Sliding doors😂 the bane of my vanlife (6years in a Sprinter van) Whatever could go wrong with a sliding door - it went wrong. Happy for you that it was easy to fix. I really enjoy your honest videos😊
Buy and put on the van's windows a clear seal that makes windows unbreakable! Put-up cameras both inside and outside. Buy Tire Flat sealant! Keep extra drinking water and survival food. Matches, batteries, blankets, flares. Buy Velcro for windows; buy curtains too and always cover-up your windows at night! Add an inflatable small mattress, better for your back! Be very vigilant and always think safe! Have great fun! Blessings
I wonder if it legal to own pepper spray in the UK? If so, I would add that to your survival kit. You never know when you may need the protection. Stay safe!!!
You cook in the van. This combo of oil and condensation sticks to everything including your windows, this why the suction stoppers do not work. Simple answer is to just wipe the window with meths or isopropanol where the stoppers make contact and also wipe the stoppers and they will stay in place.
Hi Ruth lubricate that runner with a graphite or silicone lubricant every 6 mo. It's a spray lubricant. Not oil or grease which holds dirt. Enjoy your updates. Glad you are home safe and ok. I am adding 300w of solar to my van for my 40th B day in May. Cheers from Boston. Also I used iron on hem tape on my insulated window covers and it failed in about a year, then I used jeans iron on patch strips, it lasted about two years finally I used colored duct tape it's been working well for over 3 years.
I like that you're so creative and resourceful. I'm sure that you could do all the work on your own, but it's prudent to occasionally rely on the advanced expertise of others. Good on ya! 🥰
Nice modifications Ruth. The cabinet handles look fabulous 👌 Enjoying the videos tremendously. Passed you in your van neat Edinburgh a while back and was honking the horn like a maniac.. felt like I'd seen a movie star 😁 Thanks for sharing all your journeys and please keep up the great content
@@ruthaisling lols.. so if you wondered why the dude in the black VW Crafter campervan was honking like crazy, you can now rest easy that it wasn't a road rage incident.. just me being a total fan boy 🤣🤣
Wow!! That's great information on how to make your van better 😊 i especially loved the idea of the cupboard door handles. They looked really nice 👌 super DIY!!! 100% Thank you, Ruth 😊 Good to see you looking better 😀
以前、仕事でハイエースを使用していたのでスライドドアの開け閉めする音を聞くとその頃のことを思い出します。 バックハッチドアを閉め忘れたまま走行したり、スライドドアで指を挟んだり.....幸い大事には至らなかったのですが、時間に追われてバタバタしていると思いもよらぬミスを起こすので十分注意が必要ですね。 Have a nice week🍀
Hello, If you have remake the window covers at some future time, here is a tip. Make the carpet about half an inch bigger all round. The insulation would fit as you have done here but the border will be floppy enough to seal all the light. On my van, I cut a piece of thin ply to over size of the window, then put some plastic blocks screwed on the metal surround. I just bend the ply to fit behind the plastic blocks. The ply is insulated with rubber/foil Do-Do and covered with van carpet inside.
You seem alot happier back on your home ground and getting stuck into some DIY projects.....thanks for sharing your life with us especially people like me who are unable to be as active Ruth ...❤
Definitely don't put carpet against the glass, mouldy damp carpet will result. Much safer handles, cutlery can be dangerous in the wrong place! Like the upgrades, they'll make a big difference to your privacy & comfort. Yeast extract with banana is my favourite but now I'm going to try with avocado too.
Ruth, as well as your suction pads, could you consider some over long fibre glass rods, essentially they need to be 2 or 3 cm longer than the height of your windows, you could then bend them into window recess, they;d be held in by the pressure of being bent into place against the window.
For the windscreen when I was a driver we used Velcro stick one strip around the scree and the second strip to your cover. You can also use it on you dividing curtain so you can always keep the back out of view 😊
Velcro is fantastic for little jobs, also consider oversize window blinds and use strong magnets. The magnets can be used for all types of useful things depending on the type you purchase. They also come with hooks , studs and are available with rubber covering to stop scratching!!😊
You are so handy!! If I was your age I would be too, in fact by 30 I had my 1st campervan & I so wish I still had it, a 1970s petrol Ford 'Auto-sleeper' was fabulous, it had a foot pump. I think my caravan does too, it's 1978. I do hope I get to own one more so I can crack on with my bucket list! Thanks for all you show us.
a 20 L empty paint bucket ( strong and durable)is also perfect for a toilet. Just put a loose toilet seat on top when neaded. Jik it and bucket can be used for endless uses. Even without a seat 👀
Great Vlog Ruth. At the moment I am playing catch up on your vlogs as I’ve only just found you so forgive me for watching some out of order. You seem to have an amazing array of content covered in your vlogs from DIY Van, Food to travel adventures, you are very knowledgeable and clearly self sufficient for your travelling adventures. Great to see how your gadgets all work. Well done you. Thank You for sharing
Hi Ruth - I’m learning a lot of RV Van camping info from your videos. I admire your ingenuity in the upgrades you do to your Van. You seem happy to be back home again. Take care and be safe. Cheers! 🍁🍁
What a change in you to go back to where you came from. I'm so glad I followed your adventurous journey with the Camver Van; it was a beautiful and fun trip.
