Breaking News from Sussex Campervans.

Sussex campervans contacted me today with news of their new Campercar based on the Nissan nv200. Hot on the heels of the Lunar Vacanza, which was launched at the recent NEC Show, the Sussex Campervan version differs from the “revolutionary” Lunar in that it has a much more conventional VW style side cupboard conversion plus 4 belted seats, a raising roof with a roof bed option. It really looks the part and my initial reaction is that it offers a very workable camper van option. Well done Daniel! All this and a potential 50 plus mpg !
you can see it by clicking here http://www.sussexcampervans.co.uk/our-work/nissan-nv200-campercar/

Had a couple of “Techy” posts so here is a bit of fun !

Here is a very early “Nissan” van. I can imagine this one, done out as an “off grid” home from home. A nice log burner for those cold winter nights? Not sure about the spares situation ……………….

Comparing dimensions of popular VW camper with the planned “Dinkum” nv200

NV200 compared to some established Models

Width Internally

· The nv200 before conversion is 97mm narrower inside than a pre-converted VW T4
(1500mm vs 1597mm)

Internal Height.

· The VW T4 has 86mm extra head room compared to the nv200 pre-conversion
(1396mm vs 1310mm)

VW T5 LWB Reimo Bel Ami vs planned “Dinkum” nv200

· The VW bed is just 12mm wider at 1210mm vs 1118mm
· The VW bed is 147mm longer at 1920mm vs 1773mm (Note: it may be possible to make the nv200 bed longer by 100mm or so, perhaps more)
· Cupboard units on the VW are 420mm wide compared to 400mm on the nv200.
· The VW cupboards are 2225mm long overall. This compares to about 1780mm on the nv200 ( 445mm shorter)
· On the VW Bel Ami there is about 600mm between the front of the bed and the cab seats. On the nv200 this may be about 500mm less.
· The VW “boot” is about 1000mm deep compared to 500mm on the “Dinkum” nv200. (Note: may be able to increase this considerably at build stage.

(Remember that we are comparing one LWB VW conversion with the planned “Dinkum” nv200.)
Small differences in dimensions on a small vehicle to start with can make big impact on usability for some people.
The raising roof,covers the entire habitation area and makes both VW and Nissan versions considerably more usable.

Where does the van come from ?

The Nissan nv200 is built in Barcelona, Spain see http://www.fabricanissan.com/eng/index.html
NOTE: The virtual tour is intended for children. (So it appealed to me….) Still worth a look?
I believe the Renault engine comes from Valladolid, near Madrid in Spain.
Renault produced more than 1 million 1.5dci engines at this plant last year.

Welcome to all Contributors !

Welcome Daz, Steve,Gasmister and Pete.Look forward to hearing more about Pete’s own nv200 project. The quotation has been delayed in the post so unable to offer more information tonight about insulating my van.Some comment on this below. Steve’s experience of self build should point the way. This will help in discussions with the convertor.
TIP: check for new comments all the way back to the start of the blog. I get notified of all new posts and will try to catch as many queries etc as I can.
Thanks for all your input thus far. It’s good to not get too “blinkered”. Cheers !
Like the sliding glass window Steve and the suggestion to keep a physical “Log” will be essential, Daz!
Converters have warned me that the cost has come a little higher than they first thought, but it’s hundreds £££’s not thousands apparently.

Initial Sketch of basic layout

We have left a copy of the sketch, which is to scale, with the converters.Their copy ,however, also shows , to scale, the gas bottle, water bottles, leisure battery and propex style heater in the positions we would like.
Side cupboard fitment, VW style to offside.
Gas bottle and water bottles under the Smev hob/sink with access from the offside sliding door.
Leisure battery in front of the offside rear wheel arch also under the Smev cupboard, again accessed from the sliding door of van.
We have viewed and driven a “Lightcliffe” conversion with this layout and it worked well.
All auxiliary fitments WILL fit in the places we chose originally.
Initial discussions, indicated that they prefer the gas bottle to be in the rear offside corner and the propex heater to be accessible under the bed. I am not sure that the wheelarch intrusion will allow this , but , if it will fit there, that’s OK. Again, they are the experienced fitters and we would probably go along with the heater under the bed for almost direct heating into the habitation area and cab. They did not want to consider underfloor fitting of the heater due to road dirt and past experience.
The cupboards are around 400mm wide and so around the Smev hob/sink , the cupboard will widen slightly, allowing for the bed to pass under the slight “lip” and allow for LED downlighting to the cupboard doors.
The bed is almost a standard width compared to a 3/4 VW bed/seat.The converters recommended a VW style wardrobe in the offside rear corner. The wood veneer, they showed us in a Renault camper was “Light Alder”. Gorgeous!
The converters were switched on to allowing for space to swivel the driver’s seat and used the gap to store a matching table and leg for use inside/outside the van. All details , still to be agreed. We saw 4 or 5 campers in their workshops and all had lovely, good quality features.CLICK ON PICTURE FOR BIGGER IMAGE. Apologies for poor quality.

