Full Time Van Life in a Tiny Van 3 Weeks In - Q&A
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 มิ.ย. 2024
- Bit of a long one this, sorry about that but I've had quite a few questions and I'd like to answer as many as I can. I've added links below to each question to help you navigate and save you having to listen to me rambling on!
00:00 Introduction
03:00 Saving money with van life
05:50 Biggest bugbear
08:15 How much did my van build cost?
10:20 How do I find places to park?
15:28 Have I had any scary experiences?
17:30 Can I recommend good parking spots for beginners?
19:34 Why don't I fit a shower in my unit?
20:30 X-Rated Shower Scene!!
22:25 Internet?
24:35 How did you meet Helen?
28:45 Has van life brought us closer together?
29:38 What do I miss most about living in a house?
30:16 How much power do I use in the van?
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Ur a legend for what you are doing James and obviously an absolute gentleman. This is only the start of a great adventure. Thanks for taking us along with you. Best of luck. Hope you feel better soon. 🙏
Thanks mate
You watch lots of channels where people appear like they are doing it for the viewers but really all they do is feed their ego’s. I think we all appreciate someone on this platform that just keeps it basic and engages as best they can.
Thanks Chris
In a way i've spent the last 15 years doing 'vanlife' I have worked alone at night on the railway and have spent many many hours in my vehicle in between doing my duties. I've worked in fields full of sheep, inner city shit holes, red light areas, industrial estates etc etc. Stuff happens good and bad and i've learnt how to be streetwise.
I've been punched, nicked for a fuel theft from a haulage yard (police helicopter followed me) 2 nicked with one outstanding and they thought it was me!
Best one was when a 'lady' knocked on my window at 2am in Coventry and tried to sell me some sunglasses!
I reckon she had done a Lloyds Pharmacy over, she was knee deep in Foster Grants!
A little tip, park on industrial estates where there are plenty of trampers about.
You can sometimes have a word with some of the drivers, then you look out for each other.
Take care
Thats a great story mate, you should be on TH-cam yourself. Thanks for the tip 🙂👍
So many waking up in houses wake up with a million times more stress than you woke up with. Well done xx
Absolutely!
Hi James & Helen... I stumbled across your channel late last night (23/2/23) and I loved it. I have spent most of today catching up and at the time of writing this I am fully up to date. I love the way you navigate using pubs but that's nothing new, I was doing that 20 years before you were even born! Just ignore the derogatory comments you are getting and just remember that 5% of the worlds population is made up of utter wankers. Most of that 5% troll nice people who put out entertaining videos on TH-cam. Keep being yourself 'me old cock' and you'll do okay. Just one tip, the drink drive laws apply to all private land where the public have access, whether by payment or otherwise. Stay safe both and I look forward to seeing you both in the next one when the bell tolls!
Thanks mate, glad you like the channel
You're not boring mate it's great to watch someone down to Earth saying it as it is , I have a motorhome but work away in my truck in Europe and the UK keep the good work up I think we have the same sense of humour your blogs keep me going when im working away got my missus to watch you now.😅 👍
Thanks Phil, I really appreciate that 😊
Nothing about this video was boring at all. Your shower cam footage for your nonexistent only fans page gave me a good laugh. 😂😂 Thanks for the Q&A upload.
Thank you, glad you like
@@bythecurb your channel is one that I eagerly look forward to for videos. Always a good watch. 🙂
@@bythecurb who was the man behind you in the shower❓
You are so droll. You really do make me laugh. I know most of us normal folk wouldn’t go round banging on vans in the middle of the night, but sadly arseholes are everywhere and it’ll happen at some point. I’m really pleased for you that the local paper did a piece and I bet it won’t be long until you get proper media attention. You’ll definitely need a bigger van then to accommodate your head 😮😂
Made me laugh when James mentioned van thieves.Had this vision of them driving off, unknown to them with him in the back😂 sorry James it goes with your sense of humour!
