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Now ye're talking - to a man living in his van

12357

Comments

  • #202
    Odelay
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,889 ✭✭✭Odelay


    handlemaster wrote: »
    I wouldnt call a diy commercial van conversion having been lived in permanently for a period of time an asset.

    First you had a go about him not contributing..,, to what I’m not sure. Now it’s about the value of the van.

    From an outsiders point of view it could be taken that you’re a little bit jealous?

    Could you summarize your issues with persons choice of not paying ridiculous rent?


  • #203
    John_Rambo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,871 ✭✭✭John_Rambo


    Congrats. Talk about taking the life van by the bull horns!!!


    There's an app called motorhome parking Ireland, I've used it a few times with my van for surf spots or stopping on the way home from surf spots for the night. It's very handy, the campervan community are VERY helpful.



    #vanlife !!!!


  • #204
    I'm living in my van, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 93 Verified rep ✭I'm living in my van, AMA


    Corkvanlife wrote: »
    I'm in the process of building my van at the moment. I have a similar plan. Live in the van to save up for a small plot or wreck of a house. Best thing I got was a wood stove with an oven built in. Like you I have a vsr and solar for the batteries.
    I think this will become more common over the next few years. If there's another economic crash, you still have a home even if it is a van.
    Best thing is to be able to wake up on a beach one day and in a woods another.
    Good luck with your van ðŸ‘

    Good Stuff Soul Brother/Sister, it all becomes very normal once you get used to it, this all sounds a bit mad to people who aint doing it, but feels pretty normal to m at this stage.
    Yes, I think this will become more of a thing in future.
    What bothers me is people who are forced into this kind of thing who fundamentally do not want to do it, that is totally different to what I am doing.
    My heart goes out to people surviving in cars ,which I think is happening a lot on the QT, because this wagon is like a hotel compared to a car.


  • #205
    I'm living in my van, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 93 Verified rep ✭I'm living in my van, AMA


    @ everyone

    Thanks so much for all the support and encouragement here.
    I was really curious as to how people would view this lifestyle. As I keep it low key, I never actually talk a lot about doing this thing.
    Its been great to hear the positive reactions,it reassures me that I'm not completely bonkers, I do still get these odd wee doubts in the small hours , 'wft am I doing ' etc, lol. This AMA is reassuring for me.
    Ill try get to all the questions anyway, maybe not in one go!


  • #206
    z0oT
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 740 ✭✭✭z0oT


    Thanks for doing the AMA. I admire you for doing what you're doing, I've often thought of doing something similar. The idea of being so outside the box is interesting to me.

    Anyway, a question I'm not sure has been asked before:

    How old is the van? Do you service it often? Do you service it yourself? Any significant reliability issues you've encountered with it? Have you ever been left stranded?

    Given it's effectively your home, I'm guessing you don't go even 1km over the service interval.


  • #207
    I'm living in my van, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 93 Verified rep ✭I'm living in my van, AMA


    ....... wrote: »
    Great thread and very interesting subject matter. I work in a place that has paid for parking outside that is free from 8pm-8am and I do occasionally pass camper vans parked up when I arrive to work which I presume is someone sleeping there overnight. I havent paid attention to ordinary vans though - I must have a look!

    I have some questions:

    How do you have internet access?

    Have you been sick since you began and what would you do if you were? (This question because I had a tummy bug 2 weeks ago and for about 2 days I could not be away from a loo and between loo sessions I was worn out and could only lie down and drink water).

    I have an idea for you that could be useful - we use a pet sitter when we go away, and we usually ask them to do a combo of twice daily visits and 3 or 4 overnights in a week. If you advertised yourself as a pet sitter you could use their driveway while they were away and if asked to do overnights you could sleep indoors too. I mean, you could probably tell people that what you were doing - I know I would be delighted for our pet sitter to be parked in the driveway when we are away, make it look like we are there. It would only work if you were an animal lover yourself and 100% reliable.

    How do you have internet access? -
    Yes, just theater from my phone, if the signal is poor, I drive off somewhere else until I get a good connection. These days tho, I really have all the internet I need in my pocket.
    Again, the tech makes this life smoother /easier


    Have you been sick since you began and what would you do if you were?

    I've been in pretty good health thankfully doing this, but got a large dose of stress/burnout from work last year and just spent a week parked up by a lake to chill out and put myself back together.
    If I got a proper dose , I do have a little toilet here, and will be building a real toilet shower room inside here shortly.

    If things got really ickky, I'd just bail out to my Brothers or Mothers for a few days, we get on well.

    Interesting idea on the Pet Sitter, some good lateral thinking, cheers!


  • #208
    iamwhoiam
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,153 ✭✭✭✭iamwhoiam


    Good luck OP ! Well done for thinking outside the box . I hope we have a lovely summer and you get to bring your home to some great places


  • #209
    I'm living in my van, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 93 Verified rep ✭I'm living in my van, AMA


    Bigus wrote: »
    Well done , and continued success saving.

