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Self builds seem to becoming more popular which, reading of the woes people have with new coachbuilts, is not surprising. In the hope that anyone looking to convert their own van can benefit from my mistakes I’m going to go through our build with pictures and the thinking ( or not) behind our decisions.
Vehicle and Layout
We chose a 2009 Renault Master passenger ambulance with 103000 on the clock and FSH. It was insulated and lined, and fitted with an Eberspacher diesel heater.
We have had a lot of vans, large and small, and a variety of boats, so we know what we need and don’t need. The way we were going to use the van and the fact that I like beach fishing meant the interior had to be practical rather than pretty. Because I like woodwork I also wanted to make most of the interior fittings myself and keep the cost down. The advice we got from Nigel Brown was invaluable in deciding the layout.
The need for 2 beds played a large part in fixing the layout and we planned for a full width fixed single across the back and a slide out using the settee. A shower and loo were essential and behind the driver’s seat was the obvious place - this left room for the 2 Trojan 6v batteries on the floor in front of it. A combined sink and 2 burner hob placed twixt the rear bed and shower room left a decent sized worktop. Below are a couple of 'before' and 'after' pics; I'll add more as I go through the build.
To be continued ........................
Vehicle and Layout
We chose a 2009 Renault Master passenger ambulance with 103000 on the clock and FSH. It was insulated and lined, and fitted with an Eberspacher diesel heater.
We have had a lot of vans, large and small, and a variety of boats, so we know what we need and don’t need. The way we were going to use the van and the fact that I like beach fishing meant the interior had to be practical rather than pretty. Because I like woodwork I also wanted to make most of the interior fittings myself and keep the cost down. The advice we got from Nigel Brown was invaluable in deciding the layout.
The need for 2 beds played a large part in fixing the layout and we planned for a full width fixed single across the back and a slide out using the settee. A shower and loo were essential and behind the driver’s seat was the obvious place - this left room for the 2 Trojan 6v batteries on the floor in front of it. A combined sink and 2 burner hob placed twixt the rear bed and shower room left a decent sized worktop. Below are a couple of 'before' and 'after' pics; I'll add more as I go through the build.
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- Deleted member 11
DSCF1560.JPG
- Deleted member 11
To be continued ........................