We're in the process of changing our covers over to magnets which is a lot better and reflective on the ootside keeps the sun oot and the van cooler in the summer 😊
@ruthaisling we're also going to make them a tad bigger than the actual window size so it blocks out all the light also thinking of running a few stitch lines down them so they can fold easier
That reflective plastic window covering only last several years in the Arizona desert sun. It evenly crumbles and flakes after several years in the sun.
Well done Ruth👍 your so practical and every trip will always turn up other ideas and modifications needed so your van will get better and better for you as you go along😊.
Hi Ruth,if you put suckers on both sides in the winter put the carpet on the outside and in the summer flip it around for reflecting the sun out to help keep the van cooler. You could also put suckers on both sides of the front side windows then you can simply swap the left to the right side and vice versa.
I have been really enjoying your videos. My wife and I had our first Scotland trip recently and plan on returning soon. Your videos have given us a great list of places to visit. I also appreciate your Camper Van experiences and diy projects. As for your misfortunes in France, none of that was your fault. But you showed fortitude and pluck and handled each problem well. Your videos of the cemeteries were both informative beautiful, and we could feel your emotions that there are so many graves. We have a Camper Van and we experience failures regularly despite having a good time traveling. Looking forward to future vids. Beast of luck to you on your travels. Cheers.
vous êtes une personne rayonnante solaire et positive, il ne faut pas rouler avec un van rouge, si possible changez la couleur svp... quelque chose de discret, blanc, vert clair ou gris clair... bonne route et merci pour vos images si agréables... ne fuyez pas les chiens, au contraire, sinon ils attaquent !
Ruth. I wouldn't cover the foil of the cab window screens. The foil will reflect the sun if you put them up when you leave the van during the day, & this will help keep the van cooler. You can purchase ready made covers for certain vans for this very purpose. Love your videos., Keep them coming.
Glad you have recovered and fixed most of your Van problems.Please take the plastic wrapping off the next time you cook a Haggis and single Scotch whisky helps in moderation!😅 I also admire your campervan idea.I looked and have paid in the past big money to stay on Mull + Skye.... Campervan costs are far, FAR less... smart idea.
Wonderful improvements! They should make you more comfortable in the van. It’s great that you take the time to figure out what will work best for you. Looking forward to the next one!❤
If you were in the USA, you'd easily find van outfitters in almost all medium to large cities who would be more than willing to help you out. Many have dimensions of every van window ever made making it easy to construct your own. I'm sure there would be other youtubers who can help as well. Nothing wrong with getting advice from others who've already gone through the pain you'd had.
Great to see you survived that crossing we copped the same ride across a few years ago. Love the van setup, look forward to your next adventure. Thanks from Australia 🇦🇺
Hi ruth...good riddance of those fork n spoon handles.hope the dog attack injury has healed. Love the DIY jobs... Love to watch you (s)campering around!
Suggestion. All that carpeting inside you should get some hook-and-loop (Velcro) - mostly the hook part. You can use it to stick just about anything to the walls and pull it off or stick it back on as you like. Good 3M Velcro has really good adhesive on the strips. It’d be great for the window covers too.
Some good ideas there Ruth, what we used to do with the windscreen internal cover is to pull down your sunvisors when you have the screen in place and it will be more secure...but I advise against the painting off the silver side, someone else has also suggested the side windows should be oversized and also carry sticky backed velcro, great for loads of jobs....looking forward to more of your travels around Scotland
Hi Ruth don't forget a Can of WD40 you can use it lubrication on anything you might need on your Door Runners as they look like will clog up with Rust take care out there 😊❤
You are a very rescorceful young lady! We could use you on our farm in Tennessee! Great videos! Drive over in Ernie and visit us sometime! I'm sure you'll fix Ernie up to swim over the pond! God Bless you Miss Ruth.
This DIY was an important improvement based on the feedback from my travels so far! In Japan, cherry blossoms bloom in March, and although it will still be cold in Northern Europe, please take care of your health and enjoy your trip.
I don’t know much about campers but those all look like positive changes. Looking forward to more adventures (happy ones) as you continue to travel around Scotland.
Absolutely fascinating. The YT algorithm brought me here. Thank you so much Ruth for a wonderful channel. Looking forward to catching up. Very best wishes👊
Just teething problems (no pun intended) working out the bugs in the van and the prep for the trips, love your videos and your enthusiasm is very infectious!! Happy travels!
