Hey guys please keep filming in your time back in the Uk. I can't wait to see your reactions to how it's changed since you started/left the UK. Cost of everything, the weather, cost of fuel, difficulties in getting loads of stuff (just you wait til that hits your build!) I predict it will put your vehicle build in to warp speed so you get on your travels again! 😁😁😁
Yeah, we're very aware of the rise in costs and hopefully the video's will keep coming in some form or another... not sure I can afford 20+ hours a week on filming & editing. 😩🙏😀
Wow congrats on an amazing five years. So right to take the time to reset for the next adventures. Keep the important things important. 👏 What a great challenge to build the truck.
Great news. How exciting, nothing better that designing and building to your own requirements and designs. Look forward to seeing any videos you’re able to squeeze in. My old Merc 709 conversion took 11 months. If there were still newer Merc Vario’s (4x4) we would have done another one. Best of luck, and enjoy.
Exciting news! We love your vlogs - so keep 'em coming. Definitely cover some of the build - I appreciate that many people don't want too much technical details but for many of us 'enthusiasts' a nod to that in future build videos would be great. I guess it has to be a balance of interest for others who follow you for your adventure/travel content more than which wire goes where! If it gets too techie people might drift off! For a moment I thought you were going to announce - shipping 'Tonka' to the US for a new series - maybe in the future?!
Thank you, you're absolutely bang on 👌...I will cover some of the technical detail and thinking/decisions behind the build however, it'll be general chat and issues faced with a budget update etc. Funny you should mention the US cos that's partly the reason for the build, we see ourselves travelling for the next 20+ years and have every intention of doing the America's over a 3-4 year period. 😀 Have you got a listening device 😂😂
@@TheGapDecaders 😅 Lol - no eavesdropping device - but that's what we would love to do if we ever had such a truck - we are not that brave (yet) so get inspired by your vids. Looking forward to the updates.
Exciting news guys. It’s something I’d love to do myself so will be watching! We have relations in Suffolk so may swing by one day to see how it’s going 😊. Wish you all the best with project Tonka 2. ‘What the mind of a man/woman can conceive and believe, that man/woman can achieve’! That’s what I always tell my kids 😂. All the best guys 👍
Hi John, thank you and no problem you'd be most welcome. Indeed, I'm a little more "E who dares Rodney" 😁 but yes, where there's a will there's a way. 🙏
As you know, I picked up on the fact there would be Tonka 2 in the pipeline so it is great to hear of your plans. It took me 6 months to fit out my van so 12 months to build from scratch doesn't sound impossible. After all, a house can be built within that timescale! I guess it is both exciting and scary but, with your house renovating skills, you will have lots of experience to draw on. Any kind of weekly vlog to keep us subscribers/followers updated will certainly be great. All the best on your planning for your major project. 😊
Hi Peter, LOL...you absolutely did 😀 Lot's of variables and hurdles to overcome but as you say, it's all doable. Yep, we'll definitely share the build process, with a very open & honest approach, even if we are £30k over budget. 🙏😀
You’ll do a great job and I suspect you’ll achieve it in the timeframe if you don’t try and vlog too much. I, and I suspect many others would watch you tighten every bolt if you filmed it but whatever you can fit in will do us and we can look forward to some even more amazing travels once you’re done. Just a thought, maybe someone in Norfolk may be interested in honing their vlogging skills by doing some filming and editing for you?
Thank you so much, we may well go over but as long as we come out the other side with the right vehicle, it'll be worth it. You're so right, I've already had people ask that I film the detail. Re; video assistant - That would be good, I probably spend up to 25 hours a week filming and editing, so I suspect something will have to give, if I'm to progress the build. We'll see 😀
Good luck to you, will be interesting to see your next 6 months trip, as we’re planning similar next year, and then to see how you get on with your 2024 build.
Absolutely incredible! I find it a help that you have decided to do this as we have just started our journey to do exactly the same and build a truck in a year for 100k or less. Loved your vids before now, and will be following with a much closer eye, thanks!
@TheGapDecaders not yet. We have just sold our house and are currently on holiday as a treat to de-stress from that process! I have made a few enquiries in to trucks and have probably viewed every 4x4 and 6x6 in Europe at the moment. I have also been in touch with a couple of box builders too and had some very different quotes! Hopefully will make a purchase in the next couple of weeks!
