This well-preserved Mercedes T2 fire truck (built in 1992) is currently being transformed into a camper for 2–3 people and two large dogs. The conversion is being done in stages and is now roughly halfway: the interior is fully insulated, windows have been installed, and the walls are clad. There’s already a rear bed for the first summer adventures, and the partition between living and sleeping areas offers a glimpse of the materials and style to come.
The special thing about a build like this is that a lot of work on the vehicle shell comes first before the interior can even begin. For example, all firefighting add-ons were removed, the roller doors were taken out, their mechanisms removed and the individual slats cleaned. The checker plate on the roof was also removed, many holes were closed, and then it was reinstalled and sealed.
Since this will be a winter-capable camper, the roller doors were permanently sealed so the vehicle can be properly insulated and clad from the inside. From the outside, the classic fire brigade look is preserved. The rear roller doors were partly converted into hatches that provide access to the storage under the bed without disrupting the original roller-door appearance.
A level substructure was built on the floor and the cavities were insulated. Ribs were added to the walls as a base for future cladding and windows. Between them, 19–30 mm Armaflex insulation was installed, and various sheet-metal seams in the corners were protected with corrosion grease.
For light and fresh air, the vehicle received three large real-glass windows from Outbound: one on each side and one at the rear. These windows feel far nicer than standard camper windows, and with a 7.5‑ton gross vehicle weight, the extra weight is acceptable.
You can find more current progress updates on my Instagram profile.