An indian camper anyone?

anjuna mark · 28th September 2009, 12:23

Stability; you’re right, it was a problem. The first time I took it into a curve loaded, I thought it might go over!
It’s not as topheavy as it looks though; most of the weight is under the floor.
I went back to work; upgraded the rear suspension to the 6 ton truck spring set, added 2 leaves to each front set. Then I added both front and rear stabilizer [anti-roll] bars, which weren’t included in the stock chassis I bought. Now it handles really well, very flat in curves and plenty of suspension travel too.

We’re white, so we make a scene anywhere in rural India; it most places, people left us some space. Other places seemed to have a lot of rude people. I don’t think the size of vehicle made much difference.
A tempo traveler would certainly be more discreet, much cheaper, and easier to drive. But it’s too light and small to carry much of what we wanted; firstly, a big water tank. Secondly, an AC generator, and thirdly, my motorcycle.
The big truck is a much nicer living space, but yes, you then have a big truck!
These are fundamental choices. I’ve met people traveling and camping by cycle, motorbike, car, jeep; some have bigger trucks than mine, up to 12 meters and 12 tons. It also depends on how long you want to be on the road. My truck is built to live in for indefinite periods; that would be tough in a tempo [but I’ve met people in similar vehicles who do].
Having a separate vehicle [my bike] to get the shopping is a huge plus when you have a nice camp set up somewhere.

ashoka · 9th December 2009, 06:44

By seeing photos I can say it Still needs more refinements. A good attempt..

akas_chauhan · 9th December 2009, 15:15

A good attempt, but not a practical vehicle for camping i think. RVs in US costs cheaper, less noise, better toiletes. We are living in a developed countrty. Things will take time to shape up and may be by 10-15 years we'll be getting RVs in India too.

bblost · 19th September 2014, 14:55

I love this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIG9P0lB1iA

Kaboooooom · 18th May 2017, 15:47

Basic Need - Self Driven (LMV) for travelling (preferably in the hills) with a party of 6-8 people in an interactive setting and not just front facing people mover. With basic comfort features (PS, AC). Overall Vehicle cost (Under 10 lakhs, including customizations. Vehicle - Customizations = 6 lakhs Max).

The Idea - To use the rear space of a large vehicle in the following format -
1. Install 06 swivel seats (02 in each row) so all can face either forward, or center (front row backwards, middle row each other, rear row towards front), or Bench like (left and right side facing each other).
2. Install reclining/convertible benches which can be made into a bed.
3. Simply install a bed and other accessories like a motor home.

Query - Now, which vehicle can be considered for this? I am thinking either a Ford Endeavour (benefit of a 4x4) or a Mercedes MB100/140 Van. Both such vehicles are available in 3-6 lakh range on OLX and further customizations will be done separately.

I am not so sure why a van should be considered (perhaps they have more space since considerable length of SUV bodies are occupied by the engine and smaller wheel arches) but somehow that is the obvious choice for most small motorhomes.

I do not mind the following -
1. Restricted/No entry from rear doors and only Rear Hatch to be used.
2. Height of seating, bedding (SUVs will be higher).
3. Full or Most facilities of motor home missing (sinks, TV, Inverter, Shelves etc). Need only Sitting/Reclining/Bedding space (as per final choice) as long as Basic Need is satisfied.

Current vehicles under consideration -

SUVs - Ford Endeavour, Trooper, Pajero.
For: Large, squarish body, power, 4x4 option, Other SUV traits (large wheels, gc etc.)
Against: High CG, uneven rear space and floor.

Van - Mercedes Benz MB100/140
For: Large tall space, Even space, maneuverability.
Against - No 4x4 option, less power.

Please add/edit/suggest your options.

bevivek · 18th February 2019, 17:01

It may be time to reopen this old thread. Have been increasingly coming across news of various kinds of campers, touring vans, and motorhomes.

For example, Pinnacle Finetza offer a range of customisable motorhomes. See https://www.pinnaclevehicles.com/motorhomes-rv/

built around the Force platform

A Powerdrift walk around review of this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YchVmtjTsDg

There appear to be other more on demand camper makes as well and again around the Force platform such as

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxl3TjUflAM

One caution is that these videos were made a year back but I am not seeing any ownership reviews on YouTube so no idea if any one is buying these things

condor · 21st September 2022, 16:08

An interestingly different ad on our classifieds:

https://classifieds.team-bhp.com/buy...z-1923-R.html/

a custom built camper !

