I have an older Berlingo that I converted myself for my wife and I to do ittle trips around Scotland. Mine really is a Swiss Army knife, because we wanted to be all-weather capable. We have a double bed, which allows us to still.access.our toilet and a small sink when in bed. We also have cupboards on both sides that cover the rear windows but gives plenty of storage. One of the cuboards has a fold down table that we can site around and have a meal, or play some backgammon if the weather is foul outside. We have WiFi and a small projector.and screen for movies. We also have a fridge freezer that runs off a leisure battery. We have also added a 4 camera CCTV system for wild camping. All this neatly package into a stealthy micro-camper that can park anywhere without creating attention. We love our tiny home on wheels.
That sounds fantastic. I think that was what i thought this micro camper would be, but I was fortunate that I could upgrade to the motorhome..... I still love the idea of the micro camper though. I am particularly impressed by the CCTV.
I have a Ford Grand Tourneo connect, it also has a Redcote microcamper set up , mine is the soulo version though , i did opt for the cupboard as well .I found that a fitted sheet keeps it all together at night ,stops the cushions moving around .I also use a inflatable camping mat ,i find it a bit better as i am a side sleeper . Love my little micro camper , i have been on campsite's and spent the night in a car park in Halifax after a concert , no one bothered me , my van doesnt look like a camper van so i think i am less likely to get any hassle . :)
A really clear, simple and consice explanation of a micro camper. I previously had a 5.4m Hymer van conversion and loved it but in the end I sold as naughty people tried to pinch it 3 times and looking back it was probably over the top for the trips I was doing. I am now looking into such a van to see if would suit, so am grateful for you showing us yours.
Glad you liked it.....as it happens, we have been looking at motorhomes as an upgrade.....might end up selling my little camper. I love it, but can't justify 2!
That’s a great little conversion. I started with a 4x4 as a micro camper and it did me well. We ended up buying a VW and converting it ourselves which is great and has been well worth the wait. One thing that made me smile is banging your head on the lockers, if you look at a VW Transporter they have a small over head cubby in the centre near the rear view mirror which both me and my wife bang our heads on when we walk through to the rear.
I'm always intrigued by the sheer genius of the Micro Camper design. So much incorporated into such a small space. It's the Swiss army knife of camper vans. At first I thought the ceiling looked very low to sleep under and maybe a bit claustrophobic. But watching your videos I'm actually surprised by the room between the bed and the ceiling.
When I first saw the whole 'folding' thing, I was so impressed. That having been said, it did take some testing and adjustment to get the right configuration for me.
Great little vehicle, unlike other similar vehicles based on a car chassis this is based on a van chassis suspension brilliant when carrying a load. Have owned the same model as yours for ten years, do my oil, air filter, fuel filter changes myself. The EGR valve is a doddle to clean if you need to. Engine is the same as a Nissan Quashi, and parts always available probably one of the most reliable engines ever. Even comes with a real spare wheel. Thanks for the vid.
It really is a great vehicle. It is nice to have one that you still can work on........without specialist dealer software to reset the computer after you have done anything.
A lot of thought gone into that, but do you really need a double bed? I have a VW Caddy Maxi with just a folding camp bed in the back, like a Zed Bed if you're familiar with the term. I fold it up against the cargo cage when in transit with a couple of crates of kitchen stuff and camping stuff too. They go under the bed when the bed is out. A small folding table does for cooking, eating and laptop time. Would you like to see a video?
Superb, quite possibly the best I've seen, maybe the only one of seen where you can actually leave the seats in. I just bought a Berlingo 2 Ltr diesel multispace with 181k on it, but drives superbly, clean & tidy inside, 9 months mot, couple of dents. Little bit of non major rust arch and front wing -£450, absolute bargain, winning ! Is it possible to achieve this with my Berlingo, if the seats have to come out which I expected, so be it, but this way. Absolutely genius ! ? Thank you for the video, anyway. Appreciated✌️🙏
The problem os any camper box design is when the weather is bad. You can't do cooking, clean plates, use the bath, etc. For me it's better the box stand near of seats first, and you could to open the bed to access below to kitchen and potty stage. It's an idea.
It’s an ingenious design. I’m going to convert the smaller Fiat Qubo into a micro camper. I’m just going to do a single bed and make the car a 3 seater.
