Search, search, search !! Forever and ever !! It cost me hours, days and finally at least 2 month on the relevant online portals. All I wanted was gasoline with an extra gastank, but I only saw vans with Diesel engines. No wonder the current situation, with diesel driving bans, knocking on the door. In addition, so many questions desired an answer – should the bus have standing height ? Should the camper still be suitable for everyday life ? Mercedes Sprinter ? VW Transporter ? T3, T4, T5 ? Already with interior ? And so on ! At some point I knew exactly what I was looking for, thank god, cause then he just showed up ! I saw him and immediately felt butterflies going crazy in my stomach. That’s my van !
The day I bought him
A VW Transporter becomes a Campervan
My requirements were all met, except for one… no Automatic. This baby was completely empty. The interior construction would therefore be exactly how I want it. Gasoline, extra Gastank and a medium height roof. Like this I would have the chance to get him safely into an underground car park. Very important, because in Berlin my sweetheart really needs a safe parking space. I got my car stolen before in Berlin, right outside the front door. This is why I will invest also in special security technology. I put all my hopes into Bear Lock . This german concept has convinced me the most. A Steering wheel claw with alarm might be another choice on top.
Ready for conversion
The Conversion
So far so good, now I had to find someone for the build. Also a difficult matter. I wish I were as gifted as a craftsman to pull this off completely by myself. But I had to face reality… it’s just not gonna work! I needed a talented craftsman to create a base on which I could continue. Bed/sofa, storage, kitchen, electronics, heating, solar, insulation, wood cladding and a new paint with rust removal. I will take it from there, cause decorating and making a space comfortable is not a problem at all – I actually love it ! From old to new, from nice, to wow. Yeahh ! And who would have thought that, a friend of the family is really good in building campers and offered me his help. Our friend lives in Ukraine though…whaaaat!? Exactly, that was also my reaction..:-). But I wanted my own bus so badly and was ready to do anything for it ! Even if I have to travel to Ukraine for this twice ! I don’t care ! Tschakka !
Viktor my savior in distress
Fate gave me a real kick in the ass this summer. “I have a nice broken arm for you dearest Claudia, there you go!” Thank you, but that was really not necessary. Or was it ? (more on that, maybe one day in a separate article). The trip to Ukraine was about to happen and my happening was the broken arm. Plaster and driving don’t go hand in hand and is even prohibited. Fuck, what now !? Our friend Viktor was just visiting London and agreed to take the ride ! Tschakka ! Fate showed some guilty conscience and payed me back a little. We were on the road for two days, with an overnight stay in Poland. I had to take the trip with my arm freshly broken, cause otherwise the bus would not be allowed to enter Ukraine. The holder of the vehicle is obliged to cross the border with it, all right then, done. So that took place at the end of July this year. Since then my baby has been taken care of in Chernivtsi for 2,5 months by Viktor. New painting and rost removal is finished already…
My pretty baby got some makeover
and the conversion at it’s final stage.
Conversion in progress
Next week, I’ll bring my baby home. I can’t wait to finally live the dream of my own camper. One last hurdle is still to take, the return, from Ukraine to Berlin. This time I would like to drive myself dear destiny…
Curious about how the story continues ? Join me on this, it’s going to be interesting ! 😉
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19 thoughts on “I want my own campervan – what now ?!”
Laurie @ RelevantObscurity
Your baby is beautiful 🙂 This stokes enthusiasm for my own cross country trip across the US. Can I ask you what kind of mattress you are planning to put down? At least I am assuming it’s to go down the middle. Will it roll up so you can get to your storage or be stiff to lift up?
Pinky Goestohollywood
Thank you very much Lauri!:-)The bed can be pushed back during the day, sofa like. I am going for simple 10 cm foam as a start. Backrest and seat upholstery form my mattress. Have fun and a great time crossing the US!;-)
Samira Schamp (Sam)
Wow, that’s serious dedication! Congrats Claudia! Look at it the bright way, now you have seen a bit of ukraine 😉
My first van burned down during the making of, something went wrong with the electrics and started a fire…true story.
We are mostly camping because of our kids. (But we still try to stay at three diffrent places during 3 weeks vacation) But our youngest also joined the scouts this year so that leaves us with 2×7 days a year to rent a van and hit the road. Looking forward to it!
And also looking forward to following you’re travels and explorations. The more you wonder the more you wander right?!
Have fun decorating, the sari was already a good idea!
Bring it home safely. I wish you lots of wonderfull kilometers!
Pinky Goestohollywood
Hi Sam, yeah Ukraine is some what interesting and special indeed!😉 What an awful story with your van, OMG!🙈 Enjoy your time on the road with you family ! Never stop exploring, right ! 👍😊💚
Eva
Hi😊
Its great to take part in your prosess of buying the car and how it all turns out to be in the end. I was once asked to buy a campervan and go traveling around Europe and i said no.(what?) Now im actually thinking about it😊 . Thats whats great about your blog that It actually opens my mind. Where i live its not common at all to own a campervan. its all about expensive motorhomes. This just seems as easy living and less expensive and not having to rely on others than yourself. Freedom👍.
Hope your arm is better and yes im waiting for the stoy behind your broken arm. Sorry thats just the way i am(nurse) 😂and ofcourse where and when you are going to travel. Somewhere warm? I think i need to play Billy Stewart «summertime» on repeat loud to handle the 4-5 hours of light trough the months that is coming😂
Pinky Goestohollywood
Hi Eva, yes I think about something warm, maybe Greece, Italy or Spain. I will decide spontaneously…😊 Even though I see myself also somewhere in the snowy mountains. I have a nice heating in the van. So winter cannot harm me, I think this season has it’s charm too 😌 I wish you all the best for your decision with your own van. I guarantee you it’s the best and you won’t regret it ! 😉👍💚
Eva
Hi
Thank you😊 Mountains are always awesome! I thinks that great seems you thought about everything👍. Ah so many countries to choose from. Italy seems like a good choice. Only been to Rome myself, loved it, felt like walking in a big museum. Can only imagine what rest of italy is like. Grece too! Dont know much about spain but like to do the Santiago de Compostela one day😊. Im sure whatever you decide its going to be great.
Stay safe on the road from Ukraine😊
Pinky Goestohollywood
Thank you very much !! Yes it’s gonna be adventurous !! 🙏😉💚
Dora Mikulášová
Hi Pinky, Have a safe trip back to Berlin.
Pinky Goestohollywood
Hi Dora, thank you ! 👍😉💚
Skravig9610
Hâte de voir le résultat et les futures destinations 📸🌎
Pinky Goestohollywood
Merci!🙏😉
Dora Mikulášová
Hi Pinky, welcome home with your baby! I hope the travel diary will be soon.
Pinky Goestohollywood
Hi Dora, thank you! It was such an adventurous ride! The whole story is coming soon!😉
Valquíria Pires Ribeiro
Hello, Claudia! Very cool its accomplishment. Glad you have fulfilled your dream. That you make many other trips to share with your fans.
Pinky Goestohollywood
Hello! Thank you and yes I’m very excited about what’s about to be happening with my beloved Russell❤️😉🙏
Valquíria Pires Ribeiro
I am happy to have answered and look forward to more news on your travels! I sent you two e-mail too, if you have the opportunity to respond, thank you. A hug
Pinky Goestohollywood
Got it, thank you !👍😉
Valquíria Pires Ribeiro
I’m here to enjoy your videos on Instagram