Getting back into regular Motorhoming
5 Sep
Made several trips down to Sussex to see the grandchildren with more to come.
Other trips have included Anglesey Cornwall and South Easr Wales. Recently joined Cadw and so many more Welsh Castle visits ( in particular) coming up.
We find the bed very comfortable indeed. The lounge area ( dinette) is brilliant for us to watch our DVDs in the evenings. It’s a vintage 12v /240v player and we use a USB Soundbar for boosted Bass. Got a huge library of our favourites to watch. Currently, pleasantly wading through the equally vintage ” Northern Exposure”.
We have bought two camping chairs with their own side tables, enabling us to remove our large camping table. Also now using a compact EHU cable and a flat section hose for filling the water tank. Had to use a cleaner for the grey water waste tank to subdue a few odours. Tangerine scented and rather nice !!!
One place we visited in South Wales was tha atmospheric Castell Coch. For the life of me, I could not get the House of Hammer, actress, Ingrid Pitt out of my thoughts. I swear she followed me about , Vampire style !!!!
Rob and Margaret from Cardiff
12 Aug
This photo is unremarkable as it is intended to offer some privacy to an amazing couple from Cardiff.
We met their daughter recently whilst on a trip to Tredegar House Caravan Club site in South Wales.
They had picked up their motorhome that day and were commencing their great adventure of converting to full time motorhome life ! Fablus ! as they say down there ! We thought that this was a monumental moment for them. It takes REAL bottle to do this. We send them our best wishes for a memorable and pleasant future.
Rob and Margaret , IF YOU DO GET TO READ THIS PLEASE KEEP IN TOUCH VIA THE COMMENTS ON THESE PAGES. I AM CERTAIN THAT MANY FOLLOWERS OF MY BLOG WOULD FIND YOUR EXPERIENCES MOST INTERESTING. GOOD LUCK !
Adapting everything and a place for each item
25 Jul
On our last trip away, we planned to have the two grandchildren sleeping in our two berth for at least one night. The space under the fixed bed became ” the Bear Cave” and second child berth could be made up using a fold up plastic crate and a fold up mattress. All this takes up valuable, much needed space though and so we are now arranging things for a more economic use of the limited storage area in what is, after all , a fairly compact 5.4 metre long home from home.
The space under the bed and the atmosphere we are trying to create. Fairy lights and a ” Moon” spherical night light helps. Changed the heavy , leather cushions for a self inflating mattress. Another self inflater is used in the dinette childs bed too. Saves lots of space in transit.
The Casper logo. The van is ghostly white and very friendly. The kids love this and the vintage Casper the Ghost DVDs they watch with us on our equally vintage 12v DVD player. It has it’s own soundbar powered off a USB which brings it bang up to date
Cab seats are the favourite spot for the kids and the DVDs ensure total silence apart from laughter !!!!
Awaiting a space saving water hosepipe for top ups and already rationalised the on board toolkit.
A new Camping Era
24 JulThe New Etrusco has been put to good use already
Cheddar
Benllech Bay
Church Stretton.
Chapel Porth, Cornwall
The South Downs. West Meon.
Only had one little issue. We lost all water to the taps and wc. A quick look in the water tank revealed that the submersible pump had blown off the water feed pipe. Re-inserted and sorted within 5 minutes. A good start with our new friend.
SOLD ! It’s gone but not forgotten.
26 May
The new Etrusco already in use. Watch this space for updates on this change in our adventures.
DINKUM’S CAMPERVAN IS FOR SALE
23 AprDRIVELODGE NEVADA . 110ps 6 sp version. The sale is being handled by a third party. It has been valued more accurately. Please ignore any previous prices quoted on this blog,
12 Months MOT from April 2023 with no advisaries. Four seat belts, sleeps two.Lovely, clean condition.
From new, only full synthetic engine oil has been used and additional, early engine oil replacement took place at just over 6,000 miles.
Timing belt and the necessary additional parts ( advised) were changed at just under 60,000 miles.Current mileage is around 92,500 miles but likely to raise slightly.
NO EXPENSE HAS BEEN SPARED KEEPING THE NEVADA IN TIP TOP MECHANICAL CONDITION
FULL, DOCUMENTED SERVICE AND MOT HISTORY AVAILABLE.
