Our caravan set up for full time living UK | CARAVAN TOUR HD | The McNeills on Wheels
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- Опубліковано 3 сер 2019
- Hello!
It's been a while since we've put out any caravan living content, and a few of you have asked to see inside our humble abode, so here it is, our little Elddis Knightsbridge, in all it's glory!
Please leave us a comment if you've got any questions, or feel free to find us on Instagram or Facebook as @themcneillsonwheels
- we'll always get back to you!
Cheers guys, see you soon! Stacey, Jamie and Pixie x
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Who are we?
We’re Jamie & Stacey McNeill, two, 30-something professionals, who’d had enough of the rat race in summer 2018, when we quit our jobs and sold our house, in order to live full time in a touring caravan in Wales.
Our channel shows our journey living this way, the highs, the lows and everything else in between. We also use our platform to advocate to others, the benefits of living a lower stress, more balanced lifestyle.
We have built our UA-cam reputation to date on honesty and integrity - you won’t find us using ‘click bait’ titles or nudity to draw in ‘cheap views’. We’re here for the long-term to show that this way of living can be a lifelong change for you as well as us.
If you’d like to make contact with us, we’d be delighted to chat with you. We read and respond to every video comment, so feel free to raise a question or anything else that’s on your mind.
Best wishes,
Jamie & Stacey
Hi. We are both in our 60s. Just sold our house here in France and are about to embark on a journey to travel in a caravan with our dogs. Family think we are crazy.....a demented late life crisis...... but what can go wrong......right !!!!!!
Adventure before dementia! Enjoy the journey. Once on the road, you won't regret it one, little bit.
That's brilliant.... 👏 👏
The nice thing about you speaking is that you are realistic in terms of limitation in the area and other stuff and not like other people who bring to us a picture as if there is not a single disadvantage about living on the caravan.
Love the way you live and I would like to have a adventure like it
There's nothing to stop you from doing the same as we are. We really do believe that everyone can live like we do. That's why we try to show a balance. It's definitely not for everyone 😂
Hi just watched all your vids as we are in the process of selling our house and living in our caravan, we are both self employed and giving it up as I’m a builder and my partner is a mobile hairdresser, both have a few years before retirement but not as long as the mortgage is to run, it is a leap of faith but it’s got to be better that what we have at the moment, and as for those who say that you are mad they need to get out of their comfort zone and stop being brain washed by society in thinking that you have to stay in a house for the rest of your life, it’s great to see people a lot younger than us getting out and getting a life, we have planned our route around the uk starting in York then up to Scotland then back down and across to France,, would be great to catch up with you both on our way round,,,, brilliant video and a reassurance to us that it can be done..
Hello!
Thanks for getting in touch! Your plans sound amazing and well done for making the leap to do something different. You’ll find the final days before ‘moving’ day stressful, but once on the road, you’ll never look back.
You’re in a really fortunate position having the skill sets you do between you both. Should you arrive in an area where you’d like to spend a little more time and need to ‘top up’ your income, then I’m sure that you’d be able to find little jobs here and there between you. Certainly on the site that we are currently on, there are always small construction and repair jobs needing doing and I’m sure that if word got round that a hairdresser was available, there’d be people interested.
By all means get in touch if you’re passing us on your travels. We’re currently situated on Anglesey, North Wales. We’re away travelling most of winter (when the site closes) from November through to the start of March. We’re always up for meeting with like-minded folk.
Best wishes!
Jamie, Stacey and Pixie the Dog!
This is nice. I didn't know people were allowed to live in a caravan full time in the UK. Very cool.
What a gorgeous caravan and your fur baby is so cute 😍
Hello!
Thanks for your lovely comment. Yes, we are very fond of our caravan. It's changed a lot since that video. We ended up rebuilding the front end following water ingress, so now we have a fixed, double bed at the front as well as a solar panel on the roof for off-grid power. It's a cool, little setup, if I do say so myself!
thank you so much, really informative, learnt so much. Confifent now when moving into our new caravan in the spring, brilliant!!
Glad to have been of help, Roy. If you need anything else, feel free to get back in touch. Best wishes. Jamie
i LOVE your home! the bed slats pulling out from the drawer is so cool
Another great video, well done on the one year achievement - very jealous of you both.
Like the IKEA shelf, I'll need to get a couple of them.
Look forward to the next video, thanks guys.