It looks great for an overnight stay, but I think a tent might be a better option, or maybe an awning for longer stays. I'm wondering if something like this could be used as a day van. I go to dog agility shows which go on for eight or nine hours, and a micro camper could be ideal for brewing a cuppa or having a nap. Have you seen the Berlingo house? That's ingenius.
It is certainly ideal for a 'day van' but more tricky for longer stays. I did buy an awning, but only used it once so far - more of a pain if it goes away wet, then i have to take it back out to dry at home. That Berlingo house looks very clever.
The roof rails were 'Turtle' and cost around £100. The 4 x cross bars are 'Thule' and were £180 for the 4. The Fiamma awning was around £800, and the 4 x brackets to affix the awning were £80 per pair (need 2 pairs).
Just found your channel.Great video. Just one question how have you managed to connect your filmmaking awning to the roof bars, I see you some kind of brackets..
The brackets on the roof are Fiamma 'L Brackets', that are specifically designed for the Fiamma 'Side' Awnings. I had so much trouble finding any supplier that knew anything useful about how to connect an awning to roof rails, but this link below was where I found most helpful: everythingfiamma.co.uk/?s=bracket&post_type=product&dgwt_wcas=1
A small vehicle has other mechanical advantages over a large van conversion, especially for seniors. What happens if you get a flat tire and need to change it out for the spare? Small wheels are much easier to manage than truck sized ones. Plus you are more likely to get an electric jack at a cheap price for a small vehicle than a heavier one. If the vehicle breaks down, towing charges are higher for heavier vehicles. And some garages only have lifts suitable for ordinary vehicles, so your high roof van might not go up on the hoist at a local repair garage. Put emphasis [and money] into the reliability of the campervan mechanicals, rather than the "house" part. So if buying second-hand, get it mechanically checked out and fully service the vehicle. Look at the dates on the tires, not just the tread wear. Tires have a use-by date even if they have plenty of tread left. Same thing for fanbelt/serpentine belts. For those engine with belt driven valve timing, if that belt fails, you are in for a very expensive repair, particularly if the engine is of the interference type. Make sure the fluids are new and up to spec. This includes engine oil, transmission/drive train oil, any grease nipples [rare these days], and wheel bearings. Coolant should be fresh too, and flush and re-bleed the brakes and clutch with new fluids. Also inspect calipers and drum breaks to ensure that rotors and drums are ok, with no leaks and plenty of friction pad material left. Obviously all lights etc should work as intended [headlights, park lights, indicators, etc]. Make sure you have the service manual as well, and note if it has been serviced regularly and on time. occasionally, you can get scammer "quick lube" type operators so check that things have actually been replaced, like filters , the fluids, etc. If you don't know the history, also change things like fuel filters, windscreen wiper blades, if they look old and so on. it is worth looking at the ignition system as well. Are the spark plugs and leads/coils OK? Once all that is done and paid for, THEN you at your van build-out to make it a camper. This is particularly important for people who are compelled, by economic circumstances, to live in their vehicle full-time. [Rents are so expensive these days]. If your vehicle breaks down, you won't have a home until it is repaired. You can always improve the "house" part over time as finances permit.
I am very jealous of your vehicle, so I wish you'd told a little more about it, and where to get the box kit. Better still, how much do you want for it? Then I wouldn't have to build one! 🤣
redcoteleisure.co.uk/micro-campers-for-sale/ This was where I bought the vehicle / box from. I paid £10k for the basic car/conversion. The roof rails / bars / box / Top awning cost roughly another £2k with me doing all the fitting. Also budget for toilet / toilet tent / boot awning / accessories. That probably cost me another £1k on top. But I open to offers if you want to buy mine!!!
Most of the sites i used this on were just grass pitches, so there wasn't the need to chose. That having been said, I aimed for the Tent side of things, purely because a pop up toilet tent might be unwelcomed next to a run of caravans!
@@alexrigby-dailypilgrim1351no you can put a box on top of the tent. I’ve seen many DYI with a platform and a hardtop that turns into a wall. I think for a vehicle that size a rooftop tent makes much more sense then trying to make a car into “the Tardis”. If you get my Dr Who reference. Please understand I’m not downing anything you’ve done. I just have lots of experience with motorhomes, caravans,truckcampers. My family owned a motorhome dealership when I was in high school. Then after the army I’ve been homeless a few times. I have a deep understanding on what you need to survive vs what you need to be comfortable. The main benefit to being inside the vehicle is being inside. That’s not a small thing. When all is said and done there is no right way an no wrong way. Plus you can always change. Have a wonderful day.
