WINTER MINI VAN CAMPING In My Self Built Mini Camper Van Life UK
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- čas přidán 26. 08. 2024
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Winter is coming to an end but before it's gone, we had to get out in my mini camper van for one last winter wild van camp before spring. I was joined by some friends in the shropshire hills and we had a great night wild camping in our vans. #vanlife #campervan #camper #vanconversion #camping #vanbuild
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Didn't get a mention when I met you and dave XOXO 😢
The last part of the vid with you having a cup of tea walking out of your van and looking out at the view says it all. You know you've come a long way but that look on your face basically said, I've done it. Been watching you for a long time. freezing your gonads off in your car and trying to pronounce the Welsh towns and villages and then talking about having a van one day, you probably thought it would never happen. You've made it young man and be proud of yourself and what you've achieved. Your living your dream now so enjoy it.
Ahh thank you mate! Your absolutely right 👍 that was exactly what I was think while sipping that tea ☕🙂. Thanks for watching for as long as you have and supporting the channel, couldn't of done any of it without viewers like yourself. Plenty of memories to make in the van now 😁
The smile on your face said it all, I'm very jealous. Enjoy every minute you've earned it
Thank you 🙂 and yeh it was a great moment to be fair. Thanks for all your support watching and commenting 👍
Living the dream in a nearly double bed ;)
Only a couple inches short mate 😉 living the dream 👍
As bad as it was at the time the head gasket failure on your car was a kick up the arse and a real change for you. Life can be driven by alternative methods. Made up for you Brendan.
Your absolutely right mate! Every cloud has a silver lining 🙂. Glad I was able to get through that patch and carry on 👍 thanks for your support as well buddy 😁
Omg Brendan you reminded me of a child on Christmas morning xxx your face said a thousand words xxx so glad you had a brill fist night camp with the boys xxxx🥂too many more xxxxxxx
Thank you Paulette 🙂 I really felt like it too! 😁 Plenty more on the way 👍
I am happy for you to be so pleased and grateful ❤❤❤
I saw another blogger use cargo straps around their mattress and cot to keep it in place., they are flat so no discomfort when sleeping.👌👍🤓
That's a brilliant idea! Good shout 🙂 thanks for the tip 👍
Aaah you look as happy as a kid on christmas morning with a new bike. Amazing how things are turning out for you
I felt like it as well mate 🙂 can't believe it really!
Nice to see your hard work coming together on your van.
Thanks mate, yeh it was pretty amazing seeing the van out on a camp 🙂👍
I can remember that pond use to be a great place to see large dragonfly's
Nice little addition to that park up mate 🙂👍
Your joy comes through loud and clear Brendan. Your van looks fantastic!
Thank you Colleen 🙂 I really felt like a kid on Christmas morning 😁
Never stop talking about how excited you are about your van. I 've had my van for a year now. It was already kitted out, although I have had a few alterations done to it and I am still excited to be getting out in it. The best thing I have ever bought was my home, that was until the van turned up. I don't know why but it was quite emotional seeing you four guys in Gordon's van setting the world to rights. It's what life is about, you work your ass off during the week and then the fun times being away in the van exploring new areas. It wasn't until I got the van that I realised I had been travelling the world yet there was so much I still hadn't seen in this country yet. Only just found your You Tube channel and loving it, please keep it up as I look forward to seeing your future adventures.
Welcome to the family Andy 🙂 glad you found the channel mate and I couldn't agree more 👍. The feeling of finishing packing the van and knowing your ready to hit the road is pretty amazing! Glad your enjoying your van and I hope you enjoy the future videos 😁
What a great surprise to have a video mid week - made my day mate!
Excellent to see some old faces from the channel and their setups.
Your van really looks great with the lights, makes the van look complete and starting to look like home!
I had it edited and thought why not just post it now 🙂. Completely changed the look doesn't it 👍. Feels like a mini home on wheels 😁
So happy for you! You deserve it Brendan van looks great
Thanks Chris, can't wait for many more camps 😁👍
I’m so pleased for you, we started watching you when you converted your car, you have come a long way , you deserve the van. . May it be a blessing and provide you with many happy stealth camps.😊
Aww thank you Anne 🙂 really appreciate your long standing support 👍. The channel has come a long way. Plenty more camps coming up in the future!
Looking good fair play looks very nice in side. I'm impressed with the inside lights and the blinds nice touches
Thanks mate! Yeh I'm surprised at how nice it looks to be fair 😁. Never thought I would go this far with it 👍
Honestly, I saw the thumbnail and thought 'Cozy van Camp' might have become your stage name 😂
😂😂 it might still yet lol
So thrilled for you Brendan!!
