Fulltiming in a motorhome - a blog
Discussion
Sorry, I perhaps shouldn't have aired things on this thread. It's supposed to be the ups and downs of fulltiming rather than delving deep into financials and who should have what.
Regardless of the ins and outs, Harry has not been slept in this week. He's still residing in his post-Scotland state at the bottom of the garden and needs a damn good clean (inside & out).
And that is probably how it will go - I'll get him cleaned and then will most likely sell him. The money needs to go in the pot and I can always kip at any number of other places (parents, etc. and even in the house providing it's not longer than a night or two). I've been offered £1k more than I bought it him for and reckon another £1.5k on top of that is achievable given the amount of interest shown.
There may be a twist to the story which might keep this thread running but for now, I'll keep it focussed on the van and ask everyone to do the same, although I appreciate you're fighting my corner, so thanks for that!
Regardless of the ins and outs, Harry has not been slept in this week. He's still residing in his post-Scotland state at the bottom of the garden and needs a damn good clean (inside & out).
And that is probably how it will go - I'll get him cleaned and then will most likely sell him. The money needs to go in the pot and I can always kip at any number of other places (parents, etc. and even in the house providing it's not longer than a night or two). I've been offered £1k more than I bought it him for and reckon another £1.5k on top of that is achievable given the amount of interest shown.
There may be a twist to the story which might keep this thread running but for now, I'll keep it focussed on the van and ask everyone to do the same, although I appreciate you're fighting my corner, so thanks for that!
Thank you chasing, KT & Zetec-S. Thanks to everyone else for their reading and support of the thread too.
I'm back in Harry, albeit at the bottom of a rather long garden. Decided that logistics are a pain in the butt for moving between house & campsite. Once I've got a longer period settled in one place then I'll move back to the campsite but what with Easter Weekend approaching and some Business trips, just easier to be in the van and away from the house, even if the physical separation distance isn't enormous - we at least both have our own space and doesn't lead to arguments. In all honesty too, I tend to sleep better in the van than in the house, ironically!!
Last night was spent cleaning him up following the trip to Scotland. As I've not been living in him for six days, there were a few bits and Bobs to do. So I had to fully clean down the bathroom, vacuum the floor, mop it with those disposable wipes and generally have a tidy up. Being on the road means I haven't necessarily packed everything back where it should go and I can't afford to be messy in such a small space, so last night I was all about making sure clothes were in the right lockers and I know where everything is. Clean bedsheets (making up a drop-down bed is a bit of a faff and logistical exercise in itself!) and a quick shower before bed.
I'm working on a plan to try and keep him - but it's got to be done with one eye on how much I can derive from the house etc. But as I said, I don't want to go into it in detail - this is a thread on Harry and not my finances or my settlement with my wife (which I can say at this stage is not acrimonious and I'm trying to keep it that way).
What had shocked me though, I knew the VED and MOT were coming up. I paid the VED the other day - 165quid. But a quick check on the MOT checker online told me the current one expires on 21st April!!!! Not long away. Just made a quick call to All Klasse Autos (who did everything for Harry prior to me finding the local boys) and it's booked in for MOT, Oil Service, Coolant Change and Brake Fluid (latter could be problematic since bleed nipples were stuck last year). In the meantime, I need to replace the nsr light cluster as its cracked. Bought a new one before I went to Scotland but need to make time to fit it this weekend.
Otherwise there is always a to do list, particularly if I end up keeping him:
- shower has slowed up draining. Reckon it's a combo of sock fluff and pubes! I had thought it was just the plug trap things but having cleaned those and not made much difference, I reckon the pipes need a bit of a shove with a flexible cleaning rod. Don't want to use chemicals unless I have to.
- shower tray is holding up but it won't be too long (if I keep him) before it'll need the attention of MG Caravans to reinforce and rebuild the floor
- noticed that the Towbar paint is corroding and looking untidy, ditto the arms to the wing mirrors. If I hang on to him, I'll see about rubbing back and spraying some hammerite on these surfaces
- leather needs a clean and feed
- Euroliners need some metal polish applying and a buffing up.
On the plus side, I thought he'd held his value but based upon the interest and bids I've had, he's appreciated by up to £5k! Even accounting for the spend I've had with maintenance, servicing and fuel, that's almost free motoring!!
I'll keep you all update. But please no speculation on who owes who what. That is a matter for me and my wife and even if he does get sold, there will be a very real reason why.
Cheers!
I'm back in Harry, albeit at the bottom of a rather long garden. Decided that logistics are a pain in the butt for moving between house & campsite. Once I've got a longer period settled in one place then I'll move back to the campsite but what with Easter Weekend approaching and some Business trips, just easier to be in the van and away from the house, even if the physical separation distance isn't enormous - we at least both have our own space and doesn't lead to arguments. In all honesty too, I tend to sleep better in the van than in the house, ironically!!
Last night was spent cleaning him up following the trip to Scotland. As I've not been living in him for six days, there were a few bits and Bobs to do. So I had to fully clean down the bathroom, vacuum the floor, mop it with those disposable wipes and generally have a tidy up. Being on the road means I haven't necessarily packed everything back where it should go and I can't afford to be messy in such a small space, so last night I was all about making sure clothes were in the right lockers and I know where everything is. Clean bedsheets (making up a drop-down bed is a bit of a faff and logistical exercise in itself!) and a quick shower before bed.
I'm working on a plan to try and keep him - but it's got to be done with one eye on how much I can derive from the house etc. But as I said, I don't want to go into it in detail - this is a thread on Harry and not my finances or my settlement with my wife (which I can say at this stage is not acrimonious and I'm trying to keep it that way).
What had shocked me though, I knew the VED and MOT were coming up. I paid the VED the other day - 165quid. But a quick check on the MOT checker online told me the current one expires on 21st April!!!! Not long away. Just made a quick call to All Klasse Autos (who did everything for Harry prior to me finding the local boys) and it's booked in for MOT, Oil Service, Coolant Change and Brake Fluid (latter could be problematic since bleed nipples were stuck last year). In the meantime, I need to replace the nsr light cluster as its cracked. Bought a new one before I went to Scotland but need to make time to fit it this weekend.
Otherwise there is always a to do list, particularly if I end up keeping him:
- shower has slowed up draining. Reckon it's a combo of sock fluff and pubes! I had thought it was just the plug trap things but having cleaned those and not made much difference, I reckon the pipes need a bit of a shove with a flexible cleaning rod. Don't want to use chemicals unless I have to.
- shower tray is holding up but it won't be too long (if I keep him) before it'll need the attention of MG Caravans to reinforce and rebuild the floor
- noticed that the Towbar paint is corroding and looking untidy, ditto the arms to the wing mirrors. If I hang on to him, I'll see about rubbing back and spraying some hammerite on these surfaces
- leather needs a clean and feed
- Euroliners need some metal polish applying and a buffing up.
On the plus side, I thought he'd held his value but based upon the interest and bids I've had, he's appreciated by up to £5k! Even accounting for the spend I've had with maintenance, servicing and fuel, that's almost free motoring!!
I'll keep you all update. But please no speculation on who owes who what. That is a matter for me and my wife and even if he does get sold, there will be a very real reason why.
Cheers!
Edited by Spuffington on Monday 10th April 19:23
A bit of a cross-over on my long-running other thread, but just to square the circle and keep the chronology, I now have a solution for two of the items mentioned over the last couple of days......
- the non-draining shower Problem was easily solved.........it seems I must've prodded the trap plug things with my toes so that they blocked the drain holes
Getting out of the shower last night with water around my ankles, I had a quick play with one of them and to my surprise the whole tray drained within 20secs! 
- on keeping Harry. I made a big long list of plus and minus points and then made representations to my Uncle, who had offered to help out financially in the past. Him being a petrolhead, motorhome owner, Godfather to my Daughter and brilliant mate of mine, he and his wife agreed to lend me the money to buy out my wife.
