We do go caravanning off grid quite often. We simpley unplug from the world around us. And its a great way to experience the great outdoors with a caravan. Our Solar panel : amzn.to/2lOEJcu
Пікірлер: 98
@alankennedy58422 жыл бұрын
Bought our first caravan last year and thanks to your videos we learned a lot about caravanning. Setting up on pitch, towing, solar panels, etc. Great videos and keep them coming. We're looking forward to more caravanning this year and have booked about five sites already. Thanks again. Take care and stay safe.
@mikekay62887 жыл бұрын
Good to see caravanners in the UK doing 'off grid caravanning'. Here in Australia 'free camping' is very popular, being low cost and enabling travellers to see our great country. I've found the fold up solar panels to be quite heavy but with the battery and gas we can still camp comfortably for five days. All in all caravanning is a low cost top lifestyle enjoyed by many. Mike in Oz
@gnatisfaction7 жыл бұрын
Hey Dan! Great video. I live full time in my tourer. From April to October I go fully off grid too. Gas for fridge and heating, 150w panel (suitcase style) to track sun. I use a "NASA BM1 battery monitor to give me a read out of generation and usage , remaining capacity etc. I should do a video tour of my setup...... Nat :-)
@TheTrudgians7 жыл бұрын
Hi Nat, perfect please do give us a tour of your home, sounds perfect. take care Dan
@mila-goldfinch2 жыл бұрын
Simple easy,love your description....all info what we need ....great 👍 good job
@moyaking89613 жыл бұрын
Yep this is what I'm planning on doing, living permanently off grid. As I live in Cyprus we have plenty of sunshine for solar panels.
@andrewphillips90277 жыл бұрын
HI Dan, went off grid two weeks ago, I was amazed how well the solar panels did, no problem with electricity but we had problems with gas, went through two bottles of gas in 5 days. (Got a caravan engineer coming to sort that out) I learnt more about my caravan what it can and cant do during this trip which was good. I enjoyed the open space and so did the dogs. Its also nice not to be in the bubble of a site where you walk around and there are signs to do this and that. I went to a caravan club site and there 13 signs in the toilet block not to do this or that. We saved money by not being on a caravan site which meant the cost of the panels just about paid paid for themselves. We loved it so much doing it again soon.
@TheTrudgians7 жыл бұрын
Excellent Andrew, that is exactly what we find too. We spend a lot of time simply unplugging from the world around us, the cost savings are huge. Take care Dan
@kithall39255 жыл бұрын
2 BOTTLES IN 5 DAYS???!!!!! A 6kg bottle lasts me between 2 and 3 weeks with fridge and cooking and I live full time in mine!
@kithall39255 жыл бұрын
Although I do sacrifice the heating!
@pieterweatherall28265 жыл бұрын
Hi Dan, From far away New Zealand. Recently purchased a UK Carava. For mostly Off the Grid adventures. Initially we were concerned about off the grid power so I purchased a Honda 2 kilowatt invertor generator. This was found to be ideal and very reliable and quiet. Be in the wilderness and far away from the maddening crowd We run the Generator for Approx 5 hours a day usually in the Evenings. The fridge and heater is running of Gas. OF course If we were on camping sites the generator would be. out of the question. We have many freedom camping areas here in NZ which are awesome and usually in areas of spectacular scenery. Will consider solar panels in the future. Thanks for your awesome videos and ideas. Kind regards. Peter and Sandra.
