fully aware I do that. That's just my personality....somewhat annoying 😜
@@MakingStuffGoingPlaces didnt mean to be agressive at all. It just simply gets annoying. thanks for the vids.
Your comments were taken as constructive criticism, no offence whatsoever. I've also had comments from people, not just on KZread, saying they love the way I laugh when I talk (yes, they were women). Ironically, those that spend a lot of time around me would say I'm a very negative person and I find holding the camera in front of me and laughing things off a good way to turn around any negativity that I'm feeling at the time. There you go...too much sharing!
@@MakingStuffGoingPlaces yep I hear where you are coming from. I just wish I had women telling me things like that hahaha
Toilet Dump points. Try a urine separating toilet, but the type with a bag in the solids container. LIFE CHANGING 🤣 So so easy and never need to search for sewage dump points. My solids lasts for a good 2 weeks and you then only need any garbage bin to empty. Just tie off the bag, lift out, and find a bin. Urine container lasts 3-4 days and their easy to empty. I use a Trelino Evo ordered from Germany, expensive but worth every cent. In AU locally have a look at the new toilet from Jacoolta the "GottaGo" it can be used as either chemical or urine separating with a bag liner. The price is ground breaking for a good urine separating toilet ! $314
I'm definitely interested in the Jacoola toilet, only problem is the side opening valve that might not work with where my toilet sits. Need to do some more investigation....if you can swap the valve from left to right, it might be doable.
I think big ships like that get a local pilot who knows the area to guide the boat in and out of the port so they may have lifted the local guy off the boat ?
I would say so. I can't imagine it being anything else. Would have been an interesting flight!
It's a great laundrette , Im amazed I didn't run into in Newcastle.
I couldn't believe how many vans were in Newcastle, but it is a really nice place 😁
Love watching your videos and recognising places in my local surrounds. It really is quite beautiful.
Your rig looks very comfortable. Very nice.
You're lucky to live in such a beautiful area 😊
I'm very happy with my van. It works really well for my needs 😁
Trip down memory lane here, thats where i grew up. Thanks for the great vid n the memories 👍
No worries. I lived in the area for many years too. A great spot!
Were you in Coles at Warner’s bay when you were there, as my friend reckons it was you they saw. And I said nah wouldn’t be, but then you realease video from warners bay
😂 I must have a very common face. A few people have thought they've seen me now. No, didn't drop in to Coles. 😊
Woo hoo I won, the no beanie won it for me lol
@user-vw4pl2ij8z 😂😂
Stainless binds, lube thread and don't over tighten, all sweet
Sounds good. I need to redo all the solar bolts too before it's too late!
If your ever in Gulgong nsw ....be good to meet you......see you next vid
😁 I have The Drip walking track on my list of things to see so may pass through at some stage. Be sure to say hello if you see me!
I am sure you have probably explained it 1 or 2 times but can you make a video on why you have installed 2 ceiling fans in such a small space? and any footage on their installation.
I do have an installation video in my channel. If you look for the playlist on van build or just go way back in time on my videos, it's the second video of my van build. I have 2 fans for ventilation, but only needed one fan and one vent as I rarely turn on both fans. Normally I have the back fan on exhaust, and open the front hatch to let the air in. You need to have cross flow and I don't want side windows open when I'm not in the van, or even when I'm sleeping.
kzread.info/dash/bejne/dZ-umKmDiJDecqw.html
That’s gorgeous spot to camp 22:00
It was, but I've heard the council has blocked it off now so nobody can stay there...☹️
Thanks for sharing another great adventure. Such a beautiful sunset at Warner Bay too.
Thanks Allie 😊
Hi Jason, Your rivnut set looks good, better than the cheap set i have, mind sharing where you bought that kit?