So - all back on an even keel. Just need Harry to pass his MOT and not to be difficult over having his brake fluid changed and I will be a happy chappy!
- the non-draining shower Problem was easily solved.........it seems I must've prodded the trap plug things with my toes so that they blocked the drain holes
Getting out of the shower last night with water around my ankles, I had a quick play with one of them and to my surprise the whole tray drained within 20secs! - on keeping Harry. I made a big long list of plus and minus points and then made representations to my Uncle, who had offered to help out financially in the past. Him being a petrolhead, motorhome owner, Godfather to my Daughter and brilliant mate of mine, he and his wife agreed to lend me the money to buy out my wife.
So - all back on an even keel. Just need Harry to pass his MOT and not to be difficult over having his brake fluid changed and I will be a happy chappy!
Thanks for your kind words, fellas.
I always try and be the best person I can be and expect the same of others. It's tough at the moment, but it's all about the little girl and what can be done best for her. Undoubtely that means Mum and Dad keeping things amicable.
I've popped this on the other "what I did" thread but given the implications it has for Harry going forwards, I figured only right to duplicate here...
Given he has his MOT on Thursday next week, I wanted to be sure that he was well prepped. He had a hole in the nsr light cluster. I bought a pair as I knew one 2017 light cluster and one 2001 would look odd. Relatively straightforward; good job I took photos of the wiring before I unclipped everything though.
Top pic with the old one, bottom pic post installation of the new one:
Removing the old one left this; which I cleaned up with Megs Super Degreaser and polished up with AutoFinesse Tripple:
Top pic, old (osr) and new (nsr). And bottom pic - two new light clusters....
Then onto cleaning Harry - 2k miles of crud had taken its toll. Given the roof was pretty clean (the bit which normally takes the time), I had some time in hand to do some other bits once he was clean. Used GTechniq Tyre and Trim dressing on the tyres and odd bits of black trim around the place. And then turned my attention to towbar which had seen better days.
Out with a wire brush; got off most of the flaky paint and rust. Then sprayed liberally with Fenwicks Disc Brake cleaner to degrease. Then painted on Hammerite Smooth Black mental paint. Very pleased with the results:
Was so impressed with how this turned out, I then painted the underside of the two underbody lockers at the rear, which are metal:
Before
After:
Ok, so doesn't look like much difference in the pic, but I can assure you it looks a lot fresher.
Now having taken the Hammerite out, I can see there are plenty of other applications which could work. I have ordered some Silver and White so that I can paint some of the under body chassis members which you can see from the side. This will freshen it up further and also protect the chassis members. There are also some metal lids to the under floor storage lockers which could do with some paint. I will given them some attention at the next opportunity.
I may also remove the Euroliners on the wheels and give them a tidy up with some wire brushes and paint silver as the steel wheels are corroding beneath the trims.
Whilst under the van, I noted that the bottom of a couple of his lockers were wood. I've therefore ordered a tin of Ronseal Weatherprotect wood paint in black and will set about cleaning off the bottom of these lockers and painting them in due course. Anything to keep him not only looking good (you can just see the bottom of these lockers when standing back from him) as well as protecting him from the ravages of road dirt and weather.
I always try and be the best person I can be and expect the same of others. It's tough at the moment, but it's all about the little girl and what can be done best for her. Undoubtely that means Mum and Dad keeping things amicable.
I've popped this on the other "what I did" thread but given the implications it has for Harry going forwards, I figured only right to duplicate here...
Given he has his MOT on Thursday next week, I wanted to be sure that he was well prepped. He had a hole in the nsr light cluster. I bought a pair as I knew one 2017 light cluster and one 2001 would look odd. Relatively straightforward; good job I took photos of the wiring before I unclipped everything though.
Top pic with the old one, bottom pic post installation of the new one:
Removing the old one left this; which I cleaned up with Megs Super Degreaser and polished up with AutoFinesse Tripple:
Top pic, old (osr) and new (nsr). And bottom pic - two new light clusters....
Then onto cleaning Harry - 2k miles of crud had taken its toll. Given the roof was pretty clean (the bit which normally takes the time), I had some time in hand to do some other bits once he was clean. Used GTechniq Tyre and Trim dressing on the tyres and odd bits of black trim around the place. And then turned my attention to towbar which had seen better days.
Out with a wire brush; got off most of the flaky paint and rust. Then sprayed liberally with Fenwicks Disc Brake cleaner to degrease. Then painted on Hammerite Smooth Black mental paint. Very pleased with the results:
Was so impressed with how this turned out, I then painted the underside of the two underbody lockers at the rear, which are metal:
Before
After:
Ok, so doesn't look like much difference in the pic, but I can assure you it looks a lot fresher.
Now having taken the Hammerite out, I can see there are plenty of other applications which could work. I have ordered some Silver and White so that I can paint some of the under body chassis members which you can see from the side. This will freshen it up further and also protect the chassis members. There are also some metal lids to the under floor storage lockers which could do with some paint. I will given them some attention at the next opportunity.
I may also remove the Euroliners on the wheels and give them a tidy up with some wire brushes and paint silver as the steel wheels are corroding beneath the trims.
Whilst under the van, I noted that the bottom of a couple of his lockers were wood. I've therefore ordered a tin of Ronseal Weatherprotect wood paint in black and will set about cleaning off the bottom of these lockers and painting them in due course. Anything to keep him not only looking good (you can just see the bottom of these lockers when standing back from him) as well as protecting him from the ravages of road dirt and weather.
Another quick update.
Harry is looking awesome in the sunshine now. Completely clean, new rear lights, all the necessary bits of trim restored, towbar painted and some detail-focussed cleaning has got him looking almost brand new from certain angles. Particularly liked the shine evident in this pic:
In other news, I managed to source a 1800mm x 580mm Seitz safety net for the overcab bed. I have been sharing the bed with my daughter but she's such a kicker during the night that neither of us get a good night sleep. She is, however, really keen on going "upstairs" to bed, so I figured best way to ensure that happened without her being in danger and me getting a good night sleep without worry, was to install this safety net.
Biggest issue was needing to remove the mattress, which would be challenging anyway, but doing it alone and leaving it perched on the 3rd travelling chair and table was "interesting", as was climbing the ladder and trying to spread my weight over several bed slats rather than impose my full 85kg on just one! Anyway, having found a comfy perch, I set about screwing the base of the net into the side of the bed board. There were already lugs screwed into the chassis member which runs around the top of the cabin (I guess like a roll-hoop!), which although not quite in the right position for the new straps (they pull in at 30degs), the Chassis member needs drilling to move them so I will do this at another time. In the meantime, it's secure mounted on these lugs.
I'm pleased and the little'un is very excited about having her own bed when she comes to stay.
I've got her from Thurs evening-Sun this week so looking at where to go away on Fri & Sat night. Kelling Heath is a bit too far IMO (about 2.5hrs drive) but wondering about Oakham which has an ok site but just a short walk to some nice pubs in the village nearby. Any other ideas for c. 90mins from Cambridge?
Harry is looking awesome in the sunshine now. Completely clean, new rear lights, all the necessary bits of trim restored, towbar painted and some detail-focussed cleaning has got him looking almost brand new from certain angles. Particularly liked the shine evident in this pic:
In other news, I managed to source a 1800mm x 580mm Seitz safety net for the overcab bed. I have been sharing the bed with my daughter but she's such a kicker during the night that neither of us get a good night sleep. She is, however, really keen on going "upstairs" to bed, so I figured best way to ensure that happened without her being in danger and me getting a good night sleep without worry, was to install this safety net.
Biggest issue was needing to remove the mattress, which would be challenging anyway, but doing it alone and leaving it perched on the 3rd travelling chair and table was "interesting", as was climbing the ladder and trying to spread my weight over several bed slats rather than impose my full 85kg on just one! Anyway, having found a comfy perch, I set about screwing the base of the net into the side of the bed board. There were already lugs screwed into the chassis member which runs around the top of the cabin (I guess like a roll-hoop!), which although not quite in the right position for the new straps (they pull in at 30degs), the Chassis member needs drilling to move them so I will do this at another time. In the meantime, it's secure mounted on these lugs.
