Hardly a new idea. BMW did it in 2005:
Hey TonksOK I'll take the bait.
It will be small. Even with a pop top it will still be small.
BUT, IF you go into a build with a 'micro camper' mentality, you could still have a perfectly usable and fun camper. My last van was based on a Citroen Nemo, which is smaller than a Buzz, and I still had a bed (longer than the RIB in the 'dub!), hob, sink, pumped water, loo. So it's all do-able. Take a look at some micro conversions to see what you may end up with in 'real world' camping. I've photographed some fab campers based on Caddys, for example. (Not the VW's own conversion ones, they're utterly uninspiring, IMHO.)
It might be worth taking a look at Jerba Campervan's YouTube page as they did a post on the Buzz (before the cargo was a 'thing'). Jerba on the Buzz
I would also recommend considering going all electric inside. And I'd strongly recommend talking to Big V Kampers in Swindon. They build campers based on the NV200, which is a similar size, all electric, on e-NV200s, for a company in Bristol. They support self builders and they can certainly give you plenty of help and advice. Karl is your person to talk to. (If you do, say hello from Anne with the Lancaster van!) Big V - Electric Campers
If you're really inspired by going small, you may also like to take a look at Life is Too Short on YouTube. They're a couple who tour for quite long periods in an NV200. It gives you an idea of the compromises you may have to make. (Though I've ALWAYS had a proper loo in my vans!) Here's their intro video about their NV200.
Oh, and just asking: 'Is Katy as keen as you on this project?'
you have a good understanding of what is needed and thank you for your reply. The compromises that we have already made take us (nearly) in the right direction however the Buzz will require that little extra ‘push’. As for Katy?…… she is the force behind this, there is no stopping her! (but you already know that)
I'll be very interested to see which way you go with this. Please keep us posted.Hey Tonks
Quite frankly the biggest concern I have is related to seats. The 3 seat version would allow us to carry one grandchild at a time but I have yet to check out the practical/safety issues involved. Other choice of course is a rock n roll bed but I would need it to be crash tested (just spoke to Rusty Lee, he reckons they will do so once the vans are actually on the road …..could be a year or two before they have one ready).
As for the rest of it, small is beautiful….less clutter, less aggravation, more fun
Times change and there are some brilliant engineers and scientists out there who would have thought the technology with modification for a drinks dispenser could be used for Kidney dialysis for example reducing costs and making the lives of those who need dialysis better, we can all tend to be constrained in our thinking sometimesHardly a new idea. BMW did it in 2005:
BMW Hydrogen 7 - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
Hydrogen combustion engines are a lot less efficient than a fuel cell. And the high combustion temperatures mean you need all sorts of emissions controls to reduce the nitrogen oxides. If you're going to convert your fuel to hydrogen, you may as well use a fuel cell and electric motor.
Your resons are exactly why we are going down the same ROUTE. Waiting for a new LWB MAN TGE to be delivered. When ordered last August (2022) it was best part of £2k cheaper than the equivalent VW and the options seemed much more flexible.
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