Thank you Sarah! 😁
"If I said hello to you, great to me you 😁😅🤣😂😁😆😃😄🤣🤣🤣" Dr Hibbert syndrome?
you deserve it all mate, great watching you progress. 👍 ❤
Thank you mate, many more adventures to come! 🙂👍
Superb video Brendan. I was almost excited as you were. A great step up from the car. Its now a little house on wheels and once the kitchen is in, you can go anywhere.
Cheers mate! It was a pretty amazing feeling to be fair 🙂 huge improvement on the car! I can't even describe it! Proper mini apartment on wheels 👍
I absolutely loved the smile on your face! I know that feeling so well. I love sleeping in my van and especially on my own 😅😊
Thank you 🙂 yeh it was a very proud moment! The feeling is brilliant 👍 can't wait for the next camp!
Really enjoyed watching your first real camp out in the new van. I would love it if you can show how it looks from the outside at night when you have the lights on inside the van! Is there any sort of light leaking out?
Cheers mate, yeh it was a great night and I'll definitely show that sometime soon 🙂 I'd be interested myself to be fair 👍
Seeing the joy on your face as you sat there realising journey you've been on to get to that point. Golden, so happy for you 👍🏻
Thanks mate! Yeh it was pretty surreal to be fair 🙂. Couldn't of done any of it without viewers like yourself 👍 so thank you!
Made up for you with the van, its coming along well.
Thank you mate! It's really coming together now 😁👍
This is IT! The moment we’ve all been waiting for and you’ve been working so hard to get. And what a beautiful moment it is! Wow
Cheers mate! Couldn't of done it without people like yourself 🙂. A very big milestone for the van that night was 👍
I'd be interested in seeing Rich's Crafter build.
Check out his channel, wild astro 👍 hopefully he'll post some updates on there 🙂
So glad to see you out again Brendan, looking forward to seeing the cooking videos mate, I’ll settle for pot noodles for now though. It made me smile when you got emotional, it shows just how much it means to you. 👍
Cheers mate and I can't wait to start properly cooking in the van 😁😋. Very surreal moment that was in the back of the van, can't wait for the next camp!
Your van is starting to look like a real car camping van it's pretty nice if you ask me. :D
Cheers mate 😁 yeh it's really getting there now! I can really see how it will look when it's finished now 🙂👍
All the best Brendan enjoy it you deserve it after all the hard work u have put in, looking forward to it when it is all finished.
Thank you Steve 🙂 yeh I'm hoping this year will be a good one and roll on many more adventures 😁
Nice one Brendan, couldn’t stop smiling watching you in your van just realising your dream, great vid man and onto the next ❤
Cheers Mark, yeh it's a little surreal seeing it come together now to be fair. Can't wait for the next night in the van!
Ah yes, cut the bed with an electric bed knife 😂😂
Great video, as always starting to see the progress paying of 👌
Went through like butter mate! 😁 Thanks for watching mate 👍
Enjoying your videos being on your journeys with you and your family friends
Glad you enjoyed coming along 🙂
Noodles, mashed potato, cup-a-soup, pulled pork, peas and more mashed potato....if that isnt a maiden camp out banquet I don't know what is! 😎...well done mate...the graft is paying off 👍
It was bloody delicious as well mate 🤣😁 I wasn't hungry, that's for sure lol. Plenty more adventures to come this year!
Fabulous the look on your face says it all, bloody awesome to see, enjoy your new camper 👍
Thank you mate 👍 felt so good to be out 🙂 plenty of adventures coming!
I'm made up you had a lovely time! It must have been nice sharing your experience with friends. Looking forward to the next adventure! Best Wishes 💕
Thank you mate 🙂 yeh it was nice to share that moment with them to be fair 👍. Loads of adventures coming this year!
Love your videos and enjoying following the van build journey. Great to see Rich from Wild Astro too. Keep up the good work 👍
Thank you Ben 🙂 yeh it was good to see Rich again, made for a great camp! 👍
Love it Brendan. Good to see it coming along
Thank you mate, yeh it's pretty surreal 🙂👍
Hi Brendan, you have every right to be emotional, you worked hard and did an amazing job turning this into a camper van! It really looks fantastic, the curtains are fabulous! Great bunch of guys! Loved the chat with you and Dave it's good to have someone like him to share tips on set up and packing etc. Really wonderful video! Thank you so much for sharing, take really good care, stay well! Hope the family is well! Kathy x
Thanks Kathy 👍 yeh it was a pretty surreal moment seeing it all come together on a camp 🙂. Even better having the guys with me 😁
So lovely to see you so happy, Brendan.
