Mini Camper Vans?

[Sycamore]

Hi all

I've a strange desire to build a mini camper van that my girlfriend and I can use for the odd night away here and there in various camp sites etc. Something we can just jump into and head out in.

The video below of a Diahatsu/Piaggo Hijet that was converted seems along the lines of what I'd be thinking of, albeit I'd not be too fussed with having a fixed hob etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1r-WRCrAGtU

Ultimately I'm aware that something so small will call for a lot of compromises, but that's not too much of an issue for us.

Has anyone done anything similar or have any advice?
Leaning towards something small as it'll need to be to fit on the drive next to my Z4. Likewise I'd not be looking to spend a huge amount, which rules out some of the larger vans you see around.

At the complete other end of the scale to some of the things I see on this forum with some vans costing around 2/3 of my house value

Cheers!

Edited by Sycamore on Sunday 2nd August 12:39

[Sycamore]

sjg said:

Have a look at the Amdro boot jump - good solution for Berlingo and similar. Lets you use it as a regular 5 seat car the rest of the time or remove it for tip runs or carrying larger things.

Thanks. I wasn't aware that such a product was a thing.
It seems a Berlingo is quite a common base that people use for boot pod kits. The Amdro kit seems pretty expensive but its rather clever. I'm tempted to look into making my own now

[Sycamore]

Thanks for the ideas gents. Given me something to think about.

The more I look into it, the more I realise I don't actually need much space. Simply somewhere for us to bed down would be ideal. The mention of an Astra Estate conversion above got me looking into estate cars and there are some cool things people have done.

Anything I did get might inevitably become my only vehicle considering I cycle to work and wouldn't be using two vehicles over the weekend, so the idea of a nice multi purpose estate/SUV/berlingo-esque car sounds appealing.