I'm pleased and the little'un is very excited about having her own bed when she comes to stay.
I've got her from Thurs evening-Sun this week so looking at where to go away on Fri & Sat night. Kelling Heath is a bit too far IMO (about 2.5hrs drive) but wondering about Oakham which has an ok site but just a short walk to some nice pubs in the village nearby. Any other ideas for c. 90mins from Cambridge?
@hornetrider - thanks! Very pleased with how he's scrubbed up. Will look at getting some polish and wax on him during the Bank Holiday weekend given I have three days to myself.
Thanks for the suggestions guys. All duly noted and will certainly get around to trying them at some point.
Unfortunately we're on a bit of a downwards curve again with the little'un. She's finding the separation very difficult to deal with and crying a lot in the evenings when I'm not there.
Horrible to see and to have to try and pacify her when I'm feeling the same but with the added complication of distance. So when I was speaking to her last night trying to calm her down, I offered two places I know she loves - Kelling Heath (because of the swimming pool) and Hertford because of her Aunt & Uncle and Cousins living nearby.
Predictably, she chose Kelling Heath. In some ways, I can't say I'm disappointed. It is a bit longer to drive and the site is not my favourite in shoulder-high season due to the sheer volume of people there. But I can't deny it's good for her with the swimming pool, places to ride the bike and the steam train into Sheringham and Holt.
So, I'll be picking her up from nursery at 4pm on Friday and by 4:30pm we'll be in Harry, heading up the A11 towards Kelling Heath. Should get there for dinner time and a full-funpacked Saturday will await!
Just what both of us need, I reckon.
Very pleased with how he's scrubbed up. Will look at getting some polish and wax on him during the Bank Holiday weekend given I have three days to myself.Thanks for the suggestions guys. All duly noted and will certainly get around to trying them at some point.
Unfortunately we're on a bit of a downwards curve again with the little'un. She's finding the separation very difficult to deal with and crying a lot in the evenings when I'm not there.
Horrible to see and to have to try and pacify her when I'm feeling the same but with the added complication of distance. So when I was speaking to her last night trying to calm her down, I offered two places I know she loves - Kelling Heath (because of the swimming pool) and Hertford because of her Aunt & Uncle and Cousins living nearby. Predictably, she chose Kelling Heath. In some ways, I can't say I'm disappointed. It is a bit longer to drive and the site is not my favourite in shoulder-high season due to the sheer volume of people there. But I can't deny it's good for her with the swimming pool, places to ride the bike and the steam train into Sheringham and Holt.
So, I'll be picking her up from nursery at 4pm on Friday and by 4:30pm we'll be in Harry, heading up the A11 towards Kelling Heath. Should get there for dinner time and a full-funpacked Saturday will await!
Just what both of us need, I reckon.
Been a week or so - time for a quick update:
Kelling Heath was superb and just what we both needed. I picked little'n up from nursery at 16:00 in the car, then set off in Harry at 16:30. We were at Kelling Heath for 19:00. Thankfully she didn't fall asleep, so a quick bite to eat and she was ready for bed at 8pm and I wasn't too far behind her. The safety net is a boon - she slept all the way through (and has done every night I've had her since), which is more than she's managing at home.
A weekend packed full of swimming, playing games, adventure playground (indoor and out) and generally enjoying each other. I even managed to get her to sit down and watch the iPad for a bit so I could read a book. Lasted an hour, but that was still good.
Since I got back, I've not been in Harry much. Regaining a bit of a social life, plus a couple of work dos. I didn't get back to him until gone midnight two days this week. It has been a bit more challenging with the cold weather as he requires the heating turning up and a good 20mins to get up to temp. But otherwise all good and I've just resorted to popping an extra blanket (or open sleeping bag) on top of the bed when it gets really chilly overnight.
The only problem with being back late and gone early is I've let my tidiness go awry and he needs a good tidy, vacuum and clean this weekend. Ex is away for the weekend with the little'n, so I've just popped laundry in the washing machine and will tidy up tonight. May even sleep in the house I'm still paying the mortgage on!
Anyway, as per usual, there's always something to do. The flyscreen failed in the overcab bed about a month or so ago and I'd been "making do" by just pulling it tight, but it was always getting in the way of the blind when I tried pulling that. A bit of eBaying one night had me find a new blind from Brownhills eBay shop. Was only about 30quid so I bought it and today in my lunch hour (I work from home on a Friday), I set about fitting it. Thankfully really easy and took me all of 20mins. Tried giving the whole of the unit a bit of a clean but it's so old, there was no chance. As and when I get the time and money in the years to come, I'll probably replace it and the one in the kitchen to freshen everything up (main one was done due to a catastrophic leak last Christmas). They're not that expensive and now I've seen how they're mounted, I'm sure it could be a DIY job.
Here we go......
Other than that, all good. I don't see living in Harry as a hardship. It's fairly easy but obviously every now and again I get a pang of wanting to be settled back in the house. Still a while to go, but still plenty of adventures to go in Harry too.
Thanks again for everyone's support. It really does help, just knowing there are people rooting for me.
Kelling Heath was superb and just what we both needed. I picked little'n up from nursery at 16:00 in the car, then set off in Harry at 16:30. We were at Kelling Heath for 19:00. Thankfully she didn't fall asleep, so a quick bite to eat and she was ready for bed at 8pm and I wasn't too far behind her. The safety net is a boon - she slept all the way through (and has done every night I've had her since), which is more than she's managing at home.
A weekend packed full of swimming, playing games, adventure playground (indoor and out) and generally enjoying each other. I even managed to get her to sit down and watch the iPad for a bit so I could read a book. Lasted an hour, but that was still good.
Since I got back, I've not been in Harry much. Regaining a bit of a social life, plus a couple of work dos. I didn't get back to him until gone midnight two days this week. It has been a bit more challenging with the cold weather as he requires the heating turning up and a good 20mins to get up to temp. But otherwise all good and I've just resorted to popping an extra blanket (or open sleeping bag) on top of the bed when it gets really chilly overnight.
The only problem with being back late and gone early is I've let my tidiness go awry and he needs a good tidy, vacuum and clean this weekend. Ex is away for the weekend with the little'n, so I've just popped laundry in the washing machine and will tidy up tonight. May even sleep in the house I'm still paying the mortgage on!
Anyway, as per usual, there's always something to do. The flyscreen failed in the overcab bed about a month or so ago and I'd been "making do" by just pulling it tight, but it was always getting in the way of the blind when I tried pulling that. A bit of eBaying one night had me find a new blind from Brownhills eBay shop. Was only about 30quid so I bought it and today in my lunch hour (I work from home on a Friday), I set about fitting it. Thankfully really easy and took me all of 20mins. Tried giving the whole of the unit a bit of a clean but it's so old, there was no chance. As and when I get the time and money in the years to come, I'll probably replace it and the one in the kitchen to freshen everything up (main one was done due to a catastrophic leak last Christmas). They're not that expensive and now I've seen how they're mounted, I'm sure it could be a DIY job.
Here we go......
Other than that, all good. I don't see living in Harry as a hardship. It's fairly easy but obviously every now and again I get a pang of wanting to be settled back in the house. Still a while to go, but still plenty of adventures to go in Harry too.
Thanks again for everyone's support. It really does help, just knowing there are people rooting for me.
A quick modification undertaken at the weekend - tip for which was given early on in this thread, but finally got around to it..................a cupholder for my morning cuppa/glass of water. I'll mount a small elasticated net next to it for a mobile phone holder in due course.
Pleased with it as it looks good and properly OEM, in my opinion.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Pleased with it as it looks good and properly OEM, in my opinion.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
It's been a while since I properly posted about fulltiming or situation rather than just mods and renovation. So here goes......
