The Plan

 

The Plan: Can a disabled person who is mobility-limited Drive Solo Around the Globe?

The Journey started with what basics do we need:

1.) A Van to convert to a camper.

2.) A Trailer to carry all those things that I may need and will need.

So back to watching too many YouTube videos, this had two purposes, one, to find the right van and two, how do we build it into a camper that I can operate everything on my own with only one fully functional arm and one partially functioning arm and operate the entire unit fully off the grid.

The first issue was to find a suitable van that met all the criteria.

1.) An International Brand so we can get the Van via a Sponsorship deal.

2.) The Van will fit everything I will need and has the towing capacity for the trailer to cover a 9-month trip where portions (IE; Northern Canada and Some US States) will need to be off-grid and I am not reliant on either outside power or regular freshwater stops.

3.) A Trailer that is stable (Dual Axle) and meets the legal requirements to be towed in 33 countries

After watching lots of Videos on Van Conversions and trips to Instagram, I decided that the best vans for the Job are the Mercedes Sprinter L4 H2 or the Volkswagen Crafter L4 H3, or the LWB Maxi (L5 H3).

These are the Longest Wheelbase they make and both have high roofs with at least 1.8 meters height inside.

Then to find a box trailer that will meet all my needs.

1.) Must have a ramp to load and unload my Wheelchair.

2,) Must be able to carry all the Spare tyres for the Van and all the Spare tyres for the Trailer.

3.) Must be able to carry a 200 Litre Diesel Tank, needed for emergency refills.

4.) Must have enough space for storage of all the things I need to take with me.

5.) Must be able to be equipped with its own auxiliary 12 v power system for the Fuel Tank, to recharge my wheelchair and recharge the 18-volt Equipment Batteries.

Not an easy list to find in one Trailer.

This is where we got lucky, we found a UK company called Debon who make a 5.5 meter Box Trailer with a rear door that both opens like a door and opens like a ramp and has a 2,000 to 3,500 KG Weight limit.