Not long now…….
The van build is in full swing, nearing completion and is running on time for a late June/early July finish which is great news. The team at www.mclarensportshomes.co.uk are at full steam ahead and you can see this in the gallery below.
Next will be the rear wheel carrier and finally the roof rack, which is a bespoke build and is worth a blog of it’s own. The roof rack is designed to carry x2 14 feet sit on kayaks and have space for a viewing/seating platform.
Kitting out the Van (Part I)
The Van will need “kitting out” and this part of the project is now under way, starting at the back with the garage.
The BBQ
When possible and hopefully that’s frequently, the weather will be good enough to dine al fresco. With an external BBQ point, setting up needs to be a doddle. After extensive research, I’ve decided on the Campingaz Attitude 2100LX. It is a little bigger than I expected but who ever disliked having a larger cooking area and the accessories are cool.
Check out the features on this youtube video.
The Fire Pit
Well after looking around at what is out there and the importance of containing any fire and clearing up after yourself, there was only one option and a clear winner. Not only because it was “free” but because it simply the best smoke free fire and bloody cool!
Yes, an old washing machine drum. Made of stainless steel, it won’t rust, unlike many fire pits. In addition, the holes throughout the drum ensure plenty of air is pulled through the fire ensuring a rapid burn with minimal smoke!
Air compressor
Now, as I’ve already eluded to in previous posts, I am not looking to be an off road animal getting stuck for fun using winches, shackles and snatch blocks to get me out of trouble. I do however, want to be able to recover myself should it happen, because we will be getting off the beaten track, meaning there will be some challenging terrain. The Maxtrax recovery boards will be the mainstay of our recovery options which are mounted on the rear driver side, next to the roof rack ladder (yet to be installed).
But in addition, ‘airing down’ the tyres to 20PSI will give much additional traction. A good synopsis of the technique and how to do it safely is shown well on this link https://blog.gaiagps.com/how-to-air-down-off-road-tires-for-overlanding/. Obviously having aired down you have to be able to air up to safe pressures to travel on tarmac at speeds greater than 20mph. Hence the need for a good quality air compressor to do the job.
Following extensive research, I’ve chosen the Viair 400P automatic, click on this link for further information https://onboardair.co.uk/products/400p-automatic-portable-compressor-kit-12v-33-duty?variant=31990861299847
There are 2 optional extra accessories I have also invested in. One is a winterisation kit (middle image) which allows you to use the compressor to clear water from your van pipelines in winter to avoid frost damage. Not to dissimilar to what we get done to the static caravan we have in Wales for the winter close down.
The other is the blow gun, pictured on the far right. Useful for cleaning away dust, grit and sand in fine crevices within the cabin and main living area, but also the garage which will get messy!
Other items to be finalised for next blog
- Garage stowage system
- Tools and fixation/mounting to rear bulk head
- Bike mounting in garage
- Roof rack (design complete)
- Ski rack
- Table and seating
THE FIRST PROPER TRIP, ALREADY PLANNED WITH ALL TO BE REVEALED EARLY JULY!
BYE FOR NOW!
