Fitted-out vans.....WHY?

owlets · Post by **owlets** » 10 May 2007, 12:55

matt wrote:
that supid table that when stored prevent's access to the cupboreds underneath
now thats a "pooh" idea

Its annoying, but an economical use of space, but we use those cupboards to store food and cooking utensils so that table is usually out as a prep surface when cooking making the tables easy to access.

Post by **Mick & Tracey** » 10 May 2007, 13:40

Brooky

Quite agree with you about most factory campers, and for that matter caravans. There seems to be an overwhelming desire by manufacturers and buyers to enshrine themselves in velour and formica.

We've spent ages trying to find a spacious box with beds and space for gear (bikes, camping eqpt, wine, & kids) that is easy to clean, doesn't get smelly and is versatile.

For us the van is transport, a handy place to get changed in, and a comfy bed. All the little cupboards are infuriating - it's quicker to empty groceries into a crate than to to mess about stuffing them into cupboards scattered all over the van. Likewise clothes - camper wardrobes are way too small to hang stuff in (good for chucking kites, shoes, and toys in though) - we just fill a couple of holdalls and chuck 'em in.

We've always been surprised that no one seemed to make a simple basic conversion. We've never cooked inside a van, and don't want to lug a built in cooker around. Most camper fridges are badly designed - chest fridges are far more efficient.

We're still looking for the right layout - lack of time prevents us building our own. Have dismissed most campers and now thinking about multivans.

Post by **Brooky** » 10 May 2007, 16:36

Any moderators watching? I feel a sticky coming on (do I mean sticky?).
"Show us your home converted buses".
Thanks Mick. I felt sure I couldn't be the only one who felt like this. I'd be very interested to see how others have made their buses suit their lifestyles. I'd happily post some pics of my interior & how it works for me.
That's my BUS interior of course! I will, however, need instruction on how to post pics.
Good to know others have to make space for big kites in their buses as well!
Brooky.

Post by **DiscoDave** » 11 May 2007, 18:24

bless!

some of what you are saying makes sense, i wouldn't put a load of trees in my van! i started off with a velle and gradually changed it to a camper reailising at different times that what i used tha van for changed. i now have a fully loaded and kitted out camper, ready for me to retire into (at 22!

) wouldn't ever have anything else now! everything in it's place and tidy, with out stuff flying about all the time!

as for campsites??? yes once or twice a year! rest of the time sleepy spot!

dalmationman · Post by **dalmationman** » 11 May 2007, 18:33

I have a fitted out van.
WHY....... because that's how it was when I bought it, it works well and I enjoy it.
Previousley had done a lot of camping in a canvas frame tent.
This needed packing in the back of the car and that was an art in itself.
Now we tend to use the fitted out van AND the tent posing as an awning.
Best of both worlds.
Wet weather the fitted out van is great.
Sunny days we can chill out in the tent..............
Commercial sites or farmers fields, we can do both.

It's all about what works for you.
I can see how your minimally fitted out van can work and hope that you can now understand the fully fitted van choice.
if it seems right, then for you it probably is.
It's an individual thing

Post by **monkeynuts** » 11 May 2007, 19:14

my views are:

factory conversions - people dont want to change them as they would help keep the vans value and there seems to be a following in brown (

)

DIY jobbies - done to suit individual needs as it was maybe a blank canvas to begin with

my van i feel is the best idea (for me

) with a full width rockie rolly and ikea units across rear of single and bench seat - loadsa room!

its so good its on ebay boo hoo

Post by **busbuddy** » 11 May 2007, 22:34

I can see your point as the interior in my bay was made by me to suit us as I couldn't find any conversion that we liked but the karmanns interior is perfect for us .

the karmann is our only vehicle, we go away all year round, it's the klub hq, it's our drag racing hq and it's damn comfy

Post by **bigbluebus** » 12 May 2007, 18:32

this is what happens when you haven't got a fitted cooker

Post by **monkeynuts** » 12 May 2007, 19:06

as long as the women have somewhere to cook for us and plug in their straighteners everyones happy

Post by **alexparry** » 12 May 2007, 19:37

Brooky brings up an interesting point. It made me look at my present situation in a new light.

Why should I have to pay hundreds of pounds a month for my flat in south west London. I mean sure, its got a fitted kitchen three seperate bedrooms and a bathroom with hot running water, but I've seen some disused offices on hanger lane, maybe I should squat in there for free. I can separate the rooms with some old sheets use the paper trays to store my cutlery and an upturned water bottle as a toilet.

Post by **T3teedub** » 12 May 2007, 20:42

My first was a 73 Bay panel van. I built my own interior. All of the camping units were plug-in style that could be removed in a few minutes to leave an almost empty van. I could also convert it to a ten seater bus.
My next was a 77 basic conversion tin-top that could seat six and suited us fine.

My present is a four berth pop-top fully fitted camper and suites us fine. Running kids to sports events, cadets, parties shows etc is long past so this is our daily driver and go anywhere, anytime camper.
We have already done the minimalist thing and this is what we want now.
Different strokes for different folks. Choice is a wonderful thing.

Post by **jamesc76** » 13 May 2007, 20:09

i had to read this twice !!! how horrid would it be to have the missus caught nipping out for a pee at the middle of the night, so the loo is great i cant see the piont of getting a van and then basicly ruffing it???? if you wanted a nice big bed and no mod cons why not get a gurt big merc or transit ??? i love the fact if its raining i can stay in the van watch a dvd have a brew and a good meal, as you say horses for courses but i'll stck with my course thanks!!!

Post by **bigbluebus** » 13 May 2007, 20:40

we'd never have a bog in our van, we take the micheal out of each other that much we get stage fright and can't go anyway

I like the idea of a fully fitted camper, but that weekend in lakes (see pic above) was kinda . . less like being at home more like an old school camping adventure?

With no TV fitted, no cd player and no radio signal, we actually had to talk to each other and admire the scenery (oh, and get drunk he he)

Was good. Doesn't mean I don't want a westy interior when i can afford

Post by **bigbluebus** » 13 May 2007, 20:42

how horrid would it be to have the missus caught nipping out for a pee at the middle of the night,

what you think this is used for?

that'd be for 'illuminating' my missus not anyone elses of course

Post by **brookie** » 14 May 2007, 19:24

Have just read Brooky's subject post.
Please,please,please don't confuse me (Brookie) with Brooky.
Give me the 3way fridge, water, sink, cubby holes, gas hob, swivel-seat, carpet, hot-tub (ok I lied there) every time!
My only suggestion though Brooky - don't consider doing this in a Transit as the police will think you're on the run!

Keep in the VW and you'll still get our wave when you pass.

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Fitted-out vans.....WHY?

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Fitted out vans - why?