@@lukeybaby45 Interesting, sounds like you’re at a similar stage, you do right to have a break before the next phase, enjoy. If you do come across a European trader dealing in decent LHD trucks, let us know 🙏😀
Hi, yep it is... we've spent six months researching & budgeting, speaking with fabricators & suppliers and there's no doubt - it’s tight in everyway. But, if we go over, we go over.
Phil, Izzy, Brilliant! I loved hearing your story tonight and wish you the best with it. I hope you do post some snapshot videos of the build. I’ll be looking out for them. Enjoy your family time too. Take care, Ian
Lol! I didn’t expect that! I’m in the middle of building my ex fire truck Isuzu FTS 700 4x4 now in my second year of the build. Can I just say very brave and 12 months is defo a big ask. Just one tip from me,are sure you have an undercover area big enough for the truck and habitation box, as my build has been outside and it’s been very testing for sure.
Hi guys. You two will nail it, you both have the drive and passion to make it happen. Good luck with it all but in the meantime enjoy the rest of your travels. Take care.
WoW another adventure building the next stage of your life journey. We will watch with interest. I’m sure you’ve heard of Motorcraft Adventure Developments up in Doncaster. They just built our truck but they also supply the fully insulated box or double glazed glass windows or window latches etc etc. Ian and his crew are amazing
Hi thank you and yes it’s exciting. Yes we know MC and we've looked at various builds both at shows and people we've met on the road (living in them). I do like some of their smaller items and the end product (truck build) is finished well, but their pricing is on another level. So when's the big off? 🙏😀
Just started our build based on a DAF T244, inspired greatly by your truck and it’s layout. We’ve learned a huge amount from you guys and look forward to seeing the change come to fruition.
Exciting times ahead for you both, sad to say goodbye to Tonka., but sometimes thinks have to change, so best of luck to both of you, l look forward to you future vlogs,
I believe that you two can do this. You have been such an inspiration and a help to us. Todays been a big of a difficult day for us today- we are into our fourth week and only just feel like we’re getting into our stride- our van id overwhelming us somewhat as we are learning what things do so watching and listening to you is so encouraging to us. Looking forward to the next part of your journey as well as feeling every bump of our own x
Hi Amanda, thank you so much and I hate the thought of you having a bad day. It definitely takes time to adjust but it's inevitable, it's a massive lifestyle change, but just hang in there, it hit Izzy at week six and we still have the odd blip. 😘
Wow! Discussing trucks with a friend in Germany earlier this morning and then this video comes up! I've been kicking this same idea around for the last year too, although probably for different reasons! So many factors to consider! Our current truck is my second self-build and I'm still not sure that I want to do it again (this one took two years, but only working very part-time)...but...some additions and changes would be nice and make it more comfortable for the three of us! The more experience you get, the more clear you desires become. I agree with your statements on the shows and entire hobby...it's prices are out-pacing many who want to get into it. The secondary market is scary too as those that have money want new, and most of the rest don't have the money to begin with. The DIY guys are stuck in the middle somewhere. I'm curious to see where you take this and will be taking notes!
Thank you, totally agree with all of the above. Clearly demand post-pandemic (in particular) has led to a sharp rise in new prices, coupled with more and more people looking to explore a new lifestyle and build a truck. I get that our time frame and budget is ambitious, however I genuinely believe you don’t need to spend £500k plus. I look at completed units and as beautiful as they are, I just see a huge profit. I may be eating my words but I'm pretty confident I'm not a million miles away. 🙏😀
Wow that is big news although not a total surprise. That sounds a big plan, but you two will have it the bag I’m sure, we love watching you both and look forward to the rest of this trip and the updates on the truck. Also we are checking out your Norfolk guide as we love it there. Thank you ❤👏👏👏
Hi Lynn, thank you for the support. The Norfolk sites relatively new but yes it's a great County, we just love the big open spaces (especially when there’s no people) 🙏😀
Fantastic objective and you will sell your truck very quickly. You really are an inspiring couple .We are busy getting our motorhome full time living plan into place for next year. You are on a different level and looking forward to seeing it develop and come to fruition.Dave n Jo
Hi both, that's kind & appreciated. Living full-time in a motorhome is a different beast, good luck with the preparation & give us a shout if we can help 🙏😀
Congratulations. What an incredible build series that will be. Add some time lapse. Have you thought of hiring a sponsorship/ brand partner manager? They charge normally around 20%-30% Hopefully you will create a source and build guide ebook for fans that would like to do the same while showing their support. Awww kinda sad no yellow school bus tiny home touring around Route 66 jamming to By By Miss American Pie.. 🎶 🎵
