If you’ve followed my journey over the last few years, you know that my little Peugeot Partner micro camper has been more than just a vehicle; it has been my gateway to freedom, photography, and the great outdoors. However, as the title suggests, I’ve found myself at a major crossroads.
In this article, I want to dive deep into the mechanical struggles I’ve been facing, the bittersweet decision to move on, and the exciting new project that is currently sitting in my drive.
I wrote this article to accompany the video I made about the end of my micro camper watch below or read on. Originally published April 2025 updated with new info for 2026.
Three and a Half Years of Micro Camper Life
It feels like only yesterday that I was sketching out plans to fit a bed, a kitchen, and a toilet into the back of a small Peugeot Partner. Back then, the goal was simple: create a stealthy, manageable, and affordable way to travel despite the challenges of living with a disability and chronic spinal problems.
This van has been absolutely brilliant. It’s small enough to navigate tight country lanes and fit into standard parking spots, yet it’s equipped with:
- Sleeping for two: Believe it or not, we made it work!
- Cooking facilities: Essential for those early morning photography shoots.
- A diesel heater: Which made winter camping not just possible, but cozy.
- Full electrics and toilet facilities: Everything you need for a self-contained adventure.
For three and a half years, this van has carried me to some incredible locations. But as any van lifer will tell you, the road isn’t always smooth.
When Things Go Wrong: The Mechanical Nightmare
The trouble started quite suddenly. One day, the van was running perfectly fine. The next morning, I went to head out, and I simply couldn’t get it into gear. If I did manage to force it, it would just stick and refuse to move.
What followed was a “hectic few weeks” of mechanical troubleshooting that tested my patience (and my wallet). Here is the breakdown of the repairs we’ve tackled so far:
1. The Clutch and Gear Rods
Initially, my nephew—who has been a massive help—thought the clutch had finally given up the ghost. We ordered a new clutch and spent the time getting it fitted. Unfortunately, that didn’t solve the issue. Further investigation revealed that the gear rods (or something similar—I’ll be the first to admit I’m not a car expert!) had also gone.
2. The Radiator Disaster
As if the gear issues weren’t enough, we hit a literal bump in the road during the repair process. As the engine was being moved to access the clutch and gearbox, the radiator got damaged. Suddenly, what was a gear issue became a cooling issue, and I had to source and fit a brand-new radiator.
3. The Mystery Noise
Once everything was back together, we were greeted with a “screaming noise”. We suspected the clutch cable might be the culprit, so we replaced that too. Unfortunately, the problem persisted, leading us to the final, heavy conclusion: the gearbox itself is likely shot.
The current plan is to source a reconditioned gearbox to get the Peugeot back to its former glory. But this mechanical saga lead to a bigger realization.
The Big Decision: Why I’m Moving On
Living with a disability means that every repair and every conversion task takes a toll. I can often only work for a little bit before I’m stuck for a few days recovering. When you’re constantly fighting with a vehicle’s mechanics, it takes away from the joy of the travels themselves.
I’ve realized that while I love the Peugeot, I need something a bit more reliable and perhaps a bit more spacious for the next stage of my life. I had already been thinking about a new vehicle, and the recent mechanical failures simply accelerated that plan.
Introducing the Vauxhall Vivaro
I’ve officially taken the plunge and bought a 16-plate Vauxhall Vivaro. It’s a six-seater at the moment, which means I have a blank canvas to start a brand-new conversion project.
Why the Vivaro?
- Space: It offers significantly more room than the Peugeot Partner, which will make living in it—and managing my spinal issues—much easier.
- Potential: I have so many ideas for a “Phase 2” of my van life journey, incorporating everything I learned from the micro camper build.
What Happens to the Peugeot Partner?
Don’t worry—the Peugeot isn’t headed for the scrap heap! Once the reconditioned gearbox is sourced at the right price & fitted and the van is running perfectly again, I will be putting it up for sale.
It’s a bittersweet feeling. I did this conversion as cheaply as possible, and it has given me three and a half years of priceless memories. It’s the perfect starter van for someone looking to get into micro-camping or for a solo traveler who wants a stealthy weekend warrior.
The Road Ahead: A New Conversion Series
This is the end of my travels in the Peugeot, but it is far from the end of my travel on my YouTube channel. In fact, it’s a new beginning!
Converting a larger van like the Vivaro brings a whole new set of challenges and opportunities. I’ll be documenting the entire process:
- The Stripping Process: Removing the seats and preparing the interior.
- The Design: How I plan to lay out the living space to accommodate my physical needs.
- The Build: Step-by-step guides on insulation, electrics, and cabinetry.
If you’re a fan of camper conversions, make sure you stay tuned.
Final Thoughts
Van life isn’t always about the beautiful sunsets and perfectly brewed coffee looking out on to lovely scenic view. Sometimes, it’s about sitting in a car park at the back of your house, staring at a broken gearbox, and trying to figure out your next move.
I’m sad to see my time with the Peugeot come to an end, but I am incredibly excited about the Vivaro. I want to thank everyone who has watched the videos, left a comment, or followed along with my photography. Your support makes the hard days—and the slow recovery days—much easier to handle.
If you haven’t already, please subscribe to my YouTube channel. There’s a lot more camper van content, photography adventures, and “real-life” van stories coming your way very soon.
Until next time, keep exploring!