Entering Amazon through my virtual storefront doesn't cost you anything but helps me continue to make this videos so thank you www.amazon.co.uk/shop/melsvanworld buy me a coffee and i will send you a sticker . your support is really appreciated www.buymeacoffee.com/BigVanSmalWorld
My insurance is with Shield. I have a self built camper van and yes the DVLA have changed the vans class to motor home but when I first got the insurance I had not sent off the paperwork to the DVLA. But it can't be your main home or an import van..
Hi Mel. Loving the sound of the waves in the background. It's what makes me want to get a van for one day. Looking forward to more video on the new bike 👍
There is only one company that will insure a fulltimer who has no fixed address, and even then there are certain rules concerning licence etc. and that is Comfort.we pay £1300 a year plus.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. It may be worth your while checking out Sterling in the future, as they did insure me for full time living in my van. I’m always open to hearing your experiences and it always helps other van lifers too.
As someone who's pared down her subscriptions (Sorry Chrome 🙄) - I have to say that yours is the rare channel that I really find to be a treat, and I thoroughly enjoy your posts, keep up the excellent work :)
Hi Mel, a heads up about the Nighthawk M1,. I had issues with the battery overheating which seems to be a common problem. I removed the battery and now keep it powered without the battery unless needed. Apparently the battery doesn't like continuous charge. Working perfectly now.
@@BigVanSmallWorld I charged mine the same as you do. I was thinking a voltage regulator might help. The battery heats up and swells then it keeps pressing on the sim disrupting service. Perhaps this might help others.
Mel, you have really stoked my interest in electrically assisted bicycles...have been looking at them for a while now but they are, imo, to large to put in my van or they have tiny wheels. The Fiido M1 Pro would appear to strike a decent balance with its 20" wheels yet still be able to pack away in the van. Looking forward to your full review as I do have concerns in respect of the folding mechanism and overall frame strength. Keep on keeping on and stay safe 👍
Hi Mel, thanks for all you do. Talking about insurance, do insure your van as commercial with contents or as a campervan when not registered as a campervan. Looking to self build and wondered how it works. Thanks butty great channel.
with the price of fuel being what it is ,im waiting on the full review of the m1 pro ,as its stoked my interest in an e bike . but as i'd like it to pull a small shopping trailer as id like to save on taking the car out when i dont need to
Hi Mel really appreciate the information, could you tell us if they insured you for living in the van, and if you had to get commercial insurance as you use your van for TH-cam, as I saw another creator who had to do this for the same reason. Great as always…
@@BigVanSmallWorld great I will give them a ring for our in sept it was the radfords who made a video about doing TH-cam and van insurance. Thanks buddy
Hi Mel have you had any more limp mode problems as my sprinter make a roaring noise sounds like a land rover going down the road and drops into limp mode did yours make similar noise,could you please answer my question on waffle many thanks
Mel here's a question. Would you consider making your own portable power unit out of a leisure battery and 12v switches and sockets? Wouldn't it be far cheaper than buying a jackery or bluetti?
Mel do you think a power bank is better then batteries as the power bank is more versatile if need power you can take power bank out the van and use some where else ie shed garage ect the batteries in your van are fixed in place thanks mel love the vids
Hi Mel...2 weeks now no TROLL of the week??..lol...when you doing the cooking video..you make my Wednesday morning while driving my truck keep it up lad
Thank you buddy and no trolls but I’m sure one will come along soon lol as for cooking I’m experimenting with camera angles to capture all the action lol
Hi Mel, just a quick question, because we love quick questions, how do you refill your air tank once it's all been sent, stay safe, have a great weekend, Your REAL #1 fan in Medway
After replying to the Ed locks video I think I may have had a scam reply. Starting, " Hi fan". I've deleted it. Regarding Ed locks, they are coming to fit mine on Monday with a 10% discount. Thanks to you and Julian.
Hi Mel just a quick question have just finished my solar set up I wonder if you could give me some advice,could I just use car charger (240v) to top my batteries up if needed,and if so would I need to unplug anything, many thanks Alan Ps your channel has been a great help 😊
I tried Stirling AKA Adrian Flux .. my quote was ridiculous! over £3000!!! I've used them for my previous Mazda Bongo .. but seems being "full-time" in my van has pushed it up ..
