Campervan....

[baldrick]

what bread they are ?

loafers

[rebbu]

what bread they are ?

loafers

Sour dough.

[Albert Shagnastier]

kiwi fruit

pomelo

It's a fucking lime you idiots.

[Albert Shagnastier]

loafers

Sour dough.

76bt.
Lovely old job

[Gravesend Dave]

Why on earth would you want to spend all that money on a Camper when Hotels go for piss all Up Country. ?

3 big dogs. Thats why. You show me a hotel willing to take that lot and I'll shake your hand. Also, these camper vans are like rocking horse shit (as in, ones done to good spec) so its not throwing money away.

Ok I apologize for asking what breed of big dogs you have Pseudo!

As usual I totally misread the O.P along with this quoted post which clearly does not give anyone reading the impression that dogs have anything to do with this thread.

[rickschoppers]

Psuedo, I just stumbled upon this thread and I can give you my opinion. In the past I have done a lot of camping with dogs and without. It does add a different dynamic when taking three large dogs along, but it definitely can be done in comfort depending on your personal comfort zone. You seem to not mind traveling with them, so that is a good start.

In my younger years, I always had a large dog or two and they would go with me everywhere. I first had a pickup with a camper shell on the back where I just threw a mattress and some camping equipment. No problem taking the large dog with me. I also had a couple of VW campers which had more creature comforts like a sink and tables. My camping in those days was mainly at the ocean and I would have my dog and surfboard with me at all time.

You sound like you want more room and a more comfortable living space than what the above can offer. As I grew older, I also wanted the same. I then started with a larger camper as shown below.



These will just lower onto a regular pick up bed and can even have a shower. I took two large dogs with me in something like this with no problem. It may get a little crowded with three and I am not sure if something like this is even available in Thailand. Many will build their own and I would think you can use the steel cattle haulers for a frame. Just one possibility, but not so much for room, but easy to drive and store.

I then graduated to what we call a trailer and you would call a caravan. I had an Airstream trailer just like this to camp at the beach or desert and my dogs were very comfortable.



Again, I am not sure if these are even available in Thailand and they would require their own license. I am sure the BIB would stop you at every road block just to take a peak inside. Unlike the US, I am sure the dogs could travel in it as well, while rolling down the road. These trailers would be a little more work to drive down the road with and parking is always a problem in cities.

My final try at camping was in a class A motorhome which are all over the US. These are the largest and most like living in a house. They have slide-outs that increase the square footage while stopped and many will actually live in these full time. I found them to drive well on the open road, but things could get a little tight on narrower roads or in the city. I don't think you will find any of these in Thailand. Too bad, since theses are by far the most comfortable and you could tour Thailand with three or more dogs in style.



With all this said, we have to take a look at where you live. What I am hearing is that you want room for your three dogs and wife while being able to negotiate the roads in Thailand. If it were me, I think you have two good possibilities. First, obtain a closed in truck and convert it into a camper of some sort. I have seen many trucks on the road in many sizes, so what size would depend on your budget and needs. Converting them into a camper would not be that difficult and what you would have to think about are the parts used and if they are obtainable in Thailand. I have thought often about buying a used semi and converting the trailer into a small apartment. Not saying this is what can be done in Thailand, but surely something like this is possible.



A second possibility would be converting a bus. There are various sizes and they are all drivable in Thailand, as we have seen. A smaller bus would make sense as long as you have enough space for your dogs and all the creature comforts you want. You could even do something like this, if you were so inclined.


What I am saying is that there are definitely many possibilities within Thailand and you just need to decide how much you want to spend. I like the truck conversion the best since they are so plentiful. One of the challenges would be to find all the different systems you would need along with parts needed. I would think Bangkok should be the first place to look, or if you know of a very good builder, they should be able to construct a mini home for you.

The choice is up to you and I think it is a great idea. I have thought about similar, but the heat prevents me from going any further. You would definitely need some good ventilation at the very least, or a good AC unit to keep things cool.

If all else fails, or it is just too much work to come up with something, the tent idea sounds reasonable. The Thais like camping in a tent and I am sure it would be accepted all around the country. Whatever you decide, an awning would be a must since most of the living in Thailand is done outside. All you would need then is a bed to sleep in and a BBQ to cook on.

I hope I have given you a couple new ideas to think about and whatever you decide I wish you luck and happy camping. Sounds like fun to me.