@victorkent7687 жыл бұрын
hi dan. .1st to give you feed back before a go to work lol.....i have been following you since July last year, when we got our van...I'm looking at solar panels my self for of grinding...this is perfect timing.. cs/cl sites here we come
@TheTrudgians7 жыл бұрын
Glad to be of some help Victor. Have a look in the video description, there is a link to our panel on Amazon. Its what we have been using. Take care Dan
@victorkent7687 жыл бұрын
hi again dan. well since watching this vlog I have checked your link on amazon and also eBay...but got lucky when checked facebay paid £75 for 80W ecoworthy as yours and it's just a yr old..quite heavy though.so I think I will make a little cover and travel with it in the car..just need to convince my wife to cancel our EHU 8 NIGHTS £4 a night adds up. I think where we are going has showers loos so she can still use her straighteners..once again big thanks vic
@TimsPracticalPrepping7 жыл бұрын
Thanks for that Dan. We did our first off grid night a few weeks ago, at Chephurst Farm, which is a CL near Horsham. We have another off grid night coming up soon as well! The feeling of being self sufficient in a peaceful, rural location is pretty special. We even had shire horses coming right up to the fence we were parked by in the morning! Looking forward to much more off gridding in the future! Cheers Tim.
@wendyduggan78667 жыл бұрын
Hi Dan, great videos, and indeed you inspired me to go solar! I went with a 100w which came as a full kit, and also had 2 handy USB on the control panel. I'm like a kid with a new toy haha the set up kept the battery tip top for a weekend off grid, and was easy to install. Thanks for sharing your tips and look forward to watching more of your videos! Thanks and happy 'vanning!
@lensmanonline7 жыл бұрын
Great video Dan always fancied going off grid but when I mentioned it too the wife her reply had the word "off" but grid wasn't the other word. :)
@barbsdee38314 жыл бұрын
lensman2online 😂😂😂😂👍🏼
@timneeves.63386 жыл бұрын
I've just discovered this, i must say your presenting style is really good and am enjoying watching these vids.
@twinsane19987 жыл бұрын
This was well timed. We've just bought a caravan. We haven't used one since the kids were tiny. We've joined the C&C club for the discount but if we take our family of 5 to a fairly popular location (without our 2 dogs - another extra) on grass for a week, it would cost us £340 with the discount (£390 without)! You mention the gas in your calculations but you're using your own gas where ever you go, so that would be extra too. After spending (what to us) is a lot of money on the caravan to try to get cheap breaks, we were shocked - and also disappointed. OH is already talking of selling the caravan. I've been looking at going on rally's to get the social aspect and cut the cost but was worried about being off-grid and you're video has helped. Except now we've got even more stuff to buy but in the long run, I think it will be cost effective. Sorry for the mini-rant :)
@TheTrudgians7 жыл бұрын
Morning, Your mini rant is not unusual, and you are certainly not alone in thinking there cost savings are a myth. It really does come down to what you want & where you would go. For a commercial site in the peak of summer, they can be as very costly. However looking at a CL, that has got some provision for children (like a small playground) would cost you a max of #15 per night. The gas is a cost we would always go through, except on a off grid site, you're just going to use that little bit more. Have a look on the clubs websites and search for a CL that has got lots of facilities in the general location of the site you have been booking etc. I am almost sure you will be surprised. Don't loose heart, I hope this has helped. Dan
@sallythomson73484 жыл бұрын
Great video! We love off grid, but don't do what we did first time, and drain your vehicle battery so much you have to ask the site owner for a jump lead start to get home 😬 We have an LPG tank in our MH, and had challenges topping up whilst away. The Autogas website is not up to date and many service areas no longer sell LPG on tap, so fill up before you leave home!
@HitchUpAndTow7 жыл бұрын
Great video. Its a coincidence that we are going off grid this weekend, just 2 nights at £5 per night all in and we love it. Have similar set up to you ,but only 80 watt panels. Just one thing i would like to mention which always catches my wife out, " the micro wave don't work" lol
@vince_martyn7 жыл бұрын
I have installed an inverter so that the microwave can work. It will have to be used sensibly and I took Dan's points as to why not permanently install an inverter, so I installed relays to disconnect the loads you shouldn't run from the inverter and disconnect the external input socket for safety.
@robinbanks1837 жыл бұрын
Hi Dan. Another brill vid, Keep them coming mate, You are a natural presenter **************
@TheTrudgians7 жыл бұрын
Thank you ! Not sure on a presenter though lol. Take care Dan
@UK-Cycling6 жыл бұрын
Thank you family Trudgians. Inspires you to go off grid.
