--Full Timing

[Jon1]

Hello everyone.

I am about to find myself homeless because of a greedy family member so I have decided to fulfil a long term dream.

 

I have purchased an Iveco Laika Ecovip 2i. The van has lots of goodies solar panels, TV auto tuning, cruise control. reverse camera, garage for my race cycles, A home from home albeit a wee bit bijou. I am looking forward to moving around the Scottish Highlands with this baby. It's a 2000 model has 54,000 on the clock good service history. I have insured it with comfort so it's a full timer. I have a job which is split between two towns 30 miles apart. Looking to wander the highlands when not working.

 

I am looking to make the van as self sufficient as I can the solar panels are 150 watts I am considering an inverter generator to power the PC/TV in the evenings I am into sound recording but apart form my IMac and speakers everything else is USB powered from the iMac. The night will soon be closing in but the van has led lights all round inside.

 

So my question is what power generator do I need to keep the lights etc on the van also has an inverter but I'm not sure why I would need this if I purchase an inverter generator when using the PC/ TV etc.

[antony1969]

Jon1 - 2014-09-25 10:34 PM

 

Hello everyone.

I am about to find myself homeless because of a greedy family member so I have decided to fulfil a long term dream.

 

I have purchased an Iveco Laika Ecovip 2i. The van has lots of goodies solar panels, TV auto tuning, cruise control. reverse camera, garage for my race cycles, A home from home albeit a wee bit bijou. I am looking forward to moving around the Scottish Highlands with this baby. It's a 2000 model has 54,000 on the clock good service history. I have insured it with comfort so it's a full timer. I have a job which is split between two towns 30 miles apart. Looking to wander the highlands when not working.

 

I am looking to make the van as self sufficient as I can the solar panels are 150 watts I am considering an inverter generator to power the PC/TV in the evenings I am into sound recording but apart form my IMac and speakers everything else is USB powered from the iMac. The night will soon be closing in but the van has led lights all round inside.

 

So my question is what power generator do I need to keep the lights etc on the van also has an inverter but I'm not sure why I would need this if I purchase an inverter generator when using the PC/ TV etc.

 

Not a helpful post from me but one that says good luck in your full timing and I am envious of your new life style ... Good luck

[Guest Joe90]

Your going to face two major problems, keeping warm, and enough power. A refillable gas system would be a priority for me, assuming there is an autogas filling station nearby, and a petrol generator is going to be absolutely essential, good luck.

[Guest Joe90]

Your going to face two major problems, keeping warm, and enough power. A refillable gas system would be a priority for me, assuming there is an autogas filling station nearby, and a petrol generator is going to be absolutely essential, good luck.

[sshortcircuit]

What size is your battery bank? From what your proposed uses are you should be able to achieve that using cigarette/USB charger or a small, 150w inverter. Winter in the highlands can be very cold so how are you going to keep warm?

[Stitches]

I wish you all the best!

Keeping warm and well fed by ensuring adequate gas supplies and utilising a generator would be my first concerns, silver screens to keep the heat in some sheltered spots if you can find them.

Please keep us informed as to how you are getting on.

 

[Guest JudgeMental]

2 refillable gas bottles with external filler would be essential I would think if full timing.......a company called GASIT do good deals on kits...Have you investigated being rehoused by council if you are being evicted. Good luck with the plan.

[pkc]

Hi Jon.

What kind of heating system do you have? Has it got the facility to run in convection mode?

Blown air systems put a big load on the battery especially on startup, and tend to be a bit temperamental as the battery voltage drops.

Being without heatng in the UK is not a joke and you may find that running a gennie is not practical sometimes, ( Don't mention the G word on here though for Gods sake)

As said earlier refillable bottles a really good money saving idea, money spent on replacing any incandescent lighting worthwhile, don't bother replacing fluorescent lights little saved there, good choice of van especially if it has the dual cassette/ marine toilet.

Best of luck, go for it.

There is a website dedicated to full timing which might be worth a look.cheers.

[Guest pelmetman]

www.motorhome365.com

 

Hopefully your family problems will be the catalyst for a whole new stage in your life, I know we'd like to do it B-)...................

[Jon1]

Hello again

Thanks very much for all the replies the spec of the van is as follows.

 

New Thule Omnistor Wind Out Sunblind premium Fitted July 2014.