Mine was a cheapy too. The exact link isn't there anymore, but if you search "rivnut tool" on eBay, you will see the blue set pop up in your search.
hi, slight correction... Can rivnuts be used in applications with thin or weak sheet metal? Yes, rivnuts are particularly useful for adding load-bearing threads to thin or weak sheet metal parts. By buckling a rivnut during installation, it creates a durable anchor that is stronger than tapping and less likely to be pulled out easily. new to your channel, enjoying the ride , take care. Frank
Thanks for coming along, Frank 😊 Yes, agree that rivnuts are a good anchor in most materials, but back plating is far stronger on thin material. It really comes down to what people are mounting and the required strength of the joint. Seems that most van builds I see on the internet are done by people employing house building techniques, which is just not right for a metal vehicle 😁
Smart idea with the anti binding agent for the stainless bolt into aluminium. Having installed solar for a few years I know how frustrating it is to have stainless bind to the aluminium! Also with the silicon in the joint of wiring is a good idea. I personally use some hot glue to cover the joint and when I heat the heat shrink it melts and moulds to the joint. both methods work a treat! Enjoy the van life before the local council stuffs it for you!
Thanks for sharing your experience. Always good to hear from people that have done these things more than once like me 😊
Great video Jason thank you. You shouldn't feel guilty about sleeping in your van on the street over night mate. From all the states in Australia, Qld is the only state where they've made it illegal to sleep in a vehicle on a public road. As long as you've parked safe and legal you can relax and enjoy your night. Safe travels BLUEY!
😁 thanks mate! I do my best to make sure I don't annoy anyone.
Another great video! You were in my local area at Speers Point. One of my best investments for the cold was getting an outdoor oodie. I love sitting with the door open right up till I go to bed so the oodie has been a game changer & allowed me to do that even in winter. It’s definitely worth it if you can afford it in your budget, though I imagine there’ll be no treats for a while after the tyre replacement lol. I just spent 2 more nights in Newcastle & loved sitting all night with the door open watching the moon rise on the water. Looking forward to seeing the rest of your adventure in Newy!
Thanks Sally. I think you can see your van in the next video 😂 I think in a few weeks I'm going to drive further north... hopefully solve all my cold weather issues 😁
@@MakingStuffGoingPlaces That’s a great idea. Wish I could do the same!
One day you will. I did weekend trips like you do for years as well. It's still great to get out there 😊
@@MakingStuffGoingPlaces yes I love getting out there any way I can. My daughter only has 2 more years of high school left & then I’m hoping I’ll have a bit more freedom to wander. Fingers crossed 🤞
8 minute mark is why I am building a 4X4 camper van. 🤣
Yep! It would certainly give a little more flexibility.
@@MakingStuffGoingPlaces yes, but my one is only going to be for short trips away, not living in on a long term basis. 👍
Another good episode. Looked like a great ride on the MTB. You handled those corners well. Have you considered investing on a set of TPMS? Even the cheap ones from Amazon or eBay work well. But try and get a better reputable brand. I recommend the ones that have a solar powered main unit. No need to have wires plugged in for power. And if you're going to frequently venture off the bitumen, I'd also recommend getting a tyre puncture repair kit and an air compressor.
I was thinking the same thing...TPMS would have saved me the cost of the tyre. Given that I really couldn't tell that anything was wrong, I'm thinking it might be a good idea.
Nice video Jason. Fantastic views from those lookouts and carparks, best 9f both worlds, Bush and Beach. I recently bought new tyres for my Transit Custom, $230 each, ouch! ...you did well. I must be getting used to the MB footage, didn't have to turn my head away, as much 🙂 Yeah I always get out and walk any rutted/tight tracks and go around the next bend just to make sure. Ohhh to have a 4x4 van! Thanks for the vid.
Thanks Pauline. The same brand tyre as the originals was $250, so I told them to give me the cheapest they have 😂 I'm trying to use a different camera settings now for the riding shots...it's less likely to make people feel sick watching it....I hope 😁 And yeah....shame we don't get the 4x4 Transit in Australia!
