How I Built a Custom Camper Van (2015) • Hacker News Board

Re: How I Built a Custom Camper Van (2015)

#271

Post by ifcho » Tue, Aug 30, 2016, 6:07 AM UTC

linkregister wrote: post #241

Theodores wrote: post #105

Earlier quoted context omitted.

In 'Software Engineering' there is this thing called 'code reuse'. The idea being that you don't reinvent the wheel. We were all taught it (and moved on to realise there is a lot of code out there that is best not 're-used'). These Ducato vans are the popular 'platform' for camper vans in Europe, due to the low floor. Most of the conversions have worked out the hard problems and been 'debugged' with customer feedback…

I completely agree with your comment. It looks like the Ducato is not available in the U.S. Presumably the author could fly to Europe, purchase one, and ship it back for less expense and labor. But I think part of his venture was to have some measure of self-reliance / DIY. "How I bought a great van from Europe and now I live in it" doesn't have the same novelty and escape-from-society appeal.

The Dodge/Ram ProMaster van is actually a re-badged Fiat Ducato - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_Ducato#Peugeot_J5

Re: How I Built a Custom Camper Van (2015)

#272

Post by donmb » Tue, Aug 30, 2016, 6:19 AM UTC

Super cool. I have a VW T3 and would love to have your talent. Travelled 8 weeks through Scandinavia with it. Now I got inspired to build more stuff in it. Q: Is it allowed in the US to park and sleep where you want? Heard different stories.

Re: How I Built a Custom Camper Van (2015)

#273

Post by kagamine » Tue, Aug 30, 2016, 6:27 AM UTC

post_break wrote: post #39

grecy wrote: post #6

I did something similar. I wanted a vehicle I could explore the world with, so I turned my Jeep into a house on wheels with fridge, drinking water and filtration, solar and dual batteries, interior cabinets and a custom modified pop-up roof so I can stand up and walk around in the Jeep. I joked about applying for a home owners grant :) The full pictures and story are in this album - http://imgur.com/a/OLK3o I'm drivi…

You're still alive! I remember reading about you and everyone tore you up for your route in africa.

Iirc he said he was going to drive through places like Syria, Ivory Coast and so on up the east side of the continent. He hasn't gotten that far yet, so there is still a good chance for him to stick to his original plan and die. I hope he doesn't.

Re: How I Built a Custom Camper Van (2015)

#274

Post by kylixz » Tue, Aug 30, 2016, 6:40 AM UTC

timmaah wrote: post #243

kylixz wrote: post #116

I am about to embark on a similar journey. I started off buying a 1993 33' Diesel pusher motorhome with the intent to travel the US fulltime while working remotely. It was awesome fixing it up and making it livable, modern, beautiful, and adding solar. Working with my hands was extremely rewarding! That said I soon learned that 33' is a huge vehicle which I did not feel comfortable driving regularly over mountains an…

Come join in the slack chat of a bunch of younger like minded folks: http://wanderslack.com/

Thanks! Just joined... what a great resource!

Re: How I Built a Custom Camper Van (2015)

#275

Post by eosrei » Tue, Aug 30, 2016, 6:46 AM UTC

johngalt wrote: post #180

I guess what I don't understand is why not use one of the ready made builds already out there? Something like a class B RV, or truck camper?

Common reason is those are generally too obvious.

Re: How I Built a Custom Camper Van (2015)

#276

Post by matt_wulfeck » Tue, Aug 30, 2016, 6:50 AM UTC

> If you work 40 hours, 9-5, then Monday and Tuesday are dedicated to paying for your house. Every week. If your housing was paid off, your weekend would be longer than your work week.

Isn't this only true if you don't have a fixed rate mortgage? If you bought a house in the 90s then I'm almost sure you're paying less than the average of rent your house might fetch. I've never amortized the cost over the lifetime of the house though.

Re: How I Built a Custom Camper Van (2015)

#277

Post by justin_vanw » Tue, Aug 30, 2016, 6:50 AM UTC

Awesome story, loved the pictures of building out the van.

One concern I have is that if you are idling the engine and have the fantastic fan on, wouldn't you be sucking exhaust fumes into the vehicle? Or is the hole at the back meant for exhaust with the fan pushing air in?

Re: How I Built a Custom Camper Van (2015)

#278

Post by ars » Tue, Aug 30, 2016, 6:53 AM UTC

justin_vanw wrote: post #277

Awesome story, loved the pictures of building out the van. One concern I have is that if you are idling the engine and have the fantastic fan on, wouldn't you be sucking exhaust fumes into the vehicle? Or is the hole at the back meant for exhaust with the fan pushing air in?

The air comes in on top, and out the back. Keep reading, he shows the fan.

Re: How I Built a Custom Camper Van (2015)

#279

Post by amelius » Tue, Aug 30, 2016, 6:56 AM UTC

WhitneyLand wrote: post #217

How do you date, have a relationship, significant ot ther? The bed doesn't look big enough for two...

You could use your date's bed :)

Re: How I Built a Custom Camper Van (2015)

#280

Post by KennyCason » Tue, Aug 30, 2016, 7:10 AM UTC

I have always been so tempted to do this, the one thing stopping me has always been that I lovvveee my living space. I think I just need an RV to "detach" once in a while! Awesome post, and incredible detail!