Ajay - Our LoLoader Luton self build.

[Sydwal]

Posted in the 'New Members' section so apologies if I'm boring you again, but we're proud of Ajay.
Just joined as a full member as the site looks good with like minded folk - and then there's the app of course.
Stated aims:
1: Travel as much as possible before my brain and/or body gives out.
2: Update the app and add new locations wherever possible. This hasn't been great let's be honest, and it's a major feature of the site I think.

Come and say hello if you spot us out and about!

 

[barryd]

A very warm welcome. Looks cracking. Got any trips planned?

 

[trevskoda]

Nice van, Have you though or Ireland come spring/summer.

 

[campervanannie]

Great looking van

 

[mark61]

That's a sweet looking van.

 

[wildebus]

Looks nice.
My next conversion (will only stay in my head I think ) would have been on a low-loader Luton and preferably sat on a Renault Master Chassis, so you had me on the very first photo

 

[Sydwal]

A very warm welcome. Looks cracking. Got any trips planned?

Hi Barry. Staying pretty local for now - spent some time down in Pembrokeshire and the Beacons. Shakedown trips really whilst I get used to driving him. Still lots to spend (isn't that always the case?) particularly on up plating as we are slightly over 3.5T. The more space you have the more you take on the road. Enjoying it so far.

 

[Sydwal]

Nice van, Have you though or Ireland come spring/summer.

Definitely on our list.

 

[Sydwal]

Looks nice.
My next conversion (will only stay in my head I think ) would have been on a low-loader Luton and preferably sat on a Renault Master Chassis, so you had me on the very first photo

I'd highly recommend it. Straight, boxy design allowing for an easier build. Ours is 10 years old but has under 60,000 on the clock. Chain driven, no cam belt. Ticks all the boxes.

 

[izwozral]

Nice curves inside.

P. S. Always wondered what happened to my grandmothers blanket.
Considering it had inbuilt holes, it was super warm!

 

[barryd]

Hi Barry. Staying pretty local for now - spent some time down in Pembrokeshire and the Beacons. Shakedown trips really whilst I get used to driving him. Still lots to spend (isn't that always the case?) particularly on up plating as we are slightly over 3.5T. The more space you have the more you take on the road. Enjoying it so far.

Thats true. Our van is 8.5m and every locker is full and there is just the two of us. I often wonder how self builders get on with payload. What can you go up to without changing the spec?

 

[Robmac]

Thats true. Our van is 8.5m and every locker is full and there is just the two of us. I often wonder how self builders get on with payload. What can you go up to without changing the spec?

Last time I checked I think I had 700kg spare Barry. I'd have to check but I think that was with me in the van and half a tank of fuel. So I would have to consider Julie's weight about 55kg, Tilly about 50kg and Frank about 18kg. The solar panels I added weigh 40kg and the rest of the lining I need to add will probably add 50kg.

This still leaves me with a fair old payload to bring me up to 3500kg with our belongings on board, but I will visit a weighbridge again soon.

 

[Robmac]

I'd highly recommend it. Straight, boxy design allowing for an easier build. Ours is 10 years old but has under 60,000 on the clock. Chain driven, no cam belt. Ticks all the boxes.

I have to say, despite the extra high top on mine giving me problems - the brackets holding the top on are a pain to build around and the high top tapers in severely, but the van is a joy to drive, almost car like, the economy is good and as you say, Cam chain rather than belt.

My only other reservation is that the engine, although very smooth does show signs of corrosion.

 

[barryd]

Last time I checked I think I had 700kg spare Barry. I'd have to check but I think that was with me in the van and half a tank of fuel. So I would have to consider Julie's weight about 55kg, Tilly about 50kg and Frank about 18kg. The solar panels I added weigh 40kg and the rest of the lining I need to add will probably add 50kg.

This still leaves me with a fair old payload to bring me up to 3500kg with our belongings on board, but I will visit a weighbridge again soon.

How the hell did you manage all that payload on a 3500kg van? Thats pretty good. When I got my new to me van weighed empty with just a driver in it had 1050kg spare. One things for sure our van rides better when its got some weight in it. When its light without the bike on or all our stuff its really crashy on harsh roads.

 

[Robmac]

How the hell did you manage all that payload on a 3500kg van? Thats pretty good. When I got my new to me van weighed empty with just a driver in it had 1050kg spare. One things for sure our van rides better when its got some weight in it. When its light without the bike on or all our stuff its really crashy on harsh roads.

Don't forget mine ain't fully fitted yet though Barry, although when it was weighed all it needed was some extra lining on the side walls and a couple of overhead lockers putting in.

 

[mark61]

Unladen weight on new vans is just going up. Next van I'm going to get the 4.1 tonne option. Then down plate it if/when I need to.

 

[Sydwal]

Thats true. Our van is 8.5m and every locker is full and there is just the two of us. I often wonder how self builders get on with payload. What can you go up to without changing the spec?

Currently it's a 3.5T but we are a little over that. Thing is we are getting some e-bikes next year and the load is only going to go up so we are definitely up plating in the new year. I've already got a couple of 5T air suspension bags and will get one of those engineering companies to do the reports. It'll be worth it to go to 4.2T I think.

 

[Sydwal]

Nice curves inside.

P. S. Always wondered what happened to my grandmothers blanket.
Considering it had inbuilt holes, it was super warm!

My wife knitted those - and you're dead right! I have no idea how they are so warm.

 

[barryd]

Currently it's a 3.5T but we are a little over that. Thing is we are getting some e-bikes next year and the load is only going to go up so we are definitely up plating in the new year. I've already got a couple of 5T air suspension bags and will get one of those engineering companies to do the reports. It'll be worth it to go to 4.2T I think.

Sounds like you are going to need to. SVTECH I think are the ones most use for up plating. Sometimes you can go to 3850kg without upgrading anything but if you are hanging e bikes off the back you may need extra payload on the rear axle. Depends where it is now when you weigh it. I generally weight the whole van and then each axle to find out where I am at.

 

[Robmac]

Sounds like you are going to need to. SVTECH I think are the ones most use for up plating. Sometimes you can go to 3850kg without upgrading anything but if you are hanging e bikes off the back you may need extra payload on the rear axle. Depends where it is now when you weigh it. I generally weight the whole van and then each axle to find out where I am at.

Didn't know that Barry, that might suit me I will look into it ta.