28th September 2009, 12:23	#61
anjuna mark BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Goa / Portugal Posts: 64 Thanked: 48 Times	Stability; you’re right, it was a problem. The first time I took it into a curve loaded, I thought it might go over! It’s not as topheavy as it looks though; most of the weight is under the floor. I went back to work; upgraded the rear suspension to the 6 ton truck spring set, added 2 leaves to each front set. Then I added both front and rear stabilizer [anti-roll] bars, which weren’t included in the stock chassis I bought. Now it handles really well, very flat in curves and plenty of suspension travel too. We’re white, so we make a scene anywhere in rural India; it most places, people left us some space. Other places seemed to have a lot of rude people. I don’t think the size of vehicle made much difference. A tempo traveler would certainly be more discreet, much cheaper, and easier to drive. But it’s too light and small to carry much of what we wanted; firstly, a big water tank. Secondly, an AC generator, and thirdly, my motorcycle. The big truck is a much nicer living space, but yes, you then have a big truck! These are fundamental choices. I’ve met people traveling and camping by cycle, motorbike, car, jeep; some have bigger trucks than mine, up to 12 meters and 12 tons. It also depends on how long you want to be on the road. My truck is built to live in for indefinite periods; that would be tough in a tempo [but I’ve met people in similar vehicles who do]. Having a separate vehicle [my bike] to get the shopping is a huge plus when you have a nice camp set up somewhere.
	() Thanks

9th December 2009, 06:44	#62
ashoka Newbie Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 7 Thanked: Once	By seeing photos I can say it Still needs more refinements. A good attempt..
	() Thanks

9th December 2009, 15:15	#63
akas_chauhan BHPian Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: San Antonio Posts: 596 Thanked: 26 Times	A good attempt, but not a practical vehicle for camping i think. RVs in US costs cheaper, less noise, better toiletes. We are living in a developed countrty. Things will take time to shape up and may be by 10-15 years we'll be getting RVs in India too.
	() Thanks

18th May 2017, 15:47	#65
Kaboooooom BANNED Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: New Delhi Posts: 23 Thanked: 5 Times	Top choice for a MotorHome/Caravan/Camper vehicle for the Hills Basic Need - Self Driven (LMV) for travelling (preferably in the hills) with a party of 6-8 people in an interactive setting and not just front facing people mover. With basic comfort features (PS, AC). Overall Vehicle cost (Under 10 lakhs, including customizations. Vehicle - Customizations = 6 lakhs Max). The Idea - To use the rear space of a large vehicle in the following format - 1. Install 06 swivel seats (02 in each row) so all can face either forward, or center (front row backwards, middle row each other, rear row towards front), or Bench like (left and right side facing each other). 2. Install reclining/convertible benches which can be made into a bed. 3. Simply install a bed and other accessories like a motor home. Query - Now, which vehicle can be considered for this? I am thinking either a Ford Endeavour (benefit of a 4x4) or a Mercedes MB100/140 Van. Both such vehicles are available in 3-6 lakh range on OLX and further customizations will be done separately. I am not so sure why a van should be considered (perhaps they have more space since considerable length of SUV bodies are occupied by the engine and smaller wheel arches) but somehow that is the obvious choice for most small motorhomes. I do not mind the following - 1. Restricted/No entry from rear doors and only Rear Hatch to be used. 2. Height of seating, bedding (SUVs will be higher). 3. Full or Most facilities of motor home missing (sinks, TV, Inverter, Shelves etc). Need only Sitting/Reclining/Bedding space (as per final choice) as long as Basic Need is satisfied. Current vehicles under consideration - SUVs - Ford Endeavour, Trooper, Pajero. For: Large, squarish body, power, 4x4 option, Other SUV traits (large wheels, gc etc.) Against: High CG, uneven rear space and floor. Van - Mercedes Benz MB100/140 For: Large tall space, Even space, maneuverability. Against - No 4x4 option, less power. Please add/edit/suggest your options.
	() Thanks

21st September 2022, 16:08	#67
condor Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Speed-brkr City Posts: 16,242 Thanked: 16,901 Times View My Garage	Re: An indian camper anyone? An interestingly different ad on our classifieds: https://classifieds.team-bhp.com/buy...z-1923-R.html/ a custom built camper !
	(1) Thanks