Van conversion
Discussion
Looking at buying a second hand van to covert to a camper van, got a couple of questions.
Minibuses have loads of windows already, but i guess that can be a problem for privacy and light coming in in the morning, is it better to go for a panel van and then putting a couple of windows in?
Anyone got any recommendations on VW, Merc or Ford?
Looking at a lwb with high roof, can anyone advise which exact model to look for? There seems to be so many different options on autotrader.
Minibuses have loads of windows already, but i guess that can be a problem for privacy and light coming in in the morning, is it better to go for a panel van and then putting a couple of windows in?
Anyone got any recommendations on VW, Merc or Ford?
Looking at a lwb with high roof, can anyone advise which exact model to look for? There seems to be so many different options on autotrader.
As with a lot of things, depends on budget! If you follow the different Facebook pages for the vans they all have issues, so I wouldn't advise on one over another just from a reliability point of view, buy on condition. The dimensions are a bit different between the vans, the Transit wheel arches are in a different position to the Crafter/Sprinter for example, and if you look at the Peugeot/Fiat/Citroen vans, they are wider and allow a bed across the back more easily than others.
As for minibus, it will depend on how you want to use the van. They are great if you want an airy camper with loads of light, and not too difficult to cover with blackout curtains, but arguably more difficult to insulate. If you're only planning to have a couple of windows, then a panel van is probably a better starting point.
I'm currently building a new camper based on a Citroen Relay. I wanted something recent with low miles and the second hand prices are high at the moment, and it was cheaper to buy one of those new than a 80k miles Crafter. I figured since maybe 90% of professional campervans are based on those (or Fiat/Peugeot), they can't be too bad!
Get yourself on a self-build forum, there will be loads of specific advice there.
As for minibus, it will depend on how you want to use the van. They are great if you want an airy camper with loads of light, and not too difficult to cover with blackout curtains, but arguably more difficult to insulate. If you're only planning to have a couple of windows, then a panel van is probably a better starting point.
I'm currently building a new camper based on a Citroen Relay. I wanted something recent with low miles and the second hand prices are high at the moment, and it was cheaper to buy one of those new than a 80k miles Crafter. I figured since maybe 90% of professional campervans are based on those (or Fiat/Peugeot), they can't be too bad!
Get yourself on a self-build forum, there will be loads of specific advice there.
It might be easier making a list of what you want from the van, how you'll use it, the climate it'll be used in and where you'll use it then find a van which fits that.
For example, we really wanted a Sprinter base as they seemed the most reliable but they're more expensive and when they do break down the parts seem expensive. We mainly use the van in France and Italy so the PSA Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat vans can pretty much be fixed there by anyone. Sprinters may be harder to find someone able to code new parts.
We were drawn to minibus conversions for ease of adding windows but as we use the van in mountainous places insulation was far more important than windows so we went with a van base and added two windows.
We ended up with a Citroen Relay as the other benefit for us was a transverse bed. We have a full size double across the van at the rear and still have 25mm PIR insulation at the head and foot of the bed, 50mm everywhere else on the walls and 25mm in the floor and ceiling. It took a lot of work to fit a full size bed in but it means we can have a really comfortable pocket sprung mattress and not a cut to size memory foam so we're really comfortable after a big hike or whatever we've done that day. I'm certain that we couldn't have done that with the other vans without compromising on the mattress.
What layout do you envisage having? What will it be used for? That may help you decide which van is best.
For example, we really wanted a Sprinter base as they seemed the most reliable but they're more expensive and when they do break down the parts seem expensive. We mainly use the van in France and Italy so the PSA Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat vans can pretty much be fixed there by anyone. Sprinters may be harder to find someone able to code new parts.
We were drawn to minibus conversions for ease of adding windows but as we use the van in mountainous places insulation was far more important than windows so we went with a van base and added two windows.
We ended up with a Citroen Relay as the other benefit for us was a transverse bed. We have a full size double across the van at the rear and still have 25mm PIR insulation at the head and foot of the bed, 50mm everywhere else on the walls and 25mm in the floor and ceiling. It took a lot of work to fit a full size bed in but it means we can have a really comfortable pocket sprung mattress and not a cut to size memory foam so we're really comfortable after a big hike or whatever we've done that day. I'm certain that we couldn't have done that with the other vans without compromising on the mattress.
What layout do you envisage having? What will it be used for? That may help you decide which van is best.
