Fun with Fiberglass

Read article : Fun with Fiberglass

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Lightweight molded-fiberglass RVs are designed for long-term durability and improved mpg — and they look cool, too

RVs are constructed in a number of different ways, but many follow the same basic blueprint: Start with a steel or aluminum frame, build up the walls with wood and/or aluminum, more framing and composite materials, cover the structure with a roof and wrap the entire unit with either aluminum panels or gelcoat fiberglass. While conventional construction methods work well, another successful strategy has been in place for years and continues to flourish: molded fiberglass.

 RVs built from molded fiberglass are sleek and shiny, and share their origins with the marine industry (think boat hull). In a molded-fiberglass trailer, fifth-wheel or truck camper, the rigid fiberglass body actually serves as the main framing element, as well as the interior and exterior skin. The body of the RV is essentially two pieces that clamshell together, resulting in a durable, corrosion-resistant body that is quite strong and can have several advantages over traditionally built RVs.

Casita Spirit Deluxe" width="400" height="267" />Casita Spirit Deluxe

“The two-piece fiberglass shell has one main seam around the center belt line,” explains Grant Bilodeau, president of Bigfoot RV. “Traditional trailers are made of many separate side, floor and roof panels, and are then screwed together with many moldings and seals. As RVs are meant to travel down the road, a traditional trailer will flex over time, and all the extra seams and joints become higher maintenance and risk points for leaking. With a fiberglass trailer, thereis only one seam to worry about.”

“Fiberglass molded trailers are sprayed into a mold with gelcoat and fiberglass,” Bilodeau adds. “The glass content is like the rebar in concrete — it gives you all your strength, as the resin binds it all together.”

Fiberglass construction can also lead to some positive results when it comes to fuel mileage, handling and durability. “Our fiberglass campers are 25 percent lighter than conventionally built truck campers,” says Keith Donkin, general manager at Northern Lite Manufacturing. “They are very aerodynamically designed for improved fuel efficiency, and they feature a very low center of gravity, which eliminates the sway of a conventionally built camper.”

Improved towing characteristics and longevity do come with a trade-off. Molded-fiberglass RVs can be a bit more costly than their conventionally built counterparts. But manufacturers of fiberglass RVs claim the difference in price can easily be amortized over the lifetime of the RV.

Dub-Box USA

“Generally, people like our trailers because they are easy to tow, easy to set up, and they last forever,” reports Kent Eveland, president of Scamp Trailers. “Most of the trailers we built in the 1970s are still in use.”

Robert P. Partee, general sales manager of Oliver Travel Trailers, agrees. “Most fiberglass trailers hold their value over the years much better than the standard-build types,” he says. “Constructing travel trailers with fiberglass has been flying under the radar for years.”

Often eclectic, sometimes retro-chic and always eye-catching, molded-fiberglass RVs are frequently the focus of online communities and club rallies. “We find our trailers appeal to all ages in part because of the nostalgia factor, as well as the simplicity and weight,” says Heather Gardella, president of Dub Box USA.

Check out the following collection of some of the more interesting fiberglass RVs on the market today.

Bigfoot

Bigfoot Industries manufactures a variety of travel trailers and truck campers, all featuring clamshell molded-fiberglass construction.

Bigfoot actually overlaps the top shell onto the bottom and uses a special sealant to further guard against water penetration. The 2500 series travel trailers include R-8 insulation, which, when combined with the fiberglass base (less conductive than aluminum or steel), creates a more livable four-season RV, according to Bilodeau. Seven floorplans ranging from 17 to 25 feet are available. The 25B25FB boasts a full rear bath, sleeping space for up to six and standards that include a porcelain toilet, aluminum wheels, heated and enclosed tanks, and aliving-area skylight. The option to enclose the A-frame and add cargo space is not only practical but looks great as well. Other options includea solar-power system, 11,000-Btu roof air conditioner, exterior speakers and an electric A-frame jack.

250-546-2155
www.bigfootrv.com

Casita

For 33 years, Casita has been building lightweight fiberglass trailers. The 17-foot Casita Spirit Deluxe offers comfortable sleeping arrangements for three, with a bit more space for guests, provided they are of the smaller variety. Both sleeping areas convert to dinettes by day, meaning the trailer can easily accommodate more than it can sleep before the sun goes down. A couch/bunk-bed option ups the ante even more. The surprisingly wide-open floorplan means occupants won’t trip over each other while moving about. In Deluxe models, a large, full-featured bathroom is located at the front of the trailer, as is a roomy storage wardrobe. Standard features include custom marine-grade fiberglass furniture, carpet-lined storage compartments and a powered roof vent. Owners can also opt for LED lighting, a microwave, an electric A-frame jack and a larger gray-water holding tank.

800-442-9986
www.casitatraveltrailers.com

Dub Box

Dub Box USA manufactures lightweight fiberglass trailers reminiscent of the Volkswagen Microbus popular in the 1960s and ’70s. Dub Box trailers are not true Volkswagen conversions but are in fact manufactured from a fiberglass mold made from the vintage VW Bus. Each Dub Box trailer comes equipped with classic moon-style hubcaps, a hot/cold outdoor shower, a two-burner stove, a sink, a 3-cubic-foot refrigerator, an LP-gas water heater, an L-shaped convertible couch with 4-inch cushions, a folding dinette table and Sunbrella weather curtains for the pop-top. Options include air conditioning, solar panels, a luggage roof rack and a storage box on the A-frame. Buyers get to select the paint color for the exterior to match their tow vehicle.

503-744-0032
www.dub-box-usa.com

Eggcamper

Eggcamper trailers are ultralightweight and offer a fun way to enjoy RVing. Available only from the factory in Grandville, Michigan, and weighing less than 2,000 pounds (dry, without options), the Eggcamper can be towed by almost any properly equipped truck, van or SUV. The all-white trailers may look spartan inside, but they contain all the amenities needed for weekend fun, including sleeping space for two to four, a galley with a stainless sink, a 2.4-cubic-foot refrigerator, available air-conditioner, appliances and a lavatory with a toilet (or a large storage area instead). Plus, the smooth interior makes cleanup a breeze. The Dexter Torflex suspension is a welcome inclusion, as are the power roof vent and radius safety-glass windows with screens and miniblinds. LP-gas options are available, in addition to the electric-only model powered by an appropriately sized AC generator, along with the standard 30-amp converter with charger.

616-437-9255
www.eggcamper.com

Escape

Another big name in the molded-fiberglass market is Escape Trailers. Based in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Escape offers several fiberglass travel trailers and more recently introduced a fifth-wheel. All Escape trailers are compact and lightweight for easy towing, and the Escape 21 is designed specifically for tow vehicles with weight ratings down to 5,000 pounds. But don’t be fooled by the diminutive size. Escape trailers are equipped with full galleys, bathrooms and living areas, in addition to oak cabinetry, high-grade linoleum flooring and an insulated headliner. Other impressive standards include two roof vents, LED ceiling lighting, full-surround overhead storage and a holding-tank monitor. Popular options range from appliance upgrades to a stereo, a water filter and a solar charging system.

