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The Fuso Cantor are known to be reliable, (the Cantor is replacing the Vario in Europe) & more common in Oz, from 3.5t with a narrow body up to 7.5t wide body.

Thanks Roman. Though I just realised as I read your post that another requirement I have is that it be a van (a big van) in which I can move from the driver's seat into the rear. I'm going to be living in suburban streets, and I need to be a little more discreet than hopping in and out of a side or rear door.

Good idea anyhow. Though just not in my ideals.

Transits in the UK are the most common van and do get a fair but of abuse from the tradesmen/women/persons that use them so worth giving any possible purchase a good going over to check for signs of serious rust and neglect.

Kryten, I think you've helped sell the idea to me. I do want to learn more about basic mechanics. So whilst probably stressful and cumbersome, I think the lessons from the Transit will be of benefit. And yes, I'll go over it with the proverbial fine toothed comb.

Thanks Kryten

Yes, by east-west, I mean the configuration of the van. North-south is front to back, east-west is side to side. So I'd like the bed to be affixed to the rear of my van, so that my arms (as I lie down) will be against the rear doors.

I'm worried about mechanical maintenance costs of Mercs in Oz. They ain't cheap. I know that Transits are not so reliable, but I'm hoping it'll be easier/cheaper to maintain. Especially given that the Transits are not turbocharged.

I assume that B&Q is a hardware store or something?? We don't have them here in Oz. But your point stands. If I'm only losing a few mm for the panels, then this will be a cinch. I'll be able to get my space saving bed easily. Noice one!

=D

I've yet to decide on a base van to purchase. My conditional requirements are thus:
- high roof to allow standing room
- wide enough to accommodate a bed in an east-west position

I guess I ultimately have two questions.
1. What do you guys recommend for a base van?
2. According to Mike's interior installation, how much internal van width is sacrificed in order to install the sweet timber internal facade? (I'm trying to ascertain how plausible the east-west bed is.)

Thanks all. You all rock.