Beesinger can you share some more info on the modular pod and the reclining euro bench? Would be interested in both! Thanks
sorry just see this. For some reason I never get notifications when somebody replies to my posts , may be a setting issue?
Anyways, right now we are exploring the import of the original European Vito w447 seats, that can either snap directly in our US factory seats or you swap out the us tracks for the European to be able to move the seats up and down . Import is expensive of these unless we would order in bulk. This has been discussed already by a lot of members on this forum and VADIM had some great advice based on his experience . Still working on it to see if mass import can be done with some of the usual suspects doing business with used seats in Germany (used meaning pretty much new as they come out of conversion vans)
An Alternative that we currently exploring is to see if the "Rock'n Roll bed could be an option when welded or bolted on the factory US seat / bench legs that snap into the existing (or alternatively European ) tracks. The problem is that most of the beds are only M1 tested (European pull & crash test) and it does not apply to the US. In order to have these safely & legally approved installed in the US, we would need to have them tested. Most likely crash tested in a Metris. Too expensive for me alone to handle but It can be an option for a much more cost effective alternative to the Reimo vario bench or the scopema benches that are currently get sold by outfitters. The Rockn roll beds don't need to come from the UK and could be produced here in the US to avoid expensive import cost. There there are plenty or plans available how to build these or you order one and reproduce. The upholstery can be done in any fabric or leather just like the other benches. Therefore matching the current fabric or leatherette design shouldn't be to hard.
Next the Pods. Currently working with a UK manufacturers to see if import is an option, better would be licensing the reproduction of these her in the US to keep the cost down.
See attached picture for reference. Also here as starter a good way could be to order half of a container space full of these and test it out. Could be a shipment combined with the seats mentioned above , pods, swivel adapters and some other parts.
As for the pop up roof, I would love one and I know its an option. But as long as the price is not dropping to something feasible here in the US I will not cut the Metris. Sinking 9-12K (depending on options & paint) is just not anything I can justify for creating a little weekender / camper that I want to use for some camp trips and mainly for hauling passengers.
Looking into an option to add a good looking roof tent to the camper for additional sleeping quarter. One idea we are tinkering around with is to offer a moon roof that becomes the entrance point for a longer than usual roof tent and a skirting option that blends in with the roof rack and Van body. Very much like the E camper concept from Ursa Minor, Santiego,CA if you are familiar with them . Difference is theirs are permanent mounted to the existing roof, ours would be attached to the roof rack and can be removed as needed.
I know these are ll big plants and I am by no means super eager to get into the conversion business without knowledge of body work or car mechanics. But being a German carpenter & Designer that has converted multiple vans for myself back in Germany and knowing the options , quality and cost difference between US and German conversions, I just cant justify to sink another 15- 25K into a Van that has cost me already around 30K! I think there should be alternatives for people that want to have a budget camper that still has all the creature comfort like a pimped out Marco Polo, has the same quality in materials and craftsmanship like a European camper van with a high amount of flexibility to convert the van back and forth how you need it.
So, I keep researching, developing and planing to hopefully have a that kind of van this summer
Attached are some of the options I described above. All researched from Germany and UK.