Thanks for your comment and congratulations. It’s been a great year so far and here’s to many more 🍷
So glad I found you. My adventure starts spring 2020 in a static with my children and a Lurcher x
Oh wow that sounds amazing! Will you be putting out some videos? We’ll give you a follow back!!
What a great way of life . Really got me thinking 🤔
You should give it a go. Definitely worth making the change.
@@TheMcNeillsonWheels
Are you still living this life now hun both of you .
@@keepitreal3453
Heya,
Yes we were up until 31st October. We're staying with family this winter. We've left the site we were on and have to work out what we're doing next spring. My temporary job keeps being extended and with international travel still being tricky, we're using this winter to take stock and make plans 😋
@@TheMcNeillsonWheels
Well what ever your doing hope you bring more exciting stories on here soon . We are considering buying caravan our selves and starting new journey ourselves but we don't no where to start 😉
@@keepitreal3453 Awesome. I fully recommend the lifestyle. First step is making a commitment to a launch date. After that, everything else falls into place.
I love what you’ve done with your caravan! You’ve used the space so cleverly and you look so happy! Very inspirational! X
Thanks! It's a bit different now from how it was then! We had to rebuild the front end following water ingress and now we have a fixed bed!
@@TheMcNeillsonWheels oh very nice! I’m glad you’ve got your fixed bed, so much easier! X
It's nice! Good luck and stay safe!
Thank you so much!
😀
Nice to see an older caravan...mine is a 2001 model and apart from some awful upholstery its perfect. Good to see you back 🤗🏴
Anthony Hughes haha yep we’re a fan of the older models... even with the floral seats and velvet curtains! 😆 I think ours is around 1998/99
Loving your Vlogs....... Only found you other day and so inspiring 👏 👏
Hi , just watched your vid for the first time, my partner and myself started caravanning 2 years and we love it, we did notice that your awning was not being utilised to its full potential, like you we did not like taking the bed down every day so we invested £125 in an Everair=air bed and it transformed the caravan for us , we put it in the awning and it is permanent while we are away and we still have loads of room for all our other things ( fishin gear, bikes wellies etc) our living area remains our living area all year round, you will need a ground sheet and full-size carpet to keep the cold out , electric heater keeps it nice and snug on the cold nights, the bed never loses pressure, The very best of luck to you both, Karla and Livesey
Hello!
Your workaround in your awning sounds fabulous! However, sadly it would not work for us, as we have to frequently take our awning down due to the high winds that come over Anglesey. I know that we said in the video that making the bed is a pain, but in the grand scheme of things, it's no biggy. Where have you guys holidayed in your caravan this year?
bunk bed worktop idea genius....love it🤗
It’s made a world of difference for us who like to cook 👩🍳
@@TheMcNeillsonWheels How long are you planning to live in the caravan? I noticed you quit your jobs.
@@Danuxsy
Hello! Sorry for the delay in our reply. How long are we planning to live in a caravan for? We've not put a timescale on it. We'll live in a caravan until we get fed up and want to live elsewhere or do something different. The jobs that we quit were our career jobs, whereas now we work for minimum wage which, due to our incredibly low outgoings, means that we are able to save more money now than before. So, a bit of a waffly answer, I know, but really, we will just wait and see which way life takes us, which is beautiful in and of itself. Take care! Jamie
Great video and very nice to see the inside and how you both live in the caravan :) Congrats on one year :)
David o'connor thank you! We even tidied up specially 😆
Love this. We lived full time for almost a decade but now in a house and thinking of doing it again once kids are a little older
Wow! A decade is a fantastic effort! We're not sure how long we'll do it for. We've always said that we'll do it for as long as it makes us happy.
I think that's the key. As long as you're loving it as it's not for everyone and can become difficult at times. We've had some hard winters. But that feeling of freedom is amazing. We've lived in Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Cornwall and Essex over that time. Started with a small single axle, a few twins and ended up with a huge 30 foot bespoke van made by Roma (although we weren't allowed on many sites with this haha)
Made it lovely and homely. Living my dream hope your enjoying it
Thanks! It's changed quite a bit since then, so we need to do an update :)
Going to show this to my teen boys! Im in the US and we just went full time in our 47 foot 5th wheel and we are getting our boy their own and what we are looking at is far bigger than this yet they complaining too small. 26 foot is the size we are looking at them! Its amazing how well you can live in such a small space! I absolutely love the UK
Definitely! There's a growing interest in small space living as well as living simply! We really don't need all the things we *think* we need. Take care, Jamie!
