Is it worth converting into a mini camper

Jonhall · Post by **Jonhall** » Wed Jun 22, 2022 1:11 pm

This is the awning channel itself:

https://www.reimo.com/en/camping-shop/a ... r-vw-caddy

I haven’t got any decent close up photos of mine as you can’t really see it against the black van

One of the guys on here has put one on his ex-BG van and has some good photos:

My ex British Gas conversion
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petrev · Post by **petrev** » Wed Jun 22, 2022 7:40 pm

Hint - Post #215

CMC stock the awning rail.
https://conceptmulti-car.co.uk/

Ruzerman · Post by **Ruzerman** » Thu Jun 23, 2022 1:41 pm

Well

Made a quick setup with spare wood I had in the garage and had amazing night away.

I have now ordered the following to fit over the next week:

- Roof rails
- Kayak Carriers
- Split Charge system
- Wiring for lights and USB

On the list for what needs done:
- Insulate the back as we had a lot of condensation
- Sound deadening
- New layout with some drawers for storage
- better mattress
- Drive away awning

Any advice from anyone on above is greatly appreciated.

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sendgineer · Post by **sendgineer** » Thu Jun 23, 2022 3:03 pm

Insulation will certainly help with condensation, but there will always be some if you sleep with all the doors/windows shut since there is very little airflow by design in vehicles.
Easiest way around it that I found was a stand-off bracket for one of the barn doors. They are made for transporter tailgates but work exactly the same on any door latch - in effect they move the latch slightly outboard of the van so there's a slight gap all the way around the door, but you can still lock it since the latch is engaged.

As for the mattress, if you are looking at a memory foam to cut to shape, then I would recommend going with 4" thickness as an absolute minimum. There's a balance between it being too thick to sit on and too thin to sleep on. IMO 4" is on the border of being too thin to sleep on - you end up feeling the slats after laying for a while in the same spot.

Jonhall · Post by **Jonhall** » Thu Jun 23, 2022 3:31 pm

+1 for the stand off latch, possibly the best £10 I spent on the van (so far)! We also put wind deflectors on so the front windows can be vented without the rain getting in.

Definitely agree with the importance of choosing the right foam for sleeping: we used 4” foam as recommended by the guys who made the cushion covers.

Reflex 450 HX from https://hmfoam.co.uk/foam/

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Ruzerman · Post by **Ruzerman** » Thu Jun 23, 2022 8:18 pm

Fitted some wind deflectors and will defo take a look at the latches.

Got a roof rack and kayak rack sorted for the van tonight.

From measuring I can slide the mount for the kayaks over to one side and fit one of those half roof boxes will have to do some measuring.

Someone should have warned me that it’s to easy to keep ordering more things for this mini camper

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Jonhall · Post by **Jonhall** » Thu Jun 23, 2022 8:28 pm

Caddy ownership is a slippery slope

Roof rack looks ace

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Handyandy · Post by **Handyandy** » Fri Jun 24, 2022 9:01 am

That looks better than the j bars I bought hopefully because the kayaks are on one side you might have room for a top box you will need something if only to put the steps in

Ruzerman · Post by **Ruzerman** » Fri Jun 24, 2022 9:22 am

Yea im a short as o looking for one of those closable ladders so it doesnt take up a lot of room in the van

Dav02 · Post by **Dav02** » Fri Jun 24, 2022 5:55 pm

Really like the look of that awning channel.. Rather discreet and gives me something to look at and possibly add to mine. With just a sun canopy for it.

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