Where to start? (1 Viewer)

[Taff Thomas]

We've purchased, but not yet collected a nicely converted 2003 Volkswagen LT35.

Cassette toilet, hot gas powered shower and sink/vanity unit.
Kitchenette gas 3 burner hob, sink with hot and cold water, gas / electric powered fridge and freezer shelf
Gas powered oven and drawers/cupboards.
Front seats swivel
Bench seat with storage underneath.
A foldaway table
The bed is currently fixed but could be easily adapted back to two bench seats.
Wood burning stove
Halogen lights around the van and also some strip lights.
Plenty of storage
Fiamma wind out sun shield and awning.
Fiamma bike rack which holds two bikes

We've not owned a van before, and will mainly be using it for day trips around Devon and Cornwall, with some extended holidays, hopefully getting up to Scotland, and touring Ireland.

I had a friend who knows a great deal about motor-homes check it out, and his verdict was that the conversion is very professional, and it's got a very sound engine and low miles. The seller had service and MOT details going back to 2008, and it's been very well cared for. The owner was a decent bloke, and was only selling as his wife is 8 months up the duff and they want to upgrade to a new one when the sprog is old enough to travel. ( We met the wife, and the pregnancy is obviously factual.)

We're treating it as a learning experience, and if we still enjoy motor-home touring after 2-4 years, will lash out £££££'s on a new one.

So, in terms of getting the best out of it, what initial investments, or maintenance, or preparations would you be looking to do before venturing out into wildest Kernow?
(I've taken out breakdown cover!)

 

[Geo]

Good 12volt system 2 x leisure batteries and solar panel/s
TV cos it does sometimes rain in the UK

 

[Taff Thomas]

Thanks mate, it does have 2 leisure batteries, I hope they are in good nick. Solar panels and a TV are on the list!

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[grasscutter]

Trailer to tow the logs for the woodburner ( sorry I couldn't resist).
Enjoy your van

 

[monzer]

Must say it seems pretty well kitted out for all you should need already.

Any pictures? For the simple reason I'm a nosey sod.

 

[AXO66]

Look at changing halogen lights to LEDs if possible. Save a bit of battery life.
Hope you enjoy it. It’ll brcome home from home!

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[two]

Welcome.
Don't rush to change or 'improve' things, unless they don't work.
It's more about what you do with your toys than what they happen to be.

 

[Eddystone]

Welcome.
Don't rush to change or 'improve' things, unless they don't work.
It's more about what you do with your toys than what they happen to be.

I agree. Use it, enjoy learning about it's little quirks and then make adjustments to suit you.
Oh, and check its weight on a weigh bridge.

 

[suavecarve]

I agree. Use it, enjoy learning about it's little quirks and then make adjustments to suit you.
Oh, and check its weight on a weigh bridge.

Exactly my thoughts about the weight, especially with the wood burner, however just done some checking and before all the stuff goes in there he has 1500 kgs of payload so you should be fine. Still worthy of going to a weighbridge so you know.
As per a couple of others, wait and see what happens. I would be tempted to join NT if living and touring Cornwall and like the beach, but you probably know that. Better off buying a decent wet suit and copious amounts of cider and working out where the best view of the sunset is. Joining some surfing forum for good wild spots down there might be an idea for local knowledge as your van is stealth to save some money on the ever expensive campsites down there.
Good luck and enjoy

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[Taff Thomas]

Thanks gang. We joined the NT when we decided to buy the van, but we're more into rock climbing than surfers!

How much does it cost roughly to get a van on a weighbridge?

 

[Taff Thomas]

Must say it seems pretty well kitted out for all you should need already.

Any pictures? For the simple reason I'm a nosey sod.

I'm collecting it in a few days, it's had some minor cosmetic repairs done. Happy to show snaps here to get the opinion of those in the know then...

 

[two]

How much does it cost roughly to get a van on a weighbridge?

£0 - £10.

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[Eddystone]

We called in to the grain weighing complex just off Bodmin bypass near Lenivet on the St Austell road. Cost about £10 but there are several listed on council Web site.

 

[Taff Thomas]

Thanks Eddy, I'll be passing there sometime soon. Do you have to book in, or just rock up?

 

[Eddystone]

We just called in as we leaving for home about 4yrs ago but give them a call to be sure.

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[Taff Thomas]

Collected the van, will add images today. Now we have to work out how everything works!!

 

[FIDGET]

Hi & Welcome from the Isle of Wight.

 

[WynandJean]

Hello and welcome from West Midlands.


Wyn

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[Taff Thomas]

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Here she is!!!

 

[monzer]

She's a fair old size. What length of awning is that? Any pictures of the inside conversion?

 

[Taff Thomas]

She's a fair old size. What length of awning is that? Any pictures of the inside conversion?

6.5 metres long, going to be a tough learning experience driving her.

Awning is about 3 metres long, and has side, front, and floor panels

Here's a couple of inside shots...

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Under the hob is an oven and a fridge.

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[monzer]

Looks very tidy. You got your first trip planned?

 

[Taff Thomas]

Not yet. We're going to live in her outside our house in Cornwall for a couple of weeks, while building work is ongoing. She also needs a trip to the menders as a rear light unit is broken. We'll then go on tour for a couple of weeks or a month, to get out of the builders hair for a longer while.

 

[Podney]

Nice. Enjoy.

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[Taff Thomas]

"Come to the UK" he said, to his Aussie wife. "We'll buy a campervan and have lots of lovely adventures. Of course the weather will be fine...."

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[tacr2man]

Has it got a CO monitor(sensor) very important with the solid fuel stove.!!! @Taff Thomas

 

[Taff Thomas]

Indeed it does. Same one as installed in my house in fact.