If you just make the window covers a little bit bigger than the window, you don’t need suction cups. It will just fit in between the van and the frame.
Really useful to know that you don't necessarily need to do an expensive vanlife style overhaul of a van, and you can be more incremental about it all, thanks!
I know this is an old video but if you do want to upgrade your 12 volt system in your van, I am a retired auto electrician in Cumbria and I would be more than happy to do this for you at no cost 👍
Well done Ruth I'm proud of you you've got your life sorted out Well stay safe and enjoy your travels 😀 I did and I'm still going strong I'm coming upto Scotland this year and I'm moving up north Yorkshire way near the sea next year 😀 lol from me in Birmingham xx
Ruth you are a committed and determined traveler. The mishaps on your trip to France and your return were so rough. Hopefully the miles will be better ahead. Take care, from Canada 🇨🇦
Cant wait for your next video. I am counting down the days until May when I visit Scotland for the third time. Your videos are helping me pass the time until then. Take Care!
Maybe try long strips of velcro with sticky backings 😊 to hold the coverings in place . You would make them bigger than the actual window 🪟 to use the velcro strips with sticky backing 😊 . Maybe more secure to hold in place vs a window with condensation on it in winter
You should look into a NOCO battery jumper pack. They work really well at jumping the car/van if the battery dies. They are small, powerful and you only have to charge them about once a year if you're not using it loads.
I've watched so much of your content, and loved every minute -- thanks so much, for sharing. It bothers me that the most beautiful are clearly favored on this platform, but you're absolutely charming. It's so nice to find you, here.
Good afternoon Ruth saw your treacherous ferry trip just to finish your France trip now rest up your fixing your van ready for the road let’s see more Scotland from New Jersey take care 😘🌸🌺☕️🌿🚗
Hi Ruth you have been a busy bee!! Your mark 2 window insulators are better, mine in the front is just the silver colour material and doesn’t harm with condensation, but as you think it looks obvious you are inside it might be better darker. I don’t think carpet would work with the condensation, so maybe painting them black might be the answer. Your new handles are great, also your foot pump, hope there is enough flow. Looking forward to your next trip in Scotland. Cheers Mike🥃🥃
Hi Ruth why don't you have a look at using small magnets for the window covers? You can glue small magnets to the glass and then attach the opposing magnet to the covers. Easy to put on and take of and won't wear down over time. Enjoying your vidoes. Thank you!
I would retain the 12V pump and bypass the ignition switch. As long as you can get a 12V from somewhere, a simple inline switch would suffice to switch the pump on and off.
i looked through the comments and i did not see any that suggested you keep the silver side of your windscreens facing out to reflect the ultra violet rays.....thats how we do it in the hot areas in the US....just a thought...
I love watching your videos from Redcliffe QLD ,and seeing my Bonnie Scotland again also nice to see Vegimite which is good for ones health. All the best Ruth to you and mair videos that you do brilliantly. Duncan.
Hey Ruth😊 I’m one of your new subscribers, I mentioned that I’m visiting Aberdeen in June where hopefully I’ll film some good content for my channel. I’ve just watched you making some changes to your van and have to say that I really admire your hands on approach to getting all those jobs done. I tune in everyday to your channel… keep the great content coming 👍☀️😎
The wood shavings I used to get for our horse is finer than that and would be suitable also try shredded paper. I suppose you can add a few drops of scent to make it smell better .
thanks for the video. Always amazed at the attention to detail going on in vans. Really appreciate you going to the time and trouble to explain simple but effective upgrades
I use a usb water dispenser from Amazon; super simple to fit, really efficient and cheap! it’s the Amazi Water Pump… a single charge (via usb) is good for 8/10 5 gallon containers… Totally independent of complicated wiring etc… I also purchased a longer silicone tube so the tap sits above the counter top, like urs…
I made the blackout blinds using the same bubble foil except I covered front and back neatly using black duct/gorilla tape...they push fit onto the windows inside the rubber seal surround...they work perfectly and are indestructible! 😊👍🏻
Greetings from Scotland! Hi Ruth! Just a thing I learned when doing the same thing (making insulated blinds) was that internal blinds, especially in the cab area, always left a lot of condensation after a cold night. SO, I made a full one piece external blind just like the inside, but lined with thin foam wrap. It went all the way around from door - to screen - to door, then tucked in both doors slightly which were then shut on it, holding it firm. SO, it didn't need suction cups to hold it up and when it was removed, no condensation on the inside AND when frosty/icy, no ice/snow on the outside - which meant I could drive away immediately. I only had them on the cab area because my motorhome had double glazed windows in the rest of it and fitted integral blinds. I also fitted a thick thermal draw curtain across between the cab and the living area, just to keep it cosier at night in cold countries. We lived in ours full time when travelling and it lasted for years! I bought all the insulation materials in a builders merchant in France because it was way cheaper than the UK. When we travelled up in the Arctic circle region, I also made a full cover for the front bonnet area to keep the engine a bit warmer in seriously low temperatures. Mine was a diesel engine and although it was a new vehicle it struggled to start when it was very low temps. The insulated cover cured that problem!