Everyone has fallen for you and your van life honesty ♥️ can we get some of your fave driving music? Top ten road trip songs? Please x
I've got a very varied taste in music from classical to house. At the moment I'm going through a bit of a Brit pop phase and listening to Gene, The Auteurs & Suede etc. I love a bit of Fleetwood Mac, Kate Bush & Elo too 🙂
@@bythecurb oh, that was an era! Yeah, I was listening to Queen this morning, I play in punk bands and yesterday it was Buddy Holly 😁🖤🎶 variety is definitely the spice of life 👍
Lol I love your honest approach to van life. Keep on saying how it is. The UK needs more like you. It’s harder in the UK to do van life with all the laws and wot not. Any real life accounts of how any of us can get into van life is valuable information 👍
Could not agree more, yes the law in Uk is very restrictive towards Vanlifers, unlike the rest of Europe who welcome Vanlifers 👍.
Thanks mate
Honestly it’s got to the point now where there are takeout places you can eat at that costs less than making a meal for yourself.
We know of a fantastic cafe in Scarborough where you can get a huge full English breakfast for £3.85
@@bythecurb You can also have a meal delivered to your van ... 🍳🦑🍰🍿🍕
Your obviously a lovely bloke, and your girl is a diamond, I love your vids, and hope you get a huge following and earn a good crust to look after your great kids, I'm a north country man too,and i love your humour, but most van life people in the UK, don't have an industrial unit, or a girl who says, come over,I'll do your washing, have a shower...etc .
I was homeless too and it nearly killed me, the loneliness, no WiFi, no contact with my kids, trying to wash my clothes,keeping my situation secret from my work colleagues,
Police shining torches into my truck,demanding to know wtf I'm doing at 3 am etc..your depiction of van life is miles away from my reality, I'm ok now bud, got myself a place, and it's well worth what I pay. Keep doing what you do, it's lovely stuff and I hope you prosper my friend..its all reet gud 👌, but nothing like what I experienced. xx
Thanks Paul, glad to hear things are better for you now. I'm very lucky that I have my unit and girlfriend, I know that if it all went 'tits up' I'd be ok, it must have been so hard to have been in your shoes mate.
Hello cocker, I think you have done the smart thing by starting your van life in winter as by the summer it will be a breeze and so much fun. By the time winter rolls around again you will know what to expect and adjust accordingly. This is the tough bit - power through and when your having a bad day think of all the money you're saving. I wish you every success 😊✌
Thank you. I'm so looking forward to spring & summer!
James the northern Del Boy🤣Me the British Indian Del Boy😜well used to be! Great vlogs.
Only Fans, Barnsley Chronicle, Yout Tubey things and now shower scenes...steady on James, some of us have blood pressure to worry about :). Keep on keeping on, your a complete natural and absolute star, Love and Light cx
Thank you so much. I have high BP myself, might need to reign it in a bit! 😂
It’s cold now … remember spring is coming and summer you gonna have fun!
It's officially spring tomorrow 👍😀
It’s so funny when the two of you are together even funnier than the series Car Share. Carry on.
Thank you!
Thankyou for this! Just binge watching my new fave youtuber and this is soo right lol Watching James and Helen together is like watching Car Share but better as they are already an item going strong👍🏻
In a previous life I was a self employed emergency gas engineer which meant working and living in my van.
I could cook and boil a kettle.
But. I just ate on the run.
This was 1990 long before vanlife became vogue.
Yep, some people have been doing this for years but it's all of a sudden very fashionable!
Hey James I absolutely love what you are doing. Loved all of your videos and Helen is so much fun. I wish you all the luck in your adventures. ❤️
Thank you Suz 🙂
Worth waiting for James and bonus footage of Bet! Stay safe mate and keep on keeping on, it's all we can do.
