What did you do to your van today?

[The laird]

Had the engine running for a-hour or so heating on radiator on
fitted a lamp into a cupboard the swmbo wanted
removed ice off the roof window and bonnet

 

[TeamRienza]

Took it out for an afternoon run circumventing the Mourne mountains where we live, perhaps 40 miles with a stop for a short walk along the shore at one point. Ran the fridge, made tea, put 20 litres or so of water into it to exercise the taps and toilet flush and heated with our Truma. It was a cloudless sunny day but sharp, only about 3 c.

Back home and drain down, wash tomorrow if not too cold.

So 2020 ended with 3500 miles (usually 9000)
26 nights (usually 100 +) and 11 extra days of use.

Tonight starts the transfer of all the stats and information from the 2020 diary into the 2021. Hope I’m not wasting my time.

Davy

 

[maingate]

I have just done similar with my diaries Davy. 19 nights away but we have had other considerations apart from Covid which prevented us getting away. I checked my diesel and gas usage. I only needed one fill up of diesel (I keep the tank full all winter). As for gas, I only had one refill of LPG but I did run a couple of standard bottles empty so I could get full ones in their place for Winter touring (that was a bit optimistic with hindsight ).

 

[wildebus]

Sorted out the kitchen area with some new storage solutions ....

 

[TeamRienza]

@maingate, As you might expect I have records of diesel fills and mpg and lpg (keen to see when gasit breaks even). The bulk of the diaries chronicles our stops, visits and routine for the year.
However, the importance of the diary is in its recording of mundane things like wheel torque, last weighbridge figures, medications, emergency numbers for RAC, insurance, bank contacts and the hundreds of other little pieces of information which I feel are useful to have at hand.
I am thinking though that the largely unchanging information might be better in a mini ‘reference’ booklet rather than being hand copied from year to year, although to be fair, I quite enjoy the exercise.

Davy

 

[maingate]

Mine is much more basic Davy but it is a tradition now and passes one long Winter evening.

 

[The laird]

Just torqued up wheels and put caps on
went for a run to Bathgate back to Livingston and it's covered in bl -- dy salt but I ain't washing it the day
heater back on and thermals fitted so that will be it till whenever

 

[Silver sprinter]

Just torqued up wheels and put caps on
went for a run to Bathgate back to Livingston and it's covered in bl -- dy salt but I ain't washing it the day
heater back on and thermals fitted so that will be it till whenever

Gordon, Why do you leave the thermals on? is it for the sun and do you do it all year round

 

[The laird]

Put my thermal exterior screens on to help insulate with radiator on to help keep heat in and cold out in winter but in summer it also helps to keep the inside cooler when in the heat
also reduces interior screen condensation Gerry

 

[TeamRienza]

Well I was a good boy. Today I washed the salt and grime off our van after yesterday’s run out. Just a water wash with the long handle brush and hose attached.
Fancy stuff like detergents etc can wait till spring or 10c whichever comes sooner!

Davy

 

[Vanterrier]

Moved van from temporary parking place as it was in partial shade so not getting any solar. Its now on drive in front of garage and connected to ehu. Im waiting for the builder to return to dig out new parking place next to garage as deeds say I cannot park on (shared) drive. Not sure what Tier 4 will allow him to do? Hopefully he will be able to do the job so I can move the van again. It still has the fuel I put in in November 2019 but that doesnt seem to have deteriorated as she fires up first turn, just as well when battery was low when it was parked in the partial shade.
My miles for 2020 = 3 ( to MOT and back)
2020 diary = MT
Lets hope 2021 is better although Im not due the vaccine for quite a while ( on account of being young and virile - ahem)
K

 

[The laird]

Lots of low mileage vans oot there

 

[Vanterrier]

I wonder how many " hours run" they are though? The roads we travel mean our average mph must be around 35 and at 41000 overall thats around 1200 hrs (plus some standing time, but not much for us)
K

 

[Greyduster]

Re-covered the window frames, installed USB power for the bedside lamp, replaced the crappy foam seating in the U-shaped lounge with two mattresses, single beds its the future!!!!

 

[TeamRienza]

Love how bright and airy your van and decor are.

Davy

 

[Greyduster]

Love how bright and airy your van and decor are.

Davy

Thanks Davy its been thru a few decor changes to get to that stage, but well worth it

 

[tonybvi]

Early start taking van to Dinnet for it‘s first MoT. Just got back home at 1030 when the garage phoned to say job done, passed with flying colours. Back to Dinnet to collect van and it’s now tucked in warm and snug at home again!

 

[Lee]

Linda is busy emptying all the food out of the van, just to stop it going passed it's use by dates.
I've just cleaned the fridge, we have decided it'll be a couple of months before we can go out, so we may aswell mothball it.

 

[Obanboy666]

Checked the batteries, charged up the Karcher window vac, Dyson vacuum, torch and power pack then started the genie to ensure it was ok, ran the engine for 10 minutes until warmed up. Before anyone mentions it, didn't allow it to idle and kept revs above 2k.

 

[Winks]

Just been up to the yard for the first time in three weeks and there was still ice on the van where it’s shaded but the solar panels are clear. Started and run at 2200 revs for half an hour so the cooling fans cut in and out a few times. Leisure battery at 12.9v and starter battery 12.4v so not too bad considering the temperature lately. Think I’ll make it a weekly trip for the duration but not driving it out and about. Bloody roof is going green again thought.


Cheers

H