Well it's s
t. Completely st. Although on the one hand I've enjoyed some relative normality since returning from the NC500 in early April by being parked up back on my own property (at the bottom of the garden away from the house, but with a hookup and less faff with utilities), life in the motorhome waxes and wanes between being tolerable, fun and ok to being cramped, logistically difficult and depressing. Today is certainly one of those days; compounded by what seems to be the gradual realisation by the little'un that her life will never be the same again. 
In spite of the motorhome feeling a bit smaller recently (I seem to be accumulating stuff), the slightly warmer weather had made it more bearable and the fact the little one enjoys sleeping in the overcab pull-down bed with her new safety net up, makes the evenings that I have her a lot more relaxing, since we both now get a good night sleep.
Last weekend was lovely - real quality time to enjoy our surroundings (walking around the fields - the simple life) and then a drive out in Harry to Epping Forest to spend Sunday running and jumping in the forest and climbing trees and having lunch in the van. Was pure bliss. Harry enjoyed the run out too, but one of the problems with fulltiming and then moving, is the tidying up time to get him ready for the road; takes a lot more time and faff. But I enjoyed last week.
So what's happened this week? Well a return to commuting to Germany, for one. Although in some ways that has been positive both from the ability to get more face time with people who matter in Frankfurt but also in that I get the relative normality of a bedroom and proper bathroom and shower!!!!! However, on the flip side it means that I don't see little lady on anything other than FaceTime. In theory I wouldn't be spending the time with her during Tues-Thurs anyway, but Germany adds yet more distance both physically and, more importantly, psychologically.
Coming back this evening, I was really looking forward to seeing the little'un. But first I had to come back to the motorhome. It's my own fault, but having left at 4am on Tuesday morning, I left in a hurry and not having washed up or tidied up meant that coming back to a tip of a van wasn't very helpful for the morale. Then trying to unpack a suitcase, compounded the issue.
I then went into the house in a fairly bad mood. Was greeted with a nice cuddle from my daughter and then bath time. Had a minor disagreement with the ex, but thankfully out of earshot of little one but was then greeted with backchat, insolence and argument from the little lady herself. I put it down to tiredness. We had some words but then as I was drying her hair and she was sitting on my lap, the floodgates opened......................she misses the dog. Since having the dog adopted by my Uncle, we've not really talked about her too much. It's now been four weeks and the penny seems to have dropped and the poor little girl was crying for her puppy, saying she would never see her again. It was heartbreaking. Thankfully she will see her with still being in the extended family, but for a four year old, that's scant comfort. She brought me to tears with her own heartbreak but I knew it was important that she just let it go by crying it out in the safety of my arms and she did seem slightly better after about 20mins. But I still then listened to her muttering about the dog for another 20mins after stories as she was trying to settle herself to sleep.
I'm just emotionally drained. I feel so useless as well as angry for the situation in which I find myself and the effect it's having on the most precious person in my life. Having no control over the situation - the decision over the course of my future life being taken out of my hands. I know deep down little lady will be ok with the right amount of support. But what I see is a person struggling to process everything and in some ways, having to grow up a little too fast. Being an only child too, she's got it tough not having anyone to bounce off.
So here I am back in Harry. Suitcase open on the sofa, dirty laundry all over the place, mail, books, phones, cups over the table and the sink overflowing with dirty plates and washing up. And I can't be bothered. I just want to go to sleep and hope I wake up to it all being a bad dream tomorrow. But it won't be. It'll still be there and somehow I need to summons the strength to get the place tidied up, get my backside into gear and stop feeling sorry for myself.
If I didn't have little one to keep driving me forward, I think I could find myself in a very dark place indeed right now.
Well it's s
t. Completely st. Although on the one hand I've enjoyed some relative normality since returning from the NC500 in early April by being parked up back on my own property (at the bottom of the garden away from the house, but with a hookup and less faff with utilities), life in the motorhome waxes and wanes between being tolerable, fun and ok to being cramped, logistically difficult and depressing. Today is certainly one of those days; compounded by what seems to be the gradual realisation by the little'un that her life will never be the same again. In spite of the motorhome feeling a bit smaller recently (I seem to be accumulating stuff), the slightly warmer weather had made it more bearable and the fact the little one enjoys sleeping in the overcab pull-down bed with her new safety net up, makes the evenings that I have her a lot more relaxing, since we both now get a good night sleep.
Last weekend was lovely - real quality time to enjoy our surroundings (walking around the fields - the simple life) and then a drive out in Harry to Epping Forest to spend Sunday running and jumping in the forest and climbing trees and having lunch in the van. Was pure bliss. Harry enjoyed the run out too, but one of the problems with fulltiming and then moving, is the tidying up time to get him ready for the road; takes a lot more time and faff. But I enjoyed last week.
So what's happened this week? Well a return to commuting to Germany, for one. Although in some ways that has been positive both from the ability to get more face time with people who matter in Frankfurt but also in that I get the relative normality of a bedroom and proper bathroom and shower!!!!! However, on the flip side it means that I don't see little lady on anything other than FaceTime. In theory I wouldn't be spending the time with her during Tues-Thurs anyway, but Germany adds yet more distance both physically and, more importantly, psychologically.
Coming back this evening, I was really looking forward to seeing the little'un. But first I had to come back to the motorhome. It's my own fault, but having left at 4am on Tuesday morning, I left in a hurry and not having washed up or tidied up meant that coming back to a tip of a van wasn't very helpful for the morale. Then trying to unpack a suitcase, compounded the issue.
I then went into the house in a fairly bad mood. Was greeted with a nice cuddle from my daughter and then bath time. Had a minor disagreement with the ex, but thankfully out of earshot of little one but was then greeted with backchat, insolence and argument from the little lady herself. I put it down to tiredness. We had some words but then as I was drying her hair and she was sitting on my lap, the floodgates opened......................she misses the dog.
Since having the dog adopted by my Uncle, we've not really talked about her too much. It's now been four weeks and the penny seems to have dropped and the poor little girl was crying for her puppy, saying she would never see her again. It was heartbreaking. Thankfully she will see her with still being in the extended family, but for a four year old, that's scant comfort. She brought me to tears with her own heartbreak but I knew it was important that she just let it go by crying it out in the safety of my arms and she did seem slightly better after about 20mins. But I still then listened to her muttering about the dog for another 20mins after stories as she was trying to settle herself to sleep. I'm just emotionally drained. I feel so useless as well as angry for the situation in which I find myself and the effect it's having on the most precious person in my life. Having no control over the situation - the decision over the course of my future life being taken out of my hands. I know deep down little lady will be ok with the right amount of support. But what I see is a person struggling to process everything and in some ways, having to grow up a little too fast. Being an only child too, she's got it tough not having anyone to bounce off.
So here I am back in Harry. Suitcase open on the sofa, dirty laundry all over the place, mail, books, phones, cups over the table and the sink overflowing with dirty plates and washing up. And I can't be bothered. I just want to go to sleep and hope I wake up to it all being a bad dream tomorrow. But it won't be. It'll still be there and somehow I need to summons the strength to get the place tidied up, get my backside into gear and stop feeling sorry for myself.
If I didn't have little one to keep driving me forward, I think I could find myself in a very dark place indeed right now.
Thank you for all your support, chaps. I'm genuinely bowled over by the support and it is nice to know there are people rooting for me. Sometimes it's easy to forget and whilst I don't write on here for any ego-massage; mainly for therapeutic benefit, it really is appreciated you words of support and collective wisdom.
Clearly the whole thing has been getting to me - I wonder also if there are outside factors involved, such as also a delayed reaction to the cardiac arrest I attended a few weeks back. Together with my sadness over the situation with my daughter etc. I have been suffering with very similar anxiety symptoms to what I have experienced in the past. Not really sure whether there is a link, but we'll see. If there is, then hardly convenient when I have my Community First Responder training coming up next weekend!
