WILD CAMPING in the UK WAS A BAD IDEA; THIS IS WHY! - VAN LIFE UK (SUB ZERO TEMPERATURES)

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Жыл бұрын

A van life UK travel vlog.. Wild camping in
The UK is hard and we share why we Think so!!
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As the temperatures plummet here in the UK our van life adventures again don't go smoothly, we decide it will be a good idea to find a campsite to check into for a few days to wait out the freezing conditions but after calling around, we find it impossible to find one! We decide to wild camp for another night but after -5 our van decides it's too much and we end up stranded down a country lane with no one around to help!
Will we find someone to help and somewhere safe to stay before the weather really turns bad?
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WHO ARE WE?
We are Nick and Sarah a couple with our 2 little dogs Dizzee and Charlie we are the exPAWers! We have a passion for CREATIVE FILM MAKING and a LOVE FOR TRAVEL and our plan is to DRIVE ACROSS THE WORLD and to inspire others to follow their dreams.
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We don't have a NEW MOTORHOME, SELF CONVERTED SPRINTER VAN, VW CAMPERVAN, 4WD OVERLANDING EXPEDITION VEHICLE, or a LUXURY RV but that doesnt stop us! Our 32 year old rusty FORD TRANSIT keeps going and has taken us to 30 countries already.. So stay tuned for many more!
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Пікірлер: 962

@theexPAWers Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching our van life UK travla vlog.. Get the power you need with AMAZING ECOFLOW Products here; uk.ecoflow.com/pages/portable-power-stations?aff=39

@coolmum47 Жыл бұрын

If you make it up to Weardale, County Durham you can stay at mine any time. I have a Bunkhouse and have an area out back where you could park Vinnie for the night and you will be able to use the amenaties ... showers, toilets etc., Over Xmas the bunkhouse will be warm because I have 2 people staying. (it's a communal bunkhouse ... and they are only using it to sleep in !!) Get back to me if you want to know more.

@aidanmaccormac9125 Жыл бұрын

If you have a jackery etc u can use the cigarette lighter unit to charge your battery by buying the cig lighter lead lighter to lighter cable.

@aidanmaccormac9125 Жыл бұрын

Standlake is open all year round or camping and carvaning club Redbridge Oxford city A34 juct

@BigVanSmallWorld Жыл бұрын

Hay Nick try cycling the glow plugs 3 or 4 times before cranking the engine on start up have a great Christmas 👍🤓👍

@douglasbatley1907 Жыл бұрын

@@coolmum47 The world needs more people like yourself what a kind offer. Good luck for the future.

@rafo6577 Жыл бұрын

Glow plugs guys! Before cranking him over, turn the ignition on to the 2nd to last position a few times to let the glow plugs heat up properly, then turn it over. Older diesels rely on the glow plugs for starting in cold weather. Turns out this model of Transit doesn't have glow plugs, but this still applies generally.

@michaelstanley8978 Жыл бұрын

I agree with this. Got an old diesel works van and when it was minus 5, I preheat the glow plugs four times, then it starts immediately.

@davemartin7345 Жыл бұрын

I'm guessing the glow plugs on the old fella will have never been changed, having lived a life in the sun. So will probably be well shot by now, not to mention seized in place, so not a great idea to try and change them now. Try buying a can of 'eazystart' at a fuel station, a good squirt never fails on a frosty morning.

@ianbasson8367 Жыл бұрын

That model Transit didn’t have glow plugs, but a cold start enrichment device. Problem is being a Spanish spec it may not be calibrated for extreme cold temperatures.

@rollthetape88 Жыл бұрын

@@ianbasson8367 mechanical fuel pump indirect injection diesel engines still have glow plugs.

@ianbasson8367 Жыл бұрын

@@rollthetape88 Not his one. I was a Ford Technician during this models run.

@ricosound654 Жыл бұрын

The guy who helped you out with the jump leads is my neighbour! Strange to see you were camping just down the road from me! Good luck to you both, hope the weather stays a bit warmer now, and Merry xmas. 👍

@beaulieuc8910 Жыл бұрын

excellent

@clivekibbler4578 Жыл бұрын

we wish we had a neighbour as nice as yours

@donitaforrest9064 Жыл бұрын

2 words: electric blanket (*talkin' about jump starting your battery with a gizmo, how about jump starting yourselves with a boost of cozy warmth in the morning... not to overlook the sheer joy of getting into a pre-warmed bed on a cold night. fyi: I recently got a battery booster & an electric blanket, great first purchases, very happy)

@rebamullins4486 Жыл бұрын

I carry solar panels to hook to our starter battery . I also carry an extra starter battery fully charged. We were wild camping 80 or more miles from town ,no cell signal. Starter battery was dead. Two 100 watt panels changed the battery. Thank God 😊