Thanks Karlos
Totally True in the click bait bollocks , can’t be doing with it myself and avoid that lot like plague . Cracking info and great watch . Cheers mate
In these current economic/financial times more people will be Van Life Living, and Hopefully Laws will change to Support this. Your Honesty, and Humour on your journey so far has been Brilliant to watch
Honest, and Fun
Thanks Jason
Rita,Sue and Bob too is the best film ever made
That's a really good call tbh. I know that film word for word.
@@bythecurb me too 🤣🤣🤣
@@bythecurb With KES a close second
Thanks for sharing 'your life' in the way you are. Genuinely really good viewing and i wish you (and Helen) all the very best mate
Thanks Matt
Great video, maybe a crook lock for the steering wheel might be a slight deterrent to put you at ease from van thieves
Thanks Anna, I've just bought one!
When I was *really* broke, I used to live on raw veg from Aldi. I could have a big bowl of salad and veg for about 40p a day. All my life I have only eaten one meal a day, so I may be a freak!
I wish I could do that
Shower Cam 😂 brilliant!!
Haha you and your misses are so funny together. It’s nice to see this side of things. 😂
Thank you!
I didn't get bored.
straight up advice thanks mate.
Great Q and A sesh.
I’m totally hooked on your Chanel. I’m sure you’ll do ok because you’re a down to earth nice couple. 👍
Thank you
Kudos to you for showing how to make the most and the best of what you have and can afford and still live life to it's fullest 🤗
Thank you
I'm proud of you my fellow yorkshire man ... be safe brother 🙏
Thanks mate, I appreciate that
Your anxiety about 'the knock' comes from the fact you can't (I think) jump in the front and drive off ... always have your keys handy and b4 you go to sleep be positive you have locked the van ... I had my old van stolen, but luckily I was not in it at the (day)time.
I can easily jump in the drivers seat - don't leave anything in your way en route to said seat !! I always park near houses, often under a lamp-post. Keep Safe 👍👍💯💯✔
That will be a big consideration with my next build
Top bloke for sleeping in the Asda - all kind of wild life in that car park at night - keep safe
I'm living the dream! 😀
Hope you get better soon buddy ☮️
Great video mate they just keep getting better 👍👍
Thanks 👍
I saw your article in the Chronicle!!
Brilliant as always xx
Thanks June
Love this! I am going to give it a try! Thanks for answering questions. Keep up the great work!
Go for it. If you need any more help or advice, I'll be putting more stuff on my website
Keep the content coming mate!
The soup looks delicious, it looks like what call navy bean soup here in the states.
Wonderful video, . Your so inspiring, thank you !
Thank you! 😀
You are doing great next stop 'Waitrose' car park😄. Why not join one the Club's C&MHC/C&CC many site open all year with hot showers and most facilities less than £20.00 per night at this time of year, also do get an ACSI card night's out of season around £15.00 on commercial sites. I have been on a C&MH club site all this week lovely hot showers , laundry240v hook-up and kitchen to wash up in.
I need to look into that mate. bit of luxury every now and then!
Hi mate I've just come across your videos currently 5 videos in loving your story am in the same position as you was but I don't have a van currently saving every penny I can to get one and get out of this renting rut. Keep up the good work 👏 marshy from tarn
Thanks Marshy
To be fair that was a very sweet chat in the van from you both.
Thanks
That’s a really good idea to use the supermarket as your food storage. Brilliant 🤩
Haha 🤣🤣
Great video!
Thanks!
Great stuff and good insight. Consistently saving about £1100 a month will give you many options. Build up an emergency fund, maybe get that bigger van down the line, and perhaps start investing if you don't already. You'll be golden. Your Mrs seems like an absolute keeper. I hope it all continues to go well.
Thanks, I'm already saving for a bigger van
Loving the blogs
Thanks
Love the vlogs . I can relate to down hearth people who’s are just trying to better there life . Love you two . Alt best
Thanks Steven
Thanks Steven
@@bythecurb your welcome x
Good Q&As. You’re doing brilliantly 👍💙❤️
Thank you!
