More top tips. I am watching your stuff all the time now, got about 3 months till I move out and live in my van full time. Viewing it as a positive (aged 60 and life took a different turn) Thanks Buddy for all of your content.
I'm about to embark on permanent vanlife and intend to use Royal Mail's Redirection service to send post to one of those mail address services. So I can continue to have my Passport, Driving Licence and Insurance based at my old address, even though I will no longer live there. The service is about a hundred quid a year. Plus £18 per month for the address at the other end. So I'm budgeting £320 a year for these services.
You'll be able to do that for a maximum of 4 years. Royal Mail will assume you've had the time to change your addresses by then. I know from experience.
The problem with that is thar van insurance is based on your address. If you give one that isn't actually where you live, your insurance can be void. As for banks, giving the wrong address is classed as fraud.
Thanks Darren. Great informative video as always. Been looking at van life for ages but wary of the address pitfalls. A permanent address is pretty vital unless you want to disappear under the radar. As you say you have Driving Licence, Vehicle registration and passport that you have no options now but to use a permanent address for. Banks are ok if you have already have an account. Just use the apps. But they will need an address to post your debit card. They only last around 3 years. You might be able to collect from a high street bank. You also have the taxman, national Insurance and state pension/s to contend with. This is all online now but they will need an address. With so many van lifers out there nowadays and many looking to take it up, it would be good to see a body set up where people could officially register a mobile home and use a Government run PO Box.
I went through all of this last year with the new DVLA rules in place. It's a long story and a long read but I was successful and I hope it helps you. I was living on a boat with a permanent mooring ( ie, an address) but gave up the mooring due to cost. The advice I had was get a Mail Boxes Etc ( MBE) mail box and transfer all your Bank accounts, insurance, everything you have first, before contacting DVLA. MBE costs about £300 a year but importantly it is an HMRC approved fully legal residential address and my bank was happy to register credit cards and the account to that address. It is NOT a P.O. Box. The level of proof of identity is much higher, You need your current Drivers licence or passport to get an MBE box. Basically those old associations were rife with fraud and you can't run a business legally from a P.O. Box but you can with an MBE box. All government accounts were happy to accept my Box no as my new address. Except DVLA!! It took a few months and quite a few letters but I got it in the end. They were SO obstructive but then I found out... They say they refuse to issue licences to this kind of address but they really mean they don't issue the plastic photocards with a mail box address. The card is not the licence, only the courts can take away your licence, not the DVLA, they are just the admin. so when they say licence they are really just talking about the card. The problem comes with Drivers licence now being needed to vote ( I think this is the key reason for the change of policy) and being the central piece of ID for most people but you are still legal to drive even if you don't have the plastic photocard. The police etc have all that info online, they don't really need to see the card but you will have to provide proof of your I.D if asked, passport , V5C all help. Importantly, you must inform DVLA of your change of address, so by giving them your Box no, you have legally done your bit. It took half a dozen letters to get my photocard I honestly don't know if was was just my persistence that made them relent, or if it was me stating that I will no longer be living in a bricks and mortar, council tax rated property and I understand that I will be losing my right to vote. ( You will lose your right to vote by not having your name on any Council tax bill) My letters included the info I'm giving you. I believe it is not a change in the law ( as DVLA would like to to believe) just a change in policy. With regards to vehicle insurance. They accepted my address but by stating my vehicle is kept overnight on the street then you are covered for a vehicle being not at your address overnight. It may cost a bit more than saying it's in your driveway or garage but, hey. Good luck and be persistent
Great Vidio. Just had a life changing experience & now have to live in my van full time. All this is new to me so vidios like this are extremely helpfully, thanks so much for producing them
sterling insurance is saying they insure you to live in your van full time and that they accept a families address for mail. iv not called them yet so only stating there website
One to mention Darren if we may is just getting repeat prescriptions. Each pharmacy has a unique nhs code so a phone call to your doctor and by giving them the address of the pharmacy, your repeat can be sent. We were away and Ally needed something she'd left at 🏡 and forgotten about. A phone call to the doctors and she picked up an emergency prescription from a pharmacy 200 miles away from home. 👍👍 Great video. Hope you're keeping well.
@@michaelodonoghue7464 I tried everything but they couldn't accept it. They need proof of address like a utility bill, which you can't get for a PO Box.
The people like DVLA and passport office etc need to start moving with the times address shouldn't even need to be on driving license anymore it should just be full name and date of birth . Wonder what travelers do who have never lived in a house.
The govt hates alternative lifestyles- they always try to make them more restrictive and more expensive. It used to be cheap to live on the river- not anymore. It was once cheap to live in a caravan- not anymore. Any kind of opt-out, or off-grid situation is treated with suspicion. Other countries are far more laid back when it comes to transient lifestyles, but the Tories have made it virtually impossible to do it easily now.
@@danielcarr7090 100% agree we are now starting to see the clampdown against van lifers because that movement has blown up and more and more people are choosing that way of life and like you say the gov cant tax the hell out of that .