    Is finding level ground a big prerequisite?, and if the ground isn't level which way do you prefer the bed to lean ?

    Personally if I was ever fitting out a sleep van,the first luxury on my list would be some sort of air suspension that could be controlled to level the van , or if I bought a camper it's the first extra I'd fit , either that or maybe a bed leveller !

    Very good question! I thought this would be a bigger deal than it actually is.

    You always aim for the most level ground, but a slight incline either way is no problem. I can just put the pillow at the other end of the bed.

    up/down on a hill is grand but what is crappy and can affect sleep is when the van is leaning to one side because of camber of the road you are on.
    Ive woken up with a sore shoulder a few times from sleeping with the slope's direction in one position all night.

    Generally, not being totally level is no big deal at all, or I just got used to it!


  • #210
    I'm living in my van, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 93 Verified rep ✭I'm living in my van, AMA


    Muahahaha wrote: »
    Fair play OP, you're making a great job of dealing with the whole rental sh1t show. It saddens me that people have to do what you're doing in the first place, it shows just how broken our housing market actually is. But Im also in huge admiration of you for getting on with it on your own terms instead of moaning about it.

    I've an Australian mate in London who works as an overland tour bus driver. He is soon to begin a van conversion before driving it all the way back home to Sydney. His intention is to then sell it in Sydney where you get very good prices for van conversions compared to the UK. Hoping to join him for a few weeks along the way, it sounds like a great way to see lots of places for cheap.




    Is the plan to live in the van for a total of four years before you buy a cottage? Or will it take longer? And what is your target savings amount before you can purchase the cottage?


    Thank you, and you summed up the sad situation precisely.
    It is not lost on me that I am one of the lucky ones in that I have a half decent job, but even with that, I have no chance of owning any form of home if I play the normal game.
    Its crazy and I have to stop thinking about Irish Politicians or my blood pressure goes up, for a while there I was a bit angry and resentfully about being in this position, even tho Ive played the game and done all the things you are supposed to do.
    I've embraced this life and made it mine and Im glad I did this , definitely

    I hope to be on my land 18 - 24 months from now, but the best laid plans! one thing Ive really noticed with this lately is everything takes twice as long as I think when I dream up these schemes. The van is taking years of ongoing work. Ill bloody finish it finally the week I move into my gaff I reckon!

    I dont want a mortgage, Id aim to save 25,000, take out a loan on the strength of that, Id like to have 40,000 - 50,000 cash to buy, with that I can buy an old farm in Letrim or somewhere. Im very open on where Im actually gonna buy, could be Cork, could be Donegal.
    Im not close enough to buying to obsess over location yet, plenty of time.
    If its the right property, I dont care where it is, Ireland is tiny and we can be anywhere in a few hours.

    Then work for a few more years, pay the loan off, fix the house out to be off grid and low cost to run, and retire to the Good Life :)


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  • #211
    I'm living in my van, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 93 Verified rep ✭I'm living in my van, AMA


    1874 wrote: »
    So the 3.5 tonne max is for the carrying weight of the vehicle, just looking that up. You wanted a 6 wheel, ie 4 wheel rear axis? I lost you, does the B licence still cover that?And the whole set up comes in under 3500kg?
    Did you have to get a CVRT? are they difficult to get?



    I wondered had I any additional benefits of getting my licence in 1996, I saw that UK B licence drivers can drive with 7500 from that year, but it changed in 1997, I still have my original licence so I'll have a look but I think it was 3500 back then too in ireland, I just know when renewing licences I had a category accidentally removed and it took a bit of effort to get them to admit the mistake and put it back.


    I dont think I could do it continually temporary, but I wouldnt mind having a setup that I could sleep in a vehicle, bring camping gear and maybe have it so I could have a fold away bed space or a space to put bikes or even a motorbike.

    Interesting, and all that said,
    I still think the other poster is entitled to their view, Id have liked if they replied as to what they thought the state was losing out on or how that affects the rest of us day to day, I think that kind of debate can change peoples mind rather than the way it can go in boards, just shooing them off if we (posters all of us) dont agree.

    4 wheel = 3.5 tn Max, class C, normal licence.
    6 wheel = 3.5 tn+ , Class B (Registered Camper can be 3.5tn + and driven on class C I think)

    I have a class C licence, my van currently weighs in at 2.3tn fully loaded I think, more weight = more fuel burn, this is important.

    Yes, CVRT, and they are pretty hardcore to pass, I actually like this because the lads go over the van with a fine tooth comb, they do fail you on silly crap, but thanks to the CVRT, my van is functionally like new, although the old girl has a few year on her.
    I want any mechanic looking at my van to tell me anything they find, pre emptive action is critical to preventing silly things leading to a ****ty breakdown on the side of the road some place.
    I service every 7000 miles of so, especially oil change and fuel filter.
    I never thrash the van and drive it real gentle. Although it can go like stick and I have no problem if I need to overtake, but I keep it at 95 km ph generally,that seems to be the sweet spot for my engine.