Lovely to see you back out with the lads too, including my little bro @daveoutdoors
Cheers Donna 🙂 he's a good one your brother 👍 great camp, we had a good laugh!
Ah, cup a soup...never thought to keep some of those in the van....top tip 😂
I've never had them in the van/car before so thought why not. Emergency supplies lol
@@BrendanExplores Sounds good mate 😂 Have you ever tried Firepot meals? Not cheap but handy to keep in the van.
Another great vid mate. Glad to see the 1st proper camp went well!
Cheers mate 👍 yeh this was the camp where everything came together 🙂 roll on a few more!
Brendan, you are so easily pleased, just like us, with your own hard work. It looks brill, so im gonna send you a treat to help you along matey . Ok
Aww thank you very much! That's very kind of you 🙂 I did see it come through 👍 that will go towards a meal on a camp, thanks again 🙏
@Brendan Explores You're welcome Brendan. You're such a happy person you always make me smile. 😀 Your content is real and refreshing.
Wow Bren you are buzzing ,if you weren’t married that van would be a little love camper 🤣🤣🤣🤣happy you are back on the road well done mate 👍🏼👍🏼
🤣🤣🤣 yeh it's a good feeling mate 👍 can't wait to take the family away in the summer 😁
Well done. All that hard work is defo paying off. Here is to many camping trips!!!
Cheers mate 🙂 yeh I can't to get back out in the van 😁👍
It's an amazing feeling when yoy look back at what you've achieved. I'm at that stage with my van now
It truly is mate 🙂 can't believe it really 👍. Thanks for leaving a comment
So happy for you Brenda love your new van home so nice cosy spacey awsome 🤣🤣🤣🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
Thank you so much 🙂 it's very surreal to be fair. Can't wait for the next camp!
Happy days! 😊
Absolutely mate 😁👍
Wow I cannot describe how you are feeling at that moment when you was closing the last curtain your face said it all, buzzing happy and emotional I'm very happy for you and also Jealous, I'll look forward for more adventures 👌
Cheers Richard! Yeh it was a very exciting feeling 😁 first night was a big success!
Well done mate that was a really good effort on the van and we can see how proud you are.
Cheers mate, yeh it was a very proud moment to be honest 🙂 can't wait for the next camp 👍
Great video The van is looking Great!!
Cheers Rodney 🙂 yeh it's pretty crazy seeing it develop 👍
Idea for the mattress. Sew it in the middle so it confines the sections to their own sides. Attach the bottom to the slide out boards. For the side that doesn't slide out you might consider some kind of rounded plastic so the mattress doesn't get caught and ripped open.
Good idea mate! I did think of that initially but then the cut out corner would be in the wrong place unfortunately so they would have to be separate but velcro looks like the way forward 👍
Really chuffed for you the van is coming on great 👍
Thank you Lesley 🙂 yeh it's really coming together 😁👍
Just listened to you singing Brendan - what a lovely voice ! I didn't expect that! - you should put more songs up - you are obviously very talented (you never know where it may lead you!) - Enjoy watching your Videos :)
Aww thanks Gill, that's very kind of you to say! I may film/record some more in the future but my music career is long over I think 😂. Tried for many years to make to be pushed back every time but your right, you never know 👍
Congratulations on your first camp with the guys, I bet those privacy curtains made it feel a little bit more like home.
Absolutely mate! Felt completely different to the first camp to be honest. A real mini home on wheels now 😁
Nice Brendan, van is looking good and coming together well. Looking forward to seeing it in person.
Cheers mate 🙂 yeh it's really pulling together now and I take it your coming to vanlife fest? 👍
@@BrendanExplores Yes we are there and a number of other shows this year.
Brilliant video ❤....was great to see the other lads the banter was brilliant..so happy for you to see you happy with your van ...👊♥️
Thank you 🙂 yeh we had a good laugh that night, was great to get out 👍. Can't wait to get back out 😁
Great to see you out in the van. Great vid again 🍻👍
Cheers Alan 🙂 can't wait for the next one! 👍
I bloody love this stuff. Absolutely speaks to me.
Van looking great mate will be fantastic when you finish it.
Thanks John! Yeh it's amazing how it's come together really! Not too far away from beging finished now 😁
Good luck with everything looking forward to seeing your adventures.
Grinning from ear to ear throughout the whole video and I don't blame you! I would be as well! The van looks amazing, months of hard work have paid dividends! Can't wait to see what it'll look like when it's finished. 😊
Absolutely mate, can't believe it really. It's really come together well 😁. It's gunna look amazing when it's finished I think 👍
Loving the upgrade vert cosy brendan hun .bring on the explores .
