Luton Tail lift Camper conversion.
 

Hi all.

I'm looking into buying and converting a Luton/Box van with a tail lift into a camper project.

Something I can park up in the meditteranian in winter and use the tail lift to load/unload a motorcycle.

Has anyone done anything similar ?

Also, does anyone know if there are 4x4 Luton vans available ?

I can't see to find any in searches.


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/15-64-MER...UAAOSwzFxa~b8Q

A Sprinter 4x4 can be had as a Luton body. Pretty rare though!
A complex / expensive way would be to find one with a truck back end, throw that away and then find a Luton body. Truck 4x4 sprinters are more common, especially if you look in Europe.
I've always thought a Luton body would be ideal. A nice square box, easily fitted out and insulated.

You should probably do some research on how a body is attached to a 4x4 truck type chassis, but depends on what you intend doing with the 4x4 - muddy road or hardcore offroading.
If the body is not isolated from chassis twist you end up with a leaky body at best or something that is held together with rope at worst.
I'm pretty sure if you do a weblookup on how bodies are fitted to Unimogs you'll get the idea of whats needed.
Luton's are notorious for bad fuel economy, pushing any flat lump along will reduce fuel consumption by about 25%. You'd need to do some careful weight calculations before going too far.
Westfalia have re introduced the 4x4 version of the James Cook model based on a Sprinter - maybe have a look at that for ideas. The high cube Sprinters and FIATs, LDVs etc all have full height (6'4" ish) floor to ceiling heights.
The other thing to consider is a vehicle with a difflock as they will go almost the same places as a 4x4 van will, without the ground clearance though. Often see Mercs with difflocks on www.mobile.de

A 4x4 Sprinter would be ideal.

I've walked away from the Luton/box van now. The load height is just too high for motorcycle use.

Sprinter's are where I'm basing my ideas now.

Always liked the idea of a stealth Luton camper, you can park it anywhere and no one knows its your home on wheels. I've always fancied utilising the tail lift as a mobile patio area when parked up. I even wondered if the tail lifts are strong enough to drive with it out so the bike could sit sideways across the back of the van.

Met someone in Goa that had done exatly that with a 7.5 ton inclosed car transporter. He dropped the tail lift , revealed a wooden cottage door and windows, placed his plant out and then his arm chair and stool. Chimnier iwas nside and kitchen double bed etc.. Very cool and you would never know it was a camper when all closed up. He went every where in it north pakistan india etc..