Self build vans (1 Viewer)

Snowbird

LIFE MEMBER
Apr 24, 2009
11,818
22,345
Liverpool.
Funster No
6,422
MH
Fifth wheel.
Exp
Since 11-05-2000
Following on from a previous thread and to save high jacking it any further. What are the funsters views on the best all round vehicle to convert into a camper. Taking into consideration ease of parking, fuel economy, parts availability, size for easy living.
 

Terry

LIFE MEMBER
Dec 27, 2007
11,904
8,969
Lincolnshire
Funster No
1,075
MH
A class
Exp
Can't remember ;)
Are we talking new vans or older? Your A class shape size takes some beating ::bigsmile:
Terry
 
OP
OP
Snowbird

Snowbird

LIFE MEMBER
Apr 24, 2009
11,818
22,345
Liverpool.
Funster No
6,422
MH
Fifth wheel.
Exp
Since 11-05-2000
I dont think I will be able to improve on the van I have Terry, but am always up for a project. Am thinking along the lines of an older rear wheel drive or maybe a 4X4 ex military/forestry commission/fire brigade/ambulance type vehicle. Preferably under 7 metres long, with cheap availability of parts that can be purchased and converted for under £12000. There are some cracking vehicles in Germany that have been used by public authorities and have had little use and maintained regardless of cost. I really am my own worse enemy where motorhomes are concerned as its not just a a case of travelling in them but I also love tinkering and trying to improve on them. I always fancied a bus conversion, but am now of the opinion they are to big, so am looking at something smaller and more practical. I would like to do a conversion mainly as a hobby and to give me something to occupy my time and then perhaps present it to my daughter. You are the obvious choice for inspiration :thumb:

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

Jaws

LIFE MEMBER
Sep 26, 2008
23,821
71,969
Thetford Norfolk
Funster No
4,189
MH
C class, Chieftain
Exp
since 2006 ( I think ! )
I reckon an ex-ambulance is always a good bet.. That or one of the small council bus type vehicles.. One of the 16 seater type..

Seen loads of both type done and they always look ok..
As they have windows in 'as standard', the body has good integral strength..
 

Jaws

LIFE MEMBER
Sep 26, 2008
23,821
71,969
Thetford Norfolk
Funster No
4,189
MH
C class, Chieftain
Exp
since 2006 ( I think ! )
Aint that how everything should be driven ?

And think about it..

Good servicing, reasonable maintenance regime.. now look at other possibles, the sort of thing white van man might well have used..

Thrashed just the same as an ambulance, sod all servicing done, JUST ABOUT kept on the road at minimal costs

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

Terry

LIFE MEMBER
Dec 27, 2007
11,904
8,969
Lincolnshire
Funster No
1,075
MH
A class
Exp
Can't remember ;)
Will get back to this later / got grandson here and he has just found my new CREE torch :Doh: will have to buy myserlf another :Smile:
terry
 
C

Chockswahay

Deleted User
Err....................can't argue with that Jaws:Blush: You have a valid point:Smile:
 
OP
OP
Snowbird

Snowbird

LIFE MEMBER
Apr 24, 2009
11,818
22,345
Liverpool.
Funster No
6,422
MH
Fifth wheel.
Exp
Since 11-05-2000
Something like this, low mileage and its half way there. .

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

Jaws

LIFE MEMBER
Sep 26, 2008
23,821
71,969
Thetford Norfolk
Funster No
4,189
MH
C class, Chieftain
Exp
since 2006 ( I think ! )
Something like this, low mileage and its half way there. .

Big one !! Darrell built one from one of those.. Went through two engines in a year and ended up scrapping the poxy thing !
 
OP
OP
Snowbird

Snowbird

LIFE MEMBER
Apr 24, 2009
11,818
22,345
Liverpool.
Funster No
6,422
MH
Fifth wheel.
Exp
Since 11-05-2000
Jeeeez John, how did he manage to blow an indestructible engine ?
 