By the way, I like these types of threads much better than the doom and gloom ones.

[stickmansucks]

So where do you plan to camp in it considering Thailand ain't set up for Campervans.

You could not use it when the temp was up unless you ran the A/C all night and then you need to be somewhere were the shitters and showers are.

Don't get me wrong I love it but it dont seem suited for Thailand.

I see your point considering your dogs but if you never had them it seems a bit out of place.

Good luck with it all the same. Be brilliant in Australia though.

I just quote you because you said exactly what I wanted to say and I am drunk now, and too lazy hahaha

Just one more question, why is it so cheap ? How much for brand new one ?

[pseudolus]

why is it so cheap ? How much for brand new one ?

Dunno - they are not answering my questions at Golden Dragon as of yet.

[pseudolus]

Psuedo, I just stumbled upon this thread and I can give you my opinion. In the past I have done a lot of camping with dogs and without. It does add a different dynamic when taking three large dogs along, but it definitely can be done in comfort depending on your personal comfort zone. You seem to not mind traveling with them, so that is a good start.

In my younger years, I always had a large dog or two and they would go with me everywhere. I first had a pickup with a camper shell on the back where I just threw a mattress and some camping equipment. No problem taking the large dog with me. I also had a couple of VW campers which had more creature comforts like a sink and tables. My camping in those days was mainly at the ocean and I would have my dog and surfboard with me at all time.

You sound like you want more room and a more comfortable living space than what the above can offer. As I grew older, I also wanted the same. I then started with a larger camper as shown below.



These will just lower onto a regular pick up bed and can even have a shower. I took two large dogs with me in something like this with no problem. It may get a little crowded with three and I am not sure if something like this is even available in Thailand. Many will build their own and I would think you can use the steel cattle haulers for a frame. Just one possibility, but not so much for room, but easy to drive and store.

I then graduated to what we call a trailer and you would call a caravan. I had an Airstream trailer just like this to camp at the beach or desert and my dogs were very comfortable.



Again, I am not sure if these are even available in Thailand and they would require their own license. I am sure the BIB would stop you at every road block just to take a peak inside. Unlike the US, I am sure the dogs could travel in it as well, while rolling down the road. These trailers would be a little more work to drive down the road with and parking is always a problem in cities.

My final try at camping was in a class A motorhome which are all over the US. These are the largest and most like living in a house. They have slide-outs that increase the square footage while stopped and many will actually live in these full time. I found them to drive well on the open road, but things could get a little tight on narrower roads or in the city. I don't think you will find any of these in Thailand. Too bad, since theses are by far the most comfortable and you could tour Thailand with three or more dogs in style.



With all this said, we have to take a look at where you live. What I am hearing is that you want room for your three dogs and wife while being able to negotiate the roads in Thailand. If it were me, I think you have two good possibilities. First, obtain a closed in truck and convert it into a camper of some sort. I have seen many trucks on the road in many sizes, so what size would depend on your budget and needs. Converting them into a camper would not be that difficult and what you would have to think about are the parts used and if they are obtainable in Thailand. I have thought often about buying a used semi and converting the trailer into a small apartment. Not saying this is what can be done in Thailand, but surely something like this is possible.



A second possibility would be converting a bus. There are various sizes and they are all drivable in Thailand, as we have seen. A smaller bus would make sense as long as you have enough space for your dogs and all the creature comforts you want. You could even do something like this, if you were so inclined.


What I am saying is that there are definitely many possibilities within Thailand and you just need to decide how much you want to spend. I like the truck conversion the best since they are so plentiful. One of the challenges would be to find all the different systems you would need along with parts needed. I would think Bangkok should be the first place to look, or if you know of a very good builder, they should be able to construct a mini home for you.

The choice is up to you and I think it is a great idea. I have thought about similar, but the heat prevents me from going any further. You would definitely need some good ventilation at the very least, or a good AC unit to keep things cool.

If all else fails, or it is just too much work to come up with something, the tent idea sounds reasonable. The Thais like camping in a tent and I am sure it would be accepted all around the country. Whatever you decide, an awning would be a must since most of the living in Thailand is done outside. All you would need then is a bed to sleep in and a BBQ to cook on.

I hope I have given you a couple new ideas to think about and whatever you decide I wish you luck and happy camping. Sounds like fun to me.

By the way, I like these types of threads much better than the doom and gloom ones.

Finally - someone who gets it.

