Hi, I’m planning a trip to Minorca in a camper van. Is it possible to sleep in parking lots near villages?
Or do you absolutely have to go to a campsite?
Converting a heavy-duty bus/coach/truck into a motorhome
by Patrick26
Translated into English.
Hi Patrick!!
I'm brand new to the forum, but I've been checking it out for a bit...
First of all, hats off for the bus build – I'm sure I'm not the first to tell you and definitely won't be the last! lol
I'm reaching out because I'm nearing the end of my truck conversion – quick intro, it's a Mercedes PL 709d van... After 2 years of work we're finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!!!! and yeah when you love a project you don't mind the effort...
I'm hoping you could help me put together the homologation file? There are a few points I'm struggling to understand – specifically weight distribution (especially the interior storage), body certification, and other bits and pieces...
Thanks in advance
See you
hatte de reprendre la route!!!!
Hey skass,
I've been following your project from the start, right up to the 'cut finger'🏴☠️
That's really, really beautiful work 😎
On the other hand, I skipped the comments and didn't verify that you'd done everything to code, but you shouldn't have any issues with Véritas.
You might just have a problem down the road with your rigid PVC wastewater line—it could crack when rolling.
Anyway, for the storage boxes, you just need to fill out the DRIRE form. You measure the distance of your boxes relative to the front axle, you fill in the formula: mass of each box × distance relative to the front axle --> that gives you a moment (B)
you add up all the moments (B) divided by the vehicle's wheelbase and you get the max weight on the rear axle
you do your vehicle's GVWR minus the max rear axle weight, and you get the max front axle weight.
you compare all that with the manufacturer's specs (on the red bar)
you need to weigh the front and rear axles and the empty vehicle before all that.
the simplest would have been to weigh your build as you went (that's what I did, but my build is very, very, very basic😄) but with the weighings you can manage it.
don't worry, I spent 3 days on it and redid it 3 times (had a little issue with exceeding the max manufacturer weight with the TELMA weight😮), but you don't have a TELMA😉
with a 709, it's simpler than a bus, because you don't have a front overhang, but on the other hand, you can't juggle things to lighten the rear by adding weight ahead of the front axle (negative distance)
anyway, for the body certificate, I don't see why ??? you simply request a written reclassification certificate of your truck as a caravan-spec vehicle from MERCEDES FRANCE.
trifles...? they don't exist in a DRIRE file 😏😏😏
Well done with your project GX47
I've been following your project from the start, right up to the 'cut finger'🏴☠️
That's really, really beautiful work 😎
On the other hand, I skipped the comments and didn't verify that you'd done everything to code, but you shouldn't have any issues with Véritas.
You might just have a problem down the road with your rigid PVC wastewater line—it could crack when rolling.
Anyway, for the storage boxes, you just need to fill out the DRIRE form. You measure the distance of your boxes relative to the front axle, you fill in the formula: mass of each box × distance relative to the front axle --> that gives you a moment (B)
you add up all the moments (B) divided by the vehicle's wheelbase and you get the max weight on the rear axle
you do your vehicle's GVWR minus the max rear axle weight, and you get the max front axle weight.
you compare all that with the manufacturer's specs (on the red bar)
you need to weigh the front and rear axles and the empty vehicle before all that.
the simplest would have been to weigh your build as you went (that's what I did, but my build is very, very, very basic😄) but with the weighings you can manage it.
don't worry, I spent 3 days on it and redid it 3 times (had a little issue with exceeding the max manufacturer weight with the TELMA weight😮), but you don't have a TELMA😉
with a 709, it's simpler than a bus, because you don't have a front overhang, but on the other hand, you can't juggle things to lighten the rear by adding weight ahead of the front axle (negative distance)
anyway, for the body certificate, I don't see why ??? you simply request a written reclassification certificate of your truck as a caravan-spec vehicle from MERCEDES FRANCE.
trifles...? they don't exist in a DRIRE file 😏😏😏
Well done with your project GX47
GX47
ex transformation, homologation et utilisation d'un car en CC 9places route en utilisation pro. Plus un CC 6pl VL, plus un fourgon en cabine approfondie 6 pl VL. si je peu aider...
ex transformation, homologation et utilisation d'un car en CC 9places route en utilisation pro. Plus un CC 6pl VL, plus un fourgon en cabine approfondie 6 pl VL. si je peu aider...
Congratulations!!
I've watched your project evolve over time, you're doing great work.
The problem with getting official approval is that you really need to first understand the regulations better and design your conversion based on what's required.
If you build it and then pray it passes inspection...
Just one detail by the way—there must be no sharp corners around where passengers will be. Check that you have at least 45 cm of clearance everywhere.
One thing that could catch you out is the lack of an emergency exit in your bathroom, unless you have less than 2 meters from the main exit door handle to the bathroom door handle.
I didn't see the required permanent ventilation openings that can't be blocked—both low and high.
That's what I noticed at a quick glance.
I have the book with the current regulations.
Give me a call if you need it.
0664423159.
Eh ben, Ya du boulot!!
http://www.aavl.fr
http://gasmobil.skyrock.fr
hey well, I thought I'd slip through unnoticed on this forum..... well, that didn't work out!!!
thanks for your messages
anyway GX47 I think I got what you explained to me, today I went to weigh the truck for certification and we're all good - we've got plenty of margin compared to the weights shown in red!
I'm gonna try to fill out that document, if anything comes up I'll let you know, thanks a lot!
as for the standards we've been following them from the start, and it's not easy to meet everything while getting the layout we want in the end! but it's alright with patience we always manage.... the bathroom emergency exit is fine, it's 1.74m from handle to handle, and there's also continuous mechanical ventilation... what I'm hoping is that I can get 5 seats certified instead of 3 on the registration, normally it should go through but yeah with those lovely officials from the DRIRE you always gotta be careful, we'll see!
well then tomorrow it's the Véritas inspection, the beginning of the end...
have a good evening talk soon
as for the standards we've been following them from the start, and it's not easy to meet everything while getting the layout we want in the end! but it's alright with patience we always manage.... the bathroom emergency exit is fine, it's 1.74m from handle to handle, and there's also continuous mechanical ventilation... what I'm hoping is that I can get 5 seats certified instead of 3 on the registration, normally it should go through but yeah with those lovely officials from the DRIRE you always gotta be careful, we'll see!
well then tomorrow it's the Véritas inspection, the beginning of the end...
have a good evening talk soon
hatte de reprendre la route!!!!
Hi everyone, at the risk of posting something that might be redundant, I'm looking for ideas on bus conversion layouts and photos of converted bus interiors. So if you have any links handy...
I've just acquired an S45 in great condition. I don't plan to move it around much—it's mainly about being able to move it around several hectares of land from time to time, depending on the season.
But there will also be some occasional trips outside, so I plan to keep it street-legal (with inspections).
Thanks for your responses! !
Hey, we're Plume and Julien—we just discovered this site! We've been thinking about traveling for a year and have looked at several options. We think a bus would be the best choice for us. We like having space, and we have two big dogs. Plus, since it's going to be our home for a year, we've already found a bus we like. But we're not really sure how to go about getting the campervan certification. Since we want to travel far, it needs to meet campervan 'standards.' We're young (23 years old), so we don't have a lot of money, but we're hard workers. We'd like to know if we can convert it ourselves and what we need to do to meet the standards for the technical inspection. Any advice, tips, and tricks would be welcome—here or on our MSN plume_dargent@hotmail.com. It would be great to chat with people who are passionate about this way of traveling! 😉
Allons là ou le vent nous menera.
Salut,
alors, pour se lancer dans l'aventure, il faut commencer par le bon bout.
pour apprendre la musique, on commence par le solfege...
pour ammenager un vehicule, on se plonge dans les normes!
c'est pas compliqué, un peu rebarbatif au debut, mais pas compliqué!
donc, tu vas sur le site de l'afnor (tu trouveras les coordonées quelques posts plus haut) et tu commande le guide d'ammenagement des vehicules de loisirs.
tu le lit (tout!)
apres, tu survole ce sujet de discution depuis le debut (ou au moins depuis la page 19 et le post sur la nouvelle reglementation).
tu auras une idée relativement complete apres cela, et tu pourras poser les questions complementaires necessaires a TON projet, car chaque projet est different (toi tu veux vivre dedans, alors que moi, je veux partir en vacances avec mes trois enfants!)
pour l'instant, il est dur de t'epauler plus. tu part de trop loin. il te faut un minimum de connaissances et une approche des bases. ensuite, toute la communauté sera la pour te conseiller et te permettre de faire aboutir ton projet.
comprends bien! je ne te refoule pas! bien au contraire! je suis un des piliers de ce sujet de discussion (je l'ai créé il y a 2 ans maintenant). mais le parcours initiatique commence par la....
si tu te met devant le piano sans solfege avant, c'est mort!
les explications que nous pourrions te donner seront trop complexes par post si tu n'a pas une legere connaissance.
heureux de compter un passioné de plus sur ce forum!
au fait, c'est quoi comme modele, le bus que tu as reperé?
