installing a bed in a HiAce or similar

"I would probably get a slat base installed and have storage space underneath the bed."

I personally would have a hinged bed that folds up against the side of the van when not in use. But six of one half a dozen of the other. I think there would be room to do this in a hiace (some LWB for sure).

I don't think it is as important to know what we could live, more important what you could live with. Have a look at wicked campers for their backpacker type campers, they are mainly Hiace (I think) and would no doubt be reasonable to hire before you buy your own. This would give a good feel of the product before you shell out on your own setup.

Wicked campers are on the net I am sure.

Regards, Trevor.

Gday,

I have had a number of vehicles set up like this. These include Hiace, L300 4wd, Vanettes, Nomads. I usually build a wooden frame with a ply top. Covers the width of the vehicle and from the rear of the side door to the tailgate. This gives you anywhere from a double to a queen bed size depending on the van. I usually build it to sit a little higher than the wheel arches. This gives you ample storage space for a great deal of equipment i.e. camping gear, gas bottles, tools, spares, tarps etc. Yet you can still sit up on the bed. Handy if its raining. Use a foam mattress from someone like Clark rubber. You can cut it to size easily.

I would suggest you get a van with windows in the rear, especially ones that can open to help with ventilation. Curtains are also a good idea so you can sleep in and also to keep prying eyes off ya gear. Although you can hide most of it under the bed.

Get a van already converted to LPG to save lotsa $$$. And if ya fit a stereo get one with a remote so you can control from the rear. Also a 4x6m tarp and a few poles will give you a simple awning that packs away easily. Set it up so that about 1.5m of the tarp is over the roof and tie that off to the drivers side of the vehicle.

Check out the ya local backpackers notice boards. There are always tons of vans for sale usually already set up.

Gerri.
I dont know what your budjet is but if you are concened about safety you should steer away from vehicles that place the driver in the crumple zone.There are a lot of animals on the roads that can do a lot of damage to a hiace. I recomend an ex ambulance, the Sprinters are cheap at the auctions and very economical to run. Eric

Gerri,

You could achieve a similar result by the use of a Swag which are very comfortable to sleep on and if necessary, a simple awning extending out from your vehicle. (whatever it is)

This awning can be nothing more than a ground sheet to provide additional protection from the weather, be it rain or sun.

I have owned a Hiace Campervan many years ago and know what my preference would be now.