Berlingo Microcamper conversion for £150?! Did I get a bargain? Boot jump time!

[@stephenjcuk7562]

Put a streamlined roof box on it. It reduces the sound of the rain and gives you somewhere to keep paraphernalia off of the floor.

[@ianfrost3529]

My friends daughter made a micro camper out of a Skoda Roomster 1.2 12v. It’s her first car and she likes to go to music festivals and surfing.

[@BrorAppelsin]

Magnetic base lights that charge via USB... I have one inside my gun cabinet, works a treat!

[@bondbug73]

What a super camper conversion. Firm coil springs on the back and you're ready for the weekend. At car events.

[@andrewhill400]

I’ve had lots of campers over the years and my favourite was a Wheelchair accessible Kangoo 1.2. It was amazing for stealth camping in London and Cornwall and cost virtually nothing to run. I now have a 2017 Partner which is the next project. Looking forward to seeing Bella’s travels.

[@AndySnap]

Introducing the Hubdogs! Scene stealing cute they are too. What a handy, versatile car the Berlingo is. It ain't a Hilton, but what fun for the occasional overnight getaway.

[@adamfry1125]

I love mine. I have added the whole leisure battery, solar, roof box, cupboard. Its great. I think you will love it.

[@jonathandeeley6276]

Absolute steel for 150 quid. Any weaknesses in the wooden structure could be repaired or replaced. You can take a small one ring gas burner and cartridges with you and at least boil a kettle for a hot drink or heat some soup. If you only go for a couple of nights take enough mugs, spoons etc and wash up when you get back. Take some paper plates and dishes forcthings like sandwiches, tin of fruit etc and chuck em away once used, they are dirt cheap to buy. Use powder milk so keeping fresh milk chilled removes the need for a fridge. Breakfast cereal, porridge etc is also a possibility to keep costs down. Look forward to your adventures.🙂👍

[@AUCHTERMUCHTYZZ]

Small camping gaz cooker would do for a cup of tea

[@HistoryNeedsYou]

I used to sleep in my Berlingo and then my Expert. So much better than a tent. Full length comfy bed with all required facilities. I never bothered with a table either. I’d just use a convenient picnic table or rock for the stove.

[@DavidJones-dq7iu]

Fantastic. My mother in law has a converted Berlingo Van. It is a crew van who's seats fold forward a single bed the folds out. It's awesome. This is such a brilliant idea in the car version. I definitely want one.

[@darthvirago]

Back in the day I went camping without a tent and slept in a K10 Micra for a week. I just curled up like cat.

[@johnbee7729]

Great job. Finding a way to make it work with the tipping front seats will be great. A small suggestion would be to invest in a portable power / jump pack - I love mine and its great for a number of uses from charging devices to running lights and even allowing for boiling a pot of water. good luck with your adventures in Bella and let us know how your nap went. Cheers

[@davidallum2728]

I built one almost identical to that for my Berlingo, based on the ' Boot Jump'. My Berlingo had a lot of windows in the roof so I had a bit more headroom. I was going to do a sort of shower curtain style thing for the back hanging off the tailgate but never got round to it. This is so Hub Nut. Love it.

[@scottlp2323]

I built a similar setup for my Alhambra a few years ago. Me and dad used to go to airshows and, living in Plymouth, they were all bloody miles away. So, we usually slept in the car the night before. My dad could fall asleep anywhere, regardless of comfort...I never could. So, I built a bunk bed setup. :) You could fit near enough a full 8'x4' sheet of 18mm MDF in the back of the Alhambra. I rounded the edges and put a few grab holes in it and sat it on 6 2"x2" legs that could be folded flat when stored at home. The bunk came just around the bottom of the window line allowing enough room for an inflatable bed up top and a foam bed at the bottom, for dad who, as I mentioned, could sleep on anything. It was a great success after we had about an hour of me and dad laughing and taking the piss a lot out of the situation and we enjoyed the airshow quite refereshed for once. :)

[@deanevans5346]

Table lift up section for muddy shoes.. umbrella etc.. accessable from inside...and obviously..no matter how cold..don't run engine while sleeping.