PATRICK26
et si tu veux qu'on en discute, tu me passes en messagerie privée un numero de tel fixe et on se tel un de ces soirs pour en parler...
alors, pour se lancer dans l'aventure, il faut commencer par le bon bout.
pour apprendre la musique, on commence par le solfege...
pour ammenager un vehicule, on se plonge dans les normes!
c'est pas compliqué, un peu rebarbatif au debut, mais pas compliqué!
donc, tu vas sur le site de l'afnor (tu trouveras les coordonées quelques posts plus haut) et tu commande le guide d'ammenagement des vehicules de loisirs.
tu le lit (tout!)
apres, tu survole ce sujet de discution depuis le debut (ou au moins depuis la page 19 et le post sur la nouvelle reglementation).
tu auras une idée relativement complete apres cela, et tu pourras poser les questions complementaires necessaires a TON projet, car chaque projet est different (toi tu veux vivre dedans, alors que moi, je veux partir en vacances avec mes trois enfants!)
pour l'instant, il est dur de t'epauler plus. tu part de trop loin. il te faut un minimum de connaissances et une approche des bases. ensuite, toute la communauté sera la pour te conseiller et te permettre de faire aboutir ton projet.
comprends bien! je ne te refoule pas! bien au contraire! je suis un des piliers de ce sujet de discussion (je l'ai créé il y a 2 ans maintenant). mais le parcours initiatique commence par la....
si tu te met devant le piano sans solfege avant, c'est mort!
les explications que nous pourrions te donner seront trop complexes par post si tu n'a pas une legere connaissance.
heureux de compter un passioné de plus sur ce forum!
au fait, c'est quoi comme modele, le bus que tu as reperé?
PATRICK26
et si tu veux qu'on en discute, tu me passes en messagerie privée un numero de tel fixe et on se tel un de ces soirs pour en parler...
Ne te vexe pas !!😕
Le projet de bus sur la base duquel onn a travaillé est parti à la ferraille et j'ai appellé le ferrailleur trop tard...Déjà passé au broyeur!
Donc je me suis rabatu sur un setra S 215 RL et j'ai du remanier un peu les SUPERBES plans que tu m'avais fait sur PC. Hélas
, je n'ai pas tes connaissances en matière de création artistique assitée par ordinateur.
Du coup, j'ai fait un hybride de tes idées et de mon plan.
Mon four est toujours sous le rechaud! J'ai rajouté 15 cm entre la paroie et le plan de travail car la jonction sol paroie est arondie. Ainsi, je fait une gaine technique pour mes alims et évacuations et surtout, je peux encastrer completement sous le plan de travail mon lave linge. Je ferais peut etre pareil en face si mon seche linge ne passe pas en profondeur.
Tu vois on a pas bossé pour rien, je peux me laisser influencer par tes résolument bonnes idées!!
Par contre j'ai la tête bien dure aussi et j'ai remis les sieges tout à l'avant et j'ai re-supprimé la porte millieu. J'ai gardé des WC en long et je ferais sans doute un petit lave main d'angle dedans.
Le fait d'avoir avancé mon plan de travail coté évier me permet aussi de l'aligner avec la salle d'eau, plus de vilaine cassure et possibilité de mettre un meuble avec plan de travail et vasque en 70 de large, du luxe pour un camping car!!
Voilà, tu vois bien encore une fois qu'on a pas travaillé pour rien, cela dit je suis encore ouvert à toutes
critiques contructives!
Merci encore de ta compétence et à très bientot j'èspère.
P.S: Ne cherche plus ton crayon, c'est moi qui l'ai emporté par indvertance, désolé, je te le rend le + vite possible !!Eh ben, Ya du boulot!!
http://www.aavl.fr
http://gasmobil.skyrock.fr
Hello,
je profite de ton poste pour relancer mon sondage qui decidement ne trouve pas de reponses🏴☠️ c'est le sondage sur les WC:
qu'est ce que tu vas installer exactement ? quelle va etre l'utilisation de ton camping car ? et la question du neophyte: quels sont les avantages et les inconvenients de ton systeme ?
Bon vu que t'as le bus et le plan, y'a plus qu'a comme on dit ! bon courrage ;-)
a+seb
je profite de ton poste pour relancer mon sondage qui decidement ne trouve pas de reponses🏴☠️ c'est le sondage sur les WC:
qu'est ce que tu vas installer exactement ? quelle va etre l'utilisation de ton camping car ? et la question du neophyte: quels sont les avantages et les inconvenients de ton systeme ?
Bon vu que t'as le bus et le plan, y'a plus qu'a comme on dit ! bon courrage ;-)
a+seb
don't worry, be hippie !
Salut,
je peux donner mon avis ?
oui, non, oui bon ben en fait c'est pas sur l'aménagement, c'est juste sur les sièges : il y à 10 places assises, la DRIRE risque de te refuser ton bus pour çà, c'est ce qui m'était arrivé, j'avais pourtant désigné avec une étiquette les places route comme spécifié dans les textes, mais l'ingénieur à refusé car ce sont des sièges origine route, il à falu que je démonte le siège à coté du conducteur et déclare l'emplacement en "espace matériel" pour 85 kg de charge (75kg plus le poids du siège) et aussi que je mette une étiquette "places inutilisable en route" sur la banquette-lit de 4 places.
j'ai bien essayé de négocier avec un panonceau comme sur la banquette, mais non! rien ne m'empèchait de prendre 9 passagers. j'ai pas voulu être con (quant tu veux un coup de tampon tu reste cool) mais j'avais envie de dire que rien m'empèchais d'emmener 14 personnes non plus (sans compter les clandestins accrochés au chassis😄)
😠 pourquoi démonter un siège d'origine et laisser une banquette empreintée de l'estafette cc de mon père ???
mais bon voilà juste une petite mise en garde pour prévenir @+
je peux donner mon avis ?
oui, non, oui bon ben en fait c'est pas sur l'aménagement, c'est juste sur les sièges : il y à 10 places assises, la DRIRE risque de te refuser ton bus pour çà, c'est ce qui m'était arrivé, j'avais pourtant désigné avec une étiquette les places route comme spécifié dans les textes, mais l'ingénieur à refusé car ce sont des sièges origine route, il à falu que je démonte le siège à coté du conducteur et déclare l'emplacement en "espace matériel" pour 85 kg de charge (75kg plus le poids du siège) et aussi que je mette une étiquette "places inutilisable en route" sur la banquette-lit de 4 places.
j'ai bien essayé de négocier avec un panonceau comme sur la banquette, mais non! rien ne m'empèchait de prendre 9 passagers. j'ai pas voulu être con (quant tu veux un coup de tampon tu reste cool) mais j'avais envie de dire que rien m'empèchais d'emmener 14 personnes non plus (sans compter les clandestins accrochés au chassis😄)
😠 pourquoi démonter un siège d'origine et laisser une banquette empreintée de l'estafette cc de mon père ???
mais bon voilà juste une petite mise en garde pour prévenir @+
GX47
ex transformation, homologation et utilisation d'un car en CC 9places route en utilisation pro. Plus un CC 6pl VL, plus un fourgon en cabine approfondie 6 pl VL. si je peu aider...
ex transformation, homologation et utilisation d'un car en CC 9places route en utilisation pro. Plus un CC 6pl VL, plus un fourgon en cabine approfondie 6 pl VL. si je peu aider...
Un voleur de crayon ! Tu me rapelles ta profession ? De toute façon j'ai une dremel en otage...
Sinon je ne me vexe pas !😉 Tout plein de bonnes excuses mais t'aurais pas un pb pour passer un pdf en image ?? Et puis, comme disait l'autre "on s'en fout c'est pas notre bus" 😉
Sinon dès que t'as des côtes de ton 215, fais les passer, je sûr qu'il a une solution pour ne pas couper l'arceau avec ta baie (tu me diras tant qu'evobus te le permet)...
Le WC que je compte installer est un sanimarin 35.
Avantages: le reservoir d'eau noires peut etre deporté jusqu'a 25 metres du WC, pas d'utilisation de produits chimiques.
Inconvéniants: conso d'eau et d'éléctricité supérieurs aux WC a sassette et autres. Cycle eco: 0.8 litres et cycle complet: 1.06 litres.
Je compte utiliser mon camping car bus que pour vacances et week end.
Prévu pour 6 permanents et 8 personnes en occasionnel.
Eh ben, Ya du boulot!!
http://www.aavl.fr
http://gasmobil.skyrock.fr
Judicieuse remarge cher GX!!
C'est de ma faute, j'ai omis de préciser que j'ai piqué un plan de Vanhool pour avoir un idée de l'encombrement à l'avant du bus. Je ne suis pas embété à enlever le siege du guide car je voulais juste dessiner mon plan à l'arrière.