855-703-1650
www.escapetrailer.com

Happier Camper

In addition to offering vintage restored fiberglass rentals, Happier Camper now builds the unique HC1 trailer. The base-price HC1 begins as an empty shell built using bonded double-hull fiberglass with 1.5-inch honeycomb fiberglass flooring. Grooves are embedded in the flooring to accommodate the modular components (think Legos) that will make up the custom floorplan, including a kitchenette, benches, cushions, an AC/DC refrigerator cube, tables, floor panels — there’s even a portable-potty cube. Buyers can configure the layout exactly as they’d like it, and the price is determined by the selected modules. LED lighting comes standard, as do built-in rear stabilizing jacks and an undercarriage-mounted full-size spare tire. Add-ons include compatible comfort heating, stereos, electric fans and moon-style hubcaps.

818-649-9099
www.happiercamper.com

Nest Caravans

A newcomer to the fiberglass-trailer market, Nest Caravans from Bend, Oregon, combines the easy-towing
capabilities of a lighter-weight fiberglass trailer with elegantsophistication and an eye for detail. Nest trailers are available in five color combinations with an array of useful exterior standards, including a nosecone storage box, all-LED exterior lighting, BAL stabilizing jacks and frameless windows. Inside, dimmable switches help control the mood with all-LED lighting, and the galley shimmers with a stainless-steel sink, two-burner cooktop and 3.2-cubic-foot refrigerator. The full-time queen bed can comfortably sleep two. Options include a convertible dinette, natural cork tiles, a microwave and an entertainment system.

541-610-2292
www.nestcaravans.com

Northern Lite

Another Canadian manufacturer, Northern Lite Manufacturing in Kelowna, British Columbia, builds fiberglass truck campers designed to withstand extreme weather. The company’s top-selling Ten 2000 EX CD SE boasts some impressive features like 95-watt solar panels, a 10-foot side awning, an LCD TV and DVD player, thermal-pane windows and skylight, solid hardwood and more. There’s even a full 14-inch basement with heated and enclosed storage tanks. Sleep like a baby on the 60 x 80-inch queen bed, or take a warm shower in the large bathroom area. Options include an air conditioner, electric jacks, LED lighting in the electric awning, battery-disconnect, an extended patio bumper, and a boat rack and ladder. With a floor length of more than 11 feet, this camper weighs in at 1,400 to 2,000 pounds lighter than comparable conventionally built campers with the same features, offering buyers the best of both worlds.

250-765-3702
www.northern-lite.com

Oliver

Oliver Travel Trailers offers two fiberglass trailers, the Legacy and Legacy Elite II. “Ollies,” as they’re called, begin at the Tennessee factory with dual fiberglass shells. The shells are then wrapped around a hefty 2 x 5-inch aircraft-grade-aluminum box-tube frame, offering additional rigidity and durability. All holding tanks and components are enclosed between the inner and outer shells for superior insulation benefits and protection from the elements. The 2016 Legacy Elite II has a number of impressive features, from the custom-molded-fiberglass spare-tire and LP-gas cylinder covers to LED lighting, marine-grade stainless-steel cabinet latches and eye-catching interior gelcoat walls and cabinets. Options range from fiber-granite countertops to a solar package, plus a tech-savvy selection that includes Wi-Fi and cell-phone boosters, a rearview camera, and satellite antennas and wiring.

931-796-1178
www.olivertraveltrailers.com

Scamp

Scamp fiberglass trailers are sold factory-direct in Backus, Minnesota. Available in 13- and 16-foot trailers and a 19-foot fifth-wheel, the nimble RVs are ideal for couples and smaller families on weekend getaways. Scamp has always focused on easeof use and maneuverability. Its trailers are durable, lightweight and aerodynamic, and are designed to be towed by properly equipped small cars, SUVs, minivans and trucks.

The 13-footer is available in Standard or Deluxe (upgraded interior), with a convertible sofa or a shower and toilet up front. The options package that includes the lavatory features a 1.9-cubic-foot refrigerator, a screen door, a water pump, a water heater, a gravel shield and a window above the range. Additional add-ons include cabinet configurations, a 2-inch hitch receiver for bike racks, TV hookups and antenna, and an 8-foot awning.

800-346-4962
www.scamptrailers.com

Weis Craft

The Little Joe is a lightweight fiberglass trailer that offers two people a comfortable place to stay while on the road. Inside, dual sofas fold down to create the ultimate 78 x 63-inch sleeping area. Although the Little Joe doesn’t have bathroom facilities (those come in Weis Craft’s Ponderosa model for an additional $6,000), a two-burner cooktop and a standard icebox allow for gourmet campsite fare (a refrigerator option is available), and a small freshwater tank lets owners clean up after a long day’s adventure. Options abound in the Little Joe, including a furnace, air conditioning, folding shelves, a three-speed reversible fan and an 8-foot awning. And, chances
are, you already own a vehicle that can haul the Little Joe.

303-947-2351
www.weiscrafttrailers.com/littlejoe

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11 Most Badass RVs You Can Buy Today

Read article : 11 Most Badass RVs You Can Buy Today

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Driving cross-country in a multi-million dollar RV is an experience few Americans will ever get to enjoy. While many may fawn over massive machines like the unstoppable Zetros 6×6, few of us have the means to obtain a purpose-built doomsday machine. Sure, there’s the obvious financial obligation, as luxury RV setups can run north of $3 million, but concerns about parking, maintenance, winterizing, insurance, and who’s going to drive the damn thing are also factors to consider.

Earthroamer XV HD is about as ferocious as it gets outside of military spec | Earthroamer" />

Riding atop a Ford F-750 chassis, the Earthroamer XV HD is about as ferocious as it gets outside of military spec | Earthroamer

Fortunately, many of the world’s elite moneymakers have the means to hire a trained driver, and with some of these land yachts running well over 40 feet long, merging and parking can be a real pain for the untrained. But RV enthusiasts aren’t just into slate tile floors and crystal chandeliers, and hardcore 4×4 vehicles are still a hot commodity as they crush terrain by day and then raise their rooflines at night for spacious living.

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Newmar’s King Aire line takes a unique, but very ornate approach to RV-making, and the amount of time, money, and energy that goes into making one is insane | Newmar

We recently took the time to peruse the web in search of some of the most over-the-top RV options money can buy, and came up with a surplus of unique options. There really is something out there for everyone, and if your pocketbook is up to the challenge, you can have an entire penthouse suite on wheels built to your personal taste.

