Tam & co the great winter escape

[Northernraider]

I got to go to Blackburn lancs on friday to collect my car so i might drive the extra hour south to winsford and view the hobby. We will see

 

[fat haggis]

I suppose it depends on the age and condition . Theres actually 3 on ebay st present . The one at £26 being the nicest


But the 700 is nicer again .

Mine was a 2002 fiat.
Look at this one.
<Broken link removed>

 

[Northernraider]

Mine was a 2002 fiat.
Look at this one.
<Broken link removed>

Aye ive seen that . Not keen on it

 

[Zoobec]

Aye ive done a lot to it that i wasn't sure i could do this time last year. And the finished image i have in my head is a beautiful van with a lot of unique ideas you don't get with a factory van.

If i can pull it off
Yeah i mean I've done a lot of diy over the years on my houses and previous campers etc so im not a complete novice. Doing it outside with no garage etc though may throw up problems

Im hoping to get back on it next week as i need to get the paintwork on the panels i fitted sorted again before they rust anymore. And get the welding on the rear end sorted. Ill just keep an eye on what comes up while i go .

I know it’s hard work, we got most of the way through doing our Boxer but then work keeps getting in the way and then in spare time it’s hard to get back on it. The vision we had in our head had cupboard doors and shelves rather than a bodge of boxes bungees and bags but it works at least for now! Your vario will be epic once it’s done.

 

[MaidinDevon]

I like the 700, similar to my Burstner Elegance. One thing that annoys me, and the Hymer is the same, no proper ends to the sofa. How can you put your feet up, and relax.
I like to create a comfy nest to read.

The only option is big cushions, but that takes up lounging space.
Maybe there could be a padded board, by the door, that slides vertically, when needed and slots against the floor at other times.

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[Northernraider]

I like the 700, similar to my Burstner Elegance. One thing that annoys me, and the Hymer is the same, no proper ends to the sofa. How can you put your feet up, and relax.
I like to create a comfy nest to read.

The only option is big cushions, but that takes up lounging space.
Maybe there could be a padded board, by the door, that slides vertically, when needed and slots against the floor at other times.

I dunno i think this lounge looks positively inviting

 

[Manic]

I dunno i think this lounge looks positively inviting View attachment 602728

Plenty of space for the dogs and you

 

[MaidinDevon]

True, the left hand sofa has a proper backrest one end, so that's good. And no doubt the dogs would have the other one. Great for socialising though, plenty of room for guests.
And I like the folding table.
Maybe, if I designed my own van, I could have a proper sofa.
I understand why they don't put solid ends, it is so the captains chairs can swivel.
On the same theme, my Argos had a solid sliding partition between the hab and the cab. Great idea, as it kept the hab area warm, and dark and private at night, prevented flying missiles when travelling, and meant you could access the cab without going outside.

Not possible in an A class though.

Edited for spelling

 

[Northernraider]

True, the left hand sofa has a proper backrest one end, so that's good. And no doubt the dogs would have the other one. Great for socialising though, plenty of room for guests.
And I like the folding table.
Maybe, if I designed my own van, I could have a proper sofa.
I understand why they don't put solid ends, it is so the captains chairs can swivel.
On the same theme, my Argos had a solid sliding partition between the hab and the cab. Great idea, as it kept the hab area warm, and dark and private at night, prevented flying missiles when travelling, and meant you could access the cab without going outside.

Not possible in an A class though.

Edited for spelling

See thats one of the things i realised when i was away this year with the iveco. In the vario i will never have that sort of lounge space as it isn't as wide as a motorhome. Ive also learned to appreciate just how much storage i had in the hymer and the frankia . For outdoor stuff and my tools etc. I currently have stuff everywhere , caravan , Vario and mums attic. Even at 7.3metres long im wondering where im going to put everything in the vario and not feel a bit claustrophobic.

As i said this morning im feeling conflicted at the minute.

I have to finish welding up the vario regardless as i couldn't sell it on in its current state . But i need to give serious thought before i start doing anything else to it whether i can see it through.

Having ela has obviously contributed to this too as she needs more excercise than the other two , my mum isn't handling her too well and it will affect how many hours i can put in to the van each day aswell as work 4 evenings a week.

A lot to think about.

 

[Phill D]

go on Tam,
do it,
spend the cash.

you know it makes sense.

looks a decent van
and theres money to be made from the vario with enough done for someone else to spend their hours on .

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[corconx]

To me it seems you’ve made up your mind. Weld the Vario. Sell it on. Look for what actually suits you going forward

Carol

 

[Gina M]

premium bonds would possibly have been better?

You've just reminded me I still have 150 quid in premium bonds that I got back in my late twenties

 

[Val 3 dogs]

Difficult one Tam, as you say Ela needs more exercise than the other two. If she had a solid foundation ie. was good off lead and guaranteed recall, you would be able to give her "intense" exercise by retrieving a frisby or ball so could tire her out in a shorter period of time.
Also it is difficult for both her and Mum to cope with each other, (Mum after all is not a remedial dog trainer) and mistakes could set Ela back in her rehabilitation and won't help Mum grow any fonder of her.
I think you should make every possible effort to get hold of that Will Atherton.A week or whatever with him would really kick start (not literally) Ela's humanisation,which in turn would help her relationship with Mum and open up more possible exercise opportunities for you and her.
Which in turn would free you up more for work/van builds.

