MONTHLY VANLIFE COSTS - Travelling Full Time in TWO Campervans

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  • čas přidán 12. 09. 2024
  • Just how much does it cost every month to live & travel in a campervan or motorhome in the UK? We track our expenses over the past 3 months and bring you a full breakdown if how much we spend on Fuel, Food, Mobile phones and all the other regular costs, but we didn't stop there, we did this individually so we could work our what our individual costs are and then add those up and see how these costs compare to us living together in a motorohome.
    We also give advice about cost cutting and getting the best deals to lower your costs too.
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Komentáře • 212

  • @susangoodall5037
    @susangoodall5037 Před 7 měsíci +17

    Very informative guys..As you both say you can't put a price on getting out of the rat race and enjoying travelling and quality time together...Priceless ❤❤❤

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci +4

      We all need to prioritise being happy, what works for us might not work for others, but we should all strive to be happy ❤️

  • @davidsally_pizzatony
    @davidsally_pizzatony Před 7 měsíci +6

    I love these type of videos, never get bored with them, love the detail you go into as well…

  • @shirleyvickers7615
    @shirleyvickers7615 Před 7 měsíci +12

    you two being happier is priceless

  • @colindean-xn4es
    @colindean-xn4es Před 7 měsíci +5

    Love it! And a really interesting video as we’re all nosy buggers aren’t we 😂 I would have lost a bet there as I’d have sworn John would be more 🥴… Happiness is priceless so keep vanning together in two 🚐🚐🥳

  • @brianmcclure8012
    @brianmcclure8012 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Great you've found a pattern that works for you both and at a very reasonable cost. Clearly the 'Smiles per mile' metric is well in the green!!. Many thanks for a very informative video!!

  • @juliavanderhoek5728
    @juliavanderhoek5728 Před měsícem

    Sorry to hear you are in a rollercoaster again 😢 From Holland we wish you all the best and a good and fast recovery!

  • @kimdeabill8540
    @kimdeabill8540 Před 7 měsíci +3

    Thanks for sharing. As you say John, there weren't things like loo roll, washing up liquid, salt, pepper, fundamentals, but that you don't buy every week. Worth looking at accounts to divi up the real costs, not as criticism, just it can be a shock, especially comparing with previous years. Helps you have learnt so many skills so you can DIY. Good call including everything rather than being inundated with comments... like I just did. 😂😊

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      If you watch the video you’ll see the shop we did wasn’t just multiplied by 4, it’s all very well explained in the video. You make it sound like we didn’t seriously work this all out, then try and make out you’re trying not to criticise us. I’m not one for criticising people, but you clearly need to learn manners and to pay attention.

    • @kimdeabill8540
      @kimdeabill8540 Před 7 měsíci +2

      I did both and was complimenting you both on your honesty, and the fact that you clearly pointed out, from the off, that this wasn't a be all and end all shop cost. Jeez, compliment you and you are so on the defensive you resort to rudeness. I'd politely, not rudely, suggest you need to read your subscribers comments and consider your attitude and manners. No doubt this will be removed but I'll remove myself first. Shame as I was one of your advocates when others in the vlogging community commented on your rudeness..

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      It’s not anywhere close to a compliment if you also have a go criticising and then making yourself look bad by saying we didn’t truly account for our spending.
      As for being rude, that’s a misconception of the reality where a person is expressing their honest response to your comment.
      We’re not here to be berated or criticise in error, we’re here to share our experiences and will strongly defend ourselves against anyone, especially your suggestion that “Worth looking at accounts to divi up real costs” seems like you think Mandy’s accountancy knowledge isn’t up to the job AND insinuating we hadn’t given real costs in our video.
      We’re always open for constructive feedback & open discussions though, as you can clearly see from other comments here.

  • @Rich-n-Cooper
    @Rich-n-Cooper Před 7 měsíci +1

    As a fellow Chocolate snob this was great info guys and very comprehensive list! Interesting to also see its cheaper than the motorhome. For many i'm sure and me included, the ability to travel and work while saving over the more traditional house based life is one of the major attractions. Be interesting to see the comparision between summer and winter living now your vans are built too. Im thinking ill have to say on a few sites in the winter to supliment the lower solar and to just get a break from the constant need to move on each day / every few days.

  • @Vintage_and_Happy
    @Vintage_and_Happy Před 4 měsíci

    Very interesting. I'm wanting to do van life, but my husband isn't ready to leave the rat race.
    Might have to do it alone.

