My Luton is finished. Probably. Maybe.

My Luton is finished. Probably. Maybe.

Private Blog post for you lovely subscribers! Enjoy!
<< Previous private blog post right here! <<

When I started to build my home on wheels, I had the “be stealth” or “be obvious” decision to make. Weighing things up, I decided for me personally it’s better to be open and upfront in what I’m doing. With the kind of places I intended to park up, this would be the best option.

To my mind, when people see a van that’s clearly lived in and not hiding that fact, it draws less of the wrong sort of attention. Of course, doing things this way does bring curiosity from passers by. Many who are fascinated by the alternate lifestyle and have a genuine interest in what I’ve created for myself.

Travelling solo, I often welcome it when people to stop and chat. It’s the way life should be – meeting new people in the real world rather than via the infernal smartphone screen. I do both – but I certainly prefer the real world method.


Photo credit: The Indie Projects - www.theindieprojects.com

The most asked question has got to be “How long did it take to build?” and the definitive answer should be that it’s never finished! Initially I worked flat out for six months, full time. Then another couple of years worth of fiddling, modifying and getting things right! I think I can finally say, for now, it’s pretty much finished.

Here are the latest changes I’ve made to finish off my perfect home on wheels.

Fuel Economy

I’ll do a dedicated blog post on this subject soon. However, to have a van that’s as aerodynamic as a house brick, weighing just short of five tonnes, and returning 30MPG on a good run is entirely possible, and I’ve managed it.

LDV, in their infinite wisdom, didn’t fit an intercooler. A simple unit, not too dissimilar to a radiator, which considerably cools the air from the turbocharger before it enters the engine. Cold air contains more oxygen and thus burns more efficiently.

I bought an intercooler, fitted it and plumbed it in. Just by doing this, I seem to be in a higher gear up hills. Result.

Hydrogen fuel cell – do they work or don’t they? In short, it depends on the engine. However, I’ve taken mine a step further. Whilst driving in the daytime, with a bit of re-wiring, my hydrogen cell is now powered 100% from my solar panels. This is officially free energy.

The alternator – the thing that charges the battery and gives the engine electrical power – actually puts quite a load on the engine. This uses more fuel than you’d expect. With a bit of re-wiring, I can now disengage my alternator and run my engine and battery charging directly from my large array of solar panels.

Heating

 As if a 5.5Kw log burner isn’t enough, I’ve now installed a Propex blown air heating unit. There was an occasion last winter when I woke up and it was only 4 degrees in the van. This I can cope with, but combined with having a nasty dose of flu – it was evil. At that time, I promised myself I’d keep an eye open for a gas powered heater that can be on thermostat for the winter months.

I figured I was being clever buying a faulty Propex Compact 1600 on eBay for just £135. It won’t take me long to fix that and have it as good as new. I wasn’t completely wrong, I just didn’t bargain on it costing me another £250 in replacement parts!

Live and learn. I don’t regret it though, I now have a fully refurbished unit and know exactly how it works internally. Propex themselves are a brilliant company to deal with and all parts are still available for this unit which was made in the 90s.

Power!

I had reduced my battery bank down to just two leisure batteries, providing me with 240AH. After just a week away without much input from Mr Solar, I was out of power! Charging my various bits of kit needed more power. Back to four batteries it is then… 480AH restored!

Patio Doors

Well, that’s what I like to call them. I’ve made glass sliding doors to separate the cab from my living space. Whilst I originally had just the blind, I’d often find Ted’s foot shoved through it most mornings. The glass doors have solved that and now the blind doesn’t get mashed daily by a clumsy Border Collie as it’s on the other side of the glass!

All new floor!

 I really didn’t like the vinyl tiles I used for the floor. They looked good, until the sun (what, where?!) warmed them up and then they started to lift.

I spent eight hours fitting a proper laminate floor. Not the easiest thing to do, but well worth the effort!

More worktop space!

One thing my kitchen lacks is worktop space. When the cooker is in use, the only space left is the draining board. I’ve overcome this by adapting the table to dual purpose. Now, when I need extra space in the kitchen – or a desk to sit up to with my laptop – the table can be slotted in at the end of the kitchen, providing a nice worktop space. Combined with a fold up bar stool, I now have everything I need…

Every van needs a…

 Chalk board! Of course! Inspired by several vans who have chalk boards, I decided to make one.

And of course, a hand made label for the spices… Bit more pyrography!

Totally off grid.

The only thing that hinders being off grid is the need for water. I’ve overcome this by creating a filtering system which catches rain. Water that lands in the kayak is now piped down, filtered, and fed into my water tank. This will be great in Wales… Portugal not so much!

