Decisions, decisions……
If you look online, there are 2 choices. You can build your own conversion or go bespoke with a specialist conversion company.
I found myself in a privileged position of being able to afford the latter without the skills or inclination to do the former.
Therefore, I needed a company that could deliver a bespoke build, but also local enough that it would be easy to visit to discuss and visit regularly as it is being built. Mclaren sportshomes in Leigh is spot on!
So, I visited their workshop in November 2019 in Leigh. I just turned up on spec and they were so welcoming despite that. Immediately I felt got a very good vibe. I was met by Craig and discussed my needs. He and his Dad Kevin, showed me round their new workshop and I left satisfied they were the team to do my build. Check out their web site www.mclarensportshomes.co.uk.
Mclaren Sportshome SAVAGE Mercedes Sprinter 4WD 4 berth elevating bed.
Keen to ensure all would fall into place after my retirement on the 29th April 2021, I re-visited them in June 2020, to book a build slot for May/June 2021. Here are some sample pictures from their website of the exterior look I am going for and interior layout.
The build slot was reserved for May 2021. The reasons for this particular van are numerous. The vehicle can handle off road surfaces and transport all the equipment needed to walk, hike, ski, kayak and cycle yet be comfortable to live in. The internal spec includes a wet room. Off grid set up with a solar panel and lithium batteries for power, LPG for heating, hot water and cooking.
I want to go off grid as and when I can, so the spec will reflect that. But you need a van that can handle itself. Take a look at this clip it’s awesome really shows what this van can do!
What else needs to be decided?
Having decided on a bespoke company build is just the first step in a number of decisions needed to get to what you need to do the things you want. Now everyone is different and needs vary, so it’s very important from the outset to get some major decisions made so that what you eventually build ticks all those boxes!
My list of priorities and decisions made…..
Off grid Van……off road or overland?
Most camper vans in Europe are not very utilitarian needing flat surfaces and sites for overnight stays. I want the flexibility to live when I can off grid. Therefore the vehicle needs to be able to handle varied surfaces be it rocks, sand or mud.
In order to get off the beaten track the vehicle needs this off road capability. It is AWD and will have larger all terrain tyres than the stock standard factory fitted wheels. The question is whether I push the off road spec further for example fitting a winch bumper and upgrading the suspension to improve it’s off road capabilities further. In essence, I’ve realised that I want versatility but I am not looking to build an “overlander”. I don’t want to waste time having to recover my van every time I venture off road because off road driving per se just doesn’t float my boat. It’s about getting off the beaten track, so that I can then hike, cycle or kayak thereafter. So for the time being there will be no winch bumper or suspension upgrade. I will however, be fitting a rear recovery hitch. So I can be recovered by another vehicle, if my MaxTrax recovery boards fail. Who knows a future update may reflect a change of heart if getting stuck is becoming an issue!
Fixed bed or not…..elevating or not?
I’ve decided on a fixed bed, rather than a rear seating area that converts into a bed. There are 2 main reasons. Firstly, I do not want to make up a bed each night. I cannot be hassled, as there is enough to do each day and at the end of it, I just want to crash. Secondly, I want a permanent rear garage beneath, which will have fixtures and fitting for securing all our adventure sports kit eg bikes, wet suits, skis etc.
Some fit elevating beds but this means you need an open front and no rear bulk head. I want a fixed rear bulkhead, mainly for winter travel so the rear garage is completely isolated from the main living area other than a tambour door allowing access from the main living area, only when needed. For summer travel a large central section of the rear bulk will be removable, allowing the bed area to open from the rear when desired.
Internal layout……2 berth or 4 berth?
I initially wanted a 2 berth arrangement but have decided on a 4 berth layout. Whilst we have no intention of travelling with others, I felt that at anytime, if any of the children wanted to catch up with us, they could simply hop on to a plane to our nearest airport and kip in the van if need be or until they wanted an alternative. It doesn’t make any major difference to the layout so why not was my view.
Medium or long wheel base…..high top?
