FOR SALE - Cuppa & MrsTea’s Nissan Civilian - SOLD

Any caravans, campervans or motorhomes can be placed here with photos.
Cuppa
Posts: 430
Joined: Fri May 31, 2013 3:41 pm

FOR SALE - Cuppa & MrsTea’s Nissan Civilian - SOLD

Post by Cuppa »

A very comfortable motorhome built for extended free camping.

‘Nonny’ will go on sale in the near future. We have decided to rationalise vehicles & intend to tow a Tvan behind our Nissan Patrol.

I’ll probably put it up on Ebay within the next couple of weeks if no interest from here (or Aussie MotorHomes forum.). If you or some you know is interested, drop me a PM or give me a ring on 0429 966135

A valuation for Agreed Value Insurance less than two weeks ago put $45k on it.
Our asking price is $36500 ono

Ballarat area, Vic.
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We have owned this vehicle for 11 years. (I feel guilty just writing this, it’s like putting a member of the family up for sale!). When fitting it out the primary aims were to achieve a sense of spaciousness whilst keeping it ‘homely’, unlike many of the ‘clinical’ white melamine full height conversions we saw which made us feel overly cramped. We also wanted good air flow for use in hot climates, a comfortable bed & a good fridge (having experienced a gas fridge which would defrost on anything other than a level site). Fit out was completed in 2007. We believe we succeeded in our aims. In 2008 & 2009 we drove the bus around Australia for an extended 18 month trip of a lifetime. Since then we have only used it for occasional long weekends. Nevertheless every time we climb aboard there is the sense of ‘coming home. We will miss ‘Nonny’ (short for Anonybus) but we now have new plans & no longer need ‘her’.

Vehicle Details

- 1989 7 metre (Long Wheelbase) Nissan Civilian Motorhome. ED33 diesel motor. Manual gearbox with splitter box (giving 10 speed - 5 high & 5 low ratios)

- Vehicle has done 196,305 kilometres but motor was replaced with an identical low kilometre Japanese import engine at 183,396 kilometres. Good strong motor, runs well. A new clutch & water pump were fitted at the same time.

- Oil (Penrite) & filters changed every 5000kms. (Several spare oil, fuel & air filters will go with bus, plus belts, hoses, a new in box water pump & various other useful bits & pieces).

- Registered until June 2015. RWC will be supplied.

External

- Resprayed in 2012. No rust except for a tiny spot at the very rear of the gutter on each side. Not a major issue.

- All new leaf springs & suspension bushes approximately 1000kms ago.

- AGM Optima Yellowtop starter batteries.

- Alloy Bullbar

- Aluminium mesh windscreen protector & sunshade

- Towbar

- Adjustable Koni Shock absorbers all round

- 7 good Michelin Tyres (Spare unused) - note the load capacity of each tyre is sufficient alone per axle , thus with the rear duals & the spare, this essentially gives three ‘spares', reassuring in the more remote areas.

- Onboard air compressor (USA made Thomas) with air tank mounted under floor - air outlets to front & rear.

- Two swing out jerry can holders - fit onto rear bumper (not fitted in photos).

- Rear vision camera

- Several external 12v sockets

- Insect proof metal mesh on windows & screen door (also provide privacy).

- Awning - Aussie Traveller ‘Coolabah - 6 metres.

Driving Cab

- Surfaces trimmed with padded velour (doesn’t burn in hot climate like the original vinyl does)

- Sheepskin seat covers & Steering wheel cover

- DVD/MP3/Disc Player + 6 x 9 Alpine speakers.

- UHF radio (CB 40 channel)

- iPod holder/transmitter

- Satellite Navigator (Mio).

- Noise suppression foam lining inside engine compartment.

Kitchen

- Smev 3 burner gas hob/oven griller - with optional glass lid.

- Smev Sink with mixer tap.

- Under bench rubbish bin (auto lift up lid).

- Vitrifrigo 133 litre fridge freezer (with remote Danfoss compressor).