  • @richardhewitt.easyvanlife.6957
    @richardhewitt.easyvanlife.6957 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Hi John and Mandy, I’m a recent convert to Aldi shopping, it’s so much cheaper. Unfortunately they sell Mars bars different names really cheap, I eat far too many. Yes loverly spot there, I’ve been your neighbour couple of days.

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci +2

      Hi neighbour 😁 what a lovely spot.

  • @lesleypyke8554
    @lesleypyke8554 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Great breakdown guys, particularly comparing it with the time you had the moho 👏 it will vary depending on how you like to journey, but always good for showing others what it can mean (especially those at the start of their journey). PS i spent an absolute fortune on my first roadtrip 😂 and hadnt gone that far 😂😂😂😂 always a learning experience 😅

  • @Roadshome
    @Roadshome Před 7 měsíci +1

    Almost an impossible question guys. It depends so much on your own person choice on were you go what you eat and how much. 😊

  • @angdrumm
    @angdrumm Před 7 měsíci +2

    Very interesting comparison, I’m like Mandy and would have thought it would be more expensive. It’s nice to treat yourself now and again too 😀 Like you say, your happiness is priceless

  • @jackiestokes6502
    @jackiestokes6502 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Hey guys. A very informative post. Thank you for sharing this with us.. looking forward to more great adventures ahead with you both ❤❤

  • @dudeleboski2692
    @dudeleboski2692 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Mandy, I beg to differ, but BLUE ROLLS, are by far the most cost effective way of using “Kitchen Paper”

    • @unadventurousmandy
      @unadventurousmandy Před 7 měsíci

      Ah.. I didn’t say cheaper as I’d totally agree with you on the blue roll - the kitchen roll I bought is literally the best, you use 1 sheet of that for 25 sheets of blue 😁🙌🏻

  • @andypugh2000
    @andypugh2000 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Having 2 vans is an excellent idea. Myself and my partner have separate houses. It works for us too 😊

    • @adrianhydephotography
      @adrianhydephotography Před 7 měsíci

      I don’t think you are alone in this. As long as you are both happy nothing else matters. ❤❤❤

  • @adrianmichell2751
    @adrianmichell2751 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Very informative and nice to see both of you happy .
    Make model engine and mpg comparison would be very interesting!
    Keep up the vantastic videos.
    Have fun.
    Thankyou😊😊

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      The most we do is comment on the frequency we each fill up & what it costs. Otherwise we don’t keep detailed mpg stats etc.

  • @sccobyste
    @sccobyste Před 7 měsíci +1

    Do you guys not do much veg ? My mum would tell me off for not having greens ❤

  • @caroleagar6790
    @caroleagar6790 Před 7 měsíci

    We spend well over double that on shopping and no fruit or veg 😂 it's great that you are so handy John as you are saving lots by servicing and repairing yours and Mandy's vans. A oil and filter change alone on our boxer costs £101.

  • @debdavet-cornwallandbeyond1649

    Thanks guys. Nice insight into monthly costs. Something we're looking at as we, get closer to semi retirement and more travelling from October.

  • @zubeystinzen540
    @zubeystinzen540 Před 7 měsíci

    I stayed at the pilgrim fathers next to the haven, absolutely beautiful place, I didn't realise that Boston harbour was so busy with it being tidal 👍

  • @johndgn
    @johndgn Před 7 měsíci

    Interesting 👍, we did a couple of 6 month stints, half the time campsites, Tour de Lidl etc and were about £1400 per month for the 2 of us. If you add in say van depreciation, big repairs you could get to £2000 per month. I need to sharpen up for this year's long stint or eat less greens 😉

  • @vivienne3757
    @vivienne3757 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Thank you for this information, it nice to hear how much it costs you both, thank you. 😊

  • @Pugwash.
    @Pugwash. Před 7 měsíci

    Have you ever had to call RAC? I was with them for a few years but they got really bad at attending breakdowns. On one occasion they told my wife that she had had an accident, not a breakdown, when she hit a piece of debris in the road. They would not attend even though I had comprehensive breakdown cover. The police attended, put her spare wheel on for her and escorted her to a safe exit to make sure she was ok. I have other stories. Since switched to another breakdown company too.

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      I’ve used them for years and they’ve always been there for me whenever I’ve needed them, including helping me out when I had the adblue problems.

  • @yaminthegrey
    @yaminthegrey Před 7 měsíci

    Hari OM
    I am thinking of the basic van running costs as being the alternative to paying council tax for the sticks and bricks... so when I eventually sell The Hutch, The Grey will be no more costly than my already rather budget-friendly flat. Food is such a variable - and of course has gone up considerably since your last vid of two years ago. Great little insight to the averages there, peeps! YAM xx

  • @dsnyder1212
    @dsnyder1212 Před 7 měsíci

    From your #1 fan in NC, USA thank you both for sharing, for making this work, and it coming out 100 pounds cheaper is the icing on the cake!