@MakeWayWithTheMorleys7 жыл бұрын
A great vid Dan and good to see the off grid life. We have just booked our first CL and really looking forward to it, though we will be plugged in. We need to buy a Solar Panel, really useful to know you manage on 100watts! Thanks for sharing, Andy
@nightwolf15927 жыл бұрын
Once we get our caravan this is what we want to do. Can't wait 😊 Good advice again Dan, many thanks for your work in putting these videos together.
@KatieBirtill3 жыл бұрын
very clear and informative presenting. Thank you
@TheTrudgians3 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@Custardpoint9483 жыл бұрын
Great video, altho my main issue would be the need for a chemical toilet waste point ?
@MattCapper243 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video. Do campers in the UK not have fresh water tanks?
@JAYJAYUK827 жыл бұрын
Well done again Dan, finally got me a 100w panel (going for another aswell I think) changed my pwm controller for an MPPT one to maximise battery charging. Have figured out my although small inverter does eat the battery as do my LEDs on my flag pole. will be purchasing another 110 battery aswell I think. keep up the good work mate.
@TheTrudgians7 жыл бұрын
Thank you Jamie, That set-up will be perfect. Well done Take care Dan
@rebeccajaneacquah7 жыл бұрын
Hi Guys, My husband and I are really enjoying your videos. We have been caravanning for nearly 5yrs now and always go on a full service pitch but just by watching the video on going off grid we really want to try it now. Thanks for all the info. Rebecca Acquah
@TheTrudgians7 жыл бұрын
Thank you Rebecca, Thats great - Angela was always sceptical about going off grid, but once you make the plunge you will have a completely different camping experience. Let us know how you get on. Take care Dan
@janetblackburn69476 жыл бұрын
Rebecca Acquah b
@DesmondsDonders7 жыл бұрын
Great look at CL/CS camping. Last time we used them (2yrs ago) we found some were starting to get greedy and expecting caravan site rates. 7yrs ago we had a basic CL want to charge £17.50 a night if you wanted hook up! When we had a caravan these were the type of site we used, rarely on a caravan site (except Grummore). These days of course Desmond does not know what a site looks like :-)
@TheTrudgians7 жыл бұрын
Blimey, that is a tonnes of cash for a CL. shame really. Love watching your donders in Desmond. Keep up the great work !! Dan
@normanwaft78116 жыл бұрын
Desmond's Donders
@DoubleTroubles7293 жыл бұрын
I have an Eriba troll touring 535, a proper piece of kit
@cliveneilands14492 жыл бұрын
You should not connect the solar panel direct to the battery, you should use a solar control unit.
@TheTrudgians2 жыл бұрын
The panel shown has an MPPT controller built onto the back of the panel. Further clarification can be seen in our solar panel video.
@lisamariemiller55 жыл бұрын
Very helpful and informative thanks .
@daveslife94865 жыл бұрын
Love your video's many thanks 👍
@mvsports232 жыл бұрын
would you consider doubling your solar panels mate
@rickym54744 жыл бұрын
I thought that was the entire point of having a caravan though. I don't understand the point of setting up anywhere where there is a connection for power and water, because then you might as well stay in a motel.
@adamdodson59837 жыл бұрын
Hi Dan. Great video as usual!! You may have already answered this and it might be a silly question (I generally ask them), but when you say the solar panel is hooked up "straight to the battery," how is this done? Obviously the terminals on the battery are already in use to feed power to the van, how do you then join the solar panel supply to this? Thanks in advance and keep up the good work! Ad PS: I hope Tom was filming at the same time.....I saw him in the background in his setup :-)
@Jabber-ig3iw4 жыл бұрын
Tuggers obviously have a different idea of what off grid means compared to chuggers. A CL is not off grid. It’s just means you have no hook up.
