Fulltiming in a motorhome - a blog

Fulltiming in a motorhome - a blog

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Spuffington

Original Poster:

1,203 posts

167 months

Sunday 27th August 2017
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So by way of a quick update - Harry is now sold. I will post the full info on the "Harry Blog" but suffice to say I'm happy as it removes one vehicle from the drive and a whole lot of weight (and financial attachment to my ex) from my shoulders.

Life with Carrie is very good, I must say. She's clearly still a motorhome rather than a property, but it's more like living in a flat rather than a motorhome. The highlights so far are the separate bedroom and the very useable, powerful and hot shower. The kitchen is also great and for pure comedic performances, the fact you can pull a beer out of the fridge without leaving the sofa.......priceless! smile

Realistically there's still a lot to do. The seal on the garage door still needs replacing as moths have found their way into the cavity where the seal should block off. The shower pipe probably needs some Fenwicks unblocker pouring down it. I need a new toilet cassette, need to somehow get the guts and motivation to remove some of the kitchen units to get to the Nature Pure water filter. I'm sure it hasn't been replaced since new and although there've been no upset tummies, with me travelling regularly (on planes weekly) and little one staying with me, I can't afford for either of us to get sick.

It was only upon tidying Harry for sale that I realised how cosmetically good condition he was in and how relatively poor Carrie is for her age. It's going to take all my detailing experience, time and some money to get her into the same state. But I'm playing the long game and the priority is clearly keeping her safe first and foremost and then comfy for me and little'un.

I have just received a pack full of LED bulbs to replace each of the bulbs in the van - all of which are warm white. Probably the only bright white I'll leave plugged in are the ones in the kitchen.

Anyway - currently life is great. I'm feeling positive about my living environment, I've severed another crucial tie with the ex wife, all of which is having a positive effect on my mental state and I've taken up running again after a long hiatus and in just a fortnight shaved nearly 1m/km off my time and loving it.

Hopefully there's beginning to be light at the end of the tunnel........

Roger Woods

643 posts

210 months

Friday 15th September 2017
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I have a seasonal pitch at Gatwick Caravan and Motorhome Site as home is 85 miles from work and I tend to do long days in the office in East Grinstead a couple of days each week so keep the van there and stayed over at Gatwick last night and what looks like Harry was on site!, sorry no pictures as that looks a bit stalkerish.......

heebeegeetee

28,596 posts

247 months

Friday 15th September 2017
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Forgive me if reposting, but I've been enjoying watching the Roadwarrior series of videos https://roadwarriorlife.us/

It's very American, and the views of younger people, but it's very honest, gives a warts and all view, and the videos are very well made imho. Their drone really is, to use the vernacular, awesome, imo. smile Their vids gives a different view of the US to that of Hollywood and television too, imo.

Unfortunately though they've come to a tragic end. Whilst visiting the total eclipse last month, they were on their Vespa and were wiped out by a drunk driver, leaving Sean dead and Caro seriously injured. I can't imagine what she's going through.

They're from south Florida which of course has subsequently hit by the hurricane.

If you haven't seen this view on full time living in an RV I do recommend a look.
https://roadwarriorlife.us/

Edited by heebeegeetee on Friday 15th September 09:03

Spuffington

Original Poster:

1,203 posts

167 months

Wednesday 20th September 2017
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So a quick update......

Life in Carrie remains good. The little one is always excited to come and stay and having the extra space is perfect for us both being able to relax, for me being able to cook a proper evening meal, to have space to cuddle up on the sofa and for us to have our own separate beds. All of this counts when I am on my own in there too and the thermal insulation and heating is already coming into its own now that the temperature has started to drop of an evening. It's been registering 6-7degs C outside over the past few evenings, whilst knocking the heating only gently into life keeps the internal temperature easily up around 22degs C and I can plod around in my t-shirt as I would do in a normal house - or maybe even comfier than in a house since there isn't the temperature differentials. Have no doubt that it will still be 22degs C in there quite easily when the temperature is in minus figures outside.