@dougquaid Жыл бұрын

Watch the dogs don’t get the chocolates on the tree! My dog would👍

@maryodonnell5760 Жыл бұрын

It's great that there are still some campsites with no reception, that's the sort of peace some folks go there for - you could easily have had a workaround by driving into town for the uploading, a few hours or days without internet might just do some folks more good than they realise

@dianabennett606 Жыл бұрын

All those people who helped with your van and even though it wasn’t 💯 they got you to the right person ❤

@theexPAWers Жыл бұрын

😊😊

@Markdmarque Жыл бұрын

These old transit campers are the best.Get a non turbo diesel high top with a shower and toilet. I had an ex hire van like this in NZ and it was brilliant. So reliable and versatile with easy maintenance

@tonydalton6756 Жыл бұрын

When you start the van keep the clutch down. Not only will it turn over more quickly it'll use less battery. If you don't you are turning the gearbox over with the engine which is quite a weight especially in thick cold oil.

@johngriffith5231 Жыл бұрын

Top Tip

@theexPAWers Жыл бұрын

Yeah we do do this😅 Thanks so much for watching..😁

@carlharris2808 Жыл бұрын

@@theexPAWers As other people have suggested buy a tin of eazystart squirt in the air intake and it will fire.ex lorry drivers know this trick well.

@whathappensnexttrafficward2887 Жыл бұрын

@@carlharris2808 always handy my T2 loves the stuff! And becoming addicted to it..😆

@Toodle.Pipp001 Жыл бұрын

All you need to get Vinnie going is a hotwater bottle, wrap it in an old towel and place under the bonnet for 20ish minutes before you want to go, then remove and Vinnie will purr like a kitten. My car is a 91' and doesn't like cold mornings either. Happy holidays ☮️💜

@theexPAWers Жыл бұрын

Happy Holidays! Thanks for the tip.. We’ll definitely try this😊

@jonsimmons4150 Жыл бұрын

Easy start connected to intake tract via plastic tube through bulkhead. Spray an' fire her up!

@susanwoods174 Жыл бұрын

On the battery or just on the engine?

@judithpride6810 Жыл бұрын

In Bulgarian winters we would put a couple of wool blankets on the bonnet and the car (1987) would start in the morning at minus 10c. Otherwise, take the battery out if not using the car and definitely get another battery or charger to kick-start a dead battery.

@kevanparker908 Жыл бұрын

@@judithpride6810 I used to have a lift with a bloke who had the same idea, an old army blanket over the engine whilst it was still warm. He always got it started the next morning.

@garyhillman4993 Жыл бұрын

What you can do is blow hot air into the air pipes. If you have a hair dryer ? Blow it into the air filter pipes that go in the engine to get some heat in. I do it on my Mazda bongo

@amozlive Жыл бұрын

you need to glow your diesel several times, during vinter

@Jarv263 Жыл бұрын

Guys when it’s cold, cycle your ignition a few times leaving it on for 10-20secs a time to really get your glow plugs hot before trying to start the engine, works a treat for me.

@nasty.nick.p Жыл бұрын

You need to get a can of easy start, you spray it in the air filter before trying to start it, it works great on cold diesel engines

@theexPAWers Жыл бұрын

Ok, we’ll look into that.. Thanks so much for watching..😁

@robertbowler6130 Жыл бұрын

Ok on a really old engine but it wont do the engine any good. It ignites at too early. Better to buy a new battery.

@kentprepper6392 Жыл бұрын

Always have a solar panel to top up the battery, leave it on overnight and the morning sun tops up the battery power just before you need it, also taking the battery off and storing it inside will help, or lastly buy a battery jacket to keep the cold off it.

@caerffili_callin Жыл бұрын

I worked in the rail industry when it was called 'British Rail' - late 70's to early 90's and every winter all the vans batteries were wrapped in a few layers of bubble wrap. We had some bad winters but the vans usually started OK.

