Introduction - First van

[b-quan]

Hi Everyone,

All my friends have camper vans and surf so have thought about a camper van myself for years. About 3 years ago i started researching it and was going to get a Transit custom as they were considerably cheaper than a Transporter at the time, or at least where i was looking. I wasn't looking too seriously though as i was in the process of saving for a mortgage deposit.

I shelved the idea of a van and carried on my saving.

About 2 years ago a good friend of mine bought his first T6 SWB and kitted it out. I've spent plenty of time in his van on MTB weekends and was starting to consider the van again for some solo adventures hiking, biking and taking photos.

One evening when sitting down with said friend, i mentioned i was thinking of vans again, we then spent about 2 hours searching ebay, forums, facebook and classifieds. I had worked out my ideal spec.

T6 Highline SWB Tailgate
150hp 6sp manual
Under 100k miles
I then spent 2 weeks looking and found one that was perfect and ticked all the boxes on my list.

It had 86k on the clock, one previous owner (Northgate vehicle hire) and looked immaculate.

This was once home and washed






I've since spent a lot of time on the forum for inspiration, advice and "how to" posts, which there are plenty.

With help from my mate who had already done the work, i decided on a few things.

• VanFurniture MTB Beds interior
• Solar and LiPo Battery
• Small Fridge
• Hookup with possible inverter in the future
• Simple Tarp style awning
• Setup to carry a MTB inside for weekends in Wales
• Diesel Heater

I started making a list, searching for deals and getting what i could when i could afford it.

Heres a summary list of things i have done

• Changed steering wheel to flat bottom
• Upgraded speakers and installed inline amp
• Unlocked Android Auto on the factory stereo
• Installed diesel heater
• Fitted THQ V3 Headlights (Huge improvement)
• Fitted splitter
• Fitted Windows
• Sound deadened, insulated and carpeted

I have so many progress photos so i wont clog this up completely with them all, but here are some of the fit out ending with its current day state.









I still have things to do as you can see i havent installed the fridge yet, but ill update with more photos once i've made further progress.

 

[Srea064]

Brilliant job that, love the ceiling

 

[Chippie1]

Well done you looking great

 

[b-quan]

Brilliant job that, love the ceiling

Thanks. I decided to use the TrePanel Lite panels to keep some weight out the van up high.

Basically like regular stuff but without the bit of MDF between the felt and veneer. Certainly made it easier to install being lighter and I gained a small amount of headroom too.

 

[RichyJ91]

Looks great, mate. Very similar to my original starting point with the van too, except mine's a LWB. I've got a build thread here. I like that you've made the layout personal to yourself and what you want it for (biking etc), so much nicer than the usual kitchen-side and RnR bed setup! Feel free to share more photos!

 

[b-quan]

Looks great, mate. Very similar to my original starting point with the van too, except mine's a LWB. I've got a build thread here. I like that you've made the layout personal to yourself and what you want it for (biking etc), so much nicer than the usual kitchen-side and RnR bed setup! Feel free to share more photos!

Thank you! I'll read through your build thread this evening.

I have some more things I wanna do and some custom 3D printed bits as well.

I'll get some decent photos of everything and share once it stops bloody raining!

 

[b-quan]

I've now added the fridge unit, fitted the outlet for the heater, added my bike mount L track and fited the Ikea Skaddis to the rear quarter panel