What an epic, unique build using interesting materials. I remember a few years ago that a German company called W.A.S, known for their luxury yacht builds, converted Mercedes Ambulances using composite boards for the door and cupboard construction. This was for durability, weight saving and ease of cleaning. Perhaps not the cheapest, but very robust.
I think that’s what I’ve learned with filming these. Less warping and moving than timber, very resistant to wear and tear, no issues with water in terms of expansion or mould etc and weight saving!
I really enjoyed this. Not just because my next van will hopefully be a MAN TGE 4x4 but because its a really well thought out and excellently produced video! Subbed! Ringo
What an epic build fella👏👍💪 And to have that come in at 3,250kg is awesome. We used lightweight ply (and it’s not that lightweight either). We’ve upplated to 4,050kg to allow us to have capacity for what we have fitted. Weirdly, having the towbar on ours has assisted taking weight off the front axle. Recently completed a front axle lift with BFG’s too. Nice work👌
@@ahoyleisure indeed. I remember doing the calcs back in 2019 and where we used Morland boards and despite the industry claims of being lightweight it is still relatively heavy per sheet at about 25kg compared to a standard 18mm ply sheet of about 36kg. The only plus was the choice of laminate colours available (see our build)👍
The Tambour Doors make a lot of sense. Quite surprised these arent used more often in van builds ... especially in the kitchen/galley area. Any chance of a link to where he sourced them from? Thanks.
@@stevewilliams9753 I did ask they were just standard fittings and runners, the standard Tambour style. so they are available from ebay etc pin lots of different colours. Yeah you can see me looking and the penny dropping - thinking oh yeah so bloody simple good ol Tambour door works a treat. 😂
Loving the videos. They are really informative and giving me some great ideas for my build. I will be looking to convert a Crafter in the near future and I am really interested in the plastic panelling for lining and furniture. Do you have any details for a supplier, finishes and costs please?
Another great vid Mark, thanks to you and John for sharing. Amazing that he has all that kit for less than 3.5T. I'm sure the Clayton is helping with the weight saving. What provides the heating and hot water? I've been looking at autotherm for heating and underslung Incline or Isotemp water system.
Thanks James ✌️ He’s using the truma 14ltr electric hot water tank which is working well for him. He basically runs it while driving to full temp and the it retains heat in the jacket only losing 1 degree every hr. I will double check on heating the van but I think it was the factory fitted heater. I will double check.
@ahoyleisure thank you. Interesting, so free hot water whilst driving from the alternator charging the Clayton and that heating the water. The 2 I have been looking at heat whilst driving as well by heat exchange with the engine coolant system and can be topped up with electric as needed. Food for thought.
@@jamescollins4489 Yeah I looked at calorifier on my build. Great idea but you do need to tap in to your hot water in the engine to get the heat from the heating matrix to heat the water in the tank. But with just an electric only heater it’s a super simple fitting and you can effectively do the same thing👍🏼.
I see that VW have approved the Clayton LPS for fitting and connection to the VW iD Buzz. I fine endorsement indeed, I wonder if other vehicle manufacturers will follow suit?
@@davidmcloughlin4225 The LPS 3000 unit in the end David. He’s also using the Truma 14ltr electric boiler too which I recommended - which I forgot to mention!!! I was so excited about finding another drive on beach that I forgot all my notes and questions. 😅He’s left a space for the Clayton G4 add-on battery, so always has that in his locker. Literally 🤣
He’s had zero issues with his Clayton and loves it. He was going to get the extra Clayton G4 battery but is doing without for now as he’s not feeling like he needs it.
No that’s was with fuel and without fresh water but all the kit. After that he removed the tow bar assembly so he saved another 30kg. So just his son, food and fresh water to add. Pretty impressive considering the added weight of the auto, 4x4, LWB spec van . Also has offroad protection plates underneath. Knowing John he will add, remove and save as he uses the van.
