Ron, finally converted.

KatieBun · Sep 7, 2012

Some pics of Ron, our rhino, (cos he's a big, grey beast.) Just have to fit the new kombi step to hide the ply and the back curtains are on order. Bed ordered from and fitted by Clearcut Conversions in Barnstaple, who also did the electrics, designed and fitted the kitchen pod, cupboards and the underbed storage.

Had the insulation, soundproofing, lining and flooring done first, with Euroglass window centre fitting the two sliders. Then we camped in it for a couple of months with campbeds, coolbox and a couple of gas rings outside.

Bed is extra long Rib Altair, also shown in "back rest" position, great for early morning tea, watching TV on laptop, etc. Have two flexible LED reading lights at the back, which work brilliantly.Leds over hob/ sink and strip led in roof. Safe under swivel passenger seat, battery under driver's seat. Will be having Eberspacher fitted under the van for winter. Chose the bed first as most important part and fitted the rest around it. It's been a very successful outcome from camping in it for a few months to finally deciding what we needed. We didn't go with what we originally thought we wanted. Camping in it first really helps to crystalise your thoughts.

Krank · Sep 7, 2012

I like that set up, very nice. Got me thinking about what to do with ours now. I think we may need more storage though.

KatieBun · Sep 7, 2012

There's so much storage under the bed and at the back, we've barely used the overhead lockers. With the bed set up, there's also masses of storage under it and loads of clear floorspace in front of it. Clearcut in Barnstaple measured the bed, which is the extra long version of the Rib Altair, and then fitted a side unit to come right up to it. Admittedly it's just for two of us, as the kids are grown up, but we've found it really spacious. We use an Outwell Country Road for stays longer than 2 nights and a Reimo Fritz if shorter.

Krank · Sep 7, 2012

On second look it does look quite spacious. We have two little uns but think the full width bed could give us more flexibility add to that an awning and away you go. Will chat to the wife when she's home. Cheers.

KatieBun · Sep 7, 2012

Krank, here's the full FB album link, if it's any use.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151822942575297.868896.759525296&type=1&l=250f5c02e0

Shaun Thornburgh · Sep 7, 2012

Nice Layout

SkyMonster · Sep 7, 2012

Yup, that's nice, the full camper unit looks like a good idea at the time but im liking this better for the sort of use i do.

fungusthebogeyvan · Sep 8, 2012

It looks superb, you must be chuffed.Hope to see it soon, think the kitchen unit slightly chamfered edge to allow the driver seat back is genius..T:T:T:

Lambretta-Tom · Sep 9, 2012

love that setup Very nice
who supplyed the kitchen pod and R&R

Highlander1 · Sep 9, 2012

Nice conversion I can see a lot of positives in doing it that way

Where did you get the runners for the under bed storage drawers?

Thanks

mod · Mar 31, 2016

Second that! This is IDEAL for what I'm doing with mine and that pod is spot on!!

Looks amazing!!!! Well done.

KatieBun · Sep 9, 2012

Kitchen pod with unique edge was made to fit MrKB's driving position, which is much further back and more reclined than mine.

Made by Clearcut Conversions in Barnstaple, who did the conversion in 5 days, including fitting the bed and making and fitting the lockers and underbed storage. They fitted the runners to that. MrKB and I just don't have the skill that so many of you guys on here have. We knew what we wanted and didn't want any of the pre-designed set-ups, just needed an understanding conversion company who'd let me be picky. They are fabulous. They're Bongo specialists really, but do quite a lot of VWs nowadays. They're also very good value.

Ordered the Rib Altair through them and they worked out exactly how much space we had for the kitchen pod. We knew it would be a squeeze, as, with the full width bed and the extra length mattress we ordered, normally the kitchen pod would either be a tiny cube or it would have to be across the back of the driver's seat and partially across the gap between the seats. That would have compromised the passenger swivel. The sloping edge allows room for some water storage. It is indeed genius!

Originally planned to get the Kiravans double swivel but a nightmare 13 hour journey home from Northumberland changed our minds. The bench seat was so flippin' uncomfortable, we went to Kernow Transporters and bought a nearly new single. Clearcut fitted it onto a swivel with integral safe. Leisure battery is under driver's seat.

Have discovered that it has tons of storage, especially under bed and in the back. Upper lockers at the back are still empty.

Oliver Sudden · Sep 9, 2012

Very impressive set up.

Whats te dimensions of the bed?

KatieBun · Sep 9, 2012

1500 x 1940mm Ordered the extra long one. The extra length means the rear cushion is 73cm, as opposed to 65.

bouncyt · Nov 17, 2012

And the final bit for now was that lovely piece of paper from the DVLA saying Ron is officially a Motor Caravan.

We waited 7+ weeks for this piece of paper - rang chasing last week and the V5C arrived today!

Whilst waiting we have now added an Eberspacher so we will toasty warm in the winter.

Pedro · Nov 18, 2012

Looks really good love the layout , good job !

bazlightbeer · Nov 28, 2012

Very nice setup, rons changed my planI:

KatieBun · Nov 28, 2012

bigcat said:
Nice job. I guess the heater completes it then ? T:

ustwo said:
That looks fab really like it .....and the outside is smart to T: bet you chuffed to bits

Yup, really chuffed thanks, guys. Heater has made a big difference, as has the extra reading light we've just added above the passenger seat...and the third table rail behind the kitchen pod. Think we might ask Clearcut to knock us up one more table. Parked by the leisure centre last night so I could do a two hour training session. Student son wanted to join me for the second hour but had work to do so I left him in the van in the carpark for an hour. He had his own heated study. Result. T:

bigcat · Nov 28, 2012

Nice job. I guess the heater completes it then ? T:

ustwo · Nov 28, 2012

That looks fab really like it .....and the outside is smart to T: bet you chuffed to bits

ptrichardson · Dec 1, 2012

Like !! T:

kevin777 · Dec 1, 2012

Great job RonA:

rspsteve · Dec 2, 2012

Great job....like tht a lot.

Martin T5 Banana · Mar 13, 2013

Great Coversion love the under bed draw's!! Can i ask what size the draws are as i have the same full width rib and fancy doing the same with under bed storage. T:

bouncyt · Mar 14, 2013

Hi Martin, just been out with the tape measure. The internal dimensions (in cm) of the drawers are as follows:
O/S 59Lx19Wx23.5D Ctr 59Lx36Wx23.5D N/S59Lx19.5Wx23.5D They were made and fitted by Clearcut Conversions at the same time as the bed.

24084 · Mar 14, 2013

Good stuff ! More space that some hotel rooms I've stayed in.. T:

Martin T5 Banana · Mar 14, 2013

Perfect thanks for that I'm guessing it was made from 12mm. Do they go all the way to the back?

dreadycraig · Mar 14, 2013

That's a really lovely conversion. Love to see different layouts to the usual.

bouncyt · Mar 14, 2013

Martin, they do not go all the way back, there is a gap so as not to interfere with the seatbelt reels.

bouncyt · May 4, 2013

One further job on Ron today. HazzyDayz came down to Newquay to install Cruise Control, Driver Information System and the Media Device Interface. Brilliant service from them, starting with the initial advice and arranging installation done by email and phone with Greg, to the installation done by John, their technician, this morning. Ron has some long trips coming up, including an amble down to Italy for a wedding, so we are looking forward to reaping the benefits of all three new items.

Ron, finally converted.

Our Vendors

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities