Welcome! We, Esther, Ralph and two girls, like to go on adventures with our beloved bus Eddy, a Fiat Ducato self-built bus camper from 1998, an L3H3. Eddy is a bit older but solid and strong. With its 2.8 engine and 5 gears, this bus has a lot of power. It drives smoothly and easily at 120 km per hour (also faster, but how much haste can a road tripper be in?), uphill is no problem. The bus is a large and comfortable house, but it is also manoeuvrable enough and you park it in a normal parking space.
We have furnished Eddy in a basic but functional and cozy manner and would like to share the road trip experience. As a 'youngtimer', Eddy has no new technology, air conditioning means driving with the window open on our bus. However, you don't need much for your adventure with this bus, it is fully equipped.
To cook:
The bus has a kitchenette with a 2-burner gas stove and sink with electric tap. The kitchen contains a spacious refrigerator (65L). All plates, cups, pots, pans, cutlery, washing up bowl, tea towels, hand towels, cleaning supplies, etc. are provided. Large gas bottle for cooking + separate camping stove for backup/outdoor use. You can also bring a small BBQ for outdoor cooking. The kitchen is stocked with spices, oil, tea, coffee, sugar, some dried and/or non-perishable food items. Eddy is very hospitable, these can simply be used and we will replenish them ourselves. We can send you the complete inventory list, so that you can see what you can leave at home. ;-)
To live:
Of course you live outside. You can create a cozy seat under the awning with the outdoor rug and nice camping chairs (we have 2 'normal' camping chairs and 2 relaxed butterfly chairs available). Hang a cozy lamp on the awning or light a candle. You sit outside at a long coffee table having a nice meal or playing a game. The small BBQ and fire bowl are also great for cooking outside or lighting a fire and roasting marshmallows, and we have a very nice hammock to use. With one suspension point on the bus you only need to have 1 tree nearby. The good life...
But you can also have a great time even in less pleasant weather, there is plenty of space inside. The bus has standing height and the living space of the bus is over 3 meters long. Spacious enough to relax without having to be crammed together. The round sofa offers space for 4/5 people and the rear-facing 2-seater sofa is also located in the 'living room'. One of the children's beds is in the front cabin, where your child can also retreat and read a book. There are games, a radio, a blackboard door with chalk for your artwork, and a fly swatter for hours of entertainment. If you don't feel like doing the latter, there is also an insect curtain in the sliding door and rear door opening. ;-) Furthermore, both translucent and blackout curtains so you can sleep in.
To sleep:
We have 4-7 sleeping places: 4-5 inside the bus (some exclusively children's beds) and possibly 2 extra sleeping places with a pup tent. You can transform the round sofa into a bed in the evening. You can sleep widthwise: 180x150cm, or lengthwise (you extend it with the outdoor table): king-size bed of 180x200cm. A spacious double bed, but also large enough as a triple bed (we often have a child with us).
We have added 2 extra beds for the children: a high bed above the round seat: 166x70cm. With anti-fallout net. The second cot 170x70cm in the cabin over the front seats using a fold-out base plate + mattress. Both children's beds are intended for children, up to a maximum weight of approximately 50kg/length of approximately 150cm. If more than 2 adults (or tall teenagers) are traveling, we have an additional tent available including two 10cm thick self-inflatable mattresses. This offers two spacious extra sleeping places.
Both children's beds can be dismantled if not necessary, giving you more space inside. We can tailor what you want to use.
Number of seats:
There are 6 seats while driving, 4 of which have belts (2 in the front and a 2-seater bench facing the rear with three-point belts). Due to the age of the bus, you may sit across the width of the bus while driving. We have 2 approved extra seats on the benches of the round seat. These may not contain a belt, these seats while driving are not for young children (according to regulations >14 years) and at your own risk and responsibility.
Off grid:
Our refrigerator (230v) can be 'on the pole' if you have a camping spot with electricity, but if you have a spot without a power supply, we can also lend you a (portable) power station. There are two LED lights on 12v. Furthermore, a lot of battery-powered mood lighting. Bus Eddy does not have a bathroom, if you are in a place without sanitary facilities or are passing through, we have a small portable toilet available and a small solar outdoor shower to hang up. Basic but effective!
To borrow, free of charge:
-Children's beds for the bus (2x) with mattresses
-Deryan toddler sleeping tent (also fits on the child's bed in the front cabin)
-Camping chairs: up to 4 pieces, depending on the size of the group.
- Booster seat (toddler/preschooler, from 15kg)
-TomTom navigation
-Hammock
-Portable toilet
-Portable solar shower
-Small fan (can run on 230v and 12v)
-Small heating (230v, only if you have electricity 'on the pole')
Can be borrowed for a small fee:
-Power station for off grid camping
-Small BBQ with bag of charcoal
-Fire bowl with firewood
-2p duvet + linen
-sleeping bags (child size 150cm, or adult size 200cm)
-2p additional tent
-2 luxury self-inflatable mattresses 10cm thick for the tent
In short: whether you want to take a road trip alone or as a couple, with a few friends, with your family, it's all possible!