- Full height pantry with slide out baskets.

- A good amount of bench space for food preparation.

- Cutlery & utensil drawer & further storage spaces for cookware & crockery.

Water

- Shurflo ‘Whisper King pressure pump (auto)

- Sigmar Marine hot water service - 20 litres - calorifier type - heats water using engine heat as you drive. Stays hot up to 3 days depending upon ambient temperatures. Also has 240v element.

- 2 x 80 litre interconnected water tanks - each can be isolated in case of damage. Stone protection in front & underneath.

- 2 x external taps (one hot)

-Electronic water level indicator (LED readout)

- Water capacity lasts us around 10 days we have stretched it out to 2 weeks on occasions - but everyone’s use is different.

- You will note we don’t have an interior shower. We use a shower tent (or not) outside - depending upon the need for modesty. When deciding if wanted an interior shower or not - we decided
in favour of spaciousness having found that many folk use their shower space as a ‘dumping ground’ for ’stuff’. As we favour bush camps we find ourselve camped alone more often than not.

Electrical
3 separate systems.
Dual cable throughout. (ie. chassis not used as earth). Particular attention paid to cable dimensions to avoid voltage drop issues.

This power setup is well proven. We did not require mains power or generator use during 18 months full-time ‘on the road’. We did buy a generator, but never needed it.
the following descriptions may sound complex, but in reality it is a ’no worry’ setup.


Electrical System 1

'Stand-alone' solar system.
3 x 125w solar panels -12volt
Morningstar Tristar 45 amp regulator with optional LCD readout & temperature compensation.
2 x 150amp/hour Fullriver AGM batteries
300w pure sinewave inverter (Powertech) - (connected to wall socket in kitchen) - gives 240 volt from batteries for kitchen appliances.
12v power outlets
1 x 12v Ctek multistage mains 'smart' charger built in
'Blue Seas' circuit breakers

Electrical System 2

Solar system + charging from vehicle alternator
2 x 60w solar panels -24volt
Steca PR1010 solar regulator with LCD readout
2 x 90amp/hour Fullriver AGM batteries paralleled to @x Optima Start batteries via 2 way Redarc Voltage Sensitive Relay (SBI24D)
GSL 24v to 12v converter
1 x 24v Ctek multistage mains 'smart' charger built in.
150w pure sinewave inverter (Powertech) - 240v for audio visual appliances.

Electrical System 3

240v 'shore' power.
Safety switch/Circuit breaker
Two double power points. (double pole) .
Electrical safety certificate.

In the unlikely event that your batteries are running low & sunshine is insufficient, plugging in to mains power will recharge them. When vehicle is not in use it can be parked undercover & the batteries automatically looked after.

In addition there is also a 24 to 12 volt converter in the driving cab providing power for accessories & a third 180 watt pure sine inverter (Victron Phoenix) (used for powering laptops etc).

AudioVisual

At the rear of the ‘house’ is a second head unit - A Pioneer DVD/Ipod/Disc player - has a long range ZCA Marine Antenna on roof. (Folds flat). This will play both music & video from disc or iPod.
Alpine Speakers.
15” LCD Tv - Hidden in rear cupboard when not in use. Swings out on bracket when cupboard open.
Satellite Receiver. Portable satellite dish & stand, cables & signal meter (audio & led) will be included in sale.

Storage

Heaps of storage space. Most lower cupboards make maximum use of space utilising the Elfa sliding basket system.
Overhead cupboards
Underbench cupboards
Under seat storage
Under bed Storage
Boot
Side bin (doubles as drop down external table)
Pole carrier on front bullbar
Even has a secret lockable spot for valuables.

Lighting

Extensive lighting - all LED - allows optimum lighting depending upon activity.

Gas

2 x 3.7kg gas bottles
Gas compliance certificate
We have found one bottle will last us 6 to 8 weeks in full time use, depending upon how much we use the oven.

