My VW Transporter T5 camper build

[LeighW]

While I'm here, I'll add a few more pics of some small updates. I've re-trimmed the cab roof to match the rear, added a couple more lights, and changed the bed board so that there's now access underneath the bed from the front. Looks neater now I think. Just a shame I've only managed one week away in it all year.

Edited by LeighW on Tuesday 8th August 16:09

[LeighW]

AyBee said:

Can you still carry passengers (noting the seatbelts) even though the seat/bed isn't crash tested?

Well, the MOT tester always checks the seatbelts on the bed and passes it, even though it's registered as a motor caravan with three (not five) seats. I don't (and personally wouldn't) carry passengers on an untested seat. If I wanted a seat to carry passengers I'd buy a more expensive tested bed such as a RIB, but it's not an issue for me as there's only me and my wife that travel in it.

[Pesty]

That is awesome.

It's something I'm thinking of doing now I trave to the south of Spain a couple of times a year. Only thing is I'm useless at diy.

I can put tether a kit no problems I've just no idea how you would screw it in.


One question if I've read you right you bought pre cut ply for the slides of the van. I guess you covered it in the grey material but how do you attach it to the sides? Does it have pre drilled holes for screws or some kind on plastic clips already in the right place to push in.


Edit. I just read this

Panels and speakers in. I didn't use the fittings that came with the panels, I used fir tree clips which work really well and are hidden behind the carpet.

So I guess the panels have holes in the right place. You pushed the clips in covered with grey stuff and just clipped in the side?

Edited by Pesty on Friday 16th October 03:11

[Rosscow]

LeighW said:

Putting my very picky hat on, it's a shame the veneer on the doors doesn't run through

[toon10]

Another "awesome" from me! My mate has a silver T5 and he spends most of his weekends biking, camping and generally living the dream. Top quality build too, a lot of these end up being done on the cheap and to a low stadard.

[ApOrbital]

That looks great well done.

[LeighW]

Pesty said:

That is awesome.

So I guess the panels have holes in the right place. You pushed the clips in covered with grey stuff and just clipped in the side?

Edited by Pesty on Friday 16th October 03:11

Thanks.

Yep, the panels come pre-drilled in the right place, so you push the clips through the ply panels before covering them, then they just clip into the existing holes in the van. This is the panel for the sliding door, you can just about see the clips.

Edited by LeighW on Tuesday 8th August 16:14

[LeighW]

Rosscow said:

Putting my very picky hat on, it's a shame the veneer on the doors doesn't run through

Git.

It does annoy me a bit to be honest though!

[Pesty]

Thanks your eyes are better than mine but I'll take your word for it.


Kicking myself now as I missed out on a perfect van for pennies.

[S6OOH]

Wow! Bloody fantastic work and has inspired me to go this route rather than buying one already done

[Schiehallion85]

Inspirational...

Considering converting a Vivaro but this has made me think of a T5 again.

[kevcritc]

Great job. I have installed the evo 4.4 design into our van. I am now puzzling over how to add the gas and electrical supplies etc. What distribution board did you use? I notice it is under the seat (presumably next to a leisure battery). I like this idea.

[LeighW]

kevcritc said:

Great job. I have installed the evo 4.4 design into our van. I am now puzzling over how to add the gas and electrical supplies etc. What distribution board did you use? I notice it is under the seat (presumably next to a leisure battery). I like this idea.

Thanks. For the electrics I bought this kit from Xtreme Vans and it saves a lot of hassle.

http://www.xtremevan.co.uk/product_info.php?produc...

The battery, charger, and mains distribution board are under the seat, and the 12v switch/distribution box is mounted on the side of the furniture behind the driver's seat. You can run every 12v circuit from this and earth them back to it. A great bit of kit.

The gas is just a simple camping gaz bottle secured inside the furniture, with a regulator copper piped to the hob. There are drop out vents in the floor too. If you look at the type 2 lwb kit on evo designs website, there are some pictures showing the gas install which are actually my van.

I've done a bit more work lately, adding an LED light shelf, evo loo box and a Webasto compressor fridge. I'll post some pictures up shortly.

Edited by LeighW on Saturday 2nd April 22:51

[LeighW]

Some up to date pics with fridge, TV/DVD, rear bed board and LED shelf added:

Edited by LeighW on Tuesday 8th August 16:18

[Morningside]

Bloody amazing build!

[toon10]

Yup, looks amazing. A great piece of kit to have on the drive. The weekend options are limitless!

[AyBee]

That looks fricking awesome - I want one!!

[Celtic Dragon]

As someone who grew up with a T3 Autosleeper, and a T5 Bilbo camper, that's freaking awesome Sir!

You should be standing back with a beer and a smug look on your face, and a satisfied feeling.

[Pesty]

Driving to Spain tomorrow, can I borrow it

[LeighW]

Cheers fellas. The clutch thrust bearing has now started getting a bit noisy when it's warm. That and a slight judder on take up has made me bite the bullet on a new clutch and DMF. Full Sachs kit, £400. Just got to get it fitted now. Ouch.