Just bought myself a van to convert
Discussion
Yeah i'll be looking to change to camper further down the line once the conversion is complete. I'm looking at a rather light setup - I dont want a full side conversion as for me thats overkill. Somewhere to sleep, a small compact unit for cooking/washing which can be taken out of the van and some storage (which might be under the seat). There are some nice builds out there!
I can't vouch for this company beyond seeing what looked like a very nicely done-out van with their badge on it a while ago, but they do a pack which might suit: http://www.vanworx.co.uk/packages/chilli-plus/
I think the pod is removeable and the full-width seat is handy to keep three seats in the back. If I get to the point of buying and converting, I'll probably go with the set-up like that (with a Reimo roof). Let us know how you get on, please.
I think the pod is removeable and the full-width seat is handy to keep three seats in the back. If I get to the point of buying and converting, I'll probably go with the set-up like that (with a Reimo roof). Let us know how you get on, please.
Good luck.
Plenty of blogs and books on the subject, be aware a quality conversion will take over 300 hours! That is also assuming you have somewhere covered to do the work.
I did seriously look at doing it myself but when i worked out the time involved I went and bought a professionally converted one. I will however do my own when i retire,probably a motorhome rather than a camper.
There are plenty of kits out there esp for the vw.
May also pay you to check out the DVLA/VOSA rules regarding getting the vehicle registered as a motor caravan, it will get you cheaper insurance when done and also exempt you from the London LEZ.
Keep us posted!
Plenty of blogs and books on the subject, be aware a quality conversion will take over 300 hours! That is also assuming you have somewhere covered to do the work.
I did seriously look at doing it myself but when i worked out the time involved I went and bought a professionally converted one. I will however do my own when i retire,probably a motorhome rather than a camper.
There are plenty of kits out there esp for the vw.
May also pay you to check out the DVLA/VOSA rules regarding getting the vehicle registered as a motor caravan, it will get you cheaper insurance when done and also exempt you from the London LEZ.
Keep us posted!
Visit www.sbmcc.co.UK. lots of advice on there :-)
Also once you've registered your van as a motorhome you can travel 10mph faster on single carriage ways (60 as a private car rather than 50 for a commercial vehicle!)
Also once you've registered your van as a motorhome you can travel 10mph faster on single carriage ways (60 as a private car rather than 50 for a commercial vehicle!)
DHE said:
Make sure you get 10' x 5' ply for the floor rather than 8' x 4', otherwise you will see the join through the floor covering. Shop around for it though, prices ranged from £42 to £78 per sheet. Most places won't have it in stock, usually special order.
Yeah just been talking about this. I know places on the net which sell it pre cut too but it depends on how much difference there is between them as I already have some kind of template If you have a pre-cut floor covering you can use that as a template.
If you are putting windows in, IMO, it is worth paying extra for the extra wide trim that goes over the cut metal, saves a lot of time and hassle. Also if you are taking out the welded in bulkhead supports, discount the battery first. If you don't you could set of the seat belt pre-tensioners. Will try & upload some pictures of the conversion we have in progress at the moment.
If you are putting windows in, IMO, it is worth paying extra for the extra wide trim that goes over the cut metal, saves a lot of time and hassle. Also if you are taking out the welded in bulkhead supports, discount the battery first. If you don't you could set of the seat belt pre-tensioners. Will try & upload some pictures of the conversion we have in progress at the moment.
I work with one of my customers on vans he converts so hope its ok with the mods to post these.
10' x 5' floor cut & fitted. Layed the pre-cut Altro flooring over the original board as a template, needed a bit more trimmimg after the first cut to fit properly. Nearside rear corner needs a 4" filler piece.
Roof cut out ready for elevating roof to be fitted.
Windows cut, carpet lining fitted and trim fitted on window surround. Lower panel not in place yet as this will need to be cut so the fridge can be set back properly. The silver sheet is thermo-liner insulation.
Conversion will be a four berth, side furniture and crash tested rock & roll bed.
10' x 5' floor cut & fitted. Layed the pre-cut Altro flooring over the original board as a template, needed a bit more trimmimg after the first cut to fit properly. Nearside rear corner needs a 4" filler piece.
Roof cut out ready for elevating roof to be fitted.
Windows cut, carpet lining fitted and trim fitted on window surround. Lower panel not in place yet as this will need to be cut so the fridge can be set back properly. The silver sheet is thermo-liner insulation.
Conversion will be a four berth, side furniture and crash tested rock & roll bed.
I had had all the metalwork fabricated for my Renault master by JDS Metaltech up in sheffield - really impressed with their work.
http://www.jdsmetaltech.co.uk
http://www.jdsmetaltech.co.uk
DHE, any advice on where to get a 10x5 12mm ply board? Cant seem to find one about. Bit of a slow start to my conversion so far due to having to ensure all of the old conversion was out first and the carpet foam backing and glue removed first. Its now about ready to start so just in the final stages if plans before going ahead with the electrics
Hows your conversion coming on? What are you hoping to fit? I'm currently looking to get an LPG tank fitted on the underside of the van to avoid carrying gas cylinders around. I've already bought a large gazebo and some bits to attach it to the side of the van using conventional awning 'C' rail.
It's given me enough space to entertain half a dozen people with an extra sleeping compartment in place.
I've also just received a load of LED light strips to replace the fluorescent tubes that were in my van (it's an ex ambulance) so will get to that this weekend with luck.
It's given me enough space to entertain half a dozen people with an extra sleeping compartment in place.
I've also just received a load of LED light strips to replace the fluorescent tubes that were in my van (it's an ex ambulance) so will get to that this weekend with luck.
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