@@ruthaisling Aaahh! Yes, I didn't consider that! We had a large rear boot, so I just gave it a shake (the rain ran off it easily), rolled it up, two bungees round it and threw it in the boot. You may need to think about storage. It may still work, IF you have the room. A bit of experimentation perhaps? The nice thing about the insulated bubble wrap stuff is that it rolls up quite tight. You only really need it when travelling in cold countries or in winter of course.
We stayed on a glamping site last year, that used composting toilets with woodshavings Ruth. No issues with smells whilst we were on site for a few days.
Sliding doors😂 the bane of my vanlife (6years in a Sprinter van) Whatever could go wrong with a sliding door - it went wrong. Happy for you that it was easy to fix. I really enjoy your honest videos😊
Oh no! Yes… had a few issues with the door but hopefully fixed now.
it helps to keep them clean...a few drops of oil or some grease doesn`t hurt
Buy and put on the van's windows a clear seal that makes windows unbreakable! Put-up cameras both inside and outside.
Buy Tire Flat sealant! Keep extra drinking water and survival food. Matches, batteries, blankets, flares. Buy Velcro for windows; buy curtains too and always cover-up your windows at night! Add an inflatable small mattress, better for your back!
Be very vigilant and always think safe! Have great fun!
Blessings
I wonder if it legal to own pepper spray in the UK? If so, I would add that to your survival kit. You never know when you may need the protection. Stay safe!!!
Bringing the sun visors down really help keep my front window covers in place ……..👍🏼🤩
Good call! Thank you 🙏
You cook in the van. This combo of oil and condensation sticks to everything including your windows, this why the suction stoppers do not work. Simple answer is to just wipe the window with meths or isopropanol where the stoppers make contact and also wipe the stoppers and they will stay in place.
Thank you for the helpful advice! 🙏
Glenfiddich makes your work go smoother❤
😂😂
Hi Ruth lubricate that runner with a graphite or silicone lubricant every 6 mo. It's a spray lubricant. Not oil or grease which holds dirt. Enjoy your updates. Glad you are home safe and ok. I am adding 300w of solar to my van for my 40th B day in May. Cheers from Boston. Also I used iron on hem tape on my insulated window covers and it failed in about a year, then I used jeans iron on patch strips, it lasted about two years finally I used colored duct tape it's been working well for over 3 years.
Thank you for all this helpful advice. I’ll get some spray. Happy early birthday! 🎉
@ruthaisling if you can find it get Bose T9. Bonds to metal & does not attract dust or oil
Hello Ruth,think you could use small magnets on your windows and on your covers, better than the suction pads
I like that you're so creative and resourceful. I'm sure that you could do all the work on your own, but it's prudent to occasionally rely on the advanced expertise of others. Good on ya! 🥰
Thank you! 😊
Nice modifications Ruth. The cabinet handles look fabulous 👌
Enjoying the videos tremendously.
Passed you in your van neat Edinburgh a while back and was honking the horn like a maniac.. felt like I'd seen a movie star 😁
Thanks for sharing all your journeys and please keep up the great content
Hahaha, that’s so funny. I was there a few weeks back! 😅
@@ruthaisling lols.. so if you wondered why the dude in the black VW Crafter campervan was honking like crazy, you can now rest easy that it wasn't a road rage incident.. just me being a total fan boy 🤣🤣
😂😂😂
@@stevemcqueen160 Brilliant 👏
Wow!! That's great information on how to make your van better 😊 i especially loved the idea of the cupboard door handles. They looked really nice 👌 super DIY!!! 100% Thank you, Ruth 😊 Good to see you looking better 😀
以前、仕事でハイエースを使用していたのでスライドドアの開け閉めする音を聞くとその頃のことを思い出します。 バックハッチドアを閉め忘れたまま走行したり、スライドドアで指を挟んだり.....幸い大事には至らなかったのですが、時間に追われてバタバタしていると思いもよらぬミスを起こすので十分注意が必要ですね。 Have a nice week🍀
There’s no place like home and it shows on your face and demeanour . Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching, it’s good to be home!
Hello, If you have remake the window covers at some future time, here is a tip. Make the carpet about half an inch bigger all round. The insulation would fit as you have done here but the border will be floppy enough to seal all the light. On my van, I cut a piece of thin ply to over size of the window, then put some plastic blocks screwed on the metal surround. I just bend the ply to fit behind the plastic blocks. The ply is insulated with rubber/foil Do-Do and covered with van carpet inside.
