Looking to build my own home on wheels.

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mrbudd
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Jan 19, 2020 10:34 pm

Looking to build my own home on wheels.

Post by mrbudd » Mon Jan 20, 2020 6:39 pm

Hi all im a 34 year old carpenter from Brisbane who is looking at buying a van and fitting it out with everything i need to live in it long term.

My reasoning:

The older i get there more disenchanted i become with this drab existence of waking up early and working 5 days a week in order to survive. I want to find some independence from the rat race and i cant think of a better way than having a home on wheels that will allow me to go where ever, when ever i want.

My plans: To build a home on wheels, not just a camper but something that will give me every comfort i enjoy in my current situation. I would like plenty of solar power, a kitchen and toilet/shower, double bed and plenty of built in storage.

My initial task:

To find the right van! I really want something that will allow me to sleep sideways. Im 5'10 so i assume i need something atleast 6ft wide on the interior. Does anyone know of a make and model that will allow for that? The vans ive been looking at all seem a little narrow.

Once i have found the right van i will begin documenting the entire build process, i plan on using a lot of recycled materials from houses i build and aim to keep everything minimal and practical as possible.

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robcaz
Posts: 1311
Joined: Sat Oct 12, 2013 4:07 pm
Location: Stockton NSW
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Re: Looking to build my own home on wheels.

Post by robcaz » Tue Jan 21, 2020 5:03 pm

Hi Mr Budd,

When doing your rebuild, be mindful of the materials you use as weight can quickly be added to the vans Tare which means you will not have room for the extras you may like to pack if you will be living in it. The vans ball weight is also part of the vehicles payload http://www.campertrailers.org/balancing_act.htm

There may be a couple of suitable small vans & camper trailers.

Supreme Getaway http://www.campertrailers.org/supreme_getaway.htm

Jurgens Oryx which has a bed that drops out to the side giving more internal space http://www.campertrailers.org/oryx.htm

The early Exodus Campers model also had a drop out bed & rear entry http://www.campertrailers.org/exodus.htm
The next Stockrington model didn't have the drop out bed https://www.campertrailers.org/exodus_stockrington.htm
Then there was the Exodus Kingston which was longer https://www.campertrailers.org/exodus_kingston.htm
happy camping
Rob & Carol
Australian CamperTrailers Group co-owner


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We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year

mrbudd
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Jan 19, 2020 10:34 pm

Re: Looking to build my own home on wheels.

Post by mrbudd » Tue Jan 21, 2020 7:03 pm

Thank you for all the info i will have some reading to do tonight.

I will definitely not be having a towed camper. I am looking at vans like the transit or iveco. I want something i can easily stand it, with a rather long wheel base and wide enough that i can build a platform for sleeping sideways at the back, under the bed will be a large sealed, waterproofed storage area accessible from the back only.

I plan on having a decent battery bank under a false floor in the middle of the van and a water tank behind the rear wheels.

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robcaz
Posts: 1311
Joined: Sat Oct 12, 2013 4:07 pm
Location: Stockton NSW
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Re: Looking to build my own home on wheels.

Post by robcaz » Wed Jan 22, 2020 5:19 pm

Hi Mr Budd,

The correct term what you describe is called a motor home. While this is a camper trailer forum, members do own all types of camping accommodation, however the prime topics discussed here are camper trailers. For the best advice on a suitable transport van to convert into a motor home, you may be better off searching for a DIY motor home forum or facebook group.

Hope this helps.
happy camping
Rob & Carol
Australian CamperTrailers Group co-owner


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We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year

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