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Bug out van - camper - bike carrier build

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  • steelo
    steelo
    2 years ago
    Friends.
    I've bought a ford transit custom van as a project. LR SWB 2.2 TD 6sp, 3 seater. It came with internal tie downs, GPS and a 2500w Inverter
    I'd like to set it up as a runaround, workhorse, combined motorbike carrier (Deuce at present) / camper van.
    I'm not thinking of a fully lined, built in, dedicated camping number just something with a bike chock, foldaway bedding, secondary power pack (perhaps with solar) cooker and a removable camping fridge.
    The transit is on the "smaller" side of vans but reasonably optioned for the driver and passenger.
    I'd like to hear of your van builds (even with trailers), your thoughts, anything you've done, materials, equipment you would recommend and anything to avoid.

    Winner gets a 2 week (or longer) no expenses paid, freeloading visit / holiday from me, the bike and perhaps one of the dogs sometime in the new year.
    ABA346FC-FE65-43E4-ADAB-8BDB146252C7.jpeg
    94AB9C8A-FE56-4AF6-8B87-CBB0EC49ECEF.jpeg
    86F9B937-1253-4A89-837E-3788085303F9.jpeg
  • brucefxdl
    brucefxdl
    2 years ago
    havent built up a van as such,but a couple of 4wd for trips away.we use a waeco 60 litre fridge that will freeze in a seperated section if needed,works well ,and run this of a deep cycle battery and a phirana battery management system in one and a redarc unit in the other,we get 2 days of use [ fridge only ] without running the vehicles on avergage.management systems,car or solar powered are a lot better today and your cheque book probably limits your choice of system.your van shold be good for your uses.
  • fatbat
    fatbat
    2 years ago
    Looks good steelo. How many kms?

    Can I borrow it? Happy to wait until you’ve got it all set up and then I’ll borrow it 
  • wadewilson
    wadewilson
    2 years ago
    There was a couple of guys back in the day that did up their car and also had an ice cream van...

    Think you would look good in this Steelo.
    39d1ac07178e8b488daab8f43b6df5d3.jpg
    luv machine
  • steelo
    steelo
    2 years ago
    Hey!! Thanks for reminding me. Don't you do van and 4WD fitouts WW?  Looks like you're my new best friend..  hehe.
  • wadewilson
    wadewilson
    2 years ago
    Suspension, electrical and mechanical fit-outs yes but we draw the line at shag pile interiors.

    Good to know I have made it onto someone's best friend list. Bit lonely in my world with no friends.

  • Baloffski
    Baloffski
    2 years ago
    Like your concept steelo. Now things are going the way to adapt to the 'thing' happening in the world , and here.Fuck going os, too much to see in home country.Did the van (caravan) thing, 4be, bout 8 years ago, mrs.B and I hated it. Did the kombi (1957) and laverda in the back , with gas bottle little cooka, bamboo curtain, and really basic 36 hpower.. fucken loved travelling thousands of kilometers, me and dog.Thought about doing wat ya sorting , but would definitly have a bike, scooter onboard, and dog a course, though these days many have got a wife as well to companion. Hope that doesn't sound um, incorrect. Would use solar setup, cant be much help there, know f.all , bout it, matter a fact cant help ya at all . Don't forget the surf/canoe/kay/tractor tyre thing rack on roof, there ya go, contributor., its late, erly.. This is gunna be exciting, watching ya build. Watta the yanks say, im in.
    ps. thought 'shag'was something ya did in the van, ya know  like 'dont come knocking if this vans rocking.seriously, good one mate.

  • binnsy
    binnsy
    2 years ago
    Could easily fit a solar panel on the roof steelo.  I have just fitted an extra one on my van.  Hide the battery somewhere inside, at least 120ah like this one https://www.australiandirect.com.au/Battery-Systems/AGM-Deep-Cycle-Batteries/KA12120
     These guys have everything you need at good pricing, have used them multiple times.  https://www.australiandirect.com.au/
    Mount a solar controller, which you will need, somewhere inside as well.  Two types are generally used.  Make sure you get an MPPT type, not the PWM as they are far more efficient.  Chuck in an inverter for your hair dryer and your ready to rock !!! NB: Inverters do drag a lot out of solar batteries.  
    I think a steelo build post is warranted here.
    These type of camper vans are affectionately known as whizzbangs !! Here's an explanation contained in this post on the grey Nomad forum.  I take it you will be signing up :-) https://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t61077789/whizzbang-what-the-go
    Good luck with the build.  Will we see it at the Floriade ???
  • GGUser260
    GGUser260
    2 years ago
    Quoting steelo on 24 Oct 2021 04:09 AMedited: 24 Oct 2021 04:10 AM