Thanks for sharing this. I'm sorry I didn't response before - I thought I had (or maybe I left a comment on your's) But it is great. I hope you have many happy adventures.
No worries Alex, I've had a few good trips over the years but I'm feeling my age a bit now! But I'm glad to see you in the Elvis mobile, a good choice.
I have an older Berlingo that I converted myself for my wife and I to do ittle trips around Scotland. Mine really is a Swiss Army knife, because we wanted to be all-weather capable. We have a double bed, which allows us to still.access.our toilet and a small sink when in bed. We also have cupboards on both sides that cover the rear windows but gives plenty of storage. One of the cuboards has a fold down table that we can site around and have a meal, or play some backgammon if the weather is foul outside. We have WiFi and a small projector.and screen for movies. We also have a fridge freezer that runs off a leisure battery. We have also added a 4 camera CCTV system for wild camping. All this neatly package into a stealthy micro-camper that can park anywhere without creating attention. We love our tiny home on wheels.
I’d love to see that
That sounds fantastic. I think that was what i thought this micro camper would be, but I was fortunate that I could upgrade to the motorhome..... I still love the idea of the micro camper though. I am particularly impressed by the CCTV.
A wonderful, articulate and informative presentation of micro campers. Great video.
Glad it was helpful!
I have a Ford Grand Tourneo connect, it also has a Redcote microcamper set up , mine is the soulo version though , i did opt for the cupboard as well .I found that a fitted sheet keeps it all together at night ,stops the cushions moving around .I also use a inflatable camping mat ,i find it a bit better as i am a side sleeper . Love my little micro camper , i have been on campsite's and spent the night in a car park in Halifax after a concert , no one bothered me , my van doesnt look like a camper van so i think i am less likely to get any hassle . :)
A really clear, simple and consice explanation of a micro camper.
I previously had a 5.4m Hymer van conversion and loved it but in the end I sold as naughty people tried to pinch it 3 times and looking back it was probably over the top for the trips I was doing.
I am now looking into such a van to see if would suit, so am grateful for you showing us yours.
Glad you liked it.....as it happens, we have been looking at motorhomes as an upgrade.....might end up selling my little camper. I love it, but can't justify 2!
Thank you, this was really useful! I am quite new to all this and still deciding how to go about van living!
Great video, very helpful. I'm hoping to buy a berlingo xl in the next few weeks, my plan is to take a series of weekend camper trips over the summer.
So far the best video on micro campers i've seen. Thanx❤
Thanks.
Love this very much! Thank you for sharing!!
Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it.
That’s a great little conversion. I started with a 4x4 as a micro camper and it did me well. We ended up buying a VW and converting it ourselves which is great and has been well worth the wait. One thing that made me smile is banging your head on the lockers, if you look at a VW Transporter they have a small over head cubby in the centre near the rear view mirror which both me and my wife bang our heads on when we walk through to the rear.
Thanks for watching. I must confess the bit with the lockers was actually 'Take 2'.........'Take 1' wasn't quite so dignified!!!!!
thank you very much. Quite helpful!
I'm always intrigued by the sheer genius of the Micro Camper design. So much incorporated into such a small space. It's the Swiss army knife of camper vans.
At first I thought the ceiling looked very low to sleep under and maybe a bit claustrophobic. But watching your videos I'm actually surprised by the room between the bed and the ceiling.
When I first saw the whole 'folding' thing, I was so impressed. That having been said, it did take some testing and adjustment to get the right configuration for me.
You did a great job on your conversion. Hi, from East Tennessee!
Thanks. I did outgrow it slightly - hence buying my new motorhome, but I had such fun with the camper.
Great little vehicle, unlike other similar vehicles based on a car chassis this is based on a van chassis suspension brilliant when carrying a load. Have owned the same model as yours for ten years, do my oil, air filter, fuel filter changes myself. The EGR valve is a doddle to clean if you need to. Engine is the same as a Nissan Quashi, and parts always available probably one of the most reliable engines ever. Even comes with a real spare wheel. Thanks for the vid.
