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 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! 🥰
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.
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 😀
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😊
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.
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 🤣🤣
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🍀
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!!😊
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 😊
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 ...❤
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.
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.
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.
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 👍
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.
If you must use suckers, go to your local supermarket's baking section and buy a small bottle of glycerine. Apply a thin film to the sucker and it will stay on. The front was a problem. Would a modern roller blind mounted to the roof, basically in the same area as the curtains, not be a simpler solution?
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.
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 👀
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.
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 - 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! 🍁🍁
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
Hello Ruth, I couldn’t help noticing that your gas bottle is not in a designated locker. It should be in a metal box with a door with a vent in the floor, so that if you have a leak of gas, which it is heavier than air it is vented outside, have you a carbon monoxide detector? Great video by the way.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 🇦🇺
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.
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!
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 😊❤
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 👍☀️😎
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👊
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!❤
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
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!
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
For the window covers, use velcro. It would probably serve you better. Be careful in your travels, there’s some crazies out there. My wife and I almost got robbed on the DB train in 2013. New viewer in Georgia - USA.
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!
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 .
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...
The cutlery handles made me laugh. Unbelievabubble. Reminds me of the deadly toys we had in the 70s that got outlawed after much blood was spilled. I think foil out is a bad idea except as a short-time sunscreen - for safety; turns Ernie into a giant reflector & announces him as a camper to any ravenous canines and sundry evildoers. Plus condensation; you're essentially creating a solar still with a reflector behind a cooler glass. If you get fed up with spitting on umpteen suction cups (ewww...) that'll lose their grip regularly, anyway, I've seen screens secured around the frame with magnetic tape that worked well; gives you some shrink/stretch wiggle room plus air between screen & glass to ease the condensation issue.
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.
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🥃🥃
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 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.
Hey Ruth great channel, think I’ve watched you a while ago but I never subscribed but I have now lol , just wondered how you got on with the shavings I have a similar loo I bought for my van conversion but I started using it in my boat, got a load of sawdust from the logs I cut up for my log burner but it’s hard wood antler me know how you got on with the shavings thanks Jack
I've used the duftblocker mostly as I still have some left but have also used the wood shavings sometimes to try them. They have been ok but I prefer the duftblocker. The wood shavings are easy to buy and still do the job.
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!
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
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
Bringing the sun visors down really help keep my front window covers in place ……..👍🏼🤩
Good call! Thank you 🙏
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! 😊
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! 🙏
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 😀
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
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❤
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
Glenfiddich makes your work go smoother❤
😂😂
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 👏
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🍀
So sorry to hear of your grievous bodily injuries.
Hello from Brunswick, Maine, US. Sept. 17, 2024
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!
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。
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!
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!
Fold down the visors against the windscreen privacy cover for better support
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!
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.🤔🏴
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!
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.
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! ❤
Ruth - You are an inspiration! Your courage is awesome ❣️ enjoying all your adventures and your authenticity!
Thank you so much!
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!
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.
If you must use suckers, go to your local supermarket's baking section and buy a small bottle of glycerine. Apply a thin film to the sucker and it will stay on.
The front was a problem. Would a modern roller blind mounted to the roof, basically in the same area as the curtains, not be a simpler solution?
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
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!
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?
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! 😊
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 👀
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.
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。
I use the exact same drill ! They work great and extra rechargeable batteries are very affordable !
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! 👍
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!
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! 🙏
Thanks for your van videos, Ruth! Your viewers are giving so much valuable info, too!❤
You are so welcome!
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。😺
This van setup is really smart and efficient.
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
Hello Ruth, I couldn’t help noticing that your gas bottle is not in a designated locker. It should be in a metal box with a door with a vent in the floor, so that if you have a leak of gas, which it is heavier than air it is vented outside, have you a carbon monoxide detector? Great video by the way.
Thanks for pointing it out. Yes I have a CO detector. The space seems tricky to make a locker but I’ll look into it.
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.
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! 🙏
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!
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!
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! 🙏
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!
