Possible new van owner

[PhysEd]

Thanks for your feedback.

At the moment the most difficult part seems to be to find someone who could do a customised roof for a reasonable price (one asked at least double the price of the car itself = CHF 15'000) and then it needs to past the test from the so called "Motorfahrzeugkontrolle" (= car controll, a state-controlled institution).
Tomorrow I'll meet a body shop specialist, I'm curious what he is going to say and advice.

Thanks again
Cheers
Mike

[AndrewST]

You could look just across the Rhein for companies.
May be cheaper, i know the problematic of the control.

Good luck

If you go to the Bern Caravan Salon in one week, give notice as I will be there.

[PhysEd]

Just found out, that also a second seat bench in the back needs to be approved and that might also be a problem and very expensive to get the proper expertise.

Someone adviced me to buy a already ready to travel car, rather than build one myself, especially as I'm not a experienced at all.

But to get 4x4 Vans, ready to go for an reasonable price - or it's better to say for a price I can afford, is very difficult.

Do you have any other suggestions, besides customizing an Dodge B300 or a Ford E350?

Thanks for your help
Mike

[Pntyrmvr]

Mike,

You have been dreaming about this adventure since 2007.

Get a used Ford 4x4 Sportsmobile in the USA and head to South America.

Don't waste your time building a van in Europe that you are going to use in South America.

Best value with lowest amount of aggravation. Lots of people here can help you get started.

Regards,

Gavin

[PhysEd]

Hi Gavin,

you're right - you need to go, the journey is important, not the car. But wether we can go or not depends on my job and the money and the saved hours respectively. So, 2018 is the earliest date we could manage.

Thanks for your input.
Cheers
Mike