Roof Hatches

2 x Roof hatches
Front hatch - FanTastic with thermostically controlled fan (reversible direction).
Rear Hatch Dometic Midi Heki. - With sliding insect screen & block out screen.

Even in situations when the mozzies or sandflies are on the attack outside windows & doors can be open, & the hatches allow heat to escape.
With all windows & doors shut, good airflow is still possible with the hatches open & the hatch fan running.
The hatch fan also doubles as an extractor fan to get rid of cooking smells as it is above the stove.

Curtains & Blind

‘4 seasons’ curtains & Holland Blind do a great job of keeping a lot of heat out.
Together with the pelmets & the block-out screen on the roof hatch do an excellent job of keeping the light in at night. For us this was an important consideration regarding a sense of safety. On the occasions we have needed to camp alongside a road, it is reassuring to not be ‘advertising’ our presence to every passing vehicle.
There are curtains which close of the driving cab too.

Insulation

The combination of the curtains, good air flow, roof insulation (I replaced the original (& highly flammable) roof insulation with aircell insulation), heat reflective paint on the roof , & the solar panels creating a ’tropical roof’ have resulted in a cosy vehicle in cool weather & a comfortable space when the weather heats up. Walls are not insulated as to do so holds in the heat in hot climates.

Toilet

Portapotti on a roll out platform. Can be use inside or out.

No grey water tank, we use a bucket with a sealable lid when required.

It has vehicle air con ducted along the length of the bus behind the overhead cupboards (insulated) & into the cab, but it is currently disconnected. Belts & idler pulley removed.With those parts replaced (I have them) it works ok, except the fan on one side seems weak. I suspect it may have a damaged blade from when I dropped a screw during the fit out! :blush: Access to the fan unit is via the boot.

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Last edited by Cuppa on Wed Oct 08, 2014 5:17 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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T1 Terry
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Re: FOR SALE - Cuppa & MrsTea’s Nissan Civilian

Post by T1 Terry »

I can't believe you are putting Nonny on the market Cuppa, after all the work you put into building it just the way you wanted. I'm guessing Nonny's lack of off road ability is the reason, the 4 x 4 bug has bitten deep.
Good luck with the sale

T1 Terry
A person may fail many times, they only become a failure when they blame someone else John Burrows
If we have data, let’s look at data. If all we have are opinions, let’s go with mine. – Jim Barksdale, former Netscape CEO
Cuppa
Posts: 430
Joined: Fri May 31, 2013 3:41 pm

Re: FOR SALE - Cuppa & MrsTea’s Nissan Civilian

Post by Cuppa »

Thanks Terry,
Yep certainly hasn’t been an easy decision. (Understatement!).
Civilians & Coasters (& Mazdas I expect) will go where lots of other motorhomes won’t, & still hold together. Their ground clearance & solid build gives them an advantage over many purpose built motorhomes (probaby why they are so popular). But yes they do have their limits when compared to a high clearance 4wd.
To be honest I’m not into the ‘hero’ side of 4x4ing, given a choice I’ll always take the easier route, but we do enjoy having camp spots to ourselves, & increasingly that means having to go more ‘remote’.
Cuppa
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Joined: Fri May 31, 2013 3:41 pm

Re: FOR SALE - Cuppa & MrsTea’s Nissan Civilian

Post by Cuppa »

Sold, pending payment.
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Dot
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Location: Strathalbyn SA

Re: FOR SALE - Cuppa & MrsTea’s Nissan Civilian

Post by Dot »

Well done cuppa but bet you shed a tear or two
Queen of the Banal & OT chatter and proud of it. If it offends you then tough titty titty bang bang.
Cuppa
Posts: 430
Joined: Fri May 31, 2013 3:41 pm

Re: FOR SALE - Cuppa & MrsTea’s Nissan Civilian

Post by Cuppa »

You’re not wrong Dot. Right now I’m feeling both pleased & a little relieved. But it’ll be different when it comes to parting. I did just about everything in Nonny, only thing I farmed out was the seat upholstery. Learned an awful lot in the process. The couple buying it are new retirees, & the wait is for his super payout to hit their bank account, having already put a $5k ‘holding deposit’ into my account a couple of days ago. He said that they have been looking for sometime, but hadn’t liked any layouts enough to go & view any until they saw ours. Quite gratifying really. They drove 800kms today to look & are driving home again tomorrow. I got my asking price less $500 as no roadworthy was needed & I will deliver it to them.