    You can get a weekend /day van conversion classification, a lot easier than the full camper conversion afaik,


  • #212
    I'm living in my van, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 93 Verified rep ✭I'm living in my van, AMA


    endacl wrote: »
    Sounds like you’ve a head start in case of zombie apocalypse. Have you considered adding cool spikey wheel scythes, in preparation for just such an eventuality?

    I'd love to put a gun turret on the roof sometimes , driving a whale like this around a town center, can test a man :p


  • #213
    I'm living in my van, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 93 Verified rep ✭I'm living in my van, AMA


    Wildly Boaring wrote: »
    Fair play OP.

    Feck the begrudgers.

    Sure I suppose they want the OP to hand over 80% of his net to a REIT to rent a shoebox.

    Man is paying PAYE, PRSI and USC. Pays for his waste and buys his water. Pays road tax.

    Like the longterm plan of off grid as much as possible. The problem (and upside) in my experience is kids. I was down to no bins, no internet, no phone bill, €40 a month ESB and the house more or less paid for. Couple kids and tis all only going one way

    Truth man.
    The kids thing, well it looks like my life is panning out that I'm not having them, Id like to still and to be honest it would be the only event besides my death that would change my current plans.
    So this van/ good life pan, is my plan B for my life without sprogs.

    It would be great to have kids once set up on the land, but thinking like that is pointless at the moment.


  • #214
    Muahahaha
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,687 ✭✭✭✭Muahahaha


    I'm living in my van, AMA wrote: »
    Thank you, and you summed up the sad situation precisely.
    It is not lost on me that I am one of the lucky ones in that I have a half decent job, but even with that, I have no chance of owning any form of home if I play the normal game.
    Its crazy and I have to stop thinking about Irish Politicians or my blood pressure goes up, for a while there I was a bit angry and resentfully about being in this position, even tho Ive played the game and done all the things you are supposed to do.
    I've embraced this life and made it mine and Im glad I did this , definitely

    yeah its a whole other thread but the housing situation means that many people now under 35 will never be able to buy their own house in the same way that their parents were able to. Its a shocking situation when people in good jobs are doing everything they are supposed to be doing but there is no reward or security for them in terms of housing. With all these people forced into renting for life you would wonder what will happen when they reach 65-70 and no longer have an income to pay the extortionate rents. Its like a time bomb that will go off further down the road because of bad policies put in place now.

    Anyway wishing you the best of luck in your quest. Its admirable that you are just getting on with it and making the best you can out of a sh1tty situation that is not of your own creation. Kudos mate, massive respect.


  • #215
    I'm living in my van, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 93 Verified rep ✭I'm living in my van, AMA


    SlowBlowin wrote: »
    Hi there OP

    Your doing a great job on this thread, its one of the best we have had in my opinion.

    I live an off grid life in the mountains of Kerry (we are still currently connected but that will change soon - we get power from solar with large batteries with hydro and wind coming this year). I admire you for living your dream, its what I did and I will never regret it, the old world is now a long way away now.

    Anyhow can you elaborate on what scared you away from the car park ? Its just that I like a good spooky tale ?

    Cheers SlowBlowin, the positive response from everyone is quite humbling, like I say, this is all very hum drum and routine to me these days, I forget its wierd lol.

    You guys are where I'm trying to get to, so that inspires me.

    Spooky Car park - quite voices and footsteps , sounded like walking aroud the wagon. Got out checked two or three times , no one there, Im miles from anyone .Got back inside , happened again. Hair on my neck stands up like electricity.. Bloody flew outta there.

    Sounds mad, could all be in my head. I dont care about this stuff generally , Im currently parked next to a church crypt as I type this, no one else here at all. great spot!


  • #216
    I'm living in my van, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 93 Verified rep ✭I'm living in my van, AMA


    mea_k wrote: »
    Litterly my ideal man. I've looked in to this myself. Tiny living vans. I have pass for swimming pool so showers wouldn't be short of. They work 6 am till 10pm. Only what's holding me back is the fact I have toddler and my beliefs would be found upon. Possibly beeing teased at school later. Kids are horrible to each other sometimes. But defenatley will be doing this when he is older.

    Hay , thanks Mea, that reassuring , Ireland is so conservative still in some ways, I do worry a bit that ladies would just think I'm a freak/drop out / failure doing this.
    I aint really dated too much since Ive been doing this, but I will be making my lifestyle one of the first topics of conversation on the next date, to lay it on the table straight off.

    I understand your concerns about other people reactions if you followed this path, like I mentioned, conservative Ireland is quite judgmental to anything beyone the norm, even younger folk.
    England, whatever its flaws, is a much more liberal place for stuff like this, even the cops.


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  • #217
    I'm living in my van, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 93 Verified rep ✭I'm living in my van, AMA


    Deleted User wrote: »
    Great thread OP and best wishes- I hope your dream house comes soon :)

    A few questions for you

    1. So you say you make the best coffee- what beans are you using?

    2. When you’re driving around does all your stuff not get thrown around the van or how do you prevent that from happening?