To be fair its tricky when it comes to providing an address. We are considering purchasing a cheap house up north, while we have regular work remotely and which can also be done on the road. We would then try to have a lodger stay at this property to help cover regular bills of the property. This will be our main residence, with a mortgage. Its all theory yet and of course need a deposit, granted not everyone can afford.
plenty of places let you use there address and forward mail on or keep it to pick it up when your around, it does cost and its not cheap as long as its not a po box no type thing , ive used my paid mailing address for years as im in a canal boat or camper travelling i use it for everything so it does work
iv been a van man for the last 4 yrs now i live out side ov work in a clapped out old ford 1988 motorhome -ish thingy, getting new better old van at end ov month and yes iv had to put mums address on my licence and bloody bank account ....wangers
Daz and I did talk about including Poste Restante but for the reasons you mention, we decided to leave it out. We even tried it out for ourselves and were told no. We could be sending people off on a fruitless pursuit to try it themselves. For anyone reading this reply, it's at the discretion of the branch and you need to ask permission before using it. It is limited to 3 months AND you need to provide proof of address so it's only valid if you are actually AWAY from your "chosen address". Much of the information on the royalmail website suggests the service is for holidaymakers and overseas visitors.
Why not let the guy earn a few quid from a decent product that's relevant? It's not like he's promoting some random vitamin powder that promises to increase your pecker and grow back hair on a bald head. Jeez.
I pulled out my old lead acid batteries and the whole van runs off a power bank. Charged off solar. Lights, fridge, heater, laptops, appliances, the lot.
I’m wondering about monthly prescriptions. I’m in the US so it’s a very large country, I don’t want to drive 2,000miles sometimes 2 days drive to go home to get my prescriptions and then drive back to where I was every month. Here if you transfer prescriptions to other pharmacies every month or so, it’s flagged as suspicious and you can get into trouble. I’m not sure how to navigate it.
Hi Darren ,newly subscribed to your channel.This topic has always given us second thoughts about full time van life..It’s crazy in a society that’s so technologically driven and advanced, you still need a fixed address.Surely our phones ,which the majority of us carry,Surfice as proof of address and who we are ....Best wishes from Wales 🏴
The new-ish gov.uk digital identity thing even does a *credit check* to validate a residential address. It's really, REALLY difficult to remove ourselves from the system, short of living in a tent in the woods somewhere.
We must be a bit backwards here in Australia, delta 2 not available to us yet Thanks for your video I wanted to get a delta but I was put off with the number of cycles being only 80 , now it’s 3000 I’m getting one It’s all down to your endorsement Thanks mate
What type of insurance have you got? I have heard that normal motorhome insurance is not suitable if you live in your motorhome permanently... Is that true? Where do I find this new insurance? On your video about costs you mention insurance but not what type... cheers
All good information. I have a Q. How do you insured yet live 365 in Motorhome. Most insurers say only for 3 months at a time ie 90 days continuous only !! What have you told your insurers Please.
There are only a couple of motorhome places around hull. One opposite B&Q that sells conversions, another behind BP Woodmansey that sells all sorts (phone ahead as they seem to be open randomly). If you look around, there are a few more on normal car sales forecourts. There's another one off the A63 out near Ellerker - good range of newer models, although the prices will be even higher than they already are. You might consider driving inland to say Leeds which seems to have a few more places.
Hi Darren. Great watching all your vids mate. We are thinking of becoming full time in a few years, need to get out of this country (don't get me started). We lived in Bulgaria 10 years ago and was really his hard when we returned being that we were not on the 'electoral role' as we rented our house out. We could not get even a mobile phone or credit at all. I want to avoid this next time and wonder what it is we can do. I know putting my address down as my sons address is an option but will that increase his council tax bill?
Don't need an address on your driver's license in New Zealand. But if you can not prove your address, the banks here in New Zealand will with hold your account until they are satisfied where you are staying.
Amazing so informative. Just found u from a recommendation on Facebook. I was full time van life untill October. Hoping to get back on the road in early 2023. Happy travels
Hey there, welcome to the channel. Daz and the team have put together some really useful videos. There's big plans for the new year too, so watch out for that. #teamurban
You don't have to have a bank account. You could use payment cards, which you can do everything the same as a bank, but you don't get interest (is it worth it these days anyway!), and you can use a mail service as an address to receive the cards. Many many out there... and probably safer than a bank account especially at the moment.
Good suggestion. You might not even need to have a pre-pay card if you use their mobile app NFC payments. I only have experience with Monzo, which gives the user an account number and sort code, so employer payroll could probably pay wages to that. Probably worth investigating more for the channel. Thanks for the great comment! I'll mention it to Daz.
Love your vids mate,I’d like one of those ecoflows for my new van, gotta get my head round the solar power and heating and get an mot, they look like good back up…! Click and collect I guess would work, as long as you know where ur gonna be
Hi Darren thanks for the videos. What insurance company do you use, I'm trying to find one that covers full time live aboard with no permanent address. Cheers
I wonder if one could start a dormant ltd company, or register as self employed (which will use your own name anyway) employ the services of a local independent accountant (fees should be minimal for a dormant company or annual self assessment) and just use that address for all correspondence, ie bank acc, doctors, DVLA etc? Obviously not for everything such as parcels etc. but for the important ‘legal’ stuff. Could be a viable option for anyone without friends & family. DVLA should be ok, it’s just an address. Interested to know if anyone has thoughts on this?