Good to know, thank you for sharing!
You seem alot happier back on your home ground and getting stuck into some DIY projects.....thanks for sharing your life with us especially people like me who are unable to be as active Ruth ...❤
It’s nice to be back in Scotland!
Definitely don't put carpet against the glass, mouldy damp carpet will result. Much safer handles, cutlery can be dangerous in the wrong place!
Like the upgrades, they'll make a big difference to your privacy & comfort.
Yeast extract with banana is my favourite but now I'm going to try with avocado too.
I’ll need to try with banana!
Ruth, as well as your suction pads, could you consider some over long fibre glass rods, essentially they need to be 2 or 3 cm longer than the height of your windows, you could then bend them into window recess, they;d be held in by the pressure of being bent into place against the window.
That’s a good idea, thank you!
I was thinking of the same sort of thing.🤔🏴
For the windscreen when I was a driver we used Velcro stick one strip around the scree and the second strip to your cover. You can also use it on you dividing curtain so you can always keep the back out of view 😊
Velcro is a good idea, thanks!
Velcro is fantastic for little jobs, also consider oversize window blinds and use strong magnets. The magnets can be used for all types of useful things depending on the type you purchase. They also come with hooks , studs and are available with rubber covering to stop scratching!!😊
Great ideas, thank you!
ルースさんおはようございます☀️
動画を観ると、いつもルースさんと一緒に旅をしている気分になります！
ありがとう❤
You are so handy!! If I was your age I would be too, in fact by 30 I had my 1st campervan & I so wish I still had it, a 1970s petrol Ford 'Auto-sleeper' was fabulous, it had a foot pump. I think my caravan does too, it's 1978. I do hope I get to own one more so I can crack on with my bucket list! Thanks for all you show us.
a 20 L empty paint bucket ( strong and durable)is also perfect for a toilet. Just put a loose toilet seat on top when neaded. Jik it and bucket can be used for endless uses.
Even without a seat 👀
Hello Ruth, loved to see you fix the things in your van. Hope you enjoy the result. Have a great time, see you on the next!
Thank you! Hopefully the van will be more comfortable now!
Great Vlog Ruth. At the moment I am playing catch up on your vlogs as I’ve only just found you so forgive me for watching some out of order. You seem to have an amazing array of content covered in your vlogs from DIY Van, Food to travel adventures, you are very knowledgeable and clearly self sufficient for your travelling adventures. Great to see how your gadgets all work. Well done you. Thank You for sharing
Thanks Clive, glad to hear you are enjoying the variety of videos on the channel!
The foil blinds can be used in summer during the day when the van is parked up to try to keep some of light out rather than making it a green house.
Good idea. Although I’ve yet to experience a very hot day in the van 🏴😂
After a few van trips you'll have one giant muscular leg😂
Would painting the front window blind black make too much heat in the van?
Ruth - You are an inspiration! Your courage is awesome ❣️ enjoying all your adventures and your authenticity!
Thank you so much!
Fold down the visors against the windscreen privacy cover for better support
Welcome home Ruth. Some good work on the van and can tell you are excited to be going on new adventures soon. Stay safe.
Thank you! 😊
Hi Ruth - I’m learning a lot of RV Van camping info from your videos. I admire your ingenuity in the upgrades you do to your Van.
You seem happy to be back home again.
Take care and be safe.
Cheers! 🍁🍁
Thank you Jane!
What a change in you to go back to where you came from. I'm so glad I followed your adventurous journey with the Camver Van; it was a beautiful and fun trip.
Thanks so much for following along! ❤️
We're in the process of changing our covers over to magnets which is a lot better and reflective on the ootside keeps the sun oot and the van cooler in the summer 😊
That sounds like a good idea, were you using suctions before?
@ruthaisling aye some of them are still suction but the magnet ones are so much easier to just pull out and put on
@ruthaisling we're also going to make them a tad bigger than the actual window size so it blocks out all the light also thinking of running a few stitch lines down them so they can fold easier
So sorry to hear of your grievous bodily injuries.
Hello from Brunswick, Maine, US. Sept. 17, 2024
That reflective plastic window covering only last several years in the Arizona desert sun. It evenly crumbles and flakes after several years in the sun.
Well done Ruth👍 your so practical and every trip will always turn up other ideas and modifications needed so your van will get better and better for you as you go along😊.
Absolutely! 👍
This van setup is really smart and efficient.
Thanks for your van videos, Ruth! Your viewers are giving so much valuable info, too!❤
You are so welcome!
Hi Ruth,if you put suckers on both sides in the winter put the carpet on the outside and in the summer flip it around for reflecting the sun out to help keep the van cooler. You could also put suckers on both sides of the front side windows then you can simply swap the left to the right side and vice versa.
