Dellmassive`s Camper Van Adventure
+++++++++++After 8 camping trips away during this season (2022) its plainly evident that camping with a Tent and Panel van is hard work.
to date, we have always camped out in Tents and used the van to transport all the kit to the site.
Running out of space is a real problem . . . . and as we bring along the whole disco-tent and T6F communal setup, so space is a premium. . .
In fact this year we added the 500L roof box . . . . . to be able to get all the kit we needed to site.
no problem there . . . . . BUT
The real issue is that the van us used for work mainly . . .
so before we can go camping we have to empty it all out. . .
then fill with camping gear, - go camping - come home,
empty camping gear - refill with work gear . . .
go work . . . . till next camp.
Then empty it all out. . . ,
fill with camping gear, - go camping - come home,
empty camping gear - refill with work gear . . .
etc etc etc . . . .
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the original idea was to convert this van to a camper. . . but I've decided to keep this as the work van.
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we have now decided that a second van will be better, and to replace our daily driver ( the Mazda SUV) and go for a second van.
The trial run went well this year . . . we had the wife added to the insurance and sent her out on some test drives. . .
at T6F summer camp and more recently out to Family camps . .
This was a worst-case-scenario driving experience for her IMHO, as its a LWB Panel van with no windows, so you need your wits about you when driving, safe to say she dealt with it superbly and didn't put a scratch on it - perfect.
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so what now . . . . . ?
well, we first planned to get a PV and start a slow conversion. . .
but the issue is funding and that we need a daily driver for family commitments and cant be without a family daily driver for long.
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So, we've decided to go for a Kombi and start there.
chatting things over at Busfest and the various T6F events we've decided to start small and build upon that base.
the idea is to start with a Kombi, then add an OVANO style bed box. - just to get us started.
then build up from there,
side awning sail,
side awning drive away tent,
pop-top roof,
diesel heater,
etc etc etc,
solar and lithium batteries will be installed, obviously
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