 

[Gina M]

Ive just bought a skoda on ebay



But i do have change

Well, I have to say I was a bit worried that someone on here was trying to exploit you. I don't know you but you seem to be a savvy intelligent guy so I kept my gob shut. But then you went and bought a Skoda

 

[Conal]

Ginam Although you could say he has just bought a rebadged VW

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[Northernraider]

go on Tam,
do it,
spend the cash.

you know it makes sense.

looks a decent van
and theres money to be made from the vario with enough done for someone else to spend their hours on .

Ive left a message with the seller asking them to call me back tomorrow.

But not made any decisions yet , just weighing up pros and cons

To me it seems you’ve made up your mind. Weld the Vario. Sell it on. Look for what actually suits you going forward

Carol

Not made up my mind yet im just trying to list the pros and cons and thinking seriously how long it might take me to finish the build or what would work best.

 

[Northernraider]

Difficult one Tam, as you say Ela needs more exercise than the other two. If she had a solid foundation ie. was good off lead and guaranteed recall, you would be able to give her "intense" exercise by retrieving a frisby or ball so could tire her out in a shorter period of time.
Also it is difficult for both her and Mum to cope with each other, (Mum after all is not a remedial dog trainer) and mistakes could set Ela back in her rehabilitation and won't help Mum grow any fonder of her.
I think you should make every possible effort to get hold of that Will Atherton.A week or whatever with him would really kick start (not literally) Ela's humanisation,which in turn would help her relationship with Mum and open up more possible exercise opportunities for you and her.
Which in turn would free you up more for work/van builds.

Im actually doing not too bad with her , id say that in the house her recall is now around 80% , on a long training lead its around 60% i can now get her to come , sit , and lie down most of the time . With and without treats. Nowhere near ready to let her off a lead on a walk yet but its improving.

The weeing in my mum's house is a problem though as is digging up the garden and lawn . Not sure why she's doing either of them .

I would imagine if that will Atherton is as good as his videos make out he will not only be expensive but probably booked up for months by which time ill have been evicted

Ela is weird because she shows little to no interest in fetching or retrieving anything, doesn't even like to run after it like the other 2 , in the van or caravan she seems to settle and sleep but in the house everytime my mum moves sge thinks theres food involved. And my mum is in and out the kitchen every 20 minutes

 

[Northernraider]

Well, I have to say I was a bit worried that someone on here was trying to exploit you. I don't know you but you seem to be a savvy intelligent guy so I kept my gob shut. But then you went and bought a Skoda

Lol skodas are different these days.

This particular one has done 259000 miles so far. But still looks in great condition

 

[MaidinDevon]

Still musing.
My Murvi was short 5.4m, but really well designed. I lived in her for at least a year.
Pluses

She was easy to drive, manoeuvre and park, I never worried about getting stuck in a dead end, or whatever.
the sofa and lounge were spacious and comfortable. I could sleep on the sofa, or pull it out into a double.
Big kitchen, reasonable washroom, with access to outside. Handy for wet weather gear, after being out.

Fab view through the whoosh bang door, from the sofa.
But, it also meant everyone could see me, on my sofa. Not a problem wilding on a beach, but I didn't like the lack of privacy on Aires and campsites.

But the biggest issue, was no garage. The bike had to go on a bike rack on the back doors, and it was too heavy for me to lift on my own.
All the hoses, buckets, hook up cable etc had to come inside. All my tools etc were under the bed.

Fair enough if you have a transverse bed at the back you get some garage space. However, the cost is to lose lounging or social space up front.

And that is really important if you live in it.

There was a post on here where someone built a removable bed over the cab seats. I thought that had great potential to make a place to stretch out and watch the world go by through the windscreen.

But in the end, living in a small van is challenging, especially with British weather. Much easier, if you get 4/5 months of dryish warmish southern sun.

I wonder whether you could incorporate some of your design ideas into the motorhome. They used to have gas fires, can you get a diesel stove in there somewhere?

Collapsible Hammock on the roof above the solar panels?.

Motorbike on the back.

Maybe even look at expensive motohomes, that blow your savings, to see if you think they are worth the extra cost.

Anyway enough of my nonsense. I feel confident you will make the right decision for your family.

Karen

 

[Conal]

Tam, followed all your threads and would never advise as my knowledge is limited and out of date. My own experience with a similar project is that you might get your money back or even make a profit if selling, but never get your time back.
I have a Morris Minor and after trying to carry out work myself without a garage have spent a small fortune having it restored. I even worked extra years after retirement to pay an expert to do the work as I am not as handy as you and would bodge the jobs. However that’s fine as I have a sentimental attachment to the car. I am getting the vibe that your sentimental attachment to the Vario is waning. It would be hard to spend valuable time finishing the project if you now think it won’t give you the end result you want.
I know the Morris is my forever car (don’t tell my wife). Is the Vario still your forever motorhome?