Hey daz. Love your videos etc. keep them coming mate. Just a question about addresses. With new rules like clean air zones, ULEZ etc. does this mean that if your address from your family member is inside one of these areas.does your vehicle have to comply with this even though you don’t take the vehicle 5here ?
The charges apply only when actually driving inside the ULEZ or a CAZ. Being registered inside the ULEZ doesn't save any money either as far as I can tell - after the grace period to allow time for residents to change their vehicle, the full daily charge applies within the ULEZ.
U can use a P.o.box from the Postoffice but this is a expensive option for most u mail as long it reg with an address ie friend or family Also u can also use your Works address for mail if u get on with the owners and ask them i had my licences bank cards etc sent there and passport to etc and they dont mind holding it for u when i did seasonal work in Scotland as i lived on site they dident mind my parking up there but only use this as last resort
Is is a no-brand Chinese heater? If you have a set of Allen keys, spaners and some needle nosed pliers, you can disassemble them fairly easy for a good clean out. They are super simple inside really. You can think of them as an oil lamp with a supercharger bolted on.
Sorry for the late reply but Council Tax is only paid for people living at the property, if 2 or more people live there then an additional person won’t affect the payment (there is a discount available if only 1 person is registered at the address). I think that the Council Tax information is used for voter registration so if you’re not listed on the CT then you may not be able to vote.
For deliveries of goods, if you have a day job just use that :) In prep for motorhome life I am currently a property guardian. I am lucky really as I have been preparing to live off grid for a few years now, going from rental with tenancy agreements to now a guardian licence. Its also a great way to save money for your off-grid adventure!
Hi Darren & fellow hgv driver. Yet another fab vid. I was going to make my iveco daily mk3 lwb into a camper van but allas I dont have the time ( work ) The weather or daylight so am now looking to buy a lwb motorhome. My budget is £25000 What would you you suggest as a first time motorhome buyer. Kind regards Glyn
Hi Glyn, another truckie here... I was in same situation as you and decided to get a motorhome over a converted van. Best decision ever. Just be mindful that in with your budget you will need to budget extra for solar panels, more batteries and maybe refillable lpg tank. I went with a 2002 Fiat based Pilote. Good luck 👍
@@PK_Blinder Hi & thank you. I split with my missus in march thank God as marriage had bean dead for 10 years. My first marriage & her second. Boy from first marriage was the sporn of satan. She ended up getting personality disorder which killed our marriage. It's too expensive to rent anywhere now & I don't want to be stuck in bricks & mortar either. I have solar I bought for van & 2 140 am agm batteries ÷ one from halfords. So got all I need for solar & a 6000-8000w inverter
I do 2 to 3 nights out a week so renting a place is a waste. I park at work on a Monday and don't move till Friday. Then do what I want at weekend. I've done it totally off grid for 2 years and love it. Only thing I'll say is maybe budget for more solar, I have 600w on the roof and I need that in the winter... Good luck 👍
Quick question my friend Do you have blow air heating, off you gas heater If yes do you use it ,or do you just use the gas heater. I have just noticed the motor home I have bought hasn't got blow air heating. Have I made a big mistake 😕
as a workaround, a computer cooling fan works well for circulating the heat, they're mostly 12V so just wire straight in or through a cigarette lighter socket. You only need a small one.
Yeah the motorhome came with blown air heating mate but I fitted a diesel heater to it which has been a game changer! Look in to doing that if you can (although that fan idea Alan mentioned also sounds like a great workaround in the mean time)
Hi! Thank You for the video! I still have one question. We are going to buy a motorhome. But we are Ukrainian refugees in the UK. So we don’t have any friend’s or parents address here. Now we have our sponsor’s address. But what should we do next year… What can you tell us about that?
Hi Darren, I’m confused! Ecoflow delta 2, the Amazon link is for an item at £749 described as delta 2 extra battery, whilst the ecoflow website has the delta 2 at £1099. Is the Amazon item just an add on battery expansion which needs the delta 2 or is it a standalone power station but £350 cheaper?
Hi Simon, I’ve just checked the link which was a direct link to the delta 2 power station however it now seems that ecoflow/Amazon have changed the link to the battery, even the official ecoflow page on Amazon links to the extra battery rather than the unit. I’ll keep an eye on it and update it soon as it changes.
Amazon pickup points include Post Office counters, newsagents, etc. I once had a gigantic box of mine arrive at a local sweetshop. They were very happy when I came to collect it. 😁
Most of the things is neither here or there regarding addres's, but DVLA is a bit different, it is an offence to not change your address to where you are living on your license, so if you have your driving license address at your brothers but your not actually living there, hmmm, not sure about that one.
There are only two insurance companies that insure legally for fulltime insurance. If in an accident these are the only iones that will pay out. We pay £1200 a year. We have asked many insurance companies and they all say the same.
No different to working while sofa surfing. PAYE needs a legal address, same as all your other legal address needs. If your "chosen address" (family, friend, rented) is OK to give your employer (or the taxman if you're self employed) then it's all good. I was full-time employed and full-time Vanlife at the same time.
