Journey to Vanlife stage 2 about to start

[Van-Wild]

I'll be very interested in those suggestions. Can I take a raincheck on that? I'm getting carried away in the excitement of getting that email. My partner has brought me down to earth with a bump! We've still not got the van converted, I'm supposed to be going back to work and a large number of other family issues going on. Oh and the lockdown is still technically in effect.

It's quite possible the only van living we'll get done is camping out in the outlaw's driveway if we visit them!!! Virus permitting of course.

No probs! Pm me whenever you're ready. My van has been sat on my drive for 10 weeks now. I'm itching to get away for a few nights, but the law doesn't permit it. Once the lockdown is lifted I will venture out for sure! Until that time I must admit to have spent a night or two in my van on the drive with the kids......

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

 

[Paul_B]

VW transporter conversion? Poptop with double bed for a 4 berth by any chance?

We're getting our Vauxhall Vivaro with double bed and poptop roof from drive lodge garage. It's a SWB so I'm not sure how well I will fit in there. We might end up using tents still at times. Well we do like camping too. There's only two adults and a child so perhaps I'll just have the lower bed to myself.

 

[Van-Wild]

VW transporter conversion? Poptop with double bed for a 4 berth by any chance?

We're getting our Vauxhall Vivaro with double bed and poptop roof from drive lodge garage. It's a SWB so I'm not sure how well I will fit in there. We might end up using tents still at times. Well we do like camping too. There's only two adults and a child so perhaps I'll just have the lower bed to myself.

Yep. Its a VW conversion. 4 berth, with pop top. Kitted out for wild camping not camp sites!.

We have everything we need for extended travelling and can go 7-10 days without resupply depending on distance travelled.

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

 

[SaraR]

Yep. Its a VW conversion. 4 berth, with pop top. Kitted out for wild camping not camp sites!.

We have everything we need for extended travelling and can go 7-10 days without resupply depending on distance travelled.

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

Can I ask what set-up you got for electricity? (or maybe I've already asked that on a previous occasion...)

 

[Paul_B]

Wow! Sounds good.

We're getting ours converted professionally so it's a good job, van bodies in Morecambe, but we spent a bit more on the van to get new model in a good condition/spec. That means half converted. We are getting more done than expected though. It'll have 4 beds but no kitchen or storage. Electrics for supply from hook up or from engine. Not up on terms, or forgotten them at least. Leisure battery, split system iirc with hookup. Heater for extending camping season.

The roof was an issue. Our money was tight to get the top roof makes of reimo and sca. The others hadn't developed a SWB Vivaro roof in the 2016+ Vivaro yet. Eventually our converter told us about drivelodge garage roofs. He'd not used them before but said they were as good as poptop and other second level companies. The other positive was that they have a spoiler instead of the rubber strip seal at the front. We had spoken to enough VW owners to learn that the rubber strip solution had more issues. Noise was one issue but one VW owner had nothing but problems with the strip coming off no matter what the converter did. A top VW converter too.

We'll probably end up having to get a load of extras not least a large water container for nights in the wilds. Seat covers for day to day use, new mats, silver blinds for the front windows, bike carrier options, etc. I'd like to fix roof bars for an open canoe we're talking about getting. If we don't it'll only get canal use (one is behind our house). I think the 40 or 50kg will just take a canoe and paddles suitable for the three of us and touring kit. I hope so because the van will be our only transport other than bikes or public transport.

Do you have any bike carrier recommendations? Either fiamma racks (bolt on or removable) or tow bar plus tow bar mounted carrier?? I am like towbar option personally, with a removable ball perhaps if not too expensive. We'll not tow anything I think. Do you have a carrier?

 

[Van-Wild]

Can I ask what set-up you got for electricity? (or maybe I've already asked that on a previous occasion...)

Split charge, with 110 amp hour leisure battery, 100w solar on the roof.

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

 

[Paul_B]

How much extra is the solar?

I'm getting the split charge and leisure battery (not sure of the capacity and ratings) along with a hookup. We'll be wild and site camping so for us that makes sense.

How much use can you get out of the leisure batteries in normal use? If we're driving around 10 miles each way a few times a week to work and say 45 miles each way once a weekend or for weekend trips would the battery be fully charged? Or do you need regular, long motorway runs?

Usual demand, lights and phones I think. Probably tablets and GPS units too.

 

[Paul_B]

What other kit have you added for remote camping? Water and waste tanks I assume but anything else of note? Anything above a normal campervan conversion that is?

