A young traveller forced to delay a road trip around Australia because of the Covid pandemic has spent his time transforming old caravans into stunning rental homes on wheels.
Marcus Moffat, from Sydney, first started renovating caravans in March 2020 in anticipation of his trip around the country.
‘The van build became a lockdown project as I was able to spend more time at home building and learning about electrical and plumbing services,’ he told Daily Mail Australia.
‘And I was able to refine and improve my carpentry skills with the help of my dad and grandfather.’
Marcus Moffat first started renovating caravans in March 2020 as he was eager to travel around Australia but lockdown struck later that month
Marcus has completed three van conversions and is currently working on the fourth and fifth campervan builds.
With help from leading caravan and motorhome rental platform Camplify, he now runs his own business Wander Campervans and rents out the transformed vehicles to customers.
Marcus said his first van conversion took 10 weeks but the two most recent overhauls took just under eight weeks and cost $9,000 on average.
BEFORE: Marcus has converted three caravans and started his business Wander Campervans with help from leading caravan and motorhome rental platform Camplify
AFTER: Marcus replaces the old interior with stunning beds, tables and chairs, sink, ample storage space, fridge and freezer, LED lighting and pull-out stove
‘The cost can vary largely between builds depending on the addition of certain elements – such as 240-volt power, hot water system, and external additions like solar panels and fan vents – but I’ve easily made this back by renting the vans out on Camplify to Aussie holidaymakers,’ Marcus said.
Prior to starting each fitout, Marcus draws several different designs to determine how to best maximise the tight space.
‘Once a rough idea has been figured out, measurements and more detailed drawings are done to narrow down the exact layout and building process,’ he said.
‘My first ever build was a simple layout, involving a fixed queen-sized bed with ample storage underneath and a small kitchen and tap and sink.’
Each fit out is bespoke, and Marcus has been able to narrow down the best way to build the vans while keeping costs low.
The first van conversion took 10 weeks to complete, whilst the most recent ones have taken just under eight weeks with the cost averaging about $9,000
Each fit out is bespoke, and Marcus has been able to narrow down the best way to build the vans while keeping costs low.
Aussies can rent the vans through the Wander Campervan website with prices starting at $90 per day
Three vans are currently available to hire through the Wander Campervan website with prices starting at $90 per day.
The stylish ‘Harlow’ van is an automatic Toyota HiAce campervan that features a comfortable queen-sized bed to fit two people, kitchen utilities, fully functioning sink, 70L fridge/freezer, two stove gas burners and outdoor clip-on wooden table.
It also comes with ample storage space, Bluetooth stereo system, beach equipment (including snorkels and swimming gear), LED lighting and power charges.
The vans come with ample storage space, Bluetooth stereo system, beach equipment (including snorkels and swimming gear), LED lighting and power charges
A functioning sink, cutlery and plates along with bedding is also supplied
The vans will give young Australians the chance to enjoy a beachside lifestyle on the road
‘The most challenging aspect of van building has been narrowing down the right materials and finishes to use in the build,’ Marcus said.
‘Aspects such as lightweight materials have proven important, as well as narrowing down the right glues, screws and building methods to each van fit out.’
Over the coming months, Marcus plans to complete another three fitouts to create a small ‘fleet’ of eight vans.
Over the coming months Marcus hopes to hopes to complete another three fitouts to create a small ‘fleet’ of eight vans
Marcus is pleased to be making use of his time while Sydney remains in lockdown
‘I hope to travel Australia at some point and see what the country has to offer, in particular Queensland and Western Australia,’ Marcus said.
‘But for the time being I plan on taking advantage of the opportunity Camplify has provided by renting campervans out through their platform.’
He is pleased to be making use of his time while Sydney remains in lockdown.