Camper Van Conversion

[cpjitservices]

Hi all,

 

Anyone ever done a camper van conversion ? Something me and the wife have looked at as we like to travel a bit.

 

Something I've always liked the idea of is being able to jump in go anywhere you like and not have to worry about hotels etc. I was thinking of one of the high top LWB Transits - around 05-06 plate.

 

Vans are fairly cheap (less than a grand typically), the vehicle wont be used a lot of the year so repairs / maintenance will be carried out as and when it needs it.

 

Are there any rules / regulations I need to be aware regarding insurance or other ?

 

PS: On my license I can't tow but I can drive a van aslong as it does not exceed 3.5 tonnes.

[mikkydoos]

I know someone who did a tranny --> camper conversion. I think you're ok as long as a) you dont change the cockpit b) any proper seats in the rear need 3 point seatbelts.

 

I think if you have rear windows they shouldn't be obstructed and no protrusions on the outside.

 

 

All he used was MDF, bit of ply, wiring & fixtures and a load of carpet. Stick in a gas bottle, hob, water container and a pump and you're laughing.

 

And a big stereo of course

 

Keep the weight down cos it will smash your MPG and torque.

[cpjitservices]

I know someone who did a tranny --> camper conversion. I think you're ok as long as a) you dont change the cockpit b) any proper seats in the rear need 3 point seatbelts.

 

I think if you have rear windows they shouldn't be obstructed and no protrusions on the outside.

 

 

All he used was MDF, bit of ply, wiring & fixtures and a load of carpet. Stick in a gas bottle, hob, water container and a pump and you're laughing.

 

And a big stereo of course

 

Keep the weight down cos it will smash your MPG and torque.

 

Yep, cool. Wont change the cockpit at all and seats will all have 3 point on them. As for rear windows. most of the High Top LWB's have side windows so that shouldnt be an issue. MDF sounds the way to go though, caravan works here sell caaravan interiors for a few hundred sheets to be used as camper conversions. Might have a word,

 

As for weight, yeah good point. MDF light enough somewhere to sit etc. Cant see that being an issue as wont be too heavy I dont think especially with the caravan interior. the 2.5 Ford Diesel has a fair amount of torque hopefully it wont hamper it too much.

 

 

Now to find a van

 

 

 

Thanks for the info.

[Joanne]

OMG I'd love to do this. Can you update the thread with pics when you get started?

[SHimmer45]

find one someone else has already done, having assisted in doing one it is alot of work

[mikkydoos]

Oh, and plenty of non flammable insulation between the outer skin and the ply on the wall.

[cpjitservices]

find one someone else has already done, having assisted in doing one it is alot of work

 

Can be but I know a man that can

[cpjitservices]

OMG I'd love to do this. Can you update the thread with pics when you get started?

 

Certainly will.

[Arthur]

I was thinking of one of the high top LWB Transits - around 05-06 plate.

Something like this perhaps?

 

offgridvan.blogspot.co.uk

 

 

 

...or this?

 

[3s-gtech]

MDF and any damp means you're going to have a bad day. I always prefer plywood for in-vehicle stuff - it can take a bit of condensation far better and doesn't sag as much. As for insulation, again consider how it will hold moisture. Things like rockwool, if placed against metalwork, are going to accelerate the rot and Transits are plenty good at that on their own!

[cpjitservices]

Something like this perhaps?

 

offgridvan.blogspot.co.uk

 

 

 

...or this?

 

 

Sort of thing yeah, but High top transit style lol.. Any thing I should know about regulations wise ?

[bald_pig]

Would love to do it, don't even have a car license though! I have a list of stuff for a power system at home, I will post it up tonight.

[cpjitservices]

OMG I'd love to do this. Can you update the thread with pics when you get started?

 

Might not be for a while yet, little one on the way and need to get some sheets together to purchase said van.

 

 

I shall revive the thread as and when

[cpjitservices]

Would love to do it, don't even have a car license though! I have a list of stuff for a power system at home, I will post it up tonight.