• Blinds And Fly Screens

• Full remote Central Locking – 2 sets keys

• Toilet

• Corner Steadies

• Cycle Rack x3

• Double Glazed Windows

• Electric heated Mirrors

• Electric Retractable Step

• Electric Windows

• Fresh & Waste Water Tanks

• Fridge (12V/240V/Gas)

• Side Garage

• Gas and 240 Electric Heater

• Heki Rooflight

• Hob triple

• Pair of Leisure Batterys fitted March 2014 with mains and solar panel Chargers

• Mains Hook Up 240v

• Oven/Grill

• Power Steering

• Sony Radio/CD/Ipod aux in, phone bluetooth Player

• 8 Seat Belts – travelling seats

• Reverse camera and LCD screen fitted June 2014

• Roof Rack & Ladder

• Shower with mixer

• Swivel Front Seat

• Tow Bar and euro and UK Electrics

• T.V. Aerial with booster and flat screen digital TV and radio

• Water Heater

• 4 gas tanks supplied, 2x 4.5Kg plus 2x 11Kg can be loaded in any combination

• All internal lighting LED, van runs indefinitely on own power with Solar panels

• LED daytime running lights and front indicator repeaters.

• Gas safe certificate June 2015

• MOT April 2015

 

Reg Year Date: 2000

Engine: Iveco 2.8TDI

Gearbox : 6 Speed Manual

Berths: 7

Mileage: 56k

 

Dimensions of LAIKA ECOVIP 2i

Height:

2.99

Width:

2.32

Length:

6.89

MTPLM:

4200kg

 

I'm new to motor homing so hope I have made a good choice the van looks spotless no corrosion and a truck like chassis. I used to drive trucks to France and Spain until I lost my HGV due to type 1 Diabetes.

 

Do a lot of cycle training so hoping to move around at weekends /days off in search of best weather

 

I will probably overnight at a couple of caravan sites when the weather is really bad so just hook up to the mains as I work five days per week I'll only need to heat and cook (gas) during the evenings.Was hoping that the solar panels would recharge the leisure batteries during the day and I would run the generator during the evenings for about 3/4 hours to power the lights, TV for the news perhaps an hour max and iMac have two studio speakers which are mains driven. No neighbours to disturb when I crank them up. Guess the best bet is to get the most powerful generator I can afford. Noticed a company on ebay Skinner motorcycles selling tiger generators for Hymers etc. Would prefer a honda or yamaha but are twice the price.

 

 

 

[capcloser]

We full time in a fifth wheeler and have done for many years in a variety of vehicles,by choice,we have in total 300watts of solar charging 2 110amp batteries not linked so one is always charged,we also have a honda genny for times without hook up,we use a combination of small campsites,friends land and wild camping,in a small area as we need to be near work.We use a woodburner in the winter and remove it in the summer,as well as gas and electric heating.One thing i would recomend would be a dehumidifier,can get damp in winter with gas heating.We have more room than you so can have lots of home comforts(we have a fridge/freezer and a small chest freezer both run off gas or electric),but as long as your warm and dry and have your telly and computer you'll be fine.Good luck,always ready with advice and tips :-|

[manwiththepsychoGPS]

Hello there,

We've just spent a couple of weeks in Scotland seeing the family (I'm originally from Glasgow). One of the weeks was spent on the Ardnamurchan peninsular and the Isle of Mull. We had very good weather and the subject of climate came up when talking with the locals. They rarely see a frost (the Gulf Stream) even when the rest of the UK is very cold. This is something I have heard up and down the West Coast and the Islands, so staying warm shouldn't be too difficult. Staying dry? Well, that's another matter all together. Good luck on your travels.

 

Colin

[gmacz]

Calor gas bottles all over the highlands for heating.

Generator will be needed if you watch the tv a lot.

Longer nights in the highlands compared to the south in winter means yoi will have a lot of free time.

Cheaper ferry travel and do not believe that there is no frost, it freezes all over.

[Guest Joe90]

If your van isn't seriously winterized leaving it whilst your at work in cold temperatures could result in expensive, not to mention very challenging problems. You'll also need to consider obtaining fresh water fairly frequently, and the disposal of your black waste. Perhaps investigation of CLs or CS may be an idea, I've come across many over the years where a longer term arrangement has obviously been made, that would address many of the obstacles your going to face, anyway just another thought for you.

 

[Colin Leake]

Jon1 - 2014-09-26 3:03 PM

 

Hello again

Thanks very much for all the replies the spec of the van is as follows.

 

New Thule Omnistor Wind Out Sunblind premium Fitted July 2014.

• Blinds And Fly Screens

• Full remote Central Locking – 2 sets keys

• Toilet

• Corner Steadies

• Cycle Rack x3

• Double Glazed Windows

• Electric heated Mirrors

• Electric Retractable Step

• Electric Windows

• Fresh & Waste Water Tanks

• Fridge (12V/240V/Gas)

• Side Garage

• Gas and 240 Electric Heater

• Heki Rooflight

• Hob triple

• Pair of Leisure Batterys fitted March 2014 with mains and solar panel Chargers

• Mains Hook Up 240v

• Oven/Grill

• Power Steering

• Sony Radio/CD/Ipod aux in, phone bluetooth Player

• 8 Seat Belts – travelling seats

• Reverse camera and LCD screen fitted June 2014

• Roof Rack & Ladder

• Shower with mixer

• Swivel Front Seat

• Tow Bar and euro and UK Electrics

• T.V. Aerial with booster and flat screen digital TV and radio

• Water Heater

• 4 gas tanks supplied, 2x 4.5Kg plus 2x 11Kg can be loaded in any combination

• All internal lighting LED, van runs indefinitely on own power with Solar panels

• LED daytime running lights and front indicator repeaters.

• Gas safe certificate June 2015

• MOT April 2015

 

Reg Year Date: 2000

Engine: Iveco 2.8TDI

Gearbox : 6 Speed Manual

Berths: 7

Mileage: 56k

 

Dimensions of LAIKA ECOVIP 2i

Height:

2.99

Width:

2.32

Length:

6.89

MTPLM:

4200kg

 

I'm new to motor homing so hope I have made a good choice the van looks spotless no corrosion and a truck like chassis. I used to drive trucks to France and Spain until I lost my HGV due to type 1 Diabetes.

 

Do a lot of cycle training so hoping to move around at weekends /days off in search of best weather

 

I will probably overnight at a couple of caravan sites when the weather is really bad so just hook up to the mains as I work five days per week I'll only need to heat and cook (gas) during the evenings.Was hoping that the solar panels would recharge the leisure batteries during the day and I would run the generator during the evenings for about 3/4 hours to power the lights, TV for the news perhaps an hour max and iMac have two studio speakers which are mains driven. No neighbours to disturb when I crank them up. Guess the best bet is to get the most powerful generator I can afford. Noticed a company on ebay Skinner motorcycles selling tiger generators for Hymers etc. Would prefer a honda or yamaha but are twice the price.

 

 

QUOTE]

 

Hate to be a kill joy but have you declared you diabetes to the GVLA and looked at the conditions on you driving licence? I'm diabetic and as a result can't drive any thing over 3.5 ton. It possible if you go through an annual check with a specialist but it's a right pain in the arse and even if you pass you can't be sure you will the following year. I can't be bothered as I'm in my mid seventies which also limits what I can drive. Good luck.

[Jon1]

'Hate to be a kill joy but have you declared you diabetes to the GVLA and looked at the conditions on you driving licence? I'm diabetic and as a result can't drive any thing over 3.5 ton. It possible if you go through an annual check with a specialist but it's a right pain in the arse and even if you pass you can't be sure you will the following year. I can't be bothered as I'm in my mid seventies which also limits what I can drive. Good luck.'

 

Thanks very much Colin I was under the belief that I was OK up to 7.5 tomes I have a code D1 authorised on my license but will check this with DVLA before I conclude the purchase.

[Guest pelmetman]

Jon1 - 2014-09-26 3:03 PM

 

Hello again

Thanks very much for all the replies the spec of the van is as follows.

 

New Thule Omnistor Wind Out Sunblind premium Fitted July 2014.

• Blinds And Fly Screens

• Full remote Central Locking – 2 sets keys

• Toilet

• Corner Steadies

• Cycle Rack x3

• Double Glazed Windows

• Electric heated Mirrors

• Electric Retractable Step

• Electric Windows

• Fresh & Waste Water Tanks

• Fridge (12V/240V/Gas)

• Side Garage

• Gas and 240 Electric Heater

• Heki Rooflight

• Hob triple

• Pair of Leisure Batterys fitted March 2014 with mains and solar panel Chargers

• Mains Hook Up 240v

• Oven/Grill

• Power Steering

• Sony Radio/CD/Ipod aux in, phone bluetooth Player

• 8 Seat Belts – travelling seats

• Reverse camera and LCD screen fitted June 2014

• Roof Rack & Ladder

• Shower with mixer

• Swivel Front Seat

• Tow Bar and euro and UK Electrics

• T.V. Aerial with booster and flat screen digital TV and radio

• Water Heater

• 4 gas tanks supplied, 2x 4.5Kg plus 2x 11Kg can be loaded in any combination

• All internal lighting LED, van runs indefinitely on own power with Solar panels

• LED daytime running lights and front indicator repeaters.

• Gas safe certificate June 2015

• MOT April 2015

 

Reg Year Date: 2000

Engine: Iveco 2.8TDI

Gearbox : 6 Speed Manual

Berths: 7

Mileage: 56k

 

Dimensions of LAIKA ECOVIP 2i

Height:

2.99

Width:

2.32

Length:

6.89

MTPLM:

4200kg

 

I'm new to motor homing so hope I have made a good choice the van looks spotless no corrosion and a truck like chassis. I used to drive trucks to France and Spain until I lost my HGV due to type 1 Diabetes.

