Vanlife in the DARK: The ONLY way to keep your motorhome POWERED!

In this video, I share my thoughts on why I think going to a campsite is the best option for powering your motorhome or van while living fulltime in the UK. Solar power isn't really the best option during these colder months what will the cloudy skies, lack of sun and frosty days, so relying on your habituation batteries or power banks can be tough since they eventually run out.

And even though driving around might seem like a good solution to put some power back in the battery to battery, it can really add up in terms of fuel costs as well as wear and tear on your home. On the other hand, campsites usually have electrical hook ups and other amenities like showers, washing machines, and chemical disposal points which are an added bonus to be grabbed.

How do you deal with the lack of solar power in the winter? Is going to a campsite the ultimate solution to surviving winter in a motorhome, let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

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[gdreading]

Its not a bold claim Darren, its practical and common sense. Good vid mate.

[xgouldiex]

A big b2b charger will keep you going no problem iv got a 60 amp renogy b2b charger and still use lead acid and have no problem with power basically my drive to work, to the supermarket and to pick my partner up from her work easily keeps up with my daily use and I use alot more power than most van lifers. Heater going constant, WiFi on 24/7, 12v fridge small twin tub 240v washing machine used 2/3 times a week and even leave a light on for my cat when not in and my b2b and solar keeps up with it all

[terry]

you could use a small generator for emergencies, to charge main batteries, and power bank, when there are no other options, and noise will not disturb anyone.

[Mevi]

The River Pro comes with me on trips to Motorway Services. After a shower and filling up a water caddy or two, I'll set up on a table next to a socket and kill some time on the Mac (which is *also* charging).
I can fit a lot into those 2 hours of free parking. 😁

[suziemc]

its a no brainer really. have a good Christmas and bring on the warmer weather and meetups, cant wait.

[PK_Blinder]

Make your solar tiltable for the winter sun. As a fellow trucker, I have a PowerOak and a Jackery. I take one with me when needed in the truck and charge it during the day from the 30a socket.

[grahammay]

you should do what, Mel's Big Van Small World, does he stays on his girlfriend's drive ! but According to him he's the wild camping legend 😂😂😂

[royhighton]

I stay a club site about 12 times a year I pay about £21 night but I do the same I charge everything and do all my washing I only have normal battery’s 200 amp lead acids get water full toilet done I think it saves me money in long run at least you tell the truth how it is not like others hope you stay well over winter

[dogandsnailbiketravels]

Love ya Darran. You're such an authentically loveable character, and just so naturally positive! And you also offer many useful tips and tricks. I'm fulltiming in France/Europe in my older Hymer A class and am spoilt for parkups. I only have two lead acids and a couple of hundred watts of solar. I end up in a motorhome aire with electric about once a week at the moment and then I'm good for water, recharging, dumping of waste, rubbish disposal- and a bit of socialising if lucky! Also, very nice to have a safe spot to leave the van and go off to nose around local towns and cities, or be off for a day's cycling. There's no prize that I'm aware of for staying completely off-grid in the winter, and adding lithium and loads of other expensive goodies is not always an option for some. Planning to start my own channel soon - you've been a total inspiration.

[littleboatcaptain]

I am so scared to bring my motorhome back to the UK 🇬🇧, its a lot easier in Spain 🇪🇸. But I am coming back in January. Thanks for the hints on what to do 👍

[Happyinmyautotrail]

Seems really sensible to me. Why people have an issue with this I don’t know.

[pennycox]

Hi Darren I am so glad you have started your dream. You are now living my dream. I am 62 years old and have another 5 years until I can retire . This season I will be working running a trailer kitchen at the Golden cap holiday park at Seatown near Bridport the scenery is fantastic and I will also have an electric pitch and laundry facilities. The only drawback I am tied to the campsite with only Tuesday and Wednesday off..but I hope to save up over the summer to live wild over the winter. Next year I would like to work on the road. Can I send you my ideas visit could you let me know if any other people that you know of do the same? I would love to hear from you. All the best for your new adventures
Penny Cox

[ringonotts]

Your just telling us what real life is Darren ha ha. In winter the most you can go for is lasting as long as you can off grid before going to a campsite. This is why i alway recommend to folks to buy the most powerful mains battery charger you can afford - so you can spend less time having to charge up. Thanks for the vlog!

[tofftheboss]

That makes so much sense, well thought out sir. 😊

[davesvanlife]

I just have 2kw suitcase generator. Only takes half hour to charge lithium battery. Plus still can use air fryer and other gadgets plus charging phones etc. worked for me for 2 years.

[michaelgray]

I have installed a type 2 socket on my van next to the shore power inlet, the socket is programmed to request 240 volts ac single phase from the EV charger so i can just run that stright into my standard mains chargers.
I must echo what @ngylo says further down about not taking spaces from actual EV vehicles if you do go down this route. I only charge at night and limit myself to 3 hours at any time. I also move away if there are no more empty spaces on any bank of chargers so im not depriving an actual EV from using them.
As long as you follow similar rules i highly recomend looking into installing an EV socket as its far far cheaper than using a campsite. (28p/Kwh at time of commenting so no more then £1.50 per sitting.) The only down side is finding a charger i can park an XLWB van next to.

[jasonwojcikLR]

yes sites are handy the little CL sites are great to and a lot can be had for under a tenner 👍

[simoneley]

We like you find power difficult in the short dark winter days if we are not on the move every other day. We have 500 watts of solar and 420 amps of battery. Our solution is a 2kw Honda inverter generator that seems to run for ages on a jug full of petrol.

[paulmcdonald]

cheers daz great vids as usual, just quickly does the 16 quid include all the electricity you used?do they not charge extra on what you have used?thanks.

[mpjkea]

Spot on Darren, we fulltime and having the 2x 135amps of lithium and btb and inverter plus more solar fitted (600watts) fitted.
Will never mind going on a site to fill up water, empty waste, loo, have a shower, washing, and a good recharge.
It's a great feeling with 150lts of water plus empty waste tanks, and fully charged batteries, and both gas tanks filled up.