Here we are then (autumn 2019), just over 6 months since I finished the van project. Well I say finished, there's still a few little bits to do, but like most things, it's never likely to be truly finished and it's about time I put pen to paper and had a bit of a review.
Back in the mists of time when I first sounded the van plan to Emma, one of my concerns was how much use it would get. Unsurprisingly this has not been an issue. If anything the exact opposite has been the case and managing to spend a whole weekend in my own bed has proven elusive.
I had a quick count up earlier and I've spent 33 nights in the van over the last 6 months. I would think that even on the weekends I haven't been away, I've used it in some form or another, either running or Audax or just getting out and about. Undoubtedly I've done more and been further than I would have without the van as a base, I've completed more Audax's and run in more places this year than in any previous, so it was undoubtedly a worthwhile project.
I've sat on hilltops watching the sun go down and seen it rise on the longest day, I've sat and admired the moon and the stars, I've slept in deserted woodlands and town center car parks, all for free. Granted deserted woodlands are nicer, but beggars can't be choosers and you have to go where the spaces and events are. I've used it close to home to get in a cheeky midweek early morning run on the downs before work and I've been to Wales, Kent and up where it's grim too.
It's been amazing to have somewhere to sit, have a brew, chill out and get changed after a run or ride. It's been brilliant to leave home late on a Friday, run somewhere new, early on Saturday and still be home before "The Emma" gets out of bed. It's been great to not have to sleep on the floor in a tent (although I've still had a few nights in the bivvy and hammock, just for fun). It's been brilliant to not have to pay for hotels before a big Audax or get up in the middle of the night to get to the start. It's been fantastic laying in bed listening to the wind and rain without getting wet and it's been amazing to sit on the step having breakfast as the sun warms the air.
So I suppose that the million dollar question is, would I do anything differently next time? Well I'm not sure on this one, but at this point I don't think so. As far as I'm concerned everything has performed as well, or better than I expected, and exactly as I had imagined it. The layout works extremely well, including being able to keep my bike inside and away from prying eyes. I've never been short of space and everything is accessible, even with the bed down. So that's a 10 out of 10.
I have added additional water storage containers under the front passenger seat, as I found that the 10 liters in the main area only lasts about 1 1/2 days. An additional 10 Liter container gives plenty for a couple of days away, so that solved that issue. Possibly the only change I might make next time is to use lightweight furniture board for the furniture in place of the painted Plywood. Whilst the Plywood option was considerably cheaper, achieving the finish I wanted took a considerable amount of effort and as such I suspect the extra initial cost of furniture board would be repaid with the time saving. However I'm more than happy with what I have got and would need to think long and hard about which route to go down on any future build.
The only other thing that I would seriously consider is some form of heating for the habitation space, whilst it's not been cold, even on the coldest nights so far, it would be nice to be able to warm the space up. It's probably still feasible to retro fit some form of heating, but I need to have a think about how and where to install it, it may involve cutting back some of the insulation etc and it would undoubtedly have been easier to install as part of the build process. Maybe one for next time and I'll see how I get on this winter before making a final decision on retro fitting. (Note; See part 8 updated winter 2020 for progress and heating installation)
But most importantly; was it worth it? I think so and now I've got it I can't imagine being without it. Even as I sit here typing this I am hidden away in the van in the corner of a car park, ready for an early start for an Audax in the morning. Beer in hand, rain lashing down outside, snug and dry. No hotel bill, no wet tent, no early start, just an easy drive up from home after tea, an hour of chilling out and then a good night's sleep ready for another big day out. What's not to like about that? All those days out in the cold last winter working on this, getting wet, struggling with the wind and snow, instantly repaid in those few words.
The only other big question is would I do another one? Well watch this space, although it may be a few years away as I've got other projects to complete first!