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[Gina M]

Lol skodas are different these days.

This particular one has done 259000 miles so far. But still looks in great condition

Joking apart, looking forward to seeing it then

 

[CazPaul]

I think the problem with the vario is all the hard work you have done so far and not really started the build as such yet.

 

[Manic]

I’ve always thought about lack of storage on the van life type builds, I think that’s why a lot of them look like a jumble sale with stuff all ver place and they never seem to have much living space, it se ems they usually have a bed made up and stuff chucked on it.

 

[mitzimad]

I’ve always thought about lack of storage on the van life type builds, I think that’s why a lot of them look like a jumble sale with stuff all ver place and they never seem to have much living space, it se ems they usually have a bed made up and stuff chucked on it.

thats why we never did a second selfbuild you just cant get the room and storage in a van while our ducatto worked when we built it as we got older we needed more lounging space for me the mercs were to old high milage and slow and the next step up small lories were to big for us

 

[Minxy]

Im actually doing not too bad with her , id say that in the house her recall is now around 80% , on a long training lead its around 60% i can now get her to come , sit , and lie down most of the time . With and without treats. Nowhere near ready to let her off a lead on a walk yet but its improving.

Told you that you'd get there in the end, it's the same with Minky, she's not quite got the Idea that she has to come back when we call her outside, getting there though.

The weeing in my mum's house is a problem though as is digging up the garden and lawn . Not sure why she's doing either of them

Weeing could be a stress thing or simply that she's marked the area and now associates it with that, Minky took a long time to get to the point of telling us when she wanted to go out so instead would go to her usual spot in the house instead. Lots of carpet washing and deodorising with stuff to remove the 'hidden' smell that dogs detect is part of the solution.

Ela is weird because she shows little to no interest in fetching or retrieving anything,

Some dogs will chase anything, others couldn't care less, having had 11 dogs to date all have been different and only half liked chasing balls etc, others were just happy to sit and watch the world go by.

in the house everytime my mum moves sge thinks theres food involved. And my mum is in and out the kitchen every 20 minutes

You could try putting your mum on a lead so she can't keep going into the kitchen!

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[Northernraider]

I’ve always thought about lack of storage on the van life type builds, I think that’s why a lot of them look like a jumble sale with stuff all ver place and they never seem to have much living space, it se ems they usually have a bed made up and stuff chucked on it.

Yes this was something i realised with the iveco and i need to think about with the vario.
Having mostly had german vans with double floors ive no desire to have water tanks etc underslung where they can freeze. So most of the space under the rear fixed bed will be water tank and batteries electrics etc. , No external lockers either. Then theres the barely 6ft headroom , the 2 metre width and needing a spacious bathroom plus comfortable seating and still have room for a full cooker with oven , fridge freezer , wardrobe big enough for all seasons etc. Despite the vario being 7 metres im not sure how to design it and have storage for chairs , table , outdoor cooking etc. I had off course thought id put most of that on the roofrack but not sure it would work. The van looks huge when empty but looking at others conversions on them a fixed bed and a decent lounge is very rare.

 

[Carol]

Tam just my thoughts, if you can get a motorhome that you like already all done apart from your personal tweeking why give yourself the stress, you could put blood sweat and tears then find it's not the van you hoped it would be. At least with a motorhome whatever make you just change it as you have before if it's not to your liking,. Life is to short to give yourself stress you don't need.
Good to see you are making progress with Ela.

 

[Northernraider]

Tam just my thoughts, if you can get a motorhome that you like already all done apart from your personal tweeking why give yourself the stress, you could put blood sweat and tears then find it's not the van you hoped it would be. At least with a motorhome whatever make you just change it as you have before if it's not to your liking,. Life is to short to give yourself stress you don't need.
Good to see you are making progress with Ela.

Yes thats where a lot of these thoughts are coming from.

To be honest when i decided i wanted to change the hymer my first thought was to buy another motorhome with a different setup. When i couldn't find anything at a price i wanted to pay i then thought about building my own ....on the biggest van possible. Hence the vario.

But to build it how i want it will cost me around £25k not counting the hours i put in to it. Which is why im now thinking i might be better buying a motorhome again and simply adding more solar , better batteries and a diesel heater to it.

 

[Langtoftlad]

Yes thats where a lot of these thoughts are coming from.

To be honest when i decided i wanted to change the hymer my first thought was to buy another motorhome with a different setup. When i couldn't find anything at a price i wanted to pay i then thought about building my own ....on the biggest van possible. Hence the vario.

But to build it how i want it will cost me around £25k not counting the hours i put in to it. Which is why im now thinking i might be better buying a motorhome again and simply adding more solar , better batteries and a diesel heater to it.

All very sensible - but what about the log burner?

 

[pagey]

I think you are on the right lines here a self build is a lot of stress a hobby is not as you can see how it is already

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