Will be digesting this all a bit further. The yellow truck would be ideal, but just not available here hence looking for something bigger than a commuter van, but not so big, where the spare parts are readily available, and I came upon the bus thing.

Cheers for the most valuable input.

[slackula]

Just one more question, why is it so cheap ?

Perhaps because it falls into a commercial vehicle category like pick-ups and so is subject to lower duties?

[rickschoppers]

No problem Pseudo. Let me know if you ever decide to build something. I would be very interested to see how things turn out. There is a pretty good selection of trucks in Thailand and considering they are all blank slates, it would be up to you how you want to proceed.

Very much like building a miniature house. The various components should be accessible since they do have some large buses with toilets in them. I have never been in one of the "party" buses, but they may have refrigeration and sinks in them as well. Then it is just a matter of finding the parts and a good layout that suits you and your dogs.

[terry57]

What about going with the original van and modifying a small trailer to carry the dogs in.

With regular stops and ample ventilation they will be fine.

Could also bang the misses in there if she plays up.

[rickschoppers]

Something like this?



or this if you are not into off roading.



Personally, I do not mind the dogs riding in the truck or camper if there is enough room and they would be a lot cooler. I have had friends who hunt with dogs and they refuse to ever pamper them in such a way. My father had hunting dogs most of my life and when I hunted with him the dog would sleep in the trailer with us.

[Roobarb]

Great idea Pseudolos. My first thought was to do with where you would actually be able to camp, but then it struck me there there are tons of little Thai resort things where you just rock up and rent a little cabin. Park the camper van next to it, plug in to their power, use the loos in the cabin and you're all good.

To test the theory I 'Google mapped' near to us and searched for 'Resort'. This place popped up:

https://www.facebook.com/LandkavalleyResort

It's mainly in Thai but it does seem to say 'All are welcome' (which by definition should include farangs in strange vehicles) and show a picture of a dog running around, even if the dog does look disturbingly similar to Koojo. Anyway, I digress somewhat but the point is that finding a campsite in the European/US vein may be difficult, but there are tons of places that will be likely to happily relieve you of a few baht in exchange for a place to park the camper and stay the night.

Fitting the thing out should be simple enough. I'd go and visit a few boatbuilders as they are used to creating living areas in confined spaces together with all the sort of 12v/inverter stuff that goes with it.

The one thorny issue I think you'll face is regulatory. I'm guessing here and mention it more in the hope that being later shot down by someone will get you the right answer, but when vehicles are first registered they are classified into a category (Private Car/Minibus/Tractor etc). The import tax/registration etc is based on the classification of the vehicle, and the type of number plate issued will depend on this.

The reason for this suspicion was that many, many moons ago a mate of mine bought one of those luxury 4 seat grey import Chevy van things, and to register it as a minibus rather than a private car (i.e. lower tax) the dealer took out the seats and replaced them with 12 ordinary seats. They nipped off to the registration folks then when the deed was done out came the minibus seats and back in with the original ones. I think it saved tax but the thing was registered as a minibus and carried number plates with blue writing instead of black. It was as I say a long time ago so my memory is a bit hazy.

I suppose it's technically possible to re-classify a vehicle, but it would probably entail paying the higher duties and taxes that would be due on the vehicle to do so.

Anyway, the crux of the issue is that the sort of bus you're after is very likely to be registered as a commercial bus (cheaper tax 'n' all) and as such I think you'll need a commercial licence to drive it. The basis of this is the PDF below, which I hesitate to post as I can't even work out what the website it's hosted on is about but in the absence of anything else...:

http://www.ltpcenter.com/documents/1...y+Thailand.pdf

I'm not too sure that foreigners would be able to get a commercial driving licence in Thailand?

I reckon your options are as follows:

1) Get a Commuter, or the biggest 'minibus' you can find, and install a pop top so that you and Mrs P can sleep above the livestock. This sort of thing:



It may cost a bit, but a boatbuilder should be able to make a mould of the original roof then create a fibreglass top from that.

Ventilation - have zipped sides with mozzie netting a bit like in a tent. No need for AC to rumble way all night.

2) Assuming Mrs P is Thai then ask her to get a commercial driving licence - judging by what we see on the road I don't imaging it's that difficult, possibly even just a correspondence course would do it? If you get stopped whist driving then she can feign a sore finger or something and you are merely (few reds or a sneaky purple) taking her to the nearest doctor, which incidentally officer, and thank you for stopping me, is where?