Thank you for the helpful advice! 🙏
I have been really enjoying your videos. My wife and I had our first Scotland trip recently and plan on returning soon. Your videos have given us a great list of places to visit. I also appreciate your Camper Van experiences and diy projects. As for your misfortunes in France, none of that was your fault. But you showed fortitude and pluck and handled each problem well. Your videos of the cemeteries were both informative beautiful, and we could feel your emotions that there are so many graves. We have a Camper Van and we experience failures regularly despite having a good time traveling. Looking forward to future vids. Beast of luck to you on your travels. Cheers.
Thank you and happy travels!
If you want to paint the silver panel, you can also get flexible paint, which is partly rubberised to allow for flexing/bending without cracking.
Didn’t know there was such a thing! Thanks for sharing! 🙏
vous êtes une personne rayonnante solaire et positive, il ne faut pas rouler avec un van rouge, si possible changez la couleur svp... quelque chose de discret, blanc, vert clair ou gris clair... bonne route et merci pour vos images si agréables... ne fuyez pas les chiens, au contraire, sinon ils attaquent !
The silver is supposed to on the windscreen to deflect the sun.plus the windscreen cover should be held up with the sun visors
It’s got silver on both sides I think
Ruth. I wouldn't cover the foil of the cab window screens. The foil will reflect the sun if you put them up when you leave the van during the day, & this will help keep the van cooler. You can purchase ready made covers for certain vans for this very purpose. Love your videos., Keep them coming.
Thanks for the advice! 🙏
Glad you have recovered and fixed most of your Van problems.Please take the plastic wrapping off the next time you cook a Haggis and single Scotch whisky helps in moderation!😅
I also admire your campervan idea.I looked and have paid in the past big money to stay on Mull + Skye.... Campervan costs are far, FAR less... smart idea.
Wonderful improvements! They should make you more comfortable in the van. It’s great that you take the time to figure out what will work best for you. Looking forward to the next one!❤
Thanks Mary. I’m very happy with the upgrades!
If you were in the USA, you'd easily find van outfitters in almost all medium to large cities who would be more than willing to help you out. Many have dimensions of every van window ever made making it easy to construct your own. I'm sure there would be other youtubers who can help as well. Nothing wrong with getting advice from others who've already gone through the pain you'd had.
Nicely done -- I admire the challenges that you embrace, and the ingenuity that you exhibit. 😘
Thank you! 😊 that’s very kind.
Handles look very nice and harmless! Good job! Enjoy your channel all the way out here in Tucson,Arizona USA.
Thanks for watching from Arizona!
Thank you Ruth for a very interesting video. Your modifications look ideal and should work out very well for you. Happy onward travels. 👏👏👍
Many thanks!
Use cat litter cubes look like little pipe bits and wood chip it will work out cheaper and pine smell also cost free.xx❤
Thanks for the tip!
Great to see you survived that crossing we copped the same ride across a few years ago. Love the van setup, look forward to your next adventure. Thanks from Australia 🇦🇺
Thanks hopefully your crossing was smoother than mine!
I travelled from Newcastle to Holland in May 23' and was very lucky to have a smooth crossing.... takes a long, LONG time though!
Hi ruth...good riddance of those fork n spoon handles.hope the dog attack injury has healed.
Love the DIY jobs...
Love to watch you (s)campering around!
Yes.. cutlery handles gone!!
Suggestion. All that carpeting inside you should get some hook-and-loop (Velcro) - mostly the hook part. You can use it to stick just about anything to the walls and pull it off or stick it back on as you like. Good 3M Velcro has really good adhesive on the strips. It’d be great for the window covers too.
Some good ideas there Ruth, what we used to do with the windscreen internal cover is to pull down your sunvisors when you have the screen in place and it will be more secure...but I advise against the painting off the silver side, someone else has also suggested the side windows should be oversized and also carry sticky backed velcro, great for loads of jobs....looking forward to more of your travels around Scotland
Thank you for the helpful advice! 🙏
Hi Ruth don't forget a Can of WD40 you can use it lubrication on anything you might need on your Door Runners as they look like will clog up with Rust take care out there 😊❤
Thanks for the advice! 🙏
Hi Ruth great to see that your looking much better now. See you on your next journey ❤
Yes, best moment of my life getting off that ferry 😂
You always look amazing!
You are a very rescorceful young lady! We could use you on our farm in Tennessee! Great videos! Drive over in Ernie and visit us sometime! I'm sure you'll fix Ernie up to swim over the pond! God Bless you Miss Ruth.
Haha thank you! 😂
This DIY was an important improvement based on the feedback from my travels so far! In Japan, cherry blossoms bloom in March, and although it will still be cold in Northern Europe, please take care of your health and enjoy your trip.
Have they already bloomed where you are? Hope you enjoy Hanami!
