Fifi was purchased very cheaply as an ex tradie van - she certainly isn't the prettiest van on the road, inside or out. But for the price paid, I couldn't complain.
I decided to turn her into a weekend getaway camper, but she had to meet some certain criteria:
1. A full sized, innerspring king-single bed (I understand this takes up a LOT more space than other options, but it's non-negotiable). 2. Cooking facilities inside (even though they will very rarely be used) 3. Everything had to be done on a budget.
Attached are some photos. Note that she isn't finished, but as she is right now she is certainly usable. Down the track, some additions will be the dual battery system (purchased but not yet installed), lighting, ventilation, carpet throughout (nothing is bolted down to the floor, this also means that everthing can be removed reasonably easily to use the van as a "van" again if need be) and various other bits and pieces.
Fifi certainly looks younger than Myrtle Dave. Should do you well. Not a lot of room once you get that mattress in there.
Boroma577 said
06:26 PM Nov 11, 2011
CONGRATULATIONS Dave on the acquisition of Fifi.....may she provide you with many a happy trip.
Dougwe said
07:50 PM Nov 11, 2011
I notice Fifi is aircond as well Dave (doors open) have fun and enjoy
johnq said
07:54 PM Nov 11, 2011
If you don't secure loose fittings you may need a screen to protect the front seats in case of an accident.
Dave83 said
07:59 PM Nov 11, 2011
Hi John,
That is a very good point. The van actually had a cargo barrier which I removed, as I wanted to be able to get into the cab from inside for safety's sake if need be.
There is nothing "loose" per se other than the bed and the sink/table. Neither of these pose any great risk in the event of an accident, however to be certain - each is tethered to the wall. Once carpet is laid (the budget says it has to wait) then these will be bolted down.Everything is packed in nice and tight, and there is no noticeable movement when driving or hitting bumps etc. Any small potential missiles are all stored under the bed and cannot escape.
But thanks for bringing this up. It's an important consideration.
Sheba said
10:06 PM Nov 11, 2011
Do you have to put Carpet in Dave ? I don't even like that in the House.
It'll collect a hell of a lot of dust et., and if you have to get in with wet or muddy feet, that won't do it very much good. I reckon Lino or Vinyl would be a better idea.
Just took a Pic. of my interior from the back. If you made a frame for the bed,[ I made mine into a 3/4] you could have storage both underneath and down one side. The Storage drawers I used were on special at the Warehouse or Crazy Clarks again recently for $19.00 for a 4 Drawer Unit.
Just ideas.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Friday 11th of November 2011 10:31:54 PM
Travel Bug said
11:04 PM Nov 11, 2011
Congratulations Dave...and welcome Fifi....
May you share many safe and happy travels
Cheers. Pam.
Dave83 said
12:12 AM Nov 12, 2011
Thanks all for your comments.
Sheba, there is still some space down one side - I have some plans for that - I'll put pics up when it's done.
I'm actually thinking of marine carpet - as it can get wet if need be, and can easily be swept without a need for a vacuum.
May I ask - what have you done for ventilation/cooling in your van? I'm looking at some options, but keen to hear what you have done. And do you find it hot sleeping inside in the hotter weather?
Dougwe said
08:21 AM Nov 12, 2011
I like the set up Sheba, any more pics. Good idea about the marine carpet Dave.
RALPHRALPH said
03:04 PM Nov 12, 2011
you all know virbration is the biggest destroyer in vehicles ,i use a lot off matting ,rope ,elec ties,super glue ,slastic
blaze said
03:44 PM Nov 12, 2011
Dave83 wrote:
Thanks all for your comments.
Sheba, there is still some space down one side - I have some plans for that - I'll put pics up when it's done.
I'm actually thinking of marine carpet - as it can get wet if need be, and can easily be swept without a need for a vacuum.
May I ask - what have you done for ventilation/cooling in your van? I'm looking at some options, but keen to hear what you have done. And do you find it hot sleeping inside in the hotter weather?
Hi Dave
We have marine carpet in our van for the very same reasons you are using, never again. Next time it will be lino and a couple of mats, much easier
cheers
blaze
johnq said
05:41 PM Nov 12, 2011
What about seeing if the wreckers might have one of those wind assisted ventilators for the roof?
Sheba said
10:24 PM Nov 12, 2011
Dave83 wrote:
May I ask - what have you done for ventilation/cooling in your van? I'm looking at some options, but keen to hear what you have done. And do you find it hot sleeping inside in the hotter weather?
I have Air-con when travelling, but when stopped, the side window opens, [screened] and when the top is up, if you open all the flaps, it's surprising the amount of airflow you can get.
Haven't been travelling much in extremely hot weather yet though.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Happywanderer said
10:33 PM Nov 12, 2011
I'm the same as Sheba, have a side wind out window with screen plus with the pop top up and zips undone there is a nice breeze. I don't think you have either by the look of your photos Dave.
Sheba said
10:49 PM Nov 12, 2011
Here are a few more Pics. Dougwe. Feel free to ask any questions. Don't have any with the top up yet though. These will give you an idea of the set-up.
I only use 12V power. Just for Lights, Dvd player, TV [not used yet], and Lap-top.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Dave83 said
10:52 PM Nov 12, 2011
You're right HW - as an ex tradie van, there is no pop top and the side windows are fixed and do not open. I am thinking of a caravan style hatch that has a 12v extraction fan built into it, as well as one or two ventilation vent/grill style things. Hoping this will do the job.