The main difference in terms of internal spec is being able to fit a permanent fully functioning wet room with toilet in your van. For us it was a “no-brainer”. Yes, a shorter vehicle is easier to park and perhaps more manoeuvrable particularly off road. But there are some creature comforts which should be sacrosanct……..need I say more! Some choose a lower ceiling vehicle needing a “pop top” to be able to stand upright in the van. Again for me just like the bed situation, convenience and practicalities mean standing shouldn’t be regarded as a luxury! So high top it is!
UPDATE 4/2/21
The Van ( a 319 V6 AWD LWB in tenorite grey) has now been ordered and confirmation received, that I can expect to take delivery by the end of March.
I have been working on the draft external and internal specification. The attached document is the latest working version. It’s rough as I’ve only just started it, but it does gives a feel of where we’re heading. The picture below is similar to the external specification planned.
Update 9/3/21
So have been working with Craig at Mclaren designing and putting together a first draft of the roof rack specification. See attached document of first draft with dubious sketches to see what is planned. This will be updated once we’ve had opportunity to discuss with fabricators.
Update 26/3/21
So items ordered for the external spec are now arriving. They were ordered early as soon were coming from the US or Australia.
The lights
Sourced from teralume industries in Australia. The ICON is their premium LED 8.5 inch spotlight and two have arrived at Mclaren recently. The Icon emits an intense spot beam found nowhere else on the market. They have integrated the highest quality automotive components, materials and latest technology, leaving no stone unturned.
Performance
The Icon represents what a driving light should be in more ways than one. The intense spot beam that the Icons project is what everyone’s been waiting for since LED technology found its way into driving lights; distance down the road.
The Icons comprise of 34 x ultra-high-output emitters, 6 x Oslon® emitters and 28 x CREE® emitters. Both emitters complement each other perfectly, boasting weapon-like output and beam length. Each emitter has been specifically tuned to the reflector, unlike any other LED Driving Light on offer.
The hybrid of Oslon® and CREE® ultra-high intensity emitters and sophisticated reflector design redefine the LED Driving Light space, projecting a clear and even beam of light over 1300m ahead.
Optics
The Icon crushes the theory that LED Driving Lights are not suggested for long-distance projection. To harness the full potential of each LED emitter teralume have engaged highly sophisticated design software and light simulation methods to design the reflector housing. The results are proven, enormous long-range projection with total consistency and clarity. The reflector housing utilises an ultra-reflective vacuum-metallised coating to further enhance the already astonishing performance.
The 3.6-degree parabolic spot beam significantly reduces unwanted light bleed and reflection, maximising each emitters output. The tight and focused beam offers greater confidence in poor conditions as it minimises unwanted feedback from reflective airborne particles.
Design
The Icons have over 700 grams more aluminium in the cast housing to allow for faster and more effective thermal stabilisation. More response in thermal stabilisation means the Icons can run more effectively in demanding situations.
Teralume have sourced and developed the very best materials right down to the rubbers and sealants used. An oversized cast housing keeps the units cool whilst the class-leading 5mm bracket keeps the unit stable. Every aspect of the Icon has been thoroughly thought-out.
Clarity
The lenses are hardened and have the same DNA as ballistic material. The nature of the lens is to be shatterproof, featuring enormous deflection properties. They’ve tested the breaking point of the lens material by shooting a small projectile at 830ft/sec straight into the lamp without lens failure. The Icon’s lens is also resistant to scratching and UV damage. Each lens has a unique UV coating applied to ensure they stay crystal clear, year after year.
I very much look forward to seeing them fitted on to the top of nudge bar either side of the Mercedes Benz logo badge on the front grill. In addition I have decided to add some RGB camp lights.
RGB Rock/Camp Lights
I’ve decided to add these, as I saw them on the teralume website when researching for the spotlights. They look great but do also serve a number of functions.
Although headlights and fog lights are useful to see the road around you at night, rock lights are designed to be installed underneath the vehicle so that drivers can see rocks and debris that might potentially cause damage to the vehicle.
You download the free Bluetooth App and take control of the entire system, from the touch of a button! Millions of colour choices, animated modes and basic functions can all be controlled from the easy to use Bluetooth App.
Most popular choices are choosing colours to suit the environment, like an amber shade to reduce the bugs or dimming the system to provide no intrusive light. The options are literally endless!
Each lamp is fully sealed and water proof (IP69K) allowing them to be cleaned with high pressure water, be submerged in water or mud and be exposed to salty environments.