    Friends.
    I've bought a ford transit custom van as a project. LR SWB 2.2 TD 6sp, 3 seater. It came with internal tie downs, GPS and a 2500w Inverter
    I'd like to set it up as a runaround, workhorse, combined motorbike carrier (Deuce at present) / camper van.
    I'm not thinking of a fully lined, built in, dedicated camping number just something with a bike chock, foldaway bedding, secondary power pack (perhaps with solar) cooker and a removable camping fridge.
    The transit is on the "smaller" side of vans but reasonably optioned for the driver and passenger.
    I'd like to hear of your van builds (even with trailers), your thoughts, anything you've done, materials, equipment you would recommend and anything to avoid.

    Winner gets a 2 week (or longer) no expenses paid, freeloading visit / holiday from me, the bike and perhaps one of the dogs sometime in the new year.

    ABA346FC-FE65-43E4-ADAB-8BDB146252C7.jpeg
    94AB9C8A-FE56-4AF6-8B87-CBB0EC49ECEF.jpeg
    86F9B937-1253-4A89-837E-3788085303F9.jpeg
    Have you considered a trailer for the bike with a couple of aluminum tool chests each side of the bike for extra storage? That way your van interior could be dedicated to living space for the long trips(bed fridge cooker etc)
  • steelo
    steelo
    2 years ago
    Thanks gg. Had the trailer. Used it twice in 3 odd years. Just took up space. 
    Hoping to have a multi purpose vehicle. Plan would be to unload bike to camp if needed. 
    Probably pie in the sky dreaming. 
  • Far Canal
    Far Canal
    2 years ago
    You gotta dream. Otherwise there is not much to look forward to.
  • GGUser260
    GGUser260
    2 years ago
    Quoting Far Canal on 25 Oct 2021 09:16 AM

    You gotta dream. Otherwise there is not much to look forward to.

    "You will still be here tomorrow, but your dreams may not"
      Feel free to sing along
  • binnsy
    binnsy
    2 years ago
    Quoting Far Canal on 25 Oct 2021 09:16 AM

    You gotta dream. Otherwise there is not much to look forward to.

    Quoting GGUser260 on 25 Oct 2021 08:48 PM

    "You will still be here tomorrow, but your dreams may not"

      Feel free to sing along

    How can I try to explain?
    When I do, he turns away again
  • bloodog
    bloodog
    2 years ago
    Unknown_20.jpeg
  • fatbat
    fatbat
    2 years ago
    Quoting bloodog on 25 Oct 2021 09:36 PM

    Unknown_20.jpeg
    Haha I had thought of this same custom van before you posted the pic too. Watched that film again a couple of weeks ago and still just as funny 
  • GGUser260
    GGUser260
    2 years ago
    this one's to die for...owned by a well known American doctor
    d93941cb-kevorkian-van-combo_1440453149393_120733_ver1.0_640_360.jpg
  • Far Canal
    Far Canal
    2 years ago
    Quoting GGUser260 on 26 Oct 2021 07:07 AMedited: 26 Oct 2021 07:10 AM

    this one's to die for...owned by a well known American doctor

    d93941cb-kevorkian-van-combo_1440453149393_120733_ver1.0_640_360.jpg
    Dr Youth in Asia
  • steelo
    steelo
    2 years ago
    Friends.
    Thanks for feedback on the van build both via the thread and PM.
    Has anyone used a SCA bike wheel chock in a trailer, van or shed?
    They are very reasonably priced at the moment (normally $130 although none of our stores "show" stock available)
    Prices range from about $60 up to $450 for the harley branded Ali version.
    31-10-2021 9-54-00 PM.jpg
  • steelo
    steelo
    2 years ago
    Thanks wade. That’s the one I thought it was. Cheers. S
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