La base sur laquel je prévoie l'aménagement et un setra S 215 RL de transport scolaire et n'a de toute façon pas de siège à coté du chauffeur, hélas, je verrais si je peux en ajouter un, mais plus tard...
Eh ben, Ya du boulot!!
http://www.aavl.fr
http://gasmobil.skyrock.fr
Bonjour,
merci pour ta reponse gasmobil, j'ai jamais eu de camping car alors je me pose beaucoup de questions sur ce point...
si je me trompe pas, t'as un bus pas tres haut, quel va etre l'ecart de hauteur entre la cuve et le WC ?? t'as prevu une valve anti retour (est ce que ca ce vend ca ?) pour pas que ca ressorte quand t'es dans une cote ?
et avec ca, le plan pour ce debarrasser des eaux noires c'est quoi ?? est ce que tu va devoir nettoyer ta cuve a eaux noires de temps a autres ??
a+seb
merci pour ta reponse gasmobil, j'ai jamais eu de camping car alors je me pose beaucoup de questions sur ce point...
si je me trompe pas, t'as un bus pas tres haut, quel va etre l'ecart de hauteur entre la cuve et le WC ?? t'as prevu une valve anti retour (est ce que ca ce vend ca ?) pour pas que ca ressorte quand t'es dans une cote ?
et avec ca, le plan pour ce debarrasser des eaux noires c'est quoi ?? est ce que tu va devoir nettoyer ta cuve a eaux noires de temps a autres ??
a+seb
don't worry, be hippie !
pas de clapet anti retour.
Même dans les WC à cassette classiques il n'y a pas de pb alors qu'on est literalement assis sur la cuve de 17 litres d'origine.
Je met mon reservoir à eau noire dans ma soute, donc encore plus bas que le plancher alors pour un retour ...
Cela dit, dans les SANIMARIN 35 il y a quant même un clapet anti retour, je précise que comme son nom l'indique, c'est prévu à l'origine pour les bateaux.
Pour la vidange, je prévoie tout simplement une pompe et un tuyau annelé de 40 à dérouler pour atteindre le regard de vidange. En effet pas toujours possible avec un car de se pmettre sur une aire prévue pour les camping cars.
Le car que je devrais avoir fera environ 3.20m de haut et avec des soutes de 60 cm de haut environ aussi.
J'en saurais + mercredi, je vais le voir et l'essayer à Paris.
Eh ben, Ya du boulot!!
http://www.aavl.fr
http://gasmobil.skyrock.fr
salut patrick,
désolé mais je ne viens pas souvent sur le site!
j'ai acheté mon bus mercedes et je vais le chercher fin Novembre
j'ai fais les plans d'aménagement intrieur, quand pense tu?
j'aurai dans les mois a venir une multitude de questions à poser même si aujourd'hui les méssages des différents membres nous apportent un bon nombre de réponses
merci à tous
labradore
bsoir tous le monde. alors voila j'ai reçu mon bouquin enfin le cahier de la norme afnor s56 200 intitulé prevention des risques d'incendie et d'asphyxie dans donc nos chere vehicule ou caravane etc. Je pensais que cela traitait aussi de l'electricité et de tous ce qui est materiaux d'isolation et coffrage mais en faite non donc je suis deçu.Il parle pas du tout des materiaux type m0 ou m1, 2 sauf pres des appareils creant de la chaleur. Comme vous disiez que il faut des materiaux classé au feu comment puis-je avoir le texte qui parle de ça? pareil pour tous ce qui est electrique je trouve ça ou? voila franchment pour le moment ça a pas l'air bien sorcier leur norme afnor moi qui croyait me taper 50pages de blabla interminable et imcomprehensible pour le neophyte que je suis alors qu'en faite ya 16pages et tout est bien expliquer. ça rassure autant que ça me fout les boules car il est ou le piege???
ben le piège il est que tu dois pas avoir le bon😕 car le mien s'intitule "Guide d'aménagement des camping-cars" "santé et sécurité des occupants" et qu'il fait 133 pages.
par contre, il est vrais que je ne me souviens pas qu'il traite du classement M1.
d'ailleurs je connais un aménageur professionnel de marque renomée qui ne s'en soucis pas ! je suis en train de prévoir l'aménagement de mon Master et je voulais qu'il me vende du revettement mural M1, il s'est foutu de ma g...le.🤪
j'ai un papier quelque part de chez Heuliez précisant que le sol de mon car est classé M1 mais rien pour les murs ou les sièges, je vais en cramer un et un bout de revettement que j'ai changer juste pour voir...😏
j'ai un papier quelque part de chez Heuliez précisant que le sol de mon car est classé M1 mais rien pour les murs ou les sièges, je vais en cramer un et un bout de revettement que j'ai changer juste pour voir...😏
GX47
ex transformation, homologation et utilisation d'un car en CC 9places route en utilisation pro. Plus un CC 6pl VL, plus un fourgon en cabine approfondie 6 pl VL. si je peu aider...
ex transformation, homologation et utilisation d'un car en CC 9places route en utilisation pro. Plus un CC 6pl VL, plus un fourgon en cabine approfondie 6 pl VL. si je peu aider...
salut a tous nous aussi on se lance.j ai rdv lundi prochain pour voir un s 53 .donc tous vos conseil m interesse notament pour l achat dans un premier temps.merci
Salut l'ami,
les photos que j'avais, je les ai passées à Patrick qui les a compilées et rassemblées dans un fichier accompagnant son post qui se trouve tout en bas de la page 46.
Amitiés😉
GG
mon site préféré : www.aavl.fr
Bonjour Gege.
Je suis content de te relire. Pour les photos compilees, toutes les photos dans une de 60k... durdur. Quand j'ai eu Patrick au tel, il m'a dit qu'il s'en occupait le WeekEnd, .... il y a quatre semaines. Comme je suis d'un temperament de nature impatiente, et que je sais que Patrick est tres occupe, je n'aime pas insister lourdement, alors j'ai prefere faire une relance au participants.
Desole pour les accents, mais je suis en formation sur un clavier QWERTY depourvu de lettres accentuees.
Amitie et a un de ces jours.
Patrick pas du 26 hein... du 30.
Je suis content de te relire. Pour les photos compilees, toutes les photos dans une de 60k... durdur. Quand j'ai eu Patrick au tel, il m'a dit qu'il s'en occupait le WeekEnd, .... il y a quatre semaines. Comme je suis d'un temperament de nature impatiente, et que je sais que Patrick est tres occupe, je n'aime pas insister lourdement, alors j'ai prefere faire une relance au participants.
Desole pour les accents, mais je suis en formation sur un clavier QWERTY depourvu de lettres accentuees.
Amitie et a un de ces jours.
Patrick pas du 26 hein... du 30.
For the photo you can see on the last post on page 46...
It's in Patrick's message.
😉
On the road again... lalala laa lala laalaalala laaa!
Hey everyone! It's been a while since I've been around!
So here's the news—our S53 went to Monsieur Veritas on Tuesday and it's all good, the standard got approved and it's in the bag. Now we're going full steam ahead on the project and go to the mine!
kalifamily
So here's the news—our S53 went to Monsieur Veritas on Tuesday and it's all good, the standard got approved and it's in the bag. Now we're going full steam ahead on the project and go to the mine!
kalifamily
For the compiled photos, all the photos in one are 60k... man, it's way too compressed.
When I got Patrick on the phone, he said he'd handle it over the weekend, .... four weeks ago.
Since I'm naturally impatient and I know Patrick is swamped,
I don't like to push too hard, so I figured I'd follow up with the participants instead.
Warm regards and see you soon.
Patrick's not from the 26, hey... he's from the 30.
Warm regards and see you soon.
Patrick's not from the 26, hey... he's from the 30.
..............et go to the mine
kalifamily
😮 You're already thinking about the explosion 😏 Destruction might not be happening yet 😕
But no, I'm joking, Véritas, that's already a first step 🤪
kalifamily
😮 You're already thinking about the explosion 😏 Destruction might not be happening yet 😕
But no, I'm joking, Véritas, that's already a first step 🤪
CHRISTIAN
"Ne pas rire, ce n'est pas sérieux"
"Ne pas rire, ce n'est pas sérieux"
Hey, I've got some exclusive news!
Early next week, my buddy Sebastien (sorry, sjunior!) and I are cooking up a surprise for you!
So, a little patience please...
I think the regulars on this thread will be thrilled!
As for the weekend pics, photos of my bus, the plans, etc... you'll all get to see everything, and so much more....., and then....
but shhhhh, it's a surprise for next week!😉
so starting Monday evening, keep an eye on this thread!
PATRICK26
Early next week, my buddy Sebastien (sorry, sjunior!) and I are cooking up a surprise for you!
So, a little patience please...
I think the regulars on this thread will be thrilled!
