26 replies to this topic

[maryquant]

I have an old LDV convoy minibus out the back, that either needs scrapping or something useful doing with it.

So I came up with this... would appreciate all your comments/feedback and any suggestions. I think ive taken into account how it will be used but any suggestions to make it more useable would be great. Unfortunately it is a low top, so will have to duck and live in it - but I can cope with that as its only for a few months.

Its designed around my living style which is basically watch telly, use computer, eat something, read something, sleep.

No shower room, and only a cupboard for a portaloo thingy as will stick to camp sites with shower blocks/toilet facilities.

Anyways, let me know what you think - then I can get started!

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•  ldv_campervan.jpg   204.39K   53 downloads

[Nick '91]

Seems ok, how many books are you planning on having? Could be interesting while driving around.

Could be worth selling that and looking into getting a hitop?

Is that a door over the offside rear wheel?

[Bungle]

first thing you will need to do is look into getting the V5 changed from mini bus/van to motor home, there can be issues with insurance if it doesn't say motor home on the V5

electrics i would go for 12v or gas as much as possible, if you have to relay on 240v hook up the pitches will cost you more and you will have to start booking in advance

with the bed/seat in it's current position your camper is only a 2 seater, do you think you will find this restrictive ?

12v heating will kill your battery very quickly look into getting a hot air blown system run by gas or diesel

your bed is only a single, are you a sad old git with no chance of pulling ?

your fridge is a long way from the sliding door, do you want to have to go right into the van for the next cold beer ?

removing the bulkhead between the cab and the back and fitting swivel front seat would give you more seating with out taking up more space

everything in a camper should have 2 or more jobs to save space

a swing out cooker means you can cook outside on nice days and saves the van filling up with bacon fat smoke and smells

[maryquant]

Cheers for the tips so far, I lived in a caravan for about 18 months whilst working as a site warden, could never get the blown air system to work but will look into it.

The pitch I have lined up is inclusive of electricity, so not too concerned with the hookup, although will have some leisure batteries and eventually solar roof panels to power low voltage lighting.

The heating cable is only as I have some lying around, so will prob not actually get in thinking about it, im quite happy to just wear more clothes

Plug and light plan attached.

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•  ldv_campervan___electrucs.jpg   194.6K   21 downloads

[maryquant]

your bed is only a single, are you a sad old git with no chance of pulling ?

your fridge is a long way from the sliding door, do you want to have to go right into the van for the next cold beer ?

Yes. And good point.


edit: going to make some modifications, luckily there is no bulkhead so swivel chair might be an option

Edited by maryquant, 06 April 2010 - 06:14 PM.

[Bungle]

i have thought of a few more so edited my post up there ^^^^

[maryquant]

v2

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•  ldv_campervan_v2.jpg   215.65K   25 downloads

[Bungle]

now if you turned the bed 90 degrees you could also carry people in the back (once seat belts are fitted) and have a table (lowers to make the bed) between the bed seat and the front seats to give you something to sit around

the fridge is now a very long way from the cooking area

how about fitting the fridge and cooker to each of the back doors so they are together but will swing out for access outside (cooking outside will also mean you can stand up to cook)

[j500cpr]

I would get rid of one of the Wardrobes and the sink, in place of the wardrobe I would make a room for toilet / portaloo
You can wash your dishes in the site wash up area, saves having to plumb for water and having dirty water containers.
Bigger fridge and decent microwave, bin cooker and get a portable grill for bacon / eggs type cooking.

Make the bed larger and make your seating / desk area comfortable rather than having to sit awkwardly on the end of the bed.

Looks like far too many lights as well, most of your time camping should be outside!!!

[Bungle]

LED lights are very good but how about a zig unit to charge the 12v battery's while on 240v hook up

[maryquant]

Width of the useable space is only 1.59m and im 1.85m tall so put it that way for comfort. I could put one of the single seats back in where the fridge is I suppose, although the likelyhood of me having more than one passenger is very small.

Im considering a cooker attached to the RH rear door which goes under the kitchen unit when door is closed, would free up some worktop space.

EDIT: I should probably clarify, this is for semi-long term use (up to 6 months)

Edited by maryquant, 06 April 2010 - 06:33 PM.

[Bungle]

Im considering a cooker attached to the RH rear door which goes under the kitchen unit when door is closed, would free up some worktop space.

how are you going to cook in the rain ?

[Bungle]

Width of the useable space is only 1.59m and im 1.85m tall so put it that way for comfort. I could put one of the single seats back in where the fridge is I suppose, although the likelyhood of me having more than one passenger is very small.

i still meant sleep front to back not across the van

your camping with friends and you decide to go to the pub, 2 of you go in the front do the others walk ? i think a 2 seater van of that size is a waist

[Bungle]

we have our TV on a bracket on the B pillar

it will turn so we can watch TV sitting outside in bed or from the front seat/bed

[maryquant]

fingers crossed v3 - loving the comments guys

Seems you fix one thing, and another problem occurs, or you get an old one back - kinda like a mini i guess. tricky stuff.

This would make it a three seater with a swivel chair, or a 4 seater if i leave the front seats as they are.

cooking can be done in or out like this.

Attached Files

•  ldv_campervan_v3.jpg   218.21K   21 downloads

Edited by maryquant, 06 April 2010 - 06:53 PM.