Anyway, this weekend I've tried to focus on myself a bit more. I had the little'un overnight on Friday which was lovely. Breakfast together Saturday morning and then took her to her ballet lesson. Had to hand over at 10:30 so set myself a plan to get stuff done - lots of things which I'd had on a to do list but haven't managed to do for one reason or another.
Replaced the head on my Stihl strimmer with an auto spool head;
Strimmed around various bits of the garden which needed some TLC;
Cut down a portion of a tree overhanging some outbuildings;
Cleaned out gutters of said outbuildings;
Cleared up a log pile into the wood shed since most of the winter fuel for the wood burner has been used and there's now space;
And then cleaned the 530d inside and out ahead of its trip to the dealers tomorrow. Want to ensure it looks like the best 78k mile car they've ever seen.
Sadly, all of that on just 4hrs sleep (anxiety kept me awake on Friday night) had me feeling rotten. A kip and an early night had me feeling better but still didn't feel 100% today. Had planned on mountain biking today but felt so lethargic that I felt it was time to indulge myself instead of pushing my body. I remembered that whilst up in Scotland I found beaches and the coast really therapeutic, so I hurried myself getting Harry roadworthy and set course for a lovely seaside resort called Southwold on the Suffolk coast. A two hour drive up the A11/A14/A12 - a chance for Harry to stretch his legs over just shy of 100miles each way.
As it turned out, I didn't really need to take Harry. I parked him up south of town behind some sand dunes and apart from grabbing stuff from the fridge for a picnic on the beach, the collapsible chair from the cargo hold and using the toilet half way through the afternoon, I realised I could've brought the 530d instead and saved on about £30 of fuel! But never mind, it was nice to have the option of spending time in him and a long drive won't do him any harm - if anything keeping everything nicely lubed and brakes & tyres from deteriorating. As usual, he managed the trip with aplomb and in the utmost comfort and serenity. (y)
Well, it was 22degs on the beach and whilst the sun was occasionally obscured by some passing clouds, it was a lovely day. I sat on the beach reading the Sunday Times for around 2hrs - which was a real indulgence. Then packed everything up, walked the mile or so down the beach to the town and grabbed myself an ice cream and sat on the promenade for another hour just watching the world go by.
As I started to walk back down the beach towards Harry, I took a spontaneous deep lung-filling breath. The first for around a week or so. A tell-tale sign that I was relaxed and the stress was subsiding. I'm now more convinced than ever at the recuperative benefits of being by the sea, nature and switching off from the internet/social media etc.
Back home I hooked up Harry, put the thermal blanket back on the windscreen, jumped on the tractor and mowed both lawns, trimmed a couple of hedges and then put little'un to bed in the house. I've just had dinner and tidied up the van. I'm feeling a bit more positive about the week ahead.
Thank you for all your support. It means a lot. (y)
Clearly the whole thing has been getting to me - I wonder also if there are outside factors involved, such as also a delayed reaction to the cardiac arrest I attended a few weeks back. Together with my sadness over the situation with my daughter etc. I have been suffering with very similar anxiety symptoms to what I have experienced in the past. Not really sure whether there is a link, but we'll see. If there is, then hardly convenient when I have my Community First Responder training coming up next weekend!
Anyway, this weekend I've tried to focus on myself a bit more. I had the little'un overnight on Friday which was lovely. Breakfast together Saturday morning and then took her to her ballet lesson. Had to hand over at 10:30 so set myself a plan to get stuff done - lots of things which I'd had on a to do list but haven't managed to do for one reason or another.
Replaced the head on my Stihl strimmer with an auto spool head;
Strimmed around various bits of the garden which needed some TLC;
Cut down a portion of a tree overhanging some outbuildings;
Cleaned out gutters of said outbuildings;
Cleared up a log pile into the wood shed since most of the winter fuel for the wood burner has been used and there's now space;
And then cleaned the 530d inside and out ahead of its trip to the dealers tomorrow. Want to ensure it looks like the best 78k mile car they've ever seen.
Sadly, all of that on just 4hrs sleep (anxiety kept me awake on Friday night) had me feeling rotten. A kip and an early night had me feeling better but still didn't feel 100% today. Had planned on mountain biking today but felt so lethargic that I felt it was time to indulge myself instead of pushing my body. I remembered that whilst up in Scotland I found beaches and the coast really therapeutic, so I hurried myself getting Harry roadworthy and set course for a lovely seaside resort called Southwold on the Suffolk coast. A two hour drive up the A11/A14/A12 - a chance for Harry to stretch his legs over just shy of 100miles each way.
As it turned out, I didn't really need to take Harry. I parked him up south of town behind some sand dunes and apart from grabbing stuff from the fridge for a picnic on the beach, the collapsible chair from the cargo hold and using the toilet half way through the afternoon, I realised I could've brought the 530d instead and saved on about £30 of fuel! But never mind, it was nice to have the option of spending time in him and a long drive won't do him any harm - if anything keeping everything nicely lubed and brakes & tyres from deteriorating. As usual, he managed the trip with aplomb and in the utmost comfort and serenity. (y)
Well, it was 22degs on the beach and whilst the sun was occasionally obscured by some passing clouds, it was a lovely day. I sat on the beach reading the Sunday Times for around 2hrs - which was a real indulgence. Then packed everything up, walked the mile or so down the beach to the town and grabbed myself an ice cream and sat on the promenade for another hour just watching the world go by.
As I started to walk back down the beach towards Harry, I took a spontaneous deep lung-filling breath. The first for around a week or so. A tell-tale sign that I was relaxed and the stress was subsiding. I'm now more convinced than ever at the recuperative benefits of being by the sea, nature and switching off from the internet/social media etc.
Back home I hooked up Harry, put the thermal blanket back on the windscreen, jumped on the tractor and mowed both lawns, trimmed a couple of hedges and then put little'un to bed in the house. I've just had dinner and tidied up the van. I'm feeling a bit more positive about the week ahead.
Thank you for all your support. It means a lot. (y)
Edited by Spuffington on Sunday 14th May 21:26
Quick update since I was again overwhelmed at the support I received both in the form of posts and PMs - thank you, everyone.
I'm in a good place right now. Largely to do with having a focus outside the confines of Harry. He's still proving to be very comfortable, although could probably do with some TLC in the form of a good deep clean (which is easier said than done in such a confined space) and he's disgustingly dirty on the outside as he's parked under an oak tree and beside a big leylandi tree and hedge, so there's sap all over. Need to give him a clean before I head off on hols to France in him later in June.
That being said, aside from the every 5 day emptying of the toilet cassette, every 3-4 day empty of the Wastemaster (I don't use the Grey tank whilst I'm static - it's easier just letting it flow straight into the Wastemaster and emptying that in the drainage ditch nearby) and weekly fill of fresh water, there's nought much going on.
The last week or so has been really busy and that's no doubt help me be a bit more positive. Whilst I haven't seen my daughter as much as I'd have liked, she did spend the run-up to last weekend in the van and I've got her from tonight through until Monday evening, so that's good.
But one of the things I've been focussing on is volunteering. I'd been meaning to do so for a long time, but once separation was on the cards, I decided to pull the trigger on a longheld ambition - to become an Ambulance First Responder. Although it took a while for my application to go into the system and get things moved on, everything has moved at lightening pace since and continues such. I spent all of last weekend at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford at the Ambulance Training Centre learning, practicising and drilling. And then more drilling. And more drilling. Before being assessed. I passed the Adult course last weekend. Last night I found myself with my local Group at Saffron Walden Ambulance Station getting Refresher Training on Paediatrics - the irony of which is that I have my Paediatrics Module this coming Sunday at Chelmsford again!! But subject to me passing that and my DBS check being cleared, I will be Operational very soon. Although once Operational I have a ride-out with a Senior Paramedic on an RRV and some buddying up shifts with more experienced CFRs first, I at least have a focus for my "downtime" and a life outside of just the van when I'm not busy being a hands on Daddy.