Wow great waffle buddy. Oh I need to look up sterling insurance. This sounds soo much better to mine :) ☺️ I bought the same router after watching about yours buddy :) Your videos are always so helpful buddy 💙 I’ve done all my electrical system after watching yours plus scared at first as I never did it before ;) I love that bike hehe 🙃 hopefully Christmas I could buy one hehe :) Wow buddy that bike is amazing that’s soo great :) Big hugs for your back bud Your a super star legend 💕 It’s good you have that marker to let boats know buddy I saw it in your last video. Always amazing videos bud. Hope your both having a beautiful time ☺️💕🚐
Hi Mel , now I am in a position of living in my motorhome full time because of work do you think it would be possible to get enough electric from solar to run the back fan on my gas fire (caravan standard) on those long winter nights as work will not allow me to plug in ? I would only be running the fan , a couple of LED lights and charging the laptop , I know it is probably a bit of and ask but I would love to hear your thoughts on this little problem I have .
Yes it’s possible as long as you have plenty of solar and a big battery bank and having solar panels the tilt would be better as the sun is low in the winter good luck oh try charging laptop at work if you can 😉👍
"My bad" is an Americanism. The English term is MY BAG. the same as the word gotten doesn't correctly exist in uk English. Not trying to be picky, but sadly it gets my back up. Even heard gotten used on Emmerdale, it's definitely not a Yorkshire term. Whoops, I'm getting carried away now, so I'll call it a day.
Hi Mel once again another good informative video thank you. About the Sterling Insurance for your van, could you tell me if your van is registered as a campervan with the DVLA or is it a van with windows. The reason I ask this question is because my van is registered as a van with windows. I've had trouble trying to find Insurance company's that will Insurance me, because it not registered as a campervan. Also did you tell them you live full time in the van? As that is what We are doing. Thanks Mel
Mel's van is registered as a van with windows, he's got several videos on that. I can't imagine Mel would have not disclosed his living in his van full time as failure to disclose details to an insurer is a reason to void the insurance. To then advocate an insurer on TH-cam to which you've not disclosed your full details would not be in his best interest.
I was a little disappointed about your insurance info . . . Sterling and Adrian Flux are sister companies (i.e. the same !) and I have found them to be the only ones who will insure a self-build non-DVLA registered van. That means you DONT have to re-classify the van as an official camper. In my search for insurance I have found nearly all companies insist the van has to be classed as a camper, which mine cannot be since it does not fulfil the DVLA camper criteria. So I have insured with Sterling and A Flux over the years. What you failed to say, though, and which I thought was quite misleading, is that all those extra things you mentioned like key fob cover, extra contents, etc are just that - Extras - and you have to pay Extra sums of money to have them added - which usually bumps up the premium quite considerably. Most people are looking for the cheapest, especially in these hard times. PS: I love your beard !!
Entering Amazon through my virtual storefront doesn't cost you anything but helps me continue to make this videos so thank you www.amazon.co.uk/shop/melsvanworld
buy me a coffee and i will send you a sticker . your support is really appreciated www.buymeacoffee.com/BigVanSmalWorld
When you insured your van fid you have to have a S5 TRACKER AND S5 IMMOBILISER
Thanks
Cliff
Yeah 👍
If you dont mind me asking who fid you choose to go with as i need the same to insure my van
Manythanks
Cliff
You are so honest its a pleasure to watch your videos thanks
Thank you 👍
My insurance is with Shield. I have a self built camper van and yes the DVLA have changed the vans class to motor home but when I first got the insurance I had not sent off the paperwork to the DVLA. But it can't be your main home or an import van..
Thanks Mel, for the in depth info on the power-packs. Medway Mick
You’re absolutely welcome thank you for taking the time to comment 👍🤓👍
Great Waffle thanks Mel.
Can you do a vlog on your Metal detectors as I am starting up any tips and hints we much appreciated
I’ll give it some thought 👍😊👍
Sterling used to be called Herts insurance, have used them for donkeys years on T2 splitty and bays now use them for my Mazda Bongo, can't fault them
Thank you for the positive feedback really appreciated 👍🤓👍
Thank you for the Q &A!
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment really appreciate your encouragement 👍🤓👍
Routers cut through wood Mel, a router with a ‘roo’ sound is what gives you wifi. 😂👍🏼
Thank you
Hi Mel. Loving the sound of the waves in the background. It's what makes me want to get a van for one day. Looking forward to more video on the new bike 👍
Thank you 🙏
There’s a guy on eBay who converts bikes to electric. 2000w motor and it does 45mph
There is only one company that will insure a fulltimer who has no fixed address, and even then there are certain rules concerning licence etc.
and that is Comfort.we pay £1300 a year plus.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. It may be worth your while checking out Sterling in the future, as they did insure me for full time living in my van. I’m always open to hearing your experiences and it always helps other van lifers too.
I travel with a UK and Irish passport , I can now be insured by comfort 365 days a year in Europe with no restrictions.
