A smart camper is a way to give a second life to an old diesel bus.
Building your camper van is often a better option than buying an off-the-shelf product made by a large company. You can save tons of money if you only need the features that you will use. The results can be amazing if you’re a pro at what you do.
This 1998 Volkswagen Transporter was originally built as a cargo bus in Germany, but it is now a camper van in Bulgaria. We love the result of the owner’s quest to create something smart and simple to maintain. From start to finish, the entire build took seven months, including interior modifications and engine maintenance.
The Transporter’s living space is now fully insulated. It has a diesel heater as well as a ventilation system. The Transporter has a 25-liter tank that provides fresh water for its small sink, and a 25-liter gray water tank. A 12-volt refrigerator and a small gas stove are also available. Two adults can sleep in the camper on a foldable double bed that also has a storage compartment underneath. Although it may seem strange to some, the camper has no windows which helps keep the temperature inside cool.
The bus is powered by a 2.4-liter diesel engine that produces 78 horsepower (58kilowatts). Although it isn’t the fastest way to travel from A to B, the five-cylinder engine is very reliable and easy maintenance. The best thing about this project is the fact that it cost less than $4500, including the cost for the donor bus, full repaint and engine maintenance. You can’t go wrong with creativity, craftsmanship, and planning.