I'm parked up on a farm with a farm shop and cafe 👍
Sounds good
@@bythecurb just outside Sheffield
Brilliant video
Thanks
Thanks for the question and answer session...really enjoyed that. You are a natural behind the camera and happy to hear your thoughts. Carry on vanning James.
Thanks Sandra
Great vid mate
Cheers
Hi James,thank you for answering my question.Much appreciated squire👌…..carry on with your life adventures 👍👍
No problem!
Loving it pal you’ll enjoy the summer
I can't wait
For such a new channel you're doing really well with the subs.. well done 👍
Thank you!
another interesting and entertaining video , love the comments about gym , tattoos and disabled parking hilarious keep up the good work both of you
Thank you!
Good videos keep um coming my friend.
Thanks
Good vlogs nice seeing places of interest 👌. Nice pubs good food then back to cosy van 😀. You both look very happy 😊 enjoy life .Keep warm keep safe have fun .
Thank you
Loved seeing my local area definitely some nice places to sleep round there xx
Gods own County!
Your a nice guy like watching your Chanel as it honest and real keep going it's so good x
Thanks Debbie
James sipping coke is good when off colour , best to let go flat , low carb diet helps moods , but be careful with diet, porridge pots good and fruit , gone a gym membership do you good and use showers there , yes save for better then, take care look after yourself , always enjoy , I'm over Skipton way so nice to see Skipton in vlogs , 👍👏
Thank you, we love Skipton 😊
really glued to this in a funny way parts of this are like peter kays car share
Thank you!
I don't know why but the shower scene had me laughing so much 😂
Nice one keep it up bet lynchpin is a keeper as well
Thank you!
Awwww ya big independent teddy bear. Feel better luv, it looks beautiful where you go
Thanks Sam
Yeah I’ve also found your channel recently, good luck with it all mate - think you and Helen are top 👍🍻
Thanks Jim
James, Well Done YOU, Keep it up.
Thank you!
The best videos and patter on u tube mate keep up the great work... You deserve more views than you get mate.
Thanks mate
Great insightful video, ive been wondering about how you go about registering your van to an address, insurance and road tax, been thinking about doing this for years, keep up the great content 👍
I use a relative's address
Some real Alan Partridge vibes during the shower scene! awesome.
Love Alan Partridge, he probably discreetly influences me!!
Bloody great an keep that love with each other because that's unbreakable if it real with you both. ❤️
Thanks, we always will 😍
Wow if I was taken to the company shop on a date it would work for me 😂!!
You two are just gorgeous together xx❤
I’m on day 23 of car life in my jazz, been a few cold nights of late, car was all frozen up this morning. can’t use any supermarkets to park around here, all ANPR, luckily worked in the area for years so know it well know and manage to use little quiet residential roads to stealth park. Keep using same area but not same roads and seems ok so far. Go for drives to charge up the power bank and find spots to spend day after work. I finish work in three weeks and have under 700 a month income from a pension so learning to be very frugal.
Agree in small space you have to try keep really organised, and can’t store loads of food stuffs, so shop daily. I did manage a Sunday roast last two Weekends, quite nice eating it in the middle of Dartmoor, but yeah it’s having places to put things and simple tasks do take longer.
As I’m in a 20 year old jazz sooner or later will have to get another vehicle, but I will never afford a van, and so far my set up has cost the price of the small ecoflow power unit and 2 x 4 drawer units as already had the cooker, toilet etc.
Agree re safety, no one has yet banged on my window, though I did wake up with quite a start the other morning when a huge seagull landed on the sunroof with a huge bang lol.. I did 4 months car camping last year and also never had any knocks on door or strange encounters, except for a couple of highland cows on Skye who seemed to be out for a morning stroll along the road where I was parked lol. Enjoying seeing your videos and how you’re coping with things, seen as we both started out around same time. All the best, take care.