    3. How much do you reckon you’ve saved on rent in the last 2 years?

    4. If there were all year camp sites with a decent negotiated rate per month like the have throughout Europe, would you consider using that instead?

    5. You mentioned the general benefits of camper vaning, If I wanted to get a standard small camper van for leisure use, what sort of money would I need? Secondhand of course.

    Many thanks.

    1. Well I think its great coffee, anything with a number 5 on it, Lidls finest will so. What makes it taste great is the satisfaction of being able to make real coffee , anywhere any time. Im well addicted, this actually saves me a lot of money a week.Nothing like a real mug of Joe half way up a mountain in the rain.

    2. You need to be on top of this, proper storage, just like a boat. I use nylon straps with clamps on them to secure a lot of stuff. The bed is a few feet high , and main storage underneath, I have like sections built into the floor under the bed to secure different stuff in different ways. Im always tweaking this.
    Beyond stuff flying around, having crap banging and knocking around in the back actually will drive you mad after a few hours driving.
    You get better at this the more you do it, my van is silent apart from the engine now, I take pride in this particular aspect.

    3. Going off the last rent I as paying, I've saved myself about 14,000 rent so far. I did freeze for the first winter to achieve these savings ;)

    4. Possibly, but, I'm like a Freebird man!

    5. Buying a Factory Made camper - silly money frankly, thats not a world I know anything about really.
    Half decent van with a CVRT, medium wheel base, high roof - 3000 to 5000 depending on year. As for the kit out I started with a rubber mattress on the van floor. Ive come along way since then. How much do you want to spend and how nice do you want it? 5000 all in you can get a nice little self buld for weekends, but you have the bloody Irish Bureaucracy to deal with re registering as a camper, which is a PITA, and another wegde of dosh that the Civil Service decides the amout on top for the privilege. Have a goo on Adverts/ Done Deal, always a few knocking around, some pretty stealthy.


  • #218
    Nekarsulm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,219 ✭✭✭✭Nekarsulm


    I'm living in my van, AMA wrote: »
    You can get a weekend /day van conversion classification, a lot easier than the full camper conversion afaik,

    I think the day van/weekend classification is determined on the height of the roof.
    If you can stand upright in it, its a campervan.

    You may already be a member , but there are loads of Facebook groups who can advise.
    Total motorhome Ireland, Motorhomecraic etc.


  • #219
    I'm living in my van, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 93 Verified rep ✭I'm living in my van, AMA


    Stephen Gawking wrote: »
    I have to say this is one of the most fascinating threads I've ever read on Boards; i admire the OP's spirit & determination & am not all that surprised about the begrudgery from some quarters. There is a certain appeal about what he's doing & i imagine that it certainly puts things into perspective.

    O.P. what is the worst thing/experience you've had since you began this?

    What is the best experience since you began this?

    What do you do for big events? i.e. Christmas, Halloween, birthdays, weddings etc?

    What do you miss the most about 'settled' living apart from your dogs?

    Do you think you have learned something new about yourself?

    Thanks again & hope it works out well.

    P.S. as others have said some YouTube video's would be the business but maybe upload them after you have the forever home.

    O.P. what is the worst thing/experience you've had since you began this?

    The first few months where I just charged into it ill prepared were not fun,it was freezing and it was a jump into the unknown. the first few nights were unnerving,lying in the back of a van on the side of the road in a new town wondering wtf am I doing. All I had to hold onto was a decent job offer.
    I just ground it out , but was skirting depression a little before I started this and in the initial phase. I got into drinking a too much to keep warm and numb basically. But once I released I could make this work and make it work well, boom, I was into it and its all worked so far. And quit the drink through doing this, which has been a massive boost to my life.
    Thankfully, no horrible incidents with random chancres or anything like that, Ive never felt under threat at all.

    What is the best experience since you began this?

    Having Guns N' Roses land next to my van in their choppers at Slane. Funny contrast I thought.

    But waking up on any isolated beach early in the morning is awesome.

    The best experiance - Really being forced to find out about myself in doing this I guess.

    What do you miss the most about 'settled' living apart from your dogs?

    Not being able to run a fast PC with a monster graphics card is a pain. Ermmm...infinite running water? Not much lol.

    Do you think you have learned something new about yourself?

    Ive changed for the better more in 2 years than the previous 12. A tough but very positive, empowering experience. Im a lot more honest with myself, which can be brutal lol.


