Self build windsurfing and camper van

RSB mk1 died about a month ago
I had a leak from the auto gear box, by the time the garage tried to move it to their ramp it would not go in gear as no pressure in the box. They initially thought it was just a seal gone. The day I returned home from the garage I had a speculative browse on ebay and saw a bigger red van........to cut a long story short I bought the van before mine was properly diagnosed as needing a recon autobox.

I put rsb mk1 on evilbay, within 3 minutes someone had started off with a ?500 bid, then it went up to ?700odd before the end of the first night. I must have replied to 30 buy it now offers and accepted one at ?1500, which they agreed I could rip out the interior and other parts. They said cash would be in my bank that day, it didnt happen and the following morning someone else offered ?2150 and put the cash in an envelope in my hand, the first guy was annoyed but he went back on his deal and tried to change the conditions agreed in the sale.

So here is the new van.....conversion is being documented step by step. I have done the foundations and now ready to build the frame for kit. I plan to have a trapezium shaped bed (so I can sleep across the van and gain living space at the front) at the back over the kit about 1.1m high, the van is 172cm wide which is 10cm too short for me so if I sleep at a slight angle its fine. sails will go on the floor, boards at an angle of apx 60deg on racks over the wheelarch, straps facing down. This means the noses will all gather together and just poke into the unit I will build for the shiny new smev sink and stove under the drivers side rear window.

I think this will maximise living space in the van as we do camp a lot but with wet weather rsb mk1 was not livable in (although the rear heater in it could dry clothes in a 10 min drive to the next campsite).

Here are the links to the blog articles I have done so far.....would love to hear some ideas before I finally start bolting the frame into place.

www.redsurfbus.com/2013/06/ne...ting-week.html
buying the new van....and new sails from hot sails maui arrived too.....great week

www.redsurfbus.com/2013/06/ca...sion-part.html
preparing the van for windows and floor to be fitted

www.redsurfbus.com/2013/06/ca...n-part_28.html
windows and floor now fitted.....parts arriving by the van load

www.redsurfbus.com/2013/07/ca...onversion.html
Installing the leisure battery

http://www.redsurfbus.com/2013/07/ca...ersion_16.html
Boring bits like carpeting the ceiling

Hope you enjoy. This is a huge learning curve/relearning curve for me at the moment, stuff I learnt while studying engineering is all coming back to me slowly but surely. AND I found an actual use for some of the stuff I teach in maths classes.

Sorry, was a cut a paste that destroyed the links.

www.redsurfbus.com/2013/06/new-new-new-exciting-week.html
What went wrong with the original redsurfbus

www.redsurfbus.com/2013/06/camper-and-windsurf-van-conversion-part.html
Preparing for the floor and windows to be fitted

www.redsurfbus.com/2013/06/camper-and-windsurf-van-conversion-part_28.html
Update, internal fittings arriving

www.redsurfbus.com/2013/07/camper-and-windsurf-van-conversion.html
Leisure battery details

www.redsurfbus.com/2013/07/camper-and-windsurf-van-conversion_16.html
Carpeting the interior

Hope you enjoy it. I am after ideas before I finally start building the frame for the bed which will go above the kit at the back. Think 70% windsurf 30%camper in terms of use.....last one was a compromise for both, couldnt sit in it camping and even 2 boards were a squeeze with a bed and kitchen in it.

If its turbo diesel watch out for leaking injector seals - can lead to a condition diagnosed as black death

I think you are confusing me with someone who knows how to do this ;) I am just trying my best and carpet hides a less than perfect job.

Looking good!...and yep - keep the area ventilated or you'll suck in some good gear - makes it a cheap night though. I remember relaminating a countertop in an enclosed office years ago, going home afterwards & cracking a beer. One drink & I was gone!

Will you do a whirly whirly on top?

Nice work RSB, I did install a whirly thingy on my van as it's often parked under the tropical sun for hours with all the gear inside.

They're cheap, easy to install (if you don't mind drilling a 16 cm hole in your roof ), and work day and night thanks to the solar battery.

I also think( hope) it helps evacuate any moisture and smell...



http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Solar-Vent-Fan-Day-Night-Stainless-Steel-Low-Profile-Solar-Ventiator-/350703718255?pt=AU_Solar&hash=item51a7920f6f

redsurfbus, looking good! If you're after latches for your doors that don't protrude - try these rosette buttons;

www.caravansplus.com.au/cabin-hardware/fixtures/catches-handles/?cPath=35_990_500

I've done a few conversion fitouts in buses/coaches over the years to campers & used the rosettes on doors & drawers (incl. overhead flap doors) and never had any issues. They push in flat to lock so won't catch on anything or open when travelling over rough terrain to get to those good spots...very simple to use.

Cheers Sailhack, I nearly bought 10 of those then realised they are designed for thicker cupboard walls, 12mm ply or likewise. All my cupboards are ply lined with 3mm, with doors of 6mm, I used an internal framework rather than 'vohringer laminated ply' which the pro converters tend to use.

Hopefully nearly finished, it is now campable in and the kit area is sorted out, I am not racking it yet as I want to use it a bit first then see which way will work best in a few weeks. Lots of details and pics here

www.redsurfbus.com/2013/08/camper-van-and-windsurf-van-conversion.html


Hinch - From what I heave read online most people adapt a normal shower tray or spend a fortune on a ready made one. I have noticed that if you search evilbay for camper related stuff it is usually double the price for the same thing available elsewhere without the camper tag in front. For example my strip lights under 'camper LED's' were about ?30-?40. A search for 12v LED's and exactly the same ones came up for ?10. Also 12v sockets cost ?20 under the camper tag, but the local auto shop sells them for ?4.

Select to expand quote

KevinD002 said..

Looking good so far! Been following your blog about the conversion and looking forward to seeing the end result!

-Kevin

Thank you, cant wait myself. Hopefully going away weds morning if all goes to plan. Made a bench seat at the front today but have run out of material to cover it, also a small bulkhead to seperate the kitchen and the front, and a cupboard in the kitchen. It rained heavily so was stuck inside the van tinkering and finishing off other bits as well.

I have 4 windsurfing flags that will be made into curtains - my next job on a sewing machine......but not until we have been away

Final post on this from me, thanks for all the support while building it.
I have entered it into a van competition over here in the UK. The National Watersports Festival (formerly National Windsurfing Festival) has a 'stand by your van' competition this year.
If you like what I did, or even better would like me to beat the current leader who is a kitey (how easy is it to build a kitesurfing van......its a van with a small cupboard!) then please click the link and vote at the bottom of the page.
nationalwatersportsfestival.com/latest-stand-by-your-van-entry-redsurfbus-mk2/
Thank you.