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sallytrafic · Campsite DB Admin

Just something I'm considering.

For ages I've wanted to do a self build but it has just occured to me that what I could do instead is a mid-life refit to mine. Assuming I'm still as pleased with the host vehicle as I am at the moment then I would be doing what happens to cruise liners etc. One immediate advantage is some things are set in stone ie window position roof vents etc. Why is this an advantage? Well with a blank sheet of paper there are almost too many variables.

Three years of re-doing stuff on my van because Danbury messed up and cut corners has cured all the niggles apart from ones of basic systems layout. Today when running a cable I found a void 7" deep 6" wide extending most of the height of the van, completely empty not even any insulation!

So armed with my tape measure I have been considering options and I have made a table of good and bad points of the current design. Straight away I have found a bed layout which is as simple to 'operate' as the current one but gives more floor space. The downside of my design at the moment is it moves the weight too far rearwards bed, water gas and battery are further back than current so I'm rethinking it slightly.

Anyway its a project which I can design at leisure, measure at will and who knows it might even go ahead.

blackbirdbiker

Sounds very interesting.......don't forget to take pictures as you progress

Good luck

Keith.

geraldandannie · Moderator

Hi, Frank

I've always had a hankering to do a self-build too.

When I was pre-teen (a long, long time ago), my dad bought a Thames 12 seater minibus from the greengrocer (he'd used it to deliver fruit and veg). He took out the seats, fitted a raising roof, and spent many happy hours with squared graph paper and little pieces of paper.

He built it, and used it for a few years, before buying a pre-built Commer thing, I think.

I wonder if you can truly get the absolute ideal layout with no compromises?

Good luck to you if you embark on it.

Gerald

maddie

Hi Frank & mrs frank,as you know I have done a self build or 2 Laughing

If you want /need any advise on lay-outs etc,give us shout.The hardest job is deciding what will work for you ---fixed bad?rear U,rear bathroom etc, We decided to go with 2 singles that make a 6 ft 6ins sq double or 5 ft by 6ft 6ins wide traverse double keeping the cab as part of the van useing swivels.One important point to me was w/top either side of the cooker and sink so that no splashes on upholstery etc, but this may not bother you.On our present van I got lots of different coloured tape stuck to the floor and some 4 ft high x 2 ins wide polystrene blocks to see how much cab was shut out etc,the other bit is sorcing parts but I can advise on this later if you go ahead.To do it nice for what we wanted we spent just short of £7500 for all new fittings so that it is all new, plus the van! Also mine & Pauls labour was free for 12 weeks but only 3 weeks to do the inside and at least 1 week finding and fetching parts.At the end of the day you will have a BESPOKE van that suits your needs and you will know everything about it by the way you never bodge any thing but MODIFY everything Laughing

terry

JON3M

Having just come from owning a self build/ conversion, to being the proud owner of my first factory built motor home - I think your idea is a very interesting concept.

Hopefully a fair way in the future for me. However it is something I have already given thought to. The engines and base vehicles these days should (in theory at least) far outlast the usable life of the habitation equipment. The bodywork on my new van is fibre glass and plastic so corrosion free. So a future refit (as needs arise) would seem a logical future plan for me.

Like I say, I am thinking ahead though - Lol

tincan

Frank, as I see it, there are two main disadvantages to a refit, the first being lack of use of your MH while you rebuild and, secondly, not having anyone else to blame when SWMBO complains about niggles. maybe its best to take is as far as the final approved design and start again and again. Is there any use you can put the void to? extra storage for light stuff is always welcome.

Noel

sallytrafic · Campsite DB Admin