After a long search, we found a MAN truck, which corresponded to our wishes and needs — that was in April 2019.
The conversions, around with our 2 Rhodesian Ridgebacks to go on a long drive, we were able to realize here. This included, in particular, the appropriate space for the 2 big guys “Frodo” and “Quappo”.
A separate door with a grating and a porthole for daylight and permanent access to the living room as well as housing the technology were one thing. We also had windows from the Hühnerkopf company and a separate toilet installed.
The tank capacities were from 120 on 460 Liter expanded.
The stage, which was intended for a quad, was used as space for spare wheel, Crane, Tools and other little things rebuilt. To protect it all a little, the stage was covered with a tarpaulin by the saddler.
After almost 6 Months now our Henriette is standing (that is the name of the vehicle) in front of the door and waits for the essentials for the first trip to be filled.
Today we are on the road for exactly one month. We emptied our separating toilet for the first time. We were excited, whether it would be uncomfortable work or whether it would be that easy, as described in the prospectus.
The first thing I did was dig a hole in the forest, to empty the compost.
Then we removed the toilet and emptied the contents into the hole. In fact, it didn't smell of feces but of compost. The hole closed again, the layer of moss was laid over it and all traces were removed.
The decision, to install a separating toilet in the mobile, was absolutely great. After many years of using the suction toilet, I can only recommend it.
After an hour everything was cleaned and ready for use again. That is an expenditure of time in four weeks, which is worth it.
Hardly any water comes out of the tap!
In search of the cause, we first had to empty the water tank, which took an eternity due to the small amount of water that went through the pipe. Here, too, we will install a shut-off valve when we are at home. The cause was the filter, in front of which the plastic shavings from the installation of the tank had set.
these plastic shavings from the installation of the water tank severely impaired the flow.
Our Henriette drove to the workshop during the winter break, there it will be optimized for the next tour after the lockdown.
The unfolded ramp with the tarpaulin has proven to be very clumsy. The dirt was so swirled when driving on the slopes and when it was raining, that all, what was deposited on the ramp, as well as the zipper of the tarpaulin was so dirty, that he could no longer open. Instead, the plan was a locked box, the water- and is dustproof, to construct. With the company BrossBox from Speyer we have found a manufacturer for individual vehicle bodies. The box was designed that way, that we 10 x E1 boxes, an additional gas bottle, the generator set, and the equipment like chairs, table, ladder, Wheel chocks etc. could accommodate. The smaller box on the right was built like this, that you can stand on it and that there is space for the spare wheel. The box was then made by the company Fahrzeugbau Hartmut Lersch – Boiler connected to the truck.
Furthermore, all surfaces that had not been insulated in the interior were insulated with Armacell. Here we had an immense amount of condensation water with large temperature differences from the inside to the outside. Additional forced ventilation was also installed in the dog area.
In cold temperatures, the gas consumption on our Nordland tour was very high. We heat, Cook, cool and generate hot water with gas. The consumption per week is then approx. 11,5 kg per week increased. It is actually difficult in many countries, to have the gas bottles exchanged or filled. Therefore, an additional diesel parking heater from Planar was included on board. The heater was connected directly to the diesel tank.
The water consumption with 2 Adults and 2 big dogs was higher than expected, for this reason the water supply of 120 on 200 Liter expanded. Filling up the water tank was not a problem in the north, however we plan to, to travel to warmer countries as well.
For the better one- and exit from the cabin is provided by another step on the outside staircase. Our little Rhodesian Ridgeback Quappo is particularly happy about that.
From the driver's cab, the passenger's bench seat was replaced with an air-sprung seat. The freed up space became for a box with books, Photo and drinks used.
