Minibus/Large Panel Van MPG
Discussion
Currently planning a DIY camper project for the summer after being quite disappointed in the quality/value for money you get with commercially available models.
I started off looking at T5 Transporters but a few bigger things have caught my eye and seem to offer better value.
Going for something bigger would also give the space for a permanent bed, proper luggage space and maybe even a little wood burner with some careful planning.
The only thing putting me off is the potential running costs - am I being unrealistic that something this size will do 30 mpg if driven half sensibly?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/17-Seat-Fiat-Ducato...
I started off looking at T5 Transporters but a few bigger things have caught my eye and seem to offer better value.
Going for something bigger would also give the space for a permanent bed, proper luggage space and maybe even a little wood burner with some careful planning.
The only thing putting me off is the potential running costs - am I being unrealistic that something this size will do 30 mpg if driven half sensibly?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/17-Seat-Fiat-Ducato...
Yup, I realise about the license issues, will get my old man to give me a hand collecting it and then it'll be stored on private ground until it's re-registered as a 3 seater motorhome. Will also be sure to stick to 3500 kg MAM vans.
I've installed a few woodburners in unusual places (summerhouse and canvas tent!) so well aware of the issues - will be adhere to all specified clearance requirements and fit caging to make sure nothing flammable can even get close to anything hot. Thanks for the thoughts though!
If a large coachbuilt Hymer can manage 25mpg then surely a modern more streamlined panel van conversion should manage a fair bit more?
I've installed a few woodburners in unusual places (summerhouse and canvas tent!) so well aware of the issues - will be adhere to all specified clearance requirements and fit caging to make sure nothing flammable can even get close to anything hot. Thanks for the thoughts though!
If a large coachbuilt Hymer can manage 25mpg then surely a modern more streamlined panel van conversion should manage a fair bit more?
Thanks for all the responses everyone.
Looks like I should be able to scrape 30 mpg then on a tour which is more than acceptable.
Wrt to the amount of glass, glass isn't going to be whole lot worse thermally than a single sheet of thin metal that a normal van would consist of. In any case, the rear half at least would have the windows tinted, then fully internally lined with foil quilt insulation and boarded out with tongue and groove. I would keep the front half/living area mostly glazed but have thermal lined screens/blinds for the winter.
I'm not keen on the idea of being of being confined in a gloomy panel van conversion with no view and little in the way of natural light so would probably end up fitting loads of (expensive) windows anyway!
Looking to do something along these lines but with a less bulky kitchen setup.
https://www.quirkycampers.co.uk/campervans/bristol...
Looks like I should be able to scrape 30 mpg then on a tour which is more than acceptable.
Wrt to the amount of glass, glass isn't going to be whole lot worse thermally than a single sheet of thin metal that a normal van would consist of. In any case, the rear half at least would have the windows tinted, then fully internally lined with foil quilt insulation and boarded out with tongue and groove. I would keep the front half/living area mostly glazed but have thermal lined screens/blinds for the winter.
I'm not keen on the idea of being of being confined in a gloomy panel van conversion with no view and little in the way of natural light so would probably end up fitting loads of (expensive) windows anyway!
Looking to do something along these lines but with a less bulky kitchen setup.
https://www.quirkycampers.co.uk/campervans/bristol...
Do VW California's and the like have double glazing or something then? As far as I can see they just have the standard glass fitted with internal blinds?
I also regularly sleep in the back of my Land Cruiser on climbing trips and a cracked window is enough to keep the condensation mostly at bay unless it's a particularly frosty/calm night. I would also expect the continual draw of fresh air/dehumidifying effect of the woodburner would help massively.
I also regularly sleep in the back of my Land Cruiser on climbing trips and a cracked window is enough to keep the condensation mostly at bay unless it's a particularly frosty/calm night. I would also expect the continual draw of fresh air/dehumidifying effect of the woodburner would help massively.
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