TheSamba.com :: View topic - 88bhp 2.5tdi twinslider Caravelle Daily driver camper.

Sat Mar 17, 2018 4:34 am

Hi all.
Have got myself a t4 twinslider caravelle swb 2.5tdi Manual Gearbox 88bhp.
This is the non intercooler model of the 2.5tdi’s offered in a t4. (EuroVan)
Decided to convert it to a daily driver camper pod machine with full width bed using the factory caravelle triple seat.
Following the other guys thread on the caravelle plywood piano hinged bed.

So the brief is:
Three seats in the back.
Two pods. To comprise of, sink gas hob, storage. Maybe small coolbox down the line.
Convert caravelle to a walk-through. Swivel both fronts seats. Also walk past two pods to back seat.
Maintain access in and out of both sliders.
The pods are fixed to the floor using the caravelle mushroom bolt points in the floor already.
I’ve laid a section of free lino floor covering ontop of the factory carpet for now.

Here area few pics.
I'm a complete novice with wood. So be kind.

Pics are a bit dark as they're inside a badly lit unit.
My front seats are in a heap so I'm on the look out for a set of swivel captain fronts.
I am dumbfounded at the price of these 2nd hand.
Have also looke at alternative seats. But I cannot do without the armrests.

Sat Mar 17, 2018 4:42 am

So. Carpeted the bed to see how it would look.
Waiting on some glue to adhere it to the plywood board.

The pods are almost complete. Have ordered the domestic gas hob.
With regard to water, Thinking of just putting a hole in the flower and letting the waste water out and not bothering with a ‘waste’ container.
Thoughts ? Does leave room for a bigger fresh tank.

Also still looking at captains chairs with swivels.
Need to sell a kidney for these though.

So between rear seat and pods. There is 19 inches.

And between pods to (walkthrough) is 16 inches.

Loadsa room.

I may cover the underside section of board that’s visible when the bed is folded up.

The bed is not huge. It’s approximately 5ft7 by 4ft6.
I’m only 5ft 8in. And my wife is even smaller. So I’ll see how it goes.
I’m kinda limited as to length due to the width of the pods. And the desire to be able to let the front seat occupants swivel ‘round and use the mini tables on the front of the pods.
This may change once I get it certified as a camper by authorities.
I’ll post more once I get more bits and pieces done.
Few minor mechanical issues to tend to as well.
Thanks for looking.

Sat Jul 21, 2018 4:42 am

Sat Jul 21, 2018 4:43 am

Getting there. Bulk of the conversion work done.
Need to tidy up a few things and cover the other pod with matching vinyl fake tile effect. Happy with it so far.

Sun Jul 22, 2018 6:12 am

Well, you may be a novice, but it's coming along nicely. You obviously have a plan and are sticking to it. It looks a little tight back there but if it works for you, great! I think removing the front seats and replacing with singles is a good idea. Keep up the good work.

Sun Jul 22, 2018 7:18 am

It is a little tight when the bed is down.
But when it’s up in seating position. It’s fine. The pods are removable too if need be. No extraneous plumbing or wiring. Say if I had an awning and was setup in one place for a longer period of time. The single seats are ready to go as well. On swivels too. :)

Mon Jul 23, 2018 10:09 am

Nicely done!!!

Thu Aug 30, 2018 9:44 am

Cheers guys.

Fitted the Alfa 156 leather seats.
Not bad for 70 euro for the pair.
Made up for buying the fasp swivel bases new.

Have a removable table top fitted in between the pods.
I think I May as well make it bigger. It’s too small as is.

Thu Aug 30, 2018 9:50 am

Now that makes all the difference, nicely done. Hey, have you noticed that your steering wheel is on the wrong side? :)

Thu Aug 30, 2018 9:57 am

HaHa. Thanks.
Yes. I bet that looks so alien to you guys.