  • #220
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 24,714 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Great thread, thanks for doing an AMA. Most questions I had have been asked and answered. Getting a camper or converted van is something I have on my list of things to get as I think it would be a great way to holiday (anything half decent is damn expensive though so I must look into conversions). Also and I know you aren’t doing this as you are off the beer but I would see it as great for using when going on the beer. I live rurally and being able to drive into town, park up fairly close to the pubs, head out for the night and sleep in the van/camper is very appealing even in my local city or town to eliminate getting taxis but also when traveling around the county.
    I'm living in my van, AMA wrote: »
    4 wheel = 3.5 tn Max, class C, normal licence.
    6 wheel = 3.5 tn+ , Class B (Registered Camper can be 3.5tn + and driven on class C I think)

    You are mixing up the licenses. B license is a standard car license and a C license is a rigid truck license.


  • #221
    I'm living in my van, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 93 Verified rep ✭I'm living in my van, AMA


    Gloomtastic! wrote: »
    Fair play OP, I look at all the sh1te we've managed to fill every crevice of our house with. Would love to chuck it all out and go basic, but kids and Mrs G! might object a tad! :rolleyes:

    A couple of questions please.....

    You mentioned earlier about eating well without any take aways. Can you give us a rundown of what you've cooked in the last week please?

    Have you given your van a name? If yes, can you share it?

    One thing Ive gotten into is One Meal a Day and Intermittent fasting stuff, not like hardcore, but it works really well in van life, just doing all the cooking/messing/ eating in one go in an hour and be done with it. Logistically very easy in the van.

    I get the family salad bowls, add Tuna, chickpeas, dried tomatoes, cheese, and what ever radom salad addition I see in super market. Falaffals , olives, eggs etc etc
    Other night I did Macaroni Cheese & Mushrooms.
    Had Homus and Mackerel tonight with a Spinachy salad.
    Alpen in the mornings.
    Summer is coming so dairy is about to be ditched untill September, just not worth it. But I had 4 months off dairy last year over summer, it was great.
    The unintended side effects/consequences of van life!

    Food is generally bought daily or every other day to avoid storage issues, you can live out of canned food etc, but nah...I just buy fresh daily. Inevitable stuff goes off before I eat it, so in the bin.

    Name of Van - Powerslave


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  • #222
    I'm living in my van, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 93 Verified rep ✭I'm living in my van, AMA


    Viscount Aggro wrote: »
    OP,

    I would go even more extreme. Theres still lot of fat to be cut from your budget,
    Bog roll and milk - they can be expensive. Catch my drift?

    The cottage ruin sounds possible, but its hard to find a bargain, without local knowledge. I am talking sub 50K.

    Govt dont want people going off grid, or going against the mainstream. They want people in debt, working, paying taxes, and being a good consumer.

    Yes, this is the best post I have seen on Boards for a while.

    p.s. do you miss paying 1500 per month in rent?

    Yeah, if I was bit younger , Id go super hardcore and do mega tight spending. But I am pretty simple, and my running costs are low enough, so Bog roll is worth the splurge.

    Yes sub 50K wreck of a cottage on half an acre would be the goal.

    The Gov? Fuk them frankly. And I have zero issue with high tax country but with reasonable services. We have High tax and declining services.
    I consider them the enemy at this stage. Way too much over reach, way too much interference in our lives , way too much tax, way to much corruption, way to much inefficacy, thought crime, etc etc
    I'd be worried if I was them to be honest. We aint gonna take it for ever.

    I cant be alone in my extreme methods to survive our current governance!

    Yes , breaks my heart not to give my wage to the landlords. Im not anti land lord at all, but Im not stupid, some people are making out like bank robbers on their fellow citizens sweat and blood.


  • #223
    Silent Running
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,819 ✭✭✭Silent Running


    I did this when I was younger, with a few differences. I lived in a van I converted myself, for short periods. Both in winter and summer. My wife and 4 kids shared the space. We parked in nice spots around the country, normally quite isolated.

    It was called holidays. The kids, now adults with their own kids, still talk about how much of a great time they has in the various 'vans'. This was all before mobile phones, LED lighting, etc.

    With a bit of effort, it can be a very comfortable existence. The Eberspacher diesel night heater was great, and double glazed (plastic) windows helped a lot.

    If I were in the OPs position, I would do what he's doing in a heartbeat. But I would have the experience of kitting out a van to be a very comfortable space.

    @OP: if you're going to re-do the van, spend a lot of time planning what goes where. Panel the van out with light plywood and have the insulation between it and the van walls. Install all the wiring and plumbing before lining. But you probably know all of that. :p


  • #224
    handlemaster
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,003 ✭✭✭handlemaster


    Odelay wrote: »
    First you had a go about him not contributing..,, to what I’m not sure. Now it’s about the value of the van.

    From an outsiders point of view it could be taken that you’re a little bit jealous?

    Could you summarize your issues with persons choice of not paying ridiculous rent?

    I wasn't replying to the OP, everyone should know a motor vehicle is not an asset.

    You got me on the other I am jealous would love to live in a va :D

    I did see before a guy on youtube who works remotely lives 6 months of the year in the US. He bought a motorhome, big comfortable stays in caravan parks. Look well happy with himself.