As for the weekend pics, photos of my bus, the plans, etc... you'll all get to see everything, and so much more....., and then....
but shhhhh, it's a surprise for next week!😉
so starting Monday evening, keep an eye on this thread!
PATRICK26
Hi everyone,
I'm brand new to the forum (I've been following along for a while now and I've read and printed all 51 pages!). I'm about to embark on this adventure and I'm leaning toward either a Setra S309HD or a Renault Carrier JN1E124 – buses that are 8–10m long max (and yes, I want to use it very frequently for weekends and vacations, both summer and winter).
For the Renault Carrier, apparently there's no issue getting manufacturer authorization for deregistration, but what about the Setra?
As for the rear door – can you move them further forward or block them and open another door somewhere in the middle of the bus instead?
Those are my first questions, because depending on your answers my whole interior layout will change completely.
Thanks everyone.
Fred91
I'm brand new to the forum (I've been following along for a while now and I've read and printed all 51 pages!). I'm about to embark on this adventure and I'm leaning toward either a Setra S309HD or a Renault Carrier JN1E124 – buses that are 8–10m long max (and yes, I want to use it very frequently for weekends and vacations, both summer and winter).
For the Renault Carrier, apparently there's no issue getting manufacturer authorization for deregistration, but what about the Setra?
As for the rear door – can you move them further forward or block them and open another door somewhere in the middle of the bus instead?
Those are my first questions, because depending on your answers my whole interior layout will change completely.
Thanks everyone.
Fred91
Hello and welcome.
At Setra, no problem for 85 euros ex. VAT, you have the authorization.
In my case, they authorized the removal of the rear door and even a lowering of the floor in the cargo holds.
Contact Arnaud DEBAIR at EVOBUS in the homologation department, 01 39 92 62 00.
Eh ben, Ya du boulot!!
http://www.aavl.fr
http://gasmobil.skyrock.fr
Hi patrick26, in a response you posted (page 46 or 47 I think) you mentioned that you don't need the manufacturer's authorization to convert a bus into a motorhome. But actually, you absolutely must request authorization from the manufacturer—it's MANDATORY. The guy from the DRIRE specified in the letter he sent me that for 'bus' bases it's often very difficult to obtain. I just wanted other people who read that response to know the real situation, at least according to the Mayenne DRIRE.
Let's be clear!
How can a manufacturer give you permission to convert your bus into a motorhome without knowing what conversions you're going to make?
They don't give permission blindly!
What a manufacturer can give you is permission to carry out specific bodywork modifications, or changes to a door or staircase, or glazing work, or roof hatches. Full stop. That's where it stops!
No reputable certification service will send you a letter saying it authorizes you to convert one of their coaches into a motorhome while leaving the door wide open for anything and everything in terms of fitouts!
The mines engineer can ask you for manufacturer authorization for all bodywork modifications. If the manufacturer has chosen not to issue one, no problem—you go see an industrial coach-builder who is registered in the trades register as a coach-builder-constructor, you have them do the work, they put a nameplate next to the original manufacturer's, and you go to the mines office with the coach-building certificate they'll give you.
If the manufacturer gives you authorization, the additional nameplate will be in your name! That's the only difference.
Don't forget we put our vehicles through RTI (single-vehicle type approval). We're not Gruau or Durrisotti transforming vehicles in production!
And as the law states (an excerpt!):
For a vehicle that has not been bodied by the manufacturer or a coach-builder-constructor registered under no. 3115 of the principal activity code (APE) or 34.2 of the NAF code, and for which the following points are modified, a special authorization from its manufacturer must be attached to the coach-building certificate: the laden weights on the axles do not comply with the minimum or maximum ground loads provided by the manufacturer; the width of the bodied vehicle exceeds that provided in the descriptive notice of the chassis-cabin type; the bodied vehicle is a specialized vehicle not intended for the transport of goods other than household waste containers; the vehicle is registered under a dual category and/or dual body type; the coach-builder-constructor or the manufacturer has modified the chassis or chassis-cabin during the vehicle bodying.
However, the provisions provided for in the first paragraph of article 9 are only applied in cases where the modifications made to the chassis do not allow the vehicle's identity to be preserved.
Unless you bought a bare chassis and you're building the bodywork yourself, the guy at the mines office doesn't need to ask you for manufacturer authorization for glazing work as long as the vehicle keeps its original width! (At most for drilling a large rear door, if your vehicle is on a lattice frame). That's it!
STOP LISTENING TO THEM! Soon they'll have you doing crash tests!
I thus confirm that in the Mayenne, the DRIRE guy is giving bad advice, unless you both misunderstood each other....
PATRICK26 who stands by this😉
How can a manufacturer give you permission to convert your bus into a motorhome without knowing what conversions you're going to make?
They don't give permission blindly!
What a manufacturer can give you is permission to carry out specific bodywork modifications, or changes to a door or staircase, or glazing work, or roof hatches. Full stop. That's where it stops!
No reputable certification service will send you a letter saying it authorizes you to convert one of their coaches into a motorhome while leaving the door wide open for anything and everything in terms of fitouts!
The mines engineer can ask you for manufacturer authorization for all bodywork modifications. If the manufacturer has chosen not to issue one, no problem—you go see an industrial coach-builder who is registered in the trades register as a coach-builder-constructor, you have them do the work, they put a nameplate next to the original manufacturer's, and you go to the mines office with the coach-building certificate they'll give you.
If the manufacturer gives you authorization, the additional nameplate will be in your name! That's the only difference.
Don't forget we put our vehicles through RTI (single-vehicle type approval). We're not Gruau or Durrisotti transforming vehicles in production!
And as the law states (an excerpt!):
For a vehicle that has not been bodied by the manufacturer or a coach-builder-constructor registered under no. 3115 of the principal activity code (APE) or 34.2 of the NAF code, and for which the following points are modified, a special authorization from its manufacturer must be attached to the coach-building certificate: the laden weights on the axles do not comply with the minimum or maximum ground loads provided by the manufacturer; the width of the bodied vehicle exceeds that provided in the descriptive notice of the chassis-cabin type; the bodied vehicle is a specialized vehicle not intended for the transport of goods other than household waste containers; the vehicle is registered under a dual category and/or dual body type; the coach-builder-constructor or the manufacturer has modified the chassis or chassis-cabin during the vehicle bodying.
However, the provisions provided for in the first paragraph of article 9 are only applied in cases where the modifications made to the chassis do not allow the vehicle's identity to be preserved.
Unless you bought a bare chassis and you're building the bodywork yourself, the guy at the mines office doesn't need to ask you for manufacturer authorization for glazing work as long as the vehicle keeps its original width! (At most for drilling a large rear door, if your vehicle is on a lattice frame). That's it!
STOP LISTENING TO THEM! Soon they'll have you doing crash tests!
I thus confirm that in the Mayenne, the DRIRE guy is giving bad advice, unless you both misunderstood each other....
PATRICK26 who stands by this😉
SO I'M SAYING IT AGAIN!
You only bother the manufacturer's homologation service if you're planning major modifications!
If you're not touching the vehicle structure, you go to Veritas and the mines office.
If you have a chassis-cab bus, you can proceed and make small modifications to the bodywork (without touching the roll cages) and go to Veritas and the mines office without bothering the manufacturer.
If you have a lattice-frame bus and you want to do bodywork modifications, you contact the brand or a body shop. (If you're having the sheet metal work done by a body shop, don't bother the manufacturer—the body shop's stamp on the bottom of their body certificate will be enough for the mines office).
So you only bother the manufacturer if you have a chassis-cab bus and need to touch the roll cages while doing the work yourself, or if you have a lattice-frame bus and want to do the sheet metal work yourself.
Assess your skills before bothering the manufacturers, who will get fed up and stop answering anyone. Only submit applications when you're sure! (Once the bus is bought, the plans are finalized, and you're certain you'll be doing the work!)
So know that getting this authorization will never prevent you from wanting a camper in a bus! Stop stressing about it!
For my bus, the DRIRE asked me for the manufacturer's authorization! It was for the rear opening: 1.82m X 1.78m! 🤪 They wanted to make sure Heuliez's design office hadn't used the rear face to reinforce the structure (which makes sense...)
PATRICK26
You only bother the manufacturer's homologation service if you're planning major modifications!
If you're not touching the vehicle structure, you go to Veritas and the mines office.
If you have a chassis-cab bus, you can proceed and make small modifications to the bodywork (without touching the roll cages) and go to Veritas and the mines office without bothering the manufacturer.
If you have a lattice-frame bus and you want to do bodywork modifications, you contact the brand or a body shop. (If you're having the sheet metal work done by a body shop, don't bother the manufacturer—the body shop's stamp on the bottom of their body certificate will be enough for the mines office).
So you only bother the manufacturer if you have a chassis-cab bus and need to touch the roll cages while doing the work yourself, or if you have a lattice-frame bus and want to do the sheet metal work yourself.
