Mercedes 609D, E reg, 1987. 4litre diesel, non-turbo, 5.5 ton/HGV, twin axle. Green (nice). PAS. Approx 250,000 miles. Sliding passenger door, no side-loading door. This truck was converted by ourselves in 2007 for a trip round Europe. Interior is made of solid pine in a rustic (hippy) style and is well insulated (well enough to not have to worry about leaving the dogs in the sun).
It consists of wardrobe (not hanging, just shelves), fixed double bed (no mattress as we’re sleeping on it now) with huge space underneath- would fit a sound system (accessed via rear doors), kitchen area with 3-burner hob and oven/grill and plenty of cupboard space and a bookcase. No fridge, but we found a cool box in the cupboard was as good as our mate’s fridge, plus our gas supply lasted 6 months instead of 2 weeks. Drinking water tank is 80L, external filler, supplied by a hand-pump tap underneath which a bowl can be placed to use as a sink.
There is no hot water, toilet or bathroom.
Heating is from a medium Windy Smithy woodburning stove with 25mm insulated stainless flue, porcelain-tiled (mosaic) glassboard wall panel behind it and 2sqft natural slate tile hearth.
There is a fold-out table (with chair) big enough for 2 to eat off.
** There will not be an electricity supply ** It was solar powered and we’re keeping the solar panel. The leisure battery, power inverter, i-pod dock thing and all other electrical fittings will be included though. Fitting a new solar panel will be easy. You could fit a different system but it would involve some dismantling.
The van has one Seitz side window with integral flyscreen and blackout blind. It’s shatterproof and secure. There are also 2 small skylights which are intact but could do with replacing.
The van is not obviously a camper and is quite subtle.
Engine-wise the van is in excellent health. 6 Hankook tyres were fitted late 2007 and only have about 4,000 miles use on them. Good spare too. The van was resprayed in Feb 2008 with a good quality primer and several layers of industrial top coat. Body work in very good condition for age. Chassis is totally solid.
Brake system was entirely replaced in summer ’07, except for handbrake cable which needs attention (but does still hold) and its only done 20000 since then.
New propshaft bearings in 2006. Oil + filters changed every 6,000 miles. Also 2 new batteries (24v ignition).
The van has been 100% reliable and has always started first time. We drove 18,000 miles in the year we were travelling (including the alps and pyrenees) and it never missed a beat.
Rear doors are secured with a van vault. We never had a problem with security while we were away. Driver’s seat from 54 plate Vario- nice and comfey. Seatbelts fitted.
There is also a full heavy-duty awning – 4 sides, window, door. It used to belong to a motorbike suspension tuning company who had a mobile workshop for races.
*** No MOT or tax ***
This truck will run forever if looked after. It is a shame it has to go but our plans have changed. It would be an excellent live in/long term travel vehicle. Easy to find spares all over the world. Decent ground clearance and never gets stuck. Good for a festival business.
It has been stood on solid ground for the past 18 months (since we got back) and it still starts first time. Currently stored about 13 miles west of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
£2,000 ono.
Only photo I have of the interior was before it was properly finished. It is now finished inside.
Sad to see it go:cry:
Iván – 07962 449844
