The Self Build Thread
Discussion
Good morning!
I’ve been tenting for a good few years now at festivals, sporting events and as a good way to see places I wouldn’t usually see. I’ve never really been a fan of caravans (sorry!), the biggest reason being that I’ve nowhere to store one.
Then one day I sat in a VW T5 California. What a difference! Having the freedom of camping but with a few creature comforts and close to the performance of a car really appealed. The problem is, I can’t nearly begin to afford one! That’s what got be in to thinking of building my own…
So I thought I’d start a thread to share ideas, pictures and stories from those who have gone through the self-build experience and come out the other side (for better or for worse!), and for those who are thinking of starting a build themselves.
All the best,
TAG
I’ve been tenting for a good few years now at festivals, sporting events and as a good way to see places I wouldn’t usually see. I’ve never really been a fan of caravans (sorry!), the biggest reason being that I’ve nowhere to store one.
Then one day I sat in a VW T5 California. What a difference! Having the freedom of camping but with a few creature comforts and close to the performance of a car really appealed. The problem is, I can’t nearly begin to afford one! That’s what got be in to thinking of building my own…
So I thought I’d start a thread to share ideas, pictures and stories from those who have gone through the self-build experience and come out the other side (for better or for worse!), and for those who are thinking of starting a build themselves.
All the best,
TAG
Here’s my story to kick things off. I must stress that I haven’t yet built my van so it might be a bit of an anti-climax. It’s more of an ongoing project that I’m hoping time and funds will allow in the near future. It won’t stop me from planning though!
So what am I going to use it for? Well, for a start it needs to be reasonably practical. I ride a motorbike most days so it won’t get as much use as a car usually would but I’ll still need to use it for work on occasion. I plan plenty of trips to Europe and around the UK, and, ideally would like to lug the bike about in the back for occasional trackdays.
Which van? The idea of having a newer van with modern mechanicals appeals, which for me ruled out buying a ready converted Mazda Bongo or older VW conversion. I’ve enough unreliable vehicles already! Both the T5 and the Mercedes Vito seem to be the benchmark vans for this type of conversion, and are also the most expensive. Which has got me thinking a bit left-field. There are loads of Vivaro/Trafic/Primastar’s out there and plenty of quality conversions. A bit big though? I’d have to park the van on street and use it for work. I’m currently leaning toward other mid-size vans such as the Nissan NV200 and Fiat Scudo (LWB to fit the bike).
The body. I know I won’t be happy crouching so standing space is a must. High-roof vans and a high roof conversion are out for the reasons I’ve already mentioned, so that leaves the elevating roof. Not sure if they’re available for the NV200 or Scudo though? It’s likely to be my biggest expense other than the van as I don’t fancy fitting it myself. As for windows etc I don’t want to chop the van about too much so would look for a van with side windows already fitted, so maybe an old crew van or similar would be a good idea.
The interior. I’ve thought long and hard about having bathroom facilities in a van. My OH has a much better standard of hygiene than I do! I’ve come to the conclusion though that size and manoeuvrability are more important as we’re likely to be travelling to sites with reasonable sanitation. Looking at completed conversions there seem to be loads of options for layout; side conversions, rear conversions etc. For this size of van, and my bike-lugging plans, then a side conversion seems the best option with a removable rock and roll bed (or just sleep in the roof?). Got to find the right balance between opulence and practicality!
That leaves fittings, electrics (got to have a leisure battery and mains), gas, heating and plumbing to consider. There are a few conversion companies local to me that I can go and have a chat to. I’m not sure at this stage how much of the work I’ll do myself and what I’ll leave to the professionals.
Well, that’s where I’m up to. I’ll let you know when/if I get any further.
TAG
So what am I going to use it for? Well, for a start it needs to be reasonably practical. I ride a motorbike most days so it won’t get as much use as a car usually would but I’ll still need to use it for work on occasion. I plan plenty of trips to Europe and around the UK, and, ideally would like to lug the bike about in the back for occasional trackdays.
Which van? The idea of having a newer van with modern mechanicals appeals, which for me ruled out buying a ready converted Mazda Bongo or older VW conversion. I’ve enough unreliable vehicles already! Both the T5 and the Mercedes Vito seem to be the benchmark vans for this type of conversion, and are also the most expensive. Which has got me thinking a bit left-field. There are loads of Vivaro/Trafic/Primastar’s out there and plenty of quality conversions. A bit big though? I’d have to park the van on street and use it for work. I’m currently leaning toward other mid-size vans such as the Nissan NV200 and Fiat Scudo (LWB to fit the bike).
The body. I know I won’t be happy crouching so standing space is a must. High-roof vans and a high roof conversion are out for the reasons I’ve already mentioned, so that leaves the elevating roof. Not sure if they’re available for the NV200 or Scudo though? It’s likely to be my biggest expense other than the van as I don’t fancy fitting it myself. As for windows etc I don’t want to chop the van about too much so would look for a van with side windows already fitted, so maybe an old crew van or similar would be a good idea.