  • @stephenrussell6074
    @stephenrussell6074 Před 7 měsíci +2

    You did miss tyres and some of the extra items in the service schedules, timing belts full brake fluid change etc.

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      That’s irregular maintenance.

    • @stephenrussell6074
      @stephenrussell6074 Před 7 měsíci +1

      @@johnmandy it’s actually part of the service schedule of most vehicles it just has longer intervals some for example, are brake fluid every 30000 miles/36 Months. Timing belt every 60000 miles etc. Part of the reason for cars breaking down is people just repeating the same service and not following the manufacturers schedule.

    • @stephenrussell6074
      @stephenrussell6074 Před 7 měsíci

      @@johnmandy replacing brake pads and tyres is irregular maintenance but I didn’t include the tyres in the service schedule. You should have a service guide for each van and at 10 years there would have been a lot that should have been done many of which should be done if you have no record that they were

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      Just to clarify, you watched a video about monthly costs. So I’m not about to talk about service items that happened every few years. If you follow the channel you’ll know I service the vans correctly.

  • @beepythevellfire
    @beepythevellfire Před 7 měsíci +1

    Thank you for sharing that, really interesting stuff. Makes me want to travel more than ever!

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci +1

      You should!

    • @beepythevellfire
      @beepythevellfire Před 7 měsíci +1

      @@johnmandy just in the process of playing Van Tetris at the moment, and decluttering my home so I can downsize. 😄😄

  • @TheBlueOwl21
    @TheBlueOwl21 Před 6 měsíci +1

    Just found your channel and this is my first watched video, just wondering why you have separate vans ?

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 6 měsíci

      Hi, this video should explain more
      czcams.com/video/oivjODx1pSc/video.html

  • @adrianhydephotography
    @adrianhydephotography Před 7 měsíci

    Very interesting thanks for taking the time to do this. You can’t put a price on happiness. Did you keep the factory space? I love it that you worked everything out because you make the perfect couple. ❤❤❤

  • @michellechapman6961
    @michellechapman6961 Před 7 měsíci

    Really enjoyed this video but then again I enjoy all your videos. Both of you look happy, contented and relaxed as Frank says You’re doing it your way so it’s nobody else’s beeswax, so there😂😂😉. Yesterday I spent £50 on fruit and veg for the three of us plus the dog which will last us around 10 days that’s not even including meat, think i definitely need more budget lessons. Thank you both and see you in the next one petals.

  • @swilson691
    @swilson691 Před 7 měsíci

    I am currently solo, not traveling yet, but I plan to get on the road as soon as I retire. However, if I happen to gain a traveling companion, he must have his own van. 🤷‍♀🤣

  • @maddiejohnson6088
    @maddiejohnson6088 Před 3 měsíci

    Super helpful video guys! Who do you guys use for insurance? Any recommendations?

  • @brianpoole4369
    @brianpoole4369 Před 5 měsíci

    John..why did you get rid of the motorhome..and get a van??...im interested to know..because..im looking to get a nice second hand motorhome...but i was surprised to see you now in a van

  • @unadventurousmandy
    @unadventurousmandy Před 6 měsíci

    Definitely better than I thought 🎉

  • @titusreene3949
    @titusreene3949 Před 7 měsíci

    Great information, it got me to check mine as i'm full time and it was around the same as you.

  • @sueb8270
    @sueb8270 Před 7 měsíci

    Very interesting that it's a bit cheaper, and certainly no more expensive, than the motorhome. Good stuff guys, thank you 👍

  • @MarcelEling
    @MarcelEling Před 7 měsíci

    Having a van for your own is a good choice I think🎉

  • @sallydavis1345
    @sallydavis1345 Před 7 měsíci

    Very interesting and informative video. And it works for you. That is what is important.

