Decisions on conversion.

[Skyliner33]

Ok, Im going to see a couple of convertors in the next few days regarding finishing my van by doing the final stage of putting the units in.

However I have spoken to a few people and this has got me wondering about the way to go, so here are my dilemmas.

1. I dont want to install gas, so first decision is to have a fitted induction how, or use a portable plug in one (which then could also be used outside the van).
2. Do I install a sink/tap unit and all the fresh water/ dirty water gubbins etc, or just used a camping sink (inside/outside use) so not to ave the issue of sterilising the water system to keep safe.
3. Tambour doors or normal, do the tambours rattle, are the the better solution in certain places?
4. I like the look of a single level set of units rather than the traditional high level 'wardrobe' at the back. I thin it gives the van a more open feeling. Would I be losing a significant amount of storage.
5. I dont think tambour doors look great, but is the functionality of them in some places better than the aesthetics?
6. Are doors or deep drawers in the units more useful?
7. I have windows in the slider and opposite panel. Now I need to decide if to put any windows further back, or leave it as it is with a more private feel for the rear quarters.


I am thinking its best to put the electrics under the front seats as a space saving measure.
Decisions I am 99% certain on are a top loading fridge and a small domestic microwave.

I'm sure I have missed some things that will crop up later.

Thanks for any or your thoughts.

 

[Bargy62]

1. We have built in gas but hardly use it so we could live without it. We're always on EHU so 3 portable induction hobs 1 in van for morning brew 2 in awning for cooking
2. have sink and on board water facilities but never used just have collapsible bucket for waste water
3.my tambour doors don't rattle but only used on the high level units normal doors below
4. High level units for storage you can never have enough
5.tambour doors make it easy to access on high level wardrobe units IMO doors would get in the way
6. No draws but low unit above fridge with drop down door ideal for induction hobs
7.nice to have windows in back to be able see out the one behind tall units would be a blank also think it looks better externallywith windows all round .

All of the above is my opinions and choice feel free to pick though it and maybe something will help you with your choice in creating the ideal van for you
Good luck

 

[Sackmycook]

If/when I sort a new van, I'm foregoing cooking and storage facilities and getting a full width bed arrangement along the lines of a Ovano or similar. We just want somewhere to sit and sleep. Everything else can be done in the awning and toilet tent. This is based on cost v usage equation.
I'd even not bother with leisure electrics; just use my jackery and folding solar to power a small compressor fridge and a light.
Unless @JOG sells me the Cali of course

 

[JoshB_]

I’ve just gone for drivers side rear quarter window a fake and passenger side a fixed so it gives a more open feeling but can still put a big unit at the rear. I’ll need the space (got kids) so if you think you can live without it then don’t go for it. Plenty of conversions without the wardrobe at the back and I agree I think it looks better.
I’m a camper at heart so I’ll be using a single gas stove with the aerosol style cans, trying to come up with an idea to have it semi permanent mounted in some sort of drop down door. I like the slidepods that have the kitchen in the back so I can stand under the tailgate to cook/clean, which works for me as aforementioned, I’m a camper. Ask yourself if you fancy getting out the van all the time to cook/wash. Some people buy them with the exception they’ll never get out the van, so if that’s you then you’ll probably want the luxuries on hand when you’re sat on the sofa in the back.

1.) Do you need the storage?
2.) Are you going to be carrying passengers? (If not probably not much need for rear windows).
3.) Are expecting a Campervan, or a van to camp in?

Ask yourself those questions and you’ll realise what’s best for you.

 

[CAB]

I'd echo @JoshB_

What are you likely to use your sink for?

We use ours each trip, but then we camp in the van all year. Morning wash, cleaning teeth, dish-washing in the morning, draining rice/pasta, and occasionally dish-washing in the evening on a no-facilities site or park-up.

I would only have Tambour doors where cupboards are likely to be blocked by the seats/bed.

Windows - undecided. If you go for rear barn door/tailgate windows then not as necessary. I guess it is easier to put windows in later than the other way round!

 

[drinfinity]

1) We have gas hob, which we use regularly on day trips for making a brew in a car park or event field. No hookup there, so an induction hob would need a very heavy duty battery/solar system, more complex and expensive than gas.
2) Sink/tap we use when staying overnight. Our water storage is under the van, but it is quite easy to maintain. Simpler option is a can inside the van, again easy enough to maintain. Dirty water is a pipe to the outside, which may or may not have a bucket under it.
3) Tambour doors - yes. Our old van had hinged doors, which were a pain. There was always something in the way, and the back wardrobe door was awkward to access. New van has tambour doors, or open front with a basket. This means I can get the tea making kit out with the bed in any position. They are wood veneer on a canvas backing and don’t rattle, and I like the way they look.
4) Wardrobe- we use ours all the time. Think about all the stuff you want to take with you, and where you would put it. Maybe you need it, maybe you don’t.
5) Yes, I even replaced two drawers with a tambour fronted cabinet as I was fed up with not getting into it whenever I wanted.
6) Ok, sounds interesting
7) I have three windows and tailgate window. The privacy glass means you can’t see in during the day, and there are lots of options for curtains. I would definitely do the extra window on the passenger side. Behind the wardrobe you could do, but we have splashback there.

