Our 2026 westfalia Sven Hedin campervan
- Thread starter Cgtmiles
- Start date
Some updates last weekend. Thule elite xt van bike rack. Had to adapt the installation a little as the instructions would have placed the lower fixing bar directly over the Sven Hedin sign, and we couldn’t have that 
also still playing with the height of the bike holder, which is adjustable in 3 positions (I think 1 higher and 1 lower than shown in this photo) to minimise the impact on the view out the rear view camera and the ability to open the window.
Also installed the voyage adventure vans thermal blinds. Great hand made things but I struggled a bit as our rubber seal didn’t hold well after installation. A slight tweak to close up the seal and fit some double sided tape and all was good
Also fitted the thermal insulation they make for the pop out
Bit difficult to see in the photo as it’s actually not out but again great fit.
Also cut a rug around the door
I have a runner on order which I’ll cut to fit down the corridor. People have reported that the rubber backing on some mats stains the light flooring so need to think about something to go under to protect. I was planning on tempting the area to have custom fitting carpets made so if I do this I could make a second template to leave down.
Finally, the van went to MAN in Waltham cross for a recall to update the software (issue where a pump runs constantly and drains the battery)
also still playing with the height of the bike holder, which is adjustable in 3 positions (I think 1 higher and 1 lower than shown in this photo) to minimise the impact on the view out the rear view camera and the ability to open the window.Also installed the voyage adventure vans thermal blinds. Great hand made things but I struggled a bit as our rubber seal didn’t hold well after installation. A slight tweak to close up the seal and fit some double sided tape and all was good
Also fitted the thermal insulation they make for the pop out
Bit difficult to see in the photo as it’s actually not out but again great fit.Also cut a rug around the door
I have a runner on order which I’ll cut to fit down the corridor. People have reported that the rubber backing on some mats stains the light flooring so need to think about something to go under to protect. I was planning on tempting the area to have custom fitting carpets made so if I do this I could make a second template to leave down.Finally, the van went to MAN in Waltham cross for a recall to update the software (issue where a pump runs constantly and drains the battery)
They were ok, all ordered via email but I think they are away now so that might be why you aren’t getting a quick responseSome nice updates. How did you find the communication with voyage adventure vans ? I've emailed them twice to order some thermal cab blinds but still no reply . I'll give them a call and see if they answer .
@Cgtmiles interesting how you've done your mats, we did very similar with Dunelm rubber backed mats cut to fit in a similar way however ours are not bound but do go in the washing machine and come out looking like new. After almost seven weeks in the van wandering France they will need it too!
I'm also interested to know what the width of the rear seat is in the Sven Hedin please. We have a factory original double front passengers seat fitted in the rear and would like to compare.
I'm also interested to know what the width of the rear seat is in the Sven Hedin please. We have a factory original double front passengers seat fitted in the rear and would like to compare.
So we have 2 sets now the unbound cut ones and the fitted bound ones, I think the unbound ones can go in the washing machine. I’m hoping that as we will use these on top we won’t need to worry about washing the fitted ones (which I think can be washed down but not machine washed). There is talk on the Sven Hedin group that the black rubber in most door mats stains the flooring hence why I wanted a better solution before we turn on our underfloor heating (1st world problems!)
the back is starting to remind me of my grandads morris marina saloon which had about 5 layers of mats to protect the carpets (which were never seen until the day it was scrapped probably)The rear bench is 91cm wide across the middle of the seat base. I don’t think we will ever have 2 people travelling in it and normally only 1 person lounging, for which it’s really comfortable, mostly due to its party trick where the base slides out and so the backrest reclines
You think maybe I should get some carpets to go on top? Just to protect the carpet protecting the carpet that’s protecting the carpet that’s protecting the carpetLooks neat and tidy . Haha yes that made me chuckle carpets to protect the carpet that protects the carpet underneath the carpet lol.
Thanks, I'll compare with ours. It's all due to the planning of another conversion!
Our current camper is a LWB and has a Truma 4E fitted under that seat.
Re the floor staining, our Dunelm mats haven't stained ours yet as far as I've seen, they've been in place for three seasons now, that's almost 300 nights camping and lots of daily use.