Short Wheel Based Plans

I’ve decided to get myself a Short Wheel Based Van, the most popular one seen in England is the Transit. Looking at pictures of the Van and others I got my “Journey Book” which I draw and write down my plans in detail and started planning the interior with sketches and descriptions (not to scale) once I get the VAN I can then measure up and if needed change the plans slightly or do what I have planned.

Not To Scale

My Van Pan Camper Van

Starting from the back of the van, you can see that I decided to add a Bed in the middle room for two so I know I will have enough space for me to stretch out. Either side of the bed will be deep storage spaces for clothing and other stuff, again enough for two people. I will have two set of thermal blinds, one between the bed and front of the van and another one at the back of the van. Blocking out light keeping in the heat and sectioning off the area. Below the bed will have  more storage space mainly for breakdown and a spare wheel but also other things.

At the front of the van by the door will be a small storage space and counter for the electrical grid and to do work on top of, the battery will be in there and above will have fuse switches etc linked up to a solar panel. The Sink will have a low power pump to ensure pressure for running water to wash, clean and cook with. The cooker will be gas based with a 20KG worth of gas max more than enough for a weekend and Enough for a week.  Any less will depend on the trip and cost. The passenger seat will be able to turn so I will have a chair to sit at if I decide that I don’t want to lay on the bed.

 

Like many other conversion most of the space is used up by a bed and looking at other plans I did not want that space to be taken up by too many storage spaces and counters, I want enough space to move around in whiles changing and moving anything around, plus If I need to pick up any parcels I order and need space and not wanting to damage anything I build I can do that.

As I design my van layout in deeper detail I will share what I have planned and once I start the build I will also share a video of what I did and any changes I may have made. Right now, I need to find a van with low miles that will last me for a minimum of 7 years  If I need to borrow more money than planned I will have to extend my payment plan which may flow into a 5 year plan instead of 3 years.

Thinking Biggish

So I had another thought, what if I had to live in it for a few months for whatever reason, work related in area or a problem, I saw a Ford Custom converted into a camper, it was shorter and smaller than I’ve seen before, I asked to have a look inside as I am wanting to do the same and the young couple around my age was happy enough to do so.

They recommended some type of vans a VW transporter and  Renault Trafic, Ford Transit etc.  They all said they’re the same size small enough for most high restrictions and short enough to park in pubic places and then they showed me their blueprint for their conversion to show how they planned an “off the grid no expenses spared” camper for a year of traveling around england .  They’ve spent more than I ever will but it helped me to plan mine.

In return I provided them with locations to visit for sunsets and sunrises  plus good quite areas to sleep in the area as they’re from cornwall.  The couple also told me that their insurance is high and told me which was £460 more than mine which they decided to add in their own loan when they bought the van.

 

The couples money plan on basic explanation:

Van + Insurance on a bank loan plan

The conversions on their income which was split into 50/50

Enabling the van for road use: From selling their electronics from the flat they stopped renting.

I asked about other furniture they had they told me that they’re planning to come back for a year and go off again to the EU they only had a sofa, TV, Books, DVD player and PS4 which they sold apart from the sofa which is at a family members until they return they never had a car so this is their first transportation of their own.

 

I’ve been looking at vans at these sizes but had a hard job looking for a decent price that I can work with, it is either places asking for £14,200+ for a 80,000 mile+ van when there is a 120,000 for £5,000 but I have slowly seen these prices change with the miles around 80,000  going into the single thousand digit, as soon as I find one that is fitting for me I am going to look at it and depending on the history will depend if ill grab it.

If a dealership or person offers me the caddy maxi at a low price with the low miles  I might grab that.  I am not  fussed with size but it will be a little nicer having extra space for two-three people. All im thinking of for myself from Most on my mind to least.

• Petrol/Deisel  running cost (how much will I spend a day/week to keep it going for work and none trips)
• Current miles and history of vehicle. (if its had too many fail ,then why)
• Insurance (Which will be more than £1,100 a year)
• M.O.T (No idea if its more than a car or the same)
• Road Tax (Will be more if its older with a bad Co2 rating)
• Where to put it during work ( wont be able to park in customer carpark all the time)
• Where to put it at home (New houses increased more cars parking)
• Finding a place to sleep whiles out and about. (Will it be easy to park it and be unnoticed if im in a populated public area)