Van choice narrowed down

Well after deliberating over a number of van options available to us in the UK,over the last few evenings and many more glasses of wine, we have whittled our thoughts down to the following options.

It wasn't an easy process as Louise and I struggled to agree on what was important and what could we manage without, but we now have a number of T25 configurations which I have shown here.

Why did we choose the T25 over other VW variants, or even a panel van conversion. Well we wanted a classic design in the end, that has stood the test of time and had been cleverly thought out by the manufacturer, optimizing all those tight corners and small space found in conversions. The T25 also appealed compared with a T2 or split as they are still plentiful, reasonable priced and have a more modern engine which in theory should be a little more reliable. We did deliberate about the size of the van, but felt the three of us with the high/pop top roof, would fit in OK with all our roaming requirements.

So here they are!.

This variant we liked as a more robust option that would fair a little better on winter trips. Insulation could be applied to the roof to boost thermal properties and it would stand up to the punishing UK weather if required. Found this picture below showing the internal layout, which I thought was quite cool.

The pop-top version was another option. Readily available and simple to erect when needed. We did have some concern on heat retention whilst winter roaming. We need to look into this more. Thoughts or comments on this would be appreciated.

The third option also appealed due to the larger volume inside the van and the manufacturers ability to add more features including dedicated toilet and shower. We also like the cool retro look of this van, but the Karmann Gipsy's as they are known, are particularly rare in the UK so we may struggle. One concern we have with this body type is damp. Old caravan bodies are notorious for damp due to leaks at the panel and window joins. Odds are and old van like this will have some issues. Can we be bothered with the hassle of repairs. Further discussions needed.

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What do we want from our Roaming Van

ROAMING VAN BUCKET LIST

Louise and I have been pondering over suitable roaming vehicles and not getting very far. Our list of possibles is actually getting longer as we find more amazing examples of others vehicles, as we trawl the internet. 

We have to narrow down our choices some how and have decided to create a bucket list of desirable's that this roaming vehicle must provide. 

The following list was created over a glass or two of wine.

MUST HAVES

1. Able to sleep two adults and one small child on extended trips comfortably for up to 4 weeks at a time
2. Able to stand up in the cabin whilst cooking and changing clothes etc. Both Louise and I are tall and will need floor to roof height of 6ft 3" or more.
3. One double bed for adults and a single for our son
4. Fully functioning/fitted kitchen area with 2 gas ring burner, space for 45 litre plus fridge, plenty of storage in kitchen unit for all eating and drinking implements as well as the means to store plenty of food for longer trips, sink unit with cold water feed from electric pump. Water stored in removable 20 litre containers
5. The ability to get all three around a comfortable dining arrangement possibly with removable/folding table
6. Storage area/bins for all our clothing and spares for vehicle
7. Vehicle to run on diesel and be of modern origin to ensure reliability on long journeys and accessibility of parts around the world.
8. Vehicle to have no more that 140K on the clock
9. Vehicle to have double rear opening doors for accessibility/ventilation and views.
10. Fully insulated
11. Split charging battery system
12. 240V Inverter and sockets

DESIRABLE'S

1. Suspension lift kit
2. Sump guard
3. Full length/heavy duty roof rack system with ladder access
4. Winter/more aggressive tread pattern tires 
5. Blown heating system
6. Solar Panel system for roof
7. Externally mounted tire 
8. Colourful body graphics
9. Fully mounted tablet based GPS system on dashboard
10. Swivel front seats

Although this wont be all the elements we require, for a well designed and built roamer, we think we have covered most of the elements we would like to see, incorporated in to the vehicle. 

All we have to do now is decide WHAT!

WELCOME ANY THOUGHTS FROM THOSE WHO HAVE BUILT THEIR ROAMERS AND WOLD LIKE TO SHARE THEIR MOST SIGNIFICANT MODS.

CHOICES, CHOICES, CHOICES but which one?

Hi folks, Louise (my wife) and I have been scouring the internet for ideas and can agree on a suitable vehicle. So many option are out their and its becoming evident that we need to make a priority list to work out what is important in a roamer which should help decide on a suitable vehicle

They all have a place as a roaming vehicle, but I don't feel we have found the right roamer for the Williams family yet. Lets keep searching!.

The Beginning

               

The Beginning

Hi Folks!.

Welcome to our blog, documenting our desire to purchase, build and then set off on our nomadic journey visiting as many places as we can and hopeful educating our 5 year old son through travel.

We aim to introduce ourselves as we go along and show readers our journey in not only the destinations we travel too, but also the building of our roaming van that will be kitted out to the best of our ability, making it a home from home. 

I hope to inspire others to take the plunge and follow their dreams and provide information on how a van can be converted as we learn together through trial and error.

Please join us if you can, in supporting us through this exciting time in our lives and in return we hope to inspire and inform you on what is possible whilst roaming the world in a van.

UNTIL NEXT TIME!