Chugger & Shirley's European Adventure (1 Viewer)

[Chugger]

I have been trying to get Shirley ready to go for departure on Saturday (14th). I plan to use this thread to diarise my movements.

This week has not been ideal - frost damage during the recent cold snap seems to have been more extensive than initially anticipated. I will post details shortly.

In any event, I have made the decision to leave for Europe on Saturday regardless. I will eitger find fixes on the road or have to make do without running water.

 

[Chugger]

 

[DBK]

Good luck, I guess you should be able to buy something like this from say a Decathlon.

Not sure we want too much detail about your "movements" if they are the first thing in the morning sort. But please post about your travels - and travails on the water front.

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[Fenman]

Have a good trip. Lots of pics please.

 

[Janine]

I hope Shirley serves you well and you have some great adventures together

 

[Rob and Val]

Looking forward to reading about your adventures.

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[intokenny]

Good luck, have a fab time. Cannot wait to read more.

 

[Chugger]

So.... today I got the new filter fitted, and success! Water! This is the state of the old filter:

However, moments later it became apparent there was a leak behind the sink in the bathroom. I called around to try and find a replacement tap for the vanity unit as I was told that the frost was likely to have cracked it and that was the cause of the leak. Nowhere seemed able to assist without at least a 2 week wait.

So I decided to investigate myself

I managed to get the taps out and found that thr frost had caused the hot water pipe to pop off the tap connector. I got this back on, tested, all good there. However, when testing there was ALOT of water coming out the bottom of the van. Upon further inspection BOTH pipes had come off the shower taps. I had to cut the seal and remove the shower panel in order to re-attach them. Sorted, shower panel replaced. Done.

But... I went to turn the pump on to do a final test... and nothing. The pump is now not working at all. Not a sound. I can only think something got wet that shouldn't have. I have dried the van out but now give up. Not chasing it anymore - I will just have to go away without shower or running water facilities.

 

[Chugger]

I have now ordered these, so at least I have something

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[Carol]

Have a fabulous adventure, love your positive attitude, I'm sure as you start talking to fellow travelers somewhere along the line you will find a solution to your water problem, the frost this winter played havoc with so many water systems we had to put new fittings on our taps.
Looking forward to following yours and Shirley's travels.

 

[Anthea M]

Have a great time with Shirley and that sounds like what may have happened to our van which is now at the dealers being sorted. We were in France 3 weeks ago and no campsites open but now many are you can book on for a warm shower and washing!
Safe travels and hope you find some sun!!

 

[Dilbert]

Best of luck on your travels, we are off next week in our 18 yr old van .always carry a toolbox for running repairs etc France and Spain hopefully. Bon voyage

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[Liverpoollass]

Good luck and enjoy...

 

[scousebird]

Enjoy your travels

 

[Mikey RV]

Happy travels.

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[Northernraider]

Great to see your finally setting off. .Shirley is looking good I think she'll do you proud.
Worse case scenario you might need a new pump for the water.
Looking forward to watching your journey.
Once you get in to Spain you might find some of the places I stayed at helpful ...youll find them in my travel thread.

You may even find an orange seller to work your pump for you


On the bottle shower

 

[Chugger]

Looking forward to watching your journey.
Once you get in to Spain you might find some of the places I stayed at helpful ...youll find them in my travel thread

I shall take a look at your travel thread, thanks!

 

[Anthea M]

I shall take a look at your travel thread, thanks!

You will need a few spare hours but well worth the read!!

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[Chugger]

Finishing up my packing today. Also went in and bought a data only sim for my myfi. 50gb for £30pm on Vodafone, 30 day rolling contract.

I also picked one of these portable mini speakers up from the Vodafone store for £25. Supprisingly loud, clear and good battery life.

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[Janine]

You will know Shirley inside out soon - literally!

Sounds like you are proving your Mom wrong with your newly found DIY skills

 

[Chugger]

I have been loading Shirley up today, ready for the off. I thought I was travelling light but now don't feel I am! I am stuck between leaving stuff I might need behind or taking it just in case. I know really I should be leaving stuff behind, but it now doesn't seem so simple!

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[Anthea M]

I have been loading Shirley up today, ready for the off. I thought I was travelling light but now don't feel I am! I am stuck between leaving stuff I might need behind or taking it just in case. I know really I should be leaving stuff behind, but it now doesn't seem so simple!

Try without you can always buy en route if it is absolutely essential!

 

[Chugger]

@Janine I am loading most of my stuff in tubs above the cabin, like you did. Did you ever worry about being a bit top/front heavy?

 

[Northernraider]

My advice leave what you don't really need.
I'm carrying so much crap around with me in this van but I've binned the stuff of low or no value the rest I can't ditch because it's worth money but I wish I'd left it at home

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[chaser]

I have been loading Shirley up today, ready for the off. I thought I was travelling light but now don't feel I am! I am stuck between leaving stuff I might need behind or taking it just in case. I know really I should be leaving stuff behind, but it now doesn't seem so simple!

wherever you are going , remember there are always shops.

 

[Janine]

@Janine I am loading most of my stuff in tubs above the cabin, like you did. Did you ever worry about being a bit top/front heavy?

Let's apply some female logic.

Whatever you pack 'just in case' will invariably be wrong so don't take it.

As said before, there will be shops

 

[Chugger]

I have had a re-pack and gone lighter than I was previously... although I have still packed my golf clubs

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[Chugger]

My advice leave what you don't really need.
I'm carrying so much crap around with me in this van but I've binned the stuff of low or no value the rest I can't ditch because it's worth money but I wish I'd left it at home

How long have you been away? Are you sticking in one place or moving around?

 

[Northernraider]

How long have you been away? Are you sticking in one place or moving around?

I left the UK 12th January in spain and Portugal till at least October. I move every 2 or 3 days .....i brought every item of clothing I own lol ....havent needed 70% of it.
Laundarrettes everywhere and cheap enough to use. Great food so no need to cart crap from UK. Don't know what your planning to pack and take with you but what you can manage with for 2 to 3 weeks is enough to do you fulltime. ....i learned that the hardway.

And if you do need to buy anything here it's generally cheaper ....

 

[Janine]

So.... today I got the new filter fitted, and success! Water! This is the state of the old filter:
View attachment 224335

However, moments later it became apparent there was a leak behind the sink in the bathroom. I called around to try and find a replacement tap for the vanity unit as I was told that the frost was likely to have cracked it and that was the cause of the leak. Nowhere seemed able to assist without at least a 2 week wait.

So I decided to investigate myself

I managed to get the taps out and found that thr frost had caused the hot water pipe to pop off the tap connector. I got this back on, tested, all good there. However, when testing there was ALOT of water coming out the bottom of the van. Upon further inspection BOTH pipes had come off the shower taps. I had to cut the seal and remove the shower panel in order to re-attach them. Sorted, shower panel replaced. Done.

But... I went to turn the pump on to do a final test... and nothing. The pump is now not working at all. Not a sound. I can only think something got wet that shouldn't have. I have dried the van out but now give up. Not chasing it anymore - I will just have to go away without shower or running water facilities.

Did you get the pump working? Try flicking the switch on and off rapidly - it does stick sometimes.

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