Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Overland Vehicle Projects
Overland Vehicle Projects NEW! Show us your baby! Builds in progress or completed and proven!
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree3Likes
  • 2 Post By papple
  • 1 Post By papple

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Sep 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 5
Papple's Vario Build

Well after many years dreaming and a couple of years looking for the right vehicle I've today taken the plunge and got myself a Mercedes Vario.

Its an ex-Metropolitan Police van. What I call a "wakey wakey" van. That is, when 20 rozzers jump out and smash your front door in at 5.00am.

But its in really good order with only 13,000 miles on the clock. We plan to make a luxury 2 berth home for the present Mrs. Papple and me to tour Europe extensively. The build will not be quick but hopefully to a really high spec.

I'll post progress as it happens but this is she.
Attached Thumbnails
Papple's Vario Build-mediaq8leizin.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Sep 2016
Gipper's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
Posts: 1,081
Welcome to the HUBB


Your Vario looks very clean (like brand new!), looking forward to build photos, thanks for sharing!
__________________
Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 28 Sep 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Bridgend, South wales
Posts: 108
HI I'm looking forward to seeing your build

Welcome to the HUBB
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 Oct 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
top van, the last of the proper merc vans
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Nov 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 5
I've now got the motorcycle carrier installed. The bike also arrived yesterday so trial fittings at the weekend. I'll then know where to site the tie-down brackets and store the ramp

Papple's Vario Build-img_0453s.jpg

Windows next, then the paint....
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 Nov 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Bridgend, South wales
Posts: 108
that bike rack would make a nice patio..

do you have plans for an internal layout?

regards
Gren
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 27 Nov 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 5
Quote:
Originally Posted by gren_t View Post

do you have plans for an internal layout?

regards
Gren
I do but its in my head so I can't show you yet, suffice to says its 3 fixed beds and separate toilet and shower..
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 30 Jan 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 5
Progress continues. The camper is back from the paint shop in a new colour scheme. I'm really pleased with the result
Attached Thumbnails
Papple's Vario Build-img_0474.jpg  

Reply With Quote
Reply


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
XR650RTW - Around the World on an XR650R - Bike Build jnk_ Which Bike? 6 11 Dec 2018 22:56
Overland trailer build Geoisbest Overland Vehicle Projects 24 2 Sep 2015 13:18
Build Thread: The Ultimate Overland Land Rover Defender TheOverlanders Overland Vehicle Projects 11 10 Jun 2015 04:29
Crap Build Quality tony johnston Light Overland Vehicle Tech 16 13 Nov 2014 17:19

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

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. 11-14
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!

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 18:48.