Do you think it would be a good idea if someone came up with the idea of supplying a basic van and you could decide what you wanted in it yourself?
For instance I would not have a bathroom/loo, I use the ones on site (I bet there are many here that use their shower rooms for storage).
Hot air heaters don't interest me...too noisey.
Have you noticed how many vans have no window at the rear?
Rant over, lol
I think the main objection to this idea would be one of weights.
Caravans have some fairly heavy bits of equipment and placing these in the correct positions to balance the weights would be critical.
In a motorhome these weights are not so critical because most motor-caravans are based on commercial vehicle chassis that are specifically built to accommodate heavy and sometimes uneven loadings.
So although your idea is fairly common with motorhome enthusiasts, I reckon they would be a non starter with the caravan fraternity.
I've seen a cracking wee vintage caravan on site - beautifully refurbished exterior, interior stripped out, just a mattress, cooking gear & seats / table. Mobile tent, effectively.
I would love to build a family motorhome on a twin cab chasis - normal front driver and passenger seats with two second row pilot seats that formed part of the lounge when turned (like in an A-class) the extended cab would allow for two longitudinal single beds above (that could convert to a double).
A large lounge and kitchen leading to a a walk through bathroom and on to fixed rear single beds above a garage - again these could convert to a double for maximum flexibility.
The benefits would be much saver travelling for the rear passengers and the seats would be close enough to keep an eye on younger travellers or to have a conversation when travelling.
Guy.
------------- It's only an expensive hobby when it's parked on your Drive....use it, love it , live it.
The good news for the op is that such caravans do exist but are not easily available in the UK as there is no market for them. If there was UK makers would supply them.
If you want basic caravans then look on the websites of the well known continental makes. Most have a basic range. Sterckeman for example, Corado & Weinsberg are others with prices that start around 11000€. You can buy in north Belgium. The dealers will speak English.
Presumably what the op seeks is a 'sleeping box' ie just bed & cooking facilities for warmer climes like southern France in summer etc?
UK makes don't offer this as they sell mainly into the UK market which requires caravan that can be sat inside at night, ie sitting room as well as bedroom.
Getting a standard make without a loo would be tricky.
I have a Sterckeman ... and the variety of options offered was considerable ... but all had loos.
It gets little use ... middle of the night relief after a 'session' perhaps ... and brushing teeth etc can be useful ... we never use the shower, though.
And, yes ... it is a general store when on the road ... helps to balance the heavier 'kitchen side'
The most challenging part is still finding the right nose weight ... the under bed store is upfront ... and a bike carrier on the A frame makes it very difficult to get to the recommended 70 kg ... have to put a couple of heavy items at the back to counterbalance ... and that's all with a small gas bottle and no spare wheel in the front locker ... heavens knows what it would be if I added those in!
I'd take out the oven. Leave the hob and microwave, increase the size of the fridge. We don't use the shower in the van, but it did come in handy when we refurbishing the bathroom here at acornis towers.
Need to keep the toilet though. OH always wants more work top and wardrobe.
------------- Just saying
If all is not lost where is it then?
I would take out bathroom. Use portapotti at night, curtain around if shy.
More cooking workspace would be nice, and a nice big rear window creating all round view.
And somewhere to hang a dart board! lol
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: choose layout