As someone who's pared down her subscriptions (Sorry Chrome 🙄) - I have to say that yours is the rare channel that I really find to be a treat, and I thoroughly enjoy your posts, keep up the excellent work :)
Thank you Angela that’s really kind of you to say I’m a big fan of chrome too 👍🍻👍
Cheers mate I always forget to give you a thumbs up but remember this time
Thank you buddy really appreciate your encouragement and support 👍🤓👍
Hi Mel, a heads up about the Nighthawk M1,. I had issues with the battery overheating which seems to be a common problem. I removed the battery and now keep it powered without the battery unless needed. Apparently the battery doesn't like continuous charge. Working perfectly now.
Thank you so far I have had no problem with mine but thanks for the heads up really appreciated 👍😊👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld I charged mine the same as you do. I was thinking a voltage regulator might help. The battery heats up and swells then it keeps pressing on the sim disrupting service. Perhaps this might help others.
Thank you for the waffle Mel
Always learning some thing big thumbs up 👍👍👍😎
Thank you buddy 👍😊👍
Top Guy, Top Tips. Another great video .....
Hay buddy thank you 👍😊👍
Mel, you have really stoked my interest in electrically assisted bicycles...have been looking at them for a while now but they are, imo, to large to put in my van or they have tiny wheels. The Fiido M1 Pro would appear to strike a decent balance with its 20" wheels yet still be able to pack away in the van. Looking forward to your full review as I do have concerns in respect of the folding mechanism and overall frame strength. Keep on keeping on and stay safe 👍
Thank you 👍😊👍
Hi buddy, temperature up north is 26c at the moment is it cold where you are woolly hat and hoodie,...Pheeeeuw..🥵🥵🤣
Yes lol 😂
What is to the right of your head sticking put of your cupboard
It’s a small torch with a magnetic bass attached to one of the hinges 👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld thought as much. Cheers
🤩Fame at last, thanks for answering my question. Cheers Mel 👍
Lol you’re absolutely welcome 😊👍
Hi Mel, thanks for all you do. Talking about insurance, do insure your van as commercial with contents or as a campervan when not registered as a campervan. Looking to self build and wondered how it works. Thanks butty great channel.
If I was you I’d get in touch with Sterling I put link in the description of this video 👍
Hi Mel,good video full of useful info,l have a vehicle insured with sterling,they tick all the boxes for me like you said IT’S A NO BRAINER.👍👍👍
Thank you for taking the time to comment really appreciate your positive feedback 👍🤓👍
with the price of fuel being what it is ,im waiting on the full review of the m1 pro ,as its stoked my interest in an e bike . but as i'd like it to pull a small shopping trailer as id like to save on taking the car out when i dont need to
I’ve been using it every day to go shopping I carry a backpack absolutely love the M1
Hi Mel I am about to start a new build and would like to know what wire do you use for the electrics in your van please thanks
I’d recommend watching Greg Virgos video I’ll show you next waffle on Wednesday 👍
Come on Mel pull my other leg about the free bike
Great vid Mel old bean
Thank you 😊
Hi Mel really appreciate the information, could you tell us if they insured you for living in the van, and if you had to get commercial insurance as you use your van for TH-cam, as I saw another creator who had to do this for the same reason. Great as always…
Yes they know everything about me and my lifestyle 👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld great I will give them a ring for our in sept it was the radfords who made a video about doing TH-cam and van insurance. Thanks buddy
Hi Mel have you had any more limp mode problems as my sprinter make a roaring noise sounds like a land rover going down the road and drops into limp mode did yours make similar noise,could you please answer my question on waffle many thanks
Mel here's a question. Would you consider making your own portable power unit out of a leisure battery and 12v switches and sockets? Wouldn't it be far cheaper than buying a jackery or bluetti?
Great question 👍🍻👍
Flipping heck, 3 advert breaks.
Really I’m sorry I’ll have to check it and see I don’t know why there’s that many 🤔
I love your channel, adverts not so much. Keep up the good work.
Mel do you think a power bank is better then batteries as the power bank is more versatile if need power you can take power bank out the van and use some where else ie shed garage ect the batteries in your van are fixed in place thanks mel love the vids
Yes absolutely buddy I use mine in my lockup all the time 👍🤓👍
Hi Mel...2 weeks now no TROLL of the week??..lol...when you doing the cooking video..you make my Wednesday morning while driving my truck keep it up lad
Thank you buddy and no trolls but I’m sure one will come along soon lol as for cooking I’m experimenting with camera angles to capture all the action lol
Is that he sea I can here in the background
Yes it is 👍🤓👍
Hi Mel, just a quick question, because we love quick questions, how do you refill your air tank once it's all been sent, stay safe, have a great weekend, Your REAL #1 fan in Medway
That’s a great question I just take the tank to dive shop and they re fill for me cost about antenna 👍🫧🫧
another good vid cheers mel
Thank you 😊
Mel ....Legend !