It really is a great vehicle. It is nice to have one that you still can work on........without specialist dealer software to reset the computer after you have done anything.
Very thorough and thought provoking video for anyone looking at getting a micro camper. Well done Alex
Thanks mate. Just remember.......it was your idea for me to buy one!
@@alexrigby-dailypilgrim1351 No no no, my idea was to buy a van and convert it, you decided to buy a micro camper all on your own lol
I think it is also great fun to build one
EXCELLENT REVIEW
A lot of thought gone into that, but do you really need a double bed? I have a VW Caddy Maxi with just a folding camp bed in the back, like a Zed Bed if you're familiar with the term. I fold it up against the cargo cage when in transit with a couple of crates of kitchen stuff and camping stuff too. They go under the bed when the bed is out. A small folding table does for cooking, eating and laptop time. Would you like to see a video?
Yes please!
@@alexrigby-dailypilgrim1351 All right, I'll do it tomorrow.
Could you share link for the vid please? Thanks!
@@shivamano946 ua-cam.com/video/N8vxtU5jH0g/v-deo.html&ab_channel=FiveRustyNails Let me know what you think. OK?
Superb, quite possibly the best I've seen, maybe the only one of seen where you can actually leave the seats in. I just bought a Berlingo 2 Ltr diesel multispace with 181k on it, but drives superbly, clean & tidy inside, 9 months mot, couple of dents. Little bit of non major rust arch and front wing -£450, absolute bargain, winning ! Is it possible to achieve this with my Berlingo, if the seats have to come out which I expected, so be it, but this way. Absolutely genius ! ? Thank you for the video, anyway. Appreciated✌️🙏
I have gotten some ideas from watching this. Thanks Sean
Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching.
I love it…….what a great little micro camper.
Thanks......It really is!
The problem os any camper box design is when the weather is bad. You can't do cooking, clean plates, use the bath, etc. For me it's better the box stand near of seats first, and you could to open the bed to access below to kitchen and potty stage. It's an idea.
Absolutely agree. I had wonderful fun with that camper, but since buying the motorhome I haven't looked back
It’s an ingenious design.
I’m going to convert the smaller Fiat Qubo into a micro camper. I’m just going to do a single bed and make the car a 3 seater.
It looks great for an overnight stay, but I think a tent might be a better option, or maybe an awning for longer stays. I'm wondering if something like this could be used as a day van. I go to dog agility shows which go on for eight or nine hours, and a micro camper could be ideal for brewing a cuppa or having a nap. Have you seen the Berlingo house? That's ingenius.
It is certainly ideal for a 'day van' but more tricky for longer stays. I did buy an awning, but only used it once so far - more of a pain if it goes away wet, then i have to take it back out to dry at home. That Berlingo house looks very clever.
Great setup
Thanks.
You are so English, I loved your presentation more than the content, which was also excellent.
Great job 👍
Thank you! 😃
Thank you Alex very useful information. Can you say what make and cost is the awning attached to the roof bar.
The roof rails were 'Turtle' and cost around £100. The 4 x cross bars are 'Thule' and were £180 for the 4. The Fiamma awning was around £800, and the 4 x brackets to affix the awning were £80 per pair (need 2 pairs).
Just found your channel.Great video. Just one question how have you managed to connect your filmmaking awning to the roof bars, I see you some kind of brackets..
The brackets on the roof are Fiamma 'L Brackets', that are specifically designed for the Fiamma 'Side' Awnings. I had so much trouble finding any supplier that knew anything useful about how to connect an awning to roof rails, but this link below was where I found most helpful:
everythingfiamma.co.uk/?s=bracket&post_type=product&dgwt_wcas=1
Cool 😊thanks
Thank you .
A small vehicle has other mechanical advantages over a large van conversion, especially for seniors. What happens if you get a flat tire and need to change it out for the spare? Small wheels are much easier to manage than truck sized ones. Plus you are more likely to get an electric jack at a cheap price for a small vehicle than a heavier one. If the vehicle breaks down, towing charges are higher for heavier vehicles. And some garages only have lifts suitable for ordinary vehicles, so your high roof van might not go up on the hoist at a local repair garage.
Put emphasis [and money] into the reliability of the campervan mechanicals, rather than the "house" part. So if buying second-hand, get it mechanically checked out and fully service the vehicle. Look at the dates on the tires, not just the tread wear. Tires have a use-by date even if they have plenty of tread left. Same thing for fanbelt/serpentine belts. For those engine with belt driven valve timing, if that belt fails, you are in for a very expensive repair, particularly if the engine is of the interference type.
