Thread: Promaster RV Build

Originally Posted by Fondles

Can a foreigner even get a licence to drive a truck/bus/coach ?

Not if it has yellow (commercial vehicle) plates on it, that would come under the restricted occupation rules.

Surprised you decided to built one yourself. There are so many used RVs in the US market you can always find one and negotiate it down to a reasonable price. Craigslist is loaded with them.

Originally Posted by mikenot

Not if it has yellow (commercial vehicle) plates on it, that would come under the restricted occupation rules.

No it wouldn't. Anyone can get yellow plates on their truck. Most don't bother as it costs more but does allow you to carry 9 (or 12 cant remember) people in the back.

Originally Posted by qwerty

The van looks pretty clean. Did you go for a Cummins diesel or a gas V8?

I went with gas, I thought about the diesel but I think the gas motor will last for the miles we'll put on and it will be easier for me to service myself.
I also read a lot about the Fiat diesels ( not Cummins ) some people getting lemons, seems factory workmanship isn't the best. If it would have been Cummins I probably would have went that route.

Originally Posted by Chittychangchang

Fair bit of space to work with, can you stand up in it?

I can, I'm about 6' 1" and before I started there was about 6' 3" so should still have a little clearance when I'm finished.

Originally Posted by thailazer

Surprised you decided to built one yourself. There are so many used RVs in the US market you can always find one and negotiate it down to a reasonable price. Craigslist is loaded with them.

There are, but I wanted one that could get through all the narrow roads that you find in some parks where regular RV's cannot pass.
When looking for narrower vans that were converted the cost is very high, I figure I can convert this one for about half the price.

Originally Posted by qwerty

The van looks pretty clean

The van is very clean, it was used by a security company in Texas. I could have found vans closer to me but most would be starting to rust because of the salts and chemicals that are put on the roads in the northern states in the winter.

The van had one dent pushed out on the left side from something hitting from the inside. The following pictures will show that and what I did to eliminate it.

Is that your electric hook up above?

Originally Posted by mikenot

Not if it has yellow (commercial vehicle) plates on it, that would come under the restricted occupation rules.

Not about driving, the question is can a farang get the license to drive. I suspect he may have trouble.

Bought and sold several RVs about 15 years ago before the prices spiralled, a lot of people buy them as a tax dodge theses days because they hold their value and some mint ones gain in value.

Look at the prices of VWs in the past 20 years!!!

VWs that I sold for for four figures are now five figures.

They have an almost cult following now..

Gonna post up some pics when I get a chance

Originally Posted by Maanaam

Not about driving, the question is can a farang get the license to drive. I suspect he may have trouble.

We seem to be going around in circles. One person has said 2 of his friends has the requisite license no problem. I have a friend who has a yellow plate on his truck (asked for it, paid more and got it). So really, all of your thoughts on the matter are null and void. A farang will get the license and can get the yellow plate. Licensing for a business activity is completely different and determined by a different department.

#5 of the prohibited occupations is driving a vehicle (for pay) :

1. Driving motor vehicles, or vehicles which do not use machinery or mechanical devices, except piloting aircraft internationally.

A foreigner driving a commercially registered vehicle, such as a bus, with yellow plates is opening up a can of worms and will invite scrutiny, even if it has been converted and you are not actually driving it as a commercial enterprise. But if you could get it registered with normal black plates then no such problem, and I have seen foreigners driving RVs here in Thailand, saw one at Mega Bangna a few weeks ago.

Originally Posted by mikenot

#5 of the prohibited occupations is driving a vehicle (for pay) :

Driving motor vehicles, or vehicles which do not use machinery or mechanical devices, except piloting aircraft internationally.

its nothing to do with an occupation though. Anyway that's a different thread. .

Originally Posted by mikenot

#5 of the prohibited occupations is driving a vehicle (for pay) :

1. Driving motor vehicles, or vehicles which do not use machinery or mechanical devices, except piloting aircraft internationally.