😂😂😂 Yeah sorry about that. Thank you, I really like the time-lapse idea 👍🏻🙏 Although we've thought about brand partnerships, we haven’t really fully engaged on that side yet. I quite like the ebook idea, we already have a number of ebooks and itineraries so that's of interest, 👍🏻although I sense our biggest enemy will be time. Lot's of food for thought 🙏😀
Best of luck guys, you can easily build one for £100k, it’s your base vehicle that’ll hit you, popularity is making the prices stupid. Looking forward to updates. Oh and we should be back in the U.K. around December heading back up through the Balkans, will keep an eye out for you 👍🏻
Cheers guys, yeah the base vehicle is key, we don't mind going over a little if it's right. Although the budget is extremely tight so we'll see 😁. Yeah, it'd be great to meet up if possible 👍🏻😀
This is the crazy thing, we like the layout we have... but there's a few little things that would be preferable, a slightly bigger hab box to allow for a separate toilet/shower cubicle and a U seating configuration. So (hab box) 400mm longer, 200mm wider & 200mm lower (if possible). I suppose that's our dilemma, why would we (or even need to) build another rig, when what we have is 99% there and the base MAN vehicle only has 62k miles - that's typically Izzy and I...we like a project.
Very difficult I am right now in the process. One year 100 k you will make a lot of compromises, and in the end, you will not be happy. I do everything by myself, I refit a Steyr 12 m 18 with all the systems, and now I am started to build the box from scratch. Truck, El system, window, water system, kitchen, all the material…… I already over your budget ok I do make not a lot of compromises. Good luck
I'm always happy to listen to people who have built a rig, or are in the process so appreciate your thoughts. I'm not looking to compromise too much, and if we go over budget but come out the other side with a truck we're happy with, then it'll be worth it, but yeah...it's gonna be tight. Cheers 🙏😀
Hi Simon, ideally a Mercedes Axor 18t, 4+m wheel base or a MAN l2000 18t. I will consider something newer like a MAN TGM, but I'm keen to keep it as mechanically/electrically as simple as possible.
Thanks, yeah we've spoken with enough people who’ve built their own rigs, to appreciate that our budget/timeframe ratio is certainly a big challenge. We will unquestionably require the help/skills of other trades to help keep within the timeframe, so the budget may well slip. How much more have you to do?
Apologies for this late comment, I hope you can reply to it. 100K? Wow, ummm, that's a lot of money. Why is this? I am interested in a rough cost breakdown (and did look through the comments for it) I am concerned because this is what I have roughly budgeted for my rig. I saw a German couple who had converted a standard truck for 60K Euros a while ago, and just watched a US Bus conversion who did it for $50K. If you are going to struggle to hit 100K, well, ummm, Kevin rapidly reduces his expectations.
Hi Kev, yeah... it is a huge amount of money but not in the overland world. We haven’t put a cost breakdown out there just yet, but we will do shortly. It really depends on a number of factors, an old truck with a box already fitted coupled with a self build then yes, 60k would probably be ok, and equally an old Schoolie where you're literally changing the interior layout is equally doable. If however you want a half decent 4x4 rig, fabricated sub frame and habitation box to get you started, that alone will set you back £30-50k upwards It's really down to how much you spend on things like; - windows, doors, and passthrough - (we'll install glass windows which significantly ups the build cost) - electrics/solar - plumbing including heat source/tank/heat exchanger - paint - cabinets, table, upholstery, trim, worktop, fittings - fabrication (step/bikerack/spare wheel/cut through - storage/workshop (dry space) - labour The list is endless, and current material/component costs are high, but it's ultimately about what you want from the project, it's easy to get carried away however we're hoping to keep it pretty lowish tech/simple. There's obviously lot's of variables and having spent considerable time on the budget, we're in no doubt our build costs will be extremely tight.
I personally think the truck is a very poor design for Motoehome life in Europe. You have an off-road capability but at the same time the vehicle is so high many roads will not be passable. As a coach driver you have given yourself a constant headache with height checks and having to avoid low bridges. The other big factor is the separate cab design for me this utterly floored. Instead of driving and feeling like you are in your home it's very claustrophobic. The separate cab area also means when you are parked up a huge part of the motorhome is sectioned off. In an A class design you get to enjoy a panoramic view and utilize all the space. When there is limited space any design that sections of an area is a bad idea in my opinion. Also sorry it looks horrible, the MH lacks visual appeal. Yes you may get looks and it does stand out but that is not the same as people admiring the vehicle.
