Interesting Small 4x4 Day Van Build (Thomas Heaton)

[Wissel]

I don't really watch van build videos on YouTube often, as I usually end up shouting at the screen and driving the Missus nuts

This one though isn't the norm and I really enjoyed the 4 video series, so figured I'd share. Might fill an hour of the Bank Holiday for some.

For those who don't know, Thomas Heaton is a travelling Landscape Photographer - not a van lifer. He had his first van built for him (Transit Custom) to make a few days away with his camera easier than always using a tent. This time he has built his own small 4x4 camper out of a Delica.

 

[Otter Spotter]

I watched these from the start and even though Thomas is a photographer he is a very able constructor. I like his use of 80/20 extrusion, I wanted to use this on my PVC but 3 years ago when ours started you couldn’t get it at sensible prices. Another utube is Humble road who use 80/20 extensivel. Benefit is it’s stronger and lighter than traditional construction.

 

[Wissel]

I watched these from the start and even though Thomas is a photographer he is a very able constructor. I like his use of 80/20 extrusion, I wanted to use this on my PVC but 3 years ago when ours started you couldn’t get it at sensible prices. Another utube is Humble road who use 80/20 extensivel. Benefit is it’s stronger and lighter than traditional construction.

I'm quite a fan of 80/20 as well and it's what I intend to build the entire interior of our next van with. As you say, strong and light, plus should outlast a van

Our next build is being designed so the rear "box" can be removed and fitted to a different chassis. The idea is to have the box for life and just upgrade vans when they wear out. Using 80/20 should also allow for small design changes over the years. Still a design in progress.

I used 80/20 to build our solar rack. So easy to work with:

 

[Otter Spotter]

I'm quite a fan of 80/20 as well and it's what I intend to build the entire interior of our next van with. As you say, strong and light, plus should outlast a van

Our next build is being designed so the rear "box" can be removed and fitted to a different chassis. The idea is to have the box for life and just upgrade vans when they wear out. Using 80/20 should also allow for small design changes over the years. Still a design in progress.

I used 80/20 to build our solar rack. So easy to work with:
View attachment 492231

That’s a very nice professional looking piece of kit, what’s the total weight ?

 

[Wissel]

That’s a very nice professional looking piece of kit, what’s the total weight ?

Thanks. The rack itself was around 11kg (from memory), then the panels are 11.5kg each (3 x 180w). So total weight including the lights - just under 50kg.

The idea was to eliminate shadows on the panels from roof vents/antenna's/etc. Pretty happy with how it turned out.

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[Otter Spotter]

Thanks. The rack itself was around 11kg (from memory), then the panels are 11.5kg each (3 x 180w). So total weight including the lights - just under 50kg.

The idea was to eliminate shadows on the panels from roof vents/antenna's/etc. Pretty happy with how it turned out.

I have always wondered if racks make a noise when travelling ?

 

[Wissel]

I have always wondered if racks make a noise when travelling ?

I don't hear a noise from mine, but did lose 2mpg. I could have fitted a solid piece at the front to ask as a spoiler I guess - but liked the open look