Complete Novice (1 Viewer)

[Lewow]

hi everyone, brand new here. So have been looking at motorhomes and have struggled to find anything affordable but safe as we’d need 5 forward facing fully seatbelted seats for the children.
So we have a (probably far fetched) idea.
We are looking at buying a mini bus, removing the back seats and converting it. A couple of questions, does anyone know if this is even legal? Are they easy to remove? And do we need to change anything on the insurance dvla side of things?
Really appreciate anyone’s input and apologise if this is a waste of reading. Tia

 

[Reallyretired]

Certainly could solve your problem of the belted seats but not sure it would leave much room for everything else needed for five to live in.
The ones I've seen the seats are just bolted through the floor and presumably into the chassis so should be easy to remove though may leave a rather uneven floor.
Insulation could be a problem if you want to use it in the winter with all those windows.

Keep us informed if you do go ahead, interesting.

 

[hilldweller]

MHs with 6 seat belts are out there. We had Burstner 530.

Yes you can convert a van, loads on here have, do some searching on "self build". The legality and safety of fitting your own seats with belts is problematic because you can't test them to the CE standards.

Other problem is payload, bodies are heavy, you might not be able to carry the weight even if the belts are there.

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[TerryL]

It all depends on what you're planning to do motorhoming. For use as a "day van" your idea would probably be okay as you wouldn't need beds etc, just could fit a small cooker, wash up facility etc. Similarly you could throw a couple of mattresses in, buy a camping stove, a large water container and a porta potty which would work. Wouldn't be able to re-register as a motorhome though.

However if it were your intention for family holidays you've got your work cut out. A full conversion isn't easy unless you're a dab hand at DIY, plumbing, electricals, gas etc. - see the "Self Build" section.

There are plenty of older vans around with lots of life left in them, you just have to keep looking. You tend not to see them on big dealers forecourts because they sell them on to the trade - maybe ask one or two what they do with their part exchanges? So you're looking for smaller dealers or private sales. Places like Ebay have long lists but always be cautious as there are a few rogues about - if you see something you like ask about it on here, we've probably seen all the scams.

A good start would be to join as a full member, it will be the best £15 you ever spend on a motorhome. You then get access to loads of information including Jim's book "Buying a Motorhome" which has all you need to know. You'll also be able to ask as many questions as you like - you're currently limited to 5 postings.

Good luck in your search and to the Fun!

 

[Lewow]

Wow thank you so much everyone.
Okay so we normally camp with a tent, we have all our hookup leads, kitchen, porta loo beds etc, my idea was firstly we’d have a lot more room for carrying everything and we’ll be getting a drive away awning or something similar. Won’t be doing much winter “camping” so just keeping it basic for now. Just didn’t know if there was a “law” to removing the seats and just putting a ready bed in the back, also wasn’t sure how difficult it was to remove the seats.
I’ll do some research on the self build page.
Exciting, I’ll keep you all posted if we start a “project”

 

[mitzimad]

many mini bus seats are on unwin track which allows the configuration of seats and space to be varied seats just clip in and out look at welfare buses

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[Riverbankannie]

You can get ordinary vans re registered as campervan/Motorhome on DVLA so why not a minibus.
Just make sure that you get a good base vehicle, I am remembering a family who spent ages converting a red bus and then the engine died and was not repairable.
In order to make it comfortable with all the mod cons, you would need to be competent in electrics and gas and water systems, or have friends and family who could help.

Would need to look like a proper Motorhome from outside for acceptance on campsites.

Good luck...oh and check your driving licences for weight restrictions, you may only be able to drive up to 3500kg which is not a lot for a family.

 

[davidbaldam]

Hi and welcome to FUN.

 

[Sundowners]

There's a few 5-6 berth with seat belts on eBay for sale.

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[ambulancekidd]

 

[The Dudess]

 

[Silver-Fox]

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[rickwiggans]

so why not a minibus.

You can. But you have to put in a fixed cooking facility, sink, and bed unit of a minimum size (even if it's made up from other fixed units).These are requirements to re-register, so maybe beyond the scope of the current project.

 

[buttons]

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