4x4 Camper Van

Have you thought about military surplus?

I've already seen a military Berliet (it's a 6x6, that's even better) at the Touquet enduro with a caravan on its platform.

Military surplus: cheap, a used caravan: cheap. On the other hand, diesel consumption shouldn't be negligible, but in the countries you're planning to visit, diesel isn't expensive either so it all works out... 😉

Wait, I just thought of that—do you have a heavy vehicle license?

Hey Laurent,

Actually, I'm looking for something more low-key, so I'm leaning more towards a 4x4 van that I'll set up myself using gear from Narb.....Access

Catch you later

Hi

Check out my website and you'll see a utility 4x4 that will be converted to a campervan starting next year. I can also tell you about other vehicles that might suit your needs. 😉

http://bernard.debucquoi.com/

Best regards, Bernard

You're right,

you need to find a van with a 4x4 platform, or have specialists fit one.

Not straightforward.

I'm looking for exactly the same thing. I've seen some J5s or Boxers, for example. But they'd need fitting out afterward.

Hello,

When it comes to being small, discreet, and efficient, I can't think of anything better than the Volkswagen Transporter syncro: the T2 model (T3 in Germany) discontinued in 1990. Small like a car: 4, 50 m long. Discreet like a plain van. Efficient like a 4x4. We spent 22 months in South America in a model like this. To learn everything about this vehicle:

http://familleautourdumonde.free.fr/amsu2002/pages/vwsyncro.html

Rémi explains from A to Z how he prepared it.

Today, the van is for sale: it's gotten too small for the four of us.

See you soon

Hi,

Besides the VW Synchro which sadly is no longer available, there are: the Renault Master B90 4x4" the Bremach http://www.mamstrager.com/ and at Iveco the 'Dailly' http://www.scamtrucks.com/gbsc_sm.html

and then there's also the possibility of having 4x4 conversions done at Dangel for example, but that costs a fortune.

Personally, I chose a Mitsubishi 4x4 double-cab pickup with a removable living unit. and since this year, a new manufacturer offers small empty units that don't stick out past the pickup... Happy to help if you need more information.

I'm heading to Australia soon to rent a Toyota 4x4 van set up as a bush-camper, I'm going to check if this model is sold in Europe.

Cheers and happy to help

Jean-Marie

Hi, I find the pop-up camper on a pickup truck a bit cramped, especially for longer stays. That's why I went with the B90 4x4. Best regards, Bernard

Hello Personally, I find the removable camper unit on the pickup a bit tight, especially for living in it for extended stays That's why I went with the B90 4x4 Best regards Bernard

Hello, It's all compromises depending on how you approach camper van living... Personally, I've already done a 3-month trip to the Baltic countries, Russia, Finland, Norway, and Iceland with 3 adults and we didn't have any space issues, because the pickup cabin can also serve as storage during stops...

And with the pickup alone and the camper unit left somewhere at a campsite, you can go almost anywhere! And for now the solution works for me, but we'll see when I upgrade.

Warmly and Happy New Year,

Jean-Marie

So I'm thinking about traveling in a campervan...

I'm wondering whether to go with a 4x4 or not??? I'm planning to go far: Morocco, different West African countries....

I've read some travel blogs from people who've done similar trips, and I noticed not everyone had a 4x4! So I figure it's doable. What would hold me back from getting a 4x4 is the extra mechanical issues that could come up, especially if the vehicle isn't brand new, the higher price (I assume), and 4x4 campervans are hard to find...

What do you think?

There's also the Hyundai Satellite (4x4 people-carrier based on the older Mitsubishi Pajero)

good luck !

Hi...

For me, a 4x4 van is ideal for adventure travel—it's THE vehicle that gets you off the grid to remote sites, a bit off the beaten path.

So I'm looking for the same thing as you, and there are definitely topics we could discuss. But I'm mainly writing this to encourage anyone searching for their vehicle, because with a bit of time and maybe a bit of luck I managed to track down a B110 4x4 decommissioned from the CRS, which I hope to acquire soon and convert into a camper van.

A few search tips: In France, most vehicles of this type (B110/90, Iveco Dailly, Trafic, C17...) come from public sector sources like police, military, fire services, and EDF. You find them first at auctions, then with mechanics, sometimes specialists, who buy vehicles for next to nothing but without any information from the agencies (presumably maintenance and upkeep are high quality in the public sector anyway). The professional then ensures compliance (technical inspection) and in principle a complete overhaul and/or restoration. If you have the means and motivation to do everything yourself you can try auctions, but in the end I'm not sure the advantage is that significant. Especially since you'll have to deal with professionals who generally organize among themselves to make sure they secure the vehicles (watch out for bidding wars).

