The T4 VR6 as an everyday camper - space miracles, DIY hacks and maximum flexibility
Hello, this is Justine from the Tussy Van! 💛 Let's start at the beginning - with the bus that started it all for me.
When you think about life in a camper, you often have the classic image in mind: a rigid bed, a fixed kitchenette and space for exactly two people. But for me, my T4 VR6 had to be a real all-rounder - a vehicle that can manage the balancing act between spontaneous road trips and the turbulent everyday life with friends. The solution? An absolutely pragmatic spatial concept and a series of clever DIY hacks that transformed the bus into a self-sufficient home on wheels in no time.
The spatial concept: sleeping sideways for maximum flexibility
Probably the biggest highlight of my expansion was the use of the space behind the rear seats and the last three-seater bench. In contrast to the classic Multivan concept, where you often have to fold down the entire bench and lay out the bed completely lengthwise, we decided on a different variant: we slept crosswise in the back. Since the bed did not block the entire interior space, the three-seater bench remained fully usable. That was ideal! Even when we were fully loaded, we were still able to take friends with us without any problem. Driving away with six people in the T4 and going on spontaneous trips was no problem. There was enough space for everyone - suitability for everyday use par excellence.
Water, gas and the sanitary revolution
Later, airline tracks were added to the roof to provide even more transport options, but the heart of the interior design was the self-sufficient supply. I needed fresh water in the car. Instead of expensive special tanks, I got a simple 20 liter glass gallon. With a suitable electric pump attachment, it became a mobile water station in no time. This meant I always had cooking water, drinking water and – if necessary – clean water for washing. The gallons were stacked to save space, and the gas bottle found its safe place directly underneath, which I could easily turn on and off as needed.
There was also a steep development curve when it came to plumbing. In the beginning it was very simple: a simple toilet bin, a plastic bag and a handful of cat litter. It worked, was flexibly replaceable and easy to dispose of. However, the real revolution came with the installation of a custom-made dry separation toilet in the lower compartment. Suddenly the camper setup was complete - clean, odorless and perfectly integrated.
Electricity and gadgets without a solar panel
Since I didn't have a solar panel at the time (that came much later with my next buses), another energy solution was needed. I got a large mobile starter pack. This meant that I could not only start the car myself in an emergency, but also easily charge my USB devices and tablets via the integrated ports. While driving, the package was simply recharged using the cigarette lighter. I also had a small inverter (converter) for the cigarette lighter with me so that I could draw normal household power for other devices if necessary. Most of the time it was enough to charge, but the good feeling of being prepared for anything always came with it. With this setup, supplemented by ramps and a tow rope in the lower compartment, I basically always had everything I needed for the next adventure.
I am adding the specific product links (some advertising/affiliate) here Brevity.
See you soon and always have a good trip,
your Tussy 💛