The interior. I’ve thought long and hard about having bathroom facilities in a van. My OH has a much better standard of hygiene than I do! I’ve come to the conclusion though that size and manoeuvrability are more important as we’re likely to be travelling to sites with reasonable sanitation. Looking at completed conversions there seem to be loads of options for layout; side conversions, rear conversions etc. For this size of van, and my bike-lugging plans, then a side conversion seems the best option with a removable rock and roll bed (or just sleep in the roof?). Got to find the right balance between opulence and practicality!
That leaves fittings, electrics (got to have a leisure battery and mains), gas, heating and plumbing to consider. There are a few conversion companies local to me that I can go and have a chat to. I’m not sure at this stage how much of the work I’ll do myself and what I’ll leave to the professionals.
Well, that’s where I’m up to. I’ll let you know when/if I get any further.
TAG
http://www.campervanconversion.co.uk/ quick google search should have all the ideas and info you need on it
I converted a T4 a couple of years ago as I wanted something for towing and staying at circuits. I wasn't bothered about bathrooms and ultimately decided that a sink and ccoker were unnecessary as we'd plan to use a drive away awning and had a little worktop on top of the fridge for a camp bistro cooker for tea etc in an emergency (ie in bed 
)
I chose the T4 because I couldn't afford a T5 and for resale (although I planned to keep it forever), as well as ease of finding parts for the conversion and a good "scene" so plenty of others have gone the same route. It was also a Syncro as we had plans to go to North Africa. (An ex-Transco van with 59k in baby blue
)
I got a professional to do the roof, side windows and after talking prices line and carpet it. Got an RIB bed as they're crash tested and getting 3 point belts in a van is a PITA as the caravelles have reinforced mounting points. After failing to get anything done on the electrics front I also used a firm to do the leisure battery and 240v hookup. I got the same firm to fit an Eberspacher diesel heater as by that stage I'd decided against a cooker and couldn't be bothered with the storage required for a gas tank (and decided not to rely on electric hookup for heat).
I then built the side unit so it sat level with the 3/4 bed, and housed a Waeco fridge behind the driver's seat. The fridge was in a black gloss Ikea unit with a drawer and a solid oak worktop (I had a couple of old shelves kicking about...) That meant we had a full width bed for us and the pop top roof for miniBill and planned sibling.
Then the stork had a BOGOF offer and planned sibling turned out to be plural...
So rather than rip it all apart to fit 3 seats in the back, and after vast amounts of umming and ahhing over refitting a double passenger seat, we sold up. Given I fitted it out without thinking about the expense, and paid over the odds for a low mile 4x4 van we did ok on the sale price too, which is also a benefit of T4s IMO.
)I chose the T4 because I couldn't afford a T5 and for resale (although I planned to keep it forever), as well as ease of finding parts for the conversion and a good "scene" so plenty of others have gone the same route. It was also a Syncro as we had plans to go to North Africa. (An ex-Transco van with 59k in baby blue
)I got a professional to do the roof, side windows and after talking prices line and carpet it. Got an RIB bed as they're crash tested and getting 3 point belts in a van is a PITA as the caravelles have reinforced mounting points. After failing to get anything done on the electrics front I also used a firm to do the leisure battery and 240v hookup. I got the same firm to fit an Eberspacher diesel heater as by that stage I'd decided against a cooker and couldn't be bothered with the storage required for a gas tank (and decided not to rely on electric hookup for heat).
I then built the side unit so it sat level with the 3/4 bed, and housed a Waeco fridge behind the driver's seat. The fridge was in a black gloss Ikea unit with a drawer and a solid oak worktop (I had a couple of old shelves kicking about...) That meant we had a full width bed for us and the pop top roof for miniBill and planned sibling.
Then the stork had a BOGOF offer and planned sibling turned out to be plural...
So rather than rip it all apart to fit 3 seats in the back, and after vast amounts of umming and ahhing over refitting a double passenger seat, we sold up. Given I fitted it out without thinking about the expense, and paid over the odds for a low mile 4x4 van we did ok on the sale price too, which is also a benefit of T4s IMO.
Hi TAG!
It sounds like you have the same idea as me! Ive never been a great fan of caravans either, purely for the reason that they don't give you the same kind of freedom that a campervan does. You have to plan ahead and hook it up.
Im new on PH but have started a thread about a VW T25 that ive picked up this weekend. It has a little twist to it in that my dad owned it 20 years ago and ive found it again but not looking its best I have to say.
It wont have the same power or luxuries that a T4/T5 have but that doesnt bother me at all.
Here's my link if you want to have a look. Its in the very early stages! I dont have any mechanic qualifications, only knowledge of tinkering with cars over the last 10 years - oh, and a haynes manual!
