The Self Build Thread
Discussion
Good morning!
I’ve been tenting for a good few years now at festivals, sporting events and as a good way to see places I wouldn’t usually see. I’ve never really been a fan of caravans (sorry!), the biggest reason being that I’ve nowhere to store one.
Then one day I sat in a VW T5 California. What a difference! Having the freedom of camping but with a few creature comforts and close to the performance of a car really appealed. The problem is, I can’t nearly begin to afford one! That’s what got be in to thinking of building my own…
So I thought I’d start a thread to share ideas, pictures and stories from those who have gone through the self-build experience and come out the other side (for better or for worse!), and for those who are thinking of starting a build themselves.
All the best,
TAG
I’ve been tenting for a good few years now at festivals, sporting events and as a good way to see places I wouldn’t usually see. I’ve never really been a fan of caravans (sorry!), the biggest reason being that I’ve nowhere to store one.
Then one day I sat in a VW T5 California. What a difference! Having the freedom of camping but with a few creature comforts and close to the performance of a car really appealed. The problem is, I can’t nearly begin to afford one! That’s what got be in to thinking of building my own…
So I thought I’d start a thread to share ideas, pictures and stories from those who have gone through the self-build experience and come out the other side (for better or for worse!), and for those who are thinking of starting a build themselves.
All the best,
TAG
Here’s my story to kick things off. I must stress that I haven’t yet built my van so it might be a bit of an anti-climax. It’s more of an ongoing project that I’m hoping time and funds will allow in the near future. It won’t stop me from planning though!
So what am I going to use it for? Well, for a start it needs to be reasonably practical. I ride a motorbike most days so it won’t get as much use as a car usually would but I’ll still need to use it for work on occasion. I plan plenty of trips to Europe and around the UK, and, ideally would like to lug the bike about in the back for occasional trackdays.
Which van? The idea of having a newer van with modern mechanicals appeals, which for me ruled out buying a ready converted Mazda Bongo or older VW conversion. I’ve enough unreliable vehicles already! Both the T5 and the Mercedes Vito seem to be the benchmark vans for this type of conversion, and are also the most expensive. Which has got me thinking a bit left-field. There are loads of Vivaro/Trafic/Primastar’s out there and plenty of quality conversions. A bit big though? I’d have to park the van on street and use it for work. I’m currently leaning toward other mid-size vans such as the Nissan NV200 and Fiat Scudo (LWB to fit the bike).
The body. I know I won’t be happy crouching so standing space is a must. High-roof vans and a high roof conversion are out for the reasons I’ve already mentioned, so that leaves the elevating roof. Not sure if they’re available for the NV200 or Scudo though? It’s likely to be my biggest expense other than the van as I don’t fancy fitting it myself. As for windows etc I don’t want to chop the van about too much so would look for a van with side windows already fitted, so maybe an old crew van or similar would be a good idea.
The interior. I’ve thought long and hard about having bathroom facilities in a van. My OH has a much better standard of hygiene than I do! I’ve come to the conclusion though that size and manoeuvrability are more important as we’re likely to be travelling to sites with reasonable sanitation. Looking at completed conversions there seem to be loads of options for layout; side conversions, rear conversions etc. For this size of van, and my bike-lugging plans, then a side conversion seems the best option with a removable rock and roll bed (or just sleep in the roof?). Got to find the right balance between opulence and practicality!
That leaves fittings, electrics (got to have a leisure battery and mains), gas, heating and plumbing to consider. There are a few conversion companies local to me that I can go and have a chat to. I’m not sure at this stage how much of the work I’ll do myself and what I’ll leave to the professionals.
Well, that’s where I’m up to. I’ll let you know when/if I get any further.
TAG
So what am I going to use it for? Well, for a start it needs to be reasonably practical. I ride a motorbike most days so it won’t get as much use as a car usually would but I’ll still need to use it for work on occasion. I plan plenty of trips to Europe and around the UK, and, ideally would like to lug the bike about in the back for occasional trackdays.
Which van? The idea of having a newer van with modern mechanicals appeals, which for me ruled out buying a ready converted Mazda Bongo or older VW conversion. I’ve enough unreliable vehicles already! Both the T5 and the Mercedes Vito seem to be the benchmark vans for this type of conversion, and are also the most expensive. Which has got me thinking a bit left-field. There are loads of Vivaro/Trafic/Primastar’s out there and plenty of quality conversions. A bit big though? I’d have to park the van on street and use it for work. I’m currently leaning toward other mid-size vans such as the Nissan NV200 and Fiat Scudo (LWB to fit the bike).
The body. I know I won’t be happy crouching so standing space is a must. High-roof vans and a high roof conversion are out for the reasons I’ve already mentioned, so that leaves the elevating roof. Not sure if they’re available for the NV200 or Scudo though? It’s likely to be my biggest expense other than the van as I don’t fancy fitting it myself. As for windows etc I don’t want to chop the van about too much so would look for a van with side windows already fitted, so maybe an old crew van or similar would be a good idea.
The interior. I’ve thought long and hard about having bathroom facilities in a van. My OH has a much better standard of hygiene than I do! I’ve come to the conclusion though that size and manoeuvrability are more important as we’re likely to be travelling to sites with reasonable sanitation. Looking at completed conversions there seem to be loads of options for layout; side conversions, rear conversions etc. For this size of van, and my bike-lugging plans, then a side conversion seems the best option with a removable rock and roll bed (or just sleep in the roof?). Got to find the right balance between opulence and practicality!
That leaves fittings, electrics (got to have a leisure battery and mains), gas, heating and plumbing to consider. There are a few conversion companies local to me that I can go and have a chat to. I’m not sure at this stage how much of the work I’ll do myself and what I’ll leave to the professionals.
Well, that’s where I’m up to. I’ll let you know when/if I get any further.
TAG
egor110 said:
Angry Gopher- how come you think bongos are unreliable?
Had mine 8 years, never broke down never not passed it's mot.
Just replace the hoses, radiator, waterpump and that's the cooling sorted then 2 oil changes a year and that will keep it running sweet.
I certainly don't think Bongos are unreliable, they're really the benchmark for a compact and reliable camper. It's just that with my budget I'd be looking at a late nineties/early noughties van which is more likely to have high mileage and a few age related problems. Had mine 8 years, never broke down never not passed it's mot.
Just replace the hoses, radiator, waterpump and that's the cooling sorted then 2 oil changes a year and that will keep it running sweet.
Vanagon - following with interest! Good luck with the rebuild, have you set yourself a goal for when you want to have it finished by?
Bill - have you any pics of the T4 in camper guise before it was sold?
Merlin28 said:
http://www.campervanconversion.co.uk/ quick google search should have all the ideas and info you need on it
I know there's nowhere to store a motorbike but I'm seriously impressed with Shurm's Peugeot Bipper conversion. I'm amazed at how much you can fit in to a small van, it's compact and extremely well finished. Might have to have a rethink and get a trailer for the bike...
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