  • #225
    spaceHopper
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,028 ✭✭✭spaceHopper


    Well done Van Man for making the move, I’ve a high top camper I use for surfing, well before the wife had twins, now I get to go away 3 to 4 times a year I’m working on more.
    If I were you I’d get 2 or 3 way 12V240/gas fridge, they are great don’t use to much, run it off 12 when driving, make sure to turn off the gas I’m always forgetting . Keep an eye on done deal and adverts you aren’t in a rush and they often pop up
    I never use campsites I always park by the sea – surfer thing you’ll understand
    Dolmen do let you have just a camper but the insurance is double and I don’t know if they cover full timers.
    Are you in Dublin or another city? Where do you dump the toilet? Tip Shannon marinas often have toilets and showers, cassette fits in a LIDL bag.
    I had a look at the photo of in side the van and I have to say you could make it more cosy, you aren’t using the back doors, put a double bed across the back. Put storage under it, with space for surfboards. Paint the inside white or a bright colour and varnish the kitchen. Take a look at the chart table in boats get rid of the seat and build in a storage bench.
    I wouldn’t bother with a shower, you’ll need a much bigger tank and grey water tank. You can have one in the Gym a marina like DL campers often park at the coal harbour, or got to a public pool, swim and shower. DLR leisure run 3 to 4 of them.
    I saw a van for sale on done deal they’d done a clever toiler. It was a standard porta pottie but was raised up on step to make it easier to use. The cubical was on heavy duty drawer / server rack runners so that it could be pulled out to make it bigger and pushed in when not in use, they migh strap it down when driving. https://www.donedeal.co.uk/campers-for-sale/peugeot-boxer-campervan/21747611
    You’ve mentioned diving license a few times I think you are mixing it up, Class B is a car license and you can drive up to 3.5 ton on that after that you need a C or higher.

    You are dead right about the housing market, be good in school, go to college, get qualification, get a job but still quality housing is un-affordable, my parents managed on one income and a 20 year mortgage now it’s both parents working, child care, miserable guilt ridden mother can’t afford to save or put enough into a pension because of all of this – we elected the wrong government we should have let prices truly crash and say low. Enough money was pumped into the back to let them take the hit, we’d all be better off.


  • #226
    Tigletts
    Registered Users Posts: 20 ✭Tigletts


    I'm living in my van, AMA wrote: »
    A few, I have location right next to a Crypt, that can be odd sometimes, but I want to see some of that stuff to be honest.
    Parking overnight in churches generally is a bit odd, but so am I.

    Croagh Patrick, not the main car park, but down the lane to the sea side, burnt out old church on shore with small car park.
    I had a very odd night there, drove out of there quickly at about 4.30 in the morning spooked, never done that before or since.

    When you are a good few miles up a Coilte track on your own in the woods/mountains, it can be pretty quite and spooky, but I like it.

    Sheeps Head Peninsula, amazing place but super quite and spooky at night.


    I live on the Sheep's Head Peninsula.... nothing spooky about the place!!!


  • #227
    watn_a_van
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 23 ✭watn_a_van


    How do you run things off the battery? Wish I knew how to do stuff like this.


  • #228
    Muahahaha
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,687 ✭✭✭✭Muahahaha


    I'm living in my van, AMA wrote: »

    I dont want a mortgage, Id aim to save 25,000, take out a loan on the strength of that, Id like to have 40,000 - 50,000 cash to buy, with that I can buy an old farm in Letrim or somewhere. Im very open on where Im actually gonna buy, could be Cork, could be Donegal.

    West and south Wicklow also tend to have derelict cottages on half an acre. Theres loads about but they dont come up for sale all that often. Many have been derelict for 50+ years with the owners also owning all the land around them. I know someone who bought one by approaching the owner and asking him would he sell which he did. By being proactive he got a bargain on a cottage that would likely never have come on the market until he approached the landowner.
    I'm living in my van, AMA wrote: »
    Food is generally bought daily or every other day to avoid storage issues, you can live out of canned food etc, but nah...I just buy fresh daily. Inevitable stuff goes off before I eat it, so in the bin.

    Name of Van - Powerslave

    If it is any use to you I have a mini freezer like this one https://www.currys.ie/ieen/household-appliances/refrigeration/freezers/essentials-ctf34w18-mini-freezer-white-10174909-pdt.html?istCompanyId=fbc6ef6d-ab18-45e3-927a-0cb677794424&istFeedId=0959f117-9faa-4499-80bd-c0265bb2950e&istItemId=wrxatwmwq&istBid=t&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhJ7hkduQ4gIVLrftCh2xzwqQEAQYASABEgI-afD_BwE
    I havent used it in a couple of years so if its of use let me know and its yours


  • #229
    jimgoose
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,180 ✭✭✭✭jimgoose


    watn_a_van wrote: »
    How do you run things off the battery? Wish I knew how to do stuff like this.