Cool tip in my carvan i got single bed sheets and coved the cushions and they fit really well it looks nicer in the day and works better at nigth and you can just wash them like bedding
That's a great idea! I'm keeping that one!
I think this is the "most homeliest" caravan I've seen 💞 I've just bought a 2010 Bailey Pageant Monarch Series 7 with the end washroom and find it difficult to comprehend all the space for toilet and shower one spends minutes in rather than hours but the caravan is really nice. Currently on DAY 2 (🤣) but travelling rather than static
Sounds like you're about to embark on an amazing adventure! Keep in touch and let us know how you get on! Thank you for your kind comments. The caravan has changed inside a bit since then, so we'll need to do an updated caravan tour at some point 😊
@@TheMcNeillsonWheels After 20 years renting at extortionate prices in New Zealand I've just had the best 2 nights sleep ever and although my caravan looks like staff from the local op shop have dumped all their cast offs onto the floor (as I'm still moving in) I feel "FREE and LIBERATED" and there was a serious storm last night down here in Dunedin but me and my jack Russell #2 Buddy are snug as bugs. I'm thinking of dumping much of my possessions and just keeping the all essential dressmaking and design tools and materials, electronics, music hardware and bare Essentials. I'll see how it all looks when I've put everything in the cupboards and storage spaces. Think I'll cover FREEBIRD next, Free As 🔥 Warmest Greetings back to the Homelands 🙏😎
Look out your gonna spill that tea😁
😂
Love all your vids 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖 One-year celebration ( Congratulations ) Love you both loads 💖💖💖💖
VXR Bandit yay!! Thank you so much for taking the time to watch our videos! I’m so glad you like them 🥰
@@TheMcNeillsonWheels I do love them, only wish you had more time in your busy schedule to post more 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
Thank you for your tour of your home - I have just moved into a caravan and you have inspired me!!! Yes a carbon monoxide alarm - I must make sure I have one - thanks again
You guys are really inspiring - good on you for escaping the rat race a bit! I’m 16 and am planning on moving onto a caravan when I move out. Due to the housing crisis, it’s not like I have another option but I’m really looking forward to it :) all the best!
Go for it! Best is if you can twin living in a caravan with a job that allows you to live in your caravan on site. 😀
@@TheMcNeillsonWheels Quick question - what's the best way to find a good site? Thank you!
@@kaykay9280 If I could definitively answer that, I'd be rich. It depends on what you're after.
Great little caravan is this the one you repaired I mean Jamie repaired 😀😀
It sure is. We'll be doing another caravan tour at some point as there's been a lot of changes. 😀
great video guys!
question how much does it cost to be on a caravan site in the uk, per night per week or per month?
When I lived in London, I chose to live in one of the caravans in the garden, rather than in the house, cos it was much bigger
Can't say I blame you - property prices in London are outrageous. I can see more people living like this in future!
And more fun too. It's an adventure.
Great video...Im in a motorhome but im really thinking of getting a caravan so I can full time...
Hi Mark,
Caravans are great if you’re planning on staying put a while. Motor homes definitely give you far greater flexibility if you’re full time touring. Depends on what you want to do.
hi made roll up bedding covers which means that the bed linen gets folded oncethen rolled up and zips into it's bag which becomes a really good chaise longue big roll so the bed lines has a double use and dead quick to make. will send photos and details if you want cheers
Very inventive! We've got a fixed bed caravan nowadays, which has definitely improved this for us!
Well done admire your courage as for fixed Beds problem is it takes heck of lot of space up that apart from when you are asleep you are towing a bed around I think a large lounge area is more beneficial because that's were you would spend most of your leisure time 🍷🇫🇷🐩
Hi Alan,
Thanks for your comment. I appreciate what you say about the fixed bed taking up a large area, however when living full time in our van, putting up and taking down the bed each morning and night is a real pain. We do have an awning, which allows us more space for socialising when needed. I may even install a log burning stove in to our awning this season to provide warmth on cooler evenings.
