So in this crazy world i will identify as a Toyota for the future

[stumog]

So as most know we have had lots of different set ups to try and accommodate a family of 4 and a wife that really feels the cold and nothing have quite scratched the itch for the type of things we like to do. So I am building what I feel will.

Enter the mighty Toyota sprinter 4x4. We have gone for a 2015 MWB low roof. We are going to take what we have learnt from living out of the cruiser and make it a 4 person sleeping van you live out of very much like we all do today however with the option to get out of the weather as need be and have a heater.

So I got talking with the last owner at a agricultural show and he said the company were selling long story short, we all love a bargain.

So I have had for 3 weeks and done alot of jobs and will post as I get time

I hope you dont mind it's not Toyota but it's something to follow.and read.

 

[Lorin]

I look forward to your build. One of these is in my future at some point….

 

[stumog]

It's quite something to drive

 

[felix2566]

They are supposedly pretty decent off road, along for the build!

 

[stumog]

So the van was used as a mobile workshop building stables. Which meant it was pretty dirty in side so took about 3 days to actually strip out and get clean.

I have removed all the units and flooring.

I have insulated and sound proofed the sides and fitted a new floor.
Fitted some nice side windows which was a mission as they say measure twice cut once, well please make sure you measure the right bit. Lucky for me I cut to small.

This weekend I have manged to get 2 batteries fitted and the charging set up. Along with the switch block thing. Like a auxbeam but more reasonably priced

Then fitted some swivel seats.

I have a rock and roll bed on order and trying to find a supplier to fit a poptop in the south West as most seem to be tup north.

Now we are caught up. That's what I have manged to get done in a couple of weeks. With lots of other life stuff going on.

My goal is to take to France on the 2nd week of

August... ferry booked no pressure

 

[felix2566]

Good progress!
Not sure where you are based in the SW, but have driven past a place near to where I work that fit pop tops to vans, T Spoke Camper conversions, near Bristol airport.

 

[stumog]

Felix thanks for that I tried them and they only do VW vans even though the sprinter and crafter are the same van at this era.

 

[felix2566]

Bore off, really? It's a van roof...how different can they all be??

 

[stumog]

Some of the vans are the same shell but we have computer says no type companies around

 

[Shayne]

Fibreglass i recently discovered is so easy a child could do it , buy a pop top from anything and make it fit .

 

[Towpack]

I've been contemplating buying a VW Transporter motorhome since selling the caravan but late ones are mega £ so this idea might be cost effective way to go for me.

 

[Jacob100]

That looks like a very good buy, Stu. Great vans. Say it again - why didn't Toyota do a spacious live-in vehicle (yes, OK, Coaster 4x4). Good luck with your build. I've gone for a Merc as well for family travel. You've inspired me to put some pictures up...

 

[Dave_S]

Hey - welcome to the 4x4 Sprinter club. Had lots of fun with ours

 

[Dave_S]

Oh... make sure you check the front wheel bearings - these things are pretty reliable, but the front wheel bearings are a weak spot.

 

[Gr8Yota]

Fun to watch someone else’s build from the start.

Have you seen the Hiace conversions using 80 series running gear in Aus?
Bus 4x4 Conversion of Hiace LWB Van - Bus 4x4 - [Leaving Land Cruiser Club] Though still smaller than a Sprinter.

 

[Geoff 28]

Good luck with it Stumog, if you haven’t looked already you should be able to get some of the furniture you’ll need at sensible money from a caravan breaker, much quicker and cheaper to make it fit than building yourself!

 

[stumog]

Thanks all for the comments. I was thinking that this sprinter is going to be very much like a 80 to live out of with sleeping for 4 inside. So we aren't going heavy units etc as I want to keep as light as possible. We are going for a poptop and rock and roll bed. Then a fridge in the side loading door. Heater under the table. Inverter under the bed or near fridge. Then a bulkhead and big floor to ceiling bulk head type affair. I want in the back to be able to store 4 bikes and all our gear. I am going to make some racking in the back with either colour coded or clear euro crates.

So progress report...

We so far this week I have spent around 14hrs making cables running in and connecting up stuff. So not very interesting for photos.

The renolgy battery monitor i brought didn't work out the box so that's being replaced and I hope its not the same for the inverter of there's I have brought. Gone 3000w so I can use my coffee machine and maybe airfryer or induction hob.

This week planning on doing some paneling and carpeting so should have some photos for you