Combo micro camper

Discussion in 'Show Us Your Bit On The Side' started by Purple, May 4, 2023.

  1. Nearly done, just needs curtains and some electrics tidying up.

    Was a right mess, someone had fitted a bus seat in the back, totally blocking the floor space and had moved the cabinet that blocked access through the side door.

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    So did a full strip out, sourced and refitted original side panels to the rear, carpeted it reconfigured the space to be more useable. Fitted a drop-down bulkhead to use up the space behind the front seats, added about 20% more floor space. The unit now sits on the bulkhead when camping, leaving the entire floorspace clear. Added a drop down leaf to the unit so that the entire width of the space is used. Added the one-way DB and RCD socket, connected to the original hook-up socket on the side of the van.

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    Bought two foam bed/chairs to keep the layout flexible. They fit snug across the back as seats or as a full width bed.

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    Kept the original solar set up and the Fiamma skylight/vent
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    Surprised at the amount of flexibility such a small space can offer - can use the seats with the cupboard unit side on if not camping ie with the front seats and bulkhead still upright. Everything is removable, so can revert to a van and carry a decent amount of stuff about - already had a Vespa in there.....

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    Happy with the results.

    Now need to sell it, buy another one and start all over again.........
     
  2. Mines a bit more basic... :p


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    Merlin Cat, Lasty and Purple like this.
  3. What van is it?
     
  4. It's a 2008 Vauxhall Combo 1.3 cdti

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  5. scrooge95

    scrooge95 Moderator and piggy bank keeper

    Just chatting to a mate who is looking to get a van and convert it to a micro camper, so I showed her this thread.....
    did you start another one yet? This one looks great.
    Is it a standard wheel base or is the Combo a longer length, out of interest?
     
  6. Thanks, but its gone now!

    As far as I know, the Combo was a standard wheel base that served both the van and crew van options.
    I'm glad I did it but they are cramped unless you are going solo. You have got to maximise the space over/across the front seats to make it viable though. My interior was fully removable, and I put two single fold out beds instead of one double so one could be left out, or kept in as a seat if going solo. I'd suggest at least sitting in the back of a micro van first and if buying, get one with side windows fitted and a skylight. Don't see that many with pop tops though. Also avoid dark interiors, especially fully lined/carpeted ones, they are ultimately vans and can be very gloomy inside, I wouldn't have/do any colour darker than beige/biscuit.

    Other than that it was a great van, went like a bomb, very reliable and economical (1.3 diesel - notice diesel is pretty much back to the same price as unleaded now).
    Can easily be used as a daily instead of a car.
     
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  7. scrooge95

    scrooge95 Moderator and piggy bank keeper

    Cheers, I'll pass all that on. She's used to camping in a 2 man tent, so I figure anything has got to be less cramped than that :D
     
    Lasty, paradox and Purple like this.
  8. I did some more to it after those photos, happy to send some over if it helps her?

    Edit: I think I've pushed my luck as far as it goes now. No more experimental vehicles envisaged.
    I think next, if anything, will be a proper jobbie like Dazza's one.
     
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2023
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  9. Merlin Cat

    Merlin Cat Moderator

    pah! You put that in then slept in the B&B at Techenders! I should have realised you weren’t going to camp by the lack of bedding! :)
     
  10. scrooge95

    scrooge95 Moderator and piggy bank keeper

    I think it's definitely given my mate some ideas about what you can get in the space. Now she just need to find a van......
     

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