METEOR
Model: 1999 VW T4 Caravelle Campervan - 2 berth.
Engine: 2.5 litre inter-cooled, turbocharged 5 cylinder engine
Fuel: Diesel
Transmission: 5-speed Manual gearbox.
Interior: Professionally converted by MURVI when new, with various upgrades/augmentations.
The name Meteor comes from the name of the conversion a company called Murvi undertook when the van was new. Much of this conversion remains, though the camper has been retrimmed, fully insulated, and has had various upgrades installed.
It has (cold) filtered running water, sink, a 50L 12v fridge, 4x gas burners & grill, dimmable led lighting and all the necessary cookware that 2x people would need for a trip away. This includes a stove-top or "moka-pot" for making coffee.
Bed linen, a double duvet (7.5 or 10.5 depending on season), an extra blanket and 2x towels are included in the cost of the hire. A mattress topper is provided to ensure a very comfortable nights sleep on the rock and roll bed.
There is mains hook-up capability when on a campsite which, when connected, provides 240v power to 2x conventional 3 pin sockets. Hooking-up also allows for additional charging of the leisure battery, though this is usually not necessary given the charging that occurs via driving through the day.
Otherwise, the 100Ah LifePo leisure battery provides 12v power to twin USB & USB-C sockets, LED lighting, the fridge, water-level monitoring and also a Fusion stereo with speakers in the rear tailgate, which provides better sound than one would expect from a 50w amp. This has Bluetooth capability though has an audio input also.
There is a Propex gas heater for chilly nights and 2x roof vents for warm nights, though please note the van is not fitted with air-con.
Good quality "black-out" curtains are installed and a full set of "thermo mats" for the front windows are provided also.
The van comes with roofbars and a lockable roof-box (steps provided), to accommodate things like the 240v hook up cable, a fold-up camping table and 2x camp chairs.
In addition to the stereo in the rear, the main audio system has been significantly upgraded with a Blaupunkt headunit, subwoofer, 400w amp and JL Audio door speakers. Connection is via Bluetooth or an Aux input. A phone cradle is provided also.
Conventional safety items are provided: carbon monoxide detector, fire-extinguisher, fire blanket & first aid kit.
THERMOS
Model: 2002 VW T4 TD Campervan - 2 berth.
Engine: 1.9 litre 4 cylinder turbocharged engine
Fuel: Diesel
Transmission: 5-speed Manual Gearbox.
Interior: Custom/DIY interior by Ardersier Campervans.
THERMOS
Thermos got its name as it had a tartan stripe down the side when I bought the van. Coupled with the white roof, it looked like Thermos Flask. Unfortunately, I can't take credit for the name....
The custom interior has been constructed with the aim of maximising space and not adding too much extra weight, but still providing everything needed for a comfortable trip away.
The van is strictly a 2-berth as the front section of the hightop is mainly for the storage of some of the provided equipment and the rear section is mainly for your bags, keeping the lower van space a much clearer space to enjoy. The hightop aperture also allows you to stand up fully (up to ~6'2/190cm), when cooking or using the sink.
Please note that the following is included in cost of the hire:
Comprehensive Insurance (subject to conditions - please see Insurance Critera
Breakdown cover
Complete bedding & 2x towels (more details below)
Transfers to/from Inverness Airport or Inverness Airport Train station - (subject to prior agreement).
Features:
12v electric system powered by a 100Ah LiPo Leisure battery.
DC to DC charging via a high quality Victron charger.
240v hook up capability - though the system has been designed to enable off-site park-ups and almost nullify the need to secure "serviced" (powered) pitches when on-site.
Battery monitor - shows amount of power being used and percentage remaining.
Propex gas heater
50L 12v fridge with freezer compartment
6x LED lights (all dimmable)
2x USB sockets
2x USB-C sockets
3 pin socket (live only if/when hooked up)
Rock and roll bed - all bedding provided - mattress topper, sheets, 7.5 tog double duvet, 2x pillows & extra blanket. 2x towels provided.
27 litre fresh water tank (with backfill system - very quick & easy to top up) - with Shurflo pump, accumulator & level monitoring.
18 litre grey water tank
Sink unit & tap with 2x gas burners.
Vehicle lowered 40mm mainly to improve handling.
Pots, pans, cutlery, utensils, stove-top /moka pot (for coffee), cups, plates, 2x glasses (IE not plastic), tea-towels, cleaning products etc
Misc: 2x camp-chairs, picnic table, thermal screens & black-out curtains, roof-vent, sliding side window, swivel base on passenger seat, fold up table (see pics)
Various safety & emergency equipment - first aid kit, fire blanket, fire extinguisher, CO monitor, 12v tyre inflator etc
Full induction provided. Please note this is not optional.
This classic camper is from 2002, though it is very good condition and the installation uses very modern technology. The 1.9TD engine is geared to allow it easily keep up with traffic, allow for overtaking when necessary and not feel sluggish up hills. It's very straight-forward to drive and is absolutely perfect for highland roads.