Bluebird Guidebook

Contact details

 Nadia Tahari

+447804664962

nadia.tahari@gmail.com

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INTRODUCTION

 

Welcome to your adventure with Bluebird! This campervan has been lovingly self-built to combine rustic charm with essential comforts. It is an ex- SSEN van, which means it was well maintained and looked after. The van is constantly checked for any faults and is kept in excellent condition. Your safety and comfort is our priority - to ensure a smooth, safe, and enjoyable experience, please carefully read through this guide and please contact me if you have any questions or need assistance.

 

General Van Safety

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The Bluebird drives like a dream and is constantly checked over. But please read over these driving safety rules to make sure you are as safe as possible.

• Driving: Always check your mirrors, secure all items inside the van, and drive slower than you would in a regular car, especially on windy roads.

• Weight Load: Ensure heavy items are stored low and secured in the storage provided. Do not exceed payload limits.

• Insurance: Please provide you own insurance and bring any documents with you

• You can find the vans height and other specs on the sun cover on the drivers side.

• Please make sure to enter and exit the van side and rear door in a safe way. 

• Do not drive the van onto any surfaces that you cannot drive out of, such as muddy areas.

• You are only slightly wider than a car, but you are very long! Take corners wider and slower.

• Please use the handbrake when parked

• Make sure you use seat belts provided. Children must be seated in age-appropriate car seats if required. 

• All loose items must be stored away safety before driving

• Please close the skylight before driving!

 

What is Provided? What do I need to bring?

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Bluebird has been converted to provide a cosy level of comfort, warmth and provisions. Whilst we try and make sure you have everything you need before renting, we do ask that you bring some provisions with you to ensure you have the most comfortable stay possible.

 

You will need:

• Please bring your own bedding and sheets for hygiene reasons. We recommend bringing a naturally insulated duvet or sleeping bags such as feathers or wool to ensure warmth. 

• We hope one day soon to provide electricity, but in the meantime we are off grid so please bring any battery banks to charge phones. You can use a charger provided whilst driving, but whilst you are parked you may need extra charge! We do have a weatherproof extension cable that can be used at campsites to hook up to mains, please check with the campsite before booking.

• Bring layers! The van has been well insulated, but can be hot in warm weather, and cold in the mornings so being suitably dressed for camping is encouraged.

• Bring suitable clothing and footwear for camping. Whilst you may be cosy and dry in the van, being prepared for all weather whilst camping is a good idea. Bring waterproofs, suitable shoes and hopefully sunglasses for hot weather!

• Bring any extra torches and lamps you might want for extra light in the nighttime. The van does have fairy lights, torches and led lamps, but may be dim for some van hirers. 

• Please bring your own towels

What we provide:

• Kitchen utensils, pots pans, plates, cups and tea and coffee 🙂

• Double Mattress, hammock and cab bed.

• LED lights, torches and spare batteries

• First Aid Kit

• Washing up and cleaning supplies

• Toilet Roll and Bin bags

• Complimentary shampoo and wash 

• Extra wool blanket 

 

Campervan Features Instructions

 

Pull-Out Bed

• Setup:

  1. Clear the seating area by removing the seat cushions

  2. Pull the slats with the wooden boards attached towards the cupboard area. The boards should lay directly on top of the lip of the cupboards

  3. Lay the cushions flat to form a mattress.

  4. Please use a sheet to cover the cushions

• Storage: Store bedding when not in use to keep the space functional.

 

Kitchen / Pump Sink

• Operation:

  1. A full tank of water will be provided at the start of your trip

  2. Pump by hand until water flows.

  3. To heat water, use the kettle provided and use the plug to retain the hot water or use the bowl in the storage above the cab

• Cleaning: Rinse the sink and wipe it down after every use.

• Please only use the washing liquid provided to protect the environment

• There is a fully equipped kitchen, no need to bring anything unless you want your favorite mug from home! :)

• The water provided is filtered drinking water from our tap.

 

Gas Hob

• To use the gas hob, first make sure there is nothing in the way or hanging near to it

• The gas is located in the cupboard underneath the hob, make sure the valve is open

• To light the hob, use a lighter provided to ignite the gas whilst turning the knob on the hob you would like to light.

• When finished, please make sure the hob is off and the gas valve is closed.

 

Chemical Toilet

• Please ask beforehand if you will need access to the toilet. We encourage you to go for a wee outside in nature where you can! Or to use a campsite/ garage toilet.

• The toilet is stored under the bench, you can use it by carefully lifting it out of storage, or by lifting the slats to use whilst in place.

• To use: Lift the lid and open the flap to the waste chamber. Once finished, use the white flush pump to clean.

• Emptying: Check the tank indicator. Empty when about two-thirds full or before it becomes too heavy.

• Use: Only use chemicals approved for campervan toilets and are biodegradable.

• Disposal: Empty only at approved chemical toilet disposal points (campsites, service stations).

• DO NOT put toilet paper in the toilet. Please dispose of these in a bin.

• We provide disposable gloves for handling waste tanks.

 

Heating with the Wood Burner

Please DO NOT use the wood burner if you are unsure of how to do it safely or if you have small children. 

• Ventilation: There is an air vent in the van, please make sure that this is OPEN whilst using the wood burner.

• Fuel Use: Only burn seasoned hardwood or kiln-dried logs. No treated wood or rubbish.

