In essence they are simple vans kitted out with just the basics, that is a bed and somewhere to cook. These means that the majority of vehicles can range from people carriers to small vans. This would have been fine for us 10 years ago B.C. (before children) but this would not really help us now with 2 little ones.
So... its back to my fag packet idea (as funds will be limited to start with.)
We would ideally have a van with a fixed roof which would allow the kids to sleep in the roof void while we would use a rock n roll type bed in the bottom. But as this type of van is few and far between at a price we can afford it looks like I'll be buying a van and converting it for our needs.
The vans that are commonly available around the $4000 mark (£2000) are Japanese imports such as the much loved Toyota HiAce and the Mitsubishi L300. So the idea would be that we buy a hard top van and add in some home-made modifications and we sleep the kids in the van and us outside in an awning / tent.
With a budget of around $5000 I'm hoping to make some basic units (see diagrams below) to give us some storage / cooking and washing facilities. My biggest concern is making sure we have secure seating for the kids and there car seats etc, as its mandatory to have seat belts for ALL passengers in NZ, and quite rightly so too!! For the internal fit out www.warehouse.co.nz and www.bunnings.co.nz (NZ B&Q) appear to offer all the things that we would need, obviously www.trademe.co.nz is where I'm sure I'll find the van!
Shopping List
- VAN: Mitsubishi L300 or similar - $4000
- Insulation: Insulation material and then panels to size - $100.00
- Ventilation: Simple ventilation that can be either ON or OFF - $50.00
- Carpets: For Floor and Walls if needed - $100.00
- Seating: Relocation of the 2 man 'belted' bench seat for the kids - $200.00
- Storage: Units made for storage /sink & cooker /wardrobe - $250.00
- Cooking: Simple single ring camping stove - $50.00
- Water: Large container in storage unit to take hand pump tap - $100.00
- Awning: Drive away type awning - $0 - Brining from the UK
- Extras: Who knows what else well want - $200.00
We also need to add in some money for roof bars for the Kayak and Surfboard as well the bike rack, but again we will be bringing our bike rack from home (as well as the Surf Board!).
 |
| Amazing what you can do in Power Point! |