I’ve got a LWB 4x4, manual though so some weight saving there. If he’s gone to that much effort to save weight and landed on 3250 I’m going to have to be very creative
@@cyclingtothemoon2539 It can catch you out. The best way to go is as I worked out on my last video. Get the weight from the MAN PDF then add in fuel inc water and passengers. and see what’s left. So much weight can be saved with the plastics. I have another video lined up with another builder who has used plastics too. Another adventure build. It’s just the fixing and trimming with plastic. It need thought. But narrow aluminum corners and corner trim generally work well. The solid surface counter top and table were heavy so using bamboo which lasts very well and is good with water is a great alternative. The biggest thing i’ve learned is lightweight ply is bloody heavy. The 8ft laminated sheets I bought as extras for my build (shower sides) were very heavy. I think there are new methods that will be adapted by younger people without C1 and I’m on the hunt to help them 🤙
What was the suspension kit fitted to this build couldn’t quite catch the name of it in the video ? I’m looking at upgrading suspension on my build currently and there’s not many options out there that I can find.
Yeah we have dark cabinets but have softened it up with lighter woods on the floor and ceiling. Hahah yeah but he wanted fewer things on the outside I did think that myself I will check how he’s getting on with that.
What an epic, unique build using interesting materials. I remember a few years ago that a German company called W.A.S, known for their luxury yacht builds, converted Mercedes Ambulances using composite boards for the door and cupboard construction. This was for durability, weight saving and ease of cleaning. Perhaps not the cheapest, but very robust.
I think that’s what I’ve learned with filming these. Less warping and moving than timber, very resistant to wear and tear, no issues with water in terms of expansion or mould etc and weight saving!
Sorry if i missed it in the video but what is the lightweight material used for the cabinets called?
Plastic
I really enjoyed this. Not just because my next van will hopefully be a MAN TGE 4x4 but because its a really well thought out and excellently produced video! Subbed! Ringo
What an epic build fella👏👍💪 And to have that come in at 3,250kg is awesome. We used lightweight ply (and it’s not that lightweight either). We’ve upplated to 4,050kg to allow us to have capacity for what we have fitted. Weirdly, having the towbar on ours has assisted taking weight off the front axle. Recently completed a front axle lift with BFG’s too. Nice work👌
Haha no, lightweight ply is defo an advertising con.
@@ahoyleisure indeed. I remember doing the calcs back in 2019 and where we used Morland boards and despite the industry claims of being lightweight it is still relatively heavy per sheet at about 25kg compared to a standard 18mm ply sheet of about 36kg. The only plus was the choice of laminate colours available (see our build)👍
What is the plastic that he used in his build and where can it be sourced?
The Tambour Doors make a lot of sense. Quite surprised these arent used more often in van builds ... especially in the kitchen/galley area. Any chance of a link to where he sourced them from? Thanks.
@@stevewilliams9753 I did ask they were just standard fittings and runners, the standard Tambour style. so they are available from ebay etc pin lots of different colours. Yeah you can see me looking and the penny dropping - thinking oh yeah so bloody simple good ol Tambour door works a treat. 😂
Awesome, good job. Loving all your videos. More please
Cheers James. Really appreciate it. It spurs me on to do more 👊
Really well thought out build. Very impressive. Are you experiencing flex in your right hand rear door with the mule vans box fitted?
No not from what I’ve been told.
Loving the videos. They are really informative and giving me some great ideas for my build. I will be looking to convert a Crafter in the near future and I am really interested in the plastic panelling for lining and furniture. Do you have any details for a supplier, finishes and costs please?
I’ve chased and will come back on this. We are hoping to get the keys on our showroom this month and start to have samples and stock soon.
Another great vid Mark, thanks to you and John for sharing. Amazing that he has all that kit for less than 3.5T. I'm sure the Clayton is helping with the weight saving. What provides the heating and hot water? I've been looking at autotherm for heating and underslung Incline or Isotemp water system.
Thanks James ✌️
He’s using the truma 14ltr electric hot water tank which is working well for him. He basically runs it while driving to full temp and the it retains heat in the jacket only losing 1 degree every hr. I will double check on heating the van but I think it was the factory fitted heater. I will double check.
@ahoyleisure thank you. Interesting, so free hot water whilst driving from the alternator charging the Clayton and that heating the water. The 2 I have been looking at heat whilst driving as well by heat exchange with the engine coolant system and can be topped up with electric as needed. Food for thought.