Assess your skills before bothering the manufacturers, who will get fed up and stop answering anyone. Only submit applications when you're sure! (Once the bus is bought, the plans are finalized, and you're certain you'll be doing the work!)
So know that getting this authorization will never prevent you from wanting a camper in a bus! Stop stressing about it!
For my bus, the DRIRE asked me for the manufacturer's authorization! It was for the rear opening: 1.82m X 1.78m! 🤪 They wanted to make sure Heuliez's design office hadn't used the rear face to reinforce the structure (which makes sense...)
PATRICK26
And for FRED91, the 3rd post on this same topic 🤪
The manufacturer doesn't handle vehicle reclassification!
What gasmobil is saying is that for 85 euros, the manufacturer looked into whether they could seal (weld, plate over) the rear door and cut out part of the steel bars that form the staircase steps on that door so he can install his shower there instead (for more headroom).
The day he takes his vehicle to the mines authority (after going through Veritas) it'll still be registered as a bus! Setra won't reclassify it!
The mines engineer, with Setra's authorization for the modifications, won't give him any trouble about the shower installation—and it's the mines engineer who will reclassify the bus as a camper truck!
If your bus doesn't need any structural changes, don't bother them for no reason!
You can certainly ask them about moving or sealing a door, and I think they'll respond. But that's not the same as reclassifying a vehicle!
Vehicle reclassification (changing it from bus to camper)—only the mines authority can do that! And the original manufacturer doesn't get involved! (unless.... read the post above!)
PATRICK26 There we go, I hope I've explained everything to everyone.... I'm off to bed. Good night kisses to you all....
The manufacturer doesn't handle vehicle reclassification!
What gasmobil is saying is that for 85 euros, the manufacturer looked into whether they could seal (weld, plate over) the rear door and cut out part of the steel bars that form the staircase steps on that door so he can install his shower there instead (for more headroom).
The day he takes his vehicle to the mines authority (after going through Veritas) it'll still be registered as a bus! Setra won't reclassify it!
The mines engineer, with Setra's authorization for the modifications, won't give him any trouble about the shower installation—and it's the mines engineer who will reclassify the bus as a camper truck!
If your bus doesn't need any structural changes, don't bother them for no reason!
You can certainly ask them about moving or sealing a door, and I think they'll respond. But that's not the same as reclassifying a vehicle!
Vehicle reclassification (changing it from bus to camper)—only the mines authority can do that! And the original manufacturer doesn't get involved! (unless.... read the post above!)
PATRICK26 There we go, I hope I've explained everything to everyone.... I'm off to bed. Good night kisses to you all....
Thanks for the information. I misspoke about the reclassification—I was thinking about the TCP to PL classification where I thought you'd need manufacturer's authorization, but with a motorhome I now understand it happens during the DRIRE inspection. Thanks also to Gasmobil for the Setra contact!
FRED91
FRED91
Hi Patrick,
Sorry to stir things up, but you don't have it all right:
In Mayenne, it's the same as in Sarthe and plenty of other departments, and it's becoming more common - the DRIREs cover themselves by asking for manufacturer authorization in certificate form to allow downclassification of the commercial vehicle (PL - just to be clear) to VASP.
BUT - and you're absolutely right about this - the manufacturer won't authorize a "home-car" downclassification, only a type/category change to "VASP". Heuliez makes this clear (I can't post the certificate online - it has the manager's name and signature on it): "furthermore, we specify that this vehicle must undergo supplementary type approval by the relevant Mines department, which will determine its new CLASS and BODY TYPE."
I can't attach (it's too large and won't display properly) the CRR14-01 form p4/4 from the DRIRE file with the manufacturer's reclassification authorization request handwritten at the bottom.
If you don't have that in Sarthe and Mayenne and other departments - according to Heuliez, which handles these regularly - well, maybe you could get away with it anyway by arguing with the engineer, but I wouldn't recommend it, even though we both know for a fact it's just red tape, especially since Heuliez provides the certificate for free.
Personally, I went with the simplest option.
GX47
Sorry to stir things up, but you don't have it all right:
In Mayenne, it's the same as in Sarthe and plenty of other departments, and it's becoming more common - the DRIREs cover themselves by asking for manufacturer authorization in certificate form to allow downclassification of the commercial vehicle (PL - just to be clear) to VASP.
BUT - and you're absolutely right about this - the manufacturer won't authorize a "home-car" downclassification, only a type/category change to "VASP". Heuliez makes this clear (I can't post the certificate online - it has the manager's name and signature on it): "furthermore, we specify that this vehicle must undergo supplementary type approval by the relevant Mines department, which will determine its new CLASS and BODY TYPE."
I can't attach (it's too large and won't display properly) the CRR14-01 form p4/4 from the DRIRE file with the manufacturer's reclassification authorization request handwritten at the bottom.
If you don't have that in Sarthe and Mayenne and other departments - according to Heuliez, which handles these regularly - well, maybe you could get away with it anyway by arguing with the engineer, but I wouldn't recommend it, even though we both know for a fact it's just red tape, especially since Heuliez provides the certificate for free.
Personally, I went with the simplest option.
GX47
GX47
ex transformation, homologation et utilisation d'un car en CC 9places route en utilisation pro. Plus un CC 6pl VL, plus un fourgon en cabine approfondie 6 pl VL. si je peu aider...
ex transformation, homologation et utilisation d'un car en CC 9places route en utilisation pro. Plus un CC 6pl VL, plus un fourgon en cabine approfondie 6 pl VL. si je peu aider...
😉Hey everyone,
So I'm finally doing the paperwork for the bus this weekend, but I can only pick it up on November 10th.
It's a vehicle that hasn't been driven for less than a year except for moving it around at the company. It'll be put on a lift for lubrication points and an inspection.
Quick question: I'm not doing any paperwork for the inspection or mining registry even though my tachograph plate expired a year ago???🤪
Nice beast gasmobil😎.
Nice beast gasmobil😎.
So we agree then!
It's all the zeal of those engineers!
This document is useless!
Some manufacturers go along with it out of courtesy, others refuse, and they're right!
These bad habits picked up by engineers spread, and over time become standard practice!
Let's go back to what the law actually says and stop pestering the manufacturers' certification departments for no reason. One day soon, none of them will be willing to waste time on trivial details, and we'll lose access to this magic key in cases where it's really valuable (for major mods like slide-outs or rear doors for loading cars).
PATRICK26
It's all the zeal of those engineers!
This document is useless!
Some manufacturers go along with it out of courtesy, others refuse, and they're right!
These bad habits picked up by engineers spread, and over time become standard practice!
Let's go back to what the law actually says and stop pestering the manufacturers' certification departments for no reason. One day soon, none of them will be willing to waste time on trivial details, and we'll lose access to this magic key in cases where it's really valuable (for major mods like slide-outs or rear doors for loading cars).
PATRICK26
😏Hi everyone, I showed up back in September but I wasn't able to log back in🙁!
I just bought the Mercedes 303 I had my eye on, and I removed the seats (which I'm not sure what to do with) yesterday. I still need to deal with the rust, but then I don't know where to start (I've already done the plans, very important!!). It seems to me I need to do the electrical first, can you confirm that for me?
PATRICK26: I read that you advise against the 303 because of the curved windows, but why not remake them in fiberglass instead? (It works for all buses) It's lighter and I think it can look clean.
I'm lost in the AFNOR guides, is the one I need to order really "fitting out a vehicle as a motorhome"?
I didn't think there were so many crazy people buying a bus, that's amazing. Around me lots of people are being discouraging, yet they're not afraid to build or renovate a house!!! Maybe they're the crazy ones!!
I just bought the Mercedes 303 I had my eye on, and I removed the seats (which I'm not sure what to do with) yesterday. I still need to deal with the rust, but then I don't know where to start (I've already done the plans, very important!!). It seems to me I need to do the electrical first, can you confirm that for me?
PATRICK26: I read that you advise against the 303 because of the curved windows, but why not remake them in fiberglass instead? (It works for all buses) It's lighter and I think it can look clean.
I'm lost in the AFNOR guides, is the one I need to order really "fitting out a vehicle as a motorhome"?
I didn't think there were so many crazy people buying a bus, that's amazing. Around me lots of people are being discouraging, yet they're not afraid to build or renovate a house!!! Maybe they're the crazy ones!!
AFNOR guide, mine's called: Motorhome Conversion Guide. so what you found should be good?
for the crazy ones: people are scared of what they don't know! for now we don't submit houses to DRIRE either, although normally you'd need electrical work validated by a qualified professional, and you absolutely must go through an architect for anything over 170m² of living space for me, I've been doing renovation for 16 years... takes me a while for a motorhome (it's smaller too 😉)
fiber, from having done it, there's a lot of work 🤪 unless all the windows are the same.
for the crazy ones: people are scared of what they don't know! for now we don't submit houses to DRIRE either, although normally you'd need electrical work validated by a qualified professional, and you absolutely must go through an architect for anything over 170m² of living space for me, I've been doing renovation for 16 years... takes me a while for a motorhome (it's smaller too 😉)
fiber, from having done it, there's a lot of work 🤪 unless all the windows are the same.