[@kavyman1066]

Could get yourself a Jet boil for making tea, they are small, easily stowed and very quick at bringing water to the boil and one of those Anker portable power stations for charging and powering lights and you can charge it off the cigarette lighter socket whilst driving.

[@jbradshaw4236]

Excellent stuff, great fun.. and you can customise as you like ... I use a roomster for camping. Something that would help you which is cheap is to fit window wind deflectors so you can have ventilation at night. Also cheap led stick on lights for the ceiling,

[@smoothmicra]

Score Mr S. In the summer I hired a VW camper van for £425 for three days and while it had everything I could want (fridge, dual gas cooker, electric hook up, fold out double bed and captain's chairs) what you have there is excellent value and is certainly a viable camper for one or two people. I would chuck in a little gas cooker for delicious bacon and eggs in the morning, a heavy duty portable charger to keep the gizmos charged without relying on the car battery, and (for the summer months) a little fridge you can plug into the 12V socket. Happy camping!

[@eclecticcyclist]

For heavier battery use, if you happen to have a corless drill/grinder etc you can get adaptors that fit on to many of the batteries and convert them in to lamps with usb phone charger outlets. You can get other adaptors that turn a drill battery into a jump starter.

[@waynekerrgoodstyle]

Got my 2025 Calendar, Thank you! 👍

[@michaelstaunton1632]

A really interesting video , look forward to the test now of the sleeping arrangements 👍👍👍

[@davidflamee]

Surely it was your excitement that allowed you to forego a "pttcchhhooo". Looking forward to your overnight adventures, sleeping in the Berlingo, and hoping that adventures in Bob will not be compromised.

[@MrG61-u9k]

I built one for my Kangoo, tailgate tent is a godsend when trying to assemble the bed in horizontal rain! I opted for a self inflatable mattress in the end, stored up at headlining level.

[@garywallace1938]

Excellent vid, the old Berlingos are great, we've just been away in our (new to us) T25, from Bucks to Kent. Had a little coolant leak so will need a new radiator but got back ok. Look at the Brit Stop app (£40 a year), free overnight stays in pub car parks, tried 2 so far and so far so good.

[@KirksAudioSanctum]

9:24 What you can get is one of those tents that clip on the back of the car to give you even more room.

[@3500P5]

It looks like you’ve loaded it up ready for a tip run.

[@daniellee9015]

Absolutely brilliant idea Ian you can just go were you want and camp at side of some free spots love it ❤👍

[@quanchyplimp]

It's a Winnebeylingo!

[@NiallWardrop]

The biggest issue with things like these and truck shell campers is some campsite wardens who get peculiar about anything that's not a conventional campervan or caravan. For some reason "sleeping in a car" (or van) is a huge no no despite the same base vehicles in some cases being professionally converted to campers. Plenty are fine with it but be prepared to have to argue your case or be turned away.

[@donkee011]

If Bella is rocking, don't come knocking 😂😂

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

For £150 thats a bargain, give the wood a coat of Varnish, stock it up and go away for a night. Looking forward to seeing your adventures in Bella the Micro Camper.

[@SPEEDTER601]

Also keeps the sun of your roof, that really makes a difference in summer.😃

[@tomoreilly9932]

A cassette type camping stove with the little gas cannisters would fit in the box,great for small cooking,like soup etc,and boiling water for tea,coffee.

[@John-Sacrimoni]

It's looks more of a problem than a solution. The wooden sections look poor quality. I get what you are trying to achieve, but a double mattress would be far less hassle and more comfortable for the amount of time you'll use it.

[@HubNut]

Double mattress won't fit. The point here is it sits over the seats at a level that allows me to lie full length.

[@mikes747]

My late Dads Berlingo has a full length vinyl sliding roof. You could dine under the stars with that one!

[@Mickhanic-garage]

What a bargain.. maybe make some hinged back rests to the seating area to keep the cushions in place day and night...

