Van conversion
A few months ago I asked some questions re converting a van into a small camper.
Well first stage has arrived as yesterday I bought a 65 plate Ford Custom swb Limited. Collect next Saturday. Part exed the tow car so the van will do towing with the caravan and when converted (by middle of next year) will a stand alone camper for a bit of w/e wild camping.
First job will be removing the bulkhead and putting in side and rear windows so it doesnt look like a conventional van, then next year will start on the inside 
Comments
-
Will the taxtion class change? Will it require any certification? Have you enquirer about insuring such a conversion. It sounds like a great project to do.
0 -
The only certification will be by the conversion company who will install the electrics and gas during our fit out. Once finished you can apply for a change of use to the DVLA to change to a motorhome. It must have a fitted sink unit and a bed! photos along
with the certification should be sufficiant.The insurance when done is based on the base van plus any extras you need to add on, once you have the change of use via DVLA it can be insured as such.
Wellhouse will charge upwards to £48k for a new van conversion, costing this out I can convert minus the roof bed for about half the cost
0 -
Kevin, I would urge caution if you are removing bulkheads, side support bars etc because they are fitted to strengthen the vehicle's structure. If they are not replaced by some other means of support the vehicle's safety and, possibly, legality may be affected
and its crash resistance could be impaired. I would strongly suggest getting expert advice before embarking on this project.0 -
Thanks Tinwheeler, already checked out, the bulkhead in the custom is not structural, its not like the VW range which is welded in, it is fitted using 10 bolts only, and does not affect the integrity of the van when removed
No support bars will be removed
0 -
I'm pleased to hear that, Kevin. You've obviously done some research and are aware of the pitfalls.
Good luck with the conversion.
0 -
Had to do research first as im not buying a cheap old van to pull apart, im buying a quite expensive van and doing a decent job to last us a few years. No rushing or corner cutting, it needs to be propper as it will be MOTd when due in 2 years as a motorhome
so it has to be right.Kev
0 -
It sounds good, Kev. You'll end up with a quality product.
A proper job.
0 -
Sounds great, at least you will end up with a van that will be exactly what you want. Will it require an IVA test before it can be registered as a motorhome now that type approval is upon us?
0 -
good luck, Kev
0 -
Sounds great, at least you will end up with a van that will be exactly what you want. Will it require an IVA test before it can be registered as a motorhome now that type approval is upon us?
To get the V5 changed you need to prove that the van has been fitted with sink, cooking facilites and sleeping facilities all permanent. You can apply in writing along with photos to the DVLA. You may be required to take the van to a DVSA (vosa) station
to be inspected but its very uncommon.0 -
-
Insurance was ok until I said the word conversion well one would have thought I was trying to insure a war tank or something!
Adrian Flux came through with a great policy, make any alterations and continue with a conversion, when complete let them know, all for just over the price I had the car insured for, so a good result in the end
0 -
From your pics, the motor appears to fit nicely into the marked
parking space and without the High or elevating roof
you should have few if any restrictions on where you
can park ! Great news especiqally if you can get under
the height barriers which seem to vary according to
the height of the installer
!!0 -
Thanks for the update, Kevin. It's looking good.
0 -
Well it's been a long time coming but the van went to be converted Tuesday last week and we should get it back as a campervan by the end of next week. So exited to be able to get out and about on our days off as we now live in the caravan working for the camc.
will post some pics when we get it back
Kev
0 -
Cheers, Kevin.
Can I ask what company are you using to do the conversion?
0 -
I know the place, Kev. It used to be the second hand tool seller. I saw the VWs there a few weeks ago and wondered what it was all about.
It'll be interesting to see the finished product.
0 -
Well the van is now complete and looking very smart. We are very pleased with the job done by ecowagon and would highly recommend their workmanship.
just got to get a small drive away awning as it is and was always going to be a bit tight with 2 adults and 2 dogs, but it is just for a night or two at a time so big enough as it's our car as well
0 -
Thanks for the update, Kevin.
It's good to hear you're happy with the end result. It looks good.
I hope you have many happy trips in your van.
0 -
Time has moved on and we have had some great nights and w/e away in the camper. As we have 3 to 4 months off each year (camc off season) we went to Spain this year jan and feb. As a day van/weekender it is great but any more than that too small especially travelling to Spain through France with it raining non stop for 2 days and 3 nightswith 2 adults a Labrador and kit for 2 months So............. although we still love the van it has been sold and we have ordered a Motorhome so we can tour Spain and Portugal in the off season and not stay in apartments.
We have ordered an Elddis sunseeker (autoquest dealer special) 155 4berth with fold away seats for occasional use which is perfect (I hope) for us.
we didn’t loose much on the custom, the dealer was very impressed with the conversion so gave a very good price.
we pick up the new one 8 April 😀
0
