In 2001 we heard about some French people who drove to China in motor caravans.  We decided to make the journey ourselves with some friends but we did not have a suitable vehicle.  After a lot of research we chose a Mercedes 811d.  Amongst numerous reasons were  

• Mercedes are worldwide Company
• Mercedes vehicles are known for their reliability
• The 811d is a very tough vehicle
• The 811d has the capability of travelling millions of kms
• Parts are easy to get - Mercedes provide parts for virtually all the vehicles they have ever built
• There are no electronic management systems on the vehicle which are not repairable in remote places 

It was difficult to find an 811d as they are popular commercial vehicles and hold their value well.  Once we had one we delivered it to Torbay Camper Conversions to be turned into a motor home.  Due to all the extras we wanted, it took many months before we were ready to leave the UK for our trip of a lifetime.

The journey far exceeded our expectations and we have since done 2 other major journeys.  Amazingly on return to England the van passed the MOT twice without anything having to be done by way of repairs.  On the third occasion it only needed a light bulb!

Over the years the van has become very special to us and it has had various improvements  made from time to time.  Little things like an extra shelf or bigger things like solar panels.

So you might ask why are we selling it?

Well I suppose after so many years we want to have a change..  And rather than have the vehicle built for us we would like to build one ourselves.  So that is going to be a project to keep us busy for a year or so before we set off on our travels again.