Hi I have one of you if you need a doctor when you are away you can go to a walk-in center. You fill a small form for address IE your family or friends you may need ID and they will see you
I'm in a similar situation, but here is my solution to that: You could try renting a room for the address. These are hard times, so perhaps someone will let you rent their box room or understairs cupboard for a small amount (you won't actually be living there, after all). Somewhere to keep things you don't often need, like seasonal clothes and bedding - keep your van clutter free. You might even be able to get some fresh water or do your laundry from time to time. Check the community board at your local shop, co-op, etc.
Fixed address required by the uk so you invest, can be located, and become the norm and like all the rest. Ridiculous. Also btw don't over trust your bank, there is an unwritten law that if the bank takes your money or your account has money removed, you can't call the police as they don't get involved.
Thank for putting all that on here for all to see. Are you not aware that all Government agencies and Insurance companies follow Social media aswell? You are clearly not aware how the current world works ( I know it's not fair or clever) but it won't be long before you get a tap on the door or your Insurance company will not pay out. Oh, and it's pretty much illegal in the UK.
It's something me and the Mrs would like to do. But im not sure if I'd receive enough views or how i could earn and if i would survive. It's her dream goal in life. Cheers for advice 👍 Wish you the best
In Poland for example, you don't need a permanent address, as no address is written on your id or even required. You just apply and pick it up yourself from a designed office. It goes against data protection act to even send such documents via post. If someone would intercept these document, you possibly could wake up with some huge debts to pay off. I still reckon, british government is run by some proper imbeciles.
Ah cheers for watching, I appreciate the concern but I do look after myself, there's plenty of stuff you don't see on camera that goes in my day to day 🙂
@@TheUrbanMotorhomeplease look up carnavour diet, it's pretty much evident with carnavour diet you diabetes will disappear....I'm carnavour for last 6 weeks my type 2 has almost gone now..... Just meat nothing else....please check out vids on carnavour diet and diabetes..will suprise you....hard to do becomes easier with discipline for health benefits. You will also loose tone of weight also..
More top tips. I am watching your stuff all the time now, got about 3 months till I move out and live in my van full time. Viewing it as a positive (aged 60 and life took a different turn)
Thanks Buddy for all of your content.
How did you maintain a legal driving license without an address? Something i need
I'm about to embark on permanent vanlife and intend to use Royal Mail's Redirection service to send post to one of those mail address services. So I can continue to have my Passport, Driving Licence and Insurance based at my old address, even though I will no longer live there. The service is about a hundred quid a year. Plus £18 per month for the address at the other end. So I'm budgeting £320 a year for these services.
Wicked idea man! Chiefed! 😄
You'll be able to do that for a maximum of 4 years. Royal Mail will assume you've had the time to change your addresses by then. I know from experience.
Are you doing this now?
Exactly... Just as I'm finding out now 😢@@JonRendell-lz9lg
The problem with that is thar van insurance is based on your address. If you give one that isn't actually where you live, your insurance can be void. As for banks, giving the wrong address is classed as fraud.
Your living the dream, love you man, you make me smile every video, keep up the good work
Thanks Darren. Great informative video as always. Been looking at van life for ages but wary of the address pitfalls.
A permanent address is pretty vital unless you want to disappear under the radar. As you say you have Driving Licence, Vehicle registration and passport that you have no options now but to use a permanent address for. Banks are ok if you have already have an account. Just use the apps. But they will need an address to post your debit card. They only last around 3 years. You might be able to collect from a high street bank. You also have the taxman, national Insurance and state pension/s to contend with. This is all online now but they will need an address. With so many van lifers out there nowadays and many looking to take it up, it would be good to see a body set up where people could officially register a mobile home and use a Government run PO Box.
I went through all of this last year with the new DVLA rules in place. It's a long story and a long read but I was successful and I hope it helps you.
I was living on a boat with a permanent mooring ( ie, an address) but gave up the mooring due to cost. The advice I had was get a Mail Boxes Etc ( MBE) mail box and transfer all your Bank accounts, insurance, everything you have first, before contacting DVLA. MBE costs about £300 a year but importantly it is an HMRC approved fully legal residential address and my bank was happy to register credit cards and the account to that address. It is NOT a P.O. Box. The level of proof of identity is much higher, You need your current Drivers licence or passport to get an MBE box. Basically those old associations were rife with fraud and you can't run a business legally from a P.O. Box but you can with an MBE box. All government accounts were happy to accept my Box no as my new address. Except DVLA!!
It took a few months and quite a few letters but I got it in the end. They were SO obstructive but then I found out... They say they refuse to issue licences to this kind of address but they really mean they don't issue the plastic photocards with a mail box address. The card is not the licence, only the courts can take away your licence, not the DVLA, they are just the admin. so when they say licence they are really just talking about the card.
The problem comes with Drivers licence now being needed to vote ( I think this is the key reason for the change of policy) and being the central piece of ID for most people but you are still legal to drive even if you don't have the plastic photocard. The police etc have all that info online, they don't really need to see the card but you will have to provide proof of your I.D if asked, passport , V5C all help. Importantly, you must inform DVLA of your change of address, so by giving them your Box no, you have legally done your bit.
