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So I looked about and couldn't find a Camper / RV thread anywhere. So now I have created one! Whats this Camper poo poo all about? Campers are commonly vans that have been converted, either professionally or in sheds by goon type people, to provide accommodation whilst on the road. This can be a VW camper like http://imgur.com/4hlFhGC type, small and with the basics for a weekend away. Or it can be this http://imgur.com/PlGVgGQ which has literally more poo poo than the standard house and probably cost more! Why have a camper? The reasons for owning campers are as varied as the people who own them! Too poor to go on holiday and stay in a Bed and Breakfast every time? Want the comforts of home and don't like towing caravans? (http://imgur.com/tzGvTkE) Want to make something unique for a specific task, such as motor racing weekends? Campers can be the go to vehicle for just about anyone. OK So what types are there to choose from? There are Loads of main types of Camper: The Pickup Truck Topper http://imgur.com/Yv58pEg - So this type of camper is pretty unheard of in the UK, we don't get pickups really so its no surprise but they seem great for a quick huntong trip or something. Bolt it to the bed of you truck and off you go with all the reliability of your daily driver this is a great option for short stays. Some are professionally built and some are self built http://imgur.com/ETdBAT8 Most seem to have the same equipment of the VW type so not really suitable for an epic journey. (thanks to InterceptorV8) The VW weekender style http://imgur.com/RM7J5Lf - This is the most common to see about on the roads. Small enough to drive daily, when not in the garage getting worked on!, and easy to park in lay-bys and supermarkets. I have used the name VW style as it is not only VW who make these, Mazda/Ford make the Bongo/Freda http://imgur.com/HW2jfNV , http://imgur.com/TdzfLIF These are ideal for a weekend away as they provide cooking facilities and sinks alongside up to 4 berth sleeping. The Self Build Van http://imgur.com/uIfp1vC - This is probably the most AI of the lot! Take a panel van (Fords Transit is popular) and make it into the glorious bastard you want! Cut windows where you want them, add a shower if you have a body odor problem and a mini bar if your single and want to lure single women back.... The Pro Van Conversion http://imgur.com/4WDTMgj - Want something panel van sized but professional? This is the type for you. Its pretty much a panel van with windows and a professionally fitted interior. Warranty, build quality and speed are all the perks of this type but many look like vans with stickers... The Coachbuilt Van http://imgur.com/SQz80Lc - OK so similar to the Pro Van Conversion above but with one difference. The factory provides the base vehicle as a cab and chassis only. then the conversion company, such as Auto-Trail, build the back up from scratch. Often they have an overhang above the cab meaning more space. As they are fully custom they don't resemble a van at all. They contain washrooms with showers and toilets making them suitable for longer trips off grid. The Winnebago Type http://imgur.com/FgxxlvC - These bad boys are more often than not American, over in Europe these are a rare as hens teeth. They are simply massive and provide all the luxury you can afford. They require a specific license to drive here in the UK by your county will differ considerably. The Schoolie type http://imgur.com/IoLm8Yl - These converted school busses offer the same benefits as the self builds above but with LOADS more space. Double deckers are fair game too. Remember that licenses to drive such beasts may apply and getting into a car park ain't going to happen. The Toterhomes type http://imgur.com/n35dAVP - These are like winnebagos on steroids! They are based on truck rigs and converted into long distance camper wet dreams! (if anyone wants anything adding here please do say!) Thats a lot of choice what do I need? Well cowboy you start with what you want and then look at what vehicle you need to get it. If its overnight stays in the woods you need a smaller camper. Want to tour Europe with the mrs? Well a shower may or may not be important so look at Van conversions. Want to drop the money normally reserved for a house? Get a Winnebago complete with sports car? http://imgur.com/ODemBPA whats this thread for? What isn't it for! Show off your swanky van, post project logs of self builds and chat about the unreliability of the splitscreen. Need help with a split charge relay or sealing a shower, ask away. thegasman2000 fucked around with this message at 20:46 on May 22, 2014 |
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May 18, 2014 20:28
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| # ¿ Apr 29, 2024 13:36 |
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Reserved for erm stuff?
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May 18, 2014 20:29
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Yeah and with European iAds you couldn't drive one anywhere anyway! The Vw's are so expensive though with a decent condition splitty over. 20k bay over 10k and t25, which I used to have, over 6-7k. I am self building a 1989 ford transit 100 it's long wheelbase semi hightop is perfect for a 4 berth.
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May 18, 2014 20:51
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InterceptorV8 posted:This must be for Euros because I see you are missing the ones that also fit into the bed of your truck. poo poo is this removable? We don't get trucks here! I will add to the op ASAP!
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May 18, 2014 20:56
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Added a new type for you dude thanks! Question time. Its an old self builders problem but do I wire before insulation and boarding up or after?
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May 19, 2014 09:22
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Budget Monty posted:I work at a VW shop For 99% of people your spot on that they are an image thing over a practical thing. However for someone who works at a VW shop you are in the perfect position to get a VW and make it awesome! parts readily available and what work you cannot do get mates to do at mates rates. I had a t25 and due to neighbours complaining to the local council had to scrap it. It had 3000 miles on a VEGE engine and I got £160 for it  so now i am converting an old transit. Parts are so much cheaper and due to the size I have more options. Still want a VW camper though.
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May 19, 2014 09:43
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I take it self building is out? That's the only affordable option I an see. The problem is cheap means old and old means rusty poo poo that has been bodged year after year. Would a ford Freda do you? I think they released it in the states.
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May 19, 2014 15:20
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InterceptorV8 posted:If it's like a house, you wire before. You using that R-whatever foamboard or fiberglass? Probably going to use polystyrene boards and the bubble wrap foam stuff on with side. Rock wool falls down and is a rust magnet!