Thank you buddy 👍🍻👍
After replying to the Ed locks video I think I may have had a scam reply. Starting, " Hi fan". I've deleted it.
Regarding Ed locks, they are coming to fit mine on Monday with a 10% discount. Thanks to you and Julian.
Thanks for letting me know 👍
Hi Mel just a quick question have just finished my solar set up I wonder if you could give me some advice,could I just use car charger (240v) to top my batteries up if needed,and if so would I need to unplug anything, many thanks Alan
Ps your channel has been a great help 😊
Absolutely yea you can I do all through the winter I use a noco smart charger amzn.to/3A0Nzg2
I tried Stirling AKA Adrian Flux .. my quote was ridiculous! over £3000!!! I've used them for my previous Mazda Bongo .. but seems being "full-time" in my van has pushed it up ..
Sorry to hear that
Hi which company did you go with eventually ?thanks
I missed Troll of the week ...
Not had any for 3 weeks now lol
@@BigVanSmallWorld you be doing it wrong
Mel I have just got a jackery 1000 what solar panel would you recommend to charge it up 100 120 150 170 ?? What power have you got ?
I’m using 2 100 watts panels 😊👍
Wow great waffle buddy. Oh I need to look up sterling insurance. This sounds soo much better to mine :) ☺️
I bought the same router after watching about yours buddy :)
Your videos are always so helpful buddy 💙
I’ve done all my electrical system after watching yours plus scared at first as I never did it before ;)
I love that bike hehe 🙃 hopefully Christmas I could buy one hehe :)
Wow buddy that bike is amazing that’s soo great :)
Big hugs for your back bud
Your a super star legend 💕
It’s good you have that marker to let boats know buddy I saw it in your last video. Always amazing videos bud. Hope your both having a beautiful time ☺️💕🚐
Thank you buddy take care 👍😊👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld 🤗🙏🤗
Every time you say router i think your going to do woodwork
I think the internet router is pronounced" rooter "
🤣🤣
Lol 😂
Hi Mel , now I am in a position of living in my motorhome full time because of work do you think it would be possible to get enough electric from solar to run the back fan on my gas fire (caravan standard) on those long winter nights as work will not allow me to plug in ? I would only be running the fan , a couple of LED lights and charging the laptop , I know it is probably a bit of and ask but I would love to hear your thoughts on this little problem I have .
Yes it’s possible as long as you have plenty of solar and a big battery bank and having solar panels the tilt would be better as the sun is low in the winter good luck oh try charging laptop at work if you can 😉👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld , Cheers mate , am also looking at lithium but with a £1500 price tag it’s a bit of a head scratcher 🤔😉
"My bad" is an Americanism. The English term is MY BAG. the same as the word gotten doesn't correctly exist in uk English. Not trying to be picky, but sadly it gets my back up. Even heard gotten used on Emmerdale, it's definitely not a Yorkshire term. Whoops, I'm getting carried away now, so I'll call it a day.
Chill out don’t sweat the small stuff I’m just a simple cockney Herbert as long as you understand what I say doe’s it really matter
@@BigVanSmallWorld It's not an issue, but fancy a Cockney talking "American", hee hee.
Ps. My dad is Herbert.
Hi Mel once again another good informative video thank you. About the Sterling Insurance for your van, could you tell me if your van is registered as a campervan with the DVLA or is it a van with windows. The reason I ask this question is because my van is registered as a van with windows. I've had trouble trying to find Insurance company's that will Insurance me, because it not registered as a campervan. Also did you tell them you live full time in the van? As that is what We are
doing. Thanks Mel
Mel's van is registered as a van with windows, he's got several videos on that.
I can't imagine Mel would have not disclosed his living in his van full time as failure to disclose details to an insurer is a reason to void the insurance. To then advocate an insurer on TH-cam to which you've not disclosed your full details would not be in his best interest.
My van is a van with windows Sterling know everything about my lifestyle 👍😊👍
Quick question ... Why do you have your hat on in June? Do you need a haircut lol
I was a little disappointed about your insurance info . . . Sterling and Adrian Flux are sister companies (i.e. the same !) and I have found them to be the only ones who will insure a self-build non-DVLA registered van. That means you DONT have to re-classify the van as an official camper. In my search for insurance I have found nearly all companies insist the van has to be classed as a camper, which mine cannot be since it does not fulfil the DVLA camper criteria. So I have insured with Sterling and A Flux over the years.
What you failed to say, though, and which I thought was quite misleading, is that all those extra things you mentioned like key fob cover, extra contents, etc are just that - Extras - and you have to pay Extra sums of money to have them added - which usually bumps up the premium quite considerably.
Most people are looking for the cheapest, especially in these hard times.
PS: I love your beard !!