Finished build

[activecampers]

Well, after 6mths, >1000hrs, lots of spilt blood (literally), and lots of stress etc - I'm now saying the van is finished. Of course, many minor things to do but nothing really important.

Its a MH2 (L2H2 / MWB) ducato, 2 berth, winterised. 300W solar; 2x110AH batteries; 20A MPPT; 20A 240v; 30A B2B; Truma Ultrastore 10GE; 80L fresh (internal); 60L waste (external with electric dump); 6kg refillable gas (to install); 5kw diesel heater; 2kw 240v heater; lots of lights; lighting board/mood lighting; flexible L/U sofa; full wetroom/shower; Thetford c223s loo; garage for 2x bikes and 2x snowboards; awning; and lots of other toys. Van is "sportivo" model, 160ps, 16" alloys snow/mud etc.

Not for everyone, but then its mine, unique and not for sale Just showing off my toils for the last 6 mths and there may well be ideas that are helpful to people and ideas that can be copied and improved, or indeed see how I've done things and add to your "not for me" list - either way hope it helps someone. Probably 1yr in the planning before hand, and 6mths build and the early CAD model really helped work things out (walkthrough on YouTube - if anyone likes what they see get in touch and I'll share a copy of the design, though note the "van" is in the sketchup library)

You may see me out and about at a future motorhomer rally - we're booked into a few - come and say hi

Best wishes and a positive new year to you all!

Pics below, and a short version (lol) of a full walkthrough here:

 

[trevskoda]

Nice job and health to wear.
One thing i would say is put a tea towel or some foam packing over plates/cups as if you hit a bump or pothole i find they tend to bounce around.

 

[Red Dwarf]

Nice job, you must be chuffed!

 

[activecampers]

Nice job, you must be chuffed!

Chuffed its over - yes
Chuffed its come our as designed - yes (very accurate to rough CAD model, so worth doing)
Its not perfect, in my mind some things were easy lol - but workmanship isn't 100% perfect (Mr Pedantic) but the best I can do. There are errors - I just don't highlight them on the video
Overall, pretty happy

Have movie projector and screen on order as a finishing present from me to me!

Time will tell how well it lasts and holds together? Who knows!

Need to fall back in love with it as a holiday van, rather than a full time job!

 

[Squiffy]

Brilliant job, though the van is never finished, I've got one or three jobs to finish off and that was 6 years ago . Phil

Love the lights, where did you get those, the finger push ones.

 

[activecampers]

Brilliant job, though the van is never finished, I've got one or three jobs to finish off and that was 6 years ago . Phil

Love the lights, where did you get those, the finger push ones.

lol. Thanks for kind comments. You may be right! My first build was finished at the outset, but was smaller. this has a week or two to do still...
Do you mean the oval main lights? They are very good - 500mA and one is enough for the entire space, but I like light so have lots
The lights are https://amzn.to/3i1ffGz - various sizes - we've always gone for the oval. There are some cold white versions, we prefer warm white.
Hope thats the one you mean

 

[LibertyHall]

Very professional

 

[Millie Master]

Beautifully built even though it isn't to my tastes.

Rest assured when you are away in her, both of you will say "bloody hell we did this" with a bright, broad cheesy grin over your faces.

Truly well done.

Phil

 

[Phantom]

Great job, it's certainly an unusual design.

 

[activecampers]

Thanks for kind words Deffo unusual / unique (or at least, we've not seen one like it) - and certainly not to everyones taste. Think I was a little "chicken" in choice of standard colours - maybe could've been bolder and more modern. Not being a graphic designer, could easily have gone badly lol - so hence the chicken

Can't wait to get away!!!!

Installing movie projector soon (awaiting delivery) so may have to camp on the drive for movie nights!

 

[HurricaneSmith]

Chuffed its over - yes
Chuffed its come our as designed - yes (very accurate to rough CAD model, so worth doing)
Its not perfect, in my mind some things were easy lol - but workmanship isn't 100% perfect (Mr Pedantic) but the best I can do. There are errors - I just don't highlight them on the video
Overall, pretty happy

Have movie projector and screen on order as a finishing present from me to me!

Time will tell how well it lasts and holds together? Who knows!

Need to fall back in love with it as a holiday van, rather than a full time job!

It's refreshing to hear such honest feedback about a project.

People were overly kind when I completed the build of my car, but I knew every single error and circa 15 years later they still irritate me.

You have completed a superb project that suits your taste and style of motorhoming, and you can be very proud of the result. Very well done.

 

[Silver sprinter]

I hope you are pleased and proud of your conversion. You have done a brilliant job. To fit all into a smallish van. Must have been pulling your hair out at times. And so glad you stuck to your guns in what your requirements were. Hope you enjoy your trips and adventures in your van and make great memories. Gerry

 

[SquirrellCook]

I just love your fabric lined cutlery storage. It's those little details that makes me smile.

 

[activecampers]

I just love your fabric lined cutlery storage. It's those little details that makes me smile.

Thanks (a) to prevent rattle. (b) to give the wife something to do!
Not sure I'd have bothered if I had to do it

 

[activecampers]

I hope you are pleased and proud of your conversion. You have done a brilliant job. To fit all into a smallish van. Must have been pulling your hair out at times. And so glad you stuck to your guns in what your requirements were. Hope you enjoy your trips and adventures in your van and make great memories. Gerry

Thanks, much appreciated

 

[Nabsim]

very nice job, well done

 

[Sprinter 1 cup]

Verry nice ,

 

[activecampers]

Thank for kind comments

Its now officially a "van with windows"

 

[HarryW]

Very nice

 

[Sprinter 1 cup]

So will you try again? With dvla.. as I , when logged my van with dvla as new keeper I just put van with windows on modification.
Mot the van this week . Van with windows. Group 4 not 7