LOTS OF LIFE LEFT IN THIS CAMPERVAN.
Campervan Specs.
- 2013 Nissan NV200 Dci 1.5 Turbo. 110 ps 6 speed manual
- Full Drivelodge conversion to VW style campervan from new.
- Pop Top roof fitted by Drivelodge from new.
- One owner from new.
- Used as a day van and light usage only.
- Registered as a motor caravan
- Leisure battery and split charger
- FIAMMA F35 Pro rollout sun awning
- Cab Air Con recently serviced with replacement condenser
- 92,000 miles but still in use.
- Fully documented service history
- Van rated HD Fox 17 inch alloy wheels
- Thule Towbar
- Compressor Fridge /freezer
- Drivelodge “ flip over” 2 berth bed conversion
- Four seatbelts
- Rare: Both cab seats converted to swivel which gives a massive improvement in space utilisation
- Propex Gas Blown Air heating using:
- Gaslow refillable Gas Bottle (uses Autogas at 90p per litre) Full 6kg of gas included.
- SMEG gas hob and washbasin . Stainless steel.
- Fresh water storage under the washbasin
- Pumped cold water to washbasin
- Leisure Battery charging from EHU and engine. Recent battery.
- Factory fitted glass to rear, barn doors
- Factory fitted rear wash wipe and heated rear screen
- Factory fitted extra cab airbag bundle
- Curtains fitted to habitation unit.
- Insulated window covers
- Porta Potti beneath rear seat/bed
- 240v electric hook up
- Pioneer DIN I media unit recently fitted
- Steering wheel radio/phone controls
- Picnic table ( for either indoor and outdoor)
- LED habitation lights. Reading lamp and “ star” roof lights
- Waste grey water container
- Reversing Camera
Both cab seats swivel to maximise the use of space effectively.
Factory ( Nissan) Glass in both rear barn doors from new with wash wipe and heated window.
FIAMMA F35 roll out awning.
Black, grey and white habitation upholstery.
Picnic table stows away behind the driver’s seat. With a centre leg and tripod feet for use inside and outside the campervan.
Gaslow 6kg refillable LPG cyclinder. Filler on offside rear 3/4 panel. LPG is currently around 78 ppl from Autogas garage forecourts inc many Morrisons supermarkets and Welcome Break services.
Propex LPG blown air heating. Thermostat control. This 2.1kw keeps the fully insulated campervan toasty warm in any weather.
Thule Towbar and 17 inch Fox HD alloy wheels.
Water to the washbasin. 13 litre capacity, electrically pumped.
A compact porta potti similar to this is under the rear seat/bed.
Conversion and Pop Top fitted by Drivelodge of Cross Mills , a recognised and insurance registered converter. 4 seat belts.
Unit 5, Skelton Industrial Estate, Skelton Rd, Cross Hills, Keighley BD20 7BY.
Six air bags factory fitted from new. This was an optional extra then but is now a mandatory fitment.
Full, documented service history including timing belt changed to schedule. Full synthetic oil used from new when it was carefully run in. 43mpg around town, 53mpg on a run but we have achieved a genuine 60 mpg with care.
This campervan compares with VW apart from being approx 100 mm shorter. Deceptively swift when needed. Super economical and reliable and with about 93,000 miles completed with care by one owner, there’s lots of life left in this Drivelodge Nevada.
We are non-smokers and the cooking hob has literally only been used a handful of times. The pop top has been waterproofed periodically as a prevention and has been 100% waterproof. Zips still in very good condition.
At MOT a short while ago, the underside was oil sprayed as a pre-winter precaution. Buy with confidence.
MISC PHOTOS
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WINTER DOLDRUMS AND THINKING OUT OF THE BOX
18 Jan
The Etrusco is a super new addition but the winter season means that our much loved Nissan NV 200 Nevada camper van remains unsold awaiting a spring sale.
BUT I have been thinking. If I can’t achieve a decent offer, do I really have to sell it ? Would it be a huge overkill to keep the Nissan and continue to use it as a super convenient , day van? Easy to park anywhere in a standard parking space. Super economical at 53 mpg fully loaded. The benefits list is huge. Financially it’s definately possible due to our retirement plans coming to fruition and we are counting our blessings for that.