 

Well ya best hurry, driving test changes are in this year

[Arthur]

Sort of thing yeah, but High top transit style lol..

The first two videos are of a Transit (specifically a long-wheelbase high-top Ford Transit).

 

https://offgridvan.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/choosing-van-for-your-conversion.html

[jcollings]

This might be worth investigating.

 

SBMCC | Self Build Motor Caravanners Club

[rad]

Check our SBMCC Forum for ideas.

Also on FB there are Self Build Camper pages, one is at 55,000 members so has a wealth of knowledge.

 

The Vans with windows will be the crew ones, but you can get the panels cut and fitted to your linking. The only issue with the transit is the association with a well known community, I'd add a vinyl graphic to make it different if you intend to use camp sites.

 

For me, the most important thing would be a good night sleep, if you need a double bed to sleep comfortably, then that is what I would fit. Ensure you have ventilation, means to sit comfortably if it is raining and somewhere to boil the kettle.

You are limited to van speeds, so 50, 60, 70 (not 60, 70, 70) however there is talk that by changing it to a Camper van conversion and imforming the DVLA you can get around the Van restrictions.

[cpjitservices]

Check our SBMCC Forum for ideas.

Also on FB there are Self Build Camper pages, one is at 55,000 members so has a wealth of knowledge.

 

The Vans with windows will be the crew ones, but you can get the panels cut and fitted to your linking. The only issue with the transit is the association with a well known community, I'd add a vinyl graphic to make it different if you intend to use camp sites.

 

For me, the most important thing would be a good night sleep, if you need a double bed to sleep comfortably, then that is what I would fit. Ensure you have ventilation, means to sit comfortably if it is raining and somewhere to boil the kettle.

You are limited to van speeds, so 50, 60, 70 (not 60, 70, 70) however there is talk that by changing it to a Camper van conversion and imforming the DVLA you can get around the Van restrictions.

 

No probs ill have a look, ill check out regs on safety checks etc.

 

Thanks all.

[IrritableTech]

Get yourself some solar panels on the roof too - and a decent deep cycle battery. Or if you're feeling adventurous some lithium cells (you could use old laptop batteries if you want to put in the time and effort - my shed is partly powered by recycled 18650s).

[bald_pig]

Get yourself some solar panels on the roof too - and a decent deep cycle battery. Or if you're feeling adventurous some lithium cells (you could use old laptop batteries if you want to put in the time and effort - my shed is partly powered by recycled 18650s).

Goes without saying, surely? Don't forget the charge system to keep both batteries charged

[3s-gtech]

A colleague recently had side windows put into his Transit (56 plate), was just over £300 for the two fitted. He's doing a conversion too, though his has some other features (like a subdivided store accessible from the rear doors).

[cpjitservices]

A colleague recently had side windows put into his Transit (56 plate), was just over £300 for the two fitted. He's doing a conversion too, though his has some other features (like a subdivided store accessible from the rear doors).

 

Sounds like the thing.

[zag]

Something I've always liked the idea of is being able to jump in go anywhere you like and not have to worry about hotels etc. I was thinking of one of the high top LWB Transits - around 05-06 plate.

 

Vans are fairly cheap (less than a grand typically), the vehicle wont be used a lot of the year so repairs / maintenance will be carried out as and when it needs it.

 

I looked into this as well, as I'm a travellor who has got too old to stay in hostels any more.

 

Where are you finding the vans so cheap? When I looked you were looking more like 5-6k for a high millage high top van.

[witch]

Why not fettle up one that has already been done?

My sister has a coachbuilt Transit conversion for sale. Archie is old but a really lovely beast - but he is looking a bit sad at the moment and needs TLC

[zag]

Actually getting a roof conversion something like this is probably a better idea than getting a high top van.

 

The conversions cost about £1,500 usually.

 

http://caledonianconversions.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/transit-4.jpg