 

Do a lot of cycle training so hoping to move around at weekends /days off in search of best weather

 

I will probably overnight at a couple of caravan sites when the weather is really bad so just hook up to the mains as I work five days per week I'll only need to heat and cook (gas) during the evenings.Was hoping that the solar panels would recharge the leisure batteries during the day and I would run the generator during the evenings for about 3/4 hours to power the lights, TV for the news perhaps an hour max and iMac have two studio speakers which are mains driven. No neighbours to disturb when I crank them up. Guess the best bet is to get the most powerful generator I can afford. Noticed a company on ebay Skinner motorcycles selling tiger generators for Hymers etc. Would prefer a honda or yamaha but are twice the price.

 

 

 

Blimey...........You call that Bijou :D.............

 

Try a Fiat Amigo (lol) (lol) (lol)..............

 

 

[Colin Leake]

Jon1 - 2014-09-26 7:44 PM

 

'Hate to be a kill joy but have you declared you diabetes to the GVLA and looked at the conditions on you driving licence? I'm diabetic and as a result can't drive any thing over 3.5 ton. It possible if you go through an annual check with a specialist but it's a right pain in the arse and even if you pass you can't be sure you will the following year. I can't be bothered as I'm in my mid seventies which also limits what I can drive. Good luck.'

 

Thanks very much Colin I was under the belief that I was OK up to 7.5 tomes I have a code D1 authorised on my license but will check this with DVLA before I conclude the purchase.[/QUOT

 

Good luck and do let us know how you get on. Do bear in mind that you also need to check your position with your insurance. We are with Saga who take the view that as long as you have declared your condition with the DVLA and have been issued with a licence they are happy. I don't know but it would be wise to let them know you will be full timing.

[Guest JudgeMental]

Jon1 - 2014-09-26 7:44 PM

 

'Hate to be a kill joy but have you declared you diabetes to the GVLA and looked at the conditions on you driving licence? I'm diabetic and as a result can't drive any thing over 3.5 ton. It possible if you go through an annual check with a specialist but it's a right pain in the arse and even if you pass you can't be sure you will the following year. I can't be bothered as I'm in my mid seventies which also limits what I can drive. Good luck.'

 

Thanks very much Colin I was under the belief that I was OK up to 7.5 tomes I have a code D1 authorised on my license but will check this with DVLA before I conclude the purchase.

 

I think the deciding factor is if you are on insulin or not...have been a diabetic for many years with no licence restrictions until i went on Insulin. Then restricted to 3500Kg + 3 yearly driving license and eye test.. touch wood so far so good....

 

some of the other forums have more full timers...worth a look

[Guest Peter James]

Jon1 - 2014-09-26 7:44 PM

 

'Hate to be a kill joy but have you declared you diabetes to the GVLA and looked at the conditions on you driving licence? I'm diabetic and as a result can't drive any thing over 3.5 ton. It possible if you go through an annual check with a specialist but it's a right pain in the arse and even if you pass you can't be sure you will the following year. I can't be bothered as I'm in my mid seventies which also limits what I can drive. Good luck.'

 

Thanks very much Colin I was under the belief that I was OK up to 7.5 tomes I have a code D1 authorised on my license but will check this with DVLA before I conclude the purchase.

 

D1 is a minibus. This may give more info.. https://www.gov.uk/vehicles-you-can-drive

Very sorry but don't be tempted to drive a class of vehicle you are not licensed for.

Wild camping tends to attract the attention of the police more than lorry driving because of neighbourhood watch etc, so you are likely to be soon found out, and living in an uninsured seized vehicle you can't drive :-(

[pepe63xnotuse]

..also bear in mind what you'll do about a "postal address" for the "official stuff" (insurances etc)

Obviously it must be doable(..using a relative/friends address?)but from what I can gather from some forums, a good many who say that they are/have "Full Timed", more often than not they've only really "Long Termed" for a bit(..having maybe retained their home, either rented out or with their kids or relative living in it?).

..and I should imagine that as far as "officialdom" is concerned, the latter may a world away from cutting all ties and being totally "transient"...

Friends of ours "Long Termed" but for probably not much more than a year, at which point they bought a narrow boat!:-S

 

As has been said, check out the specific "Full Timing" websites..

 

Good luck though mate! ;-)

 

RE: Gas.

As said "refillables" of sorts could be a money(and hassle)saver in the long run but I would be tempted to retain one exchange cylinder, for those times when there isn't an LPG station at hand (..or when "uprooting" to drive to it, just isn't convenient?).

Having said that, if you get yourself sorted with a couple of regular,dependable /safe locations(..the odd very small site or an "unofficial" pitch in a farmer's yard/field etc), they may let you leave a large 47kg cylinder stored/chained up for when you stop there?).