We have just started building it ourselves and I still want to place an advertisement. I just bought the Mercedes Viano and want to turn it into a practical, beautiful camper van. Technically just inspected and it will go to the garage next week to make all the negative points positive. Garage indicated that it is a great car mechanically and it will get a new MOT next week, new tires and some minor defects will be fixed.
First I had the upholstery of the chairs redone and both chairs turned. They now really have the leather Mercedes look. Also a nice and good Din2 multimedia built in. Very easy to connect to your phone via USB. You also have maps and Spotify or whatever other service you have. Radio also has DAB+
I started with the electricity, a new 160ah battery that can/will be charged via CEE connection and motor.
The schedule is not too tight, we want to have it finished at the beginning of July 2024 and then rent it out until the end of August or sometime in September. After that I say goodbye to the Netherlands for at least one year and the plan is Portugal.
I will provide a weekly update on how the renovation is progressing. The layout will be as follows:
- one person seat behind the driver's side. The electricity is built in there
- further to the rear a kitchen unit of 180 cm and 70 cm high. Includes Dometic refrigerator 85ltr (gas/12v/220v), 2 burner gas stove, water with sink with kitchen cabinets underneath and gas bottle/13 liter water, clean and dirty
- at the very back, near the tailgate, a higher cupboard of 160 cm for clothing and other storage items
- the other side is the bed/sofa. Total 190 by 70. Extendable to 130 wide. Can be opened over the entire length for storage space. At the front there is a space for the chemical toilet. Behind a flap.
- Driver and passenger seat are rotatable, folding table and you have a nice seat.
- There will also be upper cupboards, an awning outside and, if possible, a small boiler for an outdoor shower
Son (old carpenter) will do carpentry and daughter-in-law will deal with the finishing and atmosphere
- tiltable bicycle stand for two bicycles
The Viano drives wonderfully, nice heavy engine, automatic transmission with cruise control. So you can relax while driving. Has a lifting roof so you can also stand in the bus. Good sound from the speakers and enough contact points for USB and, if you are connected to the CEE connection, also sockets for 220. Atmospheric lighting in the form of dim LED lamps and twilight LED 12v.
Because we are still building, we will give tenants a discount for the first month in exchange for feedback and tips.
Bed is almost ready. Just some fine-tuning and sheet material for finishing tomorrow and then the mattress can be ordered.
Compact
Diesel
Sleeps 2
2 Seats
with seatbelts
