Kitting out a surf van?

Question

Hi I have just bought a Mercedes Vito Panel Van which i want to kit out the back to house a bed and surfboards, i realise its a pain but does anyone have any ideas and even any images of thier vans you could show me-I would appriciate any help!

Many Thanks

Answer 1

Nice!! I happen have a van that I'm in the middle of refitting for my quiver of boards.. It's not a new panel like yours but the idea is the same. Being an Industrial Designer, I've given my remodelling quite a bit of thought. After a few years of use in its "conversion van" form, I've decided to fabricate a wood board rack with foam cushioning and rubber straps to make the vehicle specifically for surfing purposes. I'll have to remove one of the seats to do this the idea is the have the entire board storage system easily removeable if I have need to put the seat back for a no-surf related venture. The boards will be stacked behind the drivers seat as there are no doors on that side. The van came with a foldout couch/bed which currently faces forward. I'm going to turn this 90 degrees to create a center aisle between the boards and the the couch/bed. The hardest part of the whole thing is preventing rodents (mice) from getting in, eating insulation, wires, leashes, etc. Otherwise, you should be able use self-tapping sheet metal screws and metal grommets for fastening your choice of wall material to the frame if it is a basic model van without a finished interior.
I also like to use a few Rubbermaid plastic bins to keep my gear organized. I'm usually travelling for surf with friends and keeping surf+camping gear in bins prevents items from getting lost around the interior. My friends who surf all use bins as well so it helps us to keep from mixing up our gear.

I would consider making the bed tall enough to sit on and get out of a wetsuit, etc. Some people make beds fairly high up to fit boards on the rail underneath. Personally, I don't like storing boards on the rails. You might also be able to plan out a storage situation for under the bed. Having a place for everything helps in an open platform like a van. (You don't want a rolling object accidentally lodging itself behing the brake pedal.)
Before you panel the walls, consider running some 12v cigarette lighter outlets to the rear of the cabin as well as some ceiling lights that you can switch on/off from the driver seat. You'll want to be able to have access to lights from the bed at night and 12V outlets in alternate locations are a worth while convenience for accessories. Be sure to fit a skylight with an exhaust fan+screen. Very handy in warmer foul weather.
12v Solar panels are also nice to have if they are available to you.

Here is my van in current setup.
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/706078

A good example of a Mercedes Sprinter.
http://www.steynfamily.com/mercedes-sprinter-van-conversion-to-mercedes-sprinter-van.htm

Have fun pimping out your van. Getting your van setup the way you like it is well worth the work. -Steve

Answer 2

Do you ever watch Pimp My Ride? They did a VW van quite recently for a surfer chick with some really nice touches.

Obviously the usual flip down flat screen TV's and kicking sound system but also things like the back bench seat hydraulically opened out to a double bed, colour changing floor level mood lighting, sealed perspex water feature with air bubbles blowing through it.

The one thing they didn't do, which i would think is essential, was to install some sort of shower system. Also, how about a heated storage area to dry surf gear and wetsuits?

Answer 3

In the 70's...(man I am old..lol) we used to do panel vans this way. First the back needs to be carpeted or faux furred all over...including the walls and ceiling. Add a double mattress and a tv and sterio and a small bar if you can. Build in some storage for this down the sides of the mattress. Make curtains for the side window. Add a roof rack on the roof for your boards. Get a kick *** mural painted on the rear door and sides of the van. Dont forget the curtain for the back window too. I have even seen them with a disco ball or chandellier hanging over the bed. Also dont forget your hibiscus seat covers in front, your hula dancer for the dash, and the leis and shells for the mirror. Play a lot of Beachboys music as you cruise for surfie chicks. Grow your hair long and blonde and dont forget your ugg boots in winter and your shark tooth necklace. Cowabunga dude!

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Hi,

have a look at http://www.adrenalinevan.co.uk/ they specialise in volkswagens but you should get some ideas.

try making a bed down one side and just use foam for a mattress and then you could just make a cradle to hang the board from the roof.

Tom

Answer 6

Build in a fresh water supply with a pump to wash your gear with. Install a sleeping platform across the rear wheel wells and place the tank and pump under that. You can use a marine or RV tank and pump

Answer 7

Post the same question in the General, Aussie and South Africa travel section - hopefully you'll get a hands on response from people that have actually done it!

Answer 8

Attach roof rack for boards. Throw mattress in back and esky for beer. Finished.

Answer 9

get it sprayed with blues to make it look like the sea.... and get a nice carpet for in the back...