    Easy enough, just use an inverter - a device that converts the vehicle's 12V AUX output to mains voltage. Halfords do an inexpensive range: https://www.halfords.com/workshop-tools/garage-workshop/inverters

    OP, I don't have a question for you but fair play to you, and the best of luck. :cool:


  • #230
    watn_a_van
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 23 ✭watn_a_van


    Why not just rent in Leitrim seeing as you could uproot your job for a house?

    Cheaper than the van.


  • #231
    bullvine
    Registered Users Posts: 2,828 ✭✭✭bullvine


    No question to ask, just want to say, what an amazing attitude you have. Sometimes in life you need to make a sacrifice and a hard decision to achieve or better yourself and you seem well on the way to doing that.

    Best of luck!


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  • #232
    dazed+confused
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,020 ✭✭✭dazed+confused


    Muahahaha wrote:
    If it is any use to you I have a mini freezer like this one

    I havent used it in a couple of years so if its of use let me know and its yours

    That's mains powered, is your one 12V? That one would be no use in a wild, off grid camper.


  • #233
    jimgoose
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,180 ✭✭✭✭jimgoose


    dazed+confused wrote: »
    That's mains powered, is your one 12V? That one would be no use in a wild, off grid camper.

    That's what an inverter is for.


  • #234
    dazed+confused
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,020 ✭✭✭dazed+confused


    jimgoose wrote:
    That's what an inverter is for.


    That's messy and inefficient.

    Much easier and cheaper in then long run to buy the proper one.


  • #235
    4068ac1elhodqr
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,586 ✭✭✭4068ac1elhodqr


    Regards, electrics/time/travel in a van, might be worth having an Anti Static Strip,
    not just to prevent static build up, but also general health (own biofield earthing: EMF protection).

    But make sure to make sure all powered items are tested, and remove it during t-storms.

    Would also have a false floor/side/roof or door insert to store valuables.

    And a hidden, but accessible manual (pre-start) 'trip-switch' of sorts to dead the ignition system,
    may even prevent hot-wiring, but only really practical on older vans without advanced CPUs.


  • #236
    jimgoose
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,180 ✭✭✭✭jimgoose


    dazed+confused wrote: »
    That's messy and inefficient.

    Much easier and cheaper in then long run to buy the proper one.

    Mmm. For what's it's worth, the 500W Ring inverter I linked to above is, according to the manufacturer, 90% efficient. Whether one can live with that in the context of a small freezer or a colour TV is up to the individual pilgrim. :D


  • #237
    DeepBlue
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,677 ✭✭✭DeepBlue


    Apologies if it's already been asked but is there anything at all that you miss most from "normal" living that you cannot replicate when living in a converted van?


  • #238
    Boards.ie: Niamh
    Boards.ie Employee Posts: 12,597 ✭✭✭✭✭Boards.ie: Niamh
    Boards.ie Community Manager


    Can we stay on track with questions for the OP? You can discuss the electrics of a camper van in the Motorhomes, Campervans & Caravans forum if you wish - I get the feeling they might be getting some extra traffic after this thread :)

    How can I? User's guide to some features on the new site



  • #239
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    How old are you?


  • #240
    Corkvanlife
    Registered Users Posts: 5 ✭Corkvanlife


    handlemaster wrote: »
    I wasn't replying to the OP, everyone should know a motor vehicle is not an asset.

    Campers don't depreciate the same as a car. Buy one for 10k now and you could sell them it for close to the same money, 2 years later. Well unless you make **** of it


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  • #241
    Muahahaha
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,687 ✭✭✭✭Muahahaha


    Corkvanlife wrote: »
    Campers don't depreciate the same as a car. Buy one for 10k now and you could sell them it for close to the same money, 2 years later. Well unless you make **** of it

    Also they can appreciate if you buy in one country where vans are cheap and sell in another where they are not. Aussie mate of mine is soon to purchase and convert in London and drive it to Sydney. He's done his homework and reckons he can get on the road for about €5k or 6k and then drive it across Europe, through the Middle East and down through SE Asia before a ferry from Indonesia to Darwin. Hes taking around 8 months for this trip and when he gets to Australia the local market price for it is around €8k-10k. Nice profit from something you've just had a massive road trip in.

    The reason vans are worth more in Oz is because they are not all that common. While tradesmen in the UK/Ireland all use white vans in Oz they use utility vehicles so there is a huge shortage of vans on the local market, thus prices are higher.

    Kind of reminds me of that scam some enterprising Irish university students were pulling years back. One of them had travelled to Russia and realsied that Ladas there were worth much more on the Russian market than they were here. So a group of them got together and bought up tons of Ladas here and shipped them back to Russia where they could double their money by selling them locally.


  • #242
    pinkyeye
    Registered Users Posts: 1,293 ✭✭✭pinkyeye


    Don't mean to rain on your parade OP but I don't see where you're going to buy anything for 50k, even a derelict cottage. When I moved to the small village I live in currently houses were for sale for 100k, they're now 165k and there's fcuk all around.

    A site up the road is for sale for 100k, 1 acre.

