Building & Using a Campervan:
This book is the latest edition of my previous book titled 'Building a Motor Caravan'. It appears that the term 'Motor Caravans' has not been fully accepted as a universal description and the majority of self-builds are campervans, not motor caravans or motor homes; hence the name change of my book.
A correctly registered high roof Campervan is classified in the 'V5C' (DVLA Log Book), as a Motor Caravan. Since 2019 new Campervans with a low or elevating roof have been re-classified as 'Vans with Windows'.
There are many ways to build a campervan and I have seen some very poor examples, both on ‘U-Tube’ and in the flesh. There again I have seen vehicles built with the same basic materials which are poles apart in terms of quality and execution, it just depends on what you want!
‘RoadRunner 2’, the campervan described in this book, employs quality materials, yet there is nothing difficult in its construction. The main materials are Vohringer board (15mm laminate faced lightweight plywood), and Birch plywood which are simply fastened together with stainless steel fittings and aluminium angle (as opposed to plastic blocks and screws).
Why build your own campervan? The simple answer is so that you can have something that you want which exactly matches your requirements at a cheaper price. You can also control the quality of the furniture and fittings. Next time you visit a Motor Home Show the first thing you need to do is take off your tinted glasses. Now instead of looking at the motor caravans inspect them. In the majority the first thing you will get is a feeling of lack of space or even claustrophobia. This will be followed by the realisation that in many cases the furniture and fittings are of very poor quality. Additional to that do you really want fridges and cookers etc. that are as big as what you have at home? Do you really want to make a bed every night from numerous seat cushions? Where are you going to store your bedding in the day time? Do you need such a large wardrobe or a 12 volt control panel that looks like it came from the 'Starship Enterprise'? Don't forget that you are paying for all these, and then some!
'RoadRunner 2' is my 4th home built campervan and is designed from the ground up for 2 people only. This book describes how it came about and some considerations, legal and otherwise, that you need to be aware of if you are building your own motor caravan; i.e. choice of base vehicle - legal aspects for the build requirements - weight limitations - re-registering as a motor caravan with DVLA - choice of build materials and where to get them from etc.
Whilst not intended as a definitive build manual (that would only work if you built a campervan exactly like mine), it does describe the basic construction techniques and materials involved to build a similar campervan to mine. Probably the hardest parts of a campervan to build are; the bed, seating unit and overhead lockers. I have therefore included sketches/photos and full build descriptions for these main items. Also included are general sketches on building cupboards etc. Photos appear liberally throughout the various chapters to illustrate construction techniques, insulation and panelling etc.
My book also discusses fitment of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), solar panels and 12/240 volt electrical systems. The advantages and disadvantages of the various types of motor caravans versus caravans and much more. It also contains many hints and tips on using a motor caravan; gleaned from my own motor caravanning experiences, including; kitting lists; i.e. pots, pans, crockery and cutlery - a suggested food kitting list - leaving home and driving away lists and living off grid etc.
Please download a sample of my e-Book to see if it meets your requirements.
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