1. IKON by Renegade

The IKON by Renegade is one purpose-built RV, with trailer towing being one of its strongest suits | Renegade

The IKON by Renegade takes semi-truck styling and combines it with luxury amenities and industry leading self-sufficiency. From handcrafted solid hardwood cabinetry and plush Villa Ultraleather furniture to quartz countertops and heated porcelain tile floors, the good life comes standard in this RV. Tech-wise, it also features things like Samsung 4K LED TVs, Bose Home Theater Sound, and a set of high-tech stainless steel appliances that deliver the goods when it’s time to eat.

It also features VegaTouch control systems, which have dual 10-inch touchscreen controllers with iPad, smartphone, and tablet compatibility. This means you can integrate interior lighting, systems monitoring, HVAC controls, window coverings, awning and slide-out controls, and a whole lot more into an all-in-one touchpad that doubles as a monitor for the perimeter observation camera system.

The Renegade IKON can be outfitted with all manner of amazing interior amenity | Renegade

Buyers will love finding features like hand crafted hardwoods, and a Theater Mode that automatically lowers the shades, dims lights, and raises the 50-inch Samsung UHD 4K TV so it can automatically tie into the Bose home theater system. While a porcelain tile shower and adjustable LED vanity lighting systems are also nice, it’s the Renegade’s attention to towing capacities and ability to be lived out of for weeks on end thanks to its oversized water, septic, and fuel tanks that make it a preferred RV for motorsport enthusiasts.

2. Winnebago Brave

Winnebago Brave takes vintage styling and applies modern technology and mechanics to form a restomod RV | Winnebago" width="757" height="424" />

The Winnebago Brave takes vintage styling and applies modern technology and mechanics to form a resto-mod RV | Winnebago

Back in the late 1960s and 1970s, there was no mistaking a Winnebago motorhome for another RV thanks to its bold “Flying W” badging, iconic “eyebrow” designs, clever interior, and boxy body lines. But over time the iconic styling of yesteryear began to morph into a mish-mash of ho-hum engineering and bland RV styling.

But now it’s time to fall in love with classic RV styling all over again, because Winnebago has followed in Dodge’s Challenger footsteps and has rolled out a resto-mod version of the machine that got America hooked on RV life in the first place.

Vintage interior within the Winnebago Brave looks straight out of the 1970s | Winnebago

The all-new Winnebago Brave takes vintage styling cues and blends them with modern practicality, efficiency, safety, and useful amenities in order to give the next generation of motorhome enthusiast an RV that is both retro and reliable. While you won’t be able to pick one up for the $4,000 price tag associated with the original, these classic and quirky motorhomes are priced to fit a more modest budget, and can be customized in a wide array of colors and interior design layouts.

3. Global X Vehicles Pangea “Perky Mog”

Pangea roof lifter" width="757" height="504" />

Global X Vehicles takes safety orange and gives it a new purpose on this Pangea roof lifter | Global X Vehicles

Global Expedition Vehicles’ Pangea Lifting Roof version of the unstoppable Mercedes-Benz UniMog can be built on either a medium or heavy duty chassis, and can be tailored around various cab configurations. Referred to as the “Perky Mog,” this clever 4×4 RV has a unique lowered position that allows the windows to be covered with the hard side top section, while maintaining full walking height within. Once in the raised position, a huge loft area becomes exposed, which can be reconfigured to the buyer’s preferred sleeping layout, and can hold up to two queen size beds.

Pangea Lifting Roof monster are gorgeous living quarters that feature ornate wood floors, and a loft for sleeping | Global X Vehicles" width="757" height="504" />

Inside the Pangea Lifting Roof monster are gorgeous living quarters that feature ornate wood floors, and a loft for sleeping | Global X Vehicles

Since each vehicle is tailor-made to the buyer’s specifications, there is no cut-and-dry approach to purchasing one of these machines, so be prepared for a lengthy build list and turnaround time. A few of our favorite touches include the G-KAS mounting body isolating mount system, having cab-to-cabin access, exterior tool/utility boxes, how the seating area converts into an additional sleeping space, and how the stair treads are hinged and lift to reveal hidden storage. Add on a duo of high efficiency 200-watt PV solar panels, a 140 gallon fresh water tank, amazing off-road capabilities, and the ability to buy one in 16- to 18-foot lengths, and you’ve got one hell of a capable 4×4 RV on your hands.

4. Newmar King Aire

Engineered to embody “the pinnacle of luxury travel,” the Newmar King Aire takes style, comfort, and technology to a whole new level, with the 2017 model sporting a restyled exterior, and a Spartan K3 tag axle chassis that has been attached to a steel superstructure. Inside, contrast cross stitching highlights the dash, which features a wireless non-slip charging pad, full LCD driver display, and two 12.1-inch touchscreens for system controls and 360-degree outward visibility. Meanwhile, a one-off 11-speaker JBL cockpit audio system and exclusive fabrics from Ralph Lauren add additional flare to the front of the cabin.

King Aire line takes a unique, but very ornate approach to RV-making, and the amount of time, money, and energy that goes into making one is insane | Newmar" width="757" height="482" />

Newmar’s King Aire line takes a unique, but very ornate approach to RV-making, and the amount of time, money, and energy that goes into making one is insane | Newmar

For tailgating purposes, two Girard Nova side awnings extend over a specially designed sidewall housing a 43-inch Sony 4K UHD TV and a Bluetooth-compatible Bose soundbar, which rests atop one of the tallest basements in the Class A segment. Buyers can choose Maple, Cherry, or Rift Oak hardwood cabinetry, while polished porcelain plank tile, heated and cooled Pompeii leather front seats, and a 49-inch Sony 4K UHD TV come standard, with a Blu-ray/DVD player and Bose CineMate home theater system. The King Aire’s master bath is available with an industry-leading 50-by-34-inch shower, complete with full tile and a Fresca panel with massage sprayers and a foot washer, and even comes finished with a Whirlpool stacked washer and dryer.

5. Earthroamer XV HD

Earthroamer XV HD is about as ferocious as it gets outside of military spec | Earthroamer" width="757" height="409" />

Riding atop a Ford F-750 chassis, the Earthroamer XV HD is about as ferocious as it gets outside of military spec | Earthroamer

EarthRoamer has just expanded its product line in order to offer the highly anticipated F-750-based XV-HD. Designed to accommodate up to eight people comfortably and sleep six, this off-road RV features enough ingenuity to make living off-grid for a few days a breeze, as the HD offers anyone looking for wilderness adventures both driving prowess and fantastic amenities.

Extra windows and a raised roof allows living quarters to feel anything but confined in Earthroamer’s XV HD | Earthroamer

The XV-HD takes luxury off-grid ingenuity and infuses it with solar panels, a monolithic battery bank, 46-inch military tires, 200 gallons of fresh water, a compact washer/dryer, and a whole lot more. At just over 35-feet long this is no mini RV either, giving all the more reason for Earthroamer to utilize Ford’s 6.7-liter PowerStroke Diesel engine and all 725 pound-feet of torque.