3) Give the thing an expensive black paint job, heavily tint the windows and for effect maybe stick one of this red and blue flashing light things in the front grille. Then just hope for the best and maybe polish up on your Jedi mind tricks.

Get past the licensing bit and I reckon the fitting out and finding places to stay would be a doddle.

[rickschoppers]

Just doing some internet surfing and ran across this.

Asia RV Thailand - Lance Lite 845 Motorhome - Sleeps 4/5

Return to Rates

Internal Layout

Vehicle Features

• 2 double beds (cabover + dinette bed) + 1 overhead bunk bed for 1 child as an option
• 1 bathroom (shower sink + WC) + outside shower
• 1 kitchen (double sink, 3 burners, large fridge of 115 liters/4cu. ft., electrical coffee maker, water filter...)
• A.C vehicle (when driving) and heating, Large water tanks (125 liters/33 gallons of fresh water, 100 liters/29 gallons of grey + back water)
• 2 airbags

  
  

Vehicles and layouts are samples and are subject to change at any time

[pseudolus]

What about going with the original van and modifying a small trailer to carry the dogs in.

Not an option buta nice idea. I have a small boat that would take up the tow bar anyway.

few boatbuilders

Yes - they are also used to consutructing light weight as well. I had considered this already, and there are a few local boat builders along the road from Jomtien.

re-classify a vehicle

Hmmm never thought of this. I hope I would not need a commercial vehicle licence. Will need to check this out thoroughly. Mind you they rent big rig camper vans here to normal punters and I guess they do not all have one?

Brilliant reply though Rhoobarb - thanks for the effort. Much appreciated.

[ltnt]

No one can think of places along Route 4

There's all sorts of "Thailand National Parks along highway #4 P. they all have or allow camping. For my money It's the country to the north of Chiang Rai that has the best national parks. Mountains, big trees and waterfalls. come winter the Thai's flock to the Northern National Parks to enjoy the cold weather and sometimes frost on the ground.

For Highway 4 there's a super park just outside Prachup Khiri Khan, not to be confused with Hua Hin. PKK is 81 kilometers south of Hua Hin. If you go about 30 kilos south of the place there's a huge national park there and many tourists stay there during the high season. As well you mentioned Kho Sak? super place. Great golf, nature trails, huge lake and great fishing. You can even rent a bamboo hut out on the water for overnights. They bring your food to you on long tail boats.
Once saw them catch a huge catfish, looked to be at least 200 kilos. If you travel north from Chiang Rai they have the King Mother's property and many camping sites in this area. Doi Tung area near Mae Sai. Some of the most picturesque mountain ranges I've ever seen anywhere.

South of Payao is another beautiful mountain range with a National Park just of a major curve in the road. Thai's flock to this location every holiday and camp by the hundreds. Kinda like the Yosemite of Thailand. Payao is a great stop as well with a huge lake, lovely guest houses and I think you'd be able to park your camper along the lake front overnight without harm.

Do it "P."

[rickschoppers]

If you are into home built, here are a few:

[pseudolus]

nice - Homebuild is not for me though. No time, and if I am brutally honest, I am rubbish at it.

ltnt- great - can't do the national parks though, but this idea of pitching up in a resort if i can't find a suitable place to park up is brilliant though.

[Evilbaz]

There are many different types of electric/hydraulic boat lifter kits available that would put your boat/dinghy on top of your van/bus and you could tow a lightweight storage/kitchen/whatever unit with a special doggy home.

Cooking and crapping are better done outside of sleeping areas.

[rickschoppers]

Here are some interesting conversions:

[terry57]

If you do manage to go camping sometimes without your dogs the National parks in Thailand are certainly brilliant.

Also the resorts, winter up North is awesome.

[rickschoppers]

Just saw you are not into home built RVs. Do you have a budget, or are you just looking for ideas?

[Evilbaz]

Another thing to consider - have you tried having a root with your missus with the three dogs in the same room?

We all know what Tezza does - he just takes off to the carpark at the Pot Shot or any other fishing town pub on a full moon when all the prawnies come to town !
Picks up a spare root looking for a bit of rough and it's "Don't come knocking if the van is rockin' "

[Topper]

Madame Auto (I couldn't get a picture of the phone number) has about 10 caravans and 2-3 campers that I saw.

It's on the west side of the ring road heading north.