• Operation:

  • Light small fires; don’t overload.

  • Firelighters are provided in the tin. 

  • Always use the air vent control to regulate flame.

  • NEVER leave the wood burner lit unattended or while sleeping.

  • Make sure you close the door over immediately after lighting a fire so no sparks shoot out

  • Never touch the wood burner or the chimney whilst it is lit.

 

• Clearance: Keep all flammable materials (bedding, clothes, wood storage) at least 50cm away from the stove.Please make sure that the curtain is fully open and no where near the burner.

• Fire Extinguisher:- There is one provided in the cabinet next to the wood burner

• Carbon Monoxide Detector is Installed and tested before every rental.

• If any accidents so occur, there is a first aid kit provided, please seek medical attention

• You only need to have it lit for short periods, as the insulation will retain the heat 

The carbon monoxide alarm will always be checked before every use. If the batteries run out, there will be more provided in the above cupboards. To test, press the button once and it will give you a reading -

• 0-9 ppm:
  Normal background levels, posing no significant health risk for healthy adults, according to McAfee Heating and Air Conditioning.

• 10-29 ppm:
  May cause problems with long-term exposure, potentially leading to headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

• 30-35 ppm:
  Levels at which flu-like symptoms can begin to develop, particularly in children and the elderly.

• 36-99 ppm:
  Widespread flu-like symptoms (headache, nausea, fatigue) can affect anyone.

• 100+ ppm:
  More severe symptoms like confusion, intense headaches, and potentially coma or death, especially at levels of 300-400 ppm or higher.
  
   

If the CO detector alarms, it's crucial to evacuate the van immediately and seek fresh air. Elevated CO levels (over 35 ppm) are an emergency, and it's important to call for help and not re-enter until the situation is deemed safe. 

 

Hammock

Please let us know in advance if you would like to use the hammock. It needs to be secured at all sides to make sure it is safe for use. 

• Make sure that the carabiners are secured to the points on the side wall and the ceiling.

• Please use the board and mattress for maximum comfort. 

• When secured correctly, your child has no way of sliding out. 

• Please make sure it is used for sleeping ONLY and not playing in

• Please do not jump or hang from the hammock

• Please do not use the cupboards as a ladder to get up to the hammock, please aid your child to climb into the hammock

 

Security and Protection

• Do not leave keys in ignition whilst parked

• Make sure all doors are locked electronically and manually before leaving the van.

• Please use the steering wheel lock provided when parked

• You can lock the van from the inside using the manual lock on the side door, and using the key fob.Please make sure that the back door is also locked manually overnight

• Please store any valuable items out of sight or take them with you.

• Please only park in safe areas such as campsites. Please avoid city centres, industrial estates, and residential areas

• Unfortunately the van does beep with you lock it electronically, so be prepared and aware that you don’t lock the van too late at night on a campsite! We advise that if you are staying on a campsite that you just use the manual locks.

 

Personal Safety

• Carry a charged phone at all times.

• Let someone know your route and plans if travelling solo.

• Camp overnight only in permitted places (wild camping rules vary across regions).

 

Parking and Campsite Use

• Please park safety and ensure you are not blocking other cars or driveways

• Do not park in residential areas out of respect for residents who might not appreciate a large van outside their home

• Remember you are long! Try to use car parking bays that are allocated for long vehicles

• When using campsites, please ring ahead and check they accept Long Wheel Base vehicles. Whilst most do, some with limited access may warn against it.

• Parking on a flat surface is encouraged for your comfort of sleeping horizontally! 

• Be aware of where you would like your door to open when parking. Having the side door open facing sunset is ideal! Avoid parking with the side door in direct midday sunlight, or keep the curtain closed to ensure coolness.

• We like to use the Park4Night app to find good parking spots recommended by other van users!

 

Cleanliness and Respect

We don’t mind a bit of mess! It comes with the spirit of camping, and whilst we don't expect immaculate cleanliness, keeping it generally clean and tidy will help us to keep it rentable for the long term. 

 

Keeping the Van Clean

• Shoes Off Policy: Encourage renters to remove shoes inside to keep dirt and moisture out.

• Please use the brush and pan proved to clear out any bits brought in by footfall

• Rubbish - bin bags are provided and need removing from van daily.

• Wipe Down: Wipe kitchen surfaces, sink, and table after each use with the provided eco-friendly cleaner.

• Please clear and wipe down the cooler box provided.

 

 Returning the Van

• Clean the sink, bed area, and floor.

• Empty and rinse the chemical toilet if full

• Sweep and wipe down wood burners and clear out ash if used.

• Clear any areas of personal items and food

• Please make sure you return on time, there will be a charge of £10 an hour for late returns.If you are going to be late please contact me as soon as possible.

 

 Owner Preparation Checklist (All checked before rental period)

• Full vehicle inspection (brakes, lights, tires, engine fluids).

• Top up the chemical toilet supplies.

• Refill fresh water tanks.

• Check and reset carbon monoxide and smoke alarms.

• Leave written instructions laminated inside the van.

• Provide an emergency kit:

  • First aid supplies

  • Fire extinguisher

  • Breakdown contact details

 

Thank you for reading through this guide! 

This campervan is an adventure home! Following basic rules around safety, cleanliness, and care will keep it — and you — safe, secure, and comfortable for many adventures to come.

Thank you for treating the van with the love and respect it deserves. Happy travels!