I am about to undertake a conversion of a panel van into something I can eventually sleep in with wife and three children.
My question is about electrics - lighting in particular.
I plan to fit a 16 amp consumer unit using 2.5mm internal flexible cabling as I only want to use the van on site hookup.
My question is about suitable lighting. I want something with a switch that runs on mains only back to the consumer unit. Could somebody point me in the direction of something suitable?
Hi Mike..
Not for one minute saying that there aren't people on here who are capable and/or qualified enough to give the info you need(as there will be)..
..but this website/forum would be worth a visit:
Quote: Originally posted by pepe63 on 21/7/2016
Hi Mike..
Not for one minute saying that there aren't people on here who are capable and/or qualified enough to give the info you need(as there will be)..
..but this website/forum would be worth a visit:
I've registered with the SBMCC site but for some reason it does not allow me access to content.
I have read with interest a large number of posts about installing mains electrics in motorhomes, caravans and tents on this particular site but none actually cover the question asked. Hence my post.
Quote: Originally posted by Mike88 on 21/7/2016
I've registered with the SBMCC site but for some reason it does not allow me access to content.
That's odd (although I haven't been a "paid up" member for a few years now)..
I wonder if there is a cooling-off/vetting period? or maybe the bloke who processes memberships is just away on his hols?
I'm sure that there are plenty of domestic light fittings that would do, but I can't help thinking that you're limiting the van's use by not having a leisure battery and 12V lighting. You may find that the water pump etc will only come as 12V. and you may not want to use the starter battery for the auxiliary electrics.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
Quote: Originally posted by Capt Lightning on 21/7/2016
I'm sure that there are plenty of domestic light fittings that would do, but I can't help thinking that you're limiting the van's use by not having a leisure battery and 12V lighting. You may find that the water pump etc will only come as 12V. and you may not want to use the starter battery for the auxiliary electrics.
Thanks. I'm not intending to carry water. I shall be using sites only and can manage with onsite facilities. The van is being used mainly to sleep in and that's it especially as it has to accommodate and sleep 5 people meaning the scope for sinks, cupboards, toilets etc is limited. I intend to cook with a microwave.
If you are planning on registering it as a campervan with DVLA, then there are a list of things it must have to comply, water, sink is one of them. A part conversion may be harder to insure.
Quote: Originally posted by Jazzij on 21/7/2016
If you are planning on registering it as a campervan with DVLA, then there are a list of things it must have to comply, water, sink is one of them. A part conversion may be harder to insure.
Not intending to register it as a motorhome because I am unable to comply with the DVLA definition due to space issues. As I mentioned it is to be used mainly as a place for sleeping.
I propose fitting forward facing certified rock and roll type seats with seatbelts (expensive) which will be checked by the MOT tester. As I understand it all I have to disclose to the insurance company is the number of seats with seat belts.
Sorry, no idea about specific legalities nowadays (again, something the likes of sbmmc could clarify).
So basically, you're aiming to make a large people carrier-sleeper/dayvan?...
What size van have you got or thinking off? because total sleeping areas for two adult and three kids will quite large.
..and that's before you factor in space for accessible storage for all your "going away clobber"
(holdalls, coats(wet?), shoes(muddy?, sleeping bags/duvets, pillows, picnic chairs/table, toys etc Oh! and a microwave?)..and where is everyone going to stand when you are "assembling" the beds or to get changed etc, once the beds are deployed? Outside in the rain?
Sorry, I'm not trying to sound negative but having had several MHs/vans of differing styles and sizes(DIY dayvans, factory van conversions and large(ish)coachbuilts), what starts out as a seemingly cavernous space, soon gets filled up, when you chuck people and their stuff into 'em!
As for lights, to keep things really simple you could always just try using cheapie stick-on led lamps for now?
- we've used 4 cheapie rectangular Rolson led lights in our little "festival van" for the past 4-5 years and we've only had to renew the batteries once (and that was only in 2 of them anyway).
Another thing to consider, you may (may!) find some sites will be a bit prickly about you sleeping in, what would basically amount to, a large people carrier?..worth bearing in mind
(..if you're going to have to hang a driveway awning off the side in order to make it more "acceptable"( and certainly more usable), then you may as well factor one in from the start?)..
Anyway, this type of thing may be of some interest?
The van is a 6m hightop. I appreciate the difficulties to which you allude but, after my small tent, the van will hopefully be better even though space is limited. Storage will be an issue but I'm hopeful I can get around it even if it means getting a roofbox or one of those Fiamma boxes that fits on the back doors.
As for exterior appearance I have no worries. It will look nice with bonded windows (I think you can get them with sliders but have not researched this yet) and will have decals on the side to de- commercialise it.
Apart from insulating and lining I propose getting a
a rock and roll bed (something like a rib) for the rear to provide sleeping space for the kids and a sideways bed for the adults spanning the width of the van.
I haven't fully mapped the thing out yet - just preliminary thoughts at the moment - but am working on it! If I have to do a more elaborate conversion I will but am scared about the wiring particularly - hence my original question.
I like the idea of sticky lights and will look further into the cabbunk although am a little nervous about putting either the 7 or 3 year old up there - not suitable for a 10 year old methinks.
My membership of the SBMCC has just been authorised but I think those who convert over there are more inclined to go for full conversions which is not want I really want to do.
But thanks for your thoughts - they are really appreciated.
We have three (now adult) children and our first van was Bedford CF based. The children slept in 'hammocks' which rolled up and secured to the sides of the van.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
After you get your plans sorted I would contact the van insurers before modifying
I fitted some bling on mine (wheel trims and stainless sill bars) and the original insurer refused point blank to cover it. Now with Adrian Flux.
I tow a small caravan and also want a day van / camper van just for the odd night away. All the kit I'm putting in will be basic and removable.
Quote: Originally posted by Mike88 on 21/7/2016
I am about to undertake a conversion of a panel van into something I can eventually sleep in with wife and three children.
My question is about electrics - lighting in particular.
Mike, I am sorry that I hadn't seen your post before.
You might be interested in knowing that quite a few of us who used to be paid up members of another forum that you have now joined, dare I say got a teeny weeny bit fed up with certain aspects of the site and so we set up our own very special and totally FREE site.
Why not pop along and join us over on www.diymotorhome.co.uk where you can ask anything you want to about your proposed build in the knowledge that anyone who replies to you has seen it and done it before.
All the best
Phil
------------- There is a great World to be found out there, but by the very day, to find where it is becomes more of a challenge!
I've bought the orb lights from Aldi (available elsewhere) for my conversion. They take one AA battery each and have three light settings and are quite bright and look good.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Self Build Electrics