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! 🏴
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! ❤️
Nicely done -- I admire the challenges that you embrace, and the ingenuity that you exhibit. 😘
Thank you! 😊 that’s very kind.
Just an idea, but why not make the window covers bigger so the edges fold over and give you full coverage?
You are so resoursefull, well done, I certainly have no patience for doing those window covers. 😮😮😮
Thanks so much 😊
Great video Ruth. Loved all the upgrades... and the Monkey Shoulder under the sink!
I wondered if anyone would spot that 😂
The person making those window covers look so goood. :)
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! ❤️
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! 🙏
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! 🙏
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! 🙏
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.
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!
If you are concerned about being cold, I could definitely help you with that. 😆
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! 😂
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 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!
Thankyou for another lovely video and for showing us your beautiful toilet.
Glad you enjoyed it! 🙏
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!
Those are some very nice upgrades to the van.
We could use some of these ideas in our Casita travel trailer (caravan).
Happy Camping!
I hope you get some ideas!
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!
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!
Have you thought of using window film? So easy to apply too 🦋
I'll look into that, thanks for the advice
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! ❤
Your safety is the important thing. Glad you updated your van🏁🏁🏁
Cameron Mcneish has a video about Aires in Scotland
Reflectix is made of polyethylene with reflective film so it should be fine to spray paint, maybe try a flexible paint for the movement
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!
4:03 I have that problem in my Bongo too.
I've put it down to air creeping in where the heating element is.
Cannot remember if you have purchased an electric blanket but if not am sure that will keep you warm and comfy on the cold nights at little cost.
Yes I might try and get one for next winter. Would be good to use when plugged into EHU
Hi Ruth 🎉ステキな車ですね🚗赤色が似合いますね！綺麗になったみたい❤
The leather handles look great! No more injuries!
Thanks!! Very happy with them!
I really admire your practical approach to solving problems Ruth, looking forward to watching your 2024 travels.
Thank you! 🏴
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!!
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!!! 🏴🏴
For the window covers, use velcro.
It would probably serve you better.
Be careful in your travels, there’s some crazies out there.
My wife and I almost got robbed on the DB train in 2013.
New viewer in Georgia - USA.
Thanks for the advice about Velcro! ❤️
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 🙏
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 .
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!)
The cutlery handles made me laugh. Unbelievabubble. Reminds me of the deadly toys we had in the 70s that got outlawed after much blood was spilled. I think foil out is a bad idea except as a short-time sunscreen - for safety; turns Ernie into a giant reflector & announces him as a camper to any ravenous canines and sundry evildoers. Plus condensation; you're essentially creating a solar still with a reflector behind a cooler glass. If you get fed up with spitting on umpteen suction cups (ewww...) that'll lose their grip regularly, anyway, I've seen screens secured around the frame with magnetic tape that worked well; gives you some shrink/stretch wiggle room plus air between screen & glass to ease the condensation issue.
The idea for magnets sounds really great, thank you!
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.
Have you considered using a plant (wheat) based cat litter in your toilet? I have used it (for a week) myself and it was great.
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🥃🥃
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
Get some felt fabric for the windscreen one, lightweight and easily glued on to the thermal layer.
Good idea, thank you! 🙏
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!
Hey Ruth great channel, think I’ve watched you a while ago but I never subscribed but I have now lol , just wondered how you got on with the shavings I have a similar loo I bought for my van conversion but I started using it in my boat, got a load of sawdust from the logs I cut up for my log burner but it’s hard wood antler me know how you got on with the shavings thanks Jack
I've used the duftblocker mostly as I still have some left but have also used the wood shavings sometimes to try them. They have been ok but I prefer the duftblocker. The wood shavings are easy to buy and still do the job.
If that was me I’d just of ran a cable round to the Bluetti.
Well great minds must think alike , you just said that as I was typing it !!😂
This new foot pump uses far less water, so far so good!
Another great video. I am glad that the dog bite is healing up. I look forward to your next adventure.
Thanks Ian!
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! 🏴
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。
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!