Perfect Wildcamping Van - Help Required!

[Admin]

Perfect Wildcamping Van - Help Required!

I have been thinking about what a perfect wildcamping van would be.

I would like another van but I am trying to work out the most cost effective way of ending up with the finished article.

So first of all lets think about the perfect van.........

What do you think are the most important features of the PERFECT van, cost is not a problem but the technology must be available.

I will start with some energy thoughts. the roof should be covered with solar panels and the energy stored in lithium polymer cells for maximum efficiency. A fuel efficient silent generator to keep cells charged when required. Every electrical item fitted it the van should be as low energy as it possibly can be.

What do you think?

 

[sasquatch]

Mine would be based on a short wheelbase 4x4 with a go anywhere ability. I did have one years ago,but sold it when marriage and children came along. I camped in deserts in Spain and Egypt and up Mountains in Wales,Scotland and the Lakes. It gave you the confidence that you could go and get out of anywhere. However nowadays my aims are more modest I think something on a good panel van base NOT a Fiat, maybe a VW with your proposed power equipment would be more than adequate.
The few additions I would make would be a multifuel cooker/heater,if such things exist or some alternative form of cooking and heating,to be truly flexible.

 

[nichodia]

My ideal if cost were no option would be the new efoy cells and solar panels for power.

 

[Journeyman]

Mine would be based on a short wheelbase 4x4 with a go anywhere ability. I did have one years ago,but sold it when marriage and children came along. I camped in deserts in Spain and Egypt and up Mountains in Wales,Scotland and the Lakes. It gave you the confidence that you could go and get out of anywhere. However nowadays my aims are more modest I think something on a good panel van base NOT a Fiat, maybe a VW with your proposed power equipment would be more than adequate.
The few additions I would make would be a multifuel cooker/heater,if such things exist or some alternative form of cooking and heating,to be truly flexible.

Yes to the 4x4 and did you know there is a Sprinter base 4x4 available?

Me, I'm still using my Pickup/Demountable with 4x4. But the bigger question is are you talking "Wild Camping" or parking on some Camping and Caravan Club site? If you're designing a vehicle for Wilding, fantastic, but if for the latter, you may as well stay at home!!!

 

[JED THE SPREAD]

The VW Syncro Transporter 4x4 is the only choice for me, here is mine.

There is a rock and roll bed and the front seats are on swivel bases in the cab so we can kip in there if we want. There is also a roof tent for summer and you can literally go anywere. A few of my mates have the camper van conversione ones but i prefer the pick up to be honest.

YouTube - My Syncro Doka 2.1idj

More info can be found in the club i belong to Club 80-90 Syncronauts and if you want to see more in action just look on youtube under syncro.
jed

 

[Admin]

The VW Syncro Transporter 4x4 is the only choice for me, here is mine.

I agree with the 4x4 part I have looked at buying a VW T4 Synco Caravelle and then converting it.

 

[Baggins]

Slightly off topic but............

The VW Syncro Transporter 4x4 is the only choice for me, here is mine.


Just watched Jed's YouTube clip. What a blast - this is really go-anywhere camping WILD!.

Reminds me of a specialist built ex-water company 4x4 transit that I lusted after at Measham auctions some years ago - wonder where that is now?

BW

 

[Dezi]

Hi, Well our choice is our current van - Murvi Morello. Base vehicle - Fiat 2.3 with 6 speed box. 20 gallon fuel tank, also supplies the Webasto heating system. 2 x 110 amp leisure batteries - could have had 2 x 130 - 85 amp solar panel. Internal fresh water tank. Fixed LPG tank - Cooking & fridge only.Very well insulated. dead locks on all doors. as stated in a previous post " while in Spain & portugal we went for 25 days with any resort to Sites or Supermarkets, and thats the whole point for us - independance.

Dezi

 

[Admin]

I think if we want to push tech to the max then we need to look at HHO gas, (or water) powered vehicles and water powered generators.

The US military now have hybrid hummers that run on petrol or water.

 

[JED THE SPREAD]

I agree with the 4x4 part I have looked at buying a VW T4 Synco Caravelle and then converting it.

Low ground clearance so no good for me.

jed

 

[sasquatch]

Sprinter has too long an entry angle and I would use it only 'wilding' I can't use formal sites I don't carry a bowl of fruit or vases of flowers!!

 

[Telstar]

Fridge

You need a fridge in there for the beer/wine.

Whilst touring the Outer Hebrides I saw a very nice Merc Sprinter 4x4 based James Cook conversion. Good ground clearance, but the James Cook is very high sided without putting it on stilts.

Jon

 

[BedfordMJ]

I'd suggest a Bedford MJ 4x4, very comfy and a huge beer fridge with satelite TV what more can I guy want?

 

[BillyB666]

LWB Merc 814, 4x4. Front winch ( You all know me ....) Hymer type pull down bed. BIG water BIG LPG, 3x110 good size solar. Decent bathroom /shower- non of this Hymer foolishness. I Pod with min 45gig of tunes. Oven with grill - got to have ya beans & sausage on toast where ever you are.

Thats my plan, then off down to China - probably 2 years time ( When Marie says I can go...)

Here's the perfect base vehicle- be quick before Pioneer snaps it up !!

B

Truck Ad: Detailed Item Page

 

[Pioneer]

Hi Brian,
Still looking for my ideal van to convert.
Are you both at Hayfield for the lads return meet?

Happy Camping

 

[BillyB666]

When is it?

 

[romafree]

Loved the video!! Our Hymer won't do those things!!

 

[Pioneer]

When is it?

Party on the 21st July I believe. Staying the 22nd, then off up the A1 to bonny Scotland for a few weeks. (This holiday, will include observing off road vans) but don't tell Angie!

Happy Camping

 

[twosugars]

my perfect wildcamper?

i agree it would have to be 4x4 (always wanted to go down to north africa - morocco etc) but it would also have to be low tech. even the most reliable vehicle goes wrong and taking it to a main dealer to plug it in to a diagnostic computer may not be an option! you may have to use the local village's "bush" mechanic.

it would have to be a proven vehicle - one thats been around for a while and had all the manufacturers niggles ironed out

i would convert an ex army field ambulance - the landrover 101 foward control model.

very heavy duty,
petrol V8 engine - ripe for petrol/gas conversion
huge amount of room inside
room for secure storage or battery lockers underneath
huge flat roof for solar panels

these motors have been around for donkeys years and can generally be fixed with a half inch spanner, a medium sized rock, a fence post and baling twine

ending up with some thing like this, http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh73/chris-clark-twosugars/ugly6x6FC.jpg

 

[guerdeval]

Well this is going to be very useful for me as I'm planning mine now. We have a Hymer S820 which has been great for the odd wild night but realistically its a bit OTT. Er indoors has loved motorhoming, for the past 3 years almost full time, but she now wants a house and garden (we sign next week) leaving me free to sell the Hymer and get something a bit wilder mostly for my use,so, the budgets about £50k so keep the ideas coming please, and if you read this darling I promises to come home to cut the grass from time to time.