The Wheels and tyres
The Rims
So I have chosen Rhino Warlord Matte Black rims x5 (will have rear wheel carrier) with machined dark tint lip and they have been delivered. These will be married with Goodrich All Terrain KO2 Tyres. We will be modifying the fender to accommodate a bigger 17 inch rim with 265/70 tyres
Front end protection….
Bull bars ordered from Misotunida have also arrived onto which the ICON’s will be mounted. They are EU legislation complaint and hopefully will give the off road look a raw edge.
Awaiting……….
The recovery boards are from Max Trax and have been ordered from devon4x4 along with mounting pins. The plan is to mount them to the driver side towards the rear with some mounting plates sourced from offroad animal in Australia!
UPDATE16/5/21
So the Van has arrived and it is a beast. Mclaren have already started working on it when it arrived at their workshop on the 14th April.
So the first modification is the application of RAPTORTM to the lower sill beneath the plastic fascia that runs in continuity with the bumpers. RAPTOR is a highly durable protective coating that ensures protection against mechanical damage, fuels, hydraulic oils, rust, corrosion, salt water, damp, extreme temperatures and off-road muddy good fun. I first saw it used by many of the farmers I know in North Wales where it is used to line the inside of their pickup trucks as it is very durable.
The next modification completed is the fitting of the EU complaint Nudge Bars from Misutonida based in Italy, which I imported through Toys4vans. They are a solid piece of kit, 63mm diameter powder coated steel onto which the Terralume ICON spotlights will be fitted.
I do plan to go off road but do not want the van to be an “overlander” with recovery winch etc. However some form of recovery system is needed in the event of getting stuck in sand particularly. Recovery boards are an essential bit of kit if venturing off road. MaxTrax recovery boards which were procured from Devon4x4, will be carried on the driver side rear side panel, next to the roof rack side ladder on mountings I found from Australia by offroadanimal.
A rear bunk window on the other driver side have now been fitted in the same position, to give some symmetry to the rear of the van. This window will allow observation and ventilation to the rear elevated bed, in addition to the rear roof vent.
Work has also began on the inside. The first image is from the rear into the garage space below the fixed elevated bed. This will be lined with aluminium checker plate for a clean, solid, robust look which will be very functional, as it will take some punishment with equipment being hauled in and out frequently. The two other images are from within the cabin from the passenger side door. The flooring, ceiling liner with touch sensitive light fittings and roof vents, all fitted and looking very smart.
Decisions, decisions! There is always a compromise when deciding the design, for example fixed bed or have a seating area converting into a bed or even elevating beds that are fixed but move up and down on hydraulics to store the bed away if need be. One recent decision was to have a fixed rear bulkhead, rather than it be open. There are many advantages I see with a fixed bulkhead but I won’t bore you with them now. The only advantage to no bulkhead I could see, was being able to view the world, be it a sunset or sunrise for example from your bed, through the open rear doors! So we came up with an innovative solution, just like the serving hatch I remember from the kitchen to the dining room in some houses many years ago – a viewing “hatch”.
The exterior has some major modifications as already shown. But there are two other major additions yet to be done. The firs,t is to include a snorkel and the other is the roof rack. The roof rack needs to be a bespoke design in order to carry our two fishing kayaks. So watch this space for the updates on this build which should include them and the rest of the internal build as it evolves!
UPDATE 23/6/21
Well just over a month has past since the last update and wow there has been some huge progress. Look at this gallery of the latest images from Mclaren.
So we are very close, just the bespoke roof rack to go on, which will allow for carrying 2 kayaks and have a large viewing deck. It is going to be something very special!
UPDATE 29/6/21
Well things are well and truly moving at pace now, with delivery expected within the next 10-14 days. Just the roof rack to fit, which is being fabricated as we speak. Some further work on refining the interior and the garage layout and most of the mountings for the van and sports equipment have been fitted.
UPDATE 1/9/21
The Van has arrived!
We’ve had the van now for 4 weeks and we are very pleased with it. It is a head turner and we’ve had many people approach asking about it and wanting a look round. Check out my blog FOLLOW THE JOURNEY for the latest pics and commentary.