@mariaandwill563 Жыл бұрын

Hey guys, carry on wild camping and use a swimming pool / leisure centre for showering - job done 😃👍🏼 Great to see you all in the UK enjoying our cold snap 🥶 ☺️👍🏼x

@steveb9989 Жыл бұрын

As mentioned....you need to give the glow plugs time to do their thing...especially in temperatures like that. Turn the ignition on without starting it... wait about 20 seconds, turn off, then repeat... then try and start it. 👍 Glad you got going again though, but the above may help for future cold morning start ups. 👍

@theexPAWers Жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve.. We’ll definitely keep all this in mind for next time.. It’s been so dam cold over the last 2 weeks hasn’t it.. All part of the adventure 😅

@steveb9989 Жыл бұрын

@@theexPAWers No problem...glad to be of help. 👍 As for the temperatures....I'm over on the west coast of Ireland(been here 6 months 😁) and it's been a bit chilly here the last few days as well 🥶 On the subject of Ireland......you 4 really need to get yourselves over here and do the Wild Atlantic Way....what an absolutely stunning place, with hundreds of equally stunning beaches that the dogs would love! 👌 And as for the people here....they are amazing, so so friendly! The Yeats quote "There are no strangers here. Only friends you haven't met yet" ...just about sums up the people on this wonderful island. 😍 Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas.....watch that 🎄 😅

@judymclean9954 Жыл бұрын

Or new glow plugs

@Scamparelli Жыл бұрын

Yes to keep turning key to keep warming with glow plugs (before turning over) and yes to new glow plugs. They are only used to heat the combination chamber before first start. After that the combustion is created by compression only.. If glow plugs old and crap, you'll never get it started when really cold and will kill the battery.. Should be quick cheap fix assuming access to the plugs is OK. Good luck!

@steveb9989 Жыл бұрын

@@Scamparelli Totally agreed, change them "if" the glow plugs are faulty.👍 However, as we can see in the vlog, Nick is trying to start the van without giving the glow plugs time to warm up....which is totally understandable as most of the time, they're in warmer countries, so won't need the glow plugs to start. 👍 In case they are faulty and do need to be changed....it would be worthwhile spraying the glow plugs with proper penetrating oil(not WD40) as they may have been in there a while....and seized.

@sallybethstories.voiceartist Жыл бұрын

who who could guess it could be so hard to find an open camp site!! Geez. I love the way that guy sorted you out though, big hearted people make life better!

@merlejoyce8318 Жыл бұрын

Service stations charge a small fee to stay overnight and they have hot showers too. It may work for you. Love you guys xx

@theexPAWers Жыл бұрын

That’s a good idea actually! Thanks for the tip 😊

@sharons651 Жыл бұрын

When i had my motorhome (Dunroamin) I regularly used motorway services, showers, Free!!! except one that charged a couple £'s at services you can park Free!! for 2hrs before paying. If stayed over night would generally cost me £10 upto 24hrs guess its more nowadays obviously not always near a motorway. But then leisure centres another option. Safe journeys. Wishing you a very peaceful, festive, Happy Christmas, hugs to you're baby's too 🎄 🐾 🐾 🤶

@steveffuksake Жыл бұрын

£25 isn't a small fee

@whathappensnexttrafficward2887 Жыл бұрын

@@sharons651 good plan shaz! ;) i might need your tips and tricks if I ever get deserted on a desert island..) I think they lock the showers at some places so guess u ask for the key or pretend your a truck driver?x

@tinahardy9361 Жыл бұрын

Moved in with an old love just lately and he went and got us a real Christmas 🎄!! I am 60 and haven't had a real Christmas 🎄 since I was a child. It is small but absolutely beautiful!! Merry Christmas guys!!! Looks awesome! Stay safe and see you in the next one!!

@zubeystinzen540 Жыл бұрын

Most transit owners have 2 batteries under the bonnet, jack frost will always kill an aging battery. Put a little solar panel on your dashboard & connect it to the battery under the bonnet to give a trickle charge into the battery ❤️

@theexPAWers Жыл бұрын

Ok, thanks for the tip😊

@nuthutch1 Жыл бұрын

@@theexPAWers I did tell you that ages ago.

@boatingsibbingandwandering3262 Жыл бұрын

To start a Diesel Engine in the Cold Weather especially an old one they have a preheat system via the battery. There should be a little coil light on the dash that goes out when the engine is ready to start. Procedure is. Turn key to first position and wait a while (Approx 20 - 30 seconds in very cold weather). Light should go out. Then turn key normally to start. If you just go for it you pump cold diesel into the cylinders and you then have starting Problems........ Also I think you need a new Battery. It should also be possible to use those power stations to jump start from. Also you could carry a length of the heater outlet pipe and divert the heat from the diesel heater into the engine bay from below for say 3 - 4 mins and this might warm the engine enough to help the starting. On the campsites in the UK in the winter I agree it is pants with so few open but I suppose they actually don't get that many customers to make it viable opening...... Are there other places you can find to have a warm shower I wonder

@Gateman1 Жыл бұрын

Come and stay with us for a few days.. charge your batteries, I don't mean the van.. but you can charge that up too.. look up tattershall lakes.. plenty of doggie walking .. we have a jacuzzi too.. If you need us.. we are here.. John and moni xx

@rowan7658 Жыл бұрын

What we used to do years ago was find a pub that accepted dogs and asked them if we could stay overnight in their car park (we promised to eat there that night). The majority said yes and never charged us a penny for staying, other than the cost of the food and drink. But that’s better than giving £25 for nothing other than a sloping field. One pub we stayed at for 4 nights!