I've just had my VW Panel Van converted into a day van. Insulated, extra seats and windows but no cooking facilities as I wouldn't never cook in such as small enclosed space but know others do.
Personally I can't see how a T6 can work for a family holiday without also taking an awning (i.e. sleeping / cooking in a tent).
You probably won't be surprised to learn that all of the decent converters have around a 12 month lead time too. My VW is the only car I've owned that also increased in value.
Personally I can't see how a T6 can work for a family holiday without also taking an awning (i.e. sleeping / cooking in a tent).
You probably won't be surprised to learn that all of the decent converters have around a 12 month lead time too. My VW is the only car I've owned that also increased in value.
There are plenty of build threads on PH if you are looking for inspiration. Some stuff below to get you started:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... - LeighW VW thing
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... - Chickenchasers VW thing
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... - My Citroen Relay
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... - Tampons Yellow Vauxhall
http://deepredmotorhome.com/ - A great resource of info (RIP Ian)
Just go through other peoples builds and list out the things you like and want, doesn't matter if it is a VW or whatever if you want that bit, read up and get it done
Also as a converter of a Relay I am happy to help if you want to shoot me some questions
ETA - I'd stay off the farcebook groups, full of swivel eyed loons who offer up some pretty dangerous advice etc. There are some genuine guys on there but they are drowned out by the "vanlife" dross
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... - LeighW VW thing
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... - Chickenchasers VW thing
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... - My Citroen Relay
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... - Tampons Yellow Vauxhall
http://deepredmotorhome.com/ - A great resource of info (RIP Ian)
Just go through other peoples builds and list out the things you like and want, doesn't matter if it is a VW or whatever if you want that bit, read up and get it done
Also as a converter of a Relay I am happy to help if you want to shoot me some questionsETA - I'd stay off the farcebook groups, full of swivel eyed loons who offer up some pretty dangerous advice etc. There are some genuine guys on there but they are drowned out by the "vanlife" dross
Edited by geeks on Friday 6th August 10:11
Depends how many windows you want. You can make blinds with some ply, carpet and IKEA blinds quite cheaply.
But if you only want a couple of windows it might be best to start off with a van.
I converted a panel van and my brother converted a minibus/Ambulance, both worked equally well.
But if you only want a couple of windows it might be best to start off with a van.
I converted a panel van and my brother converted a minibus/Ambulance, both worked equally well.
sebdangerfield said:
It might be easier making a list of what you want from the van, how you'll use it, the climate it'll be used in and where you'll use it then find a van which fits that.
For example, we really wanted a Sprinter base as they seemed the most reliable but they're more expensive and when they do break down the parts seem expensive. We mainly use the van in France and Italy so the PSA Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat vans can pretty much be fixed there by anyone. Sprinters may be harder to find someone able to code new parts.
We were drawn to minibus conversions for ease of adding windows but as we use the van in mountainous places insulation was far more important than windows so we went with a van base and added two windows.
We ended up with a Citroen Relay as the other benefit for us was a transverse bed. We have a full size double across the van at the rear and still have 25mm PIR insulation at the head and foot of the bed, 50mm everywhere else on the walls and 25mm in the floor and ceiling. It took a lot of work to fit a full size bed in but it means we can have a really comfortable pocket sprung mattress and not a cut to size memory foam so we're really comfortable after a big hike or whatever we've done that day. I'm certain that we couldn't have done that with the other vans without compromising on the mattress.
What layout do you envisage having? What will it be used for? That may help you decide which van is best.
So did a full length double mattress fit sideways ?For example, we really wanted a Sprinter base as they seemed the most reliable but they're more expensive and when they do break down the parts seem expensive. We mainly use the van in France and Italy so the PSA Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat vans can pretty much be fixed there by anyone. Sprinters may be harder to find someone able to code new parts.
We were drawn to minibus conversions for ease of adding windows but as we use the van in mountainous places insulation was far more important than windows so we went with a van base and added two windows.
We ended up with a Citroen Relay as the other benefit for us was a transverse bed. We have a full size double across the van at the rear and still have 25mm PIR insulation at the head and foot of the bed, 50mm everywhere else on the walls and 25mm in the floor and ceiling. It took a lot of work to fit a full size bed in but it means we can have a really comfortable pocket sprung mattress and not a cut to size memory foam so we're really comfortable after a big hike or whatever we've done that day. I'm certain that we couldn't have done that with the other vans without compromising on the mattress.
What layout do you envisage having? What will it be used for? That may help you decide which van is best.
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