I’m Simon and have spent many years around vans and building them out, to then living on the road. My carpentry skills & knowledge have really helped with converting interiors and doing DIY build work. I’m a keen explorer and have used my van not just to work out of but to explore many places in the UK, Avebury, Cheddar, Bristol. As time goes by, I recognise it’s the experiences rather than material things that van life has given me.
“Don’t skimp on the essentials such as heating and eating! Also, ask for help if you need it.”
I spent years living in and out of VeeDubs. As a single traveller, it made sense, and it had everything I needed. The first one was a classic Danbury conversion, but it didn’t do everything I wanted, so the next van I built out the interior myself, complete with rear tool racking for my carpentry business. I was a one-man workshop on the road. Good times! After that I had a left-hooker, which was awesome for weekending, exploring the west country Avebury, Cheddar, Bristol and beyond, while keeping London within reach. For a couple of years, I upgraded to a Bedford Viceroy coach, with a Rayburn oven, separate kitchen and bedroom. It was a proper deluxe motorhome dream, but a huge restoration and fit-out project. I took fifteen friends to London for a gig at the Brixton Academy in it and they all stayed over because the vehicle was so big! It had a massive engine and shuddered along on cold days but was a dream to drive. Eventually, it became my carpentry workshop for a time before I sold it on and took on another VW.
I’m currently in the market for a new project, researching and evaluating the pros and cons of various vehicles. Iveco Daily are pretty bullet-proof. Definitely a high-top as I would like the ability to stand up without all the pop-top business. Narrowing it down to either that, a Ducato, or a Transit. Might look at another VeeDub but perhaps an LT Wide rather than the classic bus as I’d want more room. Reliability and rustproofing are key points for me as my mechanical skills reached a high point on a Type 2 VW, and everything that comes after is much more complicated!
Do I go van or coach-built? Ready to roll, or should I go blank canvas?
I’d like the choice to customise to my requirements, but I’m open to pre-fitted vehicles, and a refit might just delay adventuring and banditry…
It will be called ‘The Bus’ in honour of the old Viceroy…probably!
How did you find your van and where did you buy it?
There are a ton of places to look for a vehicle, but the very best is word of mouth. For cheap vehicles, there are social media marketplaces, but you have to be careful as there are so many scams and no guarantees.
Approximately how much did it cost to purchase?
If you have a budget, stick to it. Remember, the van is the most important part of the purchase, everything else is nice-to-have to some extent and can be upgraded later. The important thing is to get out there and amongst it!
Did you complete all the Van Build yourself?
For my next project, I will carry out the entire internal conversion, or interior upgrade, myself. I have the kit and the skills to carry out most fit-out jobs.
What was the most difficult part of the campervan conversion?
Installing a decent heater can sometimes be complicated and frustrating, but it is an essential item, especially in the UK and Northern Europe. It’s always worthwhile installing the best you can afford, from a well-rated manufacturer, because you don’t want it to break down.
Apart from that, finishing a job is sometimes pretty difficult when there are so many things that need to be done, but remaining methodical, and not letting a job wait will pay dividends. Going on the road in a half-finished van is not recommended!
If you could change one thing about your van build what would it be?
The thing about van life is that it is all about connection with the great outdoors, with space and place, so for me, I would always want at least one really good window, for the views. I don’t want to be living in a little metal box on wheels, I want to be living in the vista, in the sunsets and sea and mountain views!
Is there anything you forgot to bring and didn’t have in your Van once you started Vanlife?
The thing with van life is that you have a limited amount of storage, so everything you take with you has to pay rent and has to contribute to making the journey work. If in doubt, leave it out is my motto!
What do you work at when on the road during Vanlife?
I started as a shopfitter, driving from site to site. I was night security for some construction companies where I worked in exchange for a secure park-up. These days I will be setting up a desk for my laptop, hopefully with a most awesome view!
What is one place you want to take you van that is still on the bucket list?
I want to cross the Alps via the Great St Bernard pass from Switzerland into Italy. The pass is blocked with snow from late November to March, so early Spring, when it’s still chilly, is when I would aim to go.
Has Vanlife changed your life and if so how?
Yes, we get to spend more quality time away at weekends. As time goes by, it’s experiences rather than things that we want to store up, and van life is a great way to achieve this!
What is the hardest or most frustrating thing about living on the road?
If you are travelling for an extended period, the lack of community can be difficult. While there are online communities that can take the edge off, finding communal space to park up, on a campsite, or van-life setup can really help to develop connections with other people, which is essential for positive mental health.
What is something you expected to be difficult in Vanlife that actually turned out to be quite easy or not an issue?
I’ve had complete strangers ask me where I go to the toilet, before even a hello, or other civilised pleasantry! I ask them where they go when they’re not at home! It’s never been an issue. We’ve either had a cassette toilet in the vehicle or used campsite facilities or service stations and supermarkets. If you need to go in the UK, there are plenty of choices!
What is the best place you have visited in your van & why?
We are suckers for Cornwall, the rugged coastlines, the meandering byways, and the awesome beaches. There’s a little place on the North Coast called Crackington Haven, that is worth visiting for the name alone. The cliffs are peppered with caves, and the rocks are perfect for climbing and exploring.
Has your diet changed since you've started Vanlife and describe a typical day of eating for yourself?
It’s important to maintain good eating habits when on the road, as it is so easy to slip into bad habits for convenience. My partner has particular dietary requirements, so we always stock up before a trip!
Is there any one bit of advice you could offer to someone considering Vanlife?
Don’t skimp on the essentials such as heating and eating! Also, ask for help if you need it.
What is your go to van meal & why?
I’ll go for a stir fry with rice as it’s quick, nutritious and looks amazing every time. For a quick snack, I’d go for grilled cheese and hot chocolate. Not too short of perfection.
Can you think of a difficult van situation and how did you get out of it?
On a trip back from Cornwall in my VW Combi, I had four friends with a massive Irish wolfhound in the back and a friend’s wife in the front passenger seat. It was raining hard, and I was cruising carefully up the motorway at 65mph in the slow lane when the throttle pedal dropped off my foot and the engine began to roar.
The speedo rose alarmingly so I engaged both foot and handbrake and used the gears to bring the speed down far enough to get off the road and into a layby on a roundabout. On inspection, I found a spring had broken, so I replaced it with a hair tie. It got us through the last ten miles, and I replaced the spring the next morning.
Have you ever felt a bit lonely on the road? what did you do or how did you handle this?
Not really as I always like to travel with people these days. Back in the day, when I was solo, there were often other folk parked up that were good for conversation.
Today there are lots of places set up to welcome van lifers in the UK that have communal areas for social gatherings with either outdoor fire pits or other communal services.
Any last comments about van conversions, van tech & hacks or van life?
Every day is a school day! I’ve been doing this for years, but there’s still always lots I don’t know that I don’t know! It’s part of the fun. We do it for the pleasure of discovery!
Simon
Lastly
Adventure Level: 9/10
Van Building Level: 4 van builds
Self-Build Level: 80% DIY
Countries Visited: 17 (Wales counts)
Bandit Level Unlocked: (out of the blocks/Almost/Chief bandit) ? Almost….
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