@theexPAWers Жыл бұрын

Thanks, yeah we do try calling a few pubs but we wanted a hot shower mainly.. Obviously most pubs are just somewhere to park with no facilities 😊

@edtuckerartist Жыл бұрын

@@theexPAWers Might have to do a Simon Wilson thing ( another KZfaqr) he sneaks into hotel spas for a shower etc. 😉🤣

@sheiladrury3144 Жыл бұрын

Try leisure centres for a hot shower most do it and will not charge you the earth 😊

@dickoos Жыл бұрын

Yeah that was we used to do but the Pandemic changed things, Wales have adopted some anti-van attitude. The Police are generally ok it's the locals that don't want it

@JourneysEndLofts Жыл бұрын

Hi Guys , to save your battery from going dead , it would be a good idea to remove the red terminal lead from the battery , and that will keep your battery on a full charge , hope this helps you , great video , take care .

@compostcorner5934 Жыл бұрын

Just a little tip that may help ...when you turn the ignition on and wait for the glow plug light to go out before you start the van ..in this weather do that about 5 times ( ignition on - light out - ignition off and repeat 👍 I have to do that with my Astra van in the very cold weather otherwise it just won't start and the battery goes flat trying

@999shaznay Жыл бұрын

You two have really kind faces - that's why people come to your rescue! Pleased you got the Vinster on the move again.

@theexPAWers Жыл бұрын

awwwww, Thankyou☺️☺️xx

@dglass7141 Жыл бұрын

Hey Nick & Sarah... I live in Michigan and no Stanger to cold weather. My wife and I will stop what we're doing to watch your video. You both do an excellent job capturing great video to places we're not able to visit. Just a note that diesels are high compression engines and requires more cold cranking amps in winter. Batteries usually last about 5 years then recommend replacement. A weak battery will continue to fail due to the electrical demand. A new battery should fix your problem and you shouldn't need jumper cables unless you want to help some other poor soul.... lol😃

@billienomates1606 Жыл бұрын

Diesels in mid winter need to heat the glow plugs a little more before turning the engine over. So turn the ignition on until you get the glow plug light on the dash and do this several times to allow the glow plugs to get hotter then turn the engine over....should work.

@terrynewey5313 Жыл бұрын

Love watching Charlie's expression .....my heart aches 4 u

@suecameron3124 Жыл бұрын

Just loved Charlie lifting up his little leg for his harness 🥰

@shivsnorman Жыл бұрын

Here in Ireland we've gone from -5°C to 12°C in less than 24hours so hold tight guys there's light at the end of the tunnel 🙂

@theexPAWers Жыл бұрын

Yeah we see the weather getting so much milder, this was filmed last week and we’ve got another freezing video out on Thursday.. 😊

@acs2735 Жыл бұрын

Would it be safe for a lady to do this on her own?

@joewatkinson3225 Жыл бұрын

@MistaTerps Жыл бұрын

Change your fuel filter, you’re taxing the battery trying to pull the cold thicker fuel through the clogged filter. One of the lithium jump starters would be a good call in your situation.

@richardsracingmad Жыл бұрын

Well I’ve watched Ice Station Zebra, and diesel works down to -40deg. I have never heard of diesel fuel getting “thicker”.

@MistaTerps Жыл бұрын

@@richardsracingmad it's the additives they put in supermarket fuel that usually thickens.

@theexPAWers Жыл бұрын

Ok.. We’ll look into this. Thanks so much for watching..😁

@richardsracingmad Жыл бұрын

@@MistaTerps ahh…ok,

@susanyates4233 Жыл бұрын

One of my sons is a mole catcher, as a sideline. There are mole hills which need his attention, but the ground is solid. You are so brave camping in this weather. It has warmed up on the east coast from the minus numbers to eight degrees this morning. I have been perished, lighting a beautiful coal fire, and trying not to use too much central heating oil. Your tree looks lovely. Stay safe. Love and best wishes from Susanxx

@Grumfuttocks Жыл бұрын

I carry a Noco booster pack. Not cheap but can start up to a 7lt. Very reliable and charged by USB. Started my van more than 15 times on a single charge 👍

@keithwelton Жыл бұрын

A can of easy start is useful on old diesels when it’s very cold. Just spray it into the air intake before trying to start.