Just giving my opinion you have some nice adventures and your videos are interesting, That said I am not a grown fan boy like some of the followers lol 😂
Hi, having owned two A-Class motorhomes previously (E line Carthago and tag axle Knaus), we're fully aware of the benefits an A class can offer however, there's a reason we wanted an overland vehicle. As full-timers who enjoy going a little further off the beaten track, and with the capacity to sit there for ten days, it was a move we don't regret. Haven spent nearly six months in Georgia & Armenia last year on difficult roads and tracks, it would be unthinkable in any type of motorhome... and the robust nature of our build and height, added to that sense of security. We've lived and worked in Europe for well over twenty years and I Phil, have driven much larger vehicles without issue. This is a baby truck by comparison, the vast majority of trucks on the road are much bigger in every dimension. We personally (along with hundreds of other people who’ve approach us on the road) love how the vehicle looks. There are pro's and con's with every type of van, motorhome or overlander and it's what works for you.
@@TheGapDecaders I have also travelled through nearly every European country as well, and many park ups would not be possible in such a vehicle and many country lanes in the UK you would have to smash your way through lol 😂 is not about driving a large vehicle which is actually easy. It's the logic of severely restricting yourself. I don't see why the height is needed to go off road besides it's easy enough to just park up and walk off-road. That said I guess that type of off roading is a different world of interest. I can't imagine how anyone would prefer to drive in a sectioned off cab rather than an A class the view is actually worse while driving and restricted while sitting. In terms of how it looks people may be polite but I am sorry it's a box on wheels I didn't think it was designed with the pretence of beauty?
Good luck!!!🎉 And if you change your mind in november we‘ll forget about that video😂 But we think you won‘t…💪🏻“Hallo“ from the whole musician_family_on_the_road👋🏻
Phil's dream come true, building his own truck!
lol, you know me so well 🙏😁
Awesome 🙌 can't wait to see/ watch your new build 😁😁👍👍
Hey guys please keep filming in your time back in the Uk. I can't wait to see your reactions to how it's changed since you started/left the UK. Cost of everything, the weather, cost of fuel, difficulties in getting loads of stuff (just you wait til that hits your build!) I predict it will put your vehicle build in to warp speed so you get on your travels again! 😁😁😁
Yeah, we're very aware of the rise in costs and hopefully the video's will keep coming in some form or another... not sure I can afford 20+ hours a week on filming & editing. 😩🙏😀
this is super exciting for you, I can't wait to see your progress :)
Wow congrats on an amazing five years. So right to take the time to reset for the next adventures. Keep the important things important. 👏 What a great challenge to build the truck.
Thank you, I like the way you put that "important things important"
The reset will do us good 🙏😀
Looking forward to seeing the progress of the build. Taken care.
thank you 👍🏻😀
Hey Phil & Izzy, now that a challenge. We are certain you will achieve this. Can't wait to see the new truck 😊
We will talk soon.
Jeff & Emma
Hi both, thank you and yes, definitely catch up soon. Enjoy Turkey, I bet it's baking right now 😀
Wow! Wow! Wow! I’m so excited for you and your plans. And we look forward to crossing paths again soon 🍻
lol, thank you and I really hope so 🙏😀
Great news. How exciting, nothing better that designing and building to your own requirements and designs. Look forward to seeing any videos you’re able to squeeze in. My old Merc 709 conversion took 11 months. If there were still newer Merc Vario’s (4x4) we would have done another one. Best of luck, and enjoy.
Hi Mike, thank you and yes... its going to be a challenge, that’s for sure.
Love a 4x4 vario. 😀
Exciting news. Looking forward to seeing your build and how you will accomplish your goal.
Hi guy's, thank you and yes it's certainly a challenge 🙏😁
Exciting news! We love your vlogs - so keep 'em coming. Definitely cover some of the build - I appreciate that many people don't want too much technical details but for many of us 'enthusiasts' a nod to that in future build videos would be great. I guess it has to be a balance of interest for others who follow you for your adventure/travel content more than which wire goes where! If it gets too techie people might drift off!
For a moment I thought you were going to announce - shipping 'Tonka' to the US for a new series - maybe in the future?!