Make sure the fluids are new and up to spec. This includes engine oil, transmission/drive train oil, any grease nipples [rare these days], and wheel bearings. Coolant should be fresh too, and flush and re-bleed the brakes and clutch with new fluids. Also inspect calipers and drum breaks to ensure that rotors and drums are ok, with no leaks and plenty of friction pad material left. Obviously all lights etc should work as intended [headlights, park lights, indicators, etc].
Make sure you have the service manual as well, and note if it has been serviced regularly and on time. occasionally, you can get scammer "quick lube" type operators so check that things have actually been replaced, like filters , the fluids, etc.
If you don't know the history, also change things like fuel filters, windscreen wiper blades, if they look old and so on. it is worth looking at the ignition system as well. Are the spark plugs and leads/coils OK?
Once all that is done and paid for, THEN you at your van build-out to make it a camper. This is particularly important for people who are compelled, by economic circumstances, to live in their vehicle full-time. [Rents are so expensive these days]. If your vehicle breaks down, you won't have a home until it is repaired. You can always improve the "house" part over time as finances permit.
That is very true, and very good advice. Certainly when I bought this van, mechanics came first - dwelling second.
Amazing.
Thanks!
I am very jealous of your vehicle, so I wish you'd told a little more about it, and where to get the box kit. Better still, how much do you want for it? Then I wouldn't have to build one! 🤣
redcoteleisure.co.uk/micro-campers-for-sale/ This was where I bought the vehicle / box from. I paid £10k for the basic car/conversion.
The roof rails / bars / box / Top awning cost roughly another £2k with me doing all the fitting. Also budget for toilet / toilet tent / boot awning / accessories. That probably cost me another £1k on top.
But I open to offers if you want to buy mine!!!
Do you have any issues getting onto sites with one of these? Im just thinking would you park with the caravans and motorhomes or with the tents?
Most of the sites i used this on were just grass pitches, so there wasn't the need to chose. That having been said, I aimed for the Tent side of things, purely because a pop up toilet tent might be unwelcomed next to a run of caravans!
Hi Alex did you build this yourself or is it something available on the market?
The internal conversion came from : redcoteleisure.co.uk/ I did the roof box / rails / bars / awning
Super løsning 👍😊
Thanks.
That’s a great little camper. Who made it for you?
It was bought already converted. redcoteleisure.co.uk/
All that rain when you arrived, and you put your cushions outside when you set your bed up.
Normally, I would stack them on the front seat. I'll be honest, it was one of the biggest pains, having to juggle everything around.
I think a tent box on the roof and it will sleep 4 comfortably
i did think about that, but then I would lose the roof box and the awning. That having been said, might be a good trade off.
@@alexrigby-dailypilgrim1351no you can put a box on top of the tent. I’ve seen many DYI with a platform and a hardtop that turns into a wall.
I think for a vehicle that size a rooftop tent makes much more sense then trying to make a car into “the Tardis”. If you get my Dr Who reference.
Please understand I’m not downing anything you’ve done. I just have lots of experience with motorhomes, caravans,truckcampers. My family owned a motorhome dealership when I was in high school. Then after the army I’ve been homeless a few times. I have a deep understanding on what you need to survive vs what you need to be comfortable.
The main benefit to being inside the vehicle is being inside. That’s not a small thing.
When all is said and done there is no right way an no wrong way. Plus you can always change.
Have a wonderful day.
As promised ua-cam.com/video/N8vxtU5jH0g/v-deo.html&ab_channel=FiveRustyNails
Thanks for sharing this. I'm sorry I didn't response before - I thought I had (or maybe I left a comment on your's) But it is great. I hope you have many happy adventures.
No worries Alex, I've had a few good trips over the years but I'm feeling my age a bit now! But I'm glad to see you in the Elvis mobile, a good choice.
You're joking about that solar panel, I hope. Otherwise you are woefully uninformed.
I must confess, it did lack 'gusto'. My motorhome has a slightly bigger one!
Genius ideas. I'll subscribe to your channel and follow you❤
Thanks. Glad to have you with us!
@@alexrigby-dailypilgrim1351 🌹❤