Campervan Conversion

[Paul ™]

I knew nothing about 12V stuff, but the interweb has some great sites on it for learning.

Seems to be working anyway, so hopefully all going well will get the electrics done over the next week or so

[atomised]

Fingers crossed for the electrical work. I know it can be quite daunting but it sounds like you're well on top of it

[Paul ™]

Only thing am not sure on is the 12V hook up from the Alternator/Engine Battery for the Fridge, its to go through a relay.

I had a look under the bonnet and I think I will be passing that on to someone who knows what they are doing.

Started the plumbing today, a lot easier... hopefully get the 2 waste outlets done soon too

Blog

Edited November 21, 2014 by Paul ™

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

Just caught up on the blog. It's astonishing to think that you have not done this before, many times over. You just seem to 'see' all the processes necessary and how and when they need to coincide. You didn't used to be an astronaught on Apollo 13 did you?

I think your blog could be useful to many people wanting to have a bash at creating their own camper van. I don't think it would help me though - there's no way I've got the sort of mind frame to think several moves ahead like a chess player does. It's odd really because I used to work for a private practice of Building Surveyors where for the most part I drew technical drawings. That was like overlaying layer after layer of processes to get the end result. I just can't think that way with camper van conversions I guess. If I had started a camper van conversion at the same time as you, then it would probably be like Charlie Cairoli's car now, with bits dropping off here and there as I drove along. Not too dissimilar to what happens now with my own camper van in fact!

[Paul ™]

Just caught up on the blog. It's astonishing to think that you have not done this before, many times over. You just seem to 'see' all the processes necessary and how and when they need to coincide. You didn't used to be an astronaught on Apollo 13 did you?

I didn't even own a drill till a few months ago, DIY was never in my thoughts/plans and this has been an eye opener for learning new skills for sure.

[Katster]

Sounds like you are a natural Paul - maybe a new venture for you??

[Paul ™]

Sounds like you are a natural Paul - maybe a new venture for you??

haha god no, this one will be enough for me!

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

I didn't even own a drill till a few months ago, DIY was never in my thoughts/plans and this has been an eye opener for learning new skills for sure.

Do you learn as quickly in other areas of life? Just wondering? If you do, then it's fucking remarkable. If you don't, it's still fucking remarkable.

[Paul ™]

Do you learn as quickly in other areas of life? Just wondering? If you do, then it's fucking remarkable. If you don't, it's still fucking remarkable.

Haha no, maybe I should have stuck at school

Not alot been happening past couple of weeks, was away on holiday and work etc... get back on it in January I think but have done some small bits

http://trademarkmobile.blogspot.co.uk/

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

Thanks for the update. It's a real pleasure watching your work. That red table really is the bollocks. As is the rest of the work.

Wishing you a happy Christmas.

[Paul ™]

Just bumping this up as not really done much, but to let you know I've now officially got a 'Motor Caravan' according to the V5 which I got back from the DVLA with no issues at all.

Also got the insurance changed over to a DIY Conversion, saving me some cash too.

Hopefully get on with it later this month when the better weather comes in, 3 months till it's first outing.

Well that's if it passes it's MOT which it's down getting just now... eek!

http://trademarkmobile.blogspot.co.uk/

[atomised]

Fingers crossed for the MOT

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

Fingers crossed for the MOT

Seconded.

As an aside I stumbled across the story of this bloke who gave up his job, converted a van and has been touring around in it - see below;

http://vandogtraveller.com/

[Paul ™]

Passed with only 1 advisory item about the front number plate was deteriorating... very pleased

It's only failed once in the last 10 years, for a headlight issue

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

Passed with only 1 advisory item about the front number plate was deteriorating... very pleased

It's only failed once in the last 10 years, for a headlight issue

That's a result Paul. Nice to hear.

[Paul ™]

Apologies for the lack of updates guys, not really been working much on the van the past couple of months due to the crap weather and saving for/going on holiday.

Now I am hoping for better weather, got just over 4 weeks till I first plan to use the van... no pressure

Few updates since I posted last though..

http://trademarkmobile.blogspot.co.uk/

Edited March 31, 2015 by Paul ™

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

I've just caught up on your blog. It's a real pleasure to read. The motor home (as per V5) is really looing the part now. Good luck with getting it all sorted to your satisfaction in the next 4 weeks.

PS - Is there a difference between a camper van and a motor home?

PPS - I use Adrian Flux for my insurance. I'll make a note of the other company you mentioned though for when I need to re-insure. Thanks.

[Paul ™]

I've just caught up on your blog. It's a real pleasure to read. The motor home (as per V5) is really looing the part now. Good luck with getting it all sorted to your satisfaction in the next 4 weeks.

PS - Is there a difference between a camper van and a motor home?

PPS - I use Adrian Flux for my insurance. I'll make a note of the other company you mentioned though for when I need to re-insure. Thanks.

Thanks, glad you enjoy it..

No idea on if there is a difference, not in my eyes anyway

[brandycoke]

PS - Is there a difference between a camper van and a motor home?

Was always my understanding, that a Motorhome is coach built in factory, and a campervan is a modified existing vehicle.

Could be wrong though.

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

Was always my understanding, that a Motorhome is coach built in factory, and a campervan is a modified existing vehicle.

Could be wrong though.

That would make sense, thanks brandycoke.

[Paul ™]

Last of the big jobs, the solar panels are on... hopefully they stay on

http://trademarkmobile.blogspot.co.uk/

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

Great read as usual Paul. You mention that the solar panels have to be covered (in this instance with cardboard) if they are not connected up - I'm just wondering why this is? I suspect it's that it damages them in some way but wonder in what way / how?

Oh, and I have a bit of bad news - it now looks like we'll not be able to go to Bearded Theory. Not only does this mean I'll miss my first BT, but also that I wont get to meet you and see your campervan in the flesh. Very annoying.

If you know of anybody looking for two BT tickets and a campervan ticket then let me know as I'll now have to try to sell mine.

[Paul ™]

I believe it's down to if they are left uncovered, they are producing electricity, but with no where for it to go so can damage them.. best safe than sorry.

Sorry you can't make BT, shame

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

I believe it's down to if they are left uncovered, they are producing electricity, but with no where for it to go so can damage them.. best safe than sorry.

Sorry you can't make BT, shame

Hello Paul

As I just posted on the BT thread - there's an outside chance that we'll still go but would probably be arriving late after the proposed meet up. It's all kind of in the lap of the gods at the moment, so that's why I think it wiser to try to shift the tickets.

[Paul ™]

Been keeping up with the BT thread, hope you make it

Couple things done today, the flooring is down