Hello from Ireland, I just noticed you have used a 230v socket to gain another, its just a suggestion to remove the plug and feed the wire down the back of the panel and wire it into the rear of that socket it then frees up the original socket for something else, just be cautious not to over load them e.g. kettle and hair dryer or fan heater together. Thankyou for the tour of your new home. I recently bought a carbon monoxide alarm and its a combined smoke alarm and I was advised to mount it five feet from floor level, have you any advise on this. I would of placed it above the gas heater, as you have yours.
Hello,
Thanks for your comment. With regards to the CO alarm, I mounted it to be around head height when we were sleeping. I guess 5 ft would be about right to. I don’t know whether having it so close to the heater is a good thing or not!
😀
Hi there, just watched your very interesting video, you can buy a voice activated smoke and carbon monoxide alarm on eBay which should be fixed to the ceiling. I changed my last twin axle caravan with a side bed for a Lunar Delta Ti twin axle, with an island bed, (loads of storage underneath) also it has a full sized fridge and freezer and a microwave on top, so this would be a massive step up for you both when you decide to change, being 26 foot long it has masses more storage, happy camping, Kind Regards, Billy.
Hello Billy,
Thanks for your comment. I'm not sure of the benefit a 'voice activated' smoke & CO alarm would bring! Perhaps I'm missing something?
The placement of the CO alarm is fine according to the science:
“CO is slightly lighter than air. However, studies have shown no significant difference in measurements based on what height CO detectors are mounted. Different manufacturers recommend different mounting locations, and you should always follow the manufacturers’ recommendation.”
healthybuildingscience.com/2013/02/22/carbon-monoxide-facts/
And another:
CONCLUSIONS: As would have been predicted by the Second Law of Thermodynamics, CO infused anywhere within the chamber diffused until it was of equal concentration throughout. Mixing would be even faster in the home environment, with drafts due to motion or temperature. It would be reasonable to place a residential CO alarm at any height within the room.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/21536403/
Your new caravan sounds amazing! Sadly, we don't have the budget to upgrade to something like that at the moment - we do far too much travelling to commit money to new caravans, so will be just sticking with what we have got for the time being. Besides, we have spent some money having the gas appliances repaired that were faulty, so we feel 'invested' in our little van somewhat. We're quite lucky with it, especially as it doesn't have any major damp which is really something for a 20 year old van.
If you come touring up to Anglesey, let us know and we'll stick the kettle on!
All the best,
Jamie
Just subscribed to your channel, as I'm new to caravanning, looking forward to picking up tips, all the videos I've seen so far revolve around motorhomes and campervans... incidentally what was the music you used here?
Hello!
Thanks for subscribing. Glad you like what you’ve seen so far. With regards to the music, I’d have to look back through the notes on the computer. Otherwise, try an app like Shazam, which will hopefully find it. It’ll be a free to use song.
Hope this helps.
Jamie
Was it hard to find a seasonal site? How long can you stay there?
I’ve been living on a sailboat for years. Just about to move into a caravan
Awesome! We'd love to move into a sailboat in around 10 years! I could then see us returning to a caravan afterwards!
Quick question - what's the best way to find a good site? Thank you!
im loving this, kinda wanna move into a caravan to get out of paying absurd bills each month
It's a great way of life and there are lots of opportunities for park wardens. Go for it!
Picking up an eriba puck caravan in a few days, almost 30 years old, towing it behind a 30 year old VW van, would love to do what you do but don't have the cajones to do it, fair play to you
Your set up sounds amazing! We’d love to see some pictures!
It’s not difficult to do what we’re doing. The courage is all in the mind. Remember, you’ve only got one life, so follow the voice of your soul. 😀
Just found your channel and subscribed 👍
Thanks! Feel free to ask any questions you have and we'll try our best to answer them for you.
I'm gonna do this one day love to be away for a few months.
You’re should definitely make it happen!!
Hi, many thanks for your video. We are in our 60's, live in South Afrika and love camping, but planning to immigrate to the UK, hopefully sometime this year. I was wondering how easy it is to go camping there. Is it difficult to tow a caravan in the narrow country lanes and how affordable is it to stay at a campsite. We will not be doing it full time, but think that it is a nice and comfortable way to explore the country.
Hello! Probably worth signing up for a caravan club membership, which gives you access to their club sites as discounted rates. Otherwise expect to pay between £15-30/night. Towing is straightforward, just take your time and plan ahead where you can. Hope this helps!
hello what a great video could i ask what do you do with your dog if you and your husband want to go out. can she stay in the caravan or has she got to go someone else
Hello! We never leave our dog in the caravan. Two reasons - 1. The temperature inside a caravan can build quickly in warmer weather. 2. Dog thefts are a very real problem in some areas and we could never live with ourselves if she were to suddenly vanish.
