Big bigger or tiny

I moved from a 8mtr Eura to a Bus who’s internal length was much longer due to better internal layout as much as to its bigger size.  Unfortunately i have to plan every thing before I make a move.  The Eura was really comfortable but seriously badly laid out for a single guy hence the self build direction.  The bus hasn’t worked out as it is as restrictive as a house for a fulltimer.

The new van is a LWB Fiat Ducato and it only measure 3.5Mtrs in length internally for the living space.

The upside of the small van is I can go anywhere at any time including the supermarket without planning.

The downside is I really really really have to sell everything I own. I can’t carry more than a small handfull of books. The CD’s are out the window along with the DVD’s. The physical photo’s are hard but they have to go as well. The push bike is going as is a bunch of other stuff that is really handy but only gets used once a month at most. There will be no microwave, no toaster and no full power desktop computer for when I am on hookup.

My new lifestyle will be move fast move often. But it means I have my clothes, my ebook, and my laptops and not much else.

It is quite liberating once I commited to it but the process was pretty tough to be honest.

Any way,  don’t expect a cuppa if you call on me,  my other 3 cups have gone in a skip.  I can’t cook a meal as I only have two hobs and two pans.  Well I can cook a meal but you will have to share the plate and knives and forks with me,  The table only seats one so you will have to sit outside.  However, I did this for me…  I can get on my European tour, learn some languages and see some sights.   I may miss out on the very rare occasion when someone wants to visit me but my travels are going to be much smoother and easier to organise.

Brief Update on progress

I got the drop down sink today and found that it won’t fit in the shower room so have had to pull it down and redo it somewhat.  It is not going to be quite as nice as I planned but should still look good.

Tomorrow I should hopefully get the rest of the internal furniture finished and can prep it for moving in on Friday.  I want to get all the plumbing ready for the transfer of the pump, shower head, boiler and water tank on Friday.  If I can do all that and get the foam for the seats I should be able to get moved in over the weekend (I hope).

Once I am in I can start writing up the build process, format the photo’s and publish to this blog.

Just so you know.

I haven’t forgotten about my blog,  I am very busy building the new van and am taking copious pictures.  I will post a number of blog entries covering the build as soon as I have a couple of hours free.  I currently have the outside of the van painted,  the insulation is all pretty much in.  3 windows have been fitted and the floor insulated and covered.

I am hoping to have it liveable by Monday coming and should be able to post more details along with pictures soon after that.

Got the new van, bad news

I bought the van yesterday and drove it back from Wigan.  Unfortunately it turns out the suspension needs some work and the gearbox is on its last legs.  Nothing that can’t be fixed but another vexation I could have done without….

New Van

I have won an auction on ebay for a van.  I am picking it up this weekend then the work can start again.    I am hoping to keep the budget under £1500 to get it all finished and aim to complete the work within 4 weeks.  I can then get on with my business and travelling.

House Sold, new van on way

The house has sold and the cheque should clear on Monday.  I have found a van which I will be going to look at on Tuesday.  I hope the Van is good then I can crack on and start getting around a bit more.  I will kind of miss the Bus with all its space and payload but not being able to move and use campsites is almost as restrictive as having a bricks and mortar house.

More news to come soon I hope.