DIY - RV, Caravan, Camper Van, Motorhome

[oriole12]

Be warned that most of the LMV vehicles are driven by semi literate drivers with very little clue about preventive maintenance or proor driving habits. As a result, most second hand vehicles of this class are likely to be in bad shape and unreliable. I for one would not trust such a used vehicle to travel with family, especially in unfamiliar routes.

 

[rajpalrao]

thank you, indeed its a good idea...
hire one to get an idea and later think if its worth you time and efforts...

but i shall keep my research on meantime...

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I agree sir

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DC is a premium maker sir...not sure of others....
thank you for your suggestion on mazda and eicher, i shall further check on them.

Well its not for elderly people though, but a family of middle aged and couple of kids.

I am checking on accessories in this market here and making a list.
didn't knew boat suppliers have these, thank you for suggestion.

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Dear Satinder,

Thank you for your much thought provoking post.
I shall reply in detail to you.

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Dear Prasham,

My choice for DOST is based on the idea that we are not going to live inside the Caravan, but for below
1) Sleeping: It can accommodate 2-3 on roof top tent and 2 inside with kitchen box like ququq and a toilet tent with Chemical toilet outside.
2) Seating: 2 in front, and customized additional 2nd row.
3) Kitchen: Will be a box which can be pulled from back while cooking and also has some extra space in the box for other supplies.
4) Washroom: Toilet tent with a chemical toilet
5) An awning with net should be good enough to make a decent living room while at halt.
6) 2 solar panels on roof top for energy needs - not sure will be enough, need to research on this too...

Well, dreaming is quite easy but practically how possible it is, is a question.
I can only work on it once I see a real DOST when back.

 

[anupmathur]

....
Well, dreaming is quite easy but practically how possible it is, is a question.
....

Indeed, dreaming is quite easy!
India has a range of climate zones but for the most part you will need some sort of HVAC for basic comfort. This means power that solar cells cannot deliver.

In my opinion a toilet cannot be 'assembled' each time for use. This has to be a fixture in the van. It is the 'kitchen' that can be outdoors under an awning. This could even be a small box attachment protruding at the back of the vehicle.

Sleeping arrangements are best kept inside the vehicle; both from the point of view of safety and comfort. Some basic HVAC requirement cannot be ignored. Barring the mountains (which can get very cold at times), most places in India require some degree of cooling.

A Force Traveller is the vehicle best suited for this application.

Here is an Ahmedabad based site that deals with the required equipment. They do not mention the prices!
** Vikas Mobile Living | VIKAS MOBILE LIVING | Bus Toilet | Bustoilet | Bus toilet india | bustoilet India | Car Accessories | Caravan Accessories | toilets in india for buses | toilets for buses | bus toilet india | portable toilets for buses | port

As an individual, importing equipment is not an option for you.

 

[Prasham]

Indeed, dreaming is quite easy!
India has a range of climate zones but for the most part you will need some sort of HVAC for basic comfort. This means power that solar cells cannot deliver.

In my opinion a toilet cannot be 'assembled' each time for use. This has to be a fixture in the van. It is the 'kitchen' that can be outdoors under an awning. This could even be a small box attachment protruding at the back of the vehicle.

Sleeping arrangements are best kept inside the vehicle; both from the point of view of safety and comfort. Some basic HVAC requirement cannot be ignored. Barring the mountains (which can get very cold at times), most places in India require some degree of cooling.

A Force Traveller is the vehicle best suited for this application.

Here is an Ahmedabad based site that deals with the required equipment. They do not mention the prices!
** Vikas Mobile Living | VIKAS MOBILE LIVING | Bus Toilet | Bustoilet | Bus toilet india | bustoilet India | Car Accessories | Caravan Accessories | toilets in india for buses | toilets for buses | bus toilet india | portable toilets for buses | port

As an individual, importing equipment is not an option for you.

Yes Force Traveller is the best option.

BTW that's a nice fine, sir.

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Dear Prasham,

My choice for DOST is based on the idea that we are not going to live inside the Caravan, but for below
1) Sleeping: It can accommodate 2-3 on roof top tent and 2 inside with kitchen box like ququq and a toilet tent with Chemical toilet outside.

I repeat Dost is pretty small for the job. If you wish just compare its dimensions with your car and you'll have better idea. Also the suspension of Dost is pretty rough and hence will be a havoc on your back. IMO you shouldn't think of anything smaller than a Force Traveller.

2) Seating: 2 in front, and customized additional 2nd row.

There's no space for the customized 2nd Row.

3) Kitchen: Will be a box which can be pulled from back while cooking and also has some extra space in the box for other supplies.

See a couple of episodes of "One Man & His Campervan" and you'll have better idea. A single guy travelling on a VW Campervan finds his van too small at times. You are planning to put 4-5 guys in a much smaller DOST

4) Washroom: Toilet tent with a chemical toilet

Anup Sir has already answered it.

5) An awning with net should be good enough to make a decent living room while at halt.

Probably not. While I understand that you'll make your itinerary considering the seasons but as Anup Sir said India's climate is hot mostly and hence spending afternoons in a shade made of net is not going to be comfortable.

6) 2 solar panels on roof top for energy needs - not sure will be enough, need to research on this too...

With 2-3 Solar Panels, I doubt if you can lit more than a few lamps and a fan. To provide energy to a motor pump and an induction stove, you'll need a much larger setup.

My suggestions are above in Bold

 

[rajpalrao]

Dear Anup sir,

Thank you for your recommendations and the link.
I shall see force traveller.
As my plans for camping will be either during rainy or winter seasons only, HVAC is a secondary option,
but nevertheless a considerable point based on the first camping experience.

However, living in Gulf and getting used to AC's to the core, I doubt if I can live w/o it

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Thank you Parsham, for your suggestions.

 

[anupmathur]

....
As my plans for camping will be either during rainy or winter seasons only, HVAC is a secondary option,
.....

On the contrary, you will need air conditioning more during the rainy season, to overcome the high humidity and sultry conditions.
In the hill regions nights will have to be spent indoors; sleeping outdoors is possible only if you pitch suitable tents.
All in all, it just seems like too much trouble.

 

[oriole12]

I second Anup Ji on the need of AC in the rainy season. Due to rains, you would be forced to raise the glass and it would be impossible without the AC.
As I said earlier, much thinking has gone into the design of a Force Traveller based Motorhome. You can comfortably fit is either the toilet or the kitchen, not both. The storage capacity of water would also be an issue. For four inmates, there can just be enough water for the morning requirements and a bit of cooking. You need to refill twice a day. If you are planning to visit India, I can point you to several people in Chandigarh who have Force based RV. If you are lucky, you might even find a used one for sale. Last year a friend sold his motorhome as he was too old to use it frequently.

 

[rajpalrao]

Dear oriole12,

Thank you for your suggestions, I have studied a bit about force traveller after your message and convinced to some extent.
Shall definitely get in touch with you once in India.

BTW, I have figured out and sent a PM to you one.

 

[oriole12]

Rajpal may like to see these links
Force Traveller Modified to Caravan House Living on Wheels - YouTube
Earn from your Motorhome - Lease your motorhome - Motorhome India
Replied to your PM

 

[Yogesh Sarkar]

Check out this promotional video of PCP Terra, they have built it on Mahindra Genio and it looks a perfect option for families. Of course fabricating something like this on your own would be tougher than taking a tempo traveler and modifying it, but it is worth checking out.