Want a campervan or to convert a van to a camper?

Leopardlady

Mty partner and i are interested in getting a campervan. we are not sure whether it is better to buy a second hand one, we are on a budget! or whether we buy a van and then convert it?

Any advice or pointers would be very well received. Thanks in advance!

iolanthe07

Buy a copy of MMM a monthly mag that any decent newsagent will carry- lots of advice and help, including loads of second-hand examples and new prices. E-bay is good too, though a lot of what is there is rubbish, so be careful. Converting your own van is not as easy as it sounds, and the completed vehicle can be difficult to insure - you will have to have a thorough engineer's report anyway. 'The Motorcaravan Manual' by John Wickersham (published by Haynes) is well worth having.

TBH camper vans are expensive and hold their value generally much better than cars. It's a great hobby, though, imho much better than tugging. You'll get loads of help; motor caravanners are a lovely bunch of people. Good luck!

lakeside30

https://www.gumtree.com is your friend Some real bargain converted vans and campers to be had, especially toward the end of summer when foreign visitors who have bene travelling sell their vans for pittance before heading back home.

https://www.sbmcc.co.uk is a good site too if you want to convert yourself.

HenryWeston

iolanthe07 wrote: »

imho much better than tugging.

whats tugging ??

livinginhope

HenryWeston wrote: »

whats tugging ??

Tugging is - pulling a caravan,towing

chubbybrown4real

How about a Mazda Bongo.
the old boy has one,converted into a full motorhome and lovely!

scbk

I'd personally say buy a van and fit it out yourself, how you like it. Check out http://www.sbmcc.co.uk/

iolanthe07

I'd personally say buy a van and fit it out yourself, how you like it.

Self builds are difficult to sell on and insurance can be a problem. If you go down this route, do your research well because it is a lot harder than people think and the regulations these days are a nightmare.

s1h

I am also looking at doing the same, thinking about using something like a vw transporter van.

If I buy a van Are there any companies that will do the conversion for you at a decent price? Only really need it to sleep 2, have a couple of cupboards, bed, hob and fridge, but wouldnt really have a clue where to start.

Im just thinking by doing it this way I will get a newer more reliable van something maybe 10yrs old, rather than something that is already all kitted out which is 20+ yrs old.

iolanthe07

Yes - lots of companies will do the conversion for you on your panel van. Prices vary obviously according to the level of equipment and fitting you specify, but seem to start from about £2500. Many of these specialist companies advertise in MMM and the other motorhome magazines.

s1h

Whats this mmm magazine had a look in newsagents today but couldnt see it, does it stand for something else?