GX47
ex transformation, homologation et utilisation d'un car en CC 9places route en utilisation pro. Plus un CC 6pl VL, plus un fourgon en cabine approfondie 6 pl VL. si je peu aider...
ex transformation, homologation et utilisation d'un car en CC 9places route en utilisation pro. Plus un CC 6pl VL, plus un fourgon en cabine approfondie 6 pl VL. si je peu aider...
As promised, great news!
seb (sorry, sjunior) did a fantastic job and really helped me out!
We've got a blog!
It's not meant to replace this discussion forum;
however, comments have been disabled.
But on this blog, you'll find: organized by categories, a real treasure trove of information (standards, plans, diagrams, photos from meetups)
themes (electricity, water, heating)
I also took the chance to put together a history of my bus work (not finished, far from it!)
To access this database, just head to this address:
http://motorhome.blogs-de-voyage.fr/
ATTENTION! We haven't had time to get everything online! FOR NOW IT'S JUST A NICE PREVIEW!
If you have documents to share, don't hesitate to send them to me or let me know.
As you browse through this blog, you'll notice it has a real advantage over many others. Let me explain:
When I write an entry in my bus history and that entry involves electricity, I can link it to the "electricity" theme so it shows up there too. Magic!
We're thinking with seb (sorry, sjunior) about the possibility of other members who have buses under renovation or completed joining us to enrich this database.
Anyway, come visit and contact me. I welcome all feedback!
But I operate on the principle that if you critique negatively, you should offer a better solution than what's proposed!
PATRICK26
seb (sorry, sjunior) did a fantastic job and really helped me out!
We've got a blog!
It's not meant to replace this discussion forum;
however, comments have been disabled.
But on this blog, you'll find: organized by categories, a real treasure trove of information (standards, plans, diagrams, photos from meetups)
themes (electricity, water, heating)
I also took the chance to put together a history of my bus work (not finished, far from it!)
To access this database, just head to this address:
http://motorhome.blogs-de-voyage.fr/
ATTENTION! We haven't had time to get everything online! FOR NOW IT'S JUST A NICE PREVIEW!
If you have documents to share, don't hesitate to send them to me or let me know.
As you browse through this blog, you'll notice it has a real advantage over many others. Let me explain:
When I write an entry in my bus history and that entry involves electricity, I can link it to the "electricity" theme so it shows up there too. Magic!
We're thinking with seb (sorry, sjunior) about the possibility of other members who have buses under renovation or completed joining us to enrich this database.
Anyway, come visit and contact me. I welcome all feedback!
But I operate on the principle that if you critique negatively, you should offer a better solution than what's proposed!
PATRICK26
Log in first, then come back to this page.
You might also like
Storm in the Canary Islands
New adventures from Perpignan to Ranchi (Jharkhand)
Amazing Kyrgyzstan!
Argentine and Chilean Patagonia from El Calafate to Ushuaia
Turkey 2026: Riviera, Antalya, and Cappadocia
Page by Page on the Assisi Way – 1,200 km on Foot
How to nail your trek in wet climates: which pants keep you truly dry?
Densha Otaku - Lesser-Known Regions
More discussions
Hi everyone.
We’re planning a two-month trip to Morocco and Mauritania this fall (2026). We’d like to use this trip to get some bodywork and paint done on our VW T4 camper bus.
Does anyone have recommendations for trustworthy auto body shops (either personally tested or firsthand recommendations)?
Thanks in advance.
Hi,
How do you manage to charge your battery using a solar panel while keeping your vehicle in the shade so it doesn’t turn into an oven?
I have a Renault Trafic, unfortunately black, and my cooler, battery, and BougeRV solar panel.
My battery is mainly used for my electric cooler.
https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0CQ4LFVVR?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3
Thanks in advance! Nath
How do you manage to charge your battery using a solar panel while keeping your vehicle in the shade so it doesn’t turn into an oven?
I have a Renault Trafic, unfortunately black, and my cooler, battery, and BougeRV solar panel.
My battery is mainly used for my electric cooler.
https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0CQ4LFVVR?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3
Thanks in advance! Nath
Hi everyone, I don’t think there’s already a thread on this topic,
we’re planning—two or three years from now (I know, it’s a ways off...)—a cross-Canada trip from east to west, meaning Montréal ====> Vancouver, and leaving the RV in Vancouver. First, we’ll spend a few days visiting Québec City, then pick up the RV in Montréal. The trip will likely be around 5 weeks, late August to early September. If you’ve got any route ideas, we’d love to hear them! Banff is probably a must-see stop for us. Thanks in advance!
Didier and Nicole
Hello,
Today is January 7th, Orthodox Christmas Day.
It’s the perfect occasion to share on VF a religious site that left a lasting impression on us.
For a long time, we’d admired photos of the Makaryevo Women’s Monastery on Russian websites. They’re always taken from cruise hydrofoils that, in season, depart from Nizhny Novgorod.
This gave us the idea for a crazy challenge: to visit the monastery during a river cruise, with our little plumber’s van that’s become the common thread of our travels!
This challenge seemed impossible to pull off.
The equation was indeed impossible to solve
1. Find a dock 2. Load the van onto a boat 3. Cross the Volga 4. Arrive at sunset 5. Sail past the monastery 6. All with no reliable information. NONE!
Incredibly, every obstacle fell into place one after another! Gifting us unforgettable moments.
The photos follow our exact journey.
1. We arrive on the southern bank of the Volga, searching for a ferry to Makaryevo. First attempt, first failure—we’re way too far east. We find a second ferry, but it serves a different town on the northern bank.
2. We keep going and meet some fishermen. But even they don’t know where to board a vehicle for the monastery.
3. After several fruitless searches, a young man who speaks a few words of English points us to a dock where, in summer, boats *might* serve the monastery. Miraculously, at the end of a rough track, we find an old ferry moored. But no one’s on board, and a chain blocks the entrance.
After an hour of waiting, a worker arrives and tells us they *will* cross the Volga tonight,
but the exit ramp at Makaryevo isn’t accessible for our vehicle.
The captain joins him, and seeing our disappointed faces, they confer, discuss,
and load some planks to raise the ramp!
Another miracle!
4. We board, with just one passenger accompanying us— the Trafic is the only vehicle on board.
5. The crossing was magical. And longer than expected, since the Volga here is several kilometers wide, and we’re navigating between countless islands!
6. Under a sky that gradually clears, we discover there are homes on the river— invisible from the banks—that form small communities where people get around by boat!
7. Then, suddenly, around a bend in the channel, the monastery appears in the distance on the northern bank.
8. At the exact moment our boat rounds the buoy and nears the monastery, the sun breaks through the clouds!
9. A breathtaking sight, with our boat gliding along the monastery walls in absolute silence.
10. The sky, now a deep blue, makes the vibrant colors of the onion domes pop.
11. We sail slowly past the monastery under extraordinary light— something our little compact camera can’t fully capture.
12. As promised, the captain and his crew adjust the exit ramp. You can’t tell from the photo, but even with the planks, it was a close call— the van’s chassis barely cleared the ramp. We thanked them warmly.
13. By the end of the day, the monastery is, of course, closed. But another miracle happens! It turns out the passenger who crossed with us is the mayor’s wife. When Sylvie told her we were from France, she called her husband, who immediately contacted the Mother Superior. Like in a dream, the monastery opens just for us. A nun and a guard come to meet us and take us through the chapels and gardens!
14. A visit all the more intimate since only the silent nuns, deep in prayer, are present in these sacred spaces.
15. After dinner in our little van, we enjoy the exceptional light illuminating the now-closed monastery. We’re the only visitors, and the site feels like a massive ship anchored on the Volga.
16. The setting sun now bathes the monastery walls in gorgeous pink hues!
17. Gradually, the legendary Volga itself takes on magical colors! For the night, I’ll just back the van up to level it. It’ll take us a while to fall asleep after such intense moments.
18. Just as inexplicably, the magic continues the next morning! Seeing I’m struggling with my knee, the guard lets us drive slowly along the monastery’s perimeter path. So there we are at dawn, solitary wanderers between the Volga and the monastery walls.
19. The morning light now illuminates the monastery’s eastern façade, which we hadn’t admired yesterday. An exceptional moment.
20. Even more impressive when we realize we’re on the nuns’ prayer path. We cross paths with them—tall, silent, black-clad figures, fully covered.
We leave Makaryevo with regret, following the Volga toward Kostroma on the Golden Ring. That’s about all there is to add.
We’ve already taken three long trips through Russia in our little van. The travel journals are shared in the link in our signature.