It took half a dozen letters to get my photocard I honestly don't know if was was just my persistence that made them relent, or if it was me stating that I will no longer be living in a bricks and mortar, council tax rated property and I understand that I will be losing my right to vote. ( You will lose your right to vote by not having your name on any Council tax bill) My letters included
the info I'm giving you. I believe it is not a change in the law ( as DVLA would like to to believe) just a change in policy.
With regards to vehicle insurance. They accepted my address but by stating my vehicle is kept overnight on the street then you are covered for a vehicle being not at your address overnight. It may cost a bit more than saying it's in your driveway or garage but, hey.
Good luck and be persistent
Darren is the Man. A Man that cares for People.
Such a lovely happy man ! and good no bullshit info. thank you, keep up the good work
Great Vidio. Just had a life changing experience & now have to live in my van full time. All this is new to me so vidios like this are extremely helpfully, thanks so much for producing them
Video
Love this guy, makes me laugh & he’s got it all sussed.
sterling insurance is saying they insure you to live in your van full time and that they accept a families address for mail. iv not called them yet so only stating there website
thanks for the tip's and tricks on living in a van / motorhome full-time.
One to mention Darren if we may is just getting repeat prescriptions. Each pharmacy has a unique nhs code so a phone call to your doctor and by giving them the address of the pharmacy, your repeat can be sent. We were away and Ally needed something she'd left at 🏡 and forgotten about. A phone call to the doctors and she picked up an emergency prescription from a pharmacy 200 miles away from home. 👍👍 Great video. Hope you're keeping well.
if you get the nhs app all your request are all done by your own computer really good app
Moving into my van in 2 weeks, got so scared about all this so glad i found this video!
Perfect, thank you, I need this advice as I will be becoming a Van dweller mid 2025, basically gaining knowledge, thank you, top marks.
I’ve used the same Post Office Box Address for the last 40+ Years, despite living in 10+ different Houses and several periods Overseas.
But banks and other official organizations don’t accept PO Box, right?
@@TomJamesOfficial Officially they may have difficulties with it, but when Push comes to Shove they can accept it
@@michaelodonoghue7464 I tried everything but they couldn't accept it. They need proof of address like a utility bill, which you can't get for a PO Box.
And don't forget to add a link for the new delta !
Awesome video thank you Darran
The people like DVLA and passport office etc need to start moving with the times address shouldn't even need to be on driving license anymore it should just be full name and date of birth . Wonder what travelers do who have never lived in a house.
The govt hates alternative lifestyles- they always try to make them more restrictive and more expensive. It used to be cheap to live on the river- not anymore. It was once cheap to live in a caravan- not anymore. Any kind of opt-out, or off-grid situation is treated with suspicion. Other countries are far more laid back when it comes to transient lifestyles, but the Tories have made it virtually impossible to do it easily now.
@@danielcarr7090 100% agree we are now starting to see the clampdown against van lifers because that movement has blown up and more and more people are choosing that way of life and like you say the gov cant tax the hell out of that .
@@danielcarr7090 they dont like people being free the govt are all into the gestapo vibe man
Can you not get a po box
the post comes to their house rented to someone else or to their friends house rented to someone.
Love the kitchen in your van
😂😂😂😂😂 Mevi is like the shopkeeper in MR Benn as if by magic he appears 🤔🤣
😄👍
Great info Darren 👍
To be fair its tricky when it comes to providing an address. We are considering purchasing a cheap house up north, while we have regular work remotely and which can also be done on the road.
We would then try to have a lodger stay at this property to help cover regular bills of the property. This will be our main residence, with a mortgage. Its all theory yet and of course need a deposit, granted not everyone can afford.
plenty of places let you use there address and forward mail on or keep it to pick it up when your around, it does cost and its not cheap as long as its not a po box no type thing , ive used my paid mailing address for years as im in a canal boat or camper travelling i use it for everything so it does work
May I ask what company you use?
iv been a van man for the last 4 yrs now i live out side ov work in a clapped out old ford 1988 motorhome -ish thingy, getting new better old van at end ov month and yes iv had to put mums address on my licence and bloody bank account ....wangers
That eco flow is amazing... off to have a proper looksies (after video) x
I'm pretty sure _Poste Restante_ at a Post Office still works. Postmasters don't like it though so play fair with them.
Daz and I did talk about including Poste Restante but for the reasons you mention, we decided to leave it out. We even tried it out for ourselves and were told no. We could be sending people off on a fruitless pursuit to try it themselves.
For anyone reading this reply, it's at the discretion of the branch and you need to ask permission before using it. It is limited to 3 months AND you need to provide proof of address so it's only valid if you are actually AWAY from your "chosen address". Much of the information on the royalmail website suggests the service is for holidaymakers and overseas visitors.
please no more power banks.
Why not let the guy earn a few quid from a decent product that's relevant? It's not like he's promoting some random vitamin powder that promises to increase your pecker and grow back hair on a bald head. Jeez.
@@bobchorba7268 well my pecker is fine, but some more hair would be great.
Please don't even say the word, POWER BANKS
Just me wanting a Power Bank then 🤪
I pulled out my old lead acid batteries and the whole van runs off a power bank. Charged off solar. Lights, fridge, heater, laptops, appliances, the lot.