  • @ymbvanlife1808
    @ymbvanlife1808 Před 7 měsíci +1

    No disrespect £140 a month on food who you kidding you would be a 34 inch waste so your telling me you spend £5 a day on food

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      No disrespect, I think I can prove you wrong 🤣😂

  • @sweetpeainfrance6729
    @sweetpeainfrance6729 Před 7 měsíci

    Aldi is cheaper food but as I once had a worm in the steak I dont buy meat from Aldi or Lidl!!! Mandy didn't mention recovery assistance RCA costs..? Hygiene? Clothes Personal all extras! Plus you hav e tech outlay? I suppose it's called In English :"running costs". week;y / monthly / annually. Here there are no road tax explicit costs ... I guess that is the TAXE FONCIERE? MY Kangoo insurance including recovery in Europe and UK was + 750 last year... and maintenance costs for bi annual MOT was £1000 because needed tyres and 4 new break pads... with heating fans etc ON I didn't always hear the beeep telling me the hand brake was not fully DOWN... but now I know it's horrid habit so I push it down harder to its bed... not just release it! Food ad Household here in January was 150 e for one pluseating from the freezer as I filled with offers ( lower priced foods ) before Christmas ! Diesel apx the same but can be more expensive pick the supermarket and dont fill on autoroutes!!!! Of course for the worst months aka 3k you probably budget for just in case.... just as home owners have to budget for utility repairs and home insurances etc... plus our vehicles.. You might have other costs like the place where you did the work on the vans or storage space to pay for?????? :)
    VERY nice to hear.. as I wou;dnt like to be home less half way in my 70s although after seeing PAM the VAN she gave me the courage to start my idea and friends sourced a van but its a temp van for camping and I need someting better. Vehicles in France are certainly NOT inexpensive!!!!!!!! as there atre also government fees to transfer registration. number into the new ownership name!

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      Maintenance costs are explained, as are recovery costs for us both 👍🏻

  • @andrewsmith5639
    @andrewsmith5639 Před 7 měsíci

    Great video as always... thanks for the info guys, it seems I'm over spending! 😬🤭 love ya! 😘

  • @leemillington7164
    @leemillington7164 Před 7 měsíci

    Great draft hacks there John. I will be having some of them 😎

  • @whereonearth1
    @whereonearth1 Před 7 měsíci

    Great video especially as we are about to go full time. One thing id like to ask is have you got life insurance and are they ok with no fixed address?

  • @TheAdenau
    @TheAdenau Před 7 měsíci

    Hi guys, if you were charged £58.60 for the MOT you must have got a class 7 goods vehicle MOT, your vans are no longer goods vehicles, and should now be tested as presented, which makes it class 4. 👍

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      The V5 says light goods vehicle and that’s what they’re tested against.

    • @TheAdenau
      @TheAdenau Před 7 měsíci

      Hi, I'm just letting you know the MOT test class is a separate thing to the v5, the van is converted from a goods vehicle, it's now no longer a goods vehicle, so a goods vehicle MOT is incorrect for this vehicle, after conversion the test class should be changed by the tester on the next MOT to class 4.
      You are not alone, plenty people in converted vans are driving around with a class 7 MOT instead of a class 4, but as a 20 year MOT tester myself and the owner of a converted van I speak from experience, just thought you would want to know what is actually correct.

  • @JPJanni
    @JPJanni Před 7 měsíci

    Was just wondering if you are paying into a pension fund. I found this ‘ate’ a lot of income and was a big consideration. Now I am retired so glad I did it. Travel insurance though, now I am nearing 70 p, is getting a bit eye watering, despite ( luckily) having no medical conditions. We are not full time but do spend around 6 months of the year ( mostly Europe) in our MH and 2 months in Africa ( not MH).
    Enjoy both of your Chanel’s - thanks for all the hard work you do on making interesting content.

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      We do pay into pensions & savings but that’s not running costs of living in a van so isn’t included here.

  • @myrah1600
    @myrah1600 Před 7 měsíci

    Very interesting and put across very well. Normally I would not bother to watch financial breakdowns but this was very good indeedie

  • @jamesward5995
    @jamesward5995 Před 7 měsíci

    Interesting as ever. May be ok as a very much base line for someone but you had heaps missing... what about non engine maintenance and replacements (brakes, tyres, diesel heater parts etc), diesel for heating, clothing, phone contracts, gifts, Mandy's tat shops, cosmetics and toiletries, pubs, cafes, takeaways...
    Coming up to the start of our 13th year and we log everything, even money given to charity collection.
    One big saving is the flexplus account though. Travel insurers, europe wide breakdown cover, and phones cover (any vehicle you own or travel in) for £13 a month, although i had to pay top up for travel ins.
    PS, great park up at Boston tbough

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci +1

      Nothing was missed out from what we spend every month, but if you watch the video we say several times that you could spend more and do more, that’s up to you and what you want to do. As for tyres and brakes that’s every other year at least, so it’d be ott to include that in regular monthly costs.

  • @24473878
    @24473878 Před 7 měsíci

    Goodmorning to you both you just passed me nr Kelham nr Newark.I didn’t realise it was you until I saw Mandys van playing tail end Charley.safe travels.👋

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci +1

      It's a lovely day for a drive eh!