Best regards, Sylvie & Bernard
Today is January 7th, Orthodox Christmas Day.
It’s the perfect occasion to share on VF a religious site that left a lasting impression on us.
For a long time, we’d admired photos of the Makaryevo Women’s Monastery on Russian websites. They’re always taken from cruise hydrofoils that, in season, depart from Nizhny Novgorod.
This gave us the idea for a crazy challenge: to visit the monastery during a river cruise, with our little plumber’s van that’s become the common thread of our travels!
This challenge seemed impossible to pull off.
The equation was indeed impossible to solve
1. Find a dock 2. Load the van onto a boat 3. Cross the Volga 4. Arrive at sunset 5. Sail past the monastery 6. All with no reliable information. NONE!
Incredibly, every obstacle fell into place one after another! Gifting us unforgettable moments.
The photos follow our exact journey.
1. We arrive on the southern bank of the Volga, searching for a ferry to Makaryevo. First attempt, first failure—we’re way too far east. We find a second ferry, but it serves a different town on the northern bank.
2. We keep going and meet some fishermen. But even they don’t know where to board a vehicle for the monastery.
3. After several fruitless searches, a young man who speaks a few words of English points us to a dock where, in summer, boats *might* serve the monastery. Miraculously, at the end of a rough track, we find an old ferry moored. But no one’s on board, and a chain blocks the entrance.
After an hour of waiting, a worker arrives and tells us they *will* cross the Volga tonight,
but the exit ramp at Makaryevo isn’t accessible for our vehicle.
The captain joins him, and seeing our disappointed faces, they confer, discuss,
and load some planks to raise the ramp!Another miracle!
4. We board, with just one passenger accompanying us— the Trafic is the only vehicle on board.
5. The crossing was magical. And longer than expected, since the Volga here is several kilometers wide, and we’re navigating between countless islands!
6. Under a sky that gradually clears, we discover there are homes on the river— invisible from the banks—that form small communities where people get around by boat!
7. Then, suddenly, around a bend in the channel, the monastery appears in the distance on the northern bank.
8. At the exact moment our boat rounds the buoy and nears the monastery, the sun breaks through the clouds!
9. A breathtaking sight, with our boat gliding along the monastery walls in absolute silence.
10. The sky, now a deep blue, makes the vibrant colors of the onion domes pop.
11. We sail slowly past the monastery under extraordinary light— something our little compact camera can’t fully capture.
12. As promised, the captain and his crew adjust the exit ramp. You can’t tell from the photo, but even with the planks, it was a close call— the van’s chassis barely cleared the ramp. We thanked them warmly.
13. By the end of the day, the monastery is, of course, closed. But another miracle happens! It turns out the passenger who crossed with us is the mayor’s wife. When Sylvie told her we were from France, she called her husband, who immediately contacted the Mother Superior. Like in a dream, the monastery opens just for us. A nun and a guard come to meet us and take us through the chapels and gardens!
14. A visit all the more intimate since only the silent nuns, deep in prayer, are present in these sacred spaces.
15. After dinner in our little van, we enjoy the exceptional light illuminating the now-closed monastery. We’re the only visitors, and the site feels like a massive ship anchored on the Volga.
16. The setting sun now bathes the monastery walls in gorgeous pink hues!
17. Gradually, the legendary Volga itself takes on magical colors! For the night, I’ll just back the van up to level it. It’ll take us a while to fall asleep after such intense moments.
18. Just as inexplicably, the magic continues the next morning! Seeing I’m struggling with my knee, the guard lets us drive slowly along the monastery’s perimeter path. So there we are at dawn, solitary wanderers between the Volga and the monastery walls.
19. The morning light now illuminates the monastery’s eastern façade, which we hadn’t admired yesterday. An exceptional moment.
20. Even more impressive when we realize we’re on the nuns’ prayer path. We cross paths with them—tall, silent, black-clad figures, fully covered.
We leave Makaryevo with regret, following the Volga toward Kostroma on the Golden Ring. That’s about all there is to add.
We’ve already taken three long trips through Russia in our little van. The travel journals are shared in the link in our signature.
Best regards, Sylvie & Bernard
"Hey fellow road-trippers! 🚐🔥
After 4 years on the road, I’ve noticed something simple: we’re all looking for the same things. Authentic welcomes, great local eateries, and stops that don’t feel like supermarket parking lots.
But it’s always bugged me to see small producers or local guesthouses getting their margins eaten up by big booking platforms.
That’s why I created TerraNomad.
The concept is straightforward:
The pro (farmer, restaurant, small campsite, guesthouse) pays no commission to be on our map. In return, they offer a special welcome or discount to members.
It’s direct, local, and human. We’re starting in France, then heading together toward Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. Quick question: Does this kind of "no-middleman" network speak to you? I’m opening the first 100 Founding Member spots this Friday night (special launch price at 12 € for the year—just 1 € per month). Can’t wait to read your thoughts and see if you’d be up for this adventure! 🌍✋"
The pro (farmer, restaurant, small campsite, guesthouse) pays no commission to be on our map. In return, they offer a special welcome or discount to members.
It’s direct, local, and human. We’re starting in France, then heading together toward Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. Quick question: Does this kind of "no-middleman" network speak to you? I’m opening the first 100 Founding Member spots this Friday night (special launch price at 12 € for the year—just 1 € per month). Can’t wait to read your thoughts and see if you’d be up for this adventure! 🌍✋"
Is it complicated to rent a car and drive in Morocco? Also, is an international driver’s permit mandatory? Thanks
hi
where can you park a camper van in Trieste to sightsee and sleep?
thanks
Hi there,
Does anyone have a good agency recommendation for renting a camper van in Morocco (Marrakech or Essaouira) for about two weeks in March 2026?
Thanks for your tips!
Hi everyone,
We’re a family of four—two adults with two kids aged 4 and 7—about to embark on a year-long round-the-world trip in a camper van. I’m currently planning the Asia leg, which should last about 6 months. We’ll arrive in Thailand in January, head north, then move on to Laos. Ideally, we’d continue to Vietnam, Cambodia, and then return to Thailand to head south into Malaysia. If the budget allows, we’d love to include China and Japan. The big question after lots of research is: how easy is it to temporarily import a vehicle into these countries? The info I’ve found is outdated (2019–2020), and given how quickly regulations change, I’d love to hear from anyone currently (or recently) traveling in these countries with their vehicle. I’ve read that you need a local guide in Vietnam, local license plates in China, and that importing a vehicle into China is quite complicated—are these rules still in place? More generally, is there a recommended route for this part of the world with a camper van?
Thanks in advance!
We’re a family of four—two adults with two kids aged 4 and 7—about to embark on a year-long round-the-world trip in a camper van. I’m currently planning the Asia leg, which should last about 6 months. We’ll arrive in Thailand in January, head north, then move on to Laos. Ideally, we’d continue to Vietnam, Cambodia, and then return to Thailand to head south into Malaysia. If the budget allows, we’d love to include China and Japan. The big question after lots of research is: how easy is it to temporarily import a vehicle into these countries? The info I’ve found is outdated (2019–2020), and given how quickly regulations change, I’d love to hear from anyone currently (or recently) traveling in these countries with their vehicle. I’ve read that you need a local guide in Vietnam, local license plates in China, and that importing a vehicle into China is quite complicated—are these rules still in place? More generally, is there a recommended route for this part of the world with a camper van?
Thanks in advance!
hello fellow travelers
For my golden years, I'd like to drive to India in my 508. I want to avoid Iran and Pakistan. Instead, I’m thinking of going through Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, then taking the ferry from Baku to Türkmenbaşy in Turkmenistan, followed by the Silk Road through Central Asia—Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
After that, China? I’ve seen that some travelers manage to drive through China with their own vehicle... Then Tibet, Nepal, and India... But things get tricky with the Himalayan crossing. I’ve checked on Google—it looks tough.
Any tips or info on these routes? Thanks
After that, China? I’ve seen that some travelers manage to drive through China with their own vehicle... Then Tibet, Nepal, and India... But things get tricky with the Himalayan crossing. I’ve checked on Google—it looks tough.
Any tips or info on these routes? Thanks
Hi,
It seems that vans and campervans aren't allowed on Hurtigruten ferries?
We have a California van with a bike rack—length: 5.70 m / height: 2.20 m / width: 1.95 m.
We'd like to take the ferry from Trondheim to the Lofoten Islands this coming September.
Thanks for sharing any info!
regions Brittany, Rhône-Alpes, and Massif Central (Auvergne Limousin)
Hi fellow travelers,
We’re planning our first trip to Iceland.
We’re considering renting a 4x4 where we could sleep from time to time.
My question is: What’s the current regulation in Iceland? Which areas allow sleeping in your vehicle, and where is it prohibited (requiring you to stay in campgrounds)?
In June, is it possible to find spots without having booked in advance?
