In the summer of 2019, under the name 'we're doing something crazy', we bought a van from a bankrupt construction company and converted it into a cozy 'campervan' to travel with on weekends and holidays. Since it was equipped with a Kangaroo on the body, the name Skippy was quickly given to our Ford Transit. After a lot of time, thinking and research, we came up with -for us- an ideal layout in which light, coziness and space are paramount. At every step of the conversion, we tried to make the most sustainable choice possible.
At the end of May 2020 it was completely finished and we already experienced some 'campinglife' moments in our own yard. Since June we already did some nice trips in the contours of our own country. Always your own 'house' with you (where your cold pint is ready 😉).
Last summer (end of July, beginning of August) we went on a 3 week trip in nature completely 'off-grid' with Skippy. In between our trips, we think it's a waste to leave Skippy in the yard all that time. After all, he is made to go out and we want to share this experience with others. That's how we ended up at Goboony.
In short, Skippy is the perfect companion for a trip in your own country or for a trip in and through Europe. He gives you the ultimate feeling of freedom in a nice setting including the necessary luxury 😉. On top of that, he is a safe travel companion in these corona times.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SKIPPY:
- For the interior design, we deliberately chose a layout that creates a spacious feeling. Even when all the doors are closed, there is a lot of light inside.
- We love to give things a new and/or second life. The curtains and seat cushions are therefore handmade from 'leftover' fabric.
- The living area is furnished with a long sofa (where you can sit with 5 according to the inspection and where two can comfortably lounge (storage space is provided underneath). On the roof we have created a roof terrace where you can lie/sit with two (cushions provided).
- The kitchen is equipped with a removable table for 2 persons, 2 burner built-in gas stove, tap operated by on/off submersible pump and sink, 20 liter compressor refrigerator and pull-out worktop. In total it can hold 57 liters of clean water (3 water bottles).
- The passenger seat is equipped with a swivel seat and can therefore be turned towards the rear of the cabin.
- Cooking utensils (gas toaster, wok, pan, cooking pot, electric kettle, cutting knife, chopping board, bialetti and corkscrew) and crockery (cutlery, plates, bowls, glasses and cups) are provided. You can also find a sponge, washing-up liquid, brush to keep the inside clean.
- We found comfortable (stretched) sleeping the most important thing and so we chose a spacious bed of 160 cm by 200 cm with Tempur mattresses. Above the bed is also a skylight with a fan that can suck air in or out.
- Inside there is ample storage space (under the bench seat + above the driver/passenger) and under the large bed you will find another large storage space. There is room for 2 bicycles (with fixed bicycle holders). And also the gas bottle and the 2 folding camping chairs are under the bed.
- Nothing is as nice as your own toilet! Skippy has a Porta Potti. We flush with our own mixture of vinegar, water and ecological dishwashing liquid. We provide this. We do ask you to empty the toilet yourself before saying goodbye.
- You can shower outside using a solar shower (20 litres).
- Because Skippy doesn't look like an everyday camper, you can easily camp in the wild/incognito.
- There is a solar panel on the roof and Skippy is equipped with an extra battery so you can go on holiday off-grid (sufficient USB connections are provided).
- There is a reversing camera.
- Skippy has a EURO4 (beware LEZ zones), 2.4L engine with 140HP so for mountains no problem. On our trips it consumed a little less than 10L/100KM.
**WINTERPROOF**
-We have invested in good insulation, so you are well protected against heat or cold (rock wool +-5cm & bubble wrap all around).
- There is a 5kw diesel heater connected to the tank. This makes it nice and warm inside.
- There is more than enough space in the back to store (any) wet clothes/shoes.
What else do you need?
- Please bring your own: clothing, food, bicycles, toilet paper, toiletries + towels, kitchen towels, bottom sheet and a duvet with cover or sleeping bags.
Our tips: take a drinking bottle per person (very handy!) and remember to shower outside, so use ecological shampoo/soap.
- When picking up your car, you can park it with us.
If you have any further questions, you can always send us a message here or via Instagram: skippy.the.van . :)