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This is my first ever Campervan build project,
which I built because I had long wished to own a Campervan - but never
had adequate funds to own one outright. The build project also served to
help me with my mental health issues, albeit that at times I stalled and
even thought of abandoning the project.
Once started however, I soon realised that it was
going to be a much bigger task than I first imagined. I persevered just
as I did when I
started with my knife making hobby. I knew what I wanted to achieve, but
my plans were sketchy and it was more a case trial and error and
learning as I went along, rather to good design and planning! The main
criteria was based on doing the best I can with little funds I had - so
improvisation was a daily feature of the build.
Putting the main framework together didn't
take me too long as I had a good idea to what was required with having
done online research before I started. What seemed to take
ages and at times frustrated me, was the fiddly semi-finishing work.
Eventually I got to a stage where I had to install the 12v and 240v systems
before I could continue to start of the finishing tasks. As I've always been scared
of electrics - as in if I got it wrong I imagined the van would go up in
smoke - I decided to ask for help from a friend of a friend who was willing to do the work for me.
But that fell through and unfortunately, due to a health issues, I had to put the build project on
hold for a while. With no electrical related help materialising I decided to have a go at
installing the electrics myself. OK, it took a lot of head scratching
and few popped fuses, but otherwise nothing serious happened that put me
off. Yet again, online research helped and thus made steady progress to
get both 240V and 24v system working - much to my relief and
satisfaction. I didn't rush anything and whenever I encountered a
problem, I simply did some more research until I found a workable
solution and got on with the job.
It took me four months to get the van to a good
enough
standard that would allow me to apply for re-registering the panel van
to a Motor caravan. The registration process went through without a
hitch and I was now officially a Motor Caravan owner! I was well chuffed with
the result so far and the Van was usable. Once having started to make
trips with the the Van I spent quite a bit of time figuring out on how
to refine and make further improvements, be it to make it more
comfortable, practical and aesthetically pleasing. So after every trip
I'd spend time making the noted alterations etc. In truth though, I know
I'll be doing more alterations of one sort or another, so it's always
going to be an open project...
The original criterion for the Campervan were:
a. It
should comfortably sleep two people, in two single beds as well as a
large double bed as necessary. Under the single beds will serve as 'clean' storage.
Outcome: Initially used Caravan cushions to
make the single beds and the double bed. Looked nice but that
comfortable, so I replaced all with made to measure Memory foam units
plus a separate full wall to wall Memory foam mattress. Brilliantly
practical and very cosy.
b. As much free space as is practically
possible. The Portaloo, gas hob, sink, onboard water
tank with running water,
microwave, 3 way fridge, TV/DVD player and stereo system to all be
fitted in where ever possible.
Outcome: The water tank, I fitted underneath
the van. The TV I fixed, via an extending fixing bracket to the main
Wardrobe. The Portaloo and Chemicals are stored in own cupboard under
the Wardrobe. Microwave in own cupboard over the wardrobe. All other
items have been fitted and connected appropriately. Gas, water
pump and electric junction Box under sink unit. 24v control panel to the
rear of Driver's seat. Lighting is a mix of 24v and 240v. 4 heavy
duty/capacity leisure batteries are under the passenger seat and I can
live comfortable off grid for 4 to 5 days.
c. It also had to have
storage space for my fishing gear and small outboard and also for me to
be able to
fully slide in through the back doors an inflated heavy duty 3.3 meters inflatable dinghy on its side
between the single beds.
Outcome: It all worked out just as planned.
d. The addition of a 'Drive away Awning' to serve
as extra living space with tables and chairs etc. 24v Cooler to
supplement fridge as necessary.
Outcome: Drive away awning is very useful to
have even if not always used on every trip. 24v Cooler is a must to keep
certain food items in, during long journeys.
It so happens that with every journey there is less
to sort out once we're back home. I've got it right in relation to my needs and expectations.
So as as it stands, I'm more than happy
with the van...
Major update: I had the Van
re-sprayed in dark blue (Mercedes colour Dunkel Blua). It looks much
nicer now. It's a 1998 built Van with 140,000 miles on the clock. Albeit
that the Engine
was fully overhauled at around 128,000, at a total cost of £2600!!!
It turned transpired that the fault diagnosis by my
regular mechanic and the Greenflag man were both wrong! They said that a couple of
engine core plugs have come away, hence the large quantity of water
coming out from the back of the engine. However, much to my disgust,
once the Van was returned to me on a load Loader from Manchester, I had a look at the
paperwork and was stunned to discover that the real problem had nothing
to do with the core plugs, they were all fine! The Driver who delivered
it to me was also the man who overhauled the Engine and he said that
there was nothing wrong with the Engine, it was just a
burst water pipe at the back of the engine!!! All that money that I
could hardly afford gone just like that! The Company in Manchester who 'Fixed' the engine could have told me of
the real issue before they went ahead and thus save me a good bit of
money! For a while I felt I've been well lied to and
conned, but it is what it is and yet another life lesson learned.
Anyway, I'm consoled by knowing that I've now got a better engine with low
mileage...
Following photos show some of
the build stages. |