Thanks very much! I'm really happy with it 🙂 I can't wait to get back out in it 👍
Nice to see your hard work has paid off Brendon, and that your out there using the van, I could see how pleased you looked with it, well done mate.👍
Cheers Peter! Yeh it was amazing to be out in the van to be fair 🙂 couldn't stop smiling 😁
Hi Brendan, will you be investing in some wind deflectors so you're not so fogged up in the morning? Very interested also to see what the blackout curtains look like from outside the van at night. Go on, show us 🤔😆
Hey Lea, yeh I've got some ready to go on actually just haven't had time to fit them yet but they will help a lot with condensation that's for sure. I'll show that in my next camp from the outside 🙂👍
you can use velcro (tape) to stick the matras to the bench/bed
Ahh yes! Good suggestion 🙂 thanks
CHAMPION, MATE! 🎉 Glad you are enjoying the new van. Great vlog as always!
Thanks mate! Can't wait for us to get back out again soon 😁
Nice to see you back my dear 👍🤭
Thanks Judy 🙂 can't wait to get back out 👍
Maybe you can try to use velcro to keep the matrass in place
Good shout mate 👍 thanks for the suggestion 🙂
Great to see you fulfilling your dreams mate the van is coming along nicely, can't wait to see what's next on the cards.
Thanks Steve 🙂 yeh it's coming together around me now 👍 this year is going to be great 😁
Good evening happy camper
Cheers mate, yeh it was a great night 😁👍
Great stuff . I hope to be at your stage soon . Insulation and carpeting done , bed build next . Mattress foam and porta potty ordered.
Cheers mate! Atleast your doing it the right way 🤣 I did mine all backwards lol. Good luck with the build mate 👍
Great job mate! Can’t wait for the first night in my van… a couple more weeks of work to go.
Thanks buddy and exciting times 😁 your gunna love it 👍. Best of luck on the rest of your build 🙂
Oh wow, I’m so pleased for you mate. You really deserve this, it’s a real game changer having a van and it’ll just get better and better for you with each step you take.
Incidentally make sure you keep the heater vent clear, my son melted his trainer with ours.
Thanks buddy! Yeh it's a big milestone to be fair 🙂 couldn't of done it all without yourself and everyone else watching so thank you 👍 roll on the adventures!
What a wonderful video. I am a recent proud owner of a Renault Traffic after market converted camper, and I am looking forward to enjoying the great outdoors in it too. Liked and subscribed - happy camping!!
Brilliant mate 🙂 welcome to the channel! Nice to speak to another trafic owner as well 👍. Ultimate freedom 😁
Hey Brendan, awesome job and congratulations on the van, you asked for advice on keeping the bed in place and I was thinking maybe you could use velcro it will help hold the bed and easy to take down and put up, if not velcro then the same snaps that are on the curtains...just a few ideas again congratulations the van is looking great!!!! :)
Thank you very much and good suggestion for the mattress 👍. I think I might have some left over from the car build so it's worth trying 🙂
Would’ve been good to have had an outdoor shot looking in the van at night to see if there was any light coming through. I’m guessing there wasn’t but just interested 👍🏻
Yes mate, good point 👍 I'll include that in the next camp 🙂
@@BrendanExplores nice one Brendan👍🏻
Nice video mate. A proper boys night out... looking forward to seeing your kitchen be completed next and As a suggestion the place behind your driving seats would be a proper place for your kitchen. With your gas stove and a sink followed by a small fridge and a small oven that would be great.. but as always good vid mate cheers
Thanks mate, it was great 🙂 any suggestions on how to affix the kitchen to the van? Not many things to screw into at the front but it's not a bad idea at all 👍
The van is looking awesome nice park up to 😊👍
Cheers Will 🙂 yeh it's a beautiful spot that one 👍
Hi from Australia
I just read your comment and thought you might like to look at my camp set up, Australian locations such as world heritage listed Fraser Island and great camp cook ups.
Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺
Out There Touring
Nice to see you getting out on the camp with Dave
Cheers mate 🙂 won't be long until it's time for our first camp! 😁👍
@@BrendanExplores My vivaro has forgotten it`s a camper!! lol
@@stevesmonumentaladventure 🤣 well family comes first mate so when your ready, we will get out there 🙂👍
You wait till I get our van I will be joining you guys. Lol if you'll have me lol
I'm sure there will be a few meet ups this year 🙂. I'll also be at vanlife fest 2023 in Shrewsbury 👍
Superb, well done lad!