Got to buy the Gaslow cylinder kit shortly.

In order for the converter to kit out the gas cylinder storage and location, I need to provide a 6kg gaslow refillable bottle for delivery with the van when it goes in for conversion.
From past experience with my last motorhome, I do not think a twin bottle system is necessary. twin bottles are used to help prevent running out of gas. But, with a level gauge fitted to the bottle , it does give a guide to when you are running low. I think that the red sector warns of only 18% or less gas level. With regular checking when topping up the diesel, it is so easy to top up with Autogas at the same time , one 6kg bottle will do the job.Two bottles weigh quite a bit. A single bottle system comes at a sizeable £200 plus for bottle, filler and hoses. Top up gas is a lot cheaper than , say, an exchange Calor but the big advantage is you can top up whilst out and about and it takes the hassle out of buying gas, especially when abroad. A French autogas filler adaptor is about another £18 or so. Not a cheap job. (I wish I had kept my gaslow system when I sold my last motorhome…… still, at least it will be all new)
I will need to know hose length for the filler line to the filler cap which will be mounted in the van side or at the rear plus the hose length from the cylinder to the pressure regulator, so I can obtain the correct hoses. May also need a right angled adaptor (another £18 ? ) for alignment at the filler cap.
Once done, the bottle has a 15 year life and it is very convenient in practice. Never had any problems finding Autogas.

Too small for a shower in a campervan?

More silly chit chat really, but just to push the envelope of what can or could be fitted in a small camper van or caravan here’s some thought provoking comment.
Firstly you need to be firmly in the “I must have my own facilities” camp. So you must have a shower of your own, no matter what. The picture shows a USA RV shower installed in the main aisle between units. I have thought about a sturdy shower tray sunken into the wooden floor of a camper van or caravan. In day time use you would drop in a foam filled “filler” with a walk on wooden floor and a carpet or vinyl flooring cover over the top. The drain would go out under the floor and plastic drain pipe to one side or another to drain point. (I have successfully used something similar before on a grey water waste tank on a Ducato motorhome but not for a shower as such)
I have converted a toilet cubicle on an LE Microlite caravan to a wet room click here to see http://youtu.be/nSRHU2b70-k

Some chit chat about the Nissan nv200 panel van

Here is another picture of the cab.I think it is particularly a pleasant space in which to travel. We have gone for an extras package to include cruise control. From my own experience with previous cars, over long motorway mileages, I would not like to be without it. two big advantages are, one, you do not get as tired drivng for long periods and two, it improves fuel economy if you use it correctly. Before I used cruise control, I thought it may cause the driver to nod off. From experience, it does the opposite, keeping you fresher and more alert, maintaining a safe average speed with less effort.
WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR YOUR EXPERIENCES OF CRUISE CONTROL.
When it comes to economy, I know that a lot of owners achieve the Nissan claims of 53 mpg. On one forum, a craftsman claims to have managed 63.8mpg on a carefully driven journey from Derby to York.
WHAT HAVE YOU MANAGED WITH YOURS?

A bit of light relief while we wait for the quotation

Is this a squatter’s tent on someone’s nv200? careful how you get out for a night time bathroom visit. Plenty of space though, and you can always warm up in the van if it’s cold.
This is NOT my van, by the way. Scroll down to read more click Archive Buttons
Note. there’s nothing new ? please visit http://www.theflyingtortoise.blogspot.com to see the Ford Anglia in it’s true context