745 as a weekend camper

[Offgrid]

The Hoe now has a new MOT, tax and insurance, and I want to start using it as a weekend camper. Has anyone else tried this? I may fit a leisure battery if I can find an unobtrusive place to fit it. The biggest problem is fitting curtains in the rear, or maybe I should pain the glass to reduce vision from the outside. I don't want to hack the interior around too much, as the car is in excellent condition, and deserves to be restored and preserved.

I need to be a bit circumspect with "HOE" in the number plate, and it will be interesting to see if that gives rise to some unexpected encounters.

[Steve 940]

No personal experience, I think you meant 'paint' the windows, yes a cheap option, but if possible I would suggest a proper film.

We have two hounds and we have rear windows behind the B pillar coated with a thermal reflective film and there are varied levels of tint available. We went for discreet, rather than gangster blackout. Not cheap circa £3-£400 but well worth it and reversable.

Not sure how they work if you have a light on inside

Condensation might be an issue also, perhaps some of those desiccant crystals in a bag.

Good luck and enjoy

Cheers
Steve

[griston64]

Originally Posted by Steve 940

No personal experience, I think you meant 'paint' the windows, yes a cheap option, but if possible I would suggest a proper film.

We have two hounds and we have rear windows behind the B pillar coated with a thermal reflective film and there are varied levels of tint available. We went for discreet, rather than gangster blackout. Not cheap circa £3-£400 but well worth it and reversable.

Not sure how they work if you have a light on inside

Condensation might be an issue also, perhaps some of those desiccant crystals in a bag.

Good luck and enjoy

Cheers
Steve

I would just buy a decent tent ! more legroom

[Forrest]

You would probably do better to buy a caravan. However, there does seem to be quite a lot of information online about converting V70s into “boot campers” and even some commercial solutions. Most of this would be transferable to a 700/900 series estate.

https://www.skandix.de/en/documents/...o-v70/3000629/

What seems to be common across most of these solutions is installing a raised platform for the mattress thus providing storage underneath. I guess you could include a leisure battery under this platform too, but you might want to give some thought to how well the occupants of the bed would be protected should it explode.

The more I think about it the more attractive the Premier Inn becomes!

[john.wigley]

Originally Posted by Forrest

You would probably do better to buy a caravan. However, there does seem to be quite a lot of information online about converting V70s into “boot campers” and even some commercial solutions. Most of this would be transferable to a 700/900 series estate.

https://www.skandix.de/en/documents/...o-v70/3000629/

What seems to be common across most of these solutions is installing a raised platform for the mattress thus providing storage underneath. I guess you could include a leisure battery under this platform too, but you might want to give some thought to how well the occupants of the bed would be protected should it explode.

The more I think about it the more attractive the Premier Inn becomes!

I'm inclined to agree, 'Forrest'. There are a plethora of videos on YouTube depicting small hatchbacks being used as 'campers' and there is a lot more room in a 745. It depends on how minimalist 'Offgrid' either wants, or is prepared, to be.

'griston64' mentioned a tent, but that would involve pitching and striking camp every time and is not without cost. Given the size and shape of the 745, another alternative might be to have a fixed roof mounted tent which would offer greater convenience but would presumably be rather more expensive than a conventional tent. Perhaps a second hand one could be sourced.

I wouldn't call it 'camping', but in my dim and distant youth I did on occasion sleep in the back of a minivan, so 'Offgrid's proposal is not without potential. Compared with a mini, a 745 would be almost luxurious!

Regards, John.

[SalvadorP]

at a certain point last year me and my partner (more me than my partner) thought it was a good idea to camp around with our 940. I had the mattress, we bought a gas stove and we assembled a camping kit with all the stuff needed. We went to a park, I filled in the matress for the lady to chill while I cooked lunch. Police came and almost fined me for cooking with fire. Then we realized the mattress dind't leave that much vertical space to be in. You can't seat inside. you have to scoop in and out on your butt...

Long story short, our 940 van dweller life lasted about 3 hours total. We sold the stove and we never spoke of that event again.

I have accepted that being able to safely and confortably carry me and all my stuff all the way from where I am to where I want to be is more than good enough purpose for my beautiful 940

[baggy798]

Don't really see the appeal but there are some campers on the facebook groups. If you don't want to hack the interior up then you're probably just going to throw a mattress or airbed in the back. Curtains are easy to make or some vinyl tint.

Never seen anyone who lives in their Volvo vanlife style.

[griston64]

It's a bit cramped with children and dogs. !!

[GingerMagic]

If you've got the roof rails then there is no reason why you can't have a roof tent or a roll-out awning for daytime use ( cooking and chilling ) and then just sleep in the car at night if the weather goes a bit crap..

I've kipped in my car many times after a night on the town, it's surprisingly comfy

Like you say it's not going to be a full time camper, just an escape pod