[@MrManBuzz]

Quick little suggestion, get some velcro strips for those cushions to keep them in place when you set it up. If they can move about freely it'll be really annoying when you actually go to sleep in it.

[@christophertripp8092]

I've been using my 2016 Berlingo as a micro camper this year and it has worked very well I've only got a single bed box but I need more room for longer stays away it can be a little cramped even with an awning that I used in the summer I will use it for 1 or 2 nights away but I've recently bought a caravan so I'm hoping to use that instead and some campsites won't allow the Berlingo on to use as a micro camper because it's not a manufactured converted vehicle

[@NeilBarratt]

IMO that's ideal, especially at that price. Again IMO, the last thing you want in a micro camper is too much fitted stuff as everything ends up being too small and getting in the way of something else. I'd be inclined to take a one burner camping stove, a small pan, and something to wee in at night. Make sure you can use the latter. You might be a bit cold/damp this time of the year too.

[@joshonthetube]

One of those cheap jumpstarters might be a good thing to use for usb power to charge your devices, so you don't risk discharging the car battery.

[@The_Car_Stalker]

Looks good, i have always wanted to try this out - but it will get very cold very quickly. a small jackery might be helpfull for charging and lights

[@redditchscroller7049]

For the rear tailgate there is a modification you can do that wires into the boot lock solenoid and has a button on the inside rear wiper motor cowling to enable you to open the tailgate from inside the car, I have seen it on youtube somewhere. You might also find a roof box useful to store things while you are sleeping in it.

[@HubNut]

Mine hasn't got a solenoid... I believe there is a way to manually actuate the lock though apparently.

[@leehayes70]

Watch it without the sound on and its even funnier. Just the angle of the ‘table’. Lol

[@worldofrandometry6912]

Looks like it'll be quite useful. On another issue, am I the only one who can't see the issue with the Hub Nut beanie?

[@HubNut]

This is one of the better ones. The logo isn't circular and is offset within the circle it was meant to be printed on. Some are worse than others.

[@worldofrandometry6912]

@@HubNut I think you previously showed us a bad one and I still couldn't see it. It's just me then. Thanks for replying.

[@snbala]

I was too distracted by the cute dogs in this video to concentrate on what’s going on haha.

[@thomasrpoulsen]

If the Car Is Rocking, Don't Come Knocking 👍

[@evermoreinfo]

the berlingo is a great camper! i bought a cheap work torch for mine which has a magnet and a hook on it so you can stick it in various places. can also charge on the stereo which is handy

[@shepshepherd]

Genius! Might be a good idea to look at getting a night heater or a top end sleeping bag, especially if you want to camp out overnight at this time of year.

[@delukxy]

Wonky Beanies selling well. A good example of reverse advertising! Very good value for £150, even if it does need finishing.

[@TheStobb50]

I have a 20 year old Renault Kangoo. All I did was buy a wooden board and to hinges I just move the front seats forward flip the board down inflate airbed then of to sleep. I’m 6 foot two and I manage ok

[@sim6699]

The Berlingo was the original micro campervan for young people to do van life. I would prefer It to bob.

[@pauledmonds3249]

Ventilation is very important in there Ian. Have the front windows open an inch or two. You'll start to understand what i mean if you try and sleep with all the windows closed.

[@HubNut]

Oh absolutely. My front screen cover should give weather protection and ventilation.

[@chriscjt1238]

@@HubNut@pauledmonds3249 A set of wind deflectors allow you to drop the windows an inch or so, whilst preventing direct draughts. Also hides the fact that your windows are slightly down 👍🏼

[@fhwolthuis]

Nice solution for a weekend or on a longer travel. Maybe you can add a rollable mattress topper on it for a bit more comfort.

[@HubNut]

Comfort seems fine!

[@mervynprice7009]

Nice simple conversion. My hope is that you do not try it out in the next fortnight. Snow is forecast. Getting stuck is a Welsh hillside snow drift is not the best way of testing it. One occasion when a stove is required to make some tea outside the back door, please. If it is a gas one, it will need to have a tube over the burner type. So better to have one that runs on fuel tablets or gell.

