2019, Low Mileage, Mini Cabin with Wood Burner

Daunted by some sophisticated electrical set-ups and following experiences stranded miles from home with errors codes flashing up on the wireless connected solar system I set out to make a build that could be used, fixed and maintained by anyone regardless of technical ability.

With this in mind I opted for a dry heat, zero compromise, tailor made wood burner by Windy Smithy boxed in by thick aluminium to keep away from any combustibles with a twin walled flue making it as safe as can be. You can boil a kettle on it too if you want to save on gas and with just a few bits of kindling you are super toasty the whole night through. Fire extinguisher is included along with carbon monoxide detector.

For cooking there is a 6kg propane gas fitted to a Dometic HSG 2370 Smev 9222 Sink and Hob Combination Unit. The beauty of this sink and hob is that when not in use the glass folds over allowing it to be used as a table. The worktop and coffee table as well as the edging are all made from oak.
The tap is fitted to a 10L water barrel and a whale foot pump (again no need for electrics) and functions brilliantly. The waste is another 10L water barrel.

There is a POWEROAK 500Wh Lithium Portable Power Generator that can take 240V appliances that can be charged of the 100W flexible Solar Power that fits nicely behind the front seats. I did think about fitting to the top of the roof but decided against as I wanted a platform on the roof. The generator can be charged at home as well as via the cigarette lighter, I have patched a lead through the cab so it can be charged without moving it whilst on the move. This will not power anything above 500W but it can be swapped for a larger one if needed. The 4 spotlights in the roof are powered by this device which is also connected to a dimmer switch so you can alter the ambient light.

There is plenty of space under the bed and sink unit as well as some under the passenger seat in the cab and behind the back wall. There is also a 470L top box that can be accessed by the rear ladder (this is removable) that leads to the wooden deck. This is also handy to swap cowls on the flue of the wood burner.

There is also a thetford cube toilet under the wooden coffee table end. The table can also be used for extra length if you are very tall and need the room when on the bed to stretch out. It also lifts up so you can use the toilet without sliding out.

All the wood is seasoned with a natural danish oil so there are zero VOC’s which is great for such a small area. The insulation is natural thermawool to again reduce any toxic off gassing and keep the optimum balance between insulation and breathability reducing the potentially harmful effects of condensation build up. This is also helped by the sliding window in the side door.

There is a rear rain awning that allows you to open the rear doors in rain without getting wet.

I have included a pop up tent shower cubicle and electric shower that is rechargeable so you can shower in minutes.
Waterproof heavy duty seat covers tailored for this specific model

The Goodyear Cargo Mud and Snow were fitted in 2021, they have loads of tread on still and I can vouch for there quality in muddy situations.

All in all this is a fun adventure vehicle that has all you need in a small space to go anywhere, anytime in any weather. Please get in touch if you have any questions. The van will be ready to be sold once I take it for it’s MOT and finish off a few details.