6. Bespoke Coach Sprinter Van

typical Bespoke Coach Sprinter is not overtly adorned with external upgrades, but leans more toward a VIP look | Bespoke Coach" width="757" height="466" />

A typical Bespoke Coach Sprinter is not overtly adorned with external upgrades, but leans more toward a VIP look | Bespoke Coach

This next road trip specialist is a bit of a hybrid, because while it isn’t a massive RV, it isn’t really a van either. Bespoke Coachworks has been customizing vehicles in Southern California since 1985, and over the past 30 years has created countless custom audio, video, interior, and exterior solutions for celebrities and the elite. So when the Sprinter van finally began getting imported and badged by Dodge and Freightliner back in 2007, requests for customized versions flooded their ears.

After decades of working with companies like Bentley, Rolls Royce, and Mercedes-Benz, the thought of pimping out vans seemed a bit strange, but after one luxury van conversion spawned the next, Bespoke Coachworks knew it was on to something. From opulent mobile offices, to family coaches with built-in beds and entertainment suites, this unique chassis offers an endless array of options for anyone wanting a small and swanky RV, all without the headaches associated with piloting a land barge.

The interior of one of Bespoke Coach’s Sprinter vans may not be large, but it certainly is luxurious | Bespoke Coach

Bespoke Coach’s luxury mobile office incorporates the best technology, design, and materials into a first-class experience, tasking top engineers, designers, and fabricators to make coaches that are both user friendly and innovative. A few of our favorite options include the driver wall partition with motorized privacy window, custom upholstered walls and ceilings, the marine-grade circuit breaker panel, and those Maybach inspired captains chairs. There are also standard iPads, Samsung TV screens, power inverters, customizable lighting, Focal audio upgrades, and Dynamat sound deadening throughout, with a laundry list of unique upgrade options waiting on the wing for the right price.

7. Marathon Show Coach

Marathon Coach, Inc. is widely revered as the world’s largest luxury bus converter and dealer, and specializes in taking commercial buses supplied by Prevost and customizing them into the most opulent RVs imaginable. Built around a Prevost H3-45 chassis, these custom buses feature engineer-driven technologies and a unique “California design viewpoint” that leans toward shades of warm taupe and rich chocolate brown, with deep indigo blue accents inside and out.

Inside, buyers will find things like a marble, limestone, and travertine “basket weave” floor inlay that has been surrounded by Italian porcelain tile, as well as a custom fireplace enclosure designed for both ambiance and warmth. There are soft touches like velvet tufted sofas finished with chrome nail heads, and a stitched leather recliner at the large work desk for when duty calls on the open road.

Marathon Show Coach is a swanky, multi-million dollar cruiser designed for the world's elite | Marathon Coach Inc." width="757" height="504" />

The Marathon Show Coach is a swanky, multi-million dollar cruiser designed for the world’s elite | Marathon Coach Inc.

In the back you will find features like an oversized glass and limestone mosaic shower with a telescopic, glass pocket door that goes opaque at the touch of a button, an integrated, 8-inch rain shower head, as well as a hand-held shower wand. There also are Hans Grohe faucets and fixtures, custom-made hammered stainless steel sinks, a walk-in closet, a TechLink electrical system, and Crestron controls.

8. Sportsmobile Classic 4×4

With the camper lowered and doors closed, this house on wheels turns into a 4×4 Ford battering ram | Sportsmobile

The Sportsmobile Classic is one of the most recent creations in a long line of heavy duty 4×4 “Adventure Vans” coming out of Sportsmobile. After a successful prototype testing phase, the Classic 4×4 can now be had in a Ford Cutaway body that molds it with a steel reinforced fiberglass shell and an integrated penthouse top that drops flush into the shell for streamlining purposes.

The Sportsmobile 4WD Vehicle is designed to appeal to the most discerning off-road enthusiast, and in order to do so only the best heavy-duty components are installed for a balance between maximum off-road performance and on-road comfort. Over five decades of experience in the designing and manufacturing of van campers has led to this point, and while these machines can only be had on 2008–2014 Ford E-350 models equipped with the 6.8-liter V10 and barn doors, sourcing a gently used donor shouldn’t be an issue.

Sportsmobile has long been synonymous with hardcore off-road vehicles that can be lived out of | Sportsmobile

Full production of the Classic started in late 2016, and the 4WD Conversion model includes a lot of hardcore 4×4 upgrades. A few key features include an Advance Adapter Atlas II All Gear Driven transfer case, a Dynatrac Pro-Roc 60 front axle, Dana 60 rear axle, Fox 2.0 Performance Series Shocks, a high knuckle front end for extra tie rod clearance, and an extra heavy duty steering arm.

We could go on about the military wrap springs that were specifically designed for this van, or how the front sway bar comes with a quick disconnect system and custom shocks, but it would take forever to go over this list of performance upgrades. Finished with a practical and rugged, adventure-ready interior, this RV is a pop-top for the most discerning 4×4 enthusiast.

9. ShowHauler Motorhomes

melding semi tractor trailer strength with high dollar RV resplendency | ShowHauler" width="757" height="568" />

ShowHauler specializes in melding semi tractor trailer strength with high dollar RV resplendency | ShowHauler

ShowHauler Motorhomes are heralded as “the safest motor coach on the road,” and their coach frames utilize a unique tubular steel structure consisting of super strong floors, sidewalls, and ceilings. The underbelly is completely undercoated, block foam is placed between steel side-wall supports prior to bonding aluminum exterior walls to the frame, no rivets are used, interior walls are reinforced to create a structural cage, and adhesive bonding is used to apply a bubble type insulation.

Being built on a standard truck chassis with a higher Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) than a typical motorhome allows for greater carrying capacities, so weight is never a concern and neither are highway crosswinds nor oncoming traffic. Internally, buyers get to choose the hardwood they want for cabinets and fabric patterns and colors, all window framing is finished with hand-formed hardwood, counter-tops are genuine Corian, and buyers can choose either polished ceramic tile floors or carpet.

A ShowHauler interior can be outfitted with anything the buyer desires, it just depends upon how deep your pocketbook goes | ShowHauler

We personally dig the cab pass-thru, having 7-feet of interior headroom, the cab-over bunk and vent, the 12 gallon gas/electric water heater, 30,000 BTU ducted gas furnace, and the ability to tow damn near anything. ShowHauler Motorhomes are part luxury living quarters, part big-rig, and all cross-country cruiser.

10. Mercedes-Benz Zetros 2733 A 6×6

Mercedes-Benz Zetros 2733 A 6×6 is one hell of an intimidating RV | Daimler

We eluded to it in our intro, and here it is up close. The all-wheel drive behemoth commonly referred to as the Mercedes-Benz Zetros 2733 A 6×6 is based off a semi with a cab-behind-engine layout, and offers sensational traction and versatility, plus customizable living arrangements.

