Crazy build notion?

[Frags69]

Ok, so I have a crazy self-build notion that I'd like to run past everyone.

I would like to convert a horsebox/library bus to carry my little two seater sportscar WITHIN the camper, using a false floor above the car.
I know that this is a little ambitious, but can it be done?
The car is 4wd so cannot be towed so would have to be trailered and don't want this.

Constructive thoughts and observations appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Mikeco]

Unless it’s a horse box built for a very high horse I don’t see how you would have the headroom. Also how do you get the car in and out without either banging your head.

 

[M-J]

Depending on the height of the car I guess it could be done with enough room for a bed above.

 

[Mikeco]

Also depends how long the car is to see what would be left at a normal height.

 

[Sundowners]

Hi and welcome
Horse boxes are superb but very expensive s/h older ones can be a bit rotten because of " liquids" they are exposed to!!
We considered one in the '80s but wrote that off. ( not the horsebox- the idea)
Library's tend to be sprung hard an slow?
We finished up with a coach.
Does your licence allow you to drive one?
There were some funny laws about "carrying a load" but there are some toy haulers about and a lot of race trucks so it must be legal/ possible.
We would love to know what you decide on---- these sort of projects are always interesting.

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[Vipar]

Might have to raise the roof.

 

[busbuddy]

I've had a couple of race car transporters which is in reality what you are considering
Tail lift trucks can be adapted to lift the car (weight dependant) up and then they can be winched/pushed into position meaning you dont have to open door on car once its onboard, IMO ramps need a longer length than acceptable to get car in
Bed above car and living bits spread around the rest
Weight allowance, and inside space gets eaten up pretty quick even on a 7.5t with the car on board

 

[Nanniemate]

I've had a couple of race car transporters which is in reality what you are considering
Tail lift trucks can be adapted to lift the car (weight dependant) up and then they can be winched/pushed into position meaning you dont have to open door on car once its onboard, IMO ramps need a longer length than acceptable to get car in
Bed above car and living bits spread around the rest
Weight allowance, and inside space gets eaten up pretty quick even on a 7.5t with the car on board

interesting and made go on give it a go and send lots of pics please but my first thought was if converting a bus where is the engine?

 

[Wissel]

Anything (within reason) can be done.

I would guess the first concern would be getting a vehicle that can take the weight of a car at the back (overhang may be an issue?), and having a licence to drive this weight of vehicle?

Have a look at the pro manufacturers that build vans with car garages (like Concorde) for ideas. Looking on club racing sites for ideas might be another place to look?

 

[busbuddy]

if you never intend to overnight with the car onboard then the kitchen area can be built at the rear with the tail lift going past the truck floor up to the kitchen worktop height so as to park car on top of worktop (heavy duty floor cupboards obviously)
Either option ,rear shutter can be adapted to be only half height so rest of gap is proper insulated wall
A good look at any racetrack, any weekend will provide enough inspiration

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[pappajohn]

I think most horse boxes are built on 7500kg chassis so anyone with a C1 can drive it.
By the time you build the conversion.... With a double floor, insulation and inner wall skin.....you won't have a lot of payload left for a 4x4.
For a bus chassis you need a D1 licence
For a truck over 7500kg you need a C1.
A car licence isn't suitable for either.

 

[funflair]

How big do you want to go? this is my mates OK it needs a different paint job to look like a motorhome but he does put his RS3 inside and take it to club sites for a holiday, holiday for the family not the RS3.

OK the car is only 2wd but no slouch all the same

 

[2GB Racing]

I spent a couple of years looking for a tag axle motorhome which had rear end damage to convert into roller shutter rear door to carry a race Caterham around, I was going to have sleeping area above the car as it only stands up to your chest, kitchen across the nose of car with electric winch in cupboard central if front of car, Air ride rear suspension etc.
A friend has just purchased a used Concord which came with a Fiat 500 in the back and transports his race Caterham

 

[Sundowners]

interesting and made go on give it a go and send lots of pics please but my first thought was if converting a bus where is the engine?

The engine in our bus/coach was in the front.
At the time there were many used as race car transporters----- I believe that's why laws were made to stop it

 

[funflair]

I spent a couple of years looking for a tag axle motorhome which had rear end damage to convert into roller shutter rear door to carry a race Caterham around, I was going to have sleeping area above the car as it only stands up to your chest, kitchen across the nose of car with electric winch in cupboard central if front of car, Air ride rear suspension etc.
A friend has just purchased a used Concord which came with a Fiat 500 in the back and transports his race Caterham

Did it fit straight in or with a few mods?, I would have thought the Caterham was longer but low enough to stay under the bed with a couple of cuts from a jig saw.

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[Sundowners]

What appealed to us about the horse box was the engine laid on its side ( commer/perkins) which left the whole cab area flat--- no "dogbox" to work around------- and the loading ramps on back and side---' to make great verandas------ at about the same time they changed the law for weights on driving motorhomes---' it used to be like USA where you could drive any weight motorhome on a car licence-- I believe that was changed to align with European law??

 

[2GB Racing]

Did it fit straight in or with a few mods?, I would have thought the Caterham was longer but low enough to stay under the bed with a couple of cuts from a jig saw.

It would have tyre rack at rear over roll cage then bed over bonnet / engine area, Just wide enough with a few mm spare

 

[tacr2man]

Dont forget it will need plating and testing as a living van , not a motorcaravan

 

[mitzimad]

used to be lots of converted coaches around the small oval circuits mostly stock cars problem with lorries is the chassis is to high needs the be dropped to allow access

 

[Jamesh]

Ok, so I have a crazy self-build notion that I'd like to run past everyone.

I would like to convert a horsebox/library bus to carry my little two seater sportscar WITHIN the camper, using a false floor above the car.
I know that this is a little ambitious, but can it be done?
The car is 4wd so cannot be towed so would have to be trailered and don't want this.

Constructive thoughts and observations appreciated.

Thanks

It can be done.... Just depends on your budget?!

Someone like RS motorhomes could probably do it, or another race van manufacturer.

What are the dimensions of the car?

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-...0001&campid=5338547443&icep_item=333846855270

Also look a removal vans as they often have low floors at the back.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-...0001&campid=5338547443&icep_item=174602829300

The car could be driven in at an angle to clear the lorry rear axle.

Cheers James

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[Sundowners]

I would think the weight of the car would need to be over the back axle--- could be a lot of weight behind it------- would depend on gross weight of chassis being used -- and your licence.

 

[Northernraider]

Check out big willies ride

Michael cane got 3 minis in there