What I have learnt so far is very humbling and I know full well that what I will witness and deal with will very much put my own situation into perspective. I am naturally apprehensive, but it's been a long since I did anything where I have as much enthusiasm and pride in what I'm doing. It feels good and helps me to cope with the other more tricky aspects of my life with greater optimism.
Thank you again for your support!
I'm in a good place right now. Largely to do with having a focus outside the confines of Harry. He's still proving to be very comfortable, although could probably do with some TLC in the form of a good deep clean (which is easier said than done in such a confined space) and he's disgustingly dirty on the outside as he's parked under an oak tree and beside a big leylandi tree and hedge, so there's sap all over. Need to give him a clean before I head off on hols to France in him later in June.
That being said, aside from the every 5 day emptying of the toilet cassette, every 3-4 day empty of the Wastemaster (I don't use the Grey tank whilst I'm static - it's easier just letting it flow straight into the Wastemaster and emptying that in the drainage ditch nearby) and weekly fill of fresh water, there's nought much going on.
The last week or so has been really busy and that's no doubt help me be a bit more positive. Whilst I haven't seen my daughter as much as I'd have liked, she did spend the run-up to last weekend in the van and I've got her from tonight through until Monday evening, so that's good.
But one of the things I've been focussing on is volunteering. I'd been meaning to do so for a long time, but once separation was on the cards, I decided to pull the trigger on a longheld ambition - to become an Ambulance First Responder. Although it took a while for my application to go into the system and get things moved on, everything has moved at lightening pace since and continues such. I spent all of last weekend at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford at the Ambulance Training Centre learning, practicising and drilling. And then more drilling. And more drilling. Before being assessed. I passed the Adult course last weekend. Last night I found myself with my local Group at Saffron Walden Ambulance Station getting Refresher Training on Paediatrics - the irony of which is that I have my Paediatrics Module this coming Sunday at Chelmsford again!! But subject to me passing that and my DBS check being cleared, I will be Operational very soon. Although once Operational I have a ride-out with a Senior Paramedic on an RRV and some buddying up shifts with more experienced CFRs first, I at least have a focus for my "downtime" and a life outside of just the van when I'm not busy being a hands on Daddy.
What I have learnt so far is very humbling and I know full well that what I will witness and deal with will very much put my own situation into perspective. I am naturally apprehensive, but it's been a long since I did anything where I have as much enthusiasm and pride in what I'm doing. It feels good and helps me to cope with the other more tricky aspects of my life with greater optimism.
Thank you again for your support!
So a quick update - not too much to update but Fulltiming has taken its toll on the first component..............the water pump!
It's always been a bit noisey since I've had the van but in the last few days it has been making some weird noises and last night in the shower, the water pressure was very inconsistent and the pump seemed to be labouring or doing something funny. So a quick post on the Classic Hymers Facebook page and 20mins later one of the experts had pointed me in the direction of the standard fitment (well, uprated version of that) Reich 19l/min water pump. Another 5mins and 45quid later, one had been ordered from Amazon and is currently winging its way to me.
I did consider uprating to 25l/min but in all honesty, whilst a more powerful shower would be good, I also value the fact that I can shower 5-6times per week on top of the other normal uses for the water before needing to refill the tank. So I stayed with the original suggestion. I did consider buying two pumps to keep one as a spare, but given the current one is sort of working still, I'll just keep hold of that "just in case".
Other than that, I had a bit of an accident with the shower cubicle door the other day. I was cleaning the shower room when I folded one of the doors back and tried to push it home into its catch. Misaligned it a bit and it's tugged itself a tiny bit from its mounting point. It's not entirely obvious how it screws into the wall, so I think I'm going to have to start trying to take the whole assembly apart to see how it fits into the wall so I can get to the bits I need to tighten back up. Not urgent but probably need to do it before it does more damage with it being a bit wobbly.
All in all, though. The van is holding up well to constant use. Sometimes it feels a bit small but part of that is down to me being a bit lazy and not tidying up often enough. Things really do need to be put away and I should be disciplined in terms of doing this but my inner male kicks in sometimes and it becomes a bit of batchelor pad once or twice a week. Having my daughter stay overnight is a good driver to get it tidied and cleaned.
I'm counting down to holiday. I've only got two more weeks left at work before my annual leave and three weeks until I go to France in Harry. The next few weekends are busy but I'm considering taking Harry away somewhere for the night on 10th June to get him moving again as he's been static since my trip to Southwold. Then when I get back from the first leg of my holiday, before I head to France I'll give him a good deep clean on the outside as I hate travelling in a dirty vehicle. He's been sitting under leylandi and an oak tree so covered in bird mess and sap and looking a bit unloved. Looking forward to a decent roadtrip though - home, Dover-Calais Ferry, Honfleur, three nights on Normandy Coast followed by Cherbourg to Poole overnight Ferry and back again.
And then the plan will be to try and use him most weekends over the summer. My Uncle has invited me down to his place in Pyrennes to dog-sit in October - I'm currently mulling over whether I make a big trip of it and motorhome down there. Or whether I drive down in the 530d (just to keep the DPF clear, you understand! ) or just keep it simple and Ryanair it. But I'm such a big fan of a roadtrip, that I'm erring towards a drive. We'll see, I have 3 months to decide.
Sadly no real progress on the house. Ex is still job-hunting and realistically it will be 3-6months post-her getting a job when she moves out. In any event not pre-November. But we have made some progress in terms of agreeing on a settlement. Ink is still wet on the drafts but I think we're in the right ballpark, which will allow everyone to move on. Thankfully pragmatism on both sides is keeping it amicable and whilst I can't say I'm happy at how much cash is going out of the door, if it means we can all move on with our lives and both "have our cake" then that's the best way. I guess we're lucky that neither of is looking to screw the other and that there's sufficient to go around (or rather I have a sufficiently good job) that I can hold on to my house rather than have to cash in everything.
It's always been a bit noisey since I've had the van but in the last few days it has been making some weird noises and last night in the shower, the water pressure was very inconsistent and the pump seemed to be labouring or doing something funny. So a quick post on the Classic Hymers Facebook page and 20mins later one of the experts had pointed me in the direction of the standard fitment (well, uprated version of that) Reich 19l/min water pump. Another 5mins and 45quid later, one had been ordered from Amazon and is currently winging its way to me.
I did consider uprating to 25l/min but in all honesty, whilst a more powerful shower would be good, I also value the fact that I can shower 5-6times per week on top of the other normal uses for the water before needing to refill the tank. So I stayed with the original suggestion. I did consider buying two pumps to keep one as a spare, but given the current one is sort of working still, I'll just keep hold of that "just in case".
Other than that, I had a bit of an accident with the shower cubicle door the other day. I was cleaning the shower room when I folded one of the doors back and tried to push it home into its catch. Misaligned it a bit and it's tugged itself a tiny bit from its mounting point. It's not entirely obvious how it screws into the wall, so I think I'm going to have to start trying to take the whole assembly apart to see how it fits into the wall so I can get to the bits I need to tighten back up. Not urgent but probably need to do it before it does more damage with it being a bit wobbly.
All in all, though. The van is holding up well to constant use. Sometimes it feels a bit small but part of that is down to me being a bit lazy and not tidying up often enough. Things really do need to be put away and I should be disciplined in terms of doing this but my inner male kicks in sometimes and it becomes a bit of batchelor pad once or twice a week. Having my daughter stay overnight is a good driver to get it tidied and cleaned.
I'm counting down to holiday. I've only got two more weeks left at work before my annual leave and three weeks until I go to France in Harry. The next few weekends are busy but I'm considering taking Harry away somewhere for the night on 10th June to get him moving again as he's been static since my trip to Southwold. Then when I get back from the first leg of my holiday, before I head to France I'll give him a good deep clean on the outside as I hate travelling in a dirty vehicle. He's been sitting under leylandi and an oak tree so covered in bird mess and sap and looking a bit unloved. Looking forward to a decent roadtrip though - home, Dover-Calais Ferry, Honfleur, three nights on Normandy Coast followed by Cherbourg to Poole overnight Ferry and back again.
