Archie & Georgia – Roadtrip Ready Co.
Archie & Georgia’s journey so far
Archie and Georgia purchased a used 2014 Mercedes Sprinter they found on eBay, located near Birmingham. Previously used for light office removals, the van was in excellent condition with low mileage, making it the perfect foundation for their project. After some debate over a name, they affectionately dubbed it Vaniel.
What started as a fun evening and weekend project building a van for a European road trip, quickly became a passion. They found themselves thoroughly enjoying the process, and as their build took shape, the overwhelmingly positive response from others inspired them to take things further. Encouraged by the enthusiasm and interest their work generated, they decided to turn their newfound passion into a business, launching Roadtrip Ready Co. to help others bring their van life dreams to reality.
What inspired the design of your van?
We wanted our van to feel less like a vehicle and more like a home. That meant prioritising comfort, practicality, and a layout that made day-to-day life effortless. A full-sized kitchen with a high-capacity fridge makes cooking easy, a fixed bed means no setting up every night, and a spacious shower adds a touch of convenience after a long day outdoors. There’s also an open living area and even a wardrobe, because storage matters when you’re on the road. We kept the design clean and minimal, choosing white finishes with matte black and oak accents for a modern but warm feel.
More than anything, the design was shaped by how we wanted to use the space. Waking up next to a mountain river and sliding open the door to take in the view. Heading out for a long walk, knowing a hot shower is waiting after. Spending an afternoon stretched out on the sofa, the sound of flowing water in the background. Then, as the evening cools, cooking dinner, setting up the projector, and winding down with a film. For us, the van isn’t just about travel, it’s about having a space that makes every journey feel like home.
The projector set up in Vaniel.
Van Tour
Welcome to the van tour! In this section, you’ll get an inside look at the unique features and thoughtful design of Archie and Georgia’s van, the beginning of their adventure with Road Trip Ready Co. Every detail has been carefully planned to make life on the road as comfortable and practical as possible. From clever use of space to functional layouts, you can see why they’ve launched a business dedicated to helping others experience the freedom of van life.
Bed
The bed in Vaniel is a standout feature, designed for both comfort and convenience. It’s mounted on an electric bed lift, meaning there’s no need to make it up every day. With the simple push of a button, the bed lifts up, creating a spacious lounge that just as easily comes down at the end of a long day full of adventure.
Bathroom
The bathroom is located at the back of the van, which is a unique setup you don’t often see. It includes:
- A pull out Simploo composting toilet
- Spacious shower
- Shower curtain for privacy
- Maxfann for ventilation
Lounge
The lounge area features a spacious L-shaped seating arrangement, creating a comfortable spot to relax. They’ve mounted the table on a Lagun mount, making it easy to adjust and perfect for enjoying meals or working while taking in the views through the sliding door. It’s a versatile space that’s both cozy and practical for everyday use.
Kitchen
The kitchen is designed for both functionality and convenience, a practical space that makes cooking on the road easy, without sacrificing any of the essentials. Featuring:
- Thetford triplex oven, hob and grill
- Plenty of storage
- Dometic cooker hood
- Sink and tap
What challenges did you face?
We ran into an issue early on while installing our first window. We quickly learned that we needed to apply primer to both the van and the window for it to stick properly!
Why did you choose to use Nohma?
The biggest advantage of using Nohma has been the ongoing support. Our engineer, Paul, has been incredibly helpful, answering our questions and troubleshooting any issues along the way. Anyone diving into a van conversion will know how overwhelming the electrical system can be at first. While there are plenty of great resources out there, having expert guidance made all the difference.
Being able to customise our system to fit our exact needs and have everything sourced for us was a huge help. Our design included multiple electrical appliances and an electric bed lift, so having professional advice on power requirements and cable gauges gave us confidence that everything was set up safely and efficiently. The ongoing support has been invaluable, making the whole process much smoother.
Components used in Archie and Georgia’s electrical system ⚡️
They’ve uniquely installed the electrical system at the back of the van, making it easy to access and maintain. Inside, the control panels for the Truma heater, MaxxFan, and water levels are conveniently located. Allowing you to adjust everything with ease. The layout ensures that all the key systems are simple to monitor and control, making it practical and user-friendly for life on the road.