Van to Camper

[Notshortnottall]

I (perhaps stupidly) bought a part converted van (LWB hi-top Vauxhall Movano) which I intended to convert into a camper.

I'm happy enough doing the full interior however I'm not keen on taking a grinder to the side panels to put windows in.

Does anyone know of any companies who specialise in this? Or has anyone done this and would be willing to do it for me in return for payment?

Many thanks

[B Huey]

I'd have thought any body shop should be able to do the work for you. Certainly worth asking.

[nagsheadwarrior]

Leisuredrive in Bolton or Nu Venture or Global Campers in Wigan, there are loads of others though.

[redgriff500]

I recently did my windows in my T4...

very simple with a bit of googling and air shears (no metal debris to rust)

[GranderTransit]

I had the windows on my T4 modified, I went to a windscreen guy. He did everything that was needed.

I have read that it is simple to do on a T4, but as this guy is a family friend, he fitted them for £40 quid more than I would have been able to buy them for, from TPS.

[Fastpedeller]

Apart from any mods you are making (because of them) I'm pretty sure you will also need to put the vehicle through an IVA inspection!

[Bill]

Fastpedeller said:

Apart from any mods you are making (because of them) I'm pretty sure you will also need to put the vehicle through an IVA inspection!

That's the first I've heard of it, and I took a panel van and converted it to a camper with pop top, rear seat and windows so I have looked into it.

[Fastpedeller]

Bill said:

Fastpedeller said:

Apart from any mods you are making (because of them) I'm pretty sure you will also need to put the vehicle through an IVA inspection!

That's the first I've heard of it, and I took a panel van and converted it to a camper with pop top, rear seat and windows so I have looked into it.

I've a feeling it's something to do with the description changing from van to motorhome? Also any extra seats and the seatbelt mountings (unless fitted by manufacturer) will require inspection.

[V8RX7]

Fastpedeller said:

I've a feeling it's something to do with the description changing from van to motorhome? Also any extra seats and the seatbelt mountings (unless fitted by manufacturer) will require inspection.

I added 6 seats and the DVLA changed the class from Panel Van to MPV and I never had an issue.

At the MOT he inspector changed the computer generated "2+1 seats" to "8+1 seats" without a problem

[Fastpedeller]

V8RX7 said:

Fastpedeller said:

I've a feeling it's something to do with the description changing from van to motorhome? Also any extra seats and the seatbelt mountings (unless fitted by manufacturer) will require inspection.

I added 6 seats and the DVLA changed the class from Panel Van to MPV and I never had an issue.

At the MOT he inspector changed the computer generated "2+1 seats" to "8+1 seats" without a problem

Surprising (that no IVA is needed) but true. I stand corrected, sorry for my error.

[Ben Magoo]

Fastpedeller said:

V8RX7 said:

Fastpedeller said:

I've a feeling it's something to do with the description changing from van to motorhome? Also any extra seats and the seatbelt mountings (unless fitted by manufacturer) will require inspection.

I added 6 seats and the DVLA changed the class from Panel Van to MPV and I never had an issue.

At the MOT he inspector changed the computer generated "2+1 seats" to "8+1 seats" without a problem

Surprising (that no IVA is needed) but true. I stand corrected, sorry for my error.

It is pleasantly surprising just how simple it is apparently - plenty of good info here from people regularly converting T4 and T5 Transporters into campers: http://www.vwt4forum.co.uk/

ETA: There is a specific section for the legalities etc.

[Chicken Chaser]

I'm just about to sell my motorbike with the possibility of spending the money on a camper. Looked at all sorts, from SWB to LWB, 1.9.TD to 2.5TD, van to Caravelle! Too much choice but a lot of potential money pits around the bottom end of the market! Have about £5k at the ready with about another £3k to be available as the months move toward summer.

[V8RX7]

Chicken Chaser said:

I'm just about to sell my motorbike with the possibility of spending the money on a camper. Looked at all sorts, from SWB to LWB, 1.9.TD to 2.5TD, van to Caravelle! Too much choice but a lot of potential money pits around the bottom end of the market! Have about £5k at the ready with about another £3k to be available as the months move toward summer.

Be aware it can be tricky to insure "self built" campers

[Bill]

I had no issue with insurance, although I did do a decent job. Even part built was no hassle, although they did give me a deadline to get it done.

[Chicken Chaser]

Still working on this. Got £6k now so can be a bit more selective. Got about 2 or 3 to look at over next week. Ideally wanted a LWB but most are short. Just fancied extra room inside.

[V8RX7]

You can't have too much space.

Assuming we are talking T4's if you look around and wait you'll find the right one.

I was looking for 6mths to find mine 2000 2.5 104bhp LWB 107k FSH £3500 which I then converted to my spec.

If you can't do work yourself then costs will mount up but some of the converters seem reasonably priced eg Tidy Transporters

Ebay and A Trader seem the best places to buy.

[Upatdawn]

Van to Camper....

Well, assuming its a LWB/Hiroof 3500kg the benefits are it becomes a Class4 MOT (instead of Class7) and can do 70mph (legally) on dual carriageways (as opposed to the 60mph limit for non-car derived vans)

Once the required conversion is completes just present it to a VOSA test station

(google "DVLA campervan conversion requirements")

You can go from a minibus to Campervan, same thing, read up on it

Insurance while converting is fun.....many give you just 90 days to complete

Edited by Upatdawn on Monday 25th February 14:33

[Upatdawn]

http://deepredmotorhome.com/windows.php

http://www.sbmcc.co.uk/

[Upatdawn]

V8RX7 said:

Be aware it can be tricky to insure "self built" campers

Insurance choice or adrian flux, £225 fully comp/new premium

[Chicken Chaser]

I've had a few quotes on a van I was trying to spec - T4, lowered, alloys 2.4 diesel engine with rear conversion. Quotes came in about £400 with 13yrs NCB 31yrs old in a low crime area. Everyone said it'd be around £200. A Plan, Greenlight and Flux were all similar.