I've fitted out two new horse trucks with full 'caravan' living, but now I'd like to tackle a motorhome. I'm retired and unable to pay a fortune for a new ready-made vehicle, for what is basically a van with a loo, bed and cooker, and I'm unwilling to pay the prices that elderly campervans command, so DIY seems to be the answer.. I'd like something compact with standing room, economical, (a diesel) and nippy. We want room for the basics, a good sized bed (or two singles) a loo compartment and a cooker/sink. I saw a recent Renault Master van with a glazed nearside door and a window opposite in the front part of the van area and blank panels in the rear, which I thought might be ideal. I know ready-made furniture is available from conversion specialists for VW Transporter sized vans for DIY fitting, but feel that type of van is too small for us. Can anyone suggest a good van/minibus base for which some furniture is available? My carpentry is not good enough to make presentable lightweight units. Today we drove (back) 350 miles after looking at a new caravan, only to realise that I no longer want to tow!
------------- Each life is short. Make the most of this one while you can, you may not have a Land Rover or skis next time.
Might I suggest that you look into DIY Motorcaravan Insurance before you go down the road of actually converting a commercial vehicle only to find that you cannot afford to insure it once you finish your project.
peugeot boxer or citroen relay or the fiat ducato, lwb all the same vehicle in essence easy to work on and super reliable and easy to insure with the right companies as long as the work is to a good standard and you get it reclassified to a motorhome.
Haynes do a manual called build your own motorhome there are suppliers of furniture and loads of tips and ideas and even how to insure your vehicle when it is finished.
please let us all know what you are going to do this could be a nice thread to follow
delboy
------------- you may be frustrated now but infront of me there is a big incline . yeh it may be slow but it is in front
eddief- I suggest you seek out the Self build web sites, there are several via Google, and you will find all the help and technicalitys they can offer. Many people choose the route you are thinking of, some so they get the layout that they want, and find it a very satisfying project. Also remember that that things like fitted roofs and windows can be installed by small companys, and even furniture can be made up to your design if need be. Good luck with the idea,
I think that the Mercedes sprinter is a really good base to start with as it's got good head room and can be bought in short, mid and long range with a decent engine that will easily pull a full load.
The other option if you have the room to keep it is to fully convert a horse box, we have seen a few of these and they have been as good as any motorhome of the same size, for insurance purposes keep it registered as a horse box
I have a 1988 Renault Master conversion. It is the long wheel base, high top. I have loo/shower room, loads of under storage cupboards etc. You have just over 6ft og head room. Mine was a professional conversion. So all done when I got it and I got it cheap on ebay, I had to fly up to Scotland to get it but we enjoyed the sight seeing trip on the way home
If I was you I would buy a cheap old caravan & strip out the inside and put in the van, you would save yourself a fortune on parts.
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Topic: I Want to Build a Motorhome, but..
