Converting a van into a motorhome? Is it viable/worthwhile?

Aubrey_Thicket

Hi all

We would love a relatively new motorhome but we simply can't afford the £25,000+ for one. I know some people may say that you can buy them cheaper on eBay. However, they are typically older than 10-15 years old which brings with it possible expensive engine problems and costly repairs.

Has anyone here ever built/converted their own from a normal panel van? was it easy?

bigjl

Which new Motor Home costs £25000?

There are plenty of videos on YouTube showing how people have converted one.

However with the information you have given how can anybody advise correctly?

How many beds?

Do you want a proper kitchen and sink? Or are you happy to have something a bit more adhoc or even removable such as the those made by Amdro?

Do you want a high top?

Transit Connect or Berlingo size?

Or Sprinter size?

One advantage converting an ex Ambulance is a lot of the electrics are already there and so is the insulation.

What do you have now?

What is your budget?

AdrianC

If you're competent with DIYing the work required, and you know what you want, then go for it - it's definitely the best way to do it on a budget.

There are several forums out there focussing specifically on self-build campers, both the practicalities and the legalities to get DVLA to recognise it as a camper.

Aubrey_Thicket

Bigjl & Adrian

Thanks for the initial heads up...
Here's more.
My budget is around £12,000 but if that means spending it on a 15 year old vehicle that has an engine nearing its life or a vehicle that's going to hurt me with major repair costs (based on its age) then I'd probably chuck the towel in and put it down to daydreaming.
I did some research today and after getting excited at seeing a conversion for £3K I was soon brought crashing to earth when I realised that this was for a flat pack and didn't include appliances etc.
Am I naive? Probably! In fact, definitely!... but that's why I came here first. For some impartial and honest advice, whether that advice be positive or negative.

Am not the best with DIY.

Any comments guys?

AdrianC

Aubrey_Thicket wrote: »

Am not the best with DIY.

Honestly? That's going to be your show-stopper.

[Deleted User]

Have you looked at Jap imports? They are much better value for money than standard campers. You can get a really nice Mazda Bongo for £12K. Or spend less on one and save the extra cash for potential maintanence.

BeenThroughItAll

bigjl wrote: »

Which new Motor Home costs £25000?

He didn't say new, he said 'relatively new'.

Mind, relatively new motorhomes cost a lot more than 25K. Our 10 year old Carthago cost us nearly forty grand last year. Still, quite a saving from the 140K it was new.

BeenThroughItAll

Deleted_User wrote: »

Have you looked at Jap imports? They are much better value for money than standard campers. You can get a really nice Mazda Bongo for £12K. Or spend less on one and save the extra cash for potential maintanence.

A Mazda Bongo Friendee doesn't really classify as a 'motorhome'. Camper, at a push.

OP could perhaps clarify what they want here. A camper, motorcaravan, or motorhome.

Van conversion? Low profile coachbuilt? Luton coachbuilt? A-class?

PasturesNew

Work out why you want it. What will you need and want.

You can do a DIY conversion by lobbing a futon in the back, an awning for outside and some camping cookware + a potty.

Everybody uses them differently, so if you're trying to do it "on the cheap" work out what you can afford to lose.

Vans have an electrical system that has leisure batteries that store energy so you can have lights on when you're parked - you could just get some £15-20 solar lights and make sure you put the sensors by the windows as much as possible so you've got lights. Then there's the heating system - will you really be sleeping in it when you might need a heating system?

In the main, the cost is the complexity of the electrical system, water system, heating system, backup batteries and the override switches to switch from engine-operated to battery-operated etc. And the cost of all that "built in furniture" and the shower room/loo.

If the idea is so you can park up and have cups of tea while you're fishing, with the occasional overnight sleep in the summer ... you don't need much.

AdrianC

BeenThroughItAll wrote: »

A Mazda Bongo Friendee doesn't really classify as a 'motorhome'. Camper, at a push.

OP could perhaps clarify what they want here. A camper, motorcaravan, or motorhome.

Van conversion? Low profile coachbuilt? Luton coachbuilt? A-class?

Given that they go on to ask about converting vans...

angrycrow

My neighbour is converting an old high roof lwb van at the moment. He found damage in the frame if his caravan so stripped the interior of the caravan out and fitted it into the van. By doing it this way he got all the electrics and plumbing in one package that just needed moving about to fit in the voids in the van.

He says the most expensive bits were the insulation and the sealant for the floor.