Sergio
Hi there,
We’re traveling in our camper van from Haute-Savoie.
We’ve got 2 weeks in April and want to explore northern Portugal.
We’re thinking of:
- Peneda-Gerês National Park - the Douro Valley - Porto
We love nature, hiking, and culture (and also good food and wine).😉
Do you have an itinerary to suggest?
Thanks in advance for your replies
We’re traveling in our camper van from Haute-Savoie.
We’ve got 2 weeks in April and want to explore northern Portugal.
We’re thinking of:
- Peneda-Gerês National Park - the Douro Valley - Porto
We love nature, hiking, and culture (and also good food and wine).😉
Do you have an itinerary to suggest?
Thanks in advance for your replies
Hi there,
We're planning a full week in Iceland in April. Given the short timeframe to prepare, I’m asking for some help on the forum.
We’re considering renting a camper van to be more independent with our travel. - Is this really a good idea at this time of year due to weather conditions (cold nights, poor road conditions, etc.)? - Can we just "park" anywhere for the night to sleep, or do we absolutely have to go to a campsite? What are the approximate rates for a van with 2 people? Do we need to book in advance? - If this mode of transport is recommended, do you have any good places to rent one?
Iceland is still a big island with lots of points of interest, so I think it’ll be tough to see everything in 8 days. - Are there parts of the island we should prioritize in April? We like hiking (nothing too long—6 or 7 hours is out of the question) and unique landscapes. - Are some sites inaccessible at this time of year? - Is Reykjavik worth stopping for a day or two?
Thanks in advance for your answers!
Jeff
We're planning a full week in Iceland in April. Given the short timeframe to prepare, I’m asking for some help on the forum.
We’re considering renting a camper van to be more independent with our travel. - Is this really a good idea at this time of year due to weather conditions (cold nights, poor road conditions, etc.)? - Can we just "park" anywhere for the night to sleep, or do we absolutely have to go to a campsite? What are the approximate rates for a van with 2 people? Do we need to book in advance? - If this mode of transport is recommended, do you have any good places to rent one?
Iceland is still a big island with lots of points of interest, so I think it’ll be tough to see everything in 8 days. - Are there parts of the island we should prioritize in April? We like hiking (nothing too long—6 or 7 hours is out of the question) and unique landscapes. - Are some sites inaccessible at this time of year? - Is Reykjavik worth stopping for a day or two?
Thanks in advance for your answers!
Jeff
Hi there,
Most of the time when I travel, I tow a trailer with an ATV for my local trips... I’d love to hear from anyone who’s traveled with a trailer and a second vehicle of any kind—especially the downsides of towing a trailer in Norway, aside from ferry costs.
Thanks!
Most of the time when I travel, I tow a trailer with an ATV for my local trips... I’d love to hear from anyone who’s traveled with a trailer and a second vehicle of any kind—especially the downsides of towing a trailer in Norway, aside from ferry costs.
Thanks!
hi,
I’m planning a trip to Albania in a camper van, most likely between May, June, and early July (2027), for about 60 days. On the way down, I’ll go as far as Bari (or Brindisi) and cross by ferry, and on the way back, I’ll go through the former Yugoslavia (or maybe take the return ferry?).
Has anyone been there recently? What are the roads like, the must-see spots, and any general tips you can share?
There’ll probably be two of us traveling together.
Thanks
Hi there,
During our last trip to Greece in 2021, we used Anek Lines' open deck offer, which allowed us to spend the night in our van on an open deck by the sea with access to the ferry's bars, restaurant, and showers (on the Ancona-Igoumenitsa route).
From my initial research, it seems this service no longer exists—can anyone confirm this?
Any alternatives?
Thanks
Hi everyone,
I’m planning to drive my camper van to southern Spain in autumn 2026. Ideally, I’d like to find a ferry leaving from France (Marseille or Toulon, doesn’t matter) that drops me off as far south in Spain as possible. I’ve done some research but haven’t had any luck.
Thanks for your tips!
Vanouk
We’d like to spend 15 days in August visiting Normandy by camper van, starting from Lyon.
Has anyone got an itinerary to suggest for exploring Normandy?
We’d like to go to Calvados to visit: Flower Coast, Honfleur, Cabourg, Deauville, D-Day landing beaches
Mont Saint-Michel
Alabaster Coast, Étretat cliffs, and maybe Rouen Fabienne
We’d like to go to Calvados to visit: Flower Coast, Honfleur, Cabourg, Deauville, D-Day landing beaches
Mont Saint-Michel
Alabaster Coast, Étretat cliffs, and maybe Rouen Fabienne
Hi there,
I have a bit of a crazy dream... I'd love to drop everything and hit the road with my wife and kids in a camper van.
I want to visit villages to learn, immerse ourselves in other cultures, and see different perspectives on the world. To teach my kids different values.
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a campervan road trip and would love some tips from those who know these countries: Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and Slovenia again. At the moment, nothing’s set in stone, but for example, is it better to visit Slovenia or Bosnia? My preferences lean toward landscapes (rivers, sea, lakes)—basically anywhere there’s water! :) Wild camping, cheap or even free spots, and a *very* tight budget—it’s the discovery, curiosity, and meeting locals that drive me. I’ll visit cities and sites only if access is easy (by bike, for example, or by train from an affordable campsite) and if visitors aren’t treated like cash cows. Just reasonable stuff, really. So, any advice is welcome—like swimming spots or easy hikes along coasts or rivers. I love caves and offbeat visits (salt mines in Poland, La Roque Saint-Christophe in France, etc.). Castles and old ruins? Not really my thing... Thanks for your help! Sylvia
I’m planning a campervan road trip and would love some tips from those who know these countries: Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and Slovenia again. At the moment, nothing’s set in stone, but for example, is it better to visit Slovenia or Bosnia? My preferences lean toward landscapes (rivers, sea, lakes)—basically anywhere there’s water! :) Wild camping, cheap or even free spots, and a *very* tight budget—it’s the discovery, curiosity, and meeting locals that drive me. I’ll visit cities and sites only if access is easy (by bike, for example, or by train from an affordable campsite) and if visitors aren’t treated like cash cows. Just reasonable stuff, really. So, any advice is welcome—like swimming spots or easy hikes along coasts or rivers. I love caves and offbeat visits (salt mines in Poland, La Roque Saint-Christophe in France, etc.). Castles and old ruins? Not really my thing... Thanks for your help! Sylvia
Hi, I’m planning to pick up a camper van in Dubai and drive it back to France... is this even possible? What’s the best route? What are the main challenges? Are there secure parking areas along the way? Is diesel fuel available for the whole trip? ... So many questions... Thanks for your help! See you soon!
I'm planning to drive to the UAE by road, going through Iraq. Has anyone done this and can give me some info? Specifically about the border crossings Turkey/Iraq and Iraq/Kuwait.
Hi there,
I’d love to hear your thoughts on a trip to New Zealand in a campervan. Is it a good idea to mix hotels and a car on the North Island and a campervan on the South Island? Or should I do the whole trip in a campervan—though visiting big cities seems trickier that way.
Other questions: which companies do you recommend, and what are the least tiring or most sensible routes? 😄
Thanks for sharing your experiences and ideas!
Hi there,
We’re planning to tour Scandinavia by camper van—Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway (in that order)—for 5 weeks from late May to late June 2026.
I’ve done it before, but that was way back in 1980 😎 and by hitchhiking!
We’d love to hear from anyone who’s done this trip about the best routes, great tips, must-know advice, and what to do or avoid (ferries, campsites, etc.).
Thanks in advance!
hi there,
We’re heading to southern England this summer in our camper van, including a stop in London.
Does anyone have a good experience with a campsite near London that has easy access to public transport to get into the city center? Ideally, we’d like to leave the camper van at the campsite...
Thanks so much in advance for your help!
We’re heading to southern England this summer in our camper van, including a stop in London.
Does anyone have a good experience with a campsite near London that has easy access to public transport to get into the city center? Ideally, we’d like to leave the camper van at the campsite...
Thanks so much in advance for your help!
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a trip with my camper van in autumn 2026 to head to southern Italy from Genoa by ferry.
Ideally, I’d like to leave from Genoa for southern Italy (like Messina) or another city in the boot.
I’ve done some research online but haven’t had any luck.
Can you help or give me some advice?
Thanks in advance!
Vanouk
Hi there, we’ll be in Portugal from March 9 to April 14, 2026. We’ve booked our first five days in Lisbon for sightseeing. After that, we’d like to rent a campervan (RV), but we’re having trouble finding a good site for the rental. The rental would be for about three weeks. Do you have any suggestions for us? We think it’s best to book the campervan before we arrive. And since we’re not mechanics, we need a vehicle in good condition...
Thanks so much for your suggestions. We’re open to everything—even route ideas and places to visit! Pierrette
Thanks so much for your suggestions. We’re open to everything—even route ideas and places to visit! Pierrette