Rob's T6 Overland Camper Build Thread

[T6NOMAD]

Creating this thread to share photos on progress of the build and to share ideas. Been reading this thread and learning all I can as well as incorporating my experience of remote Overlanding around the African continent over the past 15 years. The build is leaning towards an offroad capable, offgrid ready yet comfortable daily driver. I am originally from South Africa and living/ working in Europe (My parents are from Poland).

The Planned Build:

• Swamper Alloys + AT Tyres (Summer wheels) - These will likely be 17"... Maybe an 18" depending if they will fit.
• 18" Winterwheels (Kumho WinterCraft 235/55/18) Fitted
• Bravo Snorkel
• 45mm Lift
• Digital Instrument Cluster
• Smart Rear view mirror (I will 3D print a holder for the rear camera and will stick it to the top of the Tailgate) Fitted
• Pop Top tent (Undecided on brand at the moment)
• 2 x 120W Semi-flex Solar Panels on the roof
• Kitchen Unit + Domentic Sink/ Gas hob + Fridge
• Safari Style popup windows on both sides
• Glass install on rear quarter windows, Fake window on the back
• Vamoose Awning Rail + Frontrunner Pull out awning with sides
• 3/4 Rock n Roll bed
• Bonnet mount Solar Panel
• Underbody Water tank
• Underbody Fuel Tank
• Underbody Protection
• Spotlights / Lazer lamps
• Spare wheel carrier
• Change all engine bay piping to silicone

I will be driving the VAN to the UK around March 2025 to have the roof and kitchen fitted so I am open to suggestions, tips, etc

The Van itself is a LHD, 2019 T6 2.0 TDI 4Motion, Manual, Dual Door, Tailgate, Nordic kit, ACC, MSFW, Heated Seats. 175,000km on the odo.

This is the van when I picked it up. It was purchased on 18 November 2024.



The first mod done: I then fitted some nice 18" Alloys + Winter tyres and removed the roof rack as I don't use it. I have sent it in for a complete service; all the oils and fluids have been changed, gearbox oil flushed, all filters changed, new Brembo discs and pads and new battery.



I will continue to update this thread on my build as I go.

 

[T6NOMAD]

Some photos of the van on the day I purchased it as a "Before" point marker.

 

[Kind of Blue]

For overlanding outside Europe I would tend towards Steel Rims because they would be easier to repair in 3rd World countries. Inside Europe so long wheels are readily available less of a problem. One or two spare tyres or wheels puncture repair etc, jack etc. Insulate the body.

Alu Cab make tough well thought out roof tents there are one or two others.

I would tend towards a Wallis stainless steel Diesel Hob with fan operated lid. Use the same fuel that is in your tank, it simplifies things. They are contained so no naked flame, fumes vent though chimney pipe. Finish cooking, pull down the lid and a therm o switch will pump warm air around the vehicle. Very reliable and cheep to run uses little amp-age and little fuel very efficient. Used in boats and campers they come in various forms take your pick. Probably not cheep these days but what is. I used one for years though mine was paraffin fuel absolutely brilliant kept my Landrover 101 Forward Control radio Body well warm even at -17degC outside temperature could run it all day or all night. Want a cuppa, no problem just lift up the lid and put on the kettle. No not on you on the hot plates.

For a back up on a walk a Primus Multi Fuel. Will run on small gas bottles, diesel, paraffin, petrol, practically anything sensible. Old fashioned but small reliable, fuel it with what you want, needs a wind screen.

The best coms, very, very important, so you can communicate with us!!

 

[T6ChrisO]

Look forward to watching this thread progress

 

[Linoleum Bonypart]

I don’t understand the change to alloys either

 

[T6NOMAD]

For overlanding outside Europe I would tend towards Steel Rims because they would be easier to repair in 3rd World countries. Inside Europe so long wheels are readily available less of a problem. One or two spare tyres or wheels puncture repair etc, jack etc. Insulate the body.

Alu Cab make tough well thought out roof tents there are one or two others.

I would tend towards a Wallis stainless steel Diesel Hob with fan operated lid. Use the same fuel that is in your tank, it simplifies things. They are contained so no naked flame, fumes vent though chimney pipe. Finish cooking, pull down the lid and a therm o switch will pump warm air around the vehicle. Very reliable and cheep to run uses little amp-age and little fuel very efficient. Used in boats and campers they come in various forms take your pick. Probably not cheep these days but what is. I used one for years though mine was paraffin fuel absolutely brilliant kept my Landrover 101 Forward Control radio Body well warm even at -17degC outside temperature could run it all day or all night. Want a cuppa, no problem just lift up the lid and put on the kettle. No not on you on the hot plates.

For a back up on a walk a Primus Multi Fuel. Will run on small gas bottles, diesel, paraffin, petrol, practically anything sensible. Old fashioned but small reliable, fuel it with what you want, needs a wind screen.

The best coms, very, very important, so you can communicate with us!!

Thanks for this info, its definitely useful info. What you mention is basically my setup in Southern Africa - Very reliable. Europe, I see as far more developed so getting parts couriered is quick, easy and affordable.

Tent wise I am doing a cutout in the existing roof, 'a-la-california style' so it offers internal living space and the ability to stand.

I've considered a diesel cook top - will look into this as it will certainly make things a lot easier.

Wheels wise - I'm not a fan of steelies, so its purely aesthetic and I am happy to live and work with the consequences if things go wrong. Fixing punctures is easy.

What sort of comms are used in Europe? In Africa we all have VHF radios and you buy a 4x4 club license which all the clubs share and comms are easy. I will have a Starlink mini for remote work reasons

I don’t understand the change to alloys either

As above, its personal choice - I am not a fan of Steelies.

 

[T6NOMAD]

First interior mod took place over the weekend

Removed the rear view mirror only to discover that I have a rain sensor and that the bracket is completely different to that of a normal mirror.

The creative side immediately kicked in and I started designing a simple bracket to replicate the factory mirror; this proved a bit more tricky than I had planned but in the end I came right.





The next was to fabricate a bracket on the rear tailgate door to house the camera.



And the mirror is fitted and works a treat!

 

[Sasquatch]

Holy cow! When I worked my computer skills only extended as far as using the pooter to prop open the office door in hot weather, and then there's you fellers casually designing and making stuff like this!

 

[T6NOMAD]

My skills are still very basic when it comes to designing in 3D for 3D printing; but its enough to get by and make/ fix things around the house and car. Definitely a useful tool