Welcome to the Manual for the Camper Van "Fred"
On this page I provide practical descriptions of the essential features of the camper van "Fred".
Fred is a fully-equipped camper van including solar power, water, kitchen, shower, heating, and more. It provides everything you need to explore nature freely and in comfort.
If you have any questions, contact me.
Or visit this page, if you want to book a trip with the camper van "Fred".
I cover the following topics in this manual:
- Introducing "Fred"
- Electrical system and appliances
- Water system, fresh water, shower
- Converting the bench to a bed
- How to operate the heating
- Cooking in Fred
- Van toilet
- Using the awning
- Different ways to use the camping table
- Diesel and AdBlue tanks
- Important papers
- FAQ
- Get this Manual as pdf
- Book a trip with Fred
Introducing "Fred"
In this video I am introducing the camper van Fred and the idea behind the concept.
I created Fred together with the van builder experts PortCamper who are based close to Barcelona, Spain. They build their vans following the Mediterranea Van style, which is a perfect balance between tasteful style and practicality.
The van itself is a 2018 Volkswagen Transporter T6, reliable, fun to drive, with EURO6 environmental class (which allows to enter city centers) and in a beautiful white + caribe green color combination.
Fred is based in Barcelona, Spain.
Important Note:
The height of this van is 205cm.
You can also find this video directly on Youtube.
Introducing the electrical system and appliances
In this video I describe the electrical system of Fred. Fred has an extra battery for all the appliances you need to enjoy van life -- like a fridge or charging your phone. This battery is charged by solar panels, while driving, or through an external power line connection.
In Fred, we have a 12V and a 220V electrical circuit. In the video I also go over the main instruments and how to use them. No worries, everything in Fred is built to be robust and super easy to use.
You can also find this video directly on Youtube.
Fred's water system, fresh water, shower
In this video I cover the complete water system of Fred. Fred has a 40 liter fresh water tank and a 50 liter grey water tank. I show you how to fill them up and empty them and how to use the water appliances like the shower and the kitchen sink.
You can also find this video directly on Youtube.
Converting the bench to a bed
In this video I am describing how to easily convert the bench in the back of the van into a comfortable bed. This bed sleeps two adults easily. In addition, I can offer a custom made mattress that perfectly fits on the driver seat and co-pilot bench for a child.
In this video, I also cover how to make the most of the side windows and the roof window, which all include blinds and mosquito nets.
You can also find this video directly on Youtube.
How to operate the heating
In this video I give an overview about how to use the camper van heating.
Fred features an Autoterm heating. This Youtube video gives a very in-depth product explanation.
This heating is Diesel-powered and directly connected to the main tank of the van. It is incredibly efficient and heats up the room quickly. The heating sucks in air from an inlet, heats it up and blows it into the main living room via an outlet. There are several modes.
The most convenient is the "thermostat mode" where you simply set a target temperature.
You can also find this video directly on Youtube.
Below is a super short quick start video to operate the Autoterm heating in Fred.
You can also find this video directly on Youtube.
Cooking in Fred
In this video I show the various kitchen and cooking utensils in Fred. Everything you need is available: pots, pans, cutlery, plates, bowls and a cafetiere.
Most importantly, Fred includes a portable gas stove. I demonstrate how to operate it safely. It's super easy to use.
You can also find this video directly on Youtube.
Van toilet
In this video, I go over how to use the van toilet. This is a simple camping toilet but offers a flush and a removable collection container. This toilet is only for small business, but works very well and is very convenient to have available.
If you do use it, please make sure you clean it before we do the checkout at the end of your trip.
You can also find this video directly on Youtube.
Using the awning
In this video I demonstrate how to use the awning. Believe me: having an awning on a camper van is a game changer.
The awning product I fitted on my van is a top product, easy to use, robust and will increase the quality of your van trip.
You can also find this video directly on Youtube.
Different ways to use the camping table
In this video I show the different ways of setting up and using the camping table.
It can be used "freestanding" anywhere you like to use it (eg, under the awning). It can also be used inside of the van, which is great when the weather is not so good, or when you'd like to work or study in a silent atmosphere.
You can also find this video directly on Youtube.
Diesel and AdBlue tanks
In this video I show where the Diesel tank of the van is located and how to access and refill it.
Like most modern Diesel cars (with environmental class EURO6), my camper van Fred also requires AdBlue. AdBlue is a trade name for diesel exhaust fluid. It is a catalyst to reduce the amount of harmful oxides of nitrogen in exhaust gases.
Fred's AdBlue tank cap is just next to the Diesel tank cap, and has a volume of 13 liters. Depending on driving style that allows to drive roughly 7000km. But don't worry, in case it's low on AdBlue you'll get a warning on the dashboard. Before every check-in with a new driver, I always control all liquid levels.
You can also find this video directly on Youtube.
Important papers
In this video I go over the main legal papers that you should be aware of just to be prepared and have a stress-free trip. Several papers you will find electronically on the booking platform and the app or receive as pdf by email.
Others will be physically stored in Fred. These include all the legal vehicle papers required by Spanish law. In addition, your insurance policy will be in the van, and some phones numbers and guidelines in case of a breakdown or accident.
You can also find this video directly on Youtube.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
For more info, please also check this list of FAQ and super useful answers.
If you have any questions, contact me.