This triple-axled truck typically weighs in between 25 and 27 tons, and while its powertrain and chassis configuration either come out of the Actros and Axor series of full-size work trucks, it also utilizes a unique Unimog/G-Class 6×6 approach. Powered by a 7.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine, this lumbering beast only puts down around 326 horsepower, but generates around 1,000 foot-pounds of torque in the 1,200–1,600 RPM range.

With room for ATV loading in the rear, this 27-ton monster is all you need to dominate the wild | Daimler

Buyers can opt for either a hydraulically/pneumatic nine-speed manual transmission (eight forward gears plus crawler), which has a direct-ratio top gear, or they can get the six-speed Allison 3000 SP/PR automatic. The permanent all-wheel drive VG 1700 transfer case has an off-road ratio that is about 20% lower than its all-wheel drive cousins, so crawl control is a strong suit here. Towing capacity has also been increased by about 70% when compared to the on-road gears, and torque distribution between the front and rear axle(s) is 1:3.21 thanks to the splitter box, which becomes 1:1 if the differential lock is engaged.

All told, the Zetros has three mechanical differential locks, all of which can be easily selected via a rotary control that shows the logical sequence in which they need to be engaged. Drivers must start with the center-axle before engaging the rear, with the front remaining the final option, reserved for when terrain is at its most extreme.

11. Iveco Astra HD8 8×6 Expedition Truck

Expedition Truck Brokers" width="757" height="505" />

Expedition Trucks always has something insane on its for sale page, like this 8×6 behemoth for instance | Expedition Truck Brokers

Our final contender today comes from Expedition Truck Brokers, a company that has specialized in connecting buyers and sellers of expedition trucks for over 20 years thanks to a crew that tackles every aspect of the purchasing and customization process. Everything from buying and building, to long distance overland travel and selling transactions get attended to by this highly trained team of 4×4 specialists, and getting things right requires “first hand experience with vehicle based travel in rough conditions through remote regions.”

Simply put, Expedition Truck Brokers sources hardcore off-road “wheel estate” for private individuals and professionals in order to provide the ideal vehicle for overland journeys, expedition support, promotional events, and film. While most people would never need something as insane as an 8×6 diesel behemoth, there is a very particular kind of clientele out there that has the bankroll and need for something like what you see here.

Iveco Astra HD8 8x6 also features 8 wheels and more torque than an ocean liner | Expedition Truck Brokers" width="757" height="504" />

It may take eight hours to parallel park, but this Iveco Astra HD8 8×6 also features eight wheels and more torque than an ocean liner | Expedition Truck Brokers

While plenty of other heavy-duty RV options are available on the Expedition Truck Brokers’ website, it’s this Iveco Astra HD8 that has our vote for most badass of the bunch. Professionally manufactured in Germany, this chassis has been widely revered internationally as a construction and mining industry staple, but never a weekend getaway machine … until now.

A few of our favorite highlights and features outside of the Astra’s massive cabin and practical living quarters are the highly autonomous multi-climate design that handles both tropical and frigid environments, and the 600 horsepower EURO-5 Cursor 13 diesel engine. There’s also that dedicated motorcycle platform, all those external storage units, and a slew of locking differentials designed to tackle any terrain.

(cheatsheet.com, https://goo.gl/I0gYaI)

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Jayco® 2016 Camping Trailers | Jayco, Inc.

Read article : Jayco® 2016 Camping Trailers | Jayco, Inc.

MIDDLEBURY, Ind. – Last year, Jayco introduced bath/shower versions of the Jay Series Hardwall campers. For 2016, the camping trailer lines use a new power lift system and have increased fresh water capacity.

The Jay Series Camping Trailer lines combine vacuum-bonded walls, functionality, and affordability. One person can set up the unit in less than one minute, and the roof folds down for a travel-friendly design. The camping trailers feature electric brakes, aluminum rims and extra storage. With a variety of floorplans to choose from, ranging from 11- to 22-foot lengths, each series can sleep a minimum of six thanks to 1,050-lb. rated bunk ends. These bunk ends, along with the lifter system, floor, roof and frame, boast the Jayco lifetime warranties for the ultimate in reliability.

This advanced, one-of-a-kind system is fully enclosed (n/a Sport) to protect against debris, while each tent end sports water-repellent DuraTek tent material. This material is built to resist mildew, mold, scratches and cracks and comes with a 5-year warranty.

The entry-level Jay Series Sport continues to be an affordable option for families new to camping. Available in three floorplans, the Sport has a sleeping arrangement for families of all sizes thanks to dual bunk ends and convertible dinettes.

Meanwhile, Jay Series continues to be a leading fold-down favorite with four floorplan options, a power roof lift, swing-level kitchen galley, a king-sized bunk end and a stainless-steel, carry-out stove. A convenient stepper door doubles as an entry door and swing-down step for increased ground clearance during travel.

The 1001XR model, formerly known as the Baja, is built for off-road adventure, packing a hard-core utility deck and 15" Dunlop Mud Rover tires. The deck, rated for 1,500 lbs., can hold up to six bicycles, three dirt bikes or an ATV. On the outside, the 1001XR is ready for the rugged; on the inside, it pampers you with every comfort, from a king-sized tent to standard water filtration.

Jay Series Hardwall boasts a quick, 30-second setup, which can be completed in three easy steps. This makes the Jay Series Hardwall much more practical for families. The two-piece roof, multiple skylights, storage deck, and optional screen room means that camping just became much more comfortable.

For over a decade, Jayco has offered its industry-leading, two-year limited warranty — the most comprehensive warranty in the industry. This no-strings-attached warranty is not an extended dealer warranty; it's a manufacturer's warranty that comes from the people who build Jayco RVs. Each Jayco is warranted to the original purchaser against defects in materials and workmanship. It's one of the many ways Jayco provides peace of mind (and more fun) to its customers.

About Jayco, Inc.

Jayco is the world’s largest privately held manufacturer of recreation vehicles. The company manufactures and markets RVs under the Jay Series, Jay Feather, White Hawk, Jay Flight, Eagle, North Point, Pinnacle, Designer, Octane, Seismic, Redhawk, Greyhawk, Melbourne, Seneca, Alante, and Precept brand names. For more information on Jayco camping trailers and other Jayco products, call 1-800-RV-JAYCO, visit www.jayco.com or write Jayco, Inc., 903 S. Main, Middlebury, Ind., 46540.

Posted on December 01, 2015

Top RVs, campers and tents of 2014

Read article : Top RVs, campers and tents of 2014

Another year, another few dozen ways to escape urban life and set up camp in the wild ... 2014 has been an interesting year for campers. From the heavy-duty off-road machines of Overland Expo to ultralight bicycle campers, and from familiar campground designs to new concepts of sea and air camping, the year has seen a large variety of innovative designs from around the world. Here are our picks for the best tents, camper vans, trailers and mobile homes of 2014, in no particular order.