Sheba said
10:54 PM Nov 12, 2011
Don't know how much it costs, but it is possible to convert yours to a Pop-top Dave. Mine started out as a Sydney Waterboard Van.
I'm getting RVAirlifters in mine as soon as I can afford to. Have a breathing problem, so won't be able to lift it forever. The Compressor can do it for me.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Saturday 12th of November 2011 10:57:01 PM
Dave83 said
12:03 AM Nov 13, 2011
Hi Sheba,
To be honest, it probably wouldn't be worth the cost for this particular van. It's possible, but not cheap.
I'm not too worried about head room, as I don't expect to be spending very much time in the van itself other than sleeping and maybe wet weather. The ventilation would be the only major attraction to this idea for me on this particular vehicle.
Dave83 said
12:03 AM Nov 13, 2011
For the record, the whole exercise including purchase of the van, fitout and necessary repairs etc has been less than $2500
Dougwe said
10:25 AM Nov 13, 2011
Thanks for the pics Sheba your set up is great. Do you have problems with all those plastic boxes sliding out or are they fixed somehow.
Sheba said
11:03 PM Nov 13, 2011
Sorry about that. Should have put in a different Pic. Will do that now.
I made Flat Elastic Straps with hooks [made of No.9 wire I think. Might have been No. 10.] on each end to attatch to the back of the top lid, and the handle of the 3rd Drawer down. The bottom one is held in place by the mattress.
Fifi is Felicia's younger cousin.
Fifi was purchased very cheaply as an ex tradie van - she certainly isn't the prettiest van on the road, inside or out. But for the price paid, I couldn't complain.
I decided to turn her into a weekend getaway camper, but she had to meet some certain criteria:
1. A full sized, innerspring king-single bed (I understand this takes up a LOT more space than other options, but it's non-negotiable).
2. Cooking facilities inside (even though they will very rarely be used)
3. Everything had to be done on a budget.
Attached are some photos. Note that she isn't finished, but as she is right now she is certainly usable. Down the track, some additions will be the dual battery system (purchased but not yet installed), lighting, ventilation, carpet throughout (nothing is bolted down to the floor, this also means that everthing can be removed reasonably easily to use the van as a "van" again if need be) and various other bits and pieces.
CONGRATULATIONS Dave on the acquisition of Fifi.....may she provide you with many a happy trip.
That is a very good point. The van actually had a cargo barrier which I removed, as I wanted to be able to get into the cab from inside for safety's sake if need be.
There is nothing "loose" per se other than the bed and the sink/table. Neither of these pose any great risk in the event of an accident, however to be certain - each is tethered to the wall. Once carpet is laid (the budget says it has to wait) then these will be bolted down.Everything is packed in nice and tight, and there is no noticeable movement when driving or hitting bumps etc. Any small potential missiles are all stored under the bed and cannot escape.
But thanks for bringing this up. It's an important consideration.
Do you have to put Carpet in Dave ? I don't even like that in the House.
It'll collect a hell of a lot of dust et., and if you have to get in with wet or muddy feet, that won't do it very much good. I reckon Lino or Vinyl would be a better idea.
Just took a Pic. of my interior from the back. If you made a frame for the bed,[ I made mine into a 3/4] you could have storage both underneath and down one side. The Storage drawers I used were on special at the Warehouse or Crazy Clarks again recently for $19.00 for a 4 Drawer Unit.
Just ideas.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Friday 11th of November 2011 10:31:54 PM
Congratulations Dave...and welcome Fifi....
May you share many safe and happy travels
Cheers. Pam.
Sheba, there is still some space down one side - I have some plans for that - I'll put pics up when it's done.
I'm actually thinking of marine carpet - as it can get wet if need be, and can easily be swept without a need for a vacuum.
May I ask - what have you done for ventilation/cooling in your van? I'm looking at some options, but keen to hear what you have done. And do you find it hot sleeping inside in the hotter weather?
you all know virbration is the biggest destroyer in vehicles ,i use a lot off matting ,rope ,elec ties,super glue ,slastic
Hi Dave
We have marine carpet in our van for the very same reasons you are using, never again. Next time it will be lino and a couple of mats, much easier
cheers
blaze
Here are a few more Pics. Dougwe. Feel free to ask any questions. Don't have any with the top up yet though. These will give you an idea of the set-up.
I only use 12V power. Just for Lights, Dvd player, TV [not used yet], and Lap-top.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Don't know how much it costs, but it is possible to convert yours to a Pop-top Dave. Mine started out as a Sydney Waterboard Van.
I'm getting RVAirlifters in mine as soon as I can afford to. Have a breathing problem, so won't be able to lift it forever. The Compressor can do it for me.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Saturday 12th of November 2011 10:57:01 PM
To be honest, it probably wouldn't be worth the cost for this particular van. It's possible, but not cheap.
I'm not too worried about head room, as I don't expect to be spending very much time in the van itself other than sleeping and maybe wet weather. The ventilation would be the only major attraction to this idea for me on this particular vehicle.
Sorry about that. Should have put in a different Pic. Will do that now.
I made Flat Elastic Straps with hooks [made of No.9 wire I think. Might have been No. 10.] on each end to attatch to the back of the top lid, and the handle of the 3rd Drawer down. The bottom one is held in place by the mattress.
Pic. following.
Cheers,
Sheba.