  • @anthonypaterson7066
    @anthonypaterson7066 Před 7 měsíci

    Hi both, very interesting, the only thing missing was the depreciation of both vehicles, as houses in theory will go up? Travel safely and be happy.

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      Since when does depreciation have anything to do with what you spend every month 🤷🏼‍♂️🤯

  • @andyturner2046
    @andyturner2046 Před 7 měsíci

    I couldn’t survive on £25 food per week. Mine is £60 on average. Lots of fruit and veg in the mix. Greek Yogurt and a variety of nuts etc. And don’t forget the bottle of red to wash it down 👍😃

  • @welshieonwheels
    @welshieonwheels Před 7 měsíci

    Thank you very much for the break down it was excellent, insurance is my next worry so thank you both good luck to you 👍👍👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇬🇧🇨🇦🦢

  • @leannearnold8326
    @leannearnold8326 Před 7 měsíci

    excellent as always guys - definitely enjoy the joint vlogs. Do you think you will both ever venture back over to Turkey etc?

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      Yes, once we tick a few other things off our list we’ll definitely go back to explore more of turkey.

  • @ScottishVanTrips
    @ScottishVanTrips Před 7 měsíci

    That was decent! I spend waaaay more on food!

  • @bettyourcampervan
    @bettyourcampervan Před 7 měsíci

    You two are just ace! Another great video ❤

  • @geoffcampbell7846
    @geoffcampbell7846 Před 7 měsíci

    That was really interesting, thank you for sharing. Take care.👋

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci +1

      Glad you enjoyed it 👍🏻

  • @ianemery7785
    @ianemery7785 Před 7 měsíci

    Hi, and thanks for your breakdown of your costs. I am intrigued regarding your van insurance however: you said in the video that you find your insurance through comparison sites but it is generally known that the only company that covers ‘full timers’ can’t be found on those sites. Are you not covered as full timers? I looked for premiums, spoke to lots of companies, told them I didn’t have a post code address, and got pushed to the one company, Comfort Insurance, and was quoted hugely more than you pay combined. How do you do it? Who do you use? Cheers👍

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      We travel 364 days a year and spend 2 days at our registered address and this is normal for all major insurers.

  • @dickiefido9981
    @dickiefido9981 Před 7 měsíci

    Very honest and i nteresting

  • @amandagrigg871
    @amandagrigg871 Před 7 měsíci

    What a very informative video thank you 😊

  • @tedwensing1842
    @tedwensing1842 Před 7 měsíci

    Did you forget having to buy 8 tyres every x amount of kms instead of 4, battery life, having to do two sets of brakes etc?

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      But the vans are lighter so tyres & brakes last longer, batteries last around 18 years, so you can see it’s all relative.

  • @Thefarrar46
    @Thefarrar46 Před 7 měsíci

    Hi , quite interestimg on vans. Your diets not the best but definitely is cheap. I spend more than you both together on food. Love the videos

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      That’s what makes life interesting, we all do things differently.

  • @51tazzman
    @51tazzman Před 7 měsíci

    I need to come shopping with you two if your monthly shop is around £150 ! I live on my own and it is double that at least . Did you include snacks , cleaning products and personal care items ?

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      Yes, our monthly shop includes everything you’d go through each month.

  • @andieatgoodmorningfromthes7741
    @andieatgoodmorningfromthes7741 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Do you struggle to eat fruit and veg in the van?

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci +1

      No, we do eat more of that in the summer 👍🏻

  • @markh2471
    @markh2471 Před 7 měsíci

    Great vlog 👍 would be very interesting to hear your thoughts on what a tool kit for these vans should consists of. Any tips on essentials etc and anything you think would be good to have for servicing and basic repair emergencies based on your experience.

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci +2

      There’s a video on here all about the type of maintenance kit I carry around 👍🏻

    • @markh2471
      @markh2471 Před 7 měsíci

      @@johnmandy Oh nice 👍 I’ll search it out 🙂

  • @JuanCarlosSendon
    @JuanCarlosSendon Před 7 měsíci

    I was surprised how expensive it was to insure my Ford Camper ( inclusive of European Insurance ) considering the years I have driving and without convictions!!!
    However, even after the costs it’s definitely worth it for the Holidays and weekend trips.