Awesome as always looking forward to seeing those places again when I move back to Australia plus weather be warmer lol
Thanks William. We're certainly getting some beautiful days even though it's winter 😁
Nice video. I grew up in Warners Bay, live 10 minutes from Glenrock and often run in the Watagans, so great to see you showcase my backyard 👏👏
Certainly a beautiful place to be! Thanks for watching 😊
Great videos, thank you! Do you think there is any truth to the claim that a 240V AC fridge in an RV struggles due to excessive movement and vibration? We currently have a three-way fridge in our MH, which is very energy-intensive (we use about 4kg of LPG a week and if not on gas draws 300W when running on 12V), thinking of ditching it for a compressor fridge, but they are so expensive! Any feedback would be much appreciated. Pushing the friendship, sorry, but also we have a Renogy 3000W inverter which itself draws 150W to run!! I noticed in another comment that you made, that your inverter is very efficient. Any tips on that would also be appreciated
Hi Julia. I had a 240V fridge in my last van too, and it was fine for the 3 years I had, plus the new owners never mentioned any issues, so I'm pretty sure it lasted 5 years until they sold it. My current fridge has been bouncing about for the best part of a tear now and no issues either. So based on my experience, a house fridge works fine in a van. As for the inverter, mine allegedly uses 1A while it's running for a 2000W inverter. 150W sounds excessive. I don't see keeping the inverter on all the time as an issue as long as the battery and solar system covers it. Even if you replaced your inverter...mine was $320....plus the fridge was $300, you're way ahead of an RV fridge for cost. All reports on the cheaper 12V fridges is that they are terribly inefficient. Many people complain about getting flat batteries....
@@MakingStuffGoingPlaces Thank you so much for replying. Your cost comparison is very helpful., a bit of a no brainer. We just can't work out why our inverter is so energy hungry just running on its own. Thanks again for the detailed information, it's very much appreciated!
Yeah, 150W is crazy! Are you measuring that through a shunt? I would expect a 3000W inverter to use no more than 2A based on my data search.
@@MakingStuffGoingPlaces Thank you for your comment, it prompted us to investigate further. We discovered that when the inverter runs without any load, it consumes only about 12W. However, our Enerdrive charger is currently connected to the inverter and is drawing 160W. Based on your experience, do you agree that the charger should not be connected to the inverter? We bought the motorhome second-hand, and it appears the setup might be somewhat dodgy?
Ummm...what is the enerdrive charger trying to charge? If it's draining the house battery just to try and charge it.... that's definitely wrong. Personally I can't imagine any reason why someone would plug a charger into the inverter....I would unplug it. Depending on which Renogy inverter you have, it may be one that is supposed to be connected to your shore power and basically switches everything to shore power when it's available. Either way though, I still can't see why the charger would be plugged into the inverter.
Hi just a not I live on a yacht and I have the same cooker as you do and to stop the movement of the pan I use a silicone mats just put it on electric stove and then place pan on it no more sliding 😊
That's an excellent idea! I'll have to pick one up, thanks. 😊
Love Kookaburras 😊
Me too. I don't think I've ever seen that many together before 😁
Thank you again for the beautiful sea views and those little birds where so sweet , what a lovely song they sing <3 :D Another great video :D
Just cooking my lunch now and those Magpies are coming inside the van trying to get food scraps 😂
I’ve parked at Mona Vale and do a lot of street parking around Sydney and I definitely have my lights on at night. Trick is for daytime tinted windows to stop prying eyes. At night good window covers that don’t have any light leaks so from the outside you just look like a parked van and no one can tell your inside. I’ve been doing it close to 3.5 years and no problems or knocks. I travel with a dog so it’s not like I’m not coming and going either. I just avoid heavy traffic paths and don’t park outside houses and I don’t stick to the arrive after dark leave early principle either because parking in quieter spots means I don’t really risk people worrying about me being there.
That's definitely the right way to do it. Having the mindset if not trying to upset anyone goes a long way, I think. It's really just about being respectful. Good work!😊