 

[Paul_B]

Can I ask what set-up you got for electricity? (or maybe I've already asked that on a previous occasion...)

Do you have a van or planning a conversion?

 

[Van-Wild]

What other kit have you added for remote camping? Water and waste tanks I assume but anything else of note? Anything above a normal campervan conversion that is?

I added....

Water tanks
Waffle boards
Removeable double gas stove
Converted bike rack to carry extra fuel, firewood and rubbish bag
Tyre compressor
External lighting
Larger fuel tank
All terrain tyres
Under body protection plates
Recovery kit

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

 

[Paul_B]

Waffle boards????

BTW do you know about the DVLA conversion rules and insurance issues? I assume I need to call insurers before conversion. Since it's a part conversion and might not be converted further is it just modifications to a panel van or part conversion to a motor caravan? I know some insurers don't insure motor caravans but panel van with windows???

 

[Broch]

I added....

Water tanks
Waffle boards
Removeable double gas stove
Converted bike rack to carry extra fuel, firewood and rubbish bag
Tyre compressor
External lighting
Larger fuel tank
All terrain tyres
Under body protection plates
Recovery kit

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

Is it a 4x4 version? I have started looking (not ready yet to bite the bullet) for when I can no longer heave the Oz Tent onto the Defender. But, a lot of our wild camping has been in places you couldn't get a 2 wheel drive vehicle to so I really want a capable 4x4 camper.

 

[Van-Wild]

Is it a 4x4 version? I have started looking (not ready yet to bite the bullet) for when I can no longer heave the Oz Tent onto the Defender. But, a lot of our wild camping has been in places you couldn't get a 2 wheel drive vehicle to so I really want a capable 4x4 camper.

Mine isn't a 4Motion, but it manages really well on the forest tracks and steep rutted byways that I have driven it on, even when fully loaded. I've never got stuck, but I put that down to a combination of tyres, route walking, waffle boards and lots of caution!.

However..... a friend of mine does have a 4Motion with diff lock on her van, which she uses for most farm duties and she loves it. She says its much more practical than her husbands landy, but that's another argument that I ain't brave enough to get into, seen as I do harbour a secret fantasy of turning a 130 landy into an overland truck!

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

 

[Broch]

seen as I do harbour a secret fantasy of turning a 130 landy into an overland truck!

Ah, thanks for that, interesting to hear. Yep, the 130 is an option

 

[Van-Wild]

Waffle boards????

BTW do you know about the DVLA conversion rules and insurance issues? I assume I need to call insurers before conversion. Since it's a part conversion and might not be converted further is it just modifications to a panel van or part conversion to a motor caravan? I know some insurers don't insure motor caravans but panel van with windows???

My van is registered and insured as a Van With Windows. I am insured with a bespoke VW Camper company. It costs a bit more than the run-of-the-mill insurers and I had to list every single modification to my van, take pictures, send quotes of costs etc.... but the upside is that no matter what happens, I'm fully insured anywhere in the world.

Waffle boards......

Winches

IN STOCK : cheap Winches products. Great choice, ongoing promotions and fast delivery everywhere in the UK. Secure payment

www.manomano.co.uk

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

 

[Van-Wild]

Ah, thanks for that, interesting to hear. Yep, the 130 is an option

Don't temp me....... I must look at 130s at least once a month......

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

 

[Paul_B]

We live near the UK's main Unimog dealer and converter. Mostly for trade use but occasionally you see an overlander conversion for sale. Recently there was one set up for travel in almost any climate including artic capable habitation unit. Only a cool £198,000 asking price!!!! I only know about them because I nearly applied for a job with them. It was just outside of my experience/training so doubt I'd have got the job. Still, I want to test drive one off-road. Perhaps get one of them. Saw a Mercedes campervan in great langdales a couple of times. That looked close to a Unimog camper but had the Mercedes badge so not sure a full Unimog. Mercedes and Unimog are same company or linked I believe. Mercedes engine in Unimog at least. Saw something similar in Oban a few years ago too.

If you wanted an off road camper what about the Mitsubishi Delica L400 IIRC. You can get poptop roofs for them and full conversion is possible. We saw one WIP at our converters when we last saw them. Roof already fitted with a 2 seat rib placed inside for sizing, the seats that were going in hadn't arrived or possibly been ordered, but they wanted to check sizing out before hand.