Thank you, you're absolutely bang on 👌...I will cover some of the technical detail and thinking/decisions behind the build however, it'll be general chat and issues faced with a budget update etc.
Funny you should mention the US cos that's partly the reason for the build, we see ourselves travelling for the next 20+ years and have every intention of doing the America's over a 3-4 year period. 😀
Have you got a listening device 😂😂
@@TheGapDecaders 😅 Lol - no eavesdropping device - but that's what we would love to do if we ever had such a truck - we are not that brave (yet) so get inspired by your vids. Looking forward to the updates.
😂😂 Cheers Eddie, never say never 👍🏻@@eddiexblue
Exciting news guys. It’s something I’d love to do myself so will be watching! We have relations in Suffolk so may swing by one day to see how it’s going 😊. Wish you all the best with project Tonka 2.
‘What the mind of a man/woman can conceive and believe, that man/woman can achieve’! That’s what I always tell my kids 😂.
All the best guys 👍
Hi John, thank you and no problem you'd be most welcome.
Indeed, I'm a little more "E who dares Rodney" 😁 but yes, where there's a will there's a way. 🙏
As you know, I picked up on the fact there would be Tonka 2 in the pipeline so it is great to hear of your plans. It took me 6 months to fit out my van so 12 months to build from scratch doesn't sound impossible. After all, a house can be built within that timescale!
I guess it is both exciting and scary but, with your house renovating skills, you will have lots of experience to draw on. Any kind of weekly vlog to keep us subscribers/followers updated will certainly be great.
All the best on your planning for your major project. 😊
Hi Peter, LOL...you absolutely did 😀
Lot's of variables and hurdles to overcome but as you say, it's all doable.
Yep, we'll definitely share the build process, with a very open & honest approach, even if we are £30k over budget. 🙏😀
You’ll do a great job and I suspect you’ll achieve it in the timeframe if you don’t try and vlog too much. I, and I suspect many others would watch you tighten every bolt if you filmed it but whatever you can fit in will do us and we can look forward to some even more amazing travels once you’re done. Just a thought, maybe someone in Norfolk may be interested in honing their vlogging skills by doing some filming and editing for you?
Thank you so much, we may well go over but as long as we come out the other side with the right vehicle, it'll be worth it.
You're so right, I've already had people ask that I film the detail.
Re; video assistant - That would be good, I probably spend up to 25 hours a week filming and editing, so I suspect something will have to give, if I'm to progress the build. We'll see 😀
All the Very Best to you both 🙏🏻👍🏻
thank you 🙏😊
Good luck to you, will be interesting to see your next 6 months trip, as we’re planning similar next year, and then to see how you get on with your 2024 build.
Hi Lee, thank you 🙏😀
excited for you! will look forward to the build
thank you 😀
Hey you two, that all sounds VERY exciting. Looking forward to seeing the progress of the build.
😀😀 Thank you so much, appreciated 🙏
good luck I think there for so I am
Absolutely incredible! I find it a help that you have decided to do this as we have just started our journey to do exactly the same and build a truck in a year for 100k or less.
Loved your vids before now, and will be following with a much closer eye, thanks!
Thank you and appreciate you saying so.
Good luck with the build, have you started yet?
@TheGapDecaders not yet. We have just sold our house and are currently on holiday as a treat to de-stress from that process! I have made a few enquiries in to trucks and have probably viewed every 4x4 and 6x6 in Europe at the moment. I have also been in touch with a couple of box builders too and had some very different quotes! Hopefully will make a purchase in the next couple of weeks!
@@lukeybaby45 Interesting, sounds like you’re at a similar stage, you do right to have a break before the next phase, enjoy.
If you do come across a European trader dealing in decent LHD trucks, let us know 🙏😀
@@TheGapDecaders will do, definitely!
Looking forward to your challenge! But challenge is a good word to use here.
Hi, yep it is... we've spent six months researching & budgeting, speaking with fabricators & suppliers and there's no doubt - it’s tight in everyway.
But, if we go over, we go over.
All the best for your future truck build…..
Thanks Neil 👍🏻😀
Im looking forward to you guys doing your own truck, cant wait.👍
Cheers John 🙏😀
5 years in and you’re still looking for more. Wow that’s quite impressive and extremely reassuring for us absolute beginners. Keep on trucking guys 👍
Hi Paul, thank you 😊.
