So here we have what I believe to be the ultimate adventure van. Designed by me after months of thought and planning then built by Daren Shorter of Vantastic Campers who is one of the most gifted conversion craftsmen in the UK.

 The idea behind this van was to come up with a self-sufficient vehicle that offers ample storage for sports equipment securely locked discretely inside together with a separate generous living accommodation including shower, permanent bed and a lounge, cooking area.
Registered 2011 and built on a brand new Citroen Relay 2.2 turbo diesel extra high top for the simple reason that for its length of only 6.4m it has a massive 17sqm of capacity. This is 3sqm more than the equivalent Sprinter van which is also a fair bit longer at 7m. The Citroen is an altogether more compact high capacity wagon with loads of extra storage in the cab but which doesn’t feel massive but has most of the ingredients you need if you want to get away for an adventure trip or just cruise to the beach for a Windsurf, Kitesurf, SUP, Surf or to some remote mountain bike single-track or road cycle venue.
 At the rear is the business end of the van. A massive wet room vault in which to store copious amounts of gear. Completely lined in waterproof vinyl with sealed rolled up edges 1.2 m high with a max depth of 3.3m.

 The stainless racking is adjustable and presently set up for a 10’6 SUP, couple of bikes, 3-4 windsurf boards 10 sails 6 masts 4 booms plus room for all the accessories wetsuits etc and a couple of boogie boards and a surfboard.

 Even with all this loaded there is still more space to carry extra water or gas bottles if one was planning to go to very remote areas for a longer term self-sufficient stay.

 Hangers to dry wetsuits or bike clothing are also a feature. This area also has led lights in case you get back in the dark, a hot/cold shower to wash off mud and sand

 and also a separate cupboard containing the 10ltr hot water heater, electric hook up cable, waste water tank, hose to fill the main water storage, gas bottle and leisure battery with space for a further battery if thought necessary although we have never needed it. There is also a 12v socket to operate pumps or exterior lighting if needed.
Under the van there is a 91liter fresh water tank and the exhaust for the heater and the electric hook up socket. Although not considered necessary, with the quality of modern van construction, the whole of the underside has had a coat of under-seal to add even more protection as we were looking to this wagon for the serious longer term. Rear reversing sensors have been added.

 On the roof there are two 80w solar panels that keep the chunky 120aph leisure battery topped up. The battery powers the water pump for the shower/sink, the fridge, the heater blower fan and all the lights plus anything else that may be run off the 12v sockets.  Also fitted is a clever gadget known as a Battery Mastery which directs excess power from the solar panels to the main van battery so it will always start even if left standing unused for long periods. There is a purpose made silver screen that can be fitted to the front cab windows if needed to keep you warm in winter or cool in summer although the internal cab curtain is generally all you need as the whole van is incredibly well insulated. Also on the roof is a large Fiama awning the legs of which can also clip to the side of the van if only partly extended. Finally two opening skylight windows that have blackout and mosi mesh blinds.
 Inside the two front captain’s chairs swivel to bring the cab into the lounge dining area. A double rear seat with integrated seat belts is positioned next to the sliding side door. A table can be set up with a choice of two positions and as it is on a single pole it can be swivelled to optimize space. It is stored behind the double seat when not needed.

 There are sliding windows in the door and above the cooker/sink unit. These also incorporate blackout and mosi blinds.

 The twin gas burner cooker/sink housing also incorporates a gas/electric grill/cooker and a 42ltr compressor electric fridge. The hot air blower heater is underneath the whole unit with the heater vent behind the driver’s seat. 240w sockets are also positioned at low level and next to the cooking area. The larder cupboard next to the fridge has a false back which is what gives the depth to the rear vault for long SUP or surfboards.
 

 Up top there is a mass of spacious and beautifully hand crafted cupboards with drawers for cutlery and shelves for cooking utensils etc. 

 More large cupboards with shelves for clothes and other possessions. Under the cupboards and above the cooking area is a very efficient LED light with further lights above the lounge. The control panel for the electrics:- water pump, heater, solar panel input etc is located on one of the cupboards and this also displays the condition of the leisure battery.
 A step behind the rear twin seat leads to the spacious high level permanent double bed. It is effectively positioned on top of the storage area below. This is about 1.7m (6’) wide at the head end and narrows to 1.2m (4’) at the foot end and is nearly 2m (6’6) long.

Height is .9m which is enough to sit up in with a cup of tea or a book and with flip up windows on either side and an opening roof-light it still feels very open.

The windows and roof-light have blackout and mosi blinds. There are various cupboards and shelves to stand your tea surrounding the bed which has a bespoke quality foam mattress. There is an LED reading light above the bed and also a 12v socket to use direct or with an inverter to run laptops, play dvds, charge phones etc
 

 Also accessible from the step to the bed is a shower unit. This room has a hot/cold mixer shower on a riser and at the top there is a vented roof-light and an LED light for night time use. Towel hooks are positioned behind the curtain covering the door. The shower tray is large enough to take a portaloo which can be removed and located elsewhere in the van if preferred either in the rear storage area or outside in a separate loo tent to keep unpleasant smells out of the living area. So with showers inside and at the rear storage there are plenty of options.
All in all a really versatile wagon designed around the activity orientated person. The engine is powerful enough to cruise economically and the van has been re-registered as a motorhome so can legally be driven at 70mph on dual carriageways rather than the normal 60mph applicable to vans.
Taxed until end October, still in warranty and less than 5000 miles on the clock.
Reason for sale. Quite simply I am gutted to lose it but one of our adventures lead us to a spot in Cornwall where we have now bought a holiday home so sadly my lovely van has to go.
So if you just want it for weekend events or are planning to take a long tour to destinations further afield this is your baby.  At 40k she is a steal and your adventure can begin. Any questions give me a call (Carl) on 07811 658794 or 01323 520000.