I've managed to tick a few things off my to do list, but inevitably the list remains long:

- stuck some gentle drain unblocker through the shower tray which has helped it to drain freely so no more backing up;
- bought myself a new EcoCamel Jetstorm Plus showerhead as the original has a small crack in it and throwing out water;
- given the bathroom a DEEP clean and it's come up lovely;
- replaced the valve extenders on the rear wheels with some rubber hosed ones with brass fittings, so will be much more durable than the plastic ones which broke when I bought the van;
- cleaned the fresh & grey water tank with Elsan fluids and since not having the time to get to the Nature Pure filter yet, I have started using Elsan water purifying fluid with each tank;
- started replacing the spot lights with LEDs. Managed a few but the trims are hard to get off the spotlight surrounds so decided to do them when I have more patience and won't wreck them!
- found some spare bits for my old Fiamma bike rack from Harry and managed to fit two extra carrier trays for two bikes in the Garage to the existing Fiamma rack which is in there. Can now carry four bikes propery secured in the back there. smile

I'm away this coming weekend to Shropshire on a Mountainbiking holiday, which will be another good test of her underway. I believe the brakes are binding at the rear as I get a squealing sound at low speeds after about 10miles and the rear hubs appear quite warm. I have asked my local Commercials place to price me up new pads & discs all round, plus slider pins on the calipers to give the whole thing a full overhaul. This work will be important since I'm taking Carrie back up to Scotland at the back end of October for a week of travelling around Glencoe and the Trossachs. Want everything tip-top before making that long journey and also want the hab stuff tip-top given the weather is unlikely to be great. So work scheduled for next few weeks:

- new set of tyres. I think I've settled on Michelin Agilis Alpin, but the Continental VancoFourSeasons is also in the running. Oponeo are doing 7 for 924quid and my local Commercials place said they'd fit for 10quid a Pop;
- sort out the brakes (as above);
- booked into MG Caravans for some work - fridge service (it's fine, but always worth doing IMO), check and adjust one of the hob rings (which doesn't light properly), change thermocouple on oven (doesn't stay lit properly), replace seal on toilet blade (leaks fluid into cassette even when closed), replace water pump (this is pulsating and struggles to maintain a constant pressure - I've sourced the pump from eBay for 55quid new inc. filter).

I reckon I'll be in for about 2.5k by the time the above work is complete, but one of the reasons I'm happier piling money into it at this stage is that 1) I'm fundamentally enjoying it and it's a great van, 2) I'm going to be using her properly for big road trip(s) and 3) it looks very much like she will be my home for the next couple of years now!!!

Yes, that's right - the decision has been made to sell the Family home in the New Year. I can't really afford to keep it going on my own, nor can I justify the amount of time and money required for its upkeep when it's just me living there. The chances are, I'll be continuing my weekly/fortnightly commute to Frankfurt so there is no point shelling out the thick end of 3k per month for a house I barely live in. It's also cleaner this way for the divorce.

So Carrie will likely be my home fulltime for the next year or so. It seems silly given I have her and can live in her, to do anything different until I know both where I want to live as well as where I might need to live. And the potential to save 3k per month for a year is pretty enticing! I know it won't be easy, mixing it up between campsites and all the factors which go with proper fulltiming, but to me, it's worth 36k over a year to try.

So there we go - update done. I'll try and get some more photos up

sjn2004

4,051 posts

236 months

Wednesday 20th September 2017
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Hi,
where did you take the photo with the Hymer with the statue of the cyclist behind? Somewhere in the Pyrenees? Nice thread by the way.

thanks

Spuffington

Original Poster:

1,203 posts

167 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
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Thanks

The phot you describe was art he top of the Col du Tourmalet in the Pyrennes.

Sowts

13 posts

148 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
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Spuffington
sent you PM

magooagain

9,910 posts

169 months

Saturday 23rd September 2017
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How does your inboard charging unit react to being permanently plugged in to the mains?

Spuffington

Original Poster:

1,203 posts

167 months

Tuesday 26th September 2017
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Seemingly ok. It's intelligent so only charges when it needs to. I ran Carrie for a few nights off grid last weekend and also used my Nespresso machine a good few times on the built in Inverter and the batteries handled it no problem and everything worked as it should do.