And then the plan will be to try and use him most weekends over the summer. My Uncle has invited me down to his place in Pyrennes to dog-sit in October - I'm currently mulling over whether I make a big trip of it and motorhome down there. Or whether I drive down in the 530d (just to keep the DPF clear, you understand!
) or just keep it simple and Ryanair it. But I'm such a big fan of a roadtrip, that I'm erring towards a drive. We'll see, I have 3 months to decide.Sadly no real progress on the house. Ex is still job-hunting and realistically it will be 3-6months post-her getting a job when she moves out. In any event not pre-November. But we have made some progress in terms of agreeing on a settlement. Ink is still wet on the drafts but I think we're in the right ballpark, which will allow everyone to move on. Thankfully pragmatism on both sides is keeping it amicable and whilst I can't say I'm happy at how much cash is going out of the door, if it means we can all move on with our lives and both "have our cake" then that's the best way. I guess we're lucky that neither of is looking to screw the other and that there's sufficient to go around (or rather I have a sufficiently good job) that I can hold on to my house rather than have to cash in everything.
Thanks KT. Counting down the days now.....
Quick update on the pump (and I'll put a few photos up when I can get Photobucket working again) but it's been a wonder!! I'm now thinking that the water pump had been on its way out since I bought the van. I have read from a lot of people that the pump normally just gives up in a very binary way but the difference since replacing it has been remarkable.
When I removed the old pump, it's pretty obvious it was the original part. It was stamped with Hymer and although it looked similar to the Reich I replaced it with, it was white with blue trimmings which mirrors the fitout of the bathroom and is in keeping with the era of this model of Hymer. The flow rate and pressure rating were the same as the new Reich I was recommended by a Hymer officiando.
There is virtually no noise from the new pump and what little noise there is is a constant whirring rather than the strange variable pitch of the old one.
When I first installed it, I noticed that the live & neutral on the old pump were swapped. I have heard that wiring in reverse can sometimes positively affect the flow from the pump but I fitted the new one with matching polarity. Upon testing, I wasn't that impressed with the pressure. It wasn't necessarily any worse than the pump I'd replaced, but it wasn't better either (which I had expected). I therefore returned to the pump and reversed the polarity and the effect was dramatic. The noise was the same (indicating that I wasn't doing any damage to it) but the flow rate was superb. Almost a little too good, such that when washing hands you need to be a bit careful with the tap setting in the bathroom to avoid getting trousers wet!!
But the shower is a revelation. To date it has been merely adequate. I tried improving it when I first started Fulltiming by adding an Eco-Camel showerhead but that made things worse. Now the power is not far off an ok shower in a house. Therefore I have now replaced the showerhead with the Eco-Camel again and I have a superb showering facility and really feel refreshed rather than just adequately clean. I almost wish I'd replaced the pump at the start of the year. There appears no noticeable effect on water consumption, although I am being careful and will continue to be so when wild camping to ensure I don't exhaust the tank any quicker than normal.
I had originally planned on retaining the old pump as a backup but I think I'll just buy another new one now to have in reserve as it was "only" 45quid.
All in all, very pleased with the change both in terms of the end result and the fact it's another job I've undertaken myself; saved money and have the pride in doing a job myself.
Quick update on the pump (and I'll put a few photos up when I can get Photobucket working again) but it's been a wonder!! I'm now thinking that the water pump had been on its way out since I bought the van. I have read from a lot of people that the pump normally just gives up in a very binary way but the difference since replacing it has been remarkable.
When I removed the old pump, it's pretty obvious it was the original part. It was stamped with Hymer and although it looked similar to the Reich I replaced it with, it was white with blue trimmings which mirrors the fitout of the bathroom and is in keeping with the era of this model of Hymer. The flow rate and pressure rating were the same as the new Reich I was recommended by a Hymer officiando.
There is virtually no noise from the new pump and what little noise there is is a constant whirring rather than the strange variable pitch of the old one.
When I first installed it, I noticed that the live & neutral on the old pump were swapped. I have heard that wiring in reverse can sometimes positively affect the flow from the pump but I fitted the new one with matching polarity. Upon testing, I wasn't that impressed with the pressure. It wasn't necessarily any worse than the pump I'd replaced, but it wasn't better either (which I had expected). I therefore returned to the pump and reversed the polarity and the effect was dramatic. The noise was the same (indicating that I wasn't doing any damage to it) but the flow rate was superb. Almost a little too good, such that when washing hands you need to be a bit careful with the tap setting in the bathroom to avoid getting trousers wet!!
But the shower is a revelation. To date it has been merely adequate. I tried improving it when I first started Fulltiming by adding an Eco-Camel showerhead but that made things worse. Now the power is not far off an ok shower in a house. Therefore I have now replaced the showerhead with the Eco-Camel again and I have a superb showering facility and really feel refreshed rather than just adequately clean. I almost wish I'd replaced the pump at the start of the year. There appears no noticeable effect on water consumption, although I am being careful and will continue to be so when wild camping to ensure I don't exhaust the tank any quicker than normal.
I had originally planned on retaining the old pump as a backup but I think I'll just buy another new one now to have in reserve as it was "only" 45quid.
All in all, very pleased with the change both in terms of the end result and the fact it's another job I've undertaken myself; saved money and have the pride in doing a job myself.
Hi mate - yes, I'll have passed through already by then. I've just got back from a week in Cornwall in a holiday cottage with my parents and Sister and her kids (and mine) and now setting about today cleaning Harry inside & out.
Set off tomorrow for overnight in Kent, then early ferry from Dover Sunday morning. Down to Honfleur for the night, two further nights somewhere in Normandy and then Cherbourg to Poole overnight on Weds. Looking forward to it.
Pics when I get back!
Set off tomorrow for overnight in Kent, then early ferry from Dover Sunday morning. Down to Honfleur for the night, two further nights somewhere in Normandy and then Cherbourg to Poole overnight on Weds. Looking forward to it.
Pics when I get back!
Thanks KT.
For anyone interested, this is the latest adventure for Harry and myself...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
In the meantime, I've had a nightmare with the new water pump. It's been great, apart from the fact that the pipe keeps slipping off it and I turn on the taps to create only a fountain inside the water tank (when the tank is full, water starts spurting out of the overflow for the fresh water tank!!!) and I get no water through the taps.
Monday was particularly annoying as I must've had to fish out the pump four times and replace the pipe back onto it. I can only assume that the compression joint grip thing can't compress the pipe sufficiently. Additionally, with very warm weather (and thus very warm water), the hose has expanded and popping itself off.
I think I have come up with a solution (certainly nothing has happened since doing it) by securing the pipe with a very tight ziptie used like a jubilee clip. Seems to have done the trick. Otherwise, Harry has performed faultlessly!
For anyone interested, this is the latest adventure for Harry and myself...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
In the meantime, I've had a nightmare with the new water pump. It's been great, apart from the fact that the pipe keeps slipping off it and I turn on the taps to create only a fountain inside the water tank (when the tank is full, water starts spurting out of the overflow for the fresh water tank!!!) and I get no water through the taps.
Monday was particularly annoying as I must've had to fish out the pump four times and replace the pipe back onto it. I can only assume that the compression joint grip thing can't compress the pipe sufficiently. Additionally, with very warm weather (and thus very warm water), the hose has expanded and popping itself off.
I think I have come up with a solution (certainly nothing has happened since doing it) by securing the pipe with a very tight ziptie used like a jubilee clip. Seems to have done the trick. Otherwise, Harry has performed faultlessly!
