Life Changes
I have been dreaming of the freedom of a Campervan-life for years. The idea of being able to go where I like when I like.
Of course that’s not always the case! Yes I work. People often tend to think that as I am in a wheelchair I instantly get everything for free. That is not the case.
Up until recently I was married, owned my own home, had a car on finance and had bills and Direct Debits up to my eyeballs. I am sure most people can relate to this. Well in the past 9 months my wife left and I am getting divorced. The house has been sold and I have moved back into my mothers. Again there are people out there that will relate to this situation.
Needless to say its been tough. I have had a lot of change. Not all for the good but also not all for the bad either. I have found that for the first time in years my bills are minimal, my outgoings are low and I have the opportunity to free up some of the time in my life to follow my dream.
step one find a van
first step was to find a van! I honestly thought this would be easy. however i know “NOTHING” about vans. The options are never ending. Different sizes! all sorts of makes. And as for cost, that’s just an open ended cheque.
I have a friend who owns a recovery company. he is also the same guy who carries out all the work on my cars. He also does all the work on my families cars. needless to say i trust his opinion. i was asking his advice when he showed me a van he had for sale! It was perfect. Its a Medium wheel based Ford Transit.
The Specifications
| Engine size (litres) | 2.2 |
|---|---|
| HP | 110 |
| Overall length (mm) | 5230 |
| Overall height (mm) | 2363 |
| Overall width (mm) | 1974 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 3300 |
| Loading Height (mm) | 596 |
| Rear Door Width (mm) | 1540 |
| Rear Door Height (mm) | 1666 |
| Load Length (mm) | 2949 |
| Load Width Max (mm) | 1762 |
| Load Height (mm) | 1745 |
| Load Volume (m3) | 9.1 |
| Gross Payload (Kg) | 1560 |
| Gross Vehicle Weight (Kg) | 3300 |
| Kerb Weight (Kg) | 1740 |
| Towing Limit (Kg) | 1200 |
Whats the next thing on the list to do
So there are a few things I will need to do. I need to strip it out and clean it. its been used as a recovery van. Yes its dirty. Very dirty! But that will be so amazing to give it an amazing clean and give it a new lease of life. I will post photos on the next blog in the series.
I am looking to fit new front seats. now this bit may or may not take some doing as I want to custom a nice comfortable set. again look out for the update blog.
Layout is going to be tricky. Getting in all the bits I want. A fixed bed. with storage under it to fit two wheel chairs. Storage for clothes and food. Somewhere for tools. I need to look at my options for cooking as i don’t really what to fit gas. I have been looking at my choices for heating, What do I go for that is reasonably priced?
Its exciting times ahead and I will be ticking this off my bucket list. I will blog each stage so please follow the link to read more. And if you have any tips please post them through the contact page.