She will have a good run out up to Scotland in about a months time and will be offgrid for the whole week. I don't anticipate any issues though.

magooagain

9,910 posts

169 months

Tuesday 26th September 2017
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Thanks. I ask as mine gets quite hot when plugged in for long periods.
Have you bothered to lay a hand on yours to test how hot it gets?

custardkid

2,514 posts

223 months

Tuesday 26th September 2017
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if in doubt plug in a Ctek
that'll keep the batteries well conditioned

Spuffington

Original Poster:

1,203 posts

167 months

Wednesday 11th October 2017
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Getting there.......

Since the last update I've managed to get all the Hab work done at MG Caravans. That set me back 475quid but now have a fully working oven, hob, fridge (needed a new burner and ignitor for the gas side), water pump installed and has made showering an absolute pleasure (almost worth the 475quid in itself! biggrin) and a few other bits and bobs screwed down and tidied up.

I then broke out the spanners last weekend, took apart one of the cupboards, removed a load of panelling and gained access to the water filter. Given the faff to get to it, I was concerned it had never been replaced (should be generally every 12-24months depending on use). This bad boy had been in since leaving the factory in 2005..........and it showed! hurl Lots of grime and mouldy looking sludge in the filter housing and the filter itself was grey/green. I took the opportunity to completely sterilize the housing and then placed a new filter in there, popped it all back together (after also cleaning out all the cupboard space behind which was very dusty) and now have wonderfully clean and pleasant tasting water. smile

Getting the Brakes sorted has been a nightmare - I'm hoping I'm close to having it resolved, but the biggest issue is the size of the vehicle itself and the fact few people are willing (or able) to take it on. MG Caravans have come up trumps and said they'd do it. They're doing the rear discs and pads for 460quid inc. VAT supplied & fitted. Considering Mercedes quoted me 900quid for the rears only, this is an absolute bargain. It's booked in for next Thurs.

As far as the tyres are concerned, few places could accomodate the truck either. MG Caravans offered to do them but couldn't get close to Oponeo Prices and came in 60quid per tyre more inc. fitting. I've managed to find a tyre place locally who will supply and fit for 40per tyre less than MG Caravans and will be fitting all seven on Friday. Total Price - a tad over 1k. I've decided to go for Michelin Agilis Alpin given I wanted winter tyres to run all year round. I figured this was the safest option as I would like to use her potentially in Germany/Austria over the winter. I doubt I'll ever do the miles to wear them out, so it's just a useful insurance policy and also useful for travelling on wet and muddy campsites.

Once all that is done, I'm pretty much there. One thing which has come to light is that the vehicle is maybe a bit heavier than I anticipated. Looks like I only have a payload of around 650-700kg banghead, which isn't very much when you consider how big the water and gas tanks are and how much space there is to stow stuff. I'm going to get her weighed next week and fully prepared to have to have her up-plated to 6.5t to give me another 500kg of payload. This should be a paper exercise, coordinated by SVTech who specialise in vehicle weight platings and uprating. May cost me around 300quid. Won't have an impact on tax or insurance though.

All in all, loving her and the latest bits of servicing, maintenance and tidying up touches will make her the perfect companion.

19 sleeps until Scotland! And once I'm there. It'll be 7 nights in the wilderness, camping wild with noone else around. Can't wait! smile

Edited by Spuffington on Wednesday 11th October 10:29

oblio

5,400 posts

226 months

Wednesday 11th October 2017
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650-700kg is still a big chunk of payload mate.

Do you run with a full fresh water tank? If so how many litres is it?

How heavy is the gas when full etc?

If you are still around 500kg after that then do you really need to uprate her? If you are not carrying a towbar and scooter (NB If she has a towbar and you have no need for it, whip it off as those bad boys can weigh up to 60kg. I have taken them off both my MH's as I have no use..I even flogged one for £100 too biggrin) then even with bikes on; BBQ; awning; tables; chairs etc you should be fine...

Getting her weighed is a good idea so you know for certain but even with some bad man-maths you should be able to manage on 500kg (and I bet your nipper doesn't travel that heavy does she? Yet....)

smile

Spuffington

Original Poster:

1,203 posts

167 months

Thursday 12th October 2017
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You're right, it's quite a bit of payload but given I'm living in there, I have perhaps a bit more than most. If it's a real problem, I'll just have to rethink the clothes I have in there (i.e. move out summer jackets in winter and winter jackets in summer, etc). But I will be removing the two gas cylinders from the locker, given I exclusively use the underslung 120L tank for my gas supplies.