Tentsile Vista multi-story tree tent

Since we first featured Tentsile in 2012, the company has continued to impress us with its suspended tents. Other manufacturers offer hammock-based tents, but Tentsile makes large, spacious aerials that are more like canvas treehouses, none more so than the all-new Vista. The non-weather-sealed nature of the design isn't for everyone or all conditions, but the available multi-floor layout is certainly an interesting twist on the tree tent. The primary Vista tent protects three campers with a combination of detachable insect mesh and removable rain fly. The really cool part of the design is that you can add extra floors to make a suspended, multi-level "portable treehouse" for nine or more people. The basic tent without extra floors costs US$595.

SylvanSport GO-Easy ultralight camping trailer

A compact, 275-lb (125 kg) gear trailer, the SylvanSport GO-Easy is designed to give the smallest cars and motorcycles the ability to haul all kinds of sports gear and tools. To add overnighting capabilities, SylvanSport teamed with Roost tents to create a flip-top tent camper with underbody storage. When you don't need a tent, remove the foam mattress and canvas sides and Roost's innovative two-person clamshell becomes a gear box. To add some of the comforts of home, SylvanSport offers options like Goal Zero solar power systems and the Road Shower. Combine the $2,000 price of the GO-Easy with the $3,000 price of the Roost tent, and you have an ultralight, ultra-versatile camping trailer for around $5K.

Tonke Fieldsleeper International expedition vehicle

Prior to 2014, we knew Tonke as the Dutch company behind some the most stylish wooden trailers we've ever seen. This year, it added one of the most stylish aluminum trailers on the market not named Airstream. The Mercedes Sprinter-based Fieldsleeper International is built as an expedition vehicle, available in both 4x2 and 4x4 drive options. Its aluminum skin creates a more modern exterior style, but the interior still features the warmth of mahogany wood.

Tonke attempts to give Fieldsleeper International owners more off-grid autonomy by eliminating the liquid propane systems typical in RVs in favor of a roof-mounted solar array and auxiliary diesel tank. The 400- to 600-watt solar system powers onboard equipment like the refrigerator, stove, lighting and even air conditioning. The five-person camper includes a washroom with sink, shower and cassette toilet.

When we covered it earlier in the year, the International was offered with a 190-hp Mercedes Sprinter 519Cdi for $192,000, but now it's listed with a 160-hp Sprinter 516Cdi base for a bit cheaper – $154,576.

XVenture XV-2 penthouse trailer

Simple problem, simple solution. The military-grade Xventure XV-2 makes the most of its small trailer form by pushing the pop-up tent high above the cargo box below using an elevated rack system. The adjustable height opens up more storage space in the cargo box – enough for an ATV, even – and makes everything inside that cargo box easier to access. As a few astute readers pointed out, it looks like the configuration could prove quite chilly in the winter, when the thin floor of the XV-2 could use the added insulation value of a trailer directly below, but that shouldn't be as much a problem in the popular warmer months, or with a heavier sleeping pad. And if it is, you can always adjust it to one of the lower settings on the six-setting rack. The pricing information we received earlier in the year put the XV-2 with elevating rack system and roof tent at around $14,500 to start.

Wide Path bicycle camper

There are dozens upon dozens of camping trailers on the market, but the overwhelming majority of them are designed to be towed by vehicles with motor. The slim, 88-lb (40-kg) Wide Path Camper, on the other hand, is built to be towed by leg power alone. The bicycle camper offers enough sleeping space for two adults and one child and includes a basic but functional interior with a folding table, convertible bed/seats and 300 liters (79 gal) of storage capacity. Add a few select pieces of gear like a propane stove and portable toilet and suddenly you have a fully functioning mobile home on the back of your 12-speed.

The Wide Path Camper was still in the prototype stages as of last month, but its Dutch designer hopes to have it ready for sale next year, starting around $2,500.

Amok Draumr hammock tent

While not quite as common a sight at the campground as a dome tent or RV, the hammock shelter is a widely available camping option offered by brands like Hennessy Hammock and Grand Trunk. Typically, these hammocks are strung between trees end to end, but the Amok rotates the Draumr around 90 degrees, creating a side-to-side hanging structure. This construction creates a flat, sleeping pad-cushioned bed designed to deliver a more comfortable night of sleep. With a few tugs of the adjustment straps, it also turns into a suspended chair.

The ISPO BrandNew Award-nominated Draumr is available now for $379, which includes mosquito netting, straps and a rain fly, but not the required sleeping pad. All in, the Draumr weighs less than 4.5 lb (2 kg).

MVP Aero MVP seaplane camper

We're already suckers for amphibious vehicles, so throw in a convertible overnight package, and you get one of our favorite vehicles of the year. Billed as the "world's most versatile plane," the MVP, which we checked out at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014, is part seaplane, part fishing boat and part floating/flying camper. The tri-phibious plane can land on dry land, snow or water. On water, it can motor along and act as a boat, and slide the canopy back and it offers a flat deck for fishing and observation. The wings also fold up, adding to its maneuverability on water.

At night, the MVP's instrument panel lifts out of the way, creating a large, flat floor with the help of a four-panel origami deck that slides over top the seat wells. Tent fabric secures over the entire cockpit area, providing shelter for two occupants. A fitted inflatable mattress offers added comfort, and there's also a hammock that sets up between the engine pylon and the tail.

The MVP isn't exactly a practical camper for the masses, but one can certainly dream of using it on some pretty epic adventures. The aircraft is still in the prototype stages, but for those that simply can't wait, it's available for reservation at a price of $189,000. Delivery is not expected until 2018/19, however.

Audi-Heimplanet Q3 tent camper

Two innovative German brands teamed up for something a bit different at Volkswagen's 2014 Wörthersee festival. Heimplanet custom-fit its inflatable tent technology to the hatch of an Audi Q3 2.0 TDI. The design created an extended car-tent living space with vestibule and also allowed for a freestanding tent set-up. The inflatable tent and Q3 combo certainly wasn't the most rugged camper design of the year, but it was rated up to wind speeds of 43.5 mph (70 km/h).

The Audi-Heimplanet inflatable car camper was clearly designed as an eye-catching showpiece (a role it filled quite nicely), and we don't expect to see Audi dealerships advertising the Q3 "overnight package" anytime soon.

2014 EarthRoamer XV-LTS xpedition vehicle

A beastly, intimidating contradiction on wheels, the 2014 EarthRoamer XV-LTS combines one of the more rugged 4WD expedition vehicle platforms out there with a carefully-detailed, luxury-level interior and front porch. In designing the truck, Colorado-based EarthRoamer fortified a commercial-duty F-550 chassis for rough, off-road use, bolted a composite living module to the back and outfitted it for comfortable off-grid living. The design includes a cozy six-seat living room, sleeping space for four to six and a bathroom with a sink, full-height shower and cassette toilet. Occupants are furnished with utilities by way of a solar-driven electrical system, engine-powered dual alternators and a 90-gallon (340.7-L) fresh water tank. It appears to be an extremely cozy space to retire to after hard days of fighting through mud, boulders and dust with the 300-hp V8 turbo diesel and 37-in tires. The model we stepped inside at Overland Expo even included luxuries like a wine cabinet with engraved wine glasses, slide-out Keurig coffeemaker, and exterior tailgating package with retractable 46-in TV.

