Perfect Wildcamping Van - Help Required!

Define your needs ...

... and the van defines itself.

[or something like that!]

"Wild" - to you does that mean on an unregulated site, an abandoned bit of roadway, "stealth" camping in the middle of the urban jungle or off-road wild?

Does wild mean an odd night away from "civilisation" or past those three days that separate us from "the fall of civilisation as we know it" with full Shelter (and Security), Warmth, Food and Water, Health and Communications infrastructure built in.

Is the van going to be a base from which you venture out on foot/bike/public transport and leave unguarded for perhaps 24 hours, or do you require a vehicle that is appropriate for the environment where *you* will be. [Stealth mode v. some huge 4WD v. something that can actually get along an English Byway without upsetting the locals and drawing unwelcome attention v. something that doesn't look out-of-place in a comfortable neighbourhood]

Given the nature of the English system, with a history of issues with itenerants, the "Peace Convoy", New Agers and Ravers I think one must be very careful about the image that the van projects - not just its mechanical and habitation suitability.

If it's old then get a repaint and an obviously personalised number - the Bus companies have been pulling that trick with their coaches for years.

There can't be any one answer to "What is the perfect wildcamping van" - but we can surely learn many useful tricks and tips from sites such as this and the self-build lot, wjich go to inform us about our perfect van ...

... oh yes - don't be spending too much time drawing up lists and plans :p - get O U T there.
 
For a 4x4 base vehicle a Mitsubishi "grey import" Delica may be an option.
For more info try www.mdocuk.co.uk
 
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Did come across my perfect camper a couple of years ago in Birch services M62, driven by a Dutch couple, a Ford 7.5 ton cargo box, fixed back with 3 roller shutters down each side. With the shutters down it was just another truck, it had access from the cab so you could pull up among other trucks without anyone guessing it was a camper.
Pull the shutters up and it was a very nice motorhome, all shiny and posh, no camp site would turn you away (not even the caravan club).
Didnt get to look inside, but there is room for anything in a truck that size.
 
Lower Cost alternative

Our VW LT31 TD Westfalia is pretty comfortable, only 5 meters long so easy to park. Not off-road and storage is limited but adaquate. Previous owner went out for 3 months at a time.
 
JED THE SPREAD said:
Low ground clearance so no good for me.

jed
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My previous T4 had heavy duty suspension and that gave it great clearance - even as a 2wd it was amazing offroad. We 'brass-necked' it over some very rough ground, through a river and even mud-plugging and it came through well. I recently bought a 1999 T4 Syncro which now has a Holdsworth camper interior & swivel seats fitted and am going to get the suspension beefed up like th old one. I like the idea of the solar array...that could be next. Being able to live independently out in the middle of nowehere is very appealling.

I agree that you need to decide what it is you want to do with your van. For me its getting right out into the wilds and exploring green lanes etc. Having the 4x4 gives you the confidence to explore cos you know you're less likely to get stuck. Still carry a winch and shovel at all times tho!

I looked at the Delica too but went for the T4 because it's still basic enough to fix yourself (or the local garage to tackle), parts are easily available and best of all, I can use it as my everyday motor and it does almost 40 to the gallon!:) I've had several motorhomes, from 26ft with fixed bed through Ducato panel van, down to this size, and now I'm happy.

Camera currently on blink but as soon as I get some pics I'll put them on.

H
 
50k ?

guerdeval said:
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.
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With 50k to spare why not go for the best. A Unimog conversion. The best off road vehicle money can buy.

unimog camper - Google Image Search
 
You have a point there Journeyman, I've had 3 Gwagens and love unimogs but couldn't handle the fuel costs, I'm leaning towards a lwb sprinter,
 
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