    I could be proved wrong but I don't see anything selling for 50k anymore. And even if it is it will take another 100k to build something liveable on no?


  • #243
    Wildly Boaring
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,652 ✭✭✭Wildly Boaring


    pinkyeye wrote: »
    Don't mean to rain on your parade OP but I don't see where you're going to buy anything for 50k, even a derelict cottage. When I moved to the small village I live in currently houses were for sale for 100k, they're now 165k and there's fcuk all around.

    A site up the road is for sale for 100k, 1 acre.

    I could be proved wrong but I don't see anything selling for 50k anymore. And even if it is it will take another 100k to build something liveable on no?

    Did a 10 second search in north cork.

    https://www.daft.ie/11856097


  • #244
    MrMusician18
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,585 ✭✭✭MrMusician18


    Wildly Boaring wrote: »
    Did a 10 second search in north cork.

    https://www.daft.ie/11856097

    If he bought that he'd still be sleeping in the van!


  • #245
    John_Rambo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,871 ✭✭✭John_Rambo


    handlemaster wrote: »
    I wasn't replying to the OP, everyone should know a motor vehicle is not an asset.

    You got me on the other I am jealous would love to live in a va :D
    I did see before a guy on youtube who works remotely lives 6 months of the year in the US. He bought a motorhome, big comfortable stays in caravan parks. Look well happy with himself.


    I'd normally agree with you 100% but when it comes to good, well looked after campers you'd be surprised. I left my camper in for a service & undercarriage rubber spray. The garage owner called and offered to buy it for 4k more than what I bought if for with no work done! I've only had it for a few months.


    There's a broad range of potential buyers for a good camper with everything working from mains, 12v, solar and gas. From various trips I've done this year I can see who's interested:


    -Retirees with time to hit the continent
    -Families for weekends and the France trip with wine for the year (me)
    -Wealthy millennial Festival conglomerates
    -Sports people (from surfers to triathletes) (me)
    -People like our AMA that want to try vanlife for saving or an alternative lifestyle
    -Lads & chics with a few bob for non-drink driving adventures & craic
    -Avid dog owners tired of no-pet holiday policies
    -Earth friendlies avoiding jet fueled holidays

    It's hard to get a good one though. Takes lots of research and a few months of traversing the country viewing and rejecting and moving very fast if you spot the right one. Note, there's a concerted effort from our insurers to put barriers in place to have a daily driver camper. Engineers reports for conversions with roof height restrictions etc...


  • #246
    Wildly Boaring
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,652 ✭✭✭Wildly Boaring


    MrMusician18 wrote: »
    If he bought that he'd still be sleeping in the van!

    Yep and I assume he would be in any 50k cottage. But work for a few weeks and get a room habitable.

    That's how I'd operate in his shoes.


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  • #247
    pinkyeye
    Registered Users Posts: 1,293 ✭✭✭pinkyeye


    Wildly Boaring wrote: »
    Did a 10 second search in north cork.

    https://www.daft.ie/11856097

    What's your point??

    The cost of that is 60k, plus stamp duty, solicitors fees and at least another 100k before you can live in it??

    I'm confused. :confused::confused:


  • #248
    Wildly Boaring
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,652 ✭✭✭Wildly Boaring


    pinkyeye wrote: »
    What's your point??

    The cost of that is 60k, plus stamp duty, solicitors fees and at least another 100k before you can live in it??

    I'm confused. :confused::confused:

    We see this differently.

    Op is happy in his van. I assume happy to live in it and gradually do room at a time by hand.

    That was first one I saw in a 10 second search.
    Stamp duty is €600
    Solicitor €900 ?
    Red herrings really.


  • #249
    Gloomtastic!
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,616 ✭✭✭Gloomtastic!


    pinkyeye wrote: »
    Don't mean to rain on your parade OP but I don't see where you're going to buy anything for 50k, even a derelict cottage. When I moved to the small village I live in currently houses were for sale for 100k, they're now 165k and there's fcuk all around.

    A site up the road is for sale for 100k, 1 acre.

    I could be proved wrong but I don't see anything selling for 50k anymore. And even if it is it will take another 100k to build something liveable on no?

    100s of them out there if you look at myhome.ie


  • #250
    Day Lewin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,686 ✭✭✭Day Lewin


    Gloomtastic! wrote: »
    100s of them out there if you look at myhome.ie

    Plenty of fixer-uppers in Westmeath, Cavan, Leitrim, Roscommon for about 50K or even less. It's well doable, if you're willing for some DIY graft.


  • #251
    Corkvanlife
    Registered Users Posts: 5 ✭Corkvanlife


    Muahahaha wrote: »
    Kind of reminds me of that scam some enterprising Irish university students were pulling years back. One of them had travelled to Russia and realsied that Ladas there were worth much more on the Russian market than they were here. So a group of them got together and bought up tons of Ladas here and shipped them back to Russia where they could double their money by selling them locally.
    How's that a scam. It's supply and demand. Fair dues to them.


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