I’m wondering about monthly prescriptions. I’m in the US so it’s a very large country, I don’t want to drive 2,000miles sometimes 2 days drive to go home to get my prescriptions and then drive back to where I was every month. Here if you transfer prescriptions to other pharmacies every month or so, it’s flagged as suspicious and you can get into trouble. I’m not sure how to navigate it.
Hi Darren ,newly subscribed to your channel.This topic has always given us second thoughts about full time van life..It’s crazy in a society that’s so technologically driven and advanced, you still need a fixed address.Surely our phones ,which the majority of us carry,Surfice as proof of address and who we are ....Best wishes from Wales 🏴
The new-ish gov.uk digital identity thing even does a *credit check* to validate a residential address.
It's really, REALLY difficult to remove ourselves from the system, short of living in a tent in the woods somewhere.
We must be a bit backwards here in Australia, delta 2 not available to us yet
Thanks for your video I wanted to get a delta but I was put off with the number of cycles being only 80 , now it’s 3000 I’m getting one
It’s all down to your endorsement
Thanks mate
Delta 2 is only just released, keep asking your dealer, they will have some eventually.
@@alanhat5252 thanks mate , I will keep onto them
What about a socalled PO Box? Would that solve this problem?
What type of insurance have you got? I have heard that normal motorhome insurance is not suitable if you live in your motorhome permanently... Is that true? Where do I find this new insurance? On your video about costs you mention insurance but not what type... cheers
Nice video mate 😀😀😀
All good information.
I have a Q. How do you insured yet live 365 in Motorhome. Most insurers say only for 3 months at a time ie 90 days continuous only !! What have you told your insurers Please.
Hi Daz really really interesting video really really looking forward to seeing your next video keep safe 😷👍🏻
FFS masks don't work
Darren I'm about to do my HGV class 1 licence wheres best to start with motor homes to live in please help I'm based in East Yorkshire HULL
There are only a couple of motorhome places around hull. One opposite B&Q that sells conversions, another behind BP Woodmansey that sells all sorts (phone ahead as they seem to be open randomly). If you look around, there are a few more on normal car sales forecourts. There's another one off the A63 out near Ellerker - good range of newer models, although the prices will be even higher than they already are.
You might consider driving inland to say Leeds which seems to have a few more places.
Adorable.
Hi Darren. Great watching all your vids mate. We are thinking of becoming full time in a few years, need to get out of this country (don't get me started). We lived in Bulgaria 10 years ago and was really his hard when we returned being that we were not on the 'electoral role' as we rented our house out. We could not get even a mobile phone or credit at all. I want to avoid this next time and wonder what it is we can do. I know putting my address down as my sons address is an option but will that increase his council tax bill?
Hi Dan, out of curiosity fella what do you do for work
Don't need an address on your driver's license in New Zealand. But if you can not prove your address, the banks here in New Zealand will with hold your account until they are satisfied where you are staying.
Amazing so informative. Just found u from a recommendation on Facebook. I was full time van life untill October. Hoping to get back on the road in early 2023. Happy travels
Hey there, welcome to the channel. Daz and the team have put together some really useful videos. There's big plans for the new year too, so watch out for that. #teamurban
You don't have to have a bank account. You could use payment cards, which you can do everything the same as a bank, but you don't get interest (is it worth it these days anyway!), and you can use a mail service as an address to receive the cards. Many many out there... and probably safer than a bank account especially at the moment.
Good suggestion. You might not even need to have a pre-pay card if you use their mobile app NFC payments.
I only have experience with Monzo, which gives the user an account number and sort code, so employer payroll could probably pay wages to that.
Probably worth investigating more for the channel.
Thanks for the great comment! I'll mention it to Daz.
He’ll buy a house one day he won’t always live in a van so you do need bank accounts.
Love your vids mate,I’d like one of those ecoflows for my new van, gotta get my head round the solar power and heating and get an mot, they look like good back up…!
Click and collect I guess would work, as long as you know where ur gonna be
City address is 40£/year and forward your mail to anywhere on your prepaid account….
Great video as always Daz! Any more Parkup videos coming our way soon? A parkup / fishing 👌😀 keep up the good work mate ….. Smithy
Hi Darren thanks for the videos. What insurance company do you use, I'm trying to find one that covers full time live aboard with no permanent address. Cheers
So some told me recently that the DVLA are stopping people using a C/O address on your driving license.... has anyone heard if this is true?
it's in the video at 8:13
Hi, Where do you get your motorhome washed ?.
I've seen him wash it himself. 😄👍
Would the DVLA send V5 and license to a foreign campsite?
They send it to the registered address. I don't even think royal mail will redirect if you paid for that.
I wonder if one could start a dormant ltd company, or register as self employed (which will use your own name anyway) employ the services of a local independent accountant (fees should be minimal for a dormant company or annual self assessment) and just use that address for all correspondence, ie bank acc, doctors, DVLA etc? Obviously not for everything such as parcels etc. but for the important ‘legal’ stuff. Could be a viable option for anyone without friends & family. DVLA should be ok, it’s just an address. Interested to know if anyone has thoughts on this?
Thank you Darren. Anyone watching this know if it is possible to get a DBS for care work ?
You can get the dbs update service online so it stays on their
What about BANKS M8
Temporary registration with an NHS doctor or dentist? Good luck trying that.