So a quick update here. Realistically, everything's going fine - Harry continues to (relatively) comfy as a longterm companion but niggles are starting to creap in. Not really anything to do with him, more that the reality of fulltiming is creeping in, as well as the consideration that I am likely to be in the van for at least another 9 months, which means another winter. Harry is superb in so many ways, but living full-time during the depths of winter is tough. The blown air heating is quick to kick in and is comfy - when it's blowing. But when the thermostat kicks it out, it can feel (not necessarily be so) colder quite quickly. He's also quite compact, which means that everything needs to have a place, which is fine, apart from the fact you naturally accumulate things when you're fulltiming and I'm running out of space. All of it is necessary, so there's not really a chance to dump anything.
All of which means I'm getting more claustrophobic and the fear of winter is setting in.
So idle (well, perhaps subconsciously targetted) browsing on Friday night led me to think about upgrading to something bigger and more appropriate to longterming. I came across this:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/concorde-charisma-best-w...
And duly headed up to Lincoln yesterday for a nose around. I spent two hours there and was about to buy it, until I found out that although it was advertised as a 3 berth, it is only a 2 berth and therefore completely unsuitable for me and the little'un. Disappointed, I got back and suddenely another cropped up on eBay in Scotland, which is largely perfect.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Concorde-Charisma-880f-M...
A quick call to the owner, a call to my Uncle who is in that neck of the Woods and a viewing has been organised for Wednesday. If it looks good to my Uncle, he'll get a deposit paid and get it bought.
The rationale is it has a lot more space (admittedly it is very long - 8.8m vs. 6.7m of the current one which will limit me from some campsites) and useable living space which will make life a lot more comfortable. Having a separate bedroom which can be closed off will be great for when little'un stays. But will also be good for me pyschologically to have that separation from living and sleeping space. The kitchen is fully equipped with oven (and I believe, microwave) and most importantly of all....................wet central heating. Which means it will be sublimely comfortable in the winter - Radiators positioned around the whole perimeter of the van keep it subtely toasty warm and it has a full double-skin floor which further insulates from the cold. Less necessary but bringing home comforts - satellite dish and TVs.
Those are the benefits that I value now as a full-timer. The ancillary benefits for me as a "wild camper" is 245litre fresh AND grey water tanks. 125litre fuel tank for extended touring. Ducted habitation air conditioning for those super hot days in the South of France. 3000w Inverter for off-grid living, solar panels. A garage big enough for a motorbike (so plenty big enough for 3-4 mountainbikes kept out of sight). All of this on a Mercedes 616Cdi chassis (plated MGW 6.4t) so a good 2t payload.
I'm nervous but excited. In some ways it seems like an extravagance, on the other hand, I keep reminding myself that I LIVE, Fulltime, in a motorhome. Not many people can and do do that. I think I can justify it and even if it turns out to be too big over the longer term, it will be worth it in spades even if it's just 1yr or so to keep me in comfort through my current turmoil.
If it all comes off, I'll get the new van down and back home, give it a deep clean and then move all my stuff into it. Leaving Harry completely empty and allow me to give him a deep clean inside and take a few days to detail him on the exterior for sale. I thankfully have enough room at the back of the house to park both motorhomes end to end, so storage isn't an issue.
So - watch this space......... (y)
All of which means I'm getting more claustrophobic and the fear of winter is setting in.
So idle (well, perhaps subconsciously targetted) browsing on Friday night led me to think about upgrading to something bigger and more appropriate to longterming. I came across this:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/concorde-charisma-best-w...
And duly headed up to Lincoln yesterday for a nose around. I spent two hours there and was about to buy it, until I found out that although it was advertised as a 3 berth, it is only a 2 berth and therefore completely unsuitable for me and the little'un. Disappointed, I got back and suddenely another cropped up on eBay in Scotland, which is largely perfect.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Concorde-Charisma-880f-M...
A quick call to the owner, a call to my Uncle who is in that neck of the Woods and a viewing has been organised for Wednesday. If it looks good to my Uncle, he'll get a deposit paid and get it bought.
The rationale is it has a lot more space (admittedly it is very long - 8.8m vs. 6.7m of the current one which will limit me from some campsites) and useable living space which will make life a lot more comfortable. Having a separate bedroom which can be closed off will be great for when little'un stays. But will also be good for me pyschologically to have that separation from living and sleeping space. The kitchen is fully equipped with oven (and I believe, microwave) and most importantly of all....................wet central heating. Which means it will be sublimely comfortable in the winter - Radiators positioned around the whole perimeter of the van keep it subtely toasty warm and it has a full double-skin floor which further insulates from the cold. Less necessary but bringing home comforts - satellite dish and TVs.
Those are the benefits that I value now as a full-timer. The ancillary benefits for me as a "wild camper" is 245litre fresh AND grey water tanks. 125litre fuel tank for extended touring. Ducted habitation air conditioning for those super hot days in the South of France. 3000w Inverter for off-grid living, solar panels. A garage big enough for a motorbike (so plenty big enough for 3-4 mountainbikes kept out of sight). All of this on a Mercedes 616Cdi chassis (plated MGW 6.4t) so a good 2t payload.
I'm nervous but excited. In some ways it seems like an extravagance, on the other hand, I keep reminding myself that I LIVE, Fulltime, in a motorhome. Not many people can and do do that. I think I can justify it and even if it turns out to be too big over the longer term, it will be worth it in spades even if it's just 1yr or so to keep me in comfort through my current turmoil.
If it all comes off, I'll get the new van down and back home, give it a deep clean and then move all my stuff into it. Leaving Harry completely empty and allow me to give him a deep clean inside and take a few days to detail him on the exterior for sale. I thankfully have enough room at the back of the house to park both motorhomes end to end, so storage isn't an issue.
So - watch this space......... (y)
Edited by Spuffington on Monday 24th July 15:36
Well that's it - Aberdeen van bought!
Deposit paid and some work being done (new nsf balljoint being fitted and update to the satnav disk) and happy days. I understand the aircon needs regassing (and a side marker replacing) but otherwise my Uncle and Aunt were really impressed with it. So much so that they would happily have it off me should I ever want to get rid. Evidently stops, goes and rides beautifully and was toastily warm when they were shown around. We did try a FaceTime so I could get a feel for it, but it was a big laggy. I did get a good Impression though and they loved it.
Not sure when I'm going to get to collect. Could be a week or 10 days since funds need to be juggled around to pay the balance and I need an appropriate window at work to take some leave, since although I could fly up and drive it back over a weekend, if I'm going to spend that much on fuel getting it back down south, then I want to at least build some holiday in around it.
Excited doesn't quite cover it!
Also very nervous, getting to know another vehicle. Evidently might need some new boots next year (tyres are coming up five years old) so that's 700quid out of the door. But otherwise I'm sure it will just be maintenance. May even service it myself.
But I'm most excited about having more living space for me and my daughter and warmth during the winter too. Living in the Concorde is unlikely to be a hardship!
Deposit paid and some work being done (new nsf balljoint being fitted and update to the satnav disk) and happy days. I understand the aircon needs regassing (and a side marker replacing) but otherwise my Uncle and Aunt were really impressed with it. So much so that they would happily have it off me should I ever want to get rid. Evidently stops, goes and rides beautifully and was toastily warm when they were shown around. We did try a FaceTime so I could get a feel for it, but it was a big laggy. I did get a good Impression though and they loved it.
Not sure when I'm going to get to collect. Could be a week or 10 days since funds need to be juggled around to pay the balance and I need an appropriate window at work to take some leave, since although I could fly up and drive it back over a weekend, if I'm going to spend that much on fuel getting it back down south, then I want to at least build some holiday in around it.
Excited doesn't quite cover it!
Also very nervous, getting to know another vehicle. Evidently might need some new boots next year (tyres are coming up five years old) so that's 700quid out of the door. But otherwise I'm sure it will just be maintenance. May even service it myself.
But I'm most excited about having more living space for me and my daughter and warmth during the winter too. Living in the Concorde is unlikely to be a hardship!
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