When we worked on site, she would occasionally be left, but we'd always leave the top half of the door open as well as some windows. Hope this helps!
Hi how do you manage 12 months of the year with sites closing ect was looking at doing this my self but most sites want you off 4 months of the year do you get a 12 month season pitch
Sure, some do. Check out Permanent Caravan Dwellers on Facebook. They have a wealth of knowledge on permanent sites as well as places you can go through the winter. Certainly a good resource to turn to.
I’m delighted to have found you, you look so healthy and happy 😀 My hubby and I have been thinking of taking a ‘senior gap year or 2’ for some time now. We have 2 years til we retire, we rent and pretty much work to live, I’m going to be showing my hubby your videos tonight when he gets home, he went off this morning saying he’s fed up working and feels like it’s ground hog day every day! We love our caravan and our weekends and holidays in it, maybe like you we should just bite the bullet and retire next year? I have a question what do you do if you need to see a GP? Looking forward to seeing your future videos
thanks Lin Bry, Alfie 🐶 and Bonnie 🐶 our 12 and 14 year old spaniels xxx
Hello Linda!
Thanks for your lovely, kind words.
I’d say that making the leap is one of the best things you could do. With regards to staying registered with your GP - it depends on whether you want to full time tour or take on a seasonal or even warden role within a caravan site. If you take on a warden role, then you can register with a GP nearby. However, if you want to full-time tour, then it is advisable to remain registered with your local GP, whilst making use of GPs who are on your touring route on a holiday basis. I hope that this makes sense!
Personally, I would recommend for you two to take on one of the many Worden roles for next summer. Almost all roles come with free accommodation in the form of a free season pitch and they are more flexible and enjoyable than any work I’ve ever done previously. This will give you an income for the next two years whilst you wait for your official retirement date. Meanwhile, during the closed season, you could tour.
We are always willing to chat with like-minded people. If you’d like a Skype call, then add me on Skype. My email address is mcneilljamie@hotmail.com
The McNeills on Wheels thanks so much for your reply, we have decided to go for it sometime next year, it’s a huge step and as you say a leap of faith with lots to do and plan, a little terrifying but also very exciting. We are going to look into my hubby taking his pensions early as we really don’t want to work anymore nearly 50 years is quite enough! Like you I love to craft so maybe I can make a little extra that way and we are not adverse to doing a little part time work here and there 😀 We think our initial plan will be to stay a month or so in between our 2 daughters and grandchildren in Wales and Bristol and my husbands elderly Dad in Cambridgeshire then holiday in between, best of both worlds sounds bliss can’t wait! 👴 ❤️ 👵🏻 ❤️ 🐶🐶 xx
great video ty for uploading.. I just wondered how do you get around the 12 month limit law on living on campsites? or is it a residential site? you are on?
If you work on site, this rule doesn't apply. 👍
@@TheMcNeillsonWheels ah ok ty good to know 🤗 ty again for your videos 🤗
well fitted out.
Thanks!
not sure if you have been asked before but.... have you considered a composting toilet?
Hello David,
If we were located more off grid, then yes, absolutely we’d consider a Nature’s Head Composting toilet or similar. However, being on a site at the moment, it’s not worth the switch.
Thanks for your question!
😀
Great people, great singing voice, only wish I had the brass balls to do the same thing as you.👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌
stevie 007 ahh thank you what a lovely comment! It’s great to have you along with our travels... get in touch if you want a chat about ‘getting balls’ 😆 (to change your life!) it’s not half as scary as it seems once you go for it x
Forgot to say, if you are interested in following my music channel too, you can find me on UA-cam and Facebook as @staceymcneillmusic ☺️
@@TheMcNeillsonWheels Beleive me when you have a wife breathing down your neck saying " you work until you can afford to retire, and then I will consider it, until then don`t even mention it" ps I did mention to her that if we did go on the same journey as you maybe she could look as fit as you do ( I did get a punch in the mouth for my troubles ) 😊😊😊😊😊😊
@@TheMcNeillsonWheels I have already ( great voice ) Love you both loads 💖💖💖
I feel bad liking that comment but it is funny!! And I’ve got a sneaky suspicion you’re joking... 😆 well don’t rule it out, minds can be changed with enough gentle persuasion! In the meantime, we love having you following along x
Congratulations on one year. Have you adapted well to full time caravan living?
