Nearly done, just needs curtains and some electrics tidying up. Was a right mess, someone had fitted a bus seat in the back, totally blocking the floor space and had moved the cabinet that blocked access through the side door. So did a full strip out, sourced and refitted original side panels to the rear, carpeted it reconfigured the space to be more useable. Fitted a drop-down bulkhead to use up the space behind the front seats, added about 20% more floor space. The unit now sits on the bulkhead when camping, leaving the entire floorspace clear. Added a drop down leaf to the unit so that the entire width of the space is used. Added the one-way DB and RCD socket, connected to the original hook-up socket on the side of the van. Bought two foam bed/chairs to keep the layout flexible. They fit snug across the back as seats or as a full width bed. Kept the original solar set up and the Fiamma skylight/vent Surprised at the amount of flexibility such a small space can offer - can use the seats with the cupboard unit side on if not camping ie with the front seats and bulkhead still upright. Everything is removable, so can revert to a van and carry a decent amount of stuff about - already had a Vespa in there..... Happy with the results. Now need to sell it, buy another one and start all over again.........
Just chatting to a mate who is looking to get a van and convert it to a micro camper, so I showed her this thread..... did you start another one yet? This one looks great. Is it a standard wheel base or is the Combo a longer length, out of interest?
Thanks, but its gone now! As far as I know, the Combo was a standard wheel base that served both the van and crew van options. I'm glad I did it but they are cramped unless you are going solo. You have got to maximise the space over/across the front seats to make it viable though. My interior was fully removable, and I put two single fold out beds instead of one double so one could be left out, or kept in as a seat if going solo. I'd suggest at least sitting in the back of a micro van first and if buying, get one with side windows fitted and a skylight. Don't see that many with pop tops though. Also avoid dark interiors, especially fully lined/carpeted ones, they are ultimately vans and can be very gloomy inside, I wouldn't have/do any colour darker than beige/biscuit. Other than that it was a great van, went like a bomb, very reliable and economical (1.3 diesel - notice diesel is pretty much back to the same price as unleaded now). Can easily be used as a daily instead of a car.
Cheers, I'll pass all that on. She's used to camping in a 2 man tent, so I figure anything has got to be less cramped than that
I did some more to it after those photos, happy to send some over if it helps her? Edit: I think I've pushed my luck as far as it goes now. No more experimental vehicles envisaged. I think next, if anything, will be a proper jobbie like Dazza's one.
pah! You put that in then slept in the B&B at Techenders! I should have realised you weren’t going to camp by the lack of bedding!
I think it's definitely given my mate some ideas about what you can get in the space. Now she just need to find a van......