Thank you Pam, you are doing so well. I've also had a seagull land on my roof in the early hours, It sounds like a brick landing on the roof! I jumped out of bed all startled until I heard it start calling!
I've watched some of your videos. You get to some gorgeous places. All the best x
Good to meet you both today in Capel Curig. That's some breakfast there. I hope the rest of your day was good. 🙏👍🏻🦉
Hi Gary, lovely to meet you. Sorry if we came across as a bit startled but you're the first person to recognise us! 😂 Hope you had a great day too.
Brilliant as always, you just been you! My favourite channel is you & your beautiful Bet 😊
Thank you Gail
I like the way you chatter on about your life in the van you sound like your doing great🌈🌈🌈
Get well soon 🙂
Thank you!
Hi James... Im a bit late to the party so to speak... only just found your channel a few days ago but I love your videos and your relaxed style of video. This Q and A was fun so thankyou. From Australia 😊
Thank you 😊
a very inciteful vlog this week. Keep safe, keep vanning and be happy. Bessy regs Kenny
Thanks Kenny
I love Elsecar it has a beautiful little park that's looked after by it's great friends. liked the questions .saw u in't Chron good article love to H
Thanks Harry, lovely place Elsecar
I agree with you about the disabled bay usage. I have worked with disabled people who need these spaces so it really winds me up. It's just sheer ignorance.
enjoyed that.. ATB James.. 😉
Thanks Kenny
Hey mate another great video I just wanna say I love the longer videos the longer the better! Feel free to do an hour plus feature length can't wait for the next one! 😊 o by the way what was that black and white film you was watching? thanks in advanced its much appreciated 😊
Thanks Desmond. I like the longer videos too but the 'experts' keep saying 'keep them short' so Ill try to keep them between 20-30 minutes. The film is called School For Scoundrels. I love it
I ENJOY YOUR VLOGS HOPE U FEEL BETTER SOON MATE
Thanks Mark
Oat, Nuts, seed and other healthy things in jars and just mix with fruits in a bowl and you will be good in any situation. Plus its really easy to clean just paper.
I like the sound of that
@@bythecurb Yes, James, it's a good idea to have a small supply of foodstuffs which have a long life and won't go off quickly ... like, as stated above, nuts and cereal, plus I always take some crisps and a packet of drink-in-a-box (Aldi or Lidl are cheap). Keep this stuff in reserve then if you are ever NOT near any shops you can plunder your stash ‼️
The whitby one was great ,i'm the same if i'm down or ill i like being left alone ,your doing ok james 👍👍
Thanks mate
I think its ace what you and Helen are doing . Just down to earth and having an ace time. Keep on trucking (vining lol )
All the best for winter time, I think that I'll be starting in November
you a doing really well, you are looking more relaxed 😎 say hi to Helen she is fab and so good for you - perfect fit and meant to be together ❤
Thanks Lindsay 🙂😍
Smashing it fella!
Iv got a vw caddy maxi
Take it camping with the mrs every now and then put up a side awning for a bit more room like it’s great fun, mostly beaches around South Wales.
What van you saving for?
Thanks mate, not sure yet but something much bigger. The eccentric side of me wants to buy an old bus or coach
Ty for your content :)
Thank you for watching 🙂
Farmers land is way forward to park up in Saddleworth where I am farmers have started to charge etc for stop overs decent in the land
Free advertising for Asda and Tesco via you living your Dream 🚚👌
They should pay me!
Enjoying the channel. Good banter with you and Helen, my sense of humour. I think van life is ok for a while, but not sure how long you can do it, especially working at the same time. Mind you, gets you a few grand in the bank that you didn't have before. You need a bigger van tho. Good luck mate. Dave in Carlisle
Thanks Dave, It might get too much for me, who knows? I'll just keep going with it though and filming the outcome
James meeting up with Helen on their first date 25:41
Helen arrives and sees this older looking guy than the young guy in the photo and thought,
By Eck, He's sent his dad. 🤣🤣🤣🤣