Welcome

WELCOME

Welcome to the blog for our campervan build

This project began in May 2020 during the 'lockdown' in the UK due to COVID-19. We were supposed to be touring Europe in our existing camper conversion 'Movano The Van Hoe' but this obviously wasn't going to be possible... So after finishing a pretty ambitious Hot Tub Trailer build (see the blog here) we decided we needed another project to keep us occupied during however many weeks left of lockdown.

We put Movano The Van Hoe up for sale and bought a Renault Master which we will convert over the coming weeks/months.

We are fortunate in that Elliot has a fully equipped workshop with tools and space to work, and we're also fortunate in that this is Elliot's second camper conversion, so we're not totally winging it!

This is a blog of the full build and I make no apologies that it is very photo heavy. The primary purpose of the blog is to document this build both for our own records, and for anyone else who's interested.

We plan on touring around Scotland with our Trailer Hot Tub when travel restrictions are relaxed enough to allow this.

Disclaimer: This is NOT meant as a tutorial. Do not try this at home. Always seek professional expert advice.

Monday, 1 June 2020

Welding stuff... The fabrication of the bunk bed!

So after approximately 309 cumulative hours of Elliot scratching his head, looking at the van, and measuring my shoulder width, he's designed a system for a removable bunk bed which will sleep a third person should we want to bring a pal on adventures (that doesn't want to middle-spoon with us!) The removable bunk can also be used for extra overhead storage (thinking bulky jackets, inflatable paddle boards...)

Elliot has made four steel guides/supports that will house two steel poles that will form the 'sides' of the bunk bed, which will itself be made of strong stretched canvas (kind of like a stretcher).

The two 12mm side walls (yet to be installed) will provide most of the structural support for the bunk bed.

These steel supports were welded directly to the structure of the van. The poles will be able to slot into the supports with a button clip mechanism so they're secure, yet easily removable. The steel supports are sealed at the back so that there is no risk of condensation forming.

The supports have been painted with 'trade spray' (I've no idea what 'trade spray' is...)

While all this clever fabricating was going on I have washed the outside of the van, cleaning off all the old signwriting with acetone. Master 'Splores is looking MINT!

We've also affixed six of the carpeted ply panels using Sikaflex, and fixed in the last bits of wall insulation.

(The wood and bits of insulation are there purely to hold the panels in place while the glue sets)

"I don't think I need to pose so much..."