Thank you mate, appreciate all your support as well to get me here! 🙂👍
Stocked for 23 adventures Brendan hunnie .soooo happy for you sweetheart and the owning is fab idea mate 👍 hook it onto the van so your lovely family can have a wonderful holiday .I was gutted for you guys last year with the dirty messy cottage .so go for it love .❤from shropshire lass 👧. Xxx
There's gunna be some amazing adventures this year! 😁 Can't wait, especially to take the family away with me 👍
Another quality video Brendan. You can see how much you enjoyed it. You've made me realise that the van doesn't need to be completed to go camping. I will be retiring soon and can't wait to get started myself.
Cheers Duncan 🙂 yes mate! Your right and I hope you have a great time in your van as I am in mine 👍
Just started watching your channel. Fantastic. So glad you enjoyed your first night ❤
Welcome to the family mate 👍 thanks for watching and leaving a comment 🙂
It looks like you're having an amazing time with the lads and living life to the fullest! It's inspiring to see you all enjoying yourselves and making the most of every moment. I also want to congratulate you and your dad on all your hard work - it's clear that it's paying off, and I'm sure things will only continue to improve for you. Keep up the great work, and thanks for sharing your journey with us!
Thank you very much and yeh it was a brilliant realisation that night seeing what's been achieved 😁. Plenty of adventures coming this year! 👍
Velcro strips will hold the back up on the carpeted body you did
Yeh good suggestion mate 👍 think I might have some left over from the car 😁
@Brendan Explores no worries even better if you already have some, and we'll done on the progress of the build all coming along nicely now
I like how you're transforming your van into something cozy. I just bought a renault scenic So I can go car camping.
Ooo nice one! Great car to transform into a camper 🙂
@@BrendanExplores Yeah I'm very new to this so I'm happy that youtube exist
When I first got my van I was as excited as you.
Then I got the diesel heater as well, it was brilliant.
I have been out a few times now over the winter.
Enjoy the camping.
It's a brilliant feeling isn't it 😁 I didn't fully appreciate how much the diesel heater would make a difference 👍
@@BrendanExplores
I usually walk into work, but when we had the cold weather, I drove in early and sat in the van drinking cups of tea with the heater on.
Mate it's so good to see your doing well! Well done mate! You have done a great job class!
Cheers mate 🙂 yeh it's a big moment this camp 👍. Everything's become a reality
Its mad watching you on you tube! I probably haven't seen you since the snooker centre days!! Madness
@@RYDER118 yeh I think your right mate 🙂 those were the days!
Hi from Australia
I just read your comment and thought you might like to look at my camp set up, Australian locations such as world heritage listed Fraser Island and great camp cook ups.
Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺
Out There Touring
So happy for you and now being part of the vanlife! Life is great when you wake up have more space than a car and appreciating the nature we have around us
Thank you mate and yeh, it was a brilliant feeling that morning waking up from a double bed with a hot cup of tea 😁
You did a great job!
Thanks buddy! 🙂
Onwards and upwards mate, it's getting there, should have done a walk round in the dark to see what light was coming through if any ? Looking forward the next 1 👌
Thanks mate and yes! Your right, I'll do that on my next camp to check out the light leak from outside 🙂
Rome wasnt built in a day! so take your time with your Van build
Absolutely true mate 👍 just thinking where to put the kitchen now
Cracking video mate, loving the van progress top work
Cheers mate 🙂 felt good to be out in the van again, especially with all the build progress 😁
Starting to look the business 👌
It really is isn't it mate 😁👍
Great vid, fantastic to see you so excited and happy to be out in the van,
Great progress, you should be very proud of what you and your helpers have accomplished !
Look forward to watching many more van camps
Thank you mate 🙂 pretty amazed at what we've been able to achieve to be fair and I couldn't of done it without a little help from my friends 🙂
Brilliant vid and so happy to see it all coming together for you! :)
Thank you mate 🙂 couldn't of done it without viewers like you! 👍
@@BrendanExplores your channel is brilliant!
Well done mate , van is looking good , just sold my touring caravan and looking for a motorhome, can't wait 👍
Cheers buddy 🙂 can't believe it really.. good luck on finding your right motorhome 👍
That's probably how excited I would be with my own van lol. Was half expecting you to pull the ridgemonkey out though lol.
Btw, if the flickering bothers you, change the shutter speed on the camera. Friendly tip. 😊
Yeh I did think about it lol but I'll get the kitchen in first 🙂. Yeh the lights are a funny one to be fair, think they have to be on 100% for the flickering to stop which is a little annoying
@@BrendanExplores that's odd. But yeah it's cause of the way those kind of lights work (they flicker rather than stay on constantly, and just so happens that the flicker of the lights syncs up oddly with the shutter speed of the camera. Hence changing the shutter speed solves the issue).
Blew my mind when I figured that trick out lol.