Otherwise, even rarer—Mercedes also produced vans or converted buses as 4x4s for Swiss, German, and Dutch armies, I think, in very limited series. At least in Europe, because in Africa and Asia these vehicles are very common. They're more robust than those from French brands, and in fact you find way more spare parts on those two continents. The rare models (in the 300–600 series) still available in Europe often end up going to Africa.

I don't know how many vehicles of this type from public sector sources are still in service in France, or in which regions, but I'd guess if there are any left it's mainly in mountainous areas. Auction sales happen primarily in the regions of origin, but not exclusively.

As for the B110 4x4, it's definitely quite rare—personally I've only seen two in my whole life, so I'm really hoping to land this one. I started with a Trafic semi 4x4 (reinforced chassis and rear axle locker, but no differential...) which took me to West Africa, which I'm now letting go of (interested buyers welcome) to soon acquire the rig I found—the one I needed for the next few years (2 projects, in Africa and Asia)—while I wait, maybe, for a bigger one down the road...

There you go, happy searching...

dd

What about a Mercedes Unimog? It goes everywhere and the engine is pretty robust.

Good evening,

I forgot to mention an important detail—the dog! A Leonberger (cousin of the Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, etc.), which is why I think the living spaces on pickup campers are pretty small. When you said that everything is just a matter of compromise depending on how we do our RV camping... well, I completely agree! "No RV without my dog" and my wife, of course!

Bernard59

Hello all,

There is currently in Haute-Savoie a Renault B110 4x4 camper van for sale: http://bernard.debucquoi.com/annonces.php

Regards,

Bernard.

Hey... I just stumbled across this listing by chance for a Citroën J5 converted to 4x4 by Dangel. The price is a bit steep, but it's definitely worth it for anyone with the budget. This van's a really good compromise—if I had the cash on hand, I'd probably jump on it, but hey...

here's the link

http://www.321auto.com/consultation_annonce/PEUGEOT/J5/32197341.asp

Hi everyone,

On February 2nd, at an auction there will be small 4x4 trucks (under 3.5t normally)

BREMACH GR 35V DIESEL TRUCK BED 48000 km 06.06.91 BREMACH BRIO 3.5 TRI-BED DIESEL 47000 km 16.06.94 BREMACH BRIO 3.5 TRI-BED DIESEL 37000 km 31.03.94 BREMACH GR TRUCK BED WITH CRANE 200000 km 05.08.93

Website: http://www.cevep.com/vente.php?id=296

Regards, Sébastien.

A new camper van for sale on my site 😉 http://bernard.debucquoi.com Best regards, Bernard

Hello everyone,

First of all, this is a really interesting site for B90 4x4 enthusiasts—congratulations.

I'm also looking for a B90 or B110 4x4 panel van to convert. This beast is very hard to find, so I'm reaching out to everyone to increase my chances........😉

Any information is helpful—docs, photos, listings, contacts, etc.

Thanks in advance.

@+

SYLSTE 01

Hi Syliste01

On the website http://interencheres.com/, there's a mailing list that sometimes includes vehicle listings for sale.

Sébastien😎

HI, I'M SELLING MY B90 4X4 VAN SOON

FROM 1991 IT HAS AROUND 100,000 KM IT COMES FROM EDF

IT'S BLUE AND NOT EQUIPPED AS A CAMPER VAN AT ALL

MAKE AN OFFER........

STEPHANE

Hi Stéphane if you can tell me a bit more about your van, I can post an ad on my site!! Contact me, I have inquiries Bernard

Hello,

Following your message, I'd like to get more information about your B90. Could you message me privately?

Thanks in advance

Stéphane

😎 HI THERE!!

We're traveling in Africa in a modified 4x4 – a 1988 Toyota HJ 61 with 430,000 km. We sleep inside it (the two of us) for safety, and the only downside is rain or cold, since everything happens outside the vehicle. We do 100% wild camping (that's us), and we're retired. Since we don't have loads of money, we make do with what we have!! And it doesn't cost any more than staying home in front of the TV!! Plus, with a 4x4, we've been able to reach places where we're all alone at the foot of a cliff by the ocean, 25km from the nearest pavement and 130km from the nearest town or village – it's just one example among many!! Anyway, I'm not going to bore you with my whole life story!!

A GRANDPA

I didn't know you could mount a camper unit on a double cab. So you can travel as a group of four?

Who did you have build this camper unit?