[@PaddyWV]

I'm guessing the "drawer" for a stove would fit one of the two ring camping "gaz" cookers with the grill under! Wouldn't take up too much space! 👍

[@ol2892]

Sorry but the dogs were too gorgeous to not be a distraction. No idea what the video was about. 😂

[@HowardLeVert]

I suspect being terriers, they're ratters.

[@robmk3]

When we used to go watching the rallying we used to take my old Ford explorer as there was loads of room to stretch right out with the rear seats down

[@daviemaclean61]

If you're going to leave it in there 24/7 can I suggest some beading or aluminium J channel to protect those edges from further damage. Cheers

[@PaddyWV]

Old school Markets often have stalls selling blocks of foam. I even remember a shop in one town called "Foam at last", selling the same. It couldn't be too much to buy some and cover it yourself if you needed a spare set?

[@caw25sha]

Apparently in the world of philately stamps with printing mistakes are very valuable. Not sure whether that applies to hat collecting but if you've got one hang onto it. Could be worth a fortune one day 😅

[@Eric_L456]

More fun in the Summer, not so good during dark and cold nights of Winter.

[@edgarbeat2851]

Got me thinking about my 206 estate I've been thinking of making it into a camper. Basic DIY anything is possible.

[@stephencordy9653]

Assuming Bella has cigarette lighter if permanent live you can buy cups that heat up with a lead that plugs into the cigarette lighter

[@julianwinn4502]

At 6'3" I would need the LWB version of the current Berlingo to make that work for sleeping.

[@HubNut]

Or go diagonal! Berlingos are fairly short things.

[@danielsartain6343]

Bob and Bella going to have a falling out 😂

[@jonholding3880]

Nice bit of kit and a bargain. If you find that you need extra storage I suggest a little popup tent. Cheap and can be erected and packed away in seconds.

[@StevensPaul]

*Alternative Video Title:----"Hub on the Range." * You'd be AMAZED at HOW MANY old.... and not so old... Campers and Motorhomes we have brought in/towed in 😮. What people just throw away....👀😒😐😦.....

[@twocvbloke]

If anything, it could do with a lick of paint, although seeing the delamination in places, that might be a bit late... :P

[@terryatkinson899]

Put a mattress topper on it 🤗 Will keep it together better.

[@welshman64]

HubNut attaching a hinge , that I want too see.👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🚙⛺️

[@CarlJones14]

How do we do this when it's pouring down with rain, and earlier you said something like 'we're camping'. If two are camping, it's permenetly setup as a camper. Any crap on the bed is swiftly thrown onto the front seat, and you jump in... if it's raining. I might add, fit one of those stand alone Chinese diesel heaters, a leisure battery, glue a 100w solar to the roof (Sickaflex), and install a side window fan, one that fits when the window is down about eight inches. If you don't do this, you'll be having a free cold morning shower, and all the mould that comes with it. If you don't want solar, then split relay charging from the alternator. I know you do everything on the cheap, which is very noble, but there are some issues you should overcome. Moisture is a huge problem, especially in a small space. You'll soon have mould under your cushions/bedding. I have a LWB Citroen Relay self converted campervan, and these are still important obstacles for me.

[@GryphLane]

Ideal for if you needed to get away somewhere for a test-drive 😉

[@barryjackson8512]

Nice little edition to the berlingo.

[@edgarbeat2851]

I'd convert a tent for the boot lid like an awning spelling. Loads of space.

[@matslundstrom7763]

You'll want to install a solar-powered roof vent, like on a cabin-boat. It'll hot and damp otherwise

[@brianfd622]

Another HubNut adventure machine, brilliant, a power pack courtesy of Power Oak, Bluetti or Ecoflow would be tidy. Just goes to show camping can be done cheaply, sould save you spending time in anonymous motels.

[@35dononeill]

How about loosing the luggage cover and not bother with the table / seat. Just eat lying down (like the romans). Why not get a usb battery that can be charged during the day, which would charge your phone at night.

[@JohnMintyTech]

To me £600 for the wood alone seems extortionate!