@MrJan50 Жыл бұрын

Welcome to the UK in winter ! There are some decent campsites open during this time of year but it takes some homework to find them. The rest are , as you say campshites , who I wouldn't pay for in milk bottle tops. We've used leisure centres for showers , normally around £5 , and the likes of Mcdonalds for internet connection. Nobody bothers if you make a toffee latte last around an hour. Not ideal but sometimes means must.

@michellepaperchaser Жыл бұрын

I don’t know if Vinnie is a diesel motor, but diesel fuel gels up when it’s very cold and you need to put in an additive to un-gel it and then another additive that will keep that from happening in cold weather. It’s a big ole mess once that happens until it warms up and liquifies again. My husband uses a Diesel engine heater when it’s cold to prewarm the engine before start up. Good Luck to you

@warrenswope5294 Жыл бұрын

This!

@skittishgaming4279 Жыл бұрын

you guys deserve the world love the vids , was heart broken when the diff went bad . i know the van is a good un but i hope the future brings a upgrade

@marinakaplais Жыл бұрын

You too are like a well oiled machine working together in Vinny. Love watching your travels and adventures. Merry christmas to you and the boys.xx

@richard_ruddick Жыл бұрын

For next winter, silicone heat pad under the battery linked to your camper 12v system to keep the battery warm and cycle the glow plugs before staring. 😊

@paulcliff6397 Жыл бұрын

Hi you guys. Thanks for the entertainment. Two ideas you have been given, blanket and hot water bottle. I you do both by putting the blanket on and then in the morning put a hot water bottle under the blanket for 15 minutes i think should do the trick. That said though if you needed to get away quickly the blanket may cause a problem., but then again if no blanket no start anyway! Try a blanket 15 -20 mins before you want to leave with the water bottle under it, this also should do the trick. Save you a few quid if it works. The battery though will lose charge overnight in that temperature as it is a lead acid not a lithium.

@pattyseree Жыл бұрын

It never ceases to amaze me how much heat the fire video throws off 😊

@vetworker Жыл бұрын

It’s certainly been a bit on the cool side. Camping in the UK is simply not easy. When I camped throughout the year, my friends and I would struggle to find places out of season. Thank god for the diesel heater, what a life saver. What a lovely guy helping you out. I used to wrap a big thick old towel over my battery which did help but with such extreme temperatures any battery is going to be affected. In my experience a jump start pack isn’t enough to start a vehicle when frozen but the pack I have was a cheapie.

@theexPAWers Жыл бұрын

Thanks, we’ll definitely be getting a battery charger and jump start kit for crimbo😂.. It’s been way colder than we expected and quite hard going but the diesel heater has kept us warm inside the van 😊

@BrentTheGent1 Жыл бұрын

Hi, just a wee tip,,, take a storm lantern and 2 x 2" sided cake tins and a small sheet of 1mm thick mild steel, curve the cut to size sheet steel cut to about just under half the width of the cake tin and bolt it into place, at the top, upside down cake tin also bolted same as below so that the lantern just sits below the lid of cake tin, My kitchen was frozen not long ago and i got it up to 19 degree's C. Be wise as to the fuel type and learn how to look after a lantern, I actually do not even need lights on when mine is lit as the reflection from the shiny sheet steel behind it.... works great..

@Jez-explores-outdoors Жыл бұрын

Great to see you down my neck of the woods... I always carry a can of easy start for this same reason my van hates the cold.... Great video guys.

@anthonydonnelly8419 Жыл бұрын

Recent discovery for us. Great to watch your travels in the UK. As an ex apprentice in axle factory I was interested in your issues with yours! We've recently bought a 27 years old camper and you proving to be an inspiration!

@kyarichards2894 Жыл бұрын

Most adorable, positive and determined vanners. I love the way you guys hug each other when you are vlogging. Great to see there are nice strangers out there to help when you need it. Have a very Happy Christmas and delighted your van is all right.

@theexPAWers Жыл бұрын

awwwww, Thankyou.. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas ☺️☺️xx

@kyarichards2894 Жыл бұрын

You too!

@johnwhale3774 Жыл бұрын

This kind man helped you. Bless him. Keep safe, see you soon.

@danweiss1371 Жыл бұрын

You really need a little battery charger that you can run off your solar charger/eco-boost. Good luck stay warm. And thank you for the entertainment. You seem like such genuine nice people.

@raymcgarry4493 Жыл бұрын

Hey folks little tip when you turn the ignition on count to 10 it gives the old glow plugs a chance to heat and makes the engine start alot easier also once your stopped and the engine is cool get an old cover or carpet lining from the boot of an old car over the engine as well just remember to take it back off before you go again

@Ken-dr9gu Жыл бұрын

Hi guys. You need a Starter/ Battery booster, Halfords or accessory shops. In the old days we used to put a blanket over the engine to keep the frost off but if you do this don't forget to take it off before try to start up. Well done for keeping going. Take care and stay safe. Happy Christmas to you and the Doggies👍 I hope you find somewhere to stay with some power.🌲🌲

@trudysimms1564 Жыл бұрын

I thought that about the blanket over the engine...

