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.
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.
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Not grey yet, but if I keep playing with campervans, I suspect that I very soon will be!
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
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?
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Not grey yet, but if I keep playing with campervans, I suspect that I very soon will be!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Not grey yet, but if I keep playing with campervans, I suspect that I very soon will be!
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.
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Not grey yet, but if I keep playing with campervans, I suspect that I very soon will be!
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.