Gail H oh absolutely, we really love it - having so much less stuff and living a simpler life is really liberating! 😊
Loved your video-well done and all the best to you all! I say good on you! Have a look at the Jayco Journey either 16' or 18" tourer and outback. They have a permanent island bed-great size fridge and separate 1/3 size freezer at the top. The have an ensuite bathroom with a shower that you certainly could use and I'd tend to use if off grid like a National Park. Double glazed and have high density Polysterene foam insulation. The A'Van Aspire 555-3 is also worth looking at. Very similar layout although you may need to go to a double axle to get the bunks you have presently.
Thanks, Frank. I’ll check out those models you’ve mentioned. We’ll likely stick with what we have for the time being as money’s tight at the moment. Glad you like the channel and thanks for stopping by!
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We are just about to buy one now to live in full time in the north east only problem I’m coming across is there to set it down how could I get over this obstacle as I wouldn’t want to stop in laybuys etc
Look at Caravan Site warden jobs or Permanent Caravan Dwellers on Facebook for ideas.
@@TheMcNeillsonWheels thank you we have found a 12 month season pitch so was thinking of staying 28 days leave for the 48hr period then return just don’t want to get into the parks bad books so finding a park warden role might be a better way
I wanna move out just to get away from people lol struggling to work out how you go about living all year around? Do you stay at holiday parks/residential parks
Apply for a job as a caravan site warden! It's the easiest way to live in your van long term.
Hi Strange question where are you based. I’d love to ask you so many questions about living in a caravan. It’s great to get information from people who have done this. I’m looking to live in a caravan. If you could help with questions I’d be so Grateful. Hope your all well
Hello! We’re living on Anglesey in North Wales. We’re happy to have a Skype chat anytime - mcneilljamie@hotmail.com
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Jamie 😀
The McNeills on Wheels That be great. I will keep in touch etc. Got to first sort some stuff out but would love some advice. Thank you 🙏
Hi hun how much dose it cost you a mount to stay on a site xx
We don't pay. The pitch comes with the job!
Hello there, im so envious of you guys, i really want to do this, live fill time un a caravan, reducing my carbon footprint and live, not jist exist. I think youre very brave. May i ask where your parked, as this is one of the main reasons i dont go for it, analysis paralysis sets in and i worry about the future if you dont own your own land x
Hello Naomi,
Thanks for getting in touch. We’re so glad to hear of others who are looking to simplify their lifestyle.
Firstly, we are located on a touring caravan park on Anglesey. As Stacey is the warden, we can legally remain on site there for extended periods.
Check out this site for warden jobs:
www.caravan-jobfinder.co.uk/park-job-roles/caravan-park-warden-jobs.aspx
If you decide to buy your own land to put a caravan on, you’ll need planning permission and will be liable to pay council tax.
I’d recommend either becoming a caravan park warden or taking on a season pitch near to where you are now to adapt into the lifestyle slowly.
Hope this helps. Get back in touch with any further questions!
😀
thats proper life living, shame you cant remove the freezer compartment, ours comes out to give you a bigger fridge.
Thanks! Good tip on the freezer box, though I am fairly certain that ours isn't removable, though I will look more closely at it next time I open the fridge!
The web sight you posted about finding jobs don't seem to work for me ?
Sorry about that! Here’s the correct link: www.ukcampsite.co.uk/jobs/
Quick question: How do you wash your clothes?
Coin operated launderettes!
I’ve got the exact same caravan 🤣
Awesome! Is yours standard? We've changed so much of the internals of ours to make it suit our needs.
I’m on the verge of moving into my van due to a marriage break down . Unable to afford renting a flat but I have my van with everything . It’s jus5 taking the leap tha5 scares me ..
Heya, thanks for getting in touch. Sorry to hear about your change in circumstances. Moving in to your van is definitely a fantastic choice as it’ll offer you one of the cheapest accommodation options around whilst giving you the flexibility of moving whenever you need to.
What you may find a little challenging is finding a location to over-winter on.