The big single advantage of the Etrusco , “Casper”, is the full time, shower and wc facility. Oh and the fixed bed ( if you want it LOL) Oh and the solar power, off grid capability. This is looking a lot like the comedy Sketch ” Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition ” from ” Monty Python”
I plan on carefully thinking it through. Balance the pros and cons, but one thing’s for certain. I would rather keep the Drivelodge Nevada NV200 than ” give it away” at a silly price. There are lots of special visits where a traditional camper van comes into it’s own.
A New Addition and progress report
14 Dec
We now have an Etrusco CV540 DB to ultimately replace Dinkum’s Campervan.
The Propex heater on the Nissan NV200 is now back from service by Propex ready to re-fit . Once that’s done it will be advertised on Autotrader. It was pointless trying to sell the camper van in this cold season without a fully functioning Propex heater.
The Elddis caravan is also sitting out the winter undercover in a secure barn. Nice and dry , it too will go back on sale in the Spring. In the meantime we are enjoying , returning to a larger camper van
Etrusco is the Italian wing of the Hymer Group. We did look at a German version but this one is newer, much lower mileage and has a better shower room door and two Isofixes for child seats. Quite apart from a Thule bike rack and large Solar Panel. Fully winterised
DINKUM’S CARAVAN IS FOR SALE (SOLD)
15 Sep2011 Elddis Xplore 302 SE £6995 but Offers welcomed. 07974572859 ( The first viewer loved it and bought it )
Non smokers and no pets.
Well equipped , lightweight 2 berth with deceptively spacious ” L” shaped lounge.
JUST SERVICED
Choose to have two single beds or a large double , made up easily by a pullout section in the seat.
Corner shower /wc room . WC swivels on base.
Mirrored wall cupboard for toiletries. Roof vent and lighting. Access door from outside to place wet items inside into the shower tray to drain.
Three burner hob with basin and glass cover. Quattro controller for the motor mover which has a 110 Ahr leisure battery.
Oven, still nice and clean for the chef in your life ! Plenty of storage space for your kitchen needs.
Three way fridge under the wardrobe where a large fold up table is stored
Chris registered for security. Details at purchase
Friction hitch with security lock and recent replacement friction pads.
Technical Specifications
| Berth | 2 |
| MiRO | 817 kg |
| Payload | 133 kg |
| MTPLM | 950 kg |
| Shipping Length | 4.69 m |
| Width | 2.15 m |
Titanium electric mover fitted. The rear mounted spare wheel ( for 302 SE models ) has been relocated to the front gas cupboard and more than compensates for the behind wheel mounting position of the motor mover.
There is a TV swivel bracket , currently with our TV fitted which is not included , subject to negotiation perhaps?
see a review here https://www.practicalcaravan.com/reviews/elddis-xplore-302-2
There is plenty of light from the roof ” Heki”
There are a couple of minor, not too obviously noticed dents in the nearside. These were caused by a vandal throwing a beer bottle. The caravan overall reflects the low usage to which it has been put and will be fully serviced and Habitation checked prior to sale. We have tried to accommodate this in the pricing.
The only other marks which are aware of is two small areas of ” rub” marks on the inside of the offside tall window which were caused by the TV becoming free in transit whilst towing.
These are not too obvious in normal use and again I have tried to accommodate this in the pricing. But we are open to offers and negotiation. Remember the caravan itself is in very good usable condition. The specification includes hot water and habitation heating from both gas and electric hook up. This is a well equipped spacious two berth.It feels much larger inside than it’s appearance suggests.
4.9m long x 2.15m wide x 2.73m high. at 950 kg it can be towed easily and economically. We towed with a 110ps 1.5 Dci Nissan NV200 for example.
It all comes with a full size , awning which has been utilised very little. With a campervan towing we had little need for an awning with our ” second room” / storage ” shed” alongside .
It was serviced on 4th October 2022 and everything is working. Two new tyres will be fitted prior to sale and attention to a window seal and a few minor jobs shown up in the service checks will be corrected for the asking price.
PRICED at £7, 495 but may sell for offers as is.
Nissan nv200 camper van from dinkum 