plans for 2011

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Hi gang :)

I have a four year old daughter (soon to be five) so for the last few years I have been unable to enjoy wildcamping properly. After showing my Daughter photos of our previous adventures she is excited about camping. So now the brain starts ticking over thinking about vans. At the moment I drive a smart car (yes really) but my wifes car is nine years old and really needs to be put to sleep. So it would have to be a day to day car for her aswell as a weekend camper. I have converted a transit before (my first van 16 years ago) and had transit autosleepers. I have also had a mazda bongo although they are a little small inside and very thirsty. VW's are expensive and again not that roomy. I still have my inverters, batteries, lights etc.

Just thought I would share my random thoughts :)

So what plans does everyone else have?
 
Hi Phil,

We have a Chausson Flash 09
its a 7 birth 23ft 9in twin wheel transit good van but 22-24 mph is not so good.
we picked bunks at the back for the kids to have there own area (keep them apart:rolleyes:) but personaly i would have a U shaped rear for more comfort but it has 6 seats behind the cab (4 with belts) & a big tiolet/shower so is a good van for us.
hope you get the right van for your needs soon ...
happy wilding :):)


dunk
 
Hi Phil
I hope it all works out for you just keep your eye's out for a suitable 'donor' van--As for me I have had in the past had a vw type 2 pop top camper and miss it alot but they can be a bit cramped (three kids, wife (now ex) and as I am getting older and less agile I think I want a bit more comfort.!!.
The problem I have at the moment my wonderful pension company which I won't name has lost most of my pension so the 'draw down' money that I was going to use to but a motorhome last year has dwindled some what so I might have to go down the same route as you and convert a panel van as I am suppose to retire this August and be an official O.A.P. lol:eek:.
Bye for now
Freddie:D
 
Get a Renault Master/Movano 2.5 TDi SWB or MWB.

They are cheap, roomy (headroom and you can sleep across the van), and also easy to drive. 30+ mpg. 35mpg if you drive it carefully. Check out Rickvanman's conversion on a SWB on You Tube.
 
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Some of the smaller Ivecos are well worth a look if you are thinking of a DIY project. The 2.8L engine is the one to go for. The only weak point on them is the side door and this is caused by people not closing them properly. Some of the members on here use them - check your PMs
 
wilding

hi phil
it's about time you got back into the camping scene.
must agree the ranault/vauxhall vans look superb and you can pick one up quite reasonably.
you sound very handy so converting should be no problem.

were off to spain on saturday till february.:cool::cool::cool:

good luck phil
 
Here is another more dubious solution to your problems. I'm sure with a little bit of ingenuity that it will fit on top of the Smart

CLICKY LINKY



I'll get my coat :)
 
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Jed the Spread actually has a roof tent on his VW Synchro.

Stealth rating zero though!
 
Phil

This may be treason but have you thought of getting any old van and a large tent When our kids where little we had many wonderful holiday in our 6 birth frame tent. Give you loads of time to do a good job on the conversion. Loads of space on a rainy day and if the weather turns really bad you can sleep in the van. Gives you a van you can commute in.

Richard
 
Reading all the posts under PLANS FOR 2011, I am going to cause a hiccup. My plan for 2011 is hit the road all the way to Portugal and Spain and if I have the time on to Italy. The Sun, Sand and Beaches are my calling for 2011 and head back home for late September, to prepare for our winter trip (by aircraft) to Goa, India.
 
plans-or no plans.....

Phil said:
Hi gang :)

Just thought I would share my random thoughts :)

So what plans does everyone else have?
Click to expand...

I have a four year old daughter (soon to be five) so for the last few years I have been unable to enjoy wildcamping properly. After showing my Daughter photos of our previous adventures she is excited about camping. So now the brain starts ticking over thinking about vans. At the moment I drive a smart car (yes really) but my wifes car is nine years old and really needs to be put to sleep. So it would have to be a day to day car for her aswell as a weekend camper. I have converted a transit before (my first van 16 years ago) and had transit autosleepers. I have also had a mazda bongo although they are a little small inside and very thirsty. VW's are expensive and again not that roomy. I still have my inverters, batteries, lights etc.

but IPhil nae doubt u have likely just checked my new post re just that.
Best advice I can give anyone based on 50plus years campervanning, m'homing, wilding( never ever use sites 'cept down in Balkans and similar possibly dicey places) keep the roof down if possible pop top optimum ( U can make and fit lightweight ply dides for winter (held with bungees) if its a fabric one best of all are the four sided the sort on Bongos etc are a dead giveaway your are overnighting ( trick is to lower them when not necessary to have 'em up or fit half open inserts to make it look life part of van design best one i know are British with full four sided pop tops! I:cool:I just as u see bought Vityo from John Knight (Knight Motorhomes) there are couple of the sort I mean on his site Devon etc and he does pop top roofs too envy yr daughter starting off wish I was tht young and me dad had one converted my first-a Lyon's tea van with tin sides back in the 50s :cool:
 
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