Hellooooooo!

Hi everyone, my name is Chris and I'm new to the overlanding scene. I'm currently in the planning stages for a total self build..... I have fair to middling diy skills but recognise that this will take a huge effort. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated but to give you some initial ideas / requirements:
1. I'm planning on undertaking an intensive hgv course (think I can use ELC from Army Service towards this) as I passed my B licence in 1998 (rubbish!)
2. I need four fixed forward facing seats ( the long haired general insists) and a double and two permanent single beds, suitable leisure seating, a separate toilet and shower.
3. Planning on long term travel / living so fully off-grid.

What I would appreciate is advice on base vehicle, I know i have huge space requirements but I need to compromise with the Mrs (she is keen but is unwilling to forgo creature comforts)

I am thinking scammell drops with a 20'+ body, am I nuts?????

Not really we had a Isuzu 6t npl truk for a while have a look at the web site in my singture, 

Keep looking you will find what you need

Hi Chris, welcome to the forum!

As it happens, your timing couldn't be better. A guy called Steve Wigglesworth who I got to know through the overland scene (he's provided talks for us as part of the Seminar Sessions at the Adventure Overland Show), has just brought out a book entitled "Build Your Own Overland Camper". Rather than me waffle on, I've reproduced below the email I received from the publishers, that will explain everything about what i think is a damn good read:-




Hi Tom,

We recently sent out a copy of the new Haynes manual, entitled Build Your Own Overland Camper, for your review and wanted to check if you had safely received the book?

In the book, author Steve Wigglesworth, who himself has built overland campers and travelled extensively on and in all manner of modified vehicles, presents an unparalleled insight into the world of designing, building and fitting out campers specifically designed for highly independent travel in tough terrain. Providing detailed and up-to-date information on both mechanical and habitation considerations, the book aims to help readers craft the best possible overland camper for themselves.

It would be great to know your thoughts on the title and if it may be of interest for a review. I’ve attached an image of the front cover, but do let me know if you would be interested in any further imagery from the book, or perhaps speaking with Steven himself.

Please find further details in the press release below and attached, and we’ll look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Kind regards,
Ellie



Eleanor James
Account Manager
T: 0117 921 8135
M: 07980704739
McCANN, Communications House, 125 Redcliff Street, Bristol BS1 6HU. 0117 921 1764
E: eleanor.james@mccann.com
W:  www.mccannbristol.com
Follow us on twitter - McCann_Bristol



Build your own adventure: Haynes launches overland camper manual
To request a review copy or high-res images contact McCann PR

20 October 2016: Many of us may dream of embarking on an off-the-beaten track adventure, but haven’t yet found the resources or know-how to make this possible.

Build Your Own Overland Camper, the latest manual from Haynes publishing, offers one possible solution, with a step-by-step guide to building and fitting out vans and trucks for overland travel.

Author Steve Wigglesworth, who himself has built overland campers and travelled extensively on and in all manner of modified vehicles, presents an unparalleled insight into the world of designing, building and fitting out campers specifically designed for highly independent travel in tough terrain. Providing detailed and up-to-date information on both mechanical and habitation considerations, the book aims to help readers craft the best possible overland camper for themselves.

The manual comprehensively covers a number of topics, from planning and project management, to getting road legal and creating a comfortable living space. The author also demystifies how to deal with chassis-induced torsional stress, a tricky problem that any builder of such a vehicle will need to consider, and almost certainly address. Throughout the manual, topics are supported by real-life case studies from a range of vehicle builders, which help provide inspiration as well as reassurance for budding DIY enthusiasts.

Commenting on his inspiration for the manual, Steve Wigglesworth said: “There’s nothing like an overland camper for giving you the freedom to explore otherwise inaccessible landscapes and witness fantastic cultures and wildlife. I was unable to find any contemporary books dedicated to the subject matter, so decided to create a brand new guide with Haynes to share the hard-won tips and advice I’ve assimilated over the years.

“Creating your own personalised vehicle is both an incredibly rewarding experience and surprisingly achievable. While off-the-shelf overland campers are available, I’m a huge advocate of saving money, getting your hands dirty and creating a vehicle that’s perfectly tailored to your own very personal requirements. Owning one of these vehicles may give you the chance to set off on an adventure, but building it yourself means you can start the new experience at home. Build Your Own Overland Camper aims to give readers the encouragement and information to turn their travel aspirations into reality.”


Title details

Build Your Own Overland Camper is priced at £22.99 and is available from www.haynes.co.uk. The book number is H6076. The ISBN is 9781785210761. It is published in October 2016.

ENDS
For more information about the book and to request content please contact McCann PR:

Max Hammond on 0117 921 8143 or max.hammond@mccann.com
Eleanor James on 0117 921 8135 or eleanor.james@mccann.com
Emillie Forrest-Jones or 0117 921 8129 or emillie.forrest-jones@mccann.com

Alternatively, email haynesPR@mccann.com

About the author

Steven Wigglesworth has utilised his largely self-taught mechanical and engineering skills to create several motor vehicles capable of facilitating self-contained overland travel. He is passionate about truck based overlanding vehicles in particular and as a result of countless hours of research plus empirical knowledge gained by years of hands-on work and spending time travelling in his own creations, he has the ability to write with authority on the subject.

Notes to editors

The information on this page is supplied courtesy of Haynes Publishing. Please credit accordingly if you intend to use it.

This press release content, together with an archive of published press releases, is available for immediate download from Haynes Online PR http://www.haynes.co.uk/Press
About Haynes

Haynes Publishing has been the world's leading publisher of illustrated workshop car manuals and motorcycle manuals since 1965. In that time Haynes has evolved and so have its Manuals to now include a wide range of automotive, sport, leisure, military and lifestyle subjects. Haynes also has licenses to publish Manuals with NASA, the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force, Star Wars, Star Trek and others.
Haynes publishing also offers its more recent car and motorcycle manuals through online subscription, Manuals Online was launched in 2010 and offers colour imagery, video and is accessible through computer or tablet via an internet connection.

Should have also mentioned, Steve's website address is www.triptruck.net the specific page about the book being www.triptruck.net/#/book-project/4592270773