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May 19, 2014 23:32
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Jonny 290 posted:We're taking a look at a 1989 Pace Arrow 37J later today. 57K, "Preacher Owned", supposedly everything works, washer/dryer, it's ridiculous. No slides but for my price range we can't be too picky. Washer dryer... Yeah that's gonna be like an apartment!
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May 21, 2014 15:04
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Noeland posted:Where would you classify Schoolies and Toterhomes? Totterhomes I would classify as the Winnebago. Big and fully equipped. Can you link to a schoolie? Google give me teens on holidays...
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May 22, 2014 09:52
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So I have pretty much got my van ready for conversion. Its had some welding needed doing, and some little mechanical fixes. Here she sits as it is... A builders van at its best! 1989 Mk3 Ford Transit with 53k Miles on it. Thats either 153k or 253k.... stupid old odometers. Revel in her beauty. http://imgur.com/A108eOp http://imgur.com/CTLJgLL http://imgur.com/tADNniG http://imgur.com/T0CBph2 http://imgur.com/aXTigUe I should explain at this point I bought this van for £200. It has Tax and Test so thats a steal. Getting over 30MPG too! The Plan. http://imgur.com/z5elNn8 The van currently has a bench front seat but with another little one on the way and the one we have already we need more seats so the benches are all fitted with seat belts. We plan for the table to sit between the benches to make a second bed. We will also have massive storage under the permanent bed at the back. Any glaring issues here?
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May 22, 2014 20:40
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InterceptorV8 posted:I'd try and add a vent to the roof somewhere if possible. I know it doesn't get that hot over there, but it can really get warm in an easybake oven like that. Gonna build a ladder to the party rack? Sorry yeah thinking of a couple of the roof windows and a vent or 2 for when it gets blistering, so never! I want to deck to top and make a little roof terrace for on location, SWMBO says no we look pikey (gypsy) enough. Ladder is definitely on the cards. The roof rack is awesome with roller on the end to help load big poo poo up there.
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May 22, 2014 21:24
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Anyone ever tried the Rustoleum Roller paint method on a van. Its an awful lot of body to paint and mine isn't worth a proper job. http://transitcamper.hubpages.com/hub/Roller-painting-your-van
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May 22, 2014 23:05
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Anyone have any opinions on split charge relays? I can get a kit for like £20 on eBay or pay over £200 for one. I get batteries for free due to my work for a local scrap yard so kinda want something basic and cheap. Working starts soon :/ managed to beg and borrow from some electrician friends the wire I need.
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May 25, 2014 09:20
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grunthaas posted:This is what Im on about : http://www.towsure.com/product/SelfSwitching_Combination_Relay - Id use that to run a bigger relay as the internal ones are a bit wimpy. Got one similar in maplin for a tenner is anyone in the uk is interested. Also got a crimp kit. Here is to wiring fine goons
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May 31, 2014 23:38
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So I am stumped. I read the instructions for the relay and its dead simple. Inputs in one side and outputs to both batteries on the other right. Well not really as I cannot for the life of me firgure out where the alternator output is as it disappears off into the loom. The starter motor is obvious as its triple the gauge cable, presumably i want this off the + and - terminals of the starter battery and not + and chassis earth. The main issue here is I cant read wiring diagrams for poo poo!
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Jun 3, 2014 14:30
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Jonny 290 posted:Is it a relatively modern alt? Its wire may hit a terminal block somewhere to tie into the hot side, that's why you're not finding the other end maybe. Its got a 4 pin plastic connector, which I presume I need to hack into. Don't really like doing things that are not reversible in the future.
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Jun 3, 2014 20:16
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grunthaas posted:If its a voltage sensing relay then it doesnt need a connection to the alternator - just go straight from the battery. Whats the maplin part number? It was cheap so... http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/kemo-lead-acid-battery-split-charge-module-n73au Kemo Lead Acid Battery Split Charge Module Code: N73AU
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Jun 3, 2014 22:00
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Around here we have a load of canal boats which all use wood burners. Most use coal though though. As such a lot of these hippie types have wood burners in them. For me it's firstly the need. It doesn't get below freezing too much here in Europe. Secondly I don't want to be cleaning that bastard or cutting wood for it. A small diesel heater webasto makes them. Very efficient carbon monoxide safe and can use the vehicle fuel source. Much better IMHO
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Jun 17, 2014 17:00
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I want this so bad! http://youtu.be/-BNMvBnm14o
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Jul 8, 2014 10:54
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Well got a layer of paint on the passion wagon. It needs another but considering it was not prepped I am quite happy. http://i.imgur.com/NZzmSbz.jpg http://i.imgur.com/ED5DDUd.jpg http://i.imgur.com/aRf8WDP.jpg http://i.imgur.com/AfY9WDz.jpg The back looks poo poo but oh so much better than before!
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Jul 18, 2014 16:02
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This guy is found campers the right way! http://i.imgur.com/Obx7Kms.jpg
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Jul 19, 2014 18:37
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trouser chili posted:Well, I guess I can post here now. I really like the hard tops, pretty easy to throw up in weather!
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Aug 1, 2014 17:10
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| # ¿ Apr 29, 2024 13:36 |
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Anphear posted:My old work has a 2002 Ducato van thats had the piss thrashed out of it. It forever smells like gear oil and clutch and has had both worked on several times. So don't a 2nd hand van that's been used by a removal firm. Always buy a camper off someone who is old. Yes it might smell like piss and have horrid interior fabrics but it will never have been driven in anger!
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Sep 11, 2014 16:25
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