Thrilled that your back out and we are all ready for some new adventures. You look happy. :-)
Thanks! Looking forward to more trips in Scotland this year! 🏴
I don’t know much about campers but those all look like positive changes. Looking forward to more adventures (happy ones) as you continue to travel around Scotland.
Thank you Sandi, looking forward to it too!
Your safety is the important thing. Glad you updated your van🏁🏁🏁
I use the exact same drill ! They work great and extra rechargeable batteries are very affordable !
Thankyou for another lovely video and for showing us your beautiful toilet.
Glad you enjoyed it! 🙏
Absolutely fascinating. The YT algorithm brought me here. Thank you so much Ruth for a wonderful channel. Looking forward to catching up. Very best wishes👊
Welcome to the channel!
さすがルースさん。長年のバンライフでDIYはお手の物です。設備を一新してスコットランド旅第２章が始まりますね。😺
Just teething problems (no pun intended) working out the bugs in the van and the prep for the trips, love your videos and your enthusiasm is very infectious!! Happy travels!
Thank you 🙏
If you just make the window covers a little bit bigger than the window, you don’t need suction cups. It will just fit in between the van and the frame.
Really useful to know that you don't necessarily need to do an expensive vanlife style overhaul of a van, and you can be more incremental about it all, thanks!
Yes absolutely, big changes can be very expensive so I’m trying to work with what I’ve got here
I know this is an old video but if you do want to upgrade your 12 volt system in your van, I am a retired auto electrician in Cumbria and I would be more than happy to do this for you at no cost 👍
That's so kind of you to offer Stephen. I'm sticking with the Bluetti at the moment but if I change my mind I'll let you know! ❤
Well done Ruth I'm proud of you you've got your life sorted out Well stay safe and enjoy your travels 😀 I did and I'm still going strong I'm coming upto Scotland this year and I'm moving up north Yorkshire way near the sea next year 😀 lol from me in Birmingham xx
Have an amazing trip to Scotland!!! 🏴🏴
Ruth you are a committed and determined traveler. The mishaps on your trip to France and your return were so rough. Hopefully the miles will be better ahead. Take care, from Canada 🇨🇦
Thank you 🙏 I hope you’re enjoying the videos in Canada 🇨🇦
The leather handles look great! No more injuries!
Thanks!! Very happy with them!
Cant wait for your next video. I am counting down the days until May when I visit Scotland for the third time. Your videos are helping me pass the time until then. Take Care!
So exiting Holly, hope you have an amazing time in Scotland! 🏴
I really admire your practical approach to solving problems Ruth, looking forward to watching your 2024 travels.
Thank you! 🏴
Maybe try long strips of velcro with sticky backings 😊 to hold the coverings in place . You would make them bigger than the actual window 🪟 to use the velcro strips with sticky backing 😊 . Maybe more secure to hold in place vs a window with condensation on it in winter
Oh good idea! Thank you! ❤
You should look into a NOCO battery jumper pack. They work really well at jumping the car/van if the battery dies. They are small, powerful and you only have to charge them about once a year if you're not using it loads.
That sounds good, I’ll look into it! Thank you! 🙏
以前にも提案しましたが金属製取っ手は危険なので太めのロープで作ると安上がりだし当たっても全く痛くないので最適だと思います。 車のスライドドアは一番酷使しているので壊れやすいしトヨタの製品なので交換用部品は手に入れやすいかと思います。 がんぱってこれからの改造も見せてください。
You are so resoursefull, well done, I certainly have no patience for doing those window covers. 😮😮😮
Thanks so much 😊
Ruthさん こんにちは。
何よりも無事帰ってよかったです。
DIYする時の笑顔が素敵です。
次回も楽しみにしております。
71爺さんの独り言。
4:03 I have that problem in my Bongo too.
I've put it down to air creeping in where the heating element is.
I've watched so much of your content, and loved every minute -- thanks so much, for sharing. It bothers me that the most beautiful are clearly favored on this platform, but you're absolutely charming. It's so nice to find you, here.
Thank you so much!
Good afternoon Ruth saw your treacherous ferry trip just to finish your France trip now rest up your fixing your van ready for the road let’s see more Scotland from New Jersey take care 😘🌸🌺☕️🌿🚗
Thanks Linda! ❤
Glad you made it home safely you seem more back to your old self already 🙂
The person making those window covers look so goood. :)
Hi Ruth you have been a busy bee!! Your mark 2 window insulators are better, mine in the front is just the silver colour material and doesn’t harm with condensation, but as you think it looks obvious you are inside it might be better darker. I don’t think carpet would work with the condensation, so maybe painting them black might be the answer. Your new handles are great, also your foot pump, hope there is enough flow. Looking forward to your next trip in Scotland. Cheers Mike🥃🥃
Hi Ruth why don't you have a look at using small magnets for the window covers? You can glue small magnets to the glass and then attach the opposing magnet to the covers. Easy to put on and take of and won't wear down over time. Enjoying your vidoes. Thank you!