@@jamescollins4489 Yeah I looked at calorifier on my build. Great idea but you do need to tap in to your hot water in the engine to get the heat from the heating matrix to heat the water in the tank. But with just an electric only heater it’s a super simple fitting and you can effectively do the same thing👍🏼.
Any more information on the plastic sheet material and trims please? Great idea. Great video. Thank you.
@@Zippy0George0Bungle I’m hoping to have some news tomorrow or monday.
Thank you. I’d imagine there will be a lot of interest in the material, and how it’s worked etc.
Interested in the hollow plastic sheet material too...
would love that info on the plastic sheeting chosen, and some construction details would be cool too!
Yeah some info on the plastic sheer material would be appreciated as it's kinda brushed over!
Is there any build videos of this van or links to the lightweight materials used ?
Coming soon!
Thank you for a very interesting and helpful video. Where did the roof topography come from?
I think it was designed by a friend. and printed on to the sheet.
I see that VW have approved the Clayton LPS for fitting and connection to the VW iD Buzz. I fine endorsement indeed, I wonder if other vehicle manufacturers will follow suit?
Yes well spotted. The Clayton can also recharge when the VW BUZZ or CARGO is being charged too. It’s perfect for trades or campervan 🤙
Brilliant video. Which Clayton system did he go for?
@@davidmcloughlin4225 The LPS 3000 unit in the end David. He’s also using the Truma 14ltr electric boiler too which I recommended - which I forgot to mention!!! I was so excited about finding another drive on beach that I forgot all my notes and questions. 😅He’s left a space for the Clayton G4 add-on battery, so always has that in his locker. Literally 🤣
@@ahoyleisure Cheers, I’m so tempted.
Such an interesting vid. How is the Clayton system coping ?
He’s had zero issues with his Clayton and loves it. He was going to get the extra Clayton G4 battery but is doing without for now as he’s not feeling like he needs it.
Any idea what the measurement is from finished floor to bottom of the bed frame actually is?
@@brycon232 Let me ask john. I will also get the measurements from mattress to ceiling.
900mm below bed 680mm above bed 👍🏼
Great video! Is that 3250 fully wet?
No that’s was with fuel and without fresh water but all the kit. After that he removed the tow bar assembly so he saved another 30kg. So just his son, food and fresh water to add. Pretty impressive considering the added weight of the auto, 4x4, LWB spec van . Also has offroad protection plates underneath. Knowing John he will add, remove and save as he uses the van.
I’ve got a LWB 4x4, manual though so some weight saving there. If he’s gone to that much effort to save weight and landed on 3250 I’m going to have to be very creative
@@cyclingtothemoon2539 It can catch you out. The best way to go is as I worked out on my last video. Get the weight from the MAN PDF then add in fuel inc water and passengers. and see what’s left. So much weight can be saved with the plastics. I have another video lined up with another builder who has used plastics too. Another adventure build. It’s just the fixing and trimming with plastic. It need thought. But narrow aluminum corners and corner trim generally work well. The solid surface counter top and table were heavy so using bamboo which lasts very well and is good with water is a great alternative. The biggest thing i’ve learned is lightweight ply is bloody heavy. The 8ft laminated sheets I bought as extras for my build (shower sides) were very heavy. I think there are new methods that will be adapted by younger people without C1 and I’m on the hunt to help them 🤙
What was the suspension kit fitted to this build couldn’t quite catch the name of it in the video ? I’m looking at upgrading suspension on my build currently and there’s not many options out there that I can find.
Seikel was the name. Speak to Rob at Volkstrek in Wales
@@ahoyleisure thanks
Whats the name of storage bags above passenger seats in the van ??
They are vandermoon if you use our code on their website you get 10% off and it buys us a coffee 😇 AHOYMOON
Very nice build ! to dark for my taste and an stupid placement of the toilet casett door..
Yeah we have dark cabinets but have softened it up with lighter woods on the floor and ceiling. Hahah yeah but he wanted fewer things on the outside I did think that myself I will check how he’s getting on with that.
Great video. Was that weight with a full tank of fuel and John on board?
john and full fuel. No water 👍🏼