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci +1

      It’s what’s acceptable for you budget & travels isn’t it 😎

    • @JuanCarlosSendon
      @JuanCarlosSendon Před 7 měsíci +1

      @@johnmandy It is! However I was very naive of the start up costs. I just thought I would purchase a van, get it converted and then pretty much it would be cheap as chips😂
      It isn’t just the insurances but all the accessories and upkeep of the van that they can very expensive… Fancy servicing my van John? 😆

    • @johnwaynesaggers1816
      @johnwaynesaggers1816 Před 7 měsíci

      Get to Portugal cheaper there uk is nothing but Rip off piss take on insurance food generally living lol 😅😅

  • @sherreegowns695
    @sherreegowns695 Před 7 měsíci

    Great video - thank you for the information- that works out to about $1000 Canadian dollars and seems very reasonable for the lifestyle that you have. Epic, as John would say😊
    Lovely to see you travelling together but separately - being happy and content with your new lifestyle.
    seems to be working very well for both of you. I have long been a believer in having personal time and together time - this ticks all the boxes. You both get some breathing space and you both get the opportunity to visit, family friends and some of these wonderful places together.
    Happy trails. Stay safe
    See you on the next one
    All the best
    Sherree - Ontario

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      Thank you. We follow a few vanlifers in Canada and it seems far more expensive over there for fuel & groceries.

    • @sherreegowns695
      @sherreegowns695 Před 7 měsíci +1

      It definitely is more expensive and opportunities for free camping or off grid camping are few and far between unless you are in northern Ontario and can take advantage of the crown land.
      Diesel prices here roughly $1.80 cdn per litre
      Haven’t started my van life and yet just waiting for my partner to retire at the end of July and then we’re off - been watching you guys for years - always entertaining and always kind
      Take care

  • @DA11NOON
    @DA11NOON Před 7 měsíci

    Thanks guy's

  • @user-se9ny8jw5d
    @user-se9ny8jw5d Před 7 měsíci

    Have to kerp stoping and reading .just tell us costs as well as showing

  • @davidjames1817
    @davidjames1817 Před 7 měsíci

    Servicing £100 per van. Air, oil, pollen, diesel filters & oil.
    I can't get them for that price at trade prices. I'd be interested to know where do you get them for that price?

  • @anthonyellis1409
    @anthonyellis1409 Před 7 měsíci

    Be safe stay safe and safe journeys

  • @ballsy_84
    @ballsy_84 Před 7 měsíci +2

    That’s good healthy diet John lol

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      Caveman diet with caveman cooking it 😂

  • @superseacrow9463
    @superseacrow9463 Před 7 měsíci

    Excellent informative video. Can I be nosey and ask what that handheld radio is in the background? Do you have a ham license, and are there plenty of other radio users to talk to?

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci +1

      We made a video all about the radios we use and who we talk to on them 👍🏻

  • @micro_adVANtures
    @micro_adVANtures Před 7 měsíci

    Question: Hi John, where are you getting your insurance from please. I am 53, full no claims, never had an accident, clean licence and have been told if I want to live in the van with no fixed address it’s going to cost me £2000

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      Hi, we covered that in the video 👍🏻

    • @micro_adVANtures
      @micro_adVANtures Před 7 měsíci

      @@johnmandy I will rewatch - sometimes my autism gets in the way and pixelates incoming data from the environment around me.

    • @grahamgraham1624
      @grahamgraham1624 Před 7 měsíci

      I'm with you the cost of £400 + was mentioned but not who with and if for full time lifting

  • @andypugh2000
    @andypugh2000 Před 7 měsíci

    Who would you say has the better van? Has the fiat got a more refined and punchy engine or is the other way around? I like the idea of a pre adblue fiat but im drawn to the Peugeot 😂

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      The fiat has a 2.3 & the Peugeot has a 2.0 so the fiat has more torque, which does make it quick but it’s also a smaller & lighter van than the Peugeot. In reality they’re almost identical to drive, needing to be in the same gears to pull up hills and accelerate at the same speed away from a standing start or to overtake on a motorway. Where it does differ is the fiat engine is more refined & quieter, however, the Peugeot achieves around 10 mpg more on fuel efficiency and it’s also a euro6 which allows free entry into the new city LEZ zones.

    • @andypugh2000
      @andypugh2000 Před 7 měsíci

      That's an excellent summary John. Thank you for taking the time to write that up, much appreciated! Andy

  • @billbike4662
    @billbike4662 Před 7 měsíci

    Really enjoying your channel ! ….. just discovered. A lot to catch up on🍺..
    Speaking of wild camping😬, would you be able to aim us in the direction of a comprehensive source of park ups ? We’d like to avoid campgrounds as much as possible…totally. We’ll be in a van.
    Thanks you guys for the vids.

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      There’s an app called Park4Night that’s useful to find parkups.

    • @billbike4662
      @billbike4662 Před 7 měsíci

      @@johnmandy excellent ! Thanks very much 👍.