We'll certainly give it our best shot 🙏
I wish you both good luck with your project. I have noticed the move to bigger rigs as well .
Thank you,
Definitely, and that's unquestionably making it harder to source a used base vehicle. 😀
Phil, Izzy, Brilliant! I loved hearing your story tonight and wish you the best with it. I hope you do post some snapshot videos of the build. I’ll be looking out for them. Enjoy your family time too. Take care, Ian
Hi Ian, thank you and yep I'll definitely do a regular video. Cheers 🙏😀
Lol! I didn’t expect that! I’m in the middle of building my ex fire truck Isuzu FTS 700 4x4 now in my second year of the build. Can I just say very brave and 12 months is defo a big ask. Just one tip from me,are sure you have an undercover area big enough for the truck and habitation box, as my build has been outside and it’s been very testing for sure.
😀😀 All good advice and yes the timescales definitely a big ask.
Yes, being in the UK we're definitely going toi need an indoor
Hadn't quite finished - yep a big enough indoor space is pretty key, lot's of variables at this point, as you can appreciate 🙏😀
When you land back in Norfolk look us up as now only down the road
Hi Dean, nice one...I will 👍🏻😀
Hi guys. You two will nail it, you both have the drive and passion to make it happen. Good luck with it all but in the meantime enjoy the rest of your travels. Take care.
Hi both, thank you so much 🙏😀
WoW another adventure building the next stage of your life journey. We will watch with interest. I’m sure you’ve heard of Motorcraft Adventure Developments up in Doncaster. They just built our truck but they also supply the fully insulated box or double glazed glass windows or window latches etc etc. Ian and his crew are amazing
Hi thank you and yes it’s exciting.
Yes we know MC and we've looked at various builds both at shows and people we've met on the road (living in them).
I do like some of their smaller items and the end product (truck build) is finished well, but their pricing is on another level.
So when's the big off? 🙏😀
Just started our build based on a DAF T244, inspired greatly by your truck and it’s layout. We’ve learned a huge amount from you guys and look forward to seeing the change come to fruition.
Hi Rob, thank you and kind of you to say.
Yep, we're looking forward to it, good luck with the build 🙏😀
Good for you guys. Always great to have the next chapter to look forward to.
Thank you 😀
Exciting times ahead for you both, sad to say goodbye to Tonka., but sometimes thinks have to change, so best of luck to both of you, l look forward to you future vlogs,
Thank you, exactly... onwards and upwards 😁
Best of luck with the truck build can’t wait to see your progress in the months ahead 🚛👍
Thanks Andy 👍🏻
I believe that you two can do this. You have been such an inspiration and a help to us. Todays been a big of a difficult day for us today- we are into our fourth week and only just feel like we’re getting into our stride- our van id overwhelming us somewhat as we are learning what things do so watching and listening to you is so encouraging to us. Looking forward to the next part of your journey as well as feeling every bump of our own x
Hi Amanda, thank you so much and I hate the thought of you having a bad day.
It definitely takes time to adjust but it's inevitable, it's a massive lifestyle change, but just hang in there, it hit Izzy at week six and we still have the odd blip. 😘
Wow! Discussing trucks with a friend in Germany earlier this morning and then this video comes up! I've been kicking this same idea around for the last year too, although probably for different reasons! So many factors to consider! Our current truck is my second self-build and I'm still not sure that I want to do it again (this one took two years, but only working very part-time)...but...some additions and changes would be nice and make it more comfortable for the three of us! The more experience you get, the more clear you desires become. I agree with your statements on the shows and entire hobby...it's prices are out-pacing many who want to get into it. The secondary market is scary too as those that have money want new, and most of the rest don't have the money to begin with. The DIY guys are stuck in the middle somewhere. I'm curious to see where you take this and will be taking notes!
Thank you, totally agree with all of the above. Clearly demand post-pandemic (in particular) has led to a sharp rise in new prices, coupled with more and more people looking to explore a new lifestyle and build a truck.
I get that our time frame and budget is ambitious, however I genuinely believe you don’t need to spend £500k plus.
I look at completed units and as beautiful as they are, I just see a huge profit. I may be eating my words but I'm pretty confident I'm not a million miles away. 🙏😀
Wow that is big news although not a total surprise. That sounds a big plan, but you two will have it the bag I’m sure, we love watching you both and look forward to the rest of this trip and the updates on the truck. Also we are checking out your Norfolk guide as we love it there. Thank you ❤👏👏👏
Hi Lynn, thank you for the support.
