I don't think that it would be any more expensive than actually buying a ready made van.
You could perhaps source your base vehicle and get the specs. that suit i.e. petrol/diesel/automatic/air con/colour etc. etc.
You should be able to get a good deal on a commercial vehicle.
Then find a company that would actually fit out the interior.
You could then chose your layout and design maybe eliminating some of the 'stuff' that is usually 'built in' that maybe you wouldn't need.
We have such things as a 'wine rack' and 'cocktail cabinet' that are a waste of space. There are lots of little things that I could dream up with a 'blank canvas'
Just a quick search brought up this web page and I am sue that there are many more companies around the country.
Brenda
http://freespace.virgin.net/country.campers/details.htm
had loads to look at and they cant do enough for you,even though ours was only a second hand model 3 grand they treat us like we were paying 20 to 30 grand,they were brilliant and the van is perfect for us, (see gallery) we will upgrade with them, and i dont think i would go or reccomend anywhere else
Sounds great what you're planning. We went for a U-shaped lounge which makes up into a double bed; a double-dinette; swivel cab seats and over cab bed for storage.There's only the two of us but this arrangement allows us to have our own space if we want it.We tell people we've got a 'van with 3 beds and 3 reception.
All the fixed bed 'vans we looked at (without going to the US RV jobs) lost the dinette because the room was taken up with a large bed which you don't use most of the time.To us, the fixed bed is lost space. But each to her own.
The best advice is to look long and hard and speak to lots of experienced motor-homers, then decide which is the best layout for you.And buy it.
We decided to go for a fixed bed and needed space to relax also, try looking at the autotrail cheyenne, the only thing it may not have the size of fridge you are after. ours is great and only 21' 4" long, so not a huge thing to drive about or park up in. The seperate shower cubicle is excellent. We do some wild camping and over night stops here and there, as well as on site, so a large fridge freezer that would need a hook up or take tons of gas wasn't an issue, (it has got a good size fridge with freezer compartment), but a proper cooker was.
It has made a huge difference to us not having the hassle of turning the rear lounge into a bed everynight and as I am early settler and hubby is a late riser it is great to have a seperate "living room" area so when one of us is in bed the other still has somewhere comfy to be.
There are also some Pilote vans that have the same kind of spec, great fridge freezers but no ovens... we kept being told by dealers that as they are continental vans cooking is usually done outside so they only have basic inside cooking facilities. Our son has dietry issues so I do a lot of 'from scratch cooking', I love my oven... sad creature hahahaha.
Thanks Tina. We definately want the fixed bed as OH hates all the bed making. Oven would also be on the list, but I could make do with just a microwave if there was a grill. We will be doing long trips mainly to Europe (3 months +) so really do want the big fridge+freezer.
We have looked at a few MHs, but OH is still more in favour of a caravan. It is still 18 months till we need to decide so we have plenty of time yet!
Thanks Tina. We definately want the fixed bed as OH hates all the bed making. Oven would also be on the list, but I could make do with just a microwave if there was a grill. We will be doing long trips mainly to Europe (3 months +) so really do want the big fridge+freezer.
I think most motorhomes, unless you're looking at something really small, have a decent oven. Most also have a fridge/freezer. It doesn't have to be huge though, they do have supermarkets in Europe these days.
The lack of fridge space is the one downside in our present van, although we rarely have much in the freezer. We use a 12v coolbox at present for keeping the drinks in, but I would prefer the bigger fridge instead. Going to be visiting some remote areas in Norway where there are not so many supermarkets so the extra fridge space would be very handy.
Keep looking Jennifer, you'll find what you're after eventually one way or another.
It took us a while to find our motorhome. Decided on the model and layout we wanted. Then it turned out that the two together in the approximate year we wanted were as rare as hen's teeth. It seemed like a real pain at the time, but I'm glad we waited and persevered rather than accepting a compromise.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets