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Boat Life to Van Life… Did We Make a Mistake? | Episode 292

5 March 2025 · 37 min · 20K views · New Zealand

What this video covers

A couple transition from boat life to van life in New Zealand, navigating a rental campervan through the Coromandel Peninsula while managing mechanical uncertainties and unfamiliar camping infrastructure. The pair upgrade their boat’s electrical system by replacing a 600 amp-hour battery bank with a 1,000 amp-hour Relion setup to support increased solar capacity and Starlink usage, though the installation remains pending until their return to the vessel.2:50 During their road trip, they encounter challenges with the van’s reliability, including a potential starting issue that forces them to keep the engine running at a parking spot.35:30 They navigate narrow, winding roads and utilise public dump stations for the vehicle's cassette toilet system.16:37 Despite the learning curve of freedom camping and the lack of vehicle cruise control or autopilot, they explore local trails and coastal scenery.13:22 The experience highlights the logistical differences between managing a boat and a land-based vehicle, particularly regarding power management and site reservations.8:18

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