We are Marcel and Vendy, van life and van build enthusiasts. We have built 3 custom vans on 3 different continents and have travelled the better part of the last 6 years in less than10 square metres. Join us for our adventures in Building Custom Vans an travelling the globe on the road.
I haven’t no, but I did see this in a few bus conversions in New Zealand. If you plan it out, I don’t see why you couldn’t. I guess it’s just not as common in Australia as our winters are pretty short and the stove takes up quite a bit of space. Where as a diesel heater for instance is pretty small and discrete but also doesn’t get a whole lot of usage either
Hey mate, thoughts on using strips of 1" plywood cut to 2" widths rather than your 1"x2" pine? Not sure if it'd be cheaper or stronger or worse on both fronts? Great video, nice to have someone working in mm (despite my comments measurements 😅)
I suppose it is possible although I have 2 concerns. Firstly 1 inch thick plywood is so heavy and would be hard to manage, especially if stripping down by yourself on a table saw. is hard enough with 15mm which is half that of what you're suggesting. Secondly, I think this wouldn't end up being cheaper, nor worth the effort than just being dressed 2x1's. I like your out of the box thinking though!
Great job building up your van and getting it certified as a campervan! I know you have re-registered due to insurance but would there be any issues on modifying a van and not re-registering as a camper? I’m a bit unsure how I should go because of the electrical work(solar panels running only off grid)? Cheers
My understanding is that the insurance companies that insure campers are requiring the certificate to insure your van for the agreed value. This being the van itself as well as the fit out inside. You could call the insurance companies to ask to clarify.
There are threaded inserts built into the roof under the plastic covers that you need to remove to see. there should be 4 on each side. Then you can bolt your roof rack into them. From memory they are m8 threads
@@SALTYVANVENTURES Thanks so much love your work ! The foam board is so easy to work with Thanks for the idea However, but you need to use spacers on roof instead of spray adhesive to get the best insulation (told by foam board) This creates a 10mm space of air from outside skin which is super important Maybe you did it with no space to get more height but you did have a space between roof lining and board which doesnt work as well they say There is foil both sides by the way too The green side is for where you have no lining and weant less glare xx
Interesting. I haven't looked into that option, although I suppose this would only solve the issue of the van swaying around corners more due to the weight of the conversion. This might be an option for some people if they are experiencing that, but with this Supersprings and Sumosprings system, it gave us back the ride height that we lost, a smoother more comfortable ride, as well as solving the sway which seemed like the best solution for us.
Hi again Marcel. Downloaded your wiring diagram and noticed that your wiring is much ‘beefier’ than others. Is that because of new regs since Nov 23, or are you just more cautious ? 😁
@@SALTYVANVENTURES Thanks Marcel. As others have said, it's great to follow someone who is familiar with Oz conditions and regs. Up till now, I have been trying to adapt what I see on Brit or American sites.
Why do you need to upgrade the suspension if the vehicle is made to be able to hold multiple adults? Seeing the passanger configurations it seems like at least 8 adults which is like 180 pounds each (1440 pounds)
Because the weight of the build is quite heavy. It’s not just about being able to drive around. It’s about being able to drive around comfortably so that’s why I needed to upgrade the suspension. The weight of the permanent conversion was made the van uncomfortable to drive.
I'm planning on getting a Transit 350 and doing just what you described. One thing that I'm worried about is the battery under the seat. What do you do if the back is all built up?
Great video, thanks!! I'm about to embark on the floor so this video really interested me. Is there a reason why you wouldn't use the plywood strips BETWEEN the ridges of the floor? (I'm trying to preserve height.)
Hey Marcel, your link for the 'large panel solar panels' on Ebay is only 130W, is this the correct panel you used? as I thought you said you had 500W of solar power? I can't seem to find panels to match up to 500W that fit length ways on the van like yours do. Any help would be much appreciated TIA.
You can slid another piece of sheet metal in behind the contoured inner support you are removing while cutting it from the window area. It will protect the outer skin of sheet metal.