The Norfolk sites relatively new but yes it's a great County, we just love the big open spaces (especially when there’s no people) 🙏😀
Nothing but respect for you both ❤ wishing you all the best with your venture..if anyone can do it it's you two 🤘💪
Hi Leanne, apologies for my very late response (again 😫), thank you so much it's really appreciated 🤞😀
Looking forward to seeing the build, that’s sort of budget we would have as much as we’d love the 500,000 builds at the overland shows! 💰
Thank you, yeah hopefully we can create a Blissmobil, on an overland shoestring budget 😀
Fantastic objective and you will sell your truck very quickly. You really are an inspiring couple .We are busy getting our motorhome full time living plan into place for next year. You are on a different level and looking forward to seeing it develop and come to fruition.Dave n Jo
Hi both, that's kind & appreciated. Living full-time in a motorhome is a different beast, good luck with the preparation & give us a shout if we can help 🙏😀
@@TheGapDecaders thanks will do! Mind I am more of a truck fan tbh!
Cost target is easier than the time target, however if you rush it costs more (in other peoples labour).
Good luck.
Hi Kev, yep the timescale is the major factor here... that's the balance and there may well be pay off. Cheers
Congratulations. What an incredible build series that will be. Add some time lapse.
Have you thought of hiring a sponsorship/ brand partner manager? They charge normally around 20%-30%
Hopefully you will create a source and build guide ebook for fans that would like to do the same while showing their support.
Awww kinda sad no yellow school bus tiny home touring around Route 66 jamming to By By Miss American Pie.. 🎶 🎵
😂😂😂 Yeah sorry about that.
Thank you, I really like the time-lapse idea 👍🏻🙏
Although we've thought about brand partnerships, we haven’t really fully engaged on that side yet.
I quite like the ebook idea, we already have a number of ebooks and itineraries so that's of interest, 👍🏻although I sense our biggest enemy will be time.
Lot's of food for thought 🙏😀
Best of luck guys, you can easily build one for £100k, it’s your base vehicle that’ll hit you, popularity is making the prices stupid. Looking forward to updates. Oh and we should be back in the U.K. around December heading back up through the Balkans, will keep an eye out for you 👍🏻
Cheers guys, yeah the base vehicle is key, we don't mind going over a little if it's right. Although the budget is extremely tight so we'll see 😁.
Yeah, it'd be great to meet up if possible 👍🏻😀
Interesting news. I would like get an idea about what will be different from your current vehicle. So what is the reason for the change?
This is the crazy thing, we like the layout we have... but there's a few little things that would be preferable, a slightly bigger hab box to allow for a separate toilet/shower cubicle and a U seating configuration.
So (hab box) 400mm longer, 200mm wider & 200mm lower (if possible).
I suppose that's our dilemma, why would we (or even need to) build another rig, when what we have is 99% there and the base MAN vehicle only has 62k miles - that's typically Izzy and I...we like a project.
Very difficult I am right now in the process. One year 100 k you will make a lot of compromises, and in the end, you will not be happy.
I do everything by myself, I refit a Steyr 12 m 18 with all the systems, and now I am started to build the box from scratch. Truck, El system, window, water system, kitchen, all the material…… I already over your budget ok I do make not a lot of compromises.
Good luck
I'm always happy to listen to people who have built a rig, or are in the process so appreciate your thoughts.
I'm not looking to compromise too much, and if we go over budget but come out the other side with a truck we're happy with, then it'll be worth it, but yeah...it's gonna be tight.
Cheers 🙏😀
What is the base truck you want to use ?
Hi Simon, ideally a Mercedes Axor 18t, 4+m wheel base or a MAN l2000 18t.
I will consider something newer like a MAN TGM, but I'm keen to keep it as mechanically/electrically as simple as possible.
I'm 5 years and £dunno into my build.
£100k, possible if you do everything yourself, 1year , not if you do it all yourself.
Good luck 😊
Thanks, yeah we've spoken with enough people who’ve built their own rigs, to appreciate that our budget/timeframe ratio is certainly a big challenge.
We will unquestionably require the help/skills of other trades to help keep within the timeframe, so the budget may well slip.
How much more have you to do?
@@TheGapDecaders "just " fitting out the box inside.
