Van tour: Sunny the Coaster family adventure vehicle

Have you and the family ever taken a trip that leaves you in wonder and awe? Well, picture doing it in the Harris’ family’s coaster. With many great inclusions, from a tidy little kitchen, the super cosy double bed and even a pop-top tent on the roof, ‘Sunny The Coaster’ will take you on an adventure. Did we mention that it's got a TV and a reversing camera? Read on to learn more about this stunning Coaster.

Meet the Harris Family

Hi there, Leasa Harris and my husband Chris Harris here. Together with our two young kiddies, we live in beautiful Port Macquarie located on the NSW east coast. We own a local business Salty Crew Kiosk on Town Beach. We joined Camplify a few months ago after hiring some awesome motorhomes through Camplify over the past year. We were blown away by the business model and what it offers. Having worked in the luxury resort and retreat industry for nearly 10 years, we are very much used to guests. Camplify reminded us of a small holiday home hire but on wheels with the flexibility to travel. It is a great way for people to experience camping/travelling without purchasing the van/gear etc. When we decided to purchase our own (as we loved It so much), we decided we wanted to share Sunny so that couples and families could have the same amazing experiences we’ve had when hiring the motorhomes through Camplify in the past.

Locally there are many caravan options available but limited motorhome/bus options when we were looking in the past so knew Sunny would be a popular option for hirers and it sure has been. The booking requests and bookings are filling up fast.

Why did you decide to go for a converted van and when did you get it?

We were inspired after hiring a motorhome last year through Camplify and a Coaster ended up on our vision board. It was initially a long term goal but with everything going on in the world we felt we wouldn’t be travelling overseas anytime soon. So we thought why wait? We had planned to purchase it in a year or two, but then Sunny popped up on a random site for sale. The universe aligned as the previous owner lives in Sydney but also grew up in Port Macquarie and went to the same high school, it was all meant to be.

The previous owner had done most of the actual fit out and believe it or not, it was exactly what we had planned to do! We only did a few cosmetic upgrades. We painted and added the finer touches and details.

How long did your van conversion take?

About a month from the purchase due to only having to make the cosmetic touches.

Coaster or motorhome?

Both are awesome but we would have to say Coaster all the way - we are a little biased! Haha!

What's one feature you would not compromise on?

Definitely super comfy bedding, a hot shower option and solar panels all the way. It’s so good to be self-sufficient and be able to travel off the grid.

Where did you go to find inspiration?

We jumped on our social platforms and followed pages that featured bus and van fit-outs and families travelling in buses around Australia. A favourite and where I personally got my original inspiration to purchase a Coaster was Jinti (@jinti_fell). They sold everything packed up and travelled in a Coaster for some time. I actually had their Coaster on our vision board.

What is one thing you wished you'd known before you started?

We originally purchased a Hyundai Van and fitted it out, amazing but not big enough for the family so we had to sell it a short time after. Make sure you take the time to purchase what will suit you, not just now but in the future as well.

What is one piece of advice you'd offer a first-time van renovator?

We were fortunate enough to have the bus fitted out and only had to make cosmetic changes. If you were doing a fit-out first time, research lots, follow social pages and watch/learn through videos. Also, opt for the quality fittings so they last (especially if you are looking at hiring out as we did).

What's something you wish you could change about your van?

To be honest, absolutely nothing we absolutely love it!

What is your funniest/best hirer story?

We only recently purchased Sunny and we’re only months into hiring out so haven’t got too many funny stories yet but we know there will be many to come. The best story so far would have to be last weekend when a lady and her daughters hired Sunny. She was so nervous about driving the Coaster on her own but overcome the fear and went for the challenge and absolutely loved it. She drove it down the highway from Port Macquarie to Forster. She said it was the best weekend away after a challenging year. They have already booked again for September! It gives us so much pleasure that we can hire Sunny out to guests just like this.

What's next for Sunny the Coaster and the Harris family?

We cannot wait to travel south. We have travelled north plenty of times but as soon as we can we will take off for a few weeks.

For the freedom seekers out there - you have the option to self-drive or we can set up for you at many stunning nearby locations on the Mid North Coast. Not sure where to go? We can suggest one of the many beautiful spots within our region.

Fully equipped and ready to go! We know you will have a memorable and fun adventure in our'Sunny Coaster’ 🚎🌴🌞

Check out their listing here.