Electrics under the front seat in mine.
Microwave will need mains hookup

 

[JoshB_]

.

 

[JoshB_]

1) We have gas hob, which we use regularly on day trips for making a brew in a car park or event field. No hookup there, so an induction hob would need a very heavy duty battery/solar system, more complex and expensive than gas.
2) Sink/tap we use when staying overnight. Our water storage is under the van, but it is quite easy to maintain. Simpler option is a can inside the van, again easy enough to maintain. Dirty water is a pipe to the outside, which may or may not have a bucket under it.
3) Tambour doors - yes. Our old van had hinged doors, which were a pain. There was always something in the way, and the back wardrobe door was awkward to access. New van has tambour doors, or open front with a basket. This means I can get the tea making kit out with the bed in any position. They are wood veneer on a canvas backing and don’t rattle, and I like the way they look.
4) Wardrobe- we use ours all the time. Think about all the stuff you want to take with you, and where you would put it. Maybe you need it, maybe you don’t.
5) Yes, I even replaced two drawers with a tambour fronted cabinet as I was fed up with not getting into it whenever I wanted.
6) Ok, sounds interesting
7) I have three windows and tailgate window. The privacy glass means you can’t see in during the day, and there are lots of options for curtains. I would definitely do the extra window on the passenger side. Behind the wardrobe you could do, but we have splashback there.

Electrics under the front seat in mine.
Microwave will need mains hookup

View attachment 264043

Nice interior!

What bed’s that? The Riemo 3000?

 

[drinfinity]

Nice interior!

What bed’s that? The Riemo 3000?

Thanks, yes, it’s Reimo 3000. I built the units to fit up to the bed. At the base of the units you can see the basket that pulls out. We take that into the house, load it with snacks or whatever, and then load it to the van.

 

[Skyliner33]

Thanks for all the thoughts, certainly some food for thought.

@Bargy62 I am pretty certain will go without gas. No need for gas locker = more space and I already have the electrics to power induction (except the inverter). I agree externally looks better with windows all round.
@JoshB_ probably carrying passengers, but I have a seat on rails that slides right behind the front seats, hence wondering if the rear windows are needed. No window = better insulation, warmer van but less daylight.
@drinfinity microwave wont need hookup, I am erring to the extra window (or possibly 2) I think I need to sit in a van with the added windows to see the difference pulling the blind down makes. I guess without the high level wardrobe less light would be blocked from the rear, also better for driving.


As regards storage, again, not sure I will need it. I have a multiflex board behind the rear seats. I am thinking I could get this changed to a storage unit that could be lifted in/out and attached to the rails. (or just uses boxes like I do now.):



Thanks again all.

 

[Bav]

Hey Jon. My 2 penn'orth...

1. Portable obviously provides greater flexibility, but without a fixed hob, you can’t use the "it's a camper" defence for any "exceeding LGV speed limit" NIPs.
2. Wouldn't bother with grey water gubbins - either let it empty directly onto the pitch or into a bucket/bowl.
3. Tambour doors look meh IMO, but mine (on wardrobe cupboard) doesn't rattle.
4. Agree re the looks and the open feeling. Given you won't have a gas locker or water strorage/plumbing, you'll probably have enough storage without a wardrobe.
5. They allow access when a draw/cupboard arrangement might otherwise be blocked by the bed.
6. Depends on what you're storing. Drawers are better for things you can rifle through (e.g. clothes) and stuff you want need to store upright and don't want to fall out (bottles, jars, etc.).
7. I don't see the point in sacrificing high-level cupboards if you're not going to have windows all round. Blinds will allow you to choose between light and privacy.

 

[JOG]

If/when I sort a new van, I'm foregoing cooking and storage facilities and getting a full width bed arrangement along the lines of a Ovano or similar. We just want somewhere to sit and sleep. Everything else can be done in the awning and toilet tent. This is based on cost v usage equation.
I'd even not bother with leisure electrics; just use my jackery and folding solar to power a small compressor fridge and a light.
Unless @JOG sells me the Cali of course

Cost v usage?!! I have two Cali’s on my drive now! (One for family and friends use!)

 

[t0mb0]

The answer to almost all those questions very much depends on what you’re going to use it for. You can get rid of many ‘traditional’ camper features like cupboards, fixed hobs/taps etc but there’s a reason the classic camper design uses them so you’ll limit the utility for roadtrips etc. However, if it’s more of a dayvan, utility van or accompaniment to a tent or whatever, maybe that’s fine for you.

 

[Skyliner33]

Thanks for the additional replies. All seem to be valid.

@Bav you can also qualify for the higher speed limits bring a multi purpose vehicle not just a full camper. Provided the van meets those requirements, it doesn’t need thin sink cupboards etc.