There’s a few options here for you:
Offer to be a guardian of the land. Essentially, you’re exchanging your presence on a site in a kind of security role for free or low cost accommodation. Speak to farms and caravan parks who will often take time off during the winter months.
You could also exchange your time for a free pitch over winter. Offer your services doing groundswork such as hedge cutting etc. There’s always work to be done on caravan sites in low season.
Finally, there are parks that offer winter season pitches. This would provide an easy way in.
Hope this helps. Feel free to get back in touch if needed.
Best wishes.
Jamie
Locker14, ive never lived in a caravan but this vid shows how useful they can be. Id consider it myself. You have all you need minus the high rent for a flat, so its win win. As long as you're not homeless. Thats whats important. I wish you much happiness after your split. Hope you are doing ok. Love to u😃
Hi locker14 ... i notice its been a year since you commented, just inquiring did you take the leap? And if you did how is van life going? I myself live most of the year in a static caravan due to divorce and find it very comfortable.. but i have been thinking recently after lockdowns are finished i would love to be able to travel living in a van instead of same old same old! I hope it worked out well for you!👍
Hello, I'd be really interested to know what you do with regards to post, do you forward to a friend/family address? How do you stand in terms of insurance on your car, do you state you have no fixed abode?
We want to do this for up to a year before we buy a house but are worried that going off grid won't be easy, things like doctors, electoral roll etc - there actually doesn't seem to be much info on the internet, it looks like they assume you can use a family/friend's address, what if you don't have that option?
Hello!
Thanks for getting in touch!
You’ll find all the answers you need over on our Q&A video:
ua-cam.com/video/gl6ZRskKDBk/v-deo.html
If there’s anything that we didn’t cover, feel free to drop us a message 😀
@@TheMcNeillsonWheels Thank you, that was really useful! I can't believe how much you pay for your seasonal pitch, we have been quoted £400/month plus electricity, one site included electricity but then you had to pay £1/day for a shower so that was an extra £14/week.
We are not fortunate enough to have family that can support us so the 'no fixed address' is a real issue for us. We are looking to have this lifestyle for a year only while we search for a property to buy in Scitland so we are also putting our belongings from our house into storage whuch bumps up our monthly costs more - after doing the maths, we will be marginally better off than if we rented for a year bjt certainly not significantly. We have looked at renting somewhere cheap but haven't found anywhere we like that will allow dogs, and the ones that do are in the city or not nice locations, its important for us to be in a rural environment.
We are getting close to starting on this journey soon as we have sold our house - it's starting to get more real! So it will be interesting to see what benefits and challenges come our way!
Hi Cheryl,
It sounds like times are really starting to get exciting for both of you! Please keep in touch to let us know how you’re getting along on your journey. We absolutely love hearing about other people doing similar things. If you ever fancy a Skype chat with us, my Skype is mcneilljamie@hotmail.com
Thanks!
Jamie
@@cherylbrown9464 You have got to be kidding-400 pounds or $800.00 month for a pitch. Top 10 around $39.60 per night with 10% membership discount. They are generally all of a very high standard right across the country, so at least when you pull up you know what you're getting.
Are you renting a permanent pitch?
Heya, we work as campsite wardens, so the pitch is included as part of the job!
What do you guys do for income?!
Campsite warden and bar work. Minimum wage stuff, but worth a fortune when living this way 👍
What caravan do you have
Elddis Knightsbridge (1997)!
Were are the permanent sites ref full time caravaning
We haven’t stayed on any full time sites as yet - in fact I believe all sites have to have a short period where they close each year, even if it is only for a week. I’m sure a quick google search would help you to find sites that offer long term pitches 😊
Try to Find a site that closes for a month in January, & another site that closes February etc & Do a short term Move. It's Councils & Planning Laws & Residential Rights that Force them to close for Legal reasons.
Work Hard in the Summer & Travel to Spain or somewhere warm for a month or 2 in the winter. ?
Or Book a cheap winter Break in a hotel or BnB. Do a Deal. & Pay an agreed amount up front . & ask them not to Make / Change your Bed every day. Maybe twice a week to save time & cost.
Bed & Breakfasts are usually Quiet in the winter & are Glad of any income.
Caravan Living IS NOT Free Living, It's Alternative living.
In winter You will HAMMER the Heating Fuel, Unless you are out at work all day.
Everyone makes caravan Videos in the Summer. They don't often show the interior Frozen, & All your water pipes Frozen for Weeks & Weeks.
