Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Overland Vehicle Projects
Luton Tail lift Camper conversion. Luton Tail lift Camper conversion.
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Overland Vehicle Projects NEW! Show us your baby! Builds in progress or completed and proven!
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree3Likes
  • 1 Post By *Touring Ted*
  • 1 Post By RussG
  • 1 Post By RogerM

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 26 May 2018
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Luton Tail lift Camper conversion.
Hi all.

I'm looking into buying and converting a Luton/Box van with a tail lift into a camper project.

Something I can park up in the meditteranian in winter and use the tail lift to load/unload a motorcycle.

Has anyone done anything similar ?

Also, does anyone know if there are 4x4 Luton vans available ?

I can't see to find any in searches.


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/15-64-MER...UAAOSwzFxa~b8Q
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 29 May 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 194
A Sprinter 4x4 can be had as a Luton body. Pretty rare though!
A complex / expensive way would be to find one with a truck back end, throw that away and then find a Luton body. Truck 4x4 sprinters are more common, especially if you look in Europe.
I've always thought a Luton body would be ideal. A nice square box, easily fitted out and insulated.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 30 May 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Bribie Island Australia
Posts: 678
You should probably do some research on how a body is attached to a 4x4 truck type chassis, but depends on what you intend doing with the 4x4 - muddy road or hardcore offroading.
If the body is not isolated from chassis twist you end up with a leaky body at best or something that is held together with rope at worst.
I'm pretty sure if you do a weblookup on how bodies are fitted to Unimogs you'll get the idea of whats needed.
Luton's are notorious for bad fuel economy, pushing any flat lump along will reduce fuel consumption by about 25%. You'd need to do some careful weight calculations before going too far.
Westfalia have re introduced the 4x4 version of the James Cook model based on a Sprinter - maybe have a look at that for ideas. The high cube Sprinters and FIATs, LDVs etc all have full height (6'4" ish) floor to ceiling heights.
The other thing to consider is a vehicle with a difflock as they will go almost the same places as a 4x4 van will, without the ground clearance though. Often see Mercs with difflocks on www.mobile.de
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Jun 2018
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
A 4x4 Sprinter would be ideal.

I've walked away from the Luton/box van now. The load height is just too high for motorcycle use.

Sprinter's are where I'm basing my ideas now.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12 Jun 2018
stuxtttr's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lutterworth,Midlands, UK
Posts: 574
Always liked the idea of a stealth Luton camper, you can park it anywhere and no one knows its your home on wheels. I've always fancied utilising the tail lift as a mobile patio area when parked up. I even wondered if the tail lifts are strong enough to drive with it out so the bike could sit sideways across the back of the van.

Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
Hi all.

I'm looking into buying and converting a Luton/Box van with a tail lift into a camper project.

Something I can park up in the meditteranian in winter and use the tail lift to load/unload a motorcycle.

Has anyone done anything similar ?

Also, does anyone know if there are 4x4 Luton vans available ?

I can't see to find any in searches.




https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/15-64-MER...UAAOSwzFxa~b8Q
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Oct 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: london
Posts: 178
Met someone in Goa that had done exatly that with a 7.5 ton inclosed car transporter. He dropped the tail lift , revealed a wooden cottage door and windows, placed his plant out and then his arm chair and stool. Chimnier iwas nside and kitchen double bed etc.. Very cool and you would never know it was a camper when all closed up. He went every where in it north pakistan india etc..
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Using my tail lift as a bike rack - anyone done it? sam surplus Equipping the Overland Vehicle 10 5 Feb 2022 09:48
'09 Apollo 4 Berth Demountable Camper for sale in UK panterg Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 2 23 Sep 2016 10:01
Ford Ranger Double Cab ( 05 ) + 4 Berth Demountable Camper ( Apollo ) ( 09 ) -UK panterg Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 2 25 Jan 2016 22:18
FOR SALE (USA): Phoenix PULSE Pop-Up Truck Camper Adventurous Neli Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 5 20 May 2015 17:46
Overlander/4x4 Toyota Tacoma Pickup with Camper for sale from now! julz13 Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 3 29 Jun 2014 21:11

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:52.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top