[@LeeAllen-lq7ml]

Get my Truck Kettle out and the Portaloo store it in one of them lockers , that's me sorted

[@JamieMcAlley]

Looks like fun. How many impromptu naps are you going to have when you're supposedly working??! Fits in with middle age obviously (we're the same age). I have a Peugeot Expert (ex WAV) which I use mainly for movinf bikes around, but I know it is an excellent potential camper. I even have a revolving front seat for it (now removed as I prefer the option of having 2 passengers in the front bench seat)

[@tomhope4613]

Time for a roofbox to store the cushions

[@caw25sha]

If it was mine I'd have an irresistible urge to slap on some of the stuff that does exactly what it says on the tin.

[@carlbarton772]

small halfords camping burner gas lasts 2 days for 3 meals fer day. enough for kettle and a soup on a rainy days motorsport

[@grahamclark4518]

Its a bit rough but hey it works rather well

[@davidhinkson8856]

This is the ideal solution if you take Bella on a long road trip and you want to save yourself the hassle of an Air BNB.

[@AUCHTERMUCHTYZZ]

Tailgate Tent good idea Ian

[@2tone209]

AY UP MR HUBNUT

[@stippolyte]

I got inspiration to have a go at camperfying(?) Mrs Mazda from YT 'Silva on the Road', Kiki living full time in hers in the wilds of Scotland! Similar to you, looked at options inc DIY, never in a million yrs had I thought 2nd hand, jammy find. If you do get deeper into microcamping and off grid, a 12v shower hangs fine from the tailgate latch, plenty space for small portapotty , DD tarp and some magnetic strips +tent poles makes cheap tailgate tent and also side awning . Topbox with solar panel to top up a leisure battery, add thin memory foam topper to cover over cushion joins. Oh there's so much you can do if minimalism loses its appeal 😊. This is going to be interesting.

[@hectorshouse7348]

You’ll need a carrier for the wheel…you’ll soon find one 😀

[@croquette_fr]

Hi! It looks quite liveable actually, but I would prefer to have an inflatable mattress with a small cigar-lighter pump, I find it more comfortable and maybe space-saving compared to the cushions. BTW: what is the purpose of the plastic mats?

[@HubNut]

Plastic mats raise the boot jump so the drawer can open without catching the floor.

[@HowardLeVert]

It can't be too difficult to arrange for the tailgate latch to be operated internally, can it? I've discovered how to do it on the Yaris... that does have an appeal to me, I have to say. Couple of Terry clips to keep the table pole in place, put some pillows in the RH compartment of the jump box, job's a good 'un. Look forward to hearing of your experiences.

[@HubNut]

Yup, they can be modified.

[@HowardLeVert]

@@HubNut Perfect. Being able to shut the tailgate is much better for personal security and also, for keeping out draughts. Try acoustic foam for the roof to deaden the noise.

[@JR90.]

Great little cosy camper, Ian! Wouldn't mind trying to do something similar in my Mondeo Mk4! Can I ask, I use the same phone, can I ask how you edit videos on your phone?! Thanks.

[@HubNut]

Thanks. I use InShot.

[@JR90.]

@HubNut - thanks! I'll give it ago!

[@Simon-ui6db]

Just seen I can get a similar system for my 206sw. At 6'1 I think it would be a bit too cozy.

[@mrsmith697]

And some air in and out would be good..side window on the front door open a little ?

[@sixfootbear]

I would like to do this with my Ford Tourneo but sadly at the moment I am too busy.A single bed conversion would probably be better for me..

[@HubNut]

Single bed conversions are available. Probably make more sense to be honest!

Two Border Terriers, excellent!

[@philwebb6464]

Did you explore the possibility of having a roof top tent like Mat on his freelander? Or maybe a combination of both.

[@HubNut]

Not something I'm keen on. With this, it takes seconds and it's driveable. A roof tent is more involved.

[@philwebb6464]

And more expensive than £150 so I get your point

[@scragnut]

A great video. What a bargain you got. Happy camping!

[@guth21776]

not marine ply but hay ho