@The1953Chris7 жыл бұрын
Hi Dan we have found this video extremely helpful. Going off grid is something we would like to do. You said you have been away for four nights did you need to charge from your vehicle during this time or has your solar panel kept everything charged Ok. Is there a point where you would need to charge or change the battery? thanks Chris
@TinTent7 жыл бұрын
Great video Dan 👍
@septimusfry39354 жыл бұрын
Love your stuff, entertaining and often informative. But I spotted a big fat no-no in this one. That cooking thermometer reading 91.3C. Inside temp wants to be in mid 70’s, if yours was 91.3, boy! it’s overcooked!
@TheTrudgians4 жыл бұрын
It was okay tbh, and not dry, i kept topping the cadac up with water / stock and occasionally wine. Plus, everyone is still alive... which is always a bonus ;-)
@andrewfarrell46244 жыл бұрын
You're cool
@coldavies87886 жыл бұрын
great vids very informative
@synworks93785 жыл бұрын
Might silly but I'll ask where did you get fresh drinking water and where do you dispose the toilet waste and waste water. Thank you
@reakingringpiece6 жыл бұрын
great video thanks, where do you find the off grid sites? are they just fields owned by someone?
@barbsdee38314 жыл бұрын
We don’t poo in our loo! (Well husband says he’s not emptying it and I’m certainly not 🤮🤢) so this is the only reason we don’t go off grid 😢
@bernardperrow57342 жыл бұрын
why do you not cook in the caravan
@marcgransden15667 жыл бұрын
Hi Dan, another good useful video! Where is the site, looks nice and quiet
@cdmtravels57237 жыл бұрын
great vlog as usual dan, iwe are looking forward to going off grid with our van, how did the shower cope, did you find you was constantly filling the aquaroll or would you think it wise to take 2 aquarolls? thanks, colin.
@jonnie5365 жыл бұрын
Hi Dan, When using the solar panel off grid doe's it allow you to use the internal plug sockets as normal, i a newbe to this and am looking at getting one, also does it make a difference what battery is on the caravan. Thanks
@twogoonsonanadventure4 жыл бұрын
When I was a kid going on holiday in the caravan was always ’off grid’ as there were no electrical hookups anywhere, Dad used to hook the van up to the car battery; is this still a thing? He used to run leads directly from the car battery through a window and then connect (don’t remember where he used to connect to) and we’d live like that for two to three weeks at a time. Do people use their 13 pin plugs and connect that way or is that frowned upon?
@stevehagues43804 жыл бұрын
Tristan Hudson I remember the same thing but just to the tv about 1988-89
@Lifeat39000ft7 жыл бұрын
Nice one Dan. I really want to try ours off grid but yet to do it. Just nervous it will go dark one night!
@vince_martyn7 жыл бұрын
We mostly camp off grid and have a solar system on the roof, we never charge the battery from 240v and it's never let us down.
@adamwood26406 жыл бұрын
Hi dan another great video, is there a to have more solar panels to run the fridge and heating instead of gas thanks adam
@TheTrudgians6 жыл бұрын
Hi Adam, to run the heating & Fridge - its a lot more efficient to use the gas. okay, its not renewable but the power needed to maintain these services would mean a few leisure batteries and a rather large solar array. Dan
@garryharffy94743 жыл бұрын
how do you find offthe grid sites is there a book
@craigroberts90217 жыл бұрын
Any reason why you can't have two batteries for reassurance. If you did would this lesson or lengthen the life of the battery ? Thanks
@TheTrudgians7 жыл бұрын
Morning Craig, Great question. Its likely to boil down to weight, and for a reassurance back up you always have the car. Years ago we used to go off grid when EHU & solar didn't really exist in CL sites. so we used the car to recharge the battery whenever it go low. Simply plug the car into the 'van and run the car for 30 mins etc. puts a lot of charge back in the leisure battery. I hope that helps. Dan
@jonnie5365 жыл бұрын
Dan or anyone..Can you help can i run the power sockets when using a solar panel, i am new to vaning and need a little advise. Thanks..Anyone.
