Converting a van to a campervan

JennyP

I have been googling this obsessively for the last few months and visited various places that do camper conversions but not really made a decision.

Wondering if anyone has done this.

We want a decent sized van converted into a simple campervan. We don't want all those little fitted cupboards that a lot of them have. Just a simple design: fixed bed with room under to store our stuff including bikes. 12V battery and solar panel. Sink unit - possibly one with the cooker combined but happy to make do with a camping stove. Swivel seats. Obviously lined and insulated.

Has anyone had this done and got any idea of costs? The places we've been to have all been the sorts of places that do full camper conversions, all bells and whistles. They cost a fortune. The only places we've found that would do a simpler conversion - one is charging same price as for a full conversion and one simply hasn't come back with the quote despite me chasing!

angrycrow

My neighbour converted an older LDV high roof van into a camper. His caravan had structural issues so he stripped the interior out of the caravan and installed it into the LDV. It's an impressive bit of kit with toilet and shower in a compartment behind the rear double doors and a kitchen and double bed which converts to seating in the main compartment. Compact 2 birth camper van.

If you are able to do basic carpentry getting an end of life caravan and a good condition high roof van could be the cheapest route into camper van ownership. My neighbour suggested the biggest unexpected cost was the insulation.

facade

Have a look at Japanese import MPVs, like a Lucida or Bongo. On most of these the rear seats convert into a double bed, and you simply get a lift out cupboard thing with a little sink, camping stove, water carrier and gas storage that lives in the back, and stands in the garage if you need the boot space. Bongos sometimes have a pop-up top too.

AdrianC

JennyP wrote: »

I have been googling this obsessively for the last few months and visited various places that do camper conversions but not really made a decision.

Wondering if anyone has done this.

We want a decent sized van converted into a simple campervan. We don't want all those little fitted cupboards that a lot of them have. Just a simple design: fixed bed with room under to store our stuff including bikes. 12V battery and solar panel. Sink unit - possibly one with the cooker combined but happy to make do with a camping stove. Swivel seats. Obviously lined and insulated.

Has anyone had this done and got any idea of costs? The places we've been to have all been the sorts of places that do full camper conversions, all bells and whistles. They cost a fortune. The only places we've found that would do a simpler conversion - one is charging same price as for a full conversion and one simply hasn't come back with the quote despite me chasing!

If you're DIY-friendly, why not DIY it? There's a lot of self-build camper support groups and forums around. At the very lowest level, a visit to IKEA will produce all the furniture you need, modifiable to fit easily. Windows and insulation are all off-the-shelf.

jaybeetoo

Have a browse at https://www.vwt4forum.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=147

JennyP

angrycrow wrote: »

My neighbour converted an older LDV high roof van into a camper. His caravan had structural issues so he stripped the interior out of the caravan and installed it into the LDV. It's an impressive bit of kit with toilet and shower in a compartment behind the rear double doors and a kitchen and double bed which converts to seating in the main compartment. Compact 2 birth camper van.

If you are able to do basic carpentry getting an end of life caravan and a good condition high roof van could be the cheapest route into camper van ownership. My neighbour suggested the biggest unexpected cost was the insulation.

That's a fantastic idea. Unfortunately we don't have the skills - not to make a decent job of it anyway. Plus we definitely want a fixed bed. I think what we're after is fairly simple it's just finding someone to do it at a reasonable cost and who'll make a decent job of it.

JennyP

jaybeetoo wrote: »

Have a browse at https://www.vwt4forum.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=147

Yes, I looked at that. It's a great site but we aren't looking at Transporters. Much as I love them!

We're wanting a Peugeot Boxer.

A Mazda Bongo would be far too small.

Jackmydad

Way back, a neighbour of mine converted a brand new CF van into a camper. He had the windows, high top and (IIRC) water tank fitted, but did the rest himself using basic tools.
It looked great when he'd finished, and was an enormous saving over a bought in new one. Can't remember just how much, but IIRC, it was something like a 50% saving for a few weekends' and evenings' work.
He was, (and hopefully still is) a competent DIY er.

AdrianC

JennyP wrote: »

Yes, I looked at that. It's a great site but we aren't looking at Transporters. Much as I love them!

...scenetax...

But, of course, the principles transfer from van to van transparently.

We're wanting a Peugeot Boxer.

/Citroen Relay/Fiat Ducato. All the exact same van, less minor wrinkles (Fiats sometimes have different engines)

Probably the most common base for a camper. So getting off-the-shelf furniture kits etc will be straightforward.