If anyone is interested - I posted the ad on about half a dozen different forums & a Facebook ‘Rv’s for sale’ site. These all drew nice comments but no potential buyers. The number of lookers in iMotorhome e-magazine was disappointingly low at just 14 & no response (Not surprising really given the way their software re-formatted my ad into continuous block of text). 6 days ago I advertised on Gumtree & Ebay & got 4 responses within a couple of days, including our buyers.
Mrcoolabah1au
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Re: FOR SALE - Cuppa & MrsTea’s Nissan Civilian

Post by Mrcoolabah1au »

How the shed project going ???
Coolabah1au
Wayne nini
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T1 Terry
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Re: FOR SALE - Cuppa & MrsTea’s Nissan Civilian

Post by T1 Terry »

Congratulation Cuppa, was it Gumtree or Evil Bay that found you the buyer? They certainly got value for money but selling a converted motorhome s always harder than selling a factory built one so you always loose money. You both had a great trip around Aust in Nonny so the value of that added to the $36,000 eases the financial pain.... but loosing a member of the family will be hard.
I thought about selling Kombi once and even the thought of it shook me up that much I realised I'd have to take it with us as a toad, we just share too many memories
A person may fail many times, they only become a failure when they blame someone else John Burrows
If we have data, let’s look at data. If all we have are opinions, let’s go with mine. – Jim Barksdale, former Netscape CEO
Cuppa
Posts: 430
Joined: Fri May 31, 2013 3:41 pm

Re: FOR SALE - Cuppa & MrsTea’s Nissan Civilian

Post by Cuppa »

Gumtree was the one Terry, but whilst free, there is a restriction on word count, so I made a link to further info I’d put on my web domain. Our buyers aren’t too computer savvy, & didn’t know how to copy & paste a url, but then found our ad on ebay which had the full info. (Classified ad - $20 for 28 days), so both played there part. I’m leaving both up until we get the money into our account, but will advise any further enquirers of the sold status pending payment. Ebay got about 3 page views to each two on Gumtree. Two enquiries from each.

If we take the cost of rego & insurance out of the equation we reckon ownership has probably cost us around $2000 a year all up & as you say included a great trip around the country, as well as several shorter trips, a temporary home for MrsTea to live in for several months during our moving process to here,& 3 years of fun to keep me occupied whilst fitting it out. Another intangible but of very high value ownership has given us is the network of all the great people we can now call friends. So even though we paid too much in the first place (before we realised we had bought a crap conversion & decided to rip it all out) I reckon we’ve definitely had good value out of it.

Given the current secondhand vehicle market, especially as you say, for self converted motorhomes, I’m still pinching myself to make sure I’m not dreaming, it all seems to have happened somuch easier than I thought it might, & not having to deal with the potential dramas a roadworthy can throw up is a bonus.

Hi Wayne, the shed project is only just getting under way. We now have a crossover to give vehicle access to the paddock, (no gate yet) & I am waiting for one more shed quote before applying for planning permission. We’ve changed from an American Barn style to a ‘normal’ shed with a single roller door (in the gable end), 12 metre span x 15 metres long & 3.7 metre wall height. (& 3.2 door clearance height.)
Cuppa
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Joined: Fri May 31, 2013 3:41 pm

Re: FOR SALE - Cuppa & MrsTea’s Nissan Civilian - SOLD

Post by Cuppa »

Payment hit my bank account this arvo. Just have to deliver it to Bega in NSW now.
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