@GINGERDAVID907 жыл бұрын
hi dan i not long purchased a avtex tv and wow the colour is pretty amazing let a lone the currant draw. just wondering what size is your one? mines the 18.5 inch L188DRS
@TheTrudgians7 жыл бұрын
Hi, we have the slightly older version of what you have. an L187 - its still 18" and is perfect for us. A great little TV. Thanks Dan
@GINGERDAVID907 жыл бұрын
The Trudgians can't wait to get it set up the picture is better than my tv at home
@azzathorpe13847 жыл бұрын
when is your next holiday
@wayfarer1987 жыл бұрын
Hi Dan, Thanks for the video, Is it possible to have your calor gas bottles re filled or is it always an exchange bottle procedure? Dave
@TheTrudgians7 жыл бұрын
Morning, These bottles work on an exchange procedure. Other bottles like Gas Flow you can refill - but they are mounted permanently in your caravan so, to re fill you need to take the 'van to the pumps. I hope that helps. Dan
@wayfarer1987 жыл бұрын
The Trudgians Okay thanks Dan
@susanheaford32717 жыл бұрын
I think I would be afraid of not being able to pull the caravan away whilst on wet grass. Do you have any tips to avoid wheel spin if we are ever in that situation?
@TheTrudgians7 жыл бұрын
Hi Susan yes, there are some really useful tips, i think i should cover some of these in a video in the near future. Basically avoid the wheels spinning by pulling away in a higher gear. If still no traction, throw some matting under the tyres. If that still doesn't work take some air out of the tyres to give you more surface area. If you're really stuck with a caravan, un hitch and try to point the caravan in a different direction and re-hitch up and try again. Finally, if in complete mess try the campsite owner, farm or a local who will be able to tow you out etc. Hope that helps Dan
@helentredinnick304 жыл бұрын
Do you use a controller with your solar panel
@luciocancellara4995 Жыл бұрын
Newbie question Does the alde heating system work fully when off grid?
@TheTrudgians Жыл бұрын
Hi, yes it will - when off grid you will be using gas as your fuel.
@michael66924 жыл бұрын
hi bud just one thing WHY CAN WE NOT PARK ON THE SEA FRONT ANYMOOR ????? its a holiday place WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THE SEA SIDE COUNCILS ,, at scarbough sea front we did park at the front ,it was a as long as you want parking just right we stayed there for year on year off ((((((((((((((( then when the scarbough council found out thay put a 1 hour stay there ??????? come on are the sea side councils forgot what thay are there for OR ARE THAY SICK IN THE HEAD
@watchboy73146 жыл бұрын
The trudgians hi there how do I clean fresh water cold water piping as it appears to have mild mouldy or should I just replace them ? Thanks!
@TheTrudgians6 жыл бұрын
Hi, we use Puriclean for all pipework, water containers and hoses, in fact ive just filmed a demonstration of what Puriclean can do when algae or mould builds up. Have a google, or search on Amazon for Puriclean. I hope that helps Dan
@watchboy73146 жыл бұрын
The Trudgians thank you will do
@maychan88824 жыл бұрын
Where you buy the solar panel?
@cliveneilands14492 жыл бұрын
How many days did your half a bottle last?
@TheTrudgians2 жыл бұрын
2 half bottles over 10 days, so 1 half was used up within 5 days - this powered heating, hot water, cooking and a fridge in April
@toottoot34927 жыл бұрын
Hey dan. Been anywhere nice for bank holiday 😎
@TheTrudgians7 жыл бұрын
Hi, Yes we just went to Croft Farm Water Park, just outside Tewkesbury for a few days with some friends. Im sure you will see some highlights of that soon ;-)
@christopher445577 жыл бұрын
What does CL stand for
@andrewkirkland21377 жыл бұрын
It stands for Certificated Location
@jayrichardson68723 жыл бұрын
Hey am sooo glad you have being away from technology totally Just your phones and your tv 🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪😂 Sorry am only joking ✊🏼👍☮️