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I hope you find what your looking for! Good luck
It sounds like you have the same idea as me! Ive never been a great fan of caravans either, purely for the reason that they don't give you the same kind of freedom that a campervan does. You have to plan ahead and hook it up.
Im new on PH but have started a thread about a VW T25 that ive picked up this weekend. It has a little twist to it in that my dad owned it 20 years ago and ive found it again but not looking its best I have to say.
It wont have the same power or luxuries that a T4/T5 have but that doesnt bother me at all.
Here's my link if you want to have a look. Its in the very early stages! I dont have any mechanic qualifications, only knowledge of tinkering with cars over the last 10 years - oh, and a haynes manual!
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I hope you find what your looking for! Good luck
egor110 said:
Angry Gopher- how come you think bongos are unreliable?
Had mine 8 years, never broke down never not passed it's mot.
Just replace the hoses, radiator, waterpump and that's the cooling sorted then 2 oil changes a year and that will keep it running sweet.
I certainly don't think Bongos are unreliable, they're really the benchmark for a compact and reliable camper. It's just that with my budget I'd be looking at a late nineties/early noughties van which is more likely to have high mileage and a few age related problems. Had mine 8 years, never broke down never not passed it's mot.
Just replace the hoses, radiator, waterpump and that's the cooling sorted then 2 oil changes a year and that will keep it running sweet.
Vanagon - following with interest! Good luck with the rebuild, have you set yourself a goal for when you want to have it finished by?
Bill - have you any pics of the T4 in camper guise before it was sold?
Merlin28 said:
http://www.campervanconversion.co.uk/ quick google search should have all the ideas and info you need on it
I know there's nowhere to store a motorbike but I'm seriously impressed with Shurm's Peugeot Bipper conversion. I'm amazed at how much you can fit in to a small van, it's compact and extremely well finished. Might have to have a rethink and get a trailer for the bike...The Angry Gopher said:
Vanagon - following with interest! Good luck with the rebuild, have you set yourself a goal for when you want to have it finished by?
Thanks - I may need it! I've set myself a goal of 3-4 months to have it roadworthy (engine repairs, welding and respray, windows back in, gear stick repaired) but not set an overall timescale to get it fully kitted out. I've only got evenings and saturday mornings free to work on it at the moment so its a case of how much progress I can make and what surprises I find as i'm sure they'll crop up!Vanagon said:
It sounds like you have the same idea as me! Ive never been a great fan of caravans either, purely for the reason that they don't give you the same kind of freedom that a campervan does. You have to plan ahead and hook it up.
Hi there and welcome to PH. I'm interested in your thoughts behind that statement. Being a committed caravanner, I think the polar opposite to that. Once I get to where I'm going, I have the freedom to come and go where I please with the prime mover. With a camper, you are stuck where you pitch unless you pack up each time. I'm struggling to see where a camper van gives you more freedom than a caravan, especially when you see hundreds of camper vans on the M5 all towing Smart/Yaris/Aygo things.
I converted my Delica a couple of years ago. It has been great. I'm going to strip it out and do a more professional conversion with a rock n roll bed at some point but this is great for my and my 3 year old to go wild camping and green laning. http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
My father and I (Mostly my father but I did make plenty of tea, fetch tools etc) did a homebuild conversion about 15 years ago. We got a low mileage LWB Fiat Ducato, high roof already in place and perfectly fine for anyone upto 6'. We went the whole hog and ended up with a 3 birth wagon with toilet, shower and full kitchen (hob, oven, fridge etc) to the rear of the van.
It's about a million times more work than you think but ultimately very satisfying when complete.
It's about a million times more work than you think but ultimately very satisfying when complete.
Tyre Smoke said:
Hi there and welcome to PH. I'm interested in your thoughts behind that statement. Being a committed caravanner, I think the polar opposite to that. Once I get to where I'm going, I have the freedom to come and go where I please with the prime mover. With a camper, you are stuck where you pitch unless you pack up each time. I'm struggling to see where a camper van gives you more freedom than a caravan, especially when you see hundreds of camper vans on the M5 all towing Smart/Yaris/Aygo things.
Hi Tyre Smoke and thanks I totally understand where your coming from on that - leaving the caravan somewhere, not having to pack everything up and just setting off, its a lot easier (and dryer I suspect in this country!) With a camper, if you decide to go somewhere for the day and want to stay longer, everything is already with you, whereas with a caravan, it would still be at home. I suppose it depends on the purpose its bought for. Ive been going to silverstone, santapod and other events for the last 4 years so the car and tent just stay in one place the entire time. Still probably easier to have a caravan but I just love VW campers!
remember the one at Spa?
smoked most things on track, hilarious! anyone have the link?
eta link, this is from inside but there's one with footage from the outside & it looks bog std. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsaBYyjhHuo
smoked most things on track, hilarious! anyone have the link?
eta link, this is from inside but there's one with footage from the outside & it looks bog std. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsaBYyjhHuo
Edited by Pvapour on Thursday 28th June 10:15
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