Hi, I am new to this forum and have quite a lot of questions as I plan my 'temporary' conversion, so please bear with me if I ask stupid questions!
I have a 2001 Ford Transit 260 SWB low roof. 3 years ago I spent 8 weeks living out of my van as I did some field work in Wales. It was perfectly adequate, with everything I needed scooped together out of camping gear and bits and bobs of very useful household and building items. I've used it like this ever since.
But now I want to start to make a more permanent set up - in as much as I build a fold out bed, storage units, a cooking area etc out of 3x3 and plywood / MDF. But I want these to not be totally permanent. I'm thinking of making them modular, so that I can take them out and pop them back in when I need the van to be just a van again (like when I move house or move the kids to uni).
So the first question I have is regarding the framework. I figure I need a fixed outer frame of 3x3 on which everything else can be clipped because the van isn't fully ply lined, apart from the floor, and the lower half of the sides are lined with hardboard. So how do I go about fixing the frame to the van? I have seen some videos where people are drilling straight into the van metalwork. But this seems wrong to me as wouldn't it be making vulnerable spots for rust?
The second question is in the clip system. Some of the modules will be no bigger than 60x60x50 cm and so I want to be able to clip them to the frame in order that they are secure when in use but easy to unclip when I want to take them out. The the storage units behind the driver and at the back doors will be taller - which therefore need even more security. Does anyone have any suggesstions as to how I do make the fixtures clipable whilst giving total stability?
Or am I just being a numpty and should get the van fully lined before I even consider doing this? (I'm not worried about insulation but would get it done if I had to have it fully lined).
Attached is a pic of my ideas for the plan - It's all just square at the mo, but will be adjusted to suit the real curves once I get active with my jigsaw!
Any advice welcome :-) Thanking you!
If you are interested, I can send some pictures via e-mail and happy to reply to questions.
I have 95% finished my project ( like to fit different seats and a site window on my stealth Vivaro may on top £500 still to spend) But the van is fully functional and in use as camper now. The project tuck about 200h ( in 4 month all my spare time) and with a budget of about £2000 for the conversion so far, of my Vauxhall Vivaro (LWB low / standard roof from 2010 with 50k miles).
Regards Mario ( mario.service@aim.com)
Hi everyone,
Thinking of converting a Kia Sedona to a camper just for me and the dog, has anyone on the forum already used this type of vehicle?
Been looking for a company that could supply and fit an elevated roof for the Sedona but have not found one yet
thanks: Ralfred.
Of course you could convert any vehicle to a camper, when I did my conversion on a Vivaro LWB, I guess, I found some web sites for micro van conversion. I am unsure of a pop up roof for yours. Optional you could use a tent as living quater and the car as sleeping accommodation only. Your available space would be very limited. Some slide out under the Bed for the " camp kitchen" would be a idea.
Regards Mario
may have a look at there http://sussexcampers.wordpress.com/tag/micro-camper/
regards mario
If you are still stuck re roof conversion, try http://www.drivelodge.co.uk/ - they do roof conversions, and I think they can do custom ones as well. I had my Carry done there.
Dave
If I have seen further it is by standing on ye sholders of Giants.
Thanks for the reply Mario, like the idea of a pullout camp kitchen,
There will only be my dog Rosie and I using the van so space is not really an issue, thinking of the following:
1. Make a single steel box section bed frame that will clip into the middle and rear seat floor mounts, plenty of storage space under, keep the near side rear seat as is and fabricate a modular hob/sink unit across the back behind the rear seat and bed end, as I'm only 5' 7" there should be enough space, have a fold down table in the middle seat space, Plus: setup easy to remove and turn back to a seven seater when needed or an empty van for moving large items, Minus: cooking outside under the tailgate or is it?
2. fit out like a normal small camper with a rock & roll bed and side units, Plus: plenty of like conversions to get idea's from, Minus: now a dedicated vehicle.
I'm not too bad at fabrication in both metal and wood so either of these conversions should not be beond my skill level
Would be happy to hear any comments/ advice.
Regards: ralfred.
Thanks for the info Dave, will contact them,
Cheers: ralfred.
Well , this is something you have to despite , witch way you want to go.
If you just want to try the caravan experience , just modify the car. If you know you want a camper, go for a more comfortable purpose build version. But ,this is up to you.
regards Mario
Thanks for the reply Mario,
A campervan will be what this vehicle is, just thinking of having my cake AND eating it Lol,
having read the thread on the DVLA and the changing of vehicle type, its now sunk in that my idea of a multi function vehicle is a non starter, I will now travel the road of fully converting the Sedona as a camper only.
Good is this forum.
Regards: ralfred.