Have you ever thought of building your own bike friendly campervan?

[buzzy-beans]

Have you ever thought of building your own bike friendly motorhome or campervan so that you can explore new rides far further afield?

I built my own LWB luxury conversion of a Renault Master panel van that has room for our two bikes inside, in which we have explored endless miles of the UK and Europe.

It isn't very hard to undertake your own conversion just as long as you have some basic DIY skills. It can and is a bit of a knee knocker when you cut your 1st windows into the once immaculate sides of your van, but once under way it is amazing how quickly and cheaply you can create a truly brilliant home from home that can take you both far and wide and that drives almost like a car.

If any of you might have just an modicum of interest, then it might be worth your while to pop along to the very friendly and knowledgeable diymotorhome.co.uk where I know there will be a very warm welcome awaiting.

 

[Drago]

I read the title and thought of this.

 

[Crackle]

I'm not sure I'd ever do it but I've explored the possibility, figuring out how I'd run electrics, pipes and what equipment I'd have. I'd probably buy the furniture pre-built from someone who specializes in race vans, so rear bed high up with space underneath for the bikes etc... However, I have no space to do it and no time or money but having owned campervans in the past, I do fancy another.

 

[Cuchilo]

I'd love to have my van racked out for longer ventures . I already have it part done for TT's .
I'd love to see what you have done .

 

[videoman]

I'm going to convert my current hightop Fiat Scudo into a camper van. Will have a look at the site you mention.

 

[simon.r]

My Dad converted an old Bedford CF (?) van into a camper van in the early 70’s. Before the internet.

Not really relevant to the thread, but hey ho.

 

[Zimbob]

I've recently finished this fine machine

20170805_155049 by zimbob.co.uk, on Flickr

20604192_10214075783511376_6103301248704096624_n by zimbob.co.uk, on Flickr

Not totally bicycle friendly, as the bicycle has to sleep outside when I sleep inside Still, as the van's properly old-fashioned I can loop a bike-lock through the door-handle

 

[cosmicbike]

I have a VW T5, converted over time from panel van to full camper, takes me and the family to many places with 4 bikes on the back. Should have done it years ago...

 

[Dave 123]

It's something that we're hankering after. Too many pennies at the moment!
My brother bought one a few months ago. His tandem rolls in the back and sits between the beds in transit. It goes out for the night under a cover, locked to the van.

 

[Zimbob]

I think that's the same basic van as mine.

Aye, Citroen C15, van-based version of the Visa... Yours looks to be the uber-swish 'RomaHome'

 

[Zimbob]

[QUOTE 4967730, member: 9609"]you left your van outside

View attachment 374889 [/QUOTE]

I know, I know I've put in a wee sink, cupboards and gravity-fed water carrier with tap, and my cooking kit along one side, bunk on t'other so a bitty tight for space...

To be fair, my bicycle hates being cooped up, much prefers the outdoor lifestyle

 

[Crackle]

Do you not need some insulation to counteract the condensation @Zimbob ?

 

[Zimbob]

Do you not need some insulation to counteract the condensation @Zimbob ?

Aye, I bought some last week, so far it's been okay without it... It was down to 7C last weekend on Skye, but nary a drip, which surprised me

Need to get the insulation fitted soon though, Winter is coming....

 

[Zimbob]

[QUOTE 4967745, member: 9609"]you will need to get the inside of your roof lined, that will drip badly, more so when its cold.

I love going away overnighting in the van, do all my hill walking out of it. I have had plenty nights in it when its been below -10. Its not as bad as you might think[/QUOTE]

Aye, I'm on it insulation-wise It's not as bad as I feared so far, and much less condensation than my lady friend's Partner, not sure whether that's down to the two people producing more, or the fact her's has a lot more glass (car-based)

I'm loving it so far, got my Espresso-maker and cooking kit, all home comforts... It's great to pop off for the weekend/overnight, opens up a lot of new cycling too, and I like the self-sufficient aspect of it, and the independence.

Minus 10C - you're made of stern stuff! I may end up being a fair-weather camper

 

[jefmcg]