  • @davethompson247
    @davethompson247 Před 7 měsíci

    Couple of questions if I may - do you use propane? is your van insurance based on full time living or just normal van insurance?

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      Our vans don’t have any gas and we are insured for full time travel 👍🏻

    • @davethompson247
      @davethompson247 Před 7 měsíci

      Thank you @@johnmandy

  • @bknaggs3355
    @bknaggs3355 Před 7 měsíci

    Who do you get health insurance from? We enjoy your info and commènts

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      We don’t have health insurance as that’s covered worldwide under our travel insurance, which we get from Big Cat Insurance as mentioned in the video.

  • @micro_adVANtures
    @micro_adVANtures Před 7 měsíci

    QUESTION: (RE-watched) When insuring your vans did you have a fixed address (I don’t have one)?
    Sorry if that’s personal information, I’m being thrust into vanlife due being priced out of my rental and am likely going to end up homeless the way things are going.

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci +1

      We have a registered address, check our other videos for more info on your questions.

    • @micro_adVANtures
      @micro_adVANtures Před 7 měsíci

      @@johnmandy my questions are done. Thank you for your patience and time. I’ve watched very video you’ve made, and enjoyed them but my autism gets in the way of information retention and recall. This has been very helpful. Sadly I do not have access to a registered address , thanks anyway.

  • @kevandrews4699
    @kevandrews4699 Před 7 měsíci

    Hi john,mandy, when you converted your van , did you change your v5 documents to a camper van or just stayed the same has a panel van , i recently brought a van , not big enough for cooking or washing facilities, i had a rock & roll bed fitted with seat belts for passenger's, i also fitted 2 side windows , but i had to send fotos ov what i did to dvla to get my paperwork changed ,so know its a 6 seater , dont get me started on van insurance , what a faff has mine is not a camper , look forward to your next vlog 👍

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      We haven’t changed our V5 for many reasons, mainly it makes no difference legally or monetary as the insurers evaluate each claim on the state of the vehicle at the time of a claim and the law would see our vans as campervans not what the V5 says it is.

  • @lizchristie5186
    @lizchristie5186 Před 7 měsíci

    Great video guys and very informative. I'm just thinking that your Amazon Prime seems quite costly at £17.50 per month. Is that for both of your van's or just the one van?

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci +1

      Feel free to check yourself how much prime and unlimited music costs per month.

    • @lizchristie5186
      @lizchristie5186 Před 7 měsíci

      @@johnmandy Just realised that it includes unlimited music. I pay £8.99 per month for movies and free delivery. Sorry I misunderstood guys. Keep the videos coming.🥰

  • @Albert_206
    @Albert_206 Před 7 měsíci

    Hi J&M. Wonder do other people notice somehow CZcams unsubscribes people? I need to subscribe for the thirty or fifth time ?

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      It’s not something we get to see from our side, CZcams seems to be having all sorts of problems.

  • @twinsgran
    @twinsgran Před 7 měsíci

    On the subject of insurance, do you both have personal insurance costs on top of all that, and does Mandy have to have self employment insurance too?

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      Not sure why we need personal insurance? Do you mean health insurance? If so then the travel insurance covers that even in the UK.
      Business insurance comes off business costs which isn’t in the scope of this video.

  • @GordonT4
    @GordonT4 Před 7 měsíci

    Evening guys.....can I ask who you insure your vans with??

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      We cover that in the video 👍🏻

  • @kenmackenzie7338
    @kenmackenzie7338 Před 7 měsíci

    Hi John did you post a link where to get your tyre pump from? Thanks in advance and safe travels you two.

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci +1

      You can get it here amzn.to/3vU4f94 👍🏻

    • @kenmackenzie7338
      @kenmackenzie7338 Před 7 měsíci

      Thanks guys its going to come in very handy at some point@@johnmandy

  • @jcoult12
    @jcoult12 Před 7 měsíci

    Hi J&M, wat is that drill tyre gauge ure are using?. My Renault capture tyre valves keep leaking (despite having changed) and I need 2 blow tyres up every week. That looks the perfect blowerupper lol. Thanks, John.

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci +1

      The tyre inflator we have is this one amzn.to/42hRLnN

    • @jcoult12
      @jcoult12 Před 7 měsíci +2

      Ta, much appreciated. Happy travels.

  • @kerriwhite259
    @kerriwhite259 Před 7 měsíci

    Who do you insure with? I’m currently on a full time policy and it’s £1500 for the 2 of us which is a pretty hefty sum.