Needless to say, the kayak is now Nato Green too!

Finishing off the outside…

Absolutely loving the Nato Green, I have now finally made the last of the graphics for the side. I created this 3D looking compass – just in case I get lost. Or something.

The only bit of rust on my van was the bonnet. Nothing a replacement bonnet can’t cure. While I was at it, I sprayed my front bumpers and spare wheel cover Nato Green to match the rest!

What now?!

 The time has come to go off and adventure. Of course, I will blog (some public posts, but most private for you lovely subscribers). I will also be creating more YouTube videos along the way.

I’m staying in the UK for the time being – right now I’m not being drawn to Europe. I had a wonderful summer in Portugal this year and I’m now planning on enjoying a winter venturing around the UK. Unless it gets too chilly…

Oh – Happy Halloween – Trick or Treaters welcome if they’re brave enough….


“Trick or Treat…?”

 

 

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28 Comments on “My Luton is finished. Probably. Maybe.

  1. Thanks for your new private blogpost Richard, I do love your van, you’ve got it so well sorted out that it almost gave me an old illness back that I luckely got rid off about 30 years ago, named jealousy.

    Maybe one day, if I’m in better shape than I’m now, and if I have enough energy (read money) to fit out my old Renault Master 2, L3-H2 Van with a 2.5L 80Hp non-turbo engine, I will be able to live a life a bit like you’re doing already, surely in less comfort, and not half as nice as yours, but perfection takes too long.
    Give my regards to your lovely four footed partner Ted. Peter.

    • Hi Peter! Non turbo is always the way forward – my little Pilot was non turbo and I swear it will last forever! Hope you get your van done! Very best wishes, Rich & Ted.

  2. Wow what a transformation Rich. Beyond is looking great, may see you in Wales on your travels, we’ll be sure to stop for a cuppa!! Give Ted a big hug too.

  3. Great stuff Richard, I enjoy following you (online) I have a T25 high top I don’t live in it but I do sometimes use it for extended periods I spent 3 weeks in it last year in February while on a Storytelling course, no heating the erberspacher diesel heater is broken, parts no longer available apparently, it was fairly cold once up, but I was stung under the duvet. I do quite a lot of weekends. Just had 3 days in Somerset last weekend on a storytelling course.

  4. And you’re most welcome to join us for dinner, a cuppa or pick up a freshly baked loaf when you’re walking Ted round the woods…

    • Nikki! Hello!!!! Ahh that is very kind indeed, thank you! The wods is still one of my favourite spots of all times. So peaceful! We will drop in and see you soon! Very best wishes, Rich & Ted (and Kirsty sometimes – she still goes places with us now and then!)

  5. Hello, Richard cool idea regards saving water.And be lovely to have the heating on when it gets cold.You’re looking free and happy.
    Going on a Zen retreat January for a week. (Silence at all times.) You must embrace this in your life.Living in the moment?
    Just finished reading John Lane book. Called the spirit of silence.
    Will keep it for you.Here is a quote?
    If eternity is understood not endless temporal duration but timelessness, then he lives eternally who lives in the present.
    Ludwig Wittgenstein.
    So happy for you and your wee dog,
    Marc Jo Biscuits xxx
    An amazing home you have created.

  6. Many thanks Richard, so inspirational might have to steal a few of your ideas! Spent the last week taking the rust of seven Leyland Daf (7.5 ton) wheels thereafter painting. Chassis painted last week so please keep me inspired as its going to be a very chilly winter for me as I have no alternative but to do all my all horsebox to house-box conversion work outside.
    Best wishes
    Ben

  7. Thanks for sharing. Looking great. Always enjoy reading what you’re up to, I’ll watch out for you in Wales!

  8. A great read Richard! Looks great in side and out of the van a very rewarding praise goes your way from me, so all that is left is to get out there again and enjoy your travels together with Ted, Enjoy and a healthy winter for you both,best regards Alf .

  9. Hello mate,
    You have been busy !, im very impressed, one very sorted van.
    Dont forget if you fancy crossing the water you are as usual most welcome back to La Riviere in the Loire, your parking spot is always empty !
    Safe travels to you and Ted and look forward to seeing you soon !
    A Bientot mon ami

    • Hello mate! All is going great and we will be over to see you before too long! Hope you are all well! Very best wishes, Rich & Ted.
      P.S. The blue ball is still going strong!!!!

  10. Hey. Love your work! Van looks amazing. Did you have to strengthen the Luton roof to take solar panels and kayaks? Thinking of similar type of conversion. Cheers

    • Hi! Thank you!! No, I made the kayak rack to span from one side to the other so it’s mounted essentially above the sides of the van. The solar panels are fitted in the same way 🙂