@theexPAWers Жыл бұрын

Thanks.. Yeah, we definitely need to try something to keep our old boy abit warmer when it’s several degrees below freezing 😅

@clivekibbler4578 Жыл бұрын

@@theexPAWers if you use a blanket over the engine it self . then put a cloth over the steering wheel as a reminder /

@faithrada Жыл бұрын

@@clivekibbler4578 Good call there!

@kevanparker908 Жыл бұрын

@@clivekibbler4578 Or make a cardboard sign?

@londonjacks8371 Жыл бұрын

You really need to get a battery booster for such occasions, they’re very effective, also before starting hold the clutch pedal down, it puts less strain on the starter motor.

@davef8345 9 ай бұрын

Excellent advice.

@howardfreeland5595 Жыл бұрын

You have a generator, so you could use a battery charger to start the van! You could even use a trickle charger over night on a very could night.

@richardsherburn4816 Жыл бұрын

Great VLOG guys. A jump start kit ? the best ones are known as a NEW BATTERY! Good Luck🙂

@jimkearns6426 Жыл бұрын

Hi Nick and Sara, Been following your vlogs for ages now, they're brill, keep up the good work. Just a quick one, you do know that in cold weather you've got to wait for your glow plugs to warm up before you attempt to start your van. (Little orange light on then dash board) Also when the engine starts it's not a good idea to rev it until it' somewhere near warm. (Diesel engines only) Please forgive if I'm telling you something you already know, but I thought I'd chance it. Good luck with all you do and keep up with the videoing etc. Best wishes.....Jim.

@rlmtrelomatt7390 Жыл бұрын

100%

@tridaks Жыл бұрын

There's no glow plugs on these engines.

@williamrice2457 Жыл бұрын

There engine is di Direct injection no glow plugs

@paullawrence8572 Жыл бұрын

Your van looks so cosy guys! Have a great & peaceful Xmas!❤

@paulhorton5594 Жыл бұрын

See you next week, can’t wait I so hope you find a nice campsite. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year

@pete9875 Жыл бұрын

Hi, if you are near any travelodges you can get a couple of nights there for about £40_£50 this time of year.

@paulmcneil919 Жыл бұрын

Hi Nick and Sara. I live in western Canada and learning to live with cold weather winter starts comes with the territory. Although these may not be available in the UK, all of our cars on the prairies have electric block heaters. On cold days (currently -26 tonight) we plug the block heater in for a couple of hours before starting the engine. Less common, but very helpful, is an electric battery blanket. They're available here in 50 and 80 watts, so not a big draw, which could easily be handled with your EcoFlow unit. Not much fun being stranded and cold! Hope you sort this out.

@stellaswancounselling Жыл бұрын

Omg I felt your pain. You two are brave. We live in Adelaide and definitely fair weather campers.

@annmcwilliams1230 Жыл бұрын

I used to park at delamere forest not far from the m6 they are open all year iv stayed there loads of times in winter nice forest walks for dogs train to Chester just outside the park. It’s worth the drive

@lorimajewski4592 Жыл бұрын

Oh guys I'm sorry for all your troubles , hope things get better , as always my fingers are crossed. But on the bright side , the van and the little tree look so good. Take care and see you next week. Lori p.s I j just have to say how cute little Charlie and Dizzy Look.

@ZerHour Жыл бұрын

Hi guys you could charge the battery with the eco flow just plug a battery charger in to it leave it hour or so 👍 Great to see the van running in the end ,I've always said how hard it is to camp in UK in winter especially Jan Feb

@theexPAWers Жыл бұрын

Thanks, yeah we’ll be getting a batter started jump thingy and a charger for Christmas 😅

@ZerHour Жыл бұрын

@@theexPAWers Does vinnie have a built in charger that charges front battery when on hook up ? If yes plug the eco flow into the hook up maybe have a great Xmas

@j_o_h_n_d_u_n_n Жыл бұрын

@@theexPAWers I think you're missing the point re using the ecoflow to supplement your cars battery 🤔

@kevinmulligan9055 Жыл бұрын

Click bait header

@richardfulford1344 Жыл бұрын

@@theexPAWers I am really suprised you didn't have one as they are as cheap as £30. Its so essential!

@JOhn-qz2vi Жыл бұрын

Just a thought but if Ecoflow is a power source then it should at least be able to trickle charge a battery charger which will in turn charge your battery to enable it to start. It may take a couple of hours but should work.