Burst Pipes & BLOWN Boilers. Yes A frozen Boiler is a Scrap Boiler.
In winter Static caravans Drain down & blow air to clear water from ALL Plumbing. The Water in the Toilet bowl will FREEZE.
A Caravan is NOT A House.
The Site water pipes will Freeze.
The Cost of Keeping a Caravan Above Freezing all winter will Blow your mind.
Caravans have almost zero Insulation. & are Metal, Aluminium, Or Plastic.
Day after day of Constant below freezing Temperatures.
The Food in the Tins Also Freezes & Everything, all your food will be frozen. Vinegar & pickles don't freeze.
Our Static Caravan, on arrival on a not very cold day, We Run Mains Electric Heaters, The Gas Fire on Full, The Gas Hobs & Oven. & A couple of Fan Heaters.
It's not how Cold you feel, it's how cold the caravan actually is.
On Very Hot Days they get as hot as a car, Food melts & part cooks.
In a car you are usually moving with windows open & creating breeze & Air circulation. Try sitting in a parked car on a hot day !!! Maybe not, It Kills Dogs in a very short time.
Caravans are VERY Different to Houses in the Hot & Cold.
Your Mains power Hook up will NOT handle the power to use electric Heaters. & Gas can Create Fumes & lots of Moisture & Condensation Leading to Damp.
Some Static caravans are Hooked Directly to THE Power Grid & Like a House you get an Electric bill from your chosen Electric Supply Company. Only then Can you use Electric heating. Site Power is usually Limited to certain Watts /Amps etc.
Not Enough to run Heaters.
Talk to Various site owners / Managers.
Get into the site pub & Chat to Others for Site Info. & Tips & advice.
SHOP Around & Ask Questions. IMPORTANT Questions. Not how far is the next pub, Or the Sea, or other Dizzy Stuff.
Large Modern Statics often have Gas Central Heating, But Many Do Not Dare Use it Due to Vast use of Gas & Vast Cost.
Many Have Double Glazing , But the Walls & Roof are Not Double Glazed. Remember !
A central Heated Double Glazed Static will Cost Half the price of a house. & Will Depreciate at a Horrendous Rate. They have Limited Lifespans on site & MUST be Towed Off site or Upgraded, As per Site Rules. 10 , 12, 15 years All sites vary.
CHECK BEFORE BUYING.
Very similar to the Beehive x
I'm sorry, but I don't understand!?!? 😂
That’s what we call our caravan! 😁🐝🐝🐝
We’re the BusyLittleBees
Xxxxx
And yours is very similar to ours x
Whoosh! That went straight over my head at first! Great name for your caravan!
I’m daddy bee 🐝 and I’m actually still finishing off the new bedroom for the girls.
5 More Days!!!! Xx
Love you guys x
Girl that dude has a sheet ton of storage .
She sure does! Though, I have to give it to her, she's creative at finding space!
@@TheMcNeillsonWheels I completely agree
😂
Your feller must enjoy you Sweet heart 👍
I have always wanted to live in a caravan as I am living in the city in an apartment at the moment. I really hate it and prefer to live more rural somewhere nice 'n' cosey. Thinking about renting a caravan and turning into a little man cave. Thanks for the carbon monoxide reminder as I will take the one I got.
Hi Michael,
Don't rent a caravan - buy one! With a few basic skills, touring caravans can be easily fixed up and make an ideal little home that can travel with you, wherever you choose to go to next. If you need any advice, feel free to get back in touch and we can have a Skype call!
Thanks
Jamie
@@TheMcNeillsonWheels Absolutely would like to find out more my Skype ID is michael.polkey1986
Michael Polkey Ok, we’re in South-East Asia until March. Once we’re back in the UK give us a shout and we’ll get connected 😀
Heating?
Erm...? Yes, we have heating!
@@TheMcNeillsonWheels Yes am sure you will have heating!! What I was asking is what kind of heating?
Gas and electric blown air heating. We just tend to use the gas though. There's a fault with our electric heating that I've never gotten round to investigating.
I'm buying a caravan
Great! Check out our video on how to buy a used caravan, where you’ll find lots of hints and tips to help you find the best van you can.
😀
ua-cam.com/video/ZKNynG6hZc8/v-deo.html
Jack Sharratt .i would love too live in a caravan so small and cosy.