Used, abused, fettled and fiddled

Been away in the van a few times now and learned a few lessons. First off it is much more comfortable that the T4, very little road noise either. The bed occasionally squeaked when you went over a bump but I have cured this with a couple of rubber feet cut from an old rubber car mat. These go under the front legs. I have also fitted a heavy duty 12v trailing socket which I am much happier with than the usual car accessory one. I have had to buy some meatier magnets for the blinds, they now hold really well. The JK front exterior blinds are a bit skimpy in their cut in my view, they are ok but only just. I am glad that I haven't bothered with a kick board under the seat. I use three crates under here, it's not beautiful but it is practical.

The double front seat is great:

• we can all sit up front, 2 adults one child one little dog
• you don't have to faf with the belts when you set up the bed
• you can afford to be less precious about storing stuff in the back (although you need enough space to sit and make/drink tea)
• the folded seat with the kitchen top on it makes a great table
• or a seat for kids with a rug
• or storage for our clothing holdalls at night
• there is loads of space underneath for storage

There is less room under and behind the rear seat than with the bluebird seat in the T4 but the cannons forge sits further back so there is a little bit more floor space.

The rear o/s bumper has gently kissed a brick wall. This has led me to the colour coding debate. I have smoothed it but the scrape is still there. I can get a new rear bumper through ebay for £100 (£190 from dealer!). Colour coding is £250 min plus I'll need a protector for the rear bumper. Coding looks good but the bare plastic doesn't offend me.

Then there is the suspension. I'm too old to be a boy racer but would prefer a lower stance and less wallow. I am considering H&R springs. The wheels will stay until the tyres are worn out.