The cunning plan, chaps and chapesses, is no plan. No film for a start … we’re truly out of good onesfor now, shall try some sci-fi shlock next. Meanwhile, this “ute” below. Some countries call it a pickup.
To my mind, there are two ways to go for an overnighter or even a week away vehicle. Leaving caravans aside, plus SUVs, motorhomes and large solution vehicles with all mod cons … all of which have designed for, hefty engines and underpinnings … the ute or pickup was always designed as a sort of useful car for other than domestic transport.
For it to even approach one of the designer homes on wheels, it really needs the flatbed area to have a maybe plywood foldout design, easily expandable … but that still leaves power and water to take care of.
Another way to go might be a Ford Transit or some sort of Amazon van type, set up inside … downside is the special engine, different insurance category and so on.
The reason the “ute” took off in Oz was that the intercity roads were pretty good and it required a car more than a truck to cover thousands of miles. Plus the weather was far more often hot and dry. Horses for courses. In Britain, I’d think the van would be more useful.
“Hefty engines”
Don’t forget that even run-of-the-mill Aussie engines tend to be on the large size! 3-4 litre straight sixes, and for the more “adventurous” 6 litre V8’s.
“Plywood foldout design
Ute’s tend to suit demount RV bodies, which can be dropped at a campsite, leaving the vehicle free for exploring, shopping, etc.
“Some sort of Amazon van type, set up inside”
On my travels over the last couple of years, I’ve seen several former horseboxes converted to campers. And the “Piece de resistance” has to be a 15 ton (or thereabouts) ex military 4WD MAN truck. The conversion is completely hidden inside the original body. I imagine it has downsides – finding a campsite which will take it, for a start!
“In Britain, I’d think the van would be more useful”
Mine is a conversion of a mid-size van, which will fit in most car park spaces. It has a 2.2 litre diesel engine and most “Mod Cons”, including a proper cooker, fridge, sink / drainer, shower, wash basin and toilet.These are supplied by onboard fresh and grey water tanks and a gas or mains electric water heater. It’s become my main vehicle, even for a day out – the toilet being particularly useful in these days of council cutbacks……
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JH: Wunnerful, MD.