I know a local importer gets a regular order for them from a Scottish shooting estate to get clients right up into the hills. They get a new one every 4 years and have a few on site at various ages. They carry many people plus guns and game shot quite happily off-road. Plus they often come from Japan with full service history and even winter tyres and spare wheels for them too. Plus any Mitsubishi dealership can easily get parts because the mechanics is the same as a standard 4x4 model available in the UK. I checked with the Mitsubishi dealership 5 to 10 minutes walk from me.

 

[Van-Wild]

We live near the UK's main Unimog dealer and converter. Mostly for trade use but occasionally you see an overlander conversion for sale. Recently there was one set up for travel in almost any climate including artic capable habitation unit. Only a cool £198,000 asking price!!!! I only know about them because I nearly applied for a job with them. It was just outside of my experience/training so doubt I'd have got the job. Still, I want to test drive one off-road. Perhaps get one of them. Saw a Mercedes campervan in great langdales a couple of times. That looked close to a Unimog camper but had the Mercedes badge so not sure a full Unimog. Mercedes and Unimog are same company or linked I believe. Mercedes engine in Unimog at least. Saw something similar in Oban a few years ago too.

If you wanted an off road camper what about the Mitsubishi Delica L400 IIRC. You can get poptop roofs for them and full conversion is possible. We saw one WIP at our converters when we last saw them. Roof already fitted with a 2 seat rib placed inside for sizing, the seats that were going in hadn't arrived or possibly been ordered, but they wanted to check sizing out before hand.

I know a local importer gets a regular order for them from a Scottish shooting estate to get clients right up into the hills. They get a new one every 4 years and have a few on site at various ages. They carry many people plus guns and game shot quite happily off-road. Plus they often come from Japan with full service history and even winter tyres and spare wheels for them too. Plus any Mitsubishi dealership can easily get parts because the mechanics is the same as a standard 4x4 model available in the UK. I checked with the Mitsubishi dealership 5 to 10 minutes walk from me.

Thanks for the tip, but I've already got an off road camper! My VW suits all my needs!

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

 

[Broch]

We live near the UK's main Unimog dealer and converter. Mostly for trade use but occasionally you see an overlander conversion for sale. Recently there was one set up for travel in almost any climate including artic capable habitation unit. Only a cool £198,000 asking price!!!! I only know about them because I nearly applied for a job with them. It was just outside of my experience/training so doubt I'd have got the job. Still, I want to test drive one off-road. Perhaps get one of them. Saw a Mercedes campervan in great langdales a couple of times. That looked close to a Unimog camper but had the Mercedes badge so not sure a full Unimog. Mercedes and Unimog are same company or linked I believe. Mercedes engine in Unimog at least. Saw something similar in Oban a few years ago too.

If you wanted an off road camper what about the Mitsubishi Delica L400 IIRC. You can get poptop roofs for them and full conversion is possible. We saw one WIP at our converters when we last saw them. Roof already fitted with a 2 seat rib placed inside for sizing, the seats that were going in hadn't arrived or possibly been ordered, but they wanted to check sizing out before hand.

I know a local importer gets a regular order for them from a Scottish shooting estate to get clients right up into the hills. They get a new one every 4 years and have a few on site at various ages. They carry many people plus guns and game shot quite happily off-road. Plus they often come from Japan with full service history and even winter tyres and spare wheels for them too. Plus any Mitsubishi dealership can easily get parts because the mechanics is the same as a standard 4x4 model available in the UK. I checked with the Mitsubishi dealership 5 to 10 minutes walk from me.

Yeh, when we've been out trekking we've come across the odd Unimog or similar - great looking trucks but there are plenty of places you just can't get to in them because they're too big. On top of that the fuel consumption is outrageous

They do look unstoppable though.

The Delica is on my list for when I actually start to plan this change but it's going to be like pulling an arm off to get rid of my 110

 

[Paul_B]

There's an importer near me that's carving a niche with really high quality imports. His specialty was bongos but they're getting long in the tooth so he's into other Japanese imports now. Delica is a popular option. Chamonix model especially so. Low and high roof versions.

I know he charges more and you can get a secondhand Delica I'm the UK cheaper by a lot of money but his premium is seriously quality. Plus discount deals for local buyers in my case. If I had gone that way he'd have knocked off a bit and even offered to get me his trade rate on servicing and mots. There's some really nice looking imports around Lancaster with his distinctive orange claw mark type logo on their bumpers. However most go across the country from South to north, East to West. For awhile he only had one local customer.

A lot of his come with full package of second set of hubs with winter tyres on, Chrome racks, ladders, etc. Basically the top spec options or nearly top spec in a Japanese style. Low mileage too.