Converting a fire van into a camper (1)

Hi, we are De Backpackkies and recently we are guest bloggers on Wereldreizigers.nl† 2020 was going to be a special and unforgettable year. After a long time of saving, dreaming and planning, we took the plunge. we go on world trip† It was certainly a special and unforgettable year, but unfortunately in the wrong way. We were supposed to get on the plane on March 17, but the Corona virus forced us to put a (provisional) line through this dream 4 days before departure. So there we were; no home, no job, no travel… Now what?! We are now almost a year later and how much can change in one year!

Also read: How to: Buy or convert a campervan

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No world trip due to Covid

Instead of enjoying cocktails on the beach, discovering new places and cultures and experiencing the ultimate feeling of freedom, our lives suddenly looked very different. From one moment to the next we were forced to look for a home and a job again. It was of course a huge disappointment, we had been looking forward to it so much!

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The first weeks after the decision was especially unreal. And not only the fact that we couldn't travel was very crazy, we also suddenly had to deal with the Corona virus and all the measures taken for this. At the time, it was also very difficult for us to estimate how long Covid would stay with us and when we might be able to leave again. We soon realized that the virus would not be done with us for the time being. And what if the borders were to open again, how carefree would traveling be…?

From Backpackkies to owner-occupied home

The Backpackkies | New owner-occupied home!

After much deliberation, we decided to resume our life in the Netherlands as best we could. We both quickly found a job again and we were very lucky that we were able to buy a very nice house after a few months. For example, we went from De Backpackkies to De Verhuisdoossies. The months that followed were therefore dominated by odd jobs, moving and furnishing. We got rid of a lot of our stuff when we moved out of our rental house, so the good thing about this story is that we all got to pick out new stuff.

Less than 4 months after the original departure date, our lives were back on track. As if we had 'just' moved. The positive thing about this was that we could have given meaning to our lives here in a fairly short period of time, but the downside was quite difficult. It was not for nothing that we made the choice to travel the world with a backpack on our backs. The contrast couldn't be greater! In addition, we were able to The Netherlands Of course not doing many fun things either, Corona didn't make it easy for us.

The Backpack Pick 2.0

Our adventurous blood flows where it can't go, so it soon started to itch again. How can we travel then? During the summer holidays we borrowed a camper with which we traveled through the Netherlands and the seed was planned. Because a motorhome offers freedom and therefore possibilities, even or perhaps just in Corona time!
Soon we scoured the internet for the possibilities and it didn't take long before we decided that this would be our new plan. We fell in love with the idea of converting an old fire truck into a camper and with that Europe to pull around. Then we just become The Backpackkies on wheels!

Why did we want to go for a fire brigade bus? Old fire trucks that are no longer used are often Germany of Austria imported. These cars are often very well maintained and the mileage is low. Mostly they are Mercedes buses and these are known to be very strong. And, last but not least, of course they look awesome.

Tip: All motorhome items are here to find.
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The Backpackkies looking for a bus

What followed were a few weeks in which we visited different buses. We discovered the wonderful world of the fire truck trade and saw some nice buses, but also some with a lot of rust spots and therefore extra work. After a few weeks we came across a beautiful specimen; a 508 Mercedes 1983D. It was love at first sight! Although there were quite a few things that should make us doubt this bus, we quickly decided that this would be it and in October we drove our(!) bus home.

The timing couldn't have been better as Denise's father retired that week and we desperately need this car rebuilding expert on our project!

The fire brigade bus of the Backpackkies

In the near future we will take you along in our process. So do you want to know more about this? Then follow us on Instagram via @derugzakkies, watch our videos on YouTube or visit our website derugzakkies.nl† In addition, we will also regularly share our experiences on wereldreizigers.nl† See you soon!