The fresh water is 245L and grey water is around 150L. I tend to travel up with a full fresh water tank (empty grey) and certainly will do for my trip to Glencoe as I don't anticipate on picking up or dropping any water or toilet waste over the week. I have 3 x toilet cassettes so that will be fine. The fuel tank is an extra large on at 120L vs. the usual 80L for the standard Sprinter.

Think I just need to give it a good review and be quite disciplined in Terms of what I have on board and then go and get it weighed. Might try for tomorrow afternoon if the tyre fitting doesn't take too Long. The Weighbridge is only about 15-20mins drive away. In any event before I apply to SVTech, I need a recent certificate.

techguyone

3,137 posts

141 months

Thursday 12th October 2017
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Water is quite heavy at 1kg per litre, so you're looking at 245kg for your fresh water, fuel is a little bit lighter, fully loaded I bet youre looking around 345 KG ish just for those two consumables. No idea what 120l of gas would be.

Spuffington

Original Poster:

1,203 posts

167 months

Thursday 12th October 2017
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techguyone said:
Water is quite heavy at 1kg per litre, so you're looking at 245kg for your fresh water, fuel is a little bit lighter, fully loaded I bet youre looking around 345 KG ish just for those two consumables. No idea what 120l of gas would be.
Yeah, therein lies the problem. Add in 80kg for me, 50kg for the girlfriend, foodstuffs (plus a few bottles of alcohol) and it doesn't take long to get close to the max. I was spoilt with Harry - even loaded to the gills, I still have nearly 1t of payload left over. I knew the Concorde was heavy, but I assumed it would weigh around 4.5t empty, not 5.3t on a 5.99t plate.

Water = 1kg per litre
Diesel = 0.85kg per litre
Propane = 0.51kg per litre

So I reckon conservatively I have around 115kg for all my sods and sods. But given I have a ratchet set, toilet chemicals, blankets, duvets, clothes etc. I'm pretty much up against it.

I'll empty the water tank before I go tomorrow and see where it comes in. That will at least show me how much I've got to play with (if anything) and will have to expedite the SVTech up plate before Scotland.

Edited by Spuffington on Thursday 12th October 15:34

Peanut Gallery

2,418 posts

109 months

Thursday 12th October 2017
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I know some Scottish sites charge for water (they are metered) but I think Scottish water tastes better anyway - and we have too much of it often...

Saving 200 kg is worth a thought?

Spuffington

Original Poster:

1,203 posts

167 months

Thursday 12th October 2017
quotequote all
Peanut Gallery said:
I know some Scottish sites charge for water (they are metered) but I think Scottish water tastes better anyway - and we have too much of it often...

Saving 200 kg is worth a thought?
It'll be my only option if it comes in overweight and I can't get it up plated in time for the trip. The only thing is, the whole trip is supposed to be a wilderness trip and want to be fully offgrid and self sufficient. But let's see.

So annoying for such a bloomin complete van to be so tight on payload.

Best I can hope for is that that 5.3t weight that's on the certificate includes fuel and driver (which I assume it should do)? If that's the case, I've saved 180kg right there.

oblio

5,400 posts

226 months

Thursday 12th October 2017
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You are right Spuff: Get her fully loaded with water and diesel and all your stuff and get to the weighbridge. You'll know then for sure...

Personally though mate I'd work out a way of NOT carrying 245kg of water for a road trip all the way up to Scotland if you can fill up when there or at least nearer...

That's a lot of weight

smile

Spuffington

Original Poster:

1,203 posts

167 months

Thursday 12th October 2017
quotequote all
Thanks Oblio. I agree, 200-odd kg is a lot of weight to be schlepping around and will also have an impact on mpg. We'll see.

I've just spoken with SVTech and they say that providing I give them all they need straight away, they can get me all the info required to send to DVLA for the up-plating in around 5-7 days and although technically it needs to go to the DVLA for updating the V5c, if I am in the UK and just have their info with me, if I were to get stopped, I should all be ok as it is demonstrable that the chassis has been approved for the higher excise weight.

We shall see. I'll update tomorrow once I get back from the weighbridge.