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci +1

      We mentioned that in the video 👍🏻

    • @kerriwhite259
      @kerriwhite259 Před 7 měsíci +1

      @@johnmandy Yeh sorry got yo that but after I’d typed the question although did wonder if you have a full time policy as that’s a massive difference in price ?

    • @paulpickup9737
      @paulpickup9737 Před 7 měsíci

      ​@@kerriwhite259Of course they haven't got full time insurance .

  • @russellnewton6660
    @russellnewton6660 Před 7 měsíci

    Has Mandy had to pay for ulez in her van on any trips ? Im trying to work it if it would be more cost effective to have a newer van or not.

    • @unadventurousmandy
      @unadventurousmandy Před 7 měsíci

      I’ve managed to avoid all ULEZ zones so far as they generally are not places we visit. I have my Crit Air vignette for France that gives me the same access as Johns van does

    • @russellnewton6660
      @russellnewton6660 Před 7 měsíci

      @@unadventurousmandy thanks Mandy, that gives me something to think about when I get my camper this summer.

  • @les.6343
    @les.6343 Před 7 měsíci

    Great vlog I noticed your diet lacks fresh fruit and veg is their a reason for that??😊

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci +1

      Johns diet doesn’t include fruit & veg as he doesn’t like it, but Mandy does it that often.

    • @caroleagar6790
      @caroleagar6790 Před 7 měsíci +1

      People asking about fruit and veg 😂 it's simple John doesn't like it. I am the same, why eat something you don't like.

  • @denisepeters8551
    @denisepeters8551 Před 7 měsíci

    Wow,your food bill is very low.

  • @gypsydal
    @gypsydal Před 7 měsíci

    I think I eat too much - I get double that 😂😂😂 I’m shamed!!!

  • @escapethematrix5069
    @escapethematrix5069 Před 7 měsíci

    Mandy, would you do the Fusions Tuna in a wok with noodles?

    • @unadventurousmandy
      @unadventurousmandy Před 7 měsíci

      Yes, absolutely and if I can find a tin of Chinese stir fry veg I’ll chuck that in too 😁👍🏻

  • @user-se9ny8jw5d
    @user-se9ny8jw5d Před 7 měsíci

    Are you a couple?two vans gets exspensuve on sited

  • @Manc_adventures
    @Manc_adventures Před 7 měsíci

    Who pays for the star link or is that under the router coatings

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci +1

      We would split the cost if we both used it 👍🏻

    • @Manc_adventures
      @Manc_adventures Před 7 měsíci

      Great video, thanks for sharing with us

  • @simongrundy9455
    @simongrundy9455 Před 7 měsíci

    Ooooooooo Boston 😍

  • @victoriabroom2246
    @victoriabroom2246 Před 7 měsíci

    What do you both do for work?

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci +1

      Mandy is a tax advisor / accountant and I (John) design websites & run a web hosting company.

  • @Andrew-ws4qf
    @Andrew-ws4qf Před 7 měsíci

    Does your EE mobile phone sim give you unlimited eu Wi-Fi for up to 90 days?

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci +1

      It has no time limitation 👍🏻 we’ve been out of the UK for 9 months and we still had our unlimited services

    • @timstradling7764
      @timstradling7764 Před 7 měsíci

      Interesting insight into the costs involved. Must say that your fuel consumption is very good John. Happy days, just about doable on our pensions😊

    • @Andrew-ws4qf
      @Andrew-ws4qf Před 7 měsíci

      Thanks for the quick reply. Can you please give us details of the EE sim you are using?

  • @julieharding6631
    @julieharding6631 Před 7 měsíci

    have to ask ! Fruit and veg? x

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci

      Mandy loves that stuff, John not so much 😂

  • @victor007ven
    @victor007ven Před 7 měsíci

    👍

  • @swisstony662
    @swisstony662 Před 7 měsíci

    Jesus I do 20 quid a day think I need to cut trifles out lol😅

  • @peromalmstrom7668
    @peromalmstrom7668 Před 7 měsíci

    Informative.
    - Are you paying your National Insurance Contributions, so you at least get a full State pension?
    - Do you have life/Injury insurance?
    - Do you have content & single expensive item insurance, encase burgled?
    - Do you pay Tax on your CZcams income, plus other incomes and use an accountant, to keep legal?
    These questions relate to the 7x P's, Prior Planning & Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance.

    • @johnmandy
      @johnmandy  Před 7 měsíci +1

      Do you ask all stranger these questions?
      Of course we pay tax & NI, yes we have pensions too we’re all covered 👍🏻

    • @unadventurousmandy
      @unadventurousmandy Před 7 měsíci +1

      Dude.. I’m an accountant - what do you think?