DIY Camper van conversion

[steve_s]

Hi Guys Anybody done a DIY Camper van conversion Iv always had a hankering for a camper van its just the price !!!! some of them are eye watering .

Theres a 02 plate Peugeot boxer coach built type for sale near me at a dealer at £18000 how do they justify the prices ???

So I was looking at getting a transit/boxer type van and doing a diy conversions.

So whats your thoughts or do you think im wasting my time ?

Cheers

Steve

 

[julianf]

Ive done our 101 twice, and i plan on doing it again this summer

(i have owned it since last century, so thats not so bad!)

My advice would be to plan evreything. Do it in CAD (or just on paper). Organic builds do not work nearly as well.

Ebay has lowered the cost a lot - things like taps used to be crazy money from camping places, but now you can just go online to china (which is all the retail places used to do anyhow!)

But some things are still going to cost - but just not 18k. However, if you were charging out your time at a resonable rate, it may climb much higher than you think. But that's the same with any 'fun' diy stuff....

 

[W.olly]

Go for it if you have the skills or enjoy learning along the way.

I am a glutten for projects and never think i am waisting my time as i enjoy to faff about with anything.

Before i got the boat i am rebuilding it was a choice between a camper/motor home or a boat. I was going to get a motor home shell in need of rebuild or refit as they can be got for less than £2k.

Vans are k but less space than a coach built type.

Oh and i agree the price of camper vans are madness, let alone motor homes.

 

[Cobbler]

I did a VW T4 about 15 years ago & enjoyed doing it. There are/were a few things that you have to be aware of, check what the requirements of DVLA are to change the log book from a van to a camper. If I recall you need to have a bed at least 6 foot long, a table, not just a camping fold up one, a fitted sink. You need to get it changed if possible to update the speed limits from a van, a camper is the same as a car. You may be required to get an inspection before the DVLA will do it, but a friend has had a van converted & all that was required were photo's. Also home builds are looked on by some insurance companies as vans, so won't cover the full costs, worth checking & happy camping.

We've had various camper vans for 20 years & enjoy every minute of it.

 

[rikrobson]

Apparently you just need to tell the dvla that it is only for recreational use. A pal did this quite easily and it's not a full conversion. He uses it for climbing and is retired.

 

[W.olly]

These were and still are good motor homes, roof shouldnt be to hard to make from GRP

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/camper-va...127829?hash=item440060eb55:g:MQMAAOSwax5Y0rY9



Ok i am not going to look anymore, i need to finish this project first.

Its what o would do though instead of a camper van.

 

[steve_s]

These were and still are good motor homes, roof shouldnt be to hard to make from GRP

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/camper-va...127829?hash=item440060eb55:g:MQMAAOSwax5Y0rY9



Ok i am not going to look anymore, i need to finish this project first.

Its what o would do though instead of a camper van.

well that's certainly light and airy inside

 

[barracuda816]

I have done my vivaro. I wanted a T5 or T6 but was looking at crazy money for a sensible mileage lwb with air con. As said Plan it and research, ask loads of questions. I have learned loads and my next one will be better again.

 

[winchman]

It takes twice the amount of time you think int will, I might have a few bits in the garage as I collected most parts then didn't build one as I saw how long my mates took

 

[Greeves246]

This club is worth joining http://sbmcc.co.uk/
I joined when I converted a Citroen and the amount of information is vast. Whatever you want to do someone else will already have done it so you can learn from their mistakes. Also useful fund of new and secondhand parts. Greeves 246

 

[barracuda816]

also i would go with a compressor fridge over an absorption, i made the mistake of absorbtion and regretted it. But i had cut the vents for it by then.

 

[keithski122]

Sometimes the only difference between a proffessionaly converted van and a personally converted van is one is being paid to have the job done.Some of the proffesionally converted ones I've seen are a bit amateur.

 

[julianf]

also i would go with a compressor fridge over an absorption, i made the mistake of absorbtion and regretted it. But i had cut the vents for it by then.

Mine is a compressor. My solar panel is only tiny by current standards, but as soon as i fit even one more, it will run from solar alone.

Front opening (rather than chest) Engles can be had for under £100.

 

[barracuda816]

Mine is a waeco, a million times better then the absorbtion fridge it replaced.

 

[Ton-up]

Have a look at the vwt4/t5 forum. I know its not the same make, but plenty of ideas for you on there.

 

[barracuda816]

I would say have a think about its intended use, mine is to be used all year round so i went all out on the insulation. It was one of the most time consuming aspects. I wouldnt bother doing the floor or so much on the sides if its going to be a fair weather camper.

 

[Cobbler]

My T4 had a compressor fridge, the transit I've got now has a 3 way absorb... Can't spell it fridge, I would much rather have another compressor one, one reason when used in the winter you haven't got b great holes in the side letting the cold in, also used on gas, they are quite thirsty.

 

[clueless77]

There is an Iveco-Ford Cargo Fire Service command vehicle on ebay at the moment which wouldn't need much converting. It's about 9 grand plus vat. Looks absolutely splendid. Wifey says NOOOOOOO!

 

[MrFluffy]

How do you run a compressor fridge on 12v when your not on hookup or running a genny? I have a turkish brand 3 way and we can't use it on gas because the carbon monoxide alarm goes off despite it being vented correctly, so we're stuck on 12/240v use only and I was going to put a reputable 3 way back in?

 

[MrFluffy]

Ok I just googled waeco, its a rebrand of eletrolux and they make good kit, and they have a 12v range. So I'm guessing you just run 12v and a adaptor/big charger for the lesuire battery when hooked up and not gas.