Thanks

Here's a short list of manufacturers: CLEMENSON 4 za de Lombardon 33460 MACAU 05.57.88.41.22 MOBILIS 19 rue de la gare 14730 GIBERVILLE 02.31.72.50.70 www.Polycomposit.com 6 av.Jean Monnet 26000 VALENCE 04.75.43.92.51 HENRYMAG 7 rue de l'égalité 69740 GENAS 04.78.90.47.38 CLASSIC CAMPER 11 rue Louis Billet 56400 AURAY 02.97.29.16.75 TISCHER (see Classic-camper) TRAYON With that, you should find what you're looking for!

Thank you so much

Have a nice day

Hi

Do you have the contact info for this camper unit manufacturer, please?

Thanks

Hi

I saw your forum discussion from a while back. I'm also interested in traveling in a campervan. I was wondering if you had any answers to the questions: is a 4x4 vehicle absolutely necessary to cross Africa? And if you did find a 4x4 campervan, which model is it?

See you soon

Hi,

I'm planning to cross Africa (Morocco to South Africa via the west). Can you tell me if it's absolutely necessary to have a 4x4 vehicle? Because many people say that southern and western Africa have decent trails and roads. What do you think? Since vehicle prices vary, I'm also looking for a 4x4 van, but I'm not sure which model to choose!

Best regards

Hi, I don't have anything on my end, but if you're not in a rush ? ? ?, I'd check with my friends from the "Campervan on the Silk Road and the World" association, since I know some of them have done that route. But I'm heading out in a few moments to the south for the general assembly of one of my other campervan associations. So see you in about ten days Warmly, Jean-Marie

I'm planning to cross Africa (Morocco to South Africa via the west). Can you tell me if it's absolutely necessary to have a 4x4 vehicle? Because many people say that South Africa and West Africa have good tracks or roads. What do you think? Because the vehicle price isn't the same, and in that case I'm also looking for a 4x4 van but I don't know which model!

Regards

Hi Ornitho, In 2003/4 I tried the same route in a 4x4 camper van, and we gave up in Benin because of a tenant issue back in France, plus some unrest in Nigeria ahead of the October 2004 elections.

A 4x4 isn't necessary—throughout West Africa bush taxis are Mercedes vans, so spare parts are no problem. The new road in Mauritania is finally complete, that makes three. You can get through, but combining that with Morocco's Western Sahara will tire you out on what's actually a really nice part of the journey. The Banc d'Arguin coast is so beautiful, and with a guide it's accessible in a 2x4 (much more reassuring in a 4x4). Just camp in Nouadhibou and chat with a few guides; one of them won't be in a rush, and he'll show you some great spots in the park.

After Mauritania I didn't use the 4x4 anymore.

It seems roads in Cameroon and the DRC can be impassable depending on the season, except in a 4x4.

If I had to do it again I'd still take my faithful Iveco 4x4—the only problem being it only has two seats and we've become three ;-)

www.camion4x4.com has some interesting listings for fully-equipped vehicles ready to go; if your budget's tight, www.besko.nl has some VW T3 Syncro models (excellent off-road) cheap to set up. Just need to get them registered in France...

Some fellow members of the CCRSM association had a rough time with their standard camper vans (significant overhang, essentially no ground clearance, unsuitable tires for deflated driving).

Whatever the vehicle, you'll be less hesitant to deflate (essential for getting through sand) if you have a good compressor to pump back up afterwards.

Happy to help with any other info. Luke

Thanks for your replies—actually, I got it wrong. It's the eastern route I wanted to head down to South Africa! Basically, following the Rift, Tanzania... If anyone knows this itinerary...

Catch you later

Hi

Does anyone have any ideas about the Jumper 2.8 TD Dangel van? Isn't this type of vehicle a bit fragile for Africa?

Cheers

😎 HEY!!

I've worked with that kind of rig!! It's only good for parking on sidewalks!! A 4x4 is: a vehicle that has a front and rear axle, with a transfer case for speed reduction + front and rear differential locks. The others aren't true 4x4s, but 4-wheel drive vehicles that give good road handling and can go off-road, but not much better than a 4x2!!!!! A GRANDPA

Iveco Daily builds 4x4 vans, with examples from the mid-90s available at reasonable prices. They're pretty sturdy diesels, not very large but would be perfect for off-road use and camper van conversion. Good luck and safe travels, Franklin

Hello,

We're considering selling our TP3 4x4, an old military ambulance converted into a camper van, with a shower, cassette toilet, fridge etc., all the comforts for two people.

For more details, please contact us

Hello everyone.

Here are the photos of Jérome's B110 4x4 during his vacation in Iceland:

http://bernard.debucquoi.com/images/autresB90-4x4/B110-4x4-Jaune-Jerome/



Sébastien.