NHS Doctors are not allowed to turn you away. It's law
Temporarily registering does work at the doctors, friends of mine have done it whilst travelling when one had a medical emergency 👍🏻
" I don't know if I just made that up" 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
I'm thinking about this
Hey daz. Love your videos etc. keep them coming mate. Just a question about addresses. With new rules like clean air zones, ULEZ etc. does this mean that if your address from your family member is inside one of these areas.does your vehicle have to comply with this even though you don’t take the vehicle 5here ?
The charges apply only when actually driving inside the ULEZ or a CAZ.
Being registered inside the ULEZ doesn't save any money either as far as I can tell - after the grace period to allow time for residents to change their vehicle, the full daily charge applies within the ULEZ.
It's all done on cameras, you only get charged if you pass a camera.
U can use a P.o.box from the Postoffice but this is a expensive option for most u mail as long it reg with an address ie friend or family
Also u can also use your Works address for mail if u get on with the owners and ask them i had my licences bank cards etc sent there and passport to etc and they dont mind holding it for u when i did seasonal work in Scotland as i lived on site they dident mind my parking up there but only use this as last resort
Do you know of someone that will service a diesel heater?
Thank you…
Ian
Van Life….
Is is a no-brand Chinese heater? If you have a set of Allen keys, spaners and some needle nosed pliers, you can disassemble them fairly easy for a good clean out. They are super simple inside really. You can think of them as an oil lamp with a supercharger bolted on.
Great video thank you. Maybe a silly question but if you use a famiies address will they then pay council tax on your name being there?
Sorry for the late reply but Council Tax is only paid for people living at the property, if 2 or more people live there then an additional person won’t affect the payment (there is a discount available if only 1 person is registered at the address). I think that the Council Tax information is used for voter registration so if you’re not listed on the CT then you may not be able to vote.
Thank for that, just watched. Seems a little precarious at times. You sound like a great bloke, take care.
For deliveries of goods, if you have a day job just use that :)
In prep for motorhome life I am currently a property guardian.
I am lucky really as I have been preparing to live off grid for a few years now, going from rental with tenancy agreements to now a guardian licence.
Its also a great way to save money for your off-grid adventure!
What is a guardian license? Is this a US thing?
I am in the UK @@Mustbetrue133 google property guardians
Sorry I've I got the wring video about post and doctors or a promo for power banks
Hi Darren & fellow hgv driver.
Yet another fab vid.
I was going to make my iveco daily mk3 lwb into a camper van but allas I dont have the time ( work )
The weather or daylight so am now looking to buy a lwb motorhome.
My budget is £25000
What would you you suggest as a first time motorhome buyer.
Kind regards
Glyn
Hi Glyn, another truckie here... I was in same situation as you and decided to get a motorhome over a converted van. Best decision ever. Just be mindful that in with your budget you will need to budget extra for solar panels, more batteries and maybe refillable lpg tank. I went with a 2002 Fiat based Pilote. Good luck 👍
@@PK_Blinder
Hi & thank you.
I split with my missus in march thank God as marriage had bean dead for 10 years.
My first marriage & her second.
Boy from first marriage was the sporn of satan.
She ended up getting personality disorder which killed our marriage.
It's too expensive to rent anywhere now & I don't want to be stuck in bricks & mortar either.
I have solar I bought for van & 2 140 am agm batteries ÷ one from halfords.
So got all I need for solar & a 6000-8000w inverter
I do 2 to 3 nights out a week so renting a place is a waste. I park at work on a Monday and don't move till Friday. Then do what I want at weekend. I've done it totally off grid for 2 years and love it. Only thing I'll say is maybe budget for more solar, I have 600w on the roof and I need that in the winter... Good luck 👍
@@glynatmore1817 don't mix batteries, they take each other out!
It's the only time I've ever seen a lead-acid battery at zero Volts.
@@glynatmore1817 why do you need such a big inverter? Are you running a rock-music sound stage?
Quick question my friend
Do you have blow air heating, off you gas heater
If yes do you use it ,or do you just use the gas heater. I have just noticed the motor home I have bought hasn't got blow air heating. Have I made a big mistake 😕
as a workaround, a computer cooling fan works well for circulating the heat, they're mostly 12V so just wire straight in or through a cigarette lighter socket. You only need a small one.
@@alanhat5252 brilliant idea, I will do that
I'm going to start the videos soon, so will use that idea 💡 if you don't mind 😉
Yeah the motorhome came with blown air heating mate but I fitted a diesel heater to it which has been a game changer! Look in to doing that if you can (although that fan idea Alan mentioned also sounds like a great workaround in the mean time)
Hi!
Thank You for the video!
I still have one question.
We are going to buy a motorhome. But we are Ukrainian refugees in the UK. So we don’t have any friend’s or parents address here. Now we have our sponsor’s address. But what should we do next year…
What can you tell us about that?
Hi Darren, I’m confused! Ecoflow delta 2, the Amazon link is for an item at £749 described as delta 2 extra battery, whilst the ecoflow website has the delta 2 at £1099. Is the Amazon item just an add on battery expansion which needs the delta 2 or is it a standalone power station but £350 cheaper?
