Has anyone bought a van, and had it fitted with bed, cooker, sink, table, cupboards, etc...., similar to Hi Ace , Fiat Ducato, coaster one that would take a toilet and shower unit............is it a viable option to buying one completed already.
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Judy
"There is no moment of delight in any journey like the beginning of it"
Has anyone bought a van, and had it fitted with bed, cooker, sink, table, cupboards, etc...., similar to Hi Ace , Fiat Ducato, coaster one that would take a toilet and shower unit............is it a viable option to buying one completed already.
G'Day barina. A short story that may or may not be of use to you. Some years ago, I fitted out a 2 tonne yacht from the hull up. New decks and cabin, stove, sink, bunks, electricals, plumbing and cupboards etc. The main problems were;
1. The shape of the hull didn't allow for easy fitment (not so bad with a square bus but bear in mind the 'rounding' at roof levels).
2. The time required around work, weather, family etc.
3. Either getting a plumber/gasfitter to sign off on the necessary 'trade work' or finding one who'll fit that work and not charge the earth.
4. Ensuring the right weight distribution that won't 'upset' the handling characteristics nor take you too close to G.V.M.
My project took me nearly two years working almost every weekend and leave period (plus the odd hours on work days). The weather stopped certain work and there were delays whilst having to 'redesign' little corners to get the best use of space. My brother (a competent and practical man) helped with 'trade work' such as electricals, gas and plumbing; he had a friend who was authorised and happy to 'sign off' on the necessary certificates. Towards the end of the project, I started to get impatient and rushed some jobs that I later regretted. Anyhow, I kept the boat for another couple of years and was never really happy with little items such as some areas of 'trim' etc. I later opted for something new and already fitted out by professionals. That was in 1980 and I've still got that boat. For what it's worth.
When I decided on a motorhome, I looked at fitting out a bus but recalled my earlier experience and shuddered. I ended up buying a fully fitted rig second hand. I am doing some small modifications, but I have a usable rig whilst doing so.
An option for you might be to look for a partially completed rig and finish it yourself. Motorhomesales (part of carsales) have quite a few Coasters, Civilians etc that have low milage and are already stripped out ready for fitting and some that are partially complete. The only reason I didn't go for one was they were a touch on the small side (for my needs) and the 'bedroom' was not partioned off for the 'lounge/kitchen' areas. This could probably be overcome with a plywood bulkhead and a bit of coercive language.
In summary, if you have the time, skills and a friendly gasfitter/plumber, it is certainly 'doable'. But the right tools, work area and above all PATIENCE are highly necessary prerequisites. For what it's worth.
Thanks all...I have no skills to attempt the fit out my self so would be paying someone / company to do it. I could make curtains and furnishings only. I thought maybe a pre converted van would have lower mileage. I keep looking....thanks again
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Judy
"There is no moment of delight in any journey like the beginning of it"
My van has been fitted out myself with absolutely no skills using garage sale items very cheaply. It never quite does the job, but I can get away and have a good time. I come home and do a refit each time lol and the experience has been fun.
I would get a professional job next time, but often it is just a matter of live and learn I guess.
If you're looking for a good finish with the comfort looking for a ready made camper van will be good value for money without the decisions of fitting one out. Look carefully, don't rush, and choose wisely. I think the vehicle you mentioned would be suitable. I think they're 4x4 which is a bonus. Have fun.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
We have sold the offroad van, due to the driver's health issues, and are thinking about buying a Coaster that I can drive - and travel in, if/when I'm a solo traveller.
We are looking at second hand ones, rather than getting one converted for us - due to costs. The trade off is that we would have to compromise on some of the things we would like. But I would only buy one that has been converted by a professional company, rather than a home done one, because in trawling the for-sale ads, the properly converted ones seem to hold their value better. There are also issues about making sure that the vehicle has all the proper compliance papers - for weights, gas, electricity etc.
If cost was not an issue and we could get a Coaster fitted out for us, there are several companies that do this. Google motorhome conversion or something along those lines, and see what comes up. For a while, I was interested in the conversions offered by a company in Brisbane, which also imports the base vehicles from overseas, but comments I read on another forum about problems with them, have made me wary.
A second hand, professionally fitted out Coaster, without too many km on the speedo, could cost you somewhere in the region of $60,000 up.
I like the Coaster base because I know they can handle gravel roads, so would not be confined to bitumen. We have worked and spent a lot of time up north where Coasters are the basic vehicles for tourist operations, remote communities, schools. They are tough.
Interested in your thoughts about the Coasters Wendy. When I mentioned it to my partner he said he wouldnt even consider a coaster as their bifold doors allow too much dust ingress. Are there any Coaster owners out there who can comment on this? Thanks
I had a Mazda with bifold and my new (second hand plus) Hino has bifold and I don't have problems with dust etc through the doors.
Best to find someone with one and talk to them about your worries as to reject an option on hearsay or just thoughts may be to your detriment if all else ticks the boxes.
Regards Brian
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11 Mtr house Boat based at Mannum hoping to travel up the Murray as far as I can get then drift back again