The 2014 XV-LTS sold out, but EarthRoamer is now advertising the 2015 model at prices between $312,000 and $560,000.

ADAK Trailer

It's not at all rare to find a gritty, all-terrain expedition vehicle furnished like a luxury apartment on wheels. In fact, there are two on this list, including the EarthRoamer we just looked at. When you're spending six or seven figures on a large, motorized toy, there's no reason you can't have it all.It is rarer to find that mix of any-terrain readiness and luxury in the far more modestly priced camping trailer segment. Most off-road trailer manufacturers we've covered seem to put all their R&D money into building a bombproof chassis and body ready to take on everything Mother Earth can throw at it, leaving live-in accommodations to a simple fold-out tent or small, spartan teardrop interior.Built by a group of outdoorsman tired of inferior campers quitting when the road got rough, but too seasoned for a skimpy, uncomfortable shelter, the ADAK Trailer offers an admirable combination of rugged exterior and spacious, comfy interior. The design uses a mix of aluminum and composite to hold up to rough, choppy roads and off-roads. Inside the trailer's 116-sq ft (10.8 sq m) cabin, campers find three beds, a bathroom with toilet and shower, a tankless hot water system designed to work in the middle of winter, and available wood flooring and cabinetry. When we originally covered the ADAK earlier in the year, pricing started at $49,000.

Volksleisure T5 camper van

After more than a decade of focusing on camper conversions for vans from manufacturers other than Volkswagen, Wellhouse Leisure presented its first production-ready VW camper van this year. The first offering from the brand's VW-centric subsidiary Volksleisure, the little people mover packs enough versatility for both everyday and holiday use. It's Wellhouse's electric rear bench that makes the Volksleisure camper a van that you can overnight in on the weekend and get the kids to school in come Monday morning. The bench slides the length of the cabin, allowing it to work as a live-in camper, regular people mover or big-item hauler. The camper van offers sleeping space for up to four people, along with a kitchen area, refrigerator, dining table, and 35-L (9.2 US gal) fresh and waste water tanks. Volksleisure's T5 camper is currently listed at a £47,850 ($75,000) base price.

Safari Condo Alto R1723 teardrop pop-top

Combining two timeless camping-trailer concepts into one seamless family tag-along, the Alto R1723 by Safari Condo is a pop-up teardrop camper designed to get the family outdoors. The 83-in-high (2.1-m), 1725-lb (782-kg) teardrop design gives the Alto R1723 drag-cutting aerodynamic performance on the road and garage clearance during storage. The electric aluminum roof pops up at camp to offer 82 inches (2.08 m) of interior headroom, more than enough for the average person to stand up and walk around, a convenience that smaller, lower teardrops lack. The trailer sleeps three or four and includes home-like comforts such as a flush toilet and shower. The large windows let you experience the grand scenery of the outdoors while remaining under the roof.

The Alto R1723 starts at around CAD$28,500 (US$24,500), and Safari also offers the smaller R1713 for CAD$1,000 less.

Knaus Travelino camper concept

Much like automakers do at every major auto show, German manufacturer Knaus Tabbert has been using the annual Düsseldorf Caravan Salon to showcase ideas for the future of the industry. It followed up last year's much talked about Caravisio concept with the 2014 Travelino trailer.

While we aren't really sold on the odd, broadsided shape of the black-and-white Travelino, the real highlight is the interior. The caravan offers very versatile use of its limited space through carefully designed and placed equipment. In place of a dedicated bathroom, a folding-panel wall and slide-out cassette toilet provide indoor privacy without permanently occupying floor space. The indoor and slide-out outdoor kitchens share a portable camping stove, eliminating the need for fixed cooktops.

The Travelino launched as just a concept, so there was no accompanying price information, but it's easy to see how some of its features could find their way into production camping trailers.

Marco Polo Activity light camper van

Manufacturers around the world have come up with very clever ways of packing all kinds of amenities and comforts into small, portable vehicles. But there's really only so much equipment you can fit into a camper while keeping it light, spacious and comfortable. And not every overnight trip requires a full bathroom, kitchen and living room. If you're sleeping in a ski resort parking lot or adjacent to a surf break so that you're in prime position to take advantage of first tracks/early morning waves, you don't necessarily need a fully equipped RV, just a roof and a comfortable place to sleep.In that spirit, Mercedes-Benz dropped some of the usual camping equipment to make a lighter, simpler camper van in the form of the Marco Polo Activity it revealed in Düsseldorf. The Activity has a three-seat bench that extends clean across the width of the van thanks to the absence of the kitchen unit. That bench folds down into a bed for up to three, and two more people can sleep below the pop-up roof. If you need to cook your own meals, you can slide the bench forward on its rails and store a stove, cookware and plenty of other gear in back, then eat on the included folding table in the cabin. What you give up in equipment and amenities, you gain in versatility and spaciousness. The Activity was released at a starting price of €38,960 (US$49,000).

Action Mobil Global XRS 720 6x6 camper

Our second rolling, all-terrain luxury apartment, the Action Mobil Global XRS 7200 introduced at the 2014 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon was this year's exercise in no-expense-spared expeditioning opulence, the type of vehicle one only considers if the very thought of "roughing it" is a much bigger deterrent than a seven-figure price tag. The 720-hp, 18-ton MAN-chassised 6x6 is eager to travel to any part of the world and stay there about as long as its occupants can handle. Once inside the spacious, climate-controlled cabin, they'll immediately forget about whatever harsh, desolate reality surrounds the exterior walls. The cabin is appointed in materials like stone and metal, includes a master bedroom, is hydrated by a 720-L (190-gal) fresh water tank, and keeps everyone entertained with a multimedia system that's more impressive than what many people have in their living rooms – 40-in HD TV, satellite internet, Apple TV, Bose audio, and a large-capacity hard drive for storing multimedia content. There's even a bidet and washer/dryer. Not a bad living situation for the middle of $#@#$in nowhere.

Pricing info out of the Düsseldorf show put the XRS 7200 at €850,000 (US$1.1 million) to start.

Look through our gallery for a closer look at the interiors and features of each of these campers and tents. And if you're wondering how this year's designs compare to last year's, take a trip back in time with our best of 2013 camper round-up.

View gallery - 108 images

It has always been my dream to take on a renovation project

Read article : It has always been my dream to take on a renovation project

Despite dozens of house-hunting trips over the years, Tom Wilson and his wife Jacky – who have lived in their bungalow since 1996 – had never found anywhere that was able to beat it for its location, plot size and friendly neighbours.

