Campingbus von Andrew

@@@ Indy the Adventure Campervan@@@

Hi!  Ciao! Buenos! Guten Tag!

Fellow Adventurers!!!

 

By way of introduction we are Emma & Andrew, our Son Reuben (and our whippet Hunter (picture below of the pooch - also hypo-allergenic!).  We enjoy Cycling, Hiking, Dog-Walking and general fresh-air adventures with our Campervan -  Indy.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about our well-travelled and dependable Indy - the 4x4 VW Poptop Campervan - who has sheltered and kept us toasty throughout. 

Regular stops for DIY onboard espressos are highly recommended too! 

He was converted by CamperKing - with a modern Poptop sleep area, full kitchenette, certified safe Rock and Roll  seating / bed, storage, Dometic awning, Dometic fridge/freezer and Solar panel charge system into a huge Leisure Battery.

@@@ Indy can be driven with a standard UK/International driving license (manual) @@@

Our family and friends have enjoyed many great planned and unplanned weekends (and weeks!) travelling solo or with friends around the UK - meeting all manner of interesting folk along the way. 

 

@ DRIVING / PARKING 

This is the T32 model with superior suspension and brakes to other lower-weight capacity models.
Any concerns around driving a  ' large van ' are quickly dispelled by the very light steering, modern car-like handling and confident direct braking abilities of the vehicle - and upgraded  steering parts fitted make Indy handle like a new vehicle!

For example - Indy is only as long/wide as the average estate car - easily parking in standard supermarket parking spaces.  Being seated higher up really does help parking and general driving visibility too - making for a unique and relaxing journey experience compared to a normal car.
There are both forward and rear cameras with video footage storage - also allowing good visibility (with curtains open!) and a rear view mirror with blind spot lens on the rear window to aid further. 
The left hand sliding door really comes in useful when parking is tight though and becomes the main entrance/exit while parked up (and it is away from the road-side unlike on the California vans!).   Also a right hand sliding door for more airflow or serving hatch!

 

@BERTHS
Indy can sleep four adults comfortably - the poptop bed is factory weight rated up to 200Kg for peace of mind and surprisingly easy to deploy / retract by one adult.
The upper bed (lounge#2!) is also a great bolthole if you would just like to enjoy a chill out too - and the view is even better!

 

@SEATING / TABLES
Both front seats have heater overlays and the Passenger seat can rotate 180 to join the party - great for a leg stretch too.  
Rear seats can be partially reclined for comfort while stationery - allowing a more relaxed position for relaxing.
There is also a matching removable indoor table for mealtimes and entertaining.
There are two outdoor tables included as standard to extend the outdoor living experience.

4 people can sit on the chairs for a dinner we have found - the driver seat can be used as storage if needed.

 

@AWNING
The side awning is easy to operate - super for summer days and inclement weather as shelter for the van  side entrance and surrounding exterior living area.
We also have a Kiravans rear awning/shelter which again adds more usable living space in all weather conditions - only taking two minutes to fit once parked up at site.

@ TWIN SLIDING DOORS
The right hand sliding door is a rare extra - ideal  for extra airflow and as a minibar serving area. This door also has its own sliding window too. 
The left sliding door interior panel has been converted to extend usable storage space too - really useful for the rear passengers whilst on the move.

 

@LUGGAGE STORAGE
We find there is plenty of storage space for luggage / kit with all the built-in cupboards to help control the chaos!  As we normally use a separate large rugged plastic bin for the kitchen / cooking equipment, this frees up the storage bins for luggage and other general kit - keeping the van more comfortable, tidy and much quicker to pack / clean when moving off again.  The same idea extends to outdoor cooking - as this cuts down on cleaning time and more time to enjoy eating and relaxing instead!

 

@POWER
The solar panel charger system and huge leisure battery can provide enough juice to keep you comfortable and all your devices charged for up to 3 days - whether hooked up at a campsite or freewheeling in the countryside. 
While connected to a campsite power supply then AC mains electricity is available from the dual 3-pin sockets onboard.
A 20 metre camping power cable will be provided to allow use of campsite electricity (AKA shore power).  

 

@HEATER
We have an Autoterm Diesel Heater installed which is indispensable in the colder months and for drying off damp clothing if necessary too - further it can be remotely operated via the app to allow the van to be warmed thoroughly upon your return too!  Runs from the main fuel tank.

 

@RUG / SEATING
The rug is designed for pets and is both water and drinks absorbent- perfectly fine for inclement weather and social gatherings- and can be dried and cleaned easily as necessary.

There are also seat covers to protect Indy's seats if the weather turns and clothing is damp and muddy.
The seats have also been 3M treated to offer basic protection and easier cleaning too.

 

@INSULATION
Indy has been thermally and acoustically insulated to improve the driving and camping experience equally.
A set of blackout curtains have been fitted for extra privacy along with the sliding blackouts on every window in the main living area.
For the upstairs guests there is also a Khayam poptop cover to improve the insulation, sound dampening and light blocking.  Especially good in winter or for keeping the younger kids slumbering to allow the grownups a good lie-in!!
There are also handmade (by Emma!) wraparound front window covers and a solar blind and will come as standard 

 

@WATER
Indy has a 20 litre water supply with tap and sink - plenty for a hot weekend in summer.  A basic portable shower can be provided however we find that booking into a campsite as needed is more convenient and comfortable.

 

@COOKING

For outdoor cooking and drinks we have provided a gas burner stove and camping kettle.

For indoor cooking there is a twinring gas stove in addition to an outdoor camping stove when the weather allows.  For example a small coffee pot will be ready in around three minutes..  
We find that outdoor cooking is much more enjoyable - and more importantly fresh-air calories don't count !
Cutlery and crockery will be provided, including cleaning materials for any accidental spills along the way.
There is also a large Dometic fridge and freezer which is more than enough to keep your drinks and dairy and vegetables chilled.

@MECHANICAL
Indy has a 6 speed manual gearbox (new clutch and gearbox are not at all heavy to operate) with 4x4 which is great for muddy campsites and wintery / slippery conditions.
He is shod with 18 inch XL-rated  Offroad tyres which offer a more comfortable ride than the fashionable larger boneshaking 20 inch wheels and low-profile tyres!!  

@SERVICING
We keep Indy fed, watered and in tiptop all-round mechanical condition - he has recently benefitted from: 

Engine Oil and Filter, Transmission Oil, coolant, power steering.

All the fluids being changed- even those that VW do not mention on the official service schedule.

New brake pads, discs and brake fluid all round.

 

@BIKE-RACK
We have a sliding Atera 4 bike rack available as an option - which has the advantage of sliding rearward to allow access to the rear doors as needed - this really is a game changer when needed to access the rear of the vehicle on long journeys a - ensuring the bicycles stay safe and secure at all times.  It has full electrics and lights including reverse/ turn signal alert tone.
This rack really is the only custom-designed bikerack for these barn-door vans - having tried other solutions we can confirm they are indeed much less hassle to live with -and straightforward to attach / detach as 

@@@BREAKDOWN

Indy comes with a complete set of safety and breakdown equipment.

Including - tyre saver inflation can, high viz vests, jump-start device (separate from ignition battery!), gloves, fuses and spare bulbs.

 

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Our view on vehicle safety and maintenance is our Fellow Adventurers will have the same peace of mind that we enjoy on each and every trip.

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A big thank-you for reading all about us and our adventures with the intrepid Indy - we do hope  you found it useful.

Happy Travels!
Emma, Andrew, Reuben and Hunter

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