@theexPAWers Жыл бұрын

Thanks, yeah we’ll be looking into this now, probably just need a connection 😅

@bennyhill4228 Жыл бұрын

So glad to see you guys back on the road again...my heart nearly skipped a beat at " loose bolt" , bloody nuts xD

@tubularap Жыл бұрын

Good idea to keep the battery away from freezing temperatures. Besides taking it with you in bed (seriously), you could also leave it but wrap it in insulation. And/or have a heating element enough to keep it at preferred temperature. Keep warm, and good travels.

@charleendunn5446 Жыл бұрын

Have you had your battery checked? Here in Michigan, USA the temps often go down to -15 degrees C. We have no problem with cars starting at those temps unless the battery is old and needs to be replaced. I love watching your adventures!

@galdessa1 Жыл бұрын

After four or five years, most car batteries will be almost completely unreliable.

@andreabalderstone4272 Жыл бұрын

It’s been very cold in our van this week. Luckily we found a site open, but that is in the Lake District. I think you may find campsites open where there are still lots of tourists even in winter. However outside of these areas we have found it a lot more difficult and as you say you are still paying £20+ in some cases without electric or showers etc😳

@sloopyjoe1777 Жыл бұрын

Hi guys, good to see you on the road again after all the problems. Re the van not starting, I have an 06 expert that's a pig to start in cold weather. I put a fan heater on it which helps. But you could get an ethanol spray and squirt some down the air intake. Or I've used air freshener spray as a last resort, though most sprays should work as they're highly inflammable. Be gentle with them though, I doubt the engine will thank you for it. Hope that helps.

@witchfindergeneral2504 Жыл бұрын

Try some of this next time vinnie is struggling in the cold, Bradex Easy Start and something like this Halfords 6-in-1 Jump Starter Power Pack.

@dazjames5543 Жыл бұрын

Hey guys. Have you thought about the possibility of using your ecoflow to start the van? I'm not 100% that it's possible but.... Maybe it is! I'm pretty sure you may have the solution to cold starts on board already 👍🏼😝❤️

@Kermit-Si Жыл бұрын

Hi guys, you are definitely right, some of the prices of UK campsite for what you get is ridiculous. That's if you can find one open. Felt for you when poor old Vinny was struggling to wake up. Try putting a blanket under the bonnet to help keep the engine block a bit warmer. (don't forget about though). On a happier note your Christmas decorations look amazing. Take care, and try to stay warm. xx🥶🥶 O

@theexPAWers Жыл бұрын

awwwww, Thankyou.. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas ☺️☺️xx

@andreaamer1183 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely howled out loud at Nick's accidental blooper ' campsh--es so funny but just about sumed it up! Arrh no-one can't say you didn't try and stay so positive camper vanning in the UK. Bet it's defo not on your list next year :)))) thanks guys love your vlogs x

@judiw2892 Жыл бұрын

Happy are the travelers who meet up with nice people who give a helping hand. All due to your good karma!

@dangerdaveofdevon Жыл бұрын

Hi both. Love your stuff! Phone app called 'Archies' is good: greys out campsites which are closed and tells you their open/close dates in the summary! Have a good Christmas!

@theexPAWers Жыл бұрын

awwwww, Thankyou.. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas ☺️☺️xx

@steve201201 Жыл бұрын

When cold starting a diesel engine always dip the clutch so you only turn over the engine and it takes a lot less power. 👍

@MakeDoAndMend1 Жыл бұрын

Yep just done a video on the subject.

@dickoos Жыл бұрын

Welcome to Van Life UK! I've just sold my beloved van and was gutted but its too much hassle now in the UK. Campsites are generally overpriced and have rubbish facilities, wild camping is great if you can actually find somewhere that you are allowed to park. If it's not the nimbies it's the boy racers at 2 in the morning. I've lost count of how many times we have been stared at by angry people that just don't want you there..the winter it's dark by 4pm and pouring down and the weather kills your batteries with limited solar. Keep to van life Spain it's looks amazing and mostly care free. Throw in the price of diesel ( which was £2 a litre) at the beginning of summer, cost of campsite and its an expensive affair.

@georgina1317 Жыл бұрын

Bonus video, what a wonderful Christmas present! Your spirit is contagious. Happy holidays!

@DonnaDyble Жыл бұрын

Have you guys heard of Brit Stops. Its a big guide that lists all the pubs you can park at. Some have electric etc too. Most only ask that you buy a drink/meal. I think they have an app too. You could then use their wifi. Can people click the thumbs up on this comment so Nick & Sarah see it. 👍

@evelyndunham5135 Жыл бұрын

You guys need to stop at Walmart or some shop over there and buy a little electric blanket to put on you guys at night they wouldn’t take very much power from your power station

@mrman17 Жыл бұрын

The battery is basically on its last legs - cold weather (especially zero degrees or below) is the biggest "killer" of car batteries. It will improve in warmer weather, but it's close to giving up. If you haven't already, I would advise fitting a new one. I saw it so often when I was a mechanic - the first cold snap of the year, and we'd get loads of callouts for jump starts and have to fit new batteries. As others have said, you also need to wait for the glow plugs to do their job - on older diesels, there's usually a yellow light to show them working, which you wait until it's gone out before starting. The hot water bottle trick may also help, but in the UK, the temperatures we get a battery in good condition should still get you going.

@billybedlam7697 Жыл бұрын

Use the service stations they have showers for truckers for small charge

@TerrapinTrader Жыл бұрын

Having owned many crappy old diesels, always park on a slope so you can bump start the van. Remember no spark is needed for a diesel it's just compression. You can also get deals with a day room at Premier inns.

@avicohen3035 Жыл бұрын

Merry Christmas Nick and Sarah. Love you.

@Kojak-zh7qo Жыл бұрын

Brilliant again lovely tree , you need to put some lagging on your battery that will help with the cold starts , take care xx👍

@UKvet246 Жыл бұрын

Cmon gang your on the road most of the time, those jump leads are absolutely pants. Chances are Vinneys battery is as tired as the rear axle was and yes you need a jump pack. All the best loving the vlogs, welcome to the UK the land of campervan excellence.

@thequietwhistler9922 Жыл бұрын

Learned from the first time we ran oot of juice at Glen Nevis wildcamping -7 on New Years day. No-one had jumpers or starting battery thingies. Eventually got Gene out and used Electric Hookup to charge the battery for an hour, enough to turn over and keep running for a few hours. Lesson learned. bought 6m heavy duty cables. Starter pack and carry a spare battery not linked to anything

@muju969 Жыл бұрын

Have you tried putting a thick blanket/old duvet directly over the engine on cold nights. Remove in morning! 😜 What about also using those reflective boards inside can windows at night,too. Be snug guys😊👍xxx

@usfiveandronniethecamper Жыл бұрын

Next time your in Ross On Wye guys…head to Leominster…a pub called the Barons Cross…campsite at the rear…electric…toilets…showers…good internet signal…£20 all in…👍👍👍👍

@flirtygirl2569 Жыл бұрын

GET A HEATED THROW AND PILLOW THEY ARE BRILLIANT KEEP YOU WARM WHILE ASLEEP .

@Karen-mz3kb Жыл бұрын

Hi me and my hubby just bought a bongo first time ever lol we loved watching yourselves having problems with a smile on your faces 😊 so proud of yous ❤️ can't wait till after the new year and we're off yeah thank you for your videos will keep watching 😊

@hartleyhare7375 Жыл бұрын

A bongo?? Better get prepared for it overheating and warping the head then,

@mikedevere Жыл бұрын

Brilliant comments below on hot water bottles - they are a must for us! But I'd also recommend installing a thermostat on your diesel heater. We set ours at 5c and it just stops the van from getting so very very cold at night / in the early hours of the morning. That will help all round - both getting the van started and getting yourselves started first thing! ;-)

@donitaforrest9064 Жыл бұрын

Just seeing your 'crackling fire' made me get my old dvd player up & running to play my fireside disc. Makes me warmer just looking at the flames & hearing the snap crackle & pop! So Christmassy ☃️🎄🎅🍬🎁

@alisonmcarthur Жыл бұрын

Hi, good to see you got going again and thank goodness for kind people. When I had an old mini it didn’t like the enter so I used to put a piece of carpet under the engine on cold nights and it seemed to do the trick. Your so positive about everything, an absolute pleasure to watch. Love to you both and the woofas. Xxx Merry Christmas ❤🎉x

@theexPAWers Жыл бұрын

awwwww, Thankyou.. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas ☺️☺️xx

@l.hansens9060 Жыл бұрын

I used to always have a big cardboard in the car. When you put it on the engine directly after you turn it of, it will keep its warmth longer and makes a huge difference in restarting in de winter mornings.

@christianlewisphotography6910 Жыл бұрын

My campervan is 2014, so a more modern engine. I flattened the battery trying to start it. The RAC came out and got me started. He said the battery was knackered. I got a new one and it starts brilliant now.

@markholmes1346 Жыл бұрын

You need to get you a battery jump box that you can keep charged up with you Eco flow! You need one for the winter camping off grid! Good luck guys, glad that man stopped to help you! See ya next week ✌🏼❤️🙏🏼