That’s a really good idea, thank you! ❤️
I would retain the 12V pump and bypass the ignition switch. As long as you can get a 12V from somewhere, a simple inline switch would suffice to switch the pump on and off.
Yes it would have been an option but that 12V pump uses so much water. The foot pump is using less water I’m finding!
Thank you for your DIY tips, Ruth?
These little things, matter? 🧐
i looked through the comments and i did not see any that suggested you keep the silver side of your windscreens facing out to reflect the ultra violet rays.....thats how we do it in the hot areas in the US....just a thought...
Thank you!
Oh, yes! Definitely in GA (USA!)
I love watching your videos from Redcliffe QLD ,and seeing my Bonnie Scotland again also nice to see Vegimite which is good for ones health. All the best Ruth to you and mair videos that you do brilliantly. Duncan.
Thanks Duncan!
Great job. Lots of useful info. Thanks for sharing.
Glad it was helpful!
Reflectix is made of polyethylene with reflective film so it should be fine to spray paint, maybe try a flexible paint for the movement
Hey Ruth😊 I’m one of your new subscribers, I mentioned that I’m visiting Aberdeen in June where hopefully I’ll film some good content for my channel. I’ve just watched you making some changes to your van and have to say that I really admire your hands on approach to getting all those jobs done. I tune in everyday to your channel… keep the great content coming 👍☀️😎
Thank you so much and hope you have a great trip to Aberdeen!
The wood shavings I used to get for our horse is finer than that and would be suitable also try shredded paper. I suppose you can add a few drops of scent to make it smell better .
So wonderful to see you again, Ruth!! You always brighten my day! 😍
Glad to hear that!
Great video Ruth. Loved all the upgrades... and the Monkey Shoulder under the sink!
I wondered if anyone would spot that 😂
thanks for the video. Always amazed at the attention to detail going on in vans. Really appreciate you going to the time and trouble to explain simple but effective upgrades
Glad you enjoyed the video! Anything to make the van more user-friendly!
I use a usb water dispenser from Amazon; super simple to fit, really efficient and cheap!
it’s the Amazi Water Pump… a single charge (via usb) is good for 8/10 5 gallon containers…
Totally independent of complicated wiring etc…
I also purchased a longer silicone tube so the tap sits above the counter top, like urs…
Thanks for sharing!
ルースさんのおかげで、スコットランドのことを知れて嬉しいです。
欲を言えば、クロアチアやスロベニアなどの動画も期待しています。
I made the blackout blinds using the same bubble foil except I covered front and back neatly using black duct/gorilla tape...they push fit onto the windows inside the rubber seal surround...they work perfectly and are indestructible! 😊👍🏻
I might try that, thanks for sharing!
@@ruthaisling no worries 😊👍🏻
Greetings from Scotland! Hi Ruth! Just a thing I learned when doing the same thing (making insulated blinds) was that internal blinds, especially in the cab area, always left a lot of condensation after a cold night.
SO, I made a full one piece external blind just like the inside, but lined with thin foam wrap. It went all the way around from door - to screen - to door, then tucked in both doors slightly which were then shut on it, holding it firm. SO, it didn't need suction cups to hold it up and when it was removed, no condensation on the inside AND when frosty/icy, no ice/snow on the outside - which meant I could drive away immediately. I only had them on the cab area because my motorhome had double glazed windows in the rest of it and fitted integral blinds. I also fitted a thick thermal draw curtain across between the cab and the living area, just to keep it cosier at night in cold countries. We lived in ours full time when travelling and it lasted for years! I bought all the insulation materials in a builders merchant in France because it was way cheaper than the UK.
When we travelled up in the Arctic circle region, I also made a full cover for the front bonnet area to keep the engine a bit warmer in seriously low temperatures. Mine was a diesel engine and although it was a new vehicle it struggled to start when it was very low temps. The insulated cover cured that problem!
Good to know, thanks for sharing. Where did you store it during the day and what about if it got wet from the rain?
@@ruthaisling Aaahh! Yes, I didn't consider that! We had a large rear boot, so I just gave it a shake (the rain ran off it easily), rolled it up, two bungees round it and threw it in the boot. You may need to think about storage. It may still work, IF you have the room. A bit of experimentation perhaps? The nice thing about the insulated bubble wrap stuff is that it rolls up quite tight. You only really need it when travelling in cold countries or in winter of course.
We stayed on a glamping site last year, that used composting toilets with woodshavings Ruth. No issues with smells whilst we were on site for a few days.
Good to know!! 👍
Love the new modifications also pleased to see you looking healthier❤
Thanks so much 😊