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  #1  
Old 21 May 2009
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Van - camper conversion - petrol stoves
Hi folks,

Not strictly 4WD, I know, but until we get a 2WD forum...!

I'm planning to buy a Citroen Dispatch van to convert into a small camper and will no doubt be back for more tips on camper conversions. I want to keep it as simple as possible - just a couch that folds down into a double bed and a small 'kitchen' unit which will just be a few cupboards with a double burner screwed to the top and a small fold out table. No fridge, no sink (just a plastic basin) etc.

I'm not conviced I need a second battery set up and am thinking about a Coleman patrol lantern for light:

http://www.basecampstockport.co.uk/prodlevel2.asp?productid=233

A coleman petrol double burner for cooking:

http://www.polimil.co.uk/acatalog/Coleman_Double_Burner_Stove__51_99.html

And one of these wind driven extractors for ventilation:

http://convertavanltd.co.uk/services/van-ventilation.php

The advantage being I can get unleaded petrol anywhere and they cost peanuts to run (I have a single burner Coleman 533 for bike travel, its great). I wonder if anyone has experience of this sort of set up and if they think this ventilation will be enough.

I'm a camper newby so entirely ignorant of what issues might arise.

Cheers,

Matt
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Old 21 May 2009
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My last van was a transit. I kept it simple only had the one battery, but had a gas two burner hob and grill clamped to a worktop. Also has a gas chest type fridge, the bed was the seat as you say. It worked great I went on loads of small trips with it

Graeme
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Old 21 May 2009
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Many years ago I built a few cruising boats. I would not have petrol on/in them as it represented too many risks.
My advice would be to have gas powered cooker and lantern for inside use, rather than petrol or kerosine. By all means take a petrol stove, but carry it empty and use it outside the van.
Store the fuel for it outside the van.

I admit sea going boats are not the same as a campervan, but they are reasonably closely related.
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Old 22 May 2009
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It sounds a little bit ambitious for a van of that size to fit so much in. Bearing in mind you've only just got enough length for a bed. I've got an Expert, which I live in while I work away quite often. So far I've put a single bed in and insulated it.

Because it's pretty low volume, it does get a bit damp inside just with sleeping in it, so I wouldn't recommend cooking inside. Mind you it's been pretty rainy over the past week, which hasn't helped.

I would recommend getting wind deflectors for the windows. You can then wind them down an inch for ventilation without the rain coming in.
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Old 23 May 2009
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Thanks for the answers guys, much to think about!

One of the reasons I had decided not to go with a second battery was the hassle of wiring it in (electrics are not my thing) however, my dad has offered to help with wiring it in, and he's very good at that sort of thing, so I think I'm going to go with that.

It's also a good point about cooking inside the van, especially as the van will be quite small. However, I was going to mount the cooker right next to the side door and cook with the door open.

Why is a gas cooker less dangerous than a petrol stove? More CO2 or more risk of explosion?

I realise that the dispatch is quite small, but I think I can squeeze in a double bed and a small kitchen unit. The computer fan is a great idea, as is the windsheilds for the windows.

Any other tips for reducing condensation? I'm not having carpets because of the possibility of damp, but the bed cushions will, of course, need to be 'soft furnishings'.

Matt
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Old 23 May 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Cartney View Post
Thanks for the answers guys, much to think about!


Why is a gas cooker less dangerous than a petrol stove? More CO2 or more risk of explosion?
Matt

We use the coleman double burners a lot and they are OK but definitely an outdoor stove. You inevitably get flareups and they can be messy.
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Old 24 May 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Cartney View Post

Why is a gas cooker less dangerous than a petrol stove? More CO2 or more risk of explosion?

Any other tips for reducing condensation? I'm not having carpets because of the possibility of damp, but the bed cushions will, of course, need to be 'soft furnishings'.

Matt
Liquid fuel powered stoves sometimes flare up if they stop burning properly, and can squirt burning fuel about. In a confined space it can be unpleasant to be attacked by a wilful flame thrower. Also in the event of a leak, you will have liquid fuel to contend with. With gas, just leave the doors open and wait until the gas has vented itself. Fuel takes longer. Gas burns cleaner and with less smell. Using a large cannister (say 10-15 kilos) is cheaper than petrol (usually).
Re ventialtion, what about a wind powered extractor fan as used by mobile butchers of old....
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