Structural differences between PVC & coachbuilt MHs

[DandJ]

Have you considered simply buying an refridgerated ex delivery van... a few people have, and done decent jobs of kitting them out...

 

[TheMobileWanderer]

I watched their conversion with keen interest. He and she (or the editing), make it look very easy.

Unfortunately, it's just not big enough for my needs. I am looking into the adaptation of one, to have a longer chassis because they seem to be cheaper than what's on AutoTrader.

The specification of the box in my build is similar but, possibly, with newer components. Sandwiched between GRP & probably uPVC (thickness to be determined), will be 50mm of PIR foam with a 0.01 thermal conductivity value. That's the walls.

The floor will have a floor-spec variation, which stands up better to compression and the roof will be of a roof-spec, non-sagging version. Possibly also, alloy joists within the roof in case some maintenance operative (or me when not thinking), may get on it, instead of using scaffolding.

 

[Peregrinator]

Or you could look at it another way, you put a caravan on top of the van chassis and keep the cab at the front.

 

[cyberyacht]

Having built a yacht from a GRP shell, it will take you a whole lot longer than you think.

 

[TheMobileWanderer]

Can I ask, have you had a motorhome before ?
It seems a huge task to build one from scratch including the body with no experience, even some of the recognized converters can't get it right with years of experience.
Would you not be better buying an older quality motorhome that needs updating giving you the opportunity to to rebuild it as you wish without having to consider structural integrity, weight and safety issues ?

Oops, I nearly missed this because I saw Minxy's message instead.

Thanks, Figaro.
I'm not daunted. I perhaps dont have specifically relevant qualifications but when I've renovated a couple of houses to include electrics and plumbing, lots of joinery (hand-built timber conservatory), with necessary certification of my work, it went well.

I'm not building the chassis cab or the peak or the box. I'm deciding on the components for those. I'll be building the electrics, plumbing and all internals, including installation of skylights, hatches etc.

Much less challenging than may have seemed if thinking I'm going to do it all.

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[TheMobileWanderer]

Having built a yacht from a GRP shell, it will take you a whole lot longer than you think.

It will take time, sure. I've told that patience is a virtue and also that the best things come to those who wait. Not sure about either being correct but I'm not building it to a clock. I'll do it to make it the best I can and of something seems under par, I'll call in a pro just for that part of the work.

How did your yacht turn out, cyberyacht? If i were still in to sailing, a project like yours might have been what I'm planning.

Tmw.

 

[cyberyacht]

Started the project in 1975 but having had some really cheap holidays in it, sold it in 1986 when, with a young family, finances were tight.

 

[Bertilak]

I would be worried that you don't have the experience to know what you want.
It would be most disheartening than after two years of blood, sweat and toil you realise that somehow your creation isn't perfect for you.
It could be worse, and you fall out of love with the project long before completion, when you've spent the money with little finished to show for it.
What I'm trying to say is please test your needs and usage first. Everyone's needs are different, and they change as you and your family age. There are many folks on here who've had big RVs and happily switched to something more like 3.5T at 6m, or less etc.