Beschreibung
I bought this van in January 2015 with 84k miles on the clock and it has been an ongoing project ever since. Much work has been done and I have travelled extensively in it so now it is fully sorted and ready to go anywhere (slowly). It has now covered 97k miles.
The van is incredibly reliable with the famous Mercedes 2. 2 OM615 deisel engine which produces 60 bhp. I get between 28 and 34 mpg, depending on driving style and speed. If you flog it you can cruise at 60-65 mph but it is far happier at 50-55mph where it can sit happily all day long. There are no oil leaks and the engine uses no oil, starts first time with no smoke of any colour.
During the last six years it has spent 10 weeks travelling in Scotland, 4 months in Spain, several trips to the French Alps and regular use in England. It can be completely independent of campsites (during the 4 months in Spain I never needed a campsite) with external water tanks, leisure batteries, solar panels, heating, toilet and shower.
I have taken the van to a specialist in Holland several times where I gave a free hand to do everything necessary (see invoices). Some of the work done is as follows:
New clutch fitted (91k)
Re-cored and uprated radiator
New thermostat
Reconditioned starter motor
Modern glow-plug conversion
New engine mounts
New king pins
New leaf-spring bushes all round
New brake pads all round
New hand-brake cable
New CV boots
Valve clearances set
Gear linkage bushes
Various other small jobs
Internally there is a long sofa which can be a single bed and two other seats. The sofa can then become a very large double bed. All the fabric was changed in 2015 using high quality, heavy duty upholstery frabric. All seat cushion covers can be removed for washing. Storage is under the seats and sofa. I have also adapted one of the children's hammock beds above the sofa as extra storage although I have everything to return it to two, roll-out children's beds. There are no rear seat belts but I am certain a specialist would be able to fit them by securing to the chassis.
There is a lockable wardrobe and kitchen cupboards for food storage. At the rear there is a compartment for the toilet and shower. I installed a new Morco instant hot water heater which provides hot water for the kitchen sink and shower. There is a two hob cooker with grill and oven. A table, which is stored in the wardrobe, has two points that it can be positioned.
For heating I installed a more modern 80s era catalytic heater and a 1600 Propex blown-air gas heater with thermostat that can be run during the night. Both work well and I have spent many winter's night in comfort.
There is a 20w solar panel that charges two 110Ah batteries. A 240w electric hook up is also present with two internal sockets. There are plenty of 12v lights inside, including two new LED spotlights. The stereo also plays CDs and SD card and has a remote control whch can be used from the rear area of the van.
I have fitted a 13kg gas cylinder in the area that originally would have had a gas powered fridge. In this cupboard there is a bubble tester to test for any leaks in the gas system. I have a fully tested gas fridge that could be reinstalled but this would entail using a smaller 4. 5kg gas cylinder and re-routing some of the gas pipes to the other side of the van.
The van has a Caravan Store roll out awning (without sides) which becomes very useful in rainy conditions or as a sun shade. I also managed to sorce an original pair of front seats and seat frames.
During lockdown I prepped and painted all of the chassis, brake drums, fuel tank, transmition and engine with the appropriate specialist paint. There is a tow hitch (the wiring is ready but not attached) and a bike rack that fits it.
I have two spare wheels and six further spare 10 ply tyres.
If you are looking for a classic van that is reliable, economical, comfortable and has been fully tested this camper may interest you.
I am always happy to chat. Contact me on the details below or email using the button below
