As a long time caravanner I'm considering a "little" project. I'm considering buying an long wheel base transit and converting it into a reasonably specced camper that I could use to replace or supplement my caravan. Last child is off to Unix next year so we only need two berths now.
Does anyone with experience of a self conversion have any opinions on whether I should start with a normal panel van or go with a minibus.
Minibus obviously has windows already fitted - but as far as I can see they are more expensive than a panel van.
I'm also thinking that I should go with one of the extra high trannies so that I can stand up straight inside - or do most folk not see that as an issue?
I do not have any experience of the project you are about to take on.
However, you request information on either a panel van or mini bus. Have you thought at all about crew cab vans?.
With this type of van the stuff you will be ripping out will have a price or re sale value. The seats certainly, the seat belts(maybe?) the double seat/bench in the actual cab and single driver seat. The fittings, including things like the radio, are not always the same in a true van, rather than a crew cab van. Plus the added extra that the part of the van for people, rather than cargo will already have windows, usually tinted and have been boarded out in the cargo area if it has one. If removed carefully it would be possible to insulate behind it. Things like using this as templates for what you are going to do could save a lot of time for you. Have a look what is on offer for the price you would be comfortable with. Just another string to your bow if you have more to look at. Good luck.
Take a look at the Self build Motor caravan forum, theres some very good information on there from people who have converted their own van, or even a bus or lorry or two.
There are othwr issues to consider other than the conversion itself, The DVLA have certain criteria to conform to before you can change the registration class from a commercial Van or Minibus over to a private motorcaravan. Insurance and safety Certificates also need to be obtained, and at the end of the day, some sites will refuse you entrance unless you have adhered to the regulations of the DVLA, and the fact that you havent got a Caravan council approved unit.
Many years ago, my husband used to have a transit van for his work use, and a few weekends we tried giving it a good clean out and using our camping gear, off we went exploring, sleeping in the van at night.
From this, we soon discovered that one of the biggest problems was condensation, especially on the inside glass surfaces and any metal parts of the doorframes, due to the mositure from our breath within a confined space.
By morning, everything was damp, clothing, bedding, and even the mats on the floor felt damp.
One of the advantages of double skin plastic windows is that they do not suffer from condensation like the old fashioned glass ones do, and likewise why so many modern motorhomes have similar windows and use insulated Silver Screen cab window covers to help minimise the problem.
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
If I were starting such a project, I think I would look at a vehicle like a former mobile library. These have a lot of usable space inside and very easy access.
I chose to convert a panel van, rather than a mini bus. With a van you can put windows where you want, with a minibus the windows are single glazed and often in the wrong place. There is also a weight penalty with all the heavy glass that is fitted.
I have had further thoughts on your project. Not knowing the type of spend you are thinking of for your desired van.
I have looked at many vans since my first comment and feel that the vans I have looked at for sale have huge mileages. Having said that, already converted older vans have in quite a number of cases half the mileage of those that are in effect 'trader' vans. Would trader types of van have had the care and attention of a regularly serviced and maintained leisure vehicle? Not all, but very many Motor Homes are serviced once a year and have less miles on the clock. What ever the layout you could use some of the 'gear' you intend to rip out, likely the front seats would swivel, bathroom stuff will probably be useable etc. You could think about it anyway...and if you decided to buy an already converted van....no problems with changing type for insurance purposes. Many things could be made easier for a better quality, less mileage van.
Maybe I am a bit crazy, who is to judge, but I am sure that a huge mileage in maybe not such an old vehicle could be something ready to bite you in the backside. Look at the goodies inside of a leisure van you could re use, and all the stuff you could re sell IF you thought you would not use it. Check tyres on 'any' purchase you make. Read the date on them, as M Homes do have less mileage and tyres may be needing replacement if they have stood unused for some time.
Mileage was one of the things I was taking into consideration when I suggested a library van. These don't tend to cover the huge mileages a commercial van would, and have standing height inside. They also tend to be fairly well maintained and are usually lined out with flat panels, which are easy to work with.
Maybe you could also get hold of an old caravan for the internal equipment. They tend to be hard to get rid of if they have significant damp, and even if the structure has had it, the bits inside are probably ok.
I would also take in to consideration the poor security systems on the transit and the amount of transit based motorhomes being stolen at present, you don't want to start spending a lot of money and it disappears one night.
Thanks again for extra comments I had been looking at some 10 year old school minibus because a lot of them have quite low mileage and should have been maintained to a higher standard than something like a "trader van:
The best youtube van conversion blog is by Greg Virgoe. Well worth a look for self-builders, or even just for general interest. Warning, you may binge on the episodes!
See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLwaqbn_f6s&list=PLLhAyWhGGbi6JLJBHePgsmR-jSbyC_RgO
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 Conversion - Panel Van or Minibus
via mobile 30/1/2019 at 8:04pm