I came across your post, which really interested me. I'd like to know if, despite your equipment looking modest, you've thought about getting GPS and onboard computer systems. I'm planning a 4x4 expedition like you (see my travel journals from 3 years) with Magiolina on the roof. Please let me know another grandpa

😎 HEY!! My modest 4x4 HJ61 from 1988 (430,000 km) except that you can't stand up inside is for "us two" a HAS-IT-ALL (it has everything) GPS (handheld)/ CB 40 channels AM-FM/ amateur VHF radio/ Thuraya satellite phone/ mobile phone (worldwide coverage) that's for communications!!! then vehicle equipment: on the roof: custom galvanized steel tube roof rack interior/exterior 16 attachment points, to support two equipment boxes (first 80cm the other 1m) two spare wheels, an 80-liter diesel tank and two 20-liter diesel jerry cans, 4 sand recovery mats, a Hi-Lift jack, a large umbrella, and a 4x1.80m ground mat !! there you have it !! that's on the roof !!

Inside: rear door, the fridge=12/24v 32 or 36 liters, small, but works in all positions and especially while driving!! Left door: closet for our clothes!! which touches the fridge compartment !! these two compartments make up one third of the back of the 4x4 !! Section n°2: 80-liter water tank, with 12v outlet pump!! 3rd section: the kitchen, which takes up the entire back of the trunk, 3 big drawers, a gas stove, two gas bottles (6kg and 3kg)!! Exterior element: a 4-person fold-up table, sturdier than those from big-box stores, a Camping Gaz gas barbecue!! The bed is 1.90x1.55, with a fleece sleeping bag and foot cover !! the whole thing across the entire back of the car, and of course underneath there's the kitchen and everything else !! The driver's seat is clear of any objects for the night, just in case there's a need to make a quick getaway !! My son-in-law who has the same car has a roof tent !! and the two children have their sleeping area in the car !! which limits him from having a second spare wheel and extra diesel !! for now, he's never done a week in the desert with complete self-sufficiency, otherwise I'm there to be the "water carrier" !! there you have it! there you have it !! I'm sure I've forgotten a bit !! but that's another story!! AH !! I forgot to mention the voltage !! The 4x4 runs on 24v, so I have a 24:12v converter for all 12v accessories !! I also have a 24/200v 400w converter for lighting and tools !! See you soon, PAPY

Hi Jean-Marie Not looking to change my cabin 😉 Check out my site, I've got a beautiful cabin for sale 😉 http://bernard.debucquoi.com/annonces/UMM-ALTER-Jean-Philipe-Defago/ Bernard (B90 4x4)

Hi Bernard,

Not looking to change my setup 😉

For now, mine's fine 😎 Plus, mine isn't removable, and that's perfect for how I use it....

As for me, the next trip won't be in a camper van... but a minibus across South Africa Leaving in 2 weeks Cordially, Jean-Marie

😎 Lucky fellow 😏 You'll tell us? Bernard

Re You'll tell us? Yes, if I don't decide to stay there for the rest of my days! 😉 Later! Jean-Marie

😎 Happy fellow 😏 You'll tell us? Bernard

Hey Jean-Marie, come on, reassure me you're not going to become sedentary! Not an adventurer like you. But I get it—quality of life, taxes, and all that. So yeah, why not? We only have one life...

Hi Marc,

Tell me you're not going to become sedentary No, don't worry—I was just joking! We're going there mainly to explore the possibilities for an amazing motorhome adventure through southern Africa (renting one locally because I'm chickening out of driving mine all that way...) And a couple of kangaroo photos from Australia! All the best, Jean-Marie

Hi Jean-Marie, tell me you're not going to become sedentary, I mean! An adventurer like you. Look, if we're talking quality of life, taxes, etc., I completely understand, so why not, you only live once...

yes, I was thinking the same thing, it's not really their style, but I got worried for a moment 😕 that we wouldn't be able to chat with one of our most devoted camper van travel fans. as for not using your own for this kind of trip, I agree with you – starting from the principle that to travel far, you need to take care of your vehicle by letting it rest from time to time. imagine in case of a breakdown (worst case scenario) the complications of getting the truck repatriated... no, renting on site is really the most sensible solution. otherwise, I wish you an excellent trip, an uprooted Moroccan... great the kangaroos, all they're missing are the boxing gloves!!

For those interested, here's an ideal rig.

Hi, Well, we're preparing our 911, which we're going to live in. Here are some photos

Where's the perfect campervan??????? There's no attachment to your post.

Sébastien.