When this adventurous couple approached us, asking for a van that would be suitable for full-time van life in rural Scotland, we knew it would be a challenging but exciting build.
They had just sold their house and wanted to relocate to the Hebrides to build their dream home. To do this they needed an off-grid camper to provide them with a place to live while they build and enable them to explore Scotland with their three dogs. Due to their remote location, we added some key features, including a strong WiFi system, a wrap-around Raptor skirt and off-road tyres for the rugged terrain and potential snow. As these clients needed to live and work in their van, they opted for our Kunu layout, which gives them more flexibility in how they can use the space.
Could Rafiki be the perfect off-grid camper? Read on to find out!
The base van:
Rafiki is a Citroen Relay L3H2, one of our preferred based vans, their boxy shape makes them well suited to converting. We added a few nice upgrades including a WolfBox reversing and dash camera, an awning complete with outside light, and a matching electrical step for the sliding door.
This couple plan to travel with their three dogs, so we also included a D-clip tie-down point to the outside of the van and an outdoor shower with an adapted hose from Mud Daddy to clean off those muddy paws!
It’s all in the details:
These clients picked earthy, calming tones for their van, with pale green cupboards and oak worktops contrasted with hard-wearing matt black handles. This was intended to reflect their upcoming move to the rural Scottish highlands.
Another nod to the highlands was the Harris Tweed used for the soft furnishings. The clients selected three distinct styles for the custom-made cushions and curtains, which we believe perfectly complement the van’s overall look.
Unique features:
Rafiki was a really exciting build for us as it has some great stand-out features including an external raptor skirt, all-terrain tyres, concrete effect bathroom tiles and a built-in water purification system.
Raptor is a tough, hard-wearing paint designed to resist damage from dirt and gravel. So the wrap-around skirt and BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres, make Rafiki a rugged and practical off-grid camper.
Due to their location, these clients needed a van with a strong WiFi system which gave us a great opportunity to install our first Starlink set-up. Starlink provides high-speed, reliable internet connectivity even in the most remote places and is a real game changer if you want to live and work full-time in a van.
The layout:
Rafiki is based on our Kunu layout, which is a great option if you want a more versatile space. To the front, there are two Aguti captain seats and the passenger one swivels and has a table so you can eat or work with a view out the sliding door. Then there is the shower/toilet cubicle, the kitchen/seating area and a fixed bed to the rear.
The best part of our Kunu layout is the seating area, with one fixed box seat and one moving box seat there are multiple configurations which give great flexibility. We also added a Lagun table leg so that when the seats are opposite each other you have the perfect space for dining or working. This layout is also a great choice if you want to travel with kids or grandchildren as the box seat also forms a third child size bed, which is 60cm wide and 1m 60 in length.
The fixed bed at the rear is a standard double with an Emma mattress and is recessed at both ends to provide more length. There is one small window at the foot of the bed and two at the back so you can enjoy the surrounding views. Above the foot of the bed, there are two large overhead storage cupboards and at the head two reading lights with USB sockets for charging.
To keep the space well ventilated there is a MaxxAir fan above the bed which can be set to pull air in or out. These are great for extracting moisture from the van in winter months, especially when cooking and showering.
Shower and toilet:
We really love this space in Rafiki as the concrete effect Duma tiles and matte black fixtures give it a premium finish. Additional features include a full-length mirror on the back of the door with hooks to hang towels, a niche in the back wall for toiletries, a ceiling vent with touch-down light and a large cubby hole for storage.
So the clients can spend more time off-grid, they opted for an Ogo composting toilet with an electronic agitator. This will allow them to dispose of the waste organically and not be reliant on specific black waste points.
To make the most of this space, we added a heating vent so it can double up as an airing cupboard. This will add a lot of practicality for this couple who will be living in the van during the Scottish winter!
Kitchen:
Rafiki’s kitchen is simple but effective. For storage, you have two overhead cupboards, two under-counter cupboards, a cutlery drawer and a large drawer for pots and pans. We also included a small shelf next to the kitchen perfect for books and small pot plants.
There is a beautiful oak worktop and a large grey under-mounted sink with two taps. The larger tap is for hot and cold water to wash up and the smaller one is specifically for drinking water which is linked to the reverse osmosis filter. The filter system is in the garage but can be turned on/off by a switch under the sink.
For cooking, we installed a Thetford Triplex oven which has a 3 burner hob with a grill and oven underneath. This is a great appliance for winter van life as it runs on gas, so you don’t need to rely on solar energy to power it. Under the bed, you can find a Dometic NRX 80L compressor fridge and a large drawer above it to provide extra storage.
Electrical system:
Rafiki will spend most of the time off-grid roaming the Scottish Hebrides, so a robust electrical system was required for this build.
Here are the specs:
- 320ah Roamer lithium battery: This ensures that you can stay off-grid for extended periods without running out of power.
- Victron Multiplus inverter charger 3000VA: This powers the electrical sockets and charging points in the van and allows you to hook up at campsites.
- 540W Solar: Harnessing the sun’s energy, these panels keep the battery charged and the appliances running smoothly.
- Victron Orion -Tr 12|12 30 Amp alternator charger: These charge the leisure battery whilst driving.
To monitor the electrical system, Rafiki has the Victron energy touchscreen display. This allows you to see how much solar you’re getting in from the panels and what loads you are using.
There is also a touchscreen display linked to the Truma D4E combi boiler. From here you can set the room temperature from it but also the hot water to either 40C or 60C, as well as select whether you want it to run on diesel or electric.
Ready for the road:
It sounds cheesy, but Rafiki really is making dreams come true for this couple. He will provide them with a comfortable cosy home while they build their perfect house and take them on wild adventures across some of the most serene areas of Scotland.
With a multitude of great features and a beautiful aesthetic, we think Rafiki is the perfect off-grid camper van and we would love to do more builds like this.
If this sounds like your dream then get in touch at info@vanlifeconversions.co.uk
