Welcome to our first blog!
We’re thrilled to share the journey of starting a new chapter in our lives, a journey symbolised by our new van, the Wildax Altair RL. This blog will be our space to document every twist and turn as we transition from towing a large caravan to exploring the open road in a motorhome.
Why “Van on the Run?”
It all started with a song. My husband’s favourite track, Band on the Run by Paul McCartney, has become the soundtrack to this exciting phase of our lives. As we listened to the lyrics, we realised they perfectly captured the sense of freedom and adventure we’re chasing.
The idea of buying this van fills us with joy and hope. It represents not just a vehicle but an opportunity to discover remote places, live off-grid, and embrace the unexpected.
Why We Chose the Wildax Altair RL for Our Adventures
From Caravan to Van: The Big Decision
For years, we travelled in a 50-foot caravan, (car in tow) which was perfect for our growing family. But as our kids moved on, we craved something smaller, more flexible, and adventurous.
The caravan’s sheer size limited where we could go, and towing it required careful planning. We dreamed of exploring remote areas we couldn’t previously reach. That’s when it hit us: what we needed was a motorhome.
The Wildax Altair RL was the perfect fit—not too large for me to drive comfortably (I wasn’t keen on anything too big) and packed with the features we need for off-grid living. Its size is comparable to the Land Rover we used to tow the caravan, making it feel manageable yet versatile.
Customising Our Altair RL
Before we take delivery of the van on November 30th, we’ve had a few modifications made to suit our needs:
- Larger Shower Cubicle: My husband is 6’3”, and the standard shower space was a bit tight. The supplier graciously showed us a van with a modified shower and toilet room, and it made all the difference. They made a shelf smaller. Also, they replaced the sink with a compact oblong one that fitted in the corner instead of a rounded sink, which took up too much space.
- Dual Screens for Editing: We’re filmmakers, often working on the go. My husband is setting up a mobile editing suite, so we added two screens to make editing more efficient.
- Softer Upholstery: Since the side seats convert into our bed, we swapped the firm cushions for softer ones to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.
Why the Wildax Altair RL?
We chose this model for several reasons:
- Perfect Bed Length: Finding a bed to fit my husband’s height was challenging. The Altair RL offers a 6’6” bed on one side and a 6’0” bed on the other, perfect for both of us.
- Off-Grid Capabilities: We wanted a van capable of powering itself in remote locations. The Altair RL features solar panels and efficient battery-charging systems that allow us to stay off-grid for extended periods.
- Compact Size: Its manageable size and automatic gearbox mean I’m comfortable driving it, making journeys more enjoyable and shared.
How Does the Wildax Altair RL Generate Power?
- Leisure Batteries: These are charged by the vehicle’s alternator while driving, solar panels, or when connected to mains power at a campsite.
- Solar Panels: Roof-mounted panels convert sunlight into electricity, keeping your batteries topped up even in remote locations.
- Inverter: Converts 12V battery power into 240V, so you can run household appliances like laptops or kettles.
- Generator (Optional): We will be using for backup. You can use a portable or onboard generator when needed.
A Home for the Whole Family
For now, our travels will be within the UK, as our 16-year-old sausage dog, who can’t handle a rabies injection, is too frail for overseas trips. He’s part of the family and will join us on our adventures, ensuring we have lots of cosy nights in the van together.
What’s Next?
This blog is just the beginning. In future posts, we’ll share:
- How we’ve outfitted the van with tools and gadgets to make life on the road easier.
- Tips for editing on the go, perfect for budding filmmakers who dream of combining travel and creativity.
- Stories of the places we explore and the lessons we learn along the way.
Will this new lifestyle be everything we hope it will be? Or will we discover unforeseen challenges? Follow our journey to find out—and see if we’ve made a monumental mistake or found the adventure of a lifetime.
Stay tuned, and welcome aboard!