@@tramptruck4859 great 👍🏻😀
I think you will end up with a total bill of less than 100.000£ 😎
Poor Tonka!!!!! 😮
lol, we need to otherwise it'll be a hand down the back of the sofa job... crap, we don't have a sofa 😳😁
😎🍷🚍⚓️🇬🇧👍
👍🏻😀
Apologies for this late comment, I hope you can reply to it.
100K? Wow, ummm, that's a lot of money. Why is this? I am interested in a rough cost breakdown (and did look through the comments for it)
I am concerned because this is what I have roughly budgeted for my rig. I saw a German couple who had converted a standard truck for 60K Euros a while ago, and just watched a US Bus conversion who did it for $50K.
If you are going to struggle to hit 100K, well, ummm, Kevin rapidly reduces his expectations.
Hi Kev, yeah... it is a huge amount of money but not in the overland world. We haven’t put a cost breakdown out there just yet, but we will do shortly.
It really depends on a number of factors, an old truck with a box already fitted coupled with a self build then yes, 60k would probably be ok, and equally an old Schoolie where you're literally changing the interior layout is equally doable.
If however you want a half decent 4x4 rig, fabricated sub frame and habitation box to get you started, that alone will set you back £30-50k upwards
It's really down to how much you spend on things like; - windows, doors, and passthrough - (we'll install glass windows which significantly ups the build cost)
- electrics/solar
- plumbing including heat source/tank/heat exchanger
- paint
- cabinets, table, upholstery, trim, worktop, fittings
- fabrication (step/bikerack/spare wheel/cut through
- storage/workshop (dry space)
- labour
The list is endless, and current material/component costs are high, but it's ultimately about what you want from the project, it's easy to get carried away however we're hoping to keep it pretty lowish tech/simple.
There's obviously lot's of variables and having spent considerable time on the budget, we're in no doubt our build costs will be extremely tight.
I personally think the truck is a very poor design for Motoehome life in Europe. You have an off-road capability but at the same time the vehicle is so high many roads will not be passable.
As a coach driver you have given yourself a constant headache with height checks and having to avoid low bridges.
The other big factor is the separate cab design for me this utterly floored. Instead of driving and feeling like you are in your home it's very claustrophobic. The separate cab area also means when you are parked up a huge part of the motorhome is sectioned off. In an A class design you get to enjoy a panoramic view and utilize all the space. When there is limited space any design that sections of an area is a bad idea in my opinion.
Also sorry it looks horrible, the MH lacks visual appeal. Yes you may get looks and it does stand out but that is not the same as people admiring the vehicle.
Just giving my opinion you have some nice adventures and your videos are interesting, That said I am not a grown fan boy like some of the followers lol 😂
Hi, having owned two A-Class motorhomes previously (E line Carthago and tag axle Knaus), we're fully aware of the benefits an A class can offer however, there's a reason we wanted an overland vehicle.
As full-timers who enjoy going a little further off the beaten track, and with the capacity to sit there for ten days, it was a move we don't regret.
Haven spent nearly six months in Georgia & Armenia last year on difficult roads and tracks, it would be unthinkable in any type of motorhome... and the robust nature of our build and height, added to that sense of security.
We've lived and worked in Europe for well over twenty years and I Phil, have driven much larger vehicles without issue.
This is a baby truck by comparison, the vast majority of trucks on the road are much bigger in every dimension.
We personally (along with hundreds of other people who’ve approach us on the road) love how the vehicle looks.
There are pro's and con's with every type of van, motorhome or overlander and it's what works for you.
@@TheGapDecaders I have also travelled through nearly every European country as well, and many park ups would not be possible in such a vehicle and many country lanes in the UK you would have to smash your way through lol 😂 is not about driving a large vehicle which is actually easy. It's the logic of severely restricting yourself. I don't see why the height is needed to go off road besides it's easy enough to just park up and walk off-road. That said I guess that type of off roading is a different world of interest. I can't imagine how anyone would prefer to drive in a sectioned off cab rather than an A class the view is actually worse while driving and restricted while sitting. In terms of how it looks people may be polite but I am sorry it's a box on wheels I didn't think it was designed with the pretence of beauty?
Good luck!!!🎉 And if you change your mind in november we‘ll forget about that video😂 But we think you won‘t…💪🏻“Hallo“ from the whole musician_family_on_the_road👋🏻
A Big hello, lovely to hear from you and thank you for the support. Hope you're still making music together.
Be great to cross paths again 🙏😀