The “new normal” in Europe is imposing new ways of traveling and sightseeing. Among all the changes to come, a marked trend is already perceived by campers and motor homes. With this modality in full swing, the curious case of Steve Jones has been disclosed.
The British-born aerospace mechanic has converted the nacelle of an old jet engine that belonged to a Vickers VC10 into a four-bed Caravan Pod. The entire construction process is detailed on his Facebook page.
The Vickers jetliner, specifically number XV104, was in service with the Royal Air Force for 45 years. After 38,383 flight hours, the ship was decommissioned in 2012, and one of its propellers ended up in a junkyard owned by Jones.
VC10 Caravan Pod has a small but complete kitchen, with a hob, sink, and two gas burners, which sit on a fairly generous cabinet. It also has a dining room with a table and two continuous benches, which become a double bed. It also equips two other folding single beds and integrates sockets for small appliances. The clever use of space means there is enough room for four people to sleep inside.
Due to the round section, the most complicated part of the construction turned out to be the inner cladding. The engine opening was transformed into a huge window, so the cabin is not in short supply of natural light. There is also another window in the back, and the side half can be opened right in the dining area. The caravan pod weighs 1,300kg.
Jones, who served as a Junior Tech in the Royal Air Force for five years, estimates that it took roughly 1,000 hours to convert the jet turbine into a trailer. He spent only about £4,000 (about $5,180) on a 13-foot mobile caravan for himself and his family to use.
At the moment, Steve continues to modernize his camper and has no intention of selling it, although he admits that he has already received several offers from those interested in taking over his services.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Steve has not yet had the opportunity to test the VC10 Caravan Pod. Jones plans to get his converted caravan through the necessary regulations and safety tests so that he can start traveling with his family next year.
