We have an old Transit Van made into a campervan in a very amateur method by just using ready made components. For example huge outdoor plastic storage trunks used as bed bases, a ready made set of drawers for kitchen, a plastic laundry trough unit as a sink/laundry trough. With a outdoor table to sit the fridge on and store an esky and camp toilet underneath we are pretty much set. The bonus is that we can store heaps of stuff in the plastic storage trunks. They fit a Gazebo pack and inner tent, large plastic mats, folding tables and folding chairs, a portable BBQ, dog fencing, brooms, rakes and other stuff.
So far we have trips to Walpole, Margaret River, Myalup and Jurien Bay with our two dogs. So far so good, we are very pleased with our set up. We are now off to the Eneabba area and down the Indian Ocean Road. My advice to anyone thinking of doing this - don't rush in to buying a van. Choose carefully and make sure the one you buy is mechanically very good. We spent a fair bit of money on the van to fit it out then on the way home last time found the auto gearbox system had seized and we had to pay nearly $5000 to get it fixed. I have found a lovely family mechanical workshop who specialize in vans, so I feel more confident now in the engine. Wish us luck! Oh, also, the Transit van gets excellent distance regarding fuel consumption - literally just about runs on the smell of an oily rag.
Dougwe said
06:57 PM Oct 30, 2018
Welcome to the gang Lyn, enjoy here and out in the playground.
Sounds like you are enjoying the playhround already with a simple but very practical rig, well done.
Chocoholic said
07:05 PM Oct 30, 2018
Hi Lyn,
Great to hear you're enjoying ypur trips
just wondering in which town in your mechanic? I got a 1999 ford transit van and i just did the first long trip from Brisbane to Nelligen but fuel consumption is very high!
Enjoy your van
Susan
Tranny Crew said
07:33 PM Oct 30, 2018
Susan,
Oh dear, the mechanic is in Perth. However, he specialises in Ford Transits, so you might find someone near you who does the same - likes them and knows all about them as he has always worked on them since starting his apprenticeship. I don't know why your fuel consumption is higher. Mind you, we just had a manual gearbox put in rather than auto, so that might make a difference. I will let you know. Cheers, Lyn
Aus-Kiwi said
08:03 PM Oct 30, 2018
Welcome to the forum . Another victim . Lol.
Chocoholic said
08:56 PM Oct 30, 2018
Thanks Lyn
Perth is a bit too far for me
Enjoy your trips
Susan
Cadpete said
10:51 PM Oct 30, 2018
G'day Lyn and welcome to the forum. Don't forget to try the two ongoing games here - 'Who is This' in the 'I Digress' section and 'Pick this Place' in the 'General' Section - a great source to find new places to visit. Sounds like a bit of a steep learning curve there, but also sounds you are on the right side of it :)
Pete & Marion
Tony Bev said
11:10 PM Oct 30, 2018
Welcome to the forum, Tranny Crew
There are worse vans to have, than the good old Ford Transit
The secret (if travelling long distance), is to keep the maintenance up to the vehicle
If you think that your mechanic gives good service, you can always recommend him, in the recommendation section
Hello Nomads,
We have an old Transit Van made into a campervan in a very amateur method by just using ready made components. For example huge outdoor plastic storage trunks used as bed bases, a ready made set of drawers for kitchen, a plastic laundry trough unit as a sink/laundry trough. With a outdoor table to sit the fridge on and store an esky and camp toilet underneath we are pretty much set. The bonus is that we can store heaps of stuff in the plastic storage trunks. They fit a Gazebo pack and inner tent, large plastic mats, folding tables and folding chairs, a portable BBQ, dog fencing, brooms, rakes and other stuff.
So far we have trips to Walpole, Margaret River, Myalup and Jurien Bay with our two dogs. So far so good, we are very pleased with our set up. We are now off to the Eneabba area and down the Indian Ocean Road. My advice to anyone thinking of doing this - don't rush in to buying a van. Choose carefully and make sure the one you buy is mechanically very good. We spent a fair bit of money on the van to fit it out then on the way home last time found the auto gearbox system had seized and we had to pay nearly $5000 to get it fixed. I have found a lovely family mechanical workshop who specialize in vans, so I feel more confident now in the engine. Wish us luck! Oh, also, the Transit van gets excellent distance regarding fuel consumption - literally just about runs on the smell of an oily rag.
Sounds like you are enjoying the playhround already with a simple but very practical rig, well done.
Susan,
Oh dear, the mechanic is in Perth. However, he specialises in Ford Transits, so you might find someone near you who does the same - likes them and knows all about them as he has always worked on them since starting his apprenticeship. I don't know why your fuel consumption is higher. Mind you, we just had a manual gearbox put in rather than auto, so that might make a difference. I will let you know. Cheers, Lyn
G'day Lyn and welcome to the forum. Don't forget to try the two ongoing games here - 'Who is This' in the 'I Digress' section and 'Pick this Place' in the 'General' Section - a great source to find new places to visit. Sounds like a bit of a steep learning curve there, but also sounds you are on the right side of it :)
Pete & Marion
There are worse vans to have, than the good old Ford Transit
The secret (if travelling long distance), is to keep the maintenance up to the vehicle
If you think that your mechanic gives good service, you can always recommend him, in the recommendation section