Hi Simon, I’ve just checked the link which was a direct link to the delta 2 power station however it now seems that ecoflow/Amazon have changed the link to the battery, even the official ecoflow page on Amazon links to the extra battery rather than the unit. I’ll keep an eye on it and update it soon as it changes.
Very informative
Informative m8 good video muka tc
What if it’s a bulky item that can’t fit in the locker?
Amazon pickup points include Post Office counters, newsagents, etc.
I once had a gigantic box of mine arrive at a local sweetshop. They were very happy when I came to collect it. 😁
@@Mevi 🤣🤣
It is possible to do van life and work for example van drivers who drive everyday they perfect for van life livein
Can you have regular job & live vanlife?
I find you really funny and cute 😄
Most of the things is neither here or there regarding addres's, but DVLA is a bit different, it is an offence to not change your address to where you are living on your license, so if you have your driving license address at your brothers but your not actually living there, hmmm, not sure about that one.
11.32 Where are you at night? 😆 🤣 😂
Please all go to your bank and ask this important question 🙏
There are only two insurance companies that insure legally for fulltime insurance.
If in an accident these are the only iones that will pay out.
We pay £1200 a year. We have asked many insurance companies and they all say the same.
Who are the two companies please?
what are the comapanies then please ?
How do you get a job with no address in fact how do you make money and travel
No different to working while sofa surfing. PAYE needs a legal address, same as all your other legal address needs. If your "chosen address" (family, friend, rented) is OK to give your employer (or the taxman if you're self employed) then it's all good.
I was full-time employed and full-time Vanlife at the same time.
Hi I have one of you if you need a doctor when you are away you can go to a walk-in center. You fill a small form for address IE your family or friends you may need ID and they will see you
If you haven’t got any support?….
I'm in a similar situation, but here is my solution to that:
You could try renting a room for the address. These are hard times, so perhaps someone will let you rent their box room or understairs cupboard for a small amount (you won't actually be living there, after all). Somewhere to keep things you don't often need, like seasonal clothes and bedding - keep your van clutter free. You might even be able to get some fresh water or do your laundry from time to time.
Check the community board at your local shop, co-op, etc.
You can apply for quick passport and collect from passport office with interview..should be an issue
@@Mevi What did you do or are you doing now 2 years on?
Daz freestyling nomad post lol
So wot is a deler2 you never say wot it’s for !!!!
If I own a bacon company, I’m sponsoring this guy … 😅 I think when he finds his passion the weight will come down
😂
Fixed address required by the uk so you invest, can be located, and become the norm and like all the rest. Ridiculous. Also btw don't over trust your bank, there is an unwritten law that if the bank takes your money or your account has money removed, you can't call the police as they don't get involved.
Nonsense. If it’s “unwritten”, then it’s not a law.
Snap.
I also have type2 diabetes
I am gonna join you next year on the road, i am in Edinburgh and provoking my financial future to be able to afford vanlife.
Correct me if I’m wrong but I’m 99% certain you posted a blank empty envelope 😂
Had to be you that spotted that didn’t it! 🤣🤣🤣👍🏻
What a missed opportunity for an Easter Egg. Maybe Daz sending his letter to Santa.
First!! 😄👍
Another good video
Thanks Darren.
Thank for putting all that on here for all to see. Are you not aware that all Government agencies and Insurance companies follow Social media aswell? You are clearly not aware how the current world works ( I know it's not fair or clever) but it won't be long before you get a tap on the door or your Insurance company will not pay out. Oh, and it's pretty much illegal in the UK.
It's something me and the Mrs would like to do. But im not sure if I'd receive enough views or how i could earn and if i would survive. It's her dream goal in life. Cheers for advice 👍 Wish you the best
Literally no clue what you're going in about try watching this video whilst not knowing what the machine is for 😂😂😂
Don't amazon do razors
❤️ following soon I'll be free like you mate 🥰
In Poland for example, you don't need a permanent address, as no address is written on your id or even required. You just apply and pick it up yourself from a designed office. It goes against data protection act to even send such documents via post. If someone would intercept these document, you possibly could wake up with some huge debts to pay off. I still reckon, british government is run by some proper imbeciles.
Sorry turned off video too much talk on power banks
I'm sure he's a lovely chap but he could waffle for England ! Use a relatives address. You're not doing anything illegal then.
Ten minutes later, use a friend or family.
Darran i love your channel, please start looking after yourself and your diabetes ♥
Ah cheers for watching, I appreciate the concern but I do look after myself, there's plenty of stuff you don't see on camera that goes in my day to day 🙂
@@TheUrbanMotorhomeplease look up carnavour diet, it's pretty much evident with carnavour diet you diabetes will disappear....I'm carnavour for last 6 weeks my type 2 has almost gone now..... Just meat nothing else....please check out vids on carnavour diet and diabetes..will suprise you....hard to do becomes easier with discipline for health benefits. You will also loose tone of weight also..
Trust DVLA to be bastards, I can see people simply not telling them
doesn't answer the question this video is a con
9 mins 36 secs of hands waving at me just for that? What a bloody joke.
Geez...is hypergesticulation a requirement now for youtube/tictok etc? It looks ridiculous and do fake!!
getting stuff for free , to encourage us to buy it , is not work in my opinion,