‘We came home one evening after viewing two houses we absolutely adored and realised there was something missing that didn’t clinch it for us,’ Tom explains. ‘So, rather than uproot ourselves by moving to another property in a new area, we decided to make this our dream home.’

Their bungalow originally belonged to a GP who had lived in the house next door and built it as his doctor’s surgery. It had already been converted into a home when Tom and Jacky bought it, but it didn’t have a perfect layout.

There was a warren of dark rooms on the ground floor, with two small bedrooms upstairs which didn’t suit the family’s needs, especially when their teenage son Luke grew older. A new open-plan kitchen and living area was central to their plans to remodel the bungalow, which would eventually include stripping the house back to only three exterior walls, then extending and reworking the space to the rear, front and into the roof.

Fact file

The owners: Tom Wilson, a TV producer and director, and his wife Jacky, who owns a hairdressing salon chain
The property: A three-bedroom bungalow
The location: Newcastle, Tyne & Wear
What they spent: The renovations cost £155,000. The house has been valued at £750,000

The couple turned to interior designer George Bond to come up with a layout that would reflect Tom’s love of all things modern, and Jacky’s need for a relaxed and welcoming family home.

‘It turned into a major project,’ Tom recalls. ‘We thought that only one or two walls would be knocked through, but George and his team came up with some amazing design ideas.

‘They took on board everything on our wish-lists, which wasn’t easy because Jacky’s tastes are more traditional, while I love New York loft-style apartments,’ he adds.

A light-filled, open-plan layout was essential to their needs, as Tom explains: ‘Before the redesign, I rarely went upstairs to the two small bedrooms as Jacky and I slept in the bedroom downstairs – but we needed to maximise all that space.’

Working to the Wilsons’ budget, interior designer George pared back Tom’s wish-list and reshaped it into a clear plan for open-plan living, featuring bold blocks of colour, with a dramatic expanse of glass at the rear of the bungalow.

‘We gave George free rein,’ says Tom. ‘There was no point in commissioning someone as talented as George, without allowing him to be creative.’

The plans involved moving the staircase and knocking through a wall, the chimney breast and the small ground-floor windows to turn the study/hallway and living room into one large, open space. A mix of rooflights and larger windows would let natural light into the core of the bungalow.

An extension at the front created space for a new entrance porch and ground-floor wetroom. In addition, the roof level was raised, so that they could extend the two first-floor bedrooms and create an extra bathroom and en suite shower room.

The most dramatic change was the new extension at the rear, which trebled the size of the kitchen and created a large living and dining area, with a bank of folding sliding doors opening out to the garden. The old bathroom was also knocked through and a conservatory was demolished.

‘Luckily, we had no problems with the local authority planning department,’ says Tom. ‘They objected to only one thing in our plans – a balcony on the flat roof of the kitchen. We weren’t allowed to build one, because it would have affected our neighbours’ privacy.’

Tom, Jacky and their son Luke, who was 15 years old at the time, moved into rented accommodation nearby, leaving the way clear for the builders to start work, which began in the summer of 2006.

‘I visited the site every day,’ says Tom. ‘Admittedly, it was quite horrible watching it being taken apart because we loved the house – we wouldn’t have bought it if we didn’t – but we’d accepted the new plans and were happy to go ahead with them.’

Two major building projects, including their own, were going on at the same time in their road, so there were delivery trucks and skips everywhere. ‘Luckily, we have fabulous neighbours who were very supportive and patient,’ says Tom.

The only real setback to the project came early on. ‘The local building inspector said that the foundations had to be deeper,’ Tom explains. ‘They had to go down to approximately a man’s height – it was something to do with all the trees round here and the risk of subsidence. Trouble was, the builders had released the diggers and everything had gone off site, so they had to be re-booked.’

By early 2007, when the structure was complete, the Wilsons started planning the interior. As they enjoy inviting family and friends to their home, a space where they could cook and entertain was a must. As Tom explains: ‘We love parties. We probably hold four or five a year – and all good parties tend to end up in the kitchen.’

Tom and Jacky chose three colourways – white, black and burgundy – for their open-plan kitchen-diner at the rear of the house, combining the units in bold blocks of colour with ice-white porcelain floor tiles, bamboo worktops and cream walls for a stylish contemporary look.

‘The white reflective surfaces make the most of the light, while the flooring, cabinets and black glass splashback all have a high-gloss finish which adds to the feel,’ says Tom. ‘We painted the walls in cream flat oil to create a subtle sheen and a neutral backdrop for the kitchen’s working area.’

The original kitchen door was moved to create space to wrap the new L-shaped run of units around the corner of the room. This has provided space for cooking and food preparation, while a large working island takes centre stage and a separate bank of wall units incorporates the fridge-freezer and extra storage cupboards.

Once the new kitchen and appliances were in place, interior designer George was able to reflect Jacky’s love of English country style with a bold fl oral wallpaper on two feature walls, one of which frames the opening to the kitchen area.

This wallpaper helps to divide the space by signalling a change of mood from the working kitchen area to the entertaining and living spaces. A mix of vibrant, softly curved furniture complements the contemporary kitchen design perfectly. ‘There is a second living room at the front of the bungalow featuring a double-height ceiling, which continues the airy, open-plan feel,’ says Tom.

Upstairs, the new family bathroom is simple but stylish with white sanitaryware, chrome fittings and neutral wall and floor tiles, while a contemporary freestanding bath makes a stunning focal point.

The newly extended master bedroom has mirrored wardrobe doors and a wallpaper featuring horizontal stripes to create the illusion of a wider, more spacious room, plus it has its own en suite shower. Luke’s larger bedroom also benefits from a wall of mirrored wardrobes and built-in storage.

The exterior of the bungalow was rendered to blend the old brickwork with the new. George gave Tom and Jacky a choice of colours, and they opted for green.

‘All the houses on our street are a mix of styles,’ says Tom. ‘They’re set back from the road, so you don’t particularly notice it that much. None of our neighbours has raised any concerns about the green render, which we think works well.’

Inevitably, the couple’s budget for the seven-month project was stretched, as they chose high-spec finishes and fittings. ‘Jacky and I manage budgets all the time in our line of work, so we had always criticised renovators on TV makeover shows if they went over budget,’ Tom laughs. ‘Our budget was over before we even started. We wanted a high-spec look and were not keen on having to replace things in a few years time, so it all mounted up. It’s amazing how much money is spent on items you don’t see, like pipework.’

He and Jacky are thrilled with the bungalow’s transformation – and its resultant rise in value. As Tom says: ‘It was well worth the outlay. Every time I come downstairs, I’m impressed. We were right to trust our instincts and stay here.’

The costs
Building work	£120,000
Designer’s fee	£13,000
Decorating and furniture	£10,000
Kitchen	£4,793
Appliances	£3,624
Flooring	£1,700
Worktops	£1,600
TOTAL	£154,717