Self Build Camper Ideas

TBirdUK

TBirdUK

TBirdUK

Soldato
Joined
9 Jul 2005
Posts
2,703
Location
High Wycombe
Brought a self build camper - done all the basics (almost) now need to move onto toys! Any ideas, nothing not considered (try to keep the cost down so no 40 inch plasmas etc) but got to remember power consumption is key!

Already have a in dash DVD, LCD TV. Now what else, looking at installing a pc, but not sure what/how. So come on - what should I do (must not be visible from outside (work restrictions!)
 
how about posting some pics?

couple of small solar panels one the roof to keep the power topped up?
 
Pick up the fridge tomorrow, Gas powered so no probs. SOlar panels are an option, £300 ish for 65 Watts. Got a 750 Watt genny to keep it topped but a bit noisy so not an option to have it running all the time. Will try and post pics, give me 10 mins
 
c5073ub3.jpg
 
Nope, the previous owner did, I am usng it for work. I am looking at sound systems at the moment, with a possibility of using it at parties, a few lights, nice sounds etc - just pitch up and instand party, cold beer and bacon sandwiches - anywhere! :D

Stickers got to go :( will keep the old Union jacks though!)
 
Off to bed now, keep any ideas coming (and where to get the kit (linky) is poss)- I am not turning this into a proper (in the normal sense of the word) camper, just want to have some fun (got an old sat dish thats probably going somewhere near this beast!).

The real reason I got it is to take my dog away with me, but now I have it I want to take full advantage of gadgets for me! The more the merrier I'll be!

Night
 
Can you let me know where you find for bits such as lights. I'm in the same boat, well i will be when i get an mot on the bus!


Theblue-DSC00067.JPG
 
I have a (cough) caravan.:o

Solar panels are ok, but they struggle with cloudy days, I have a 43w one and it's not amazing, if you go that route make sure you get plenty of watts.

PC's from battery seem to be a bit of a nightmare, my Shuttles refuse to start off an inverter (one of them burst into flames) , you may need a pukka true sine wave inverter, worth checking out before you buy. Although they run happily off a UPS, which is odd.
 
Laptops great but its not really in the spirit of loading the van up - anyone can take in a laptop, I want to build it in! :D

Will keep it in mind as I do have a sony that will sit very nicely in there (might have to rip it apart to make me happy!)

The_Blue - Will do, getting most kit from ebay but there are a few good etailors out there. Drop me a mail and I'll tell you where I got stuff as it comes.
 
for the PC, try and lay your hands on a **** optiplex GX520

they're really cool and small, and use a fair few laptop bits, should lower power consumption
 
TBirdUK said:
The_blue - Will do, getting most kit from ebay but there are a few good etailors out there. Drop me a mail and I'll tell you where I got stuff as it comes.
Click to expand...


Thanks!

Been looking on the bay myself.

found a consumer unit with RCD 6A and 16A fuses for 13.50! 50 quid in B&Q!

Looking for lighting ldeas now. Caravan ones are so basic and old style :(
 
I've been looking at LEDs, either the 12v caravan ones (bit pricey), car 'pimp' ones or rope lights. They are good on the power, 1.2amps instead of 10amps per spotlight/area.

Just picked up a fridge from ebay, bit small but its gas and 12v, and only cost £5.19 :D :D

Now for the carpet and then onto the play things!
 
just a thought, but the guy I brought the fridge from had 3 VW campers he was selling (mainly pretty knackered but there might be some bits for you). He was in Camberley/surrey and is on the sbmcc forum - good source of info and advice if you are doing it all yourself.
 
Have you thought about a Mac Mini or similar instead of a PC? Someone integrated one into a Mini and it looked pretty well done. I don't have a link for it, but you'll be able to find it somewhere
 
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