A foreigner driving a commercially registered vehicle, such as a bus, with yellow plates is opening up a can of worms and will invite scrutiny, even if it has been converted and you are not actually driving it as a commercial enterprise. But if you could get it registered with normal black plates then no such problem, and I have seen foreigners driving RVs here in Thailand, saw one at Mega Bangna a few weeks ago.

Was the RV a converted truck/bus/coach ?

Originally Posted by Chittychangchang

Is that your electric hook up above?

Yes it's a 110 volt hookup

Originally Posted by dennis4558

Yes it's a 110 volt hookup

Cool, what electrical appliances do you intend to fit?

I spotted this bad boy today, only £30k!



Might do a build myself or get something cheaper like...

6ft 6" standing room in this..


Bit underpowered though






rear seat belts

room for two up top


Only £1.5k

Engine size is a big issue as it will only do about 30mph flat out downhill with a good wind behind.

This is looking a more reasonable and practicable mid priced option..









Description

This Compass Clipper would make a great starter van, it has many of the conveniences for spending time away from home, it is built on the Talbot chassis with the 2.5 diesel engine and 5 speed manual gearbox, it comes with remote central locking with Cat.1 Clifford alarm/immobiliser, power steering, Bluetooth stereo, gas fire, carver water heating (gas or electric), fridge freezer (electric or 12v), air ride adjustable suspension, colour rear view camera, rear parking sensors, rear cycle rack, roof storage, oven with separate grill and gas hob, towbar, microwave oven, Fiamma awning with full privacy room, 5 berth consisting of over cab double bed, the dinette easily makes another double and the long single side couch, bathroom with flushing toilet, kitchen extractor fan, leisure battery, new habitation service including damp check certificate, long mot to Sept 2019, please bear in mind this vehicle was a part exchange and is over 26 years old but it will be sold serviced so you know everything works when you drive away and as such we will include 3 months motorhome and engine warranty provided by World of warranty, great starter van, delivery available

£9k

or there's always the self build option...

Buy a mini bus and rip out the seats and have a blank canvas for £2.5K..

..and there is me thinking

Originally Posted by Chittychangchang

this vehicle was a part exchange and is over 26 years old

Looks pretty damn good for being that old. I would think dual wheels on the rear of it would be in order. For better stability.

I think it’s a bit like owning a sailboat. Plenty of stuff needing replacement, upgrades or maintenance. Emptying toilets in the right place and filling up the water tanks. Packing stuff up when breaking camp. It’s a money pit that aims to provide home comforts on wheels, but it does seem an awful lot of trouble for minimal relaxation.

Dont mind me, just been reading seekingass posts. lol

Originally Posted by Switch

I think it’s a bit like owning a sailboat. Plenty of stuff needing replacement, upgrades or maintenance. Emptying toilets in the right place and filling up the water tanks. Packing stuff up when breaking camp. It’s a money pit that aims to provide home comforts on wheels, but it does seem an awful lot of trouble for minimal relaxation.

When we had our RV, more things seemed to go wrong with it when it was sitting parked and unused. Especially so over the winter season.

You're right though, they are a money pit. I would have been happy with tent camping, but the wife wouldn't go there. So I bought a used RV. It's been 20 years now since I sold it.

Originally Posted by Switch

I think it’s a bit like owning a sailboat. Plenty of stuff needing replacement, upgrades or maintenance. Emptying toilets in the right place and filling up the water tanks. Packing stuff up when breaking camp. It’s a money pit that aims to provide home comforts on wheels, but it does seem an awful lot of trouble for minimal relaxation.

Dont mind me, just been reading seekingass posts. lol

Kind of agree. I've often thought about a camper but then can never think of a place I would like to go and stay that doesn't' have ample decent hotels there.

Originally Posted by Chittychangchang

I spotted this bad boy today, only £30k!

That's an antique, I used to have a 68 GMC stubnose like that for many years long time ago, had it made out with bed, stove and ice cooler.