Terry

LIFE MEMBER
Dec 27, 2007
11,904
8,969
Lincolnshire
Funster No
1,075
MH
A class
Exp
Can't remember ;)
Something like this, low mileage and its half way there. .
Thats good for money but not quite H/R but I could live with it until shower time unless sat on loo ::bigsmile:
Big one !! Darrell built one from one of those.. Went through two engines in a year and ended up scrapping the poxy thing !
:Eeek: So much for bullit proof :Smile:
terry

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
OP
OP
Snowbird

Snowbird

LIFE MEMBER
Apr 24, 2009
11,818
22,345
Liverpool.
Funster No
6,422
MH
Fifth wheel.
Exp
Since 11-05-2000
Hi Terry, I would want to keep the height down because of hight barriers and tolls. Would it be possible to sink a shower tray to give headroom.
 

vwalan

Funster
Sep 23, 2008
8,835
5,798
roche cornwall
Funster No
4,148
MH
lynton5th wheel
Exp
since a child
early mercs are getting harder for parts .lots specialy rh drive have been delisted on the parts screens . tried a few years ago for rhdrive clutch m,cyl. ended up useing escort rear w,cyl rubbers as a fix .
best is mini artic or 5er .then when you get to 70 you dont need expensive medicals.
drive on b+e car licence .yet have loads of carrying capability.
407 are guttless anyway.engine was designed for the 207 really.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

aba

Free Member
Oct 27, 2009
2,775
1,112
yorkshire
Funster No
9,066
MH
coachbuilt
Exp
dec 2009
i dont think you can beat a good square box to start with.

i feel you could cut a hole in the floor and fit a sunken shower tray as long as you dont go below the lowest point of the chassis but you would be stuck with it in the middle of the van between the chassis rails.

also the drain into the grey tank could be interesting as the tank would have to be lower or just stick a bucket under the shower drain .

maybe a full rear washroom affair with the bog at 1 side the shower in the middle and the wash basin at the other side you would probably need a false floor in the shower tray so you dont fall down into it whilst using the sink or bog.
 
May 23, 2008
2,480
3,481
Near Durham City
Funster No
2,787
MH
Carthago
Exp
Since 1984
I have had nothing but Fiat and Peugeots coachbuilt motorhomes until recently. My present van is on the new Master and what a difference. It is a more civilised drive and smooth, much more car like. It weighs in at 3850kgs and is returning 29 mpg. I have had none of the usual recalls experienced with the Sevel based vans.
I am so impressed that I have purchased another van based Master (2010) for a conversion project. It is a lower access than usual and slightly longer. I am leaving the three front seats intact so that it has belted travel seating without having to fit heavy mounts in the rear for belts. My layout hasn't, to my knowledge, been used before and allows 6 to sit / dine in the front lounge and has a seperate 2 seat area at the rear.
Upto now I have nothing but praise for the Renault Master but after only 8000 miles time will tell.
 
OP
OP
Snowbird

Snowbird

LIFE MEMBER
Apr 24, 2009
11,818
22,345
Liverpool.
Funster No
6,422
MH
Fifth wheel.
Exp
Since 11-05-2000
Some good points here. I would prefer rear wheel drive with dif lock if possible. A rear full time bed with storage access from the rear and also inside. 2000 kgs payload would be perfect but I could live with 1500. Am not too bothered about any extra beds as long as a stretcher type could be hung for occasional use. Am not interested in fifth wheels or small artics Al as I personally cant see the point in them. I could do much better with a big 4X4 and caravan, but in my case it wouldn't be a caravan, I would have to build a 4 wheel dray or turntable trailer. Maybe something like the photos papajohn put up some time ago with the MagiDuich fire engine conversions but smaller would be ideal.
Getting the base vehicle right is paramount to a good conversion and this is where many slip up. If the base vehicle is perfect then the rest will fall into place. The main reason I have been looking at ex military or municipal vehicles is they are built to a spec far exceeding civy vehicles and generally have spent most if not all of there lives in heated storage.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

golly

LIFE MEMBER
Aug 16, 2009
2,001
69,092
Land of the Prince Bishops
Funster No
8,011
MH
HYMERCAR PVC
Exp
since August 2009
If I could afford a second camper I would love one of these converted Link Removed

I may even join the Moroccan trip if I had one of these :RollEyes:
 
OP
OP
Snowbird

Snowbird

LIFE MEMBER
Apr 24, 2009
11,818
22,345
Liverpool.
Funster No
6,422
MH
Fifth wheel.
Exp
Since 11-05-2000
If I could afford a second camper I would love one of these converted Link Removed

I may even join the Moroccan trip if I had one of these :RollEyes:

That would make a good conversion, but wrong engine and the fuel gauge says it needs filling :Eeek:
 

golly

LIFE MEMBER
Aug 16, 2009
2,001
69,092
Land of the Prince Bishops
Funster No
8,011
MH
HYMERCAR PVC
Exp
since August 2009
On the question of fuel, if converted to LPG is it possible to have a roof mounted tank to save on internal space, my outback has a doughnut tank in the spare wheel well.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

vwalan

Funster
Sep 23, 2008
8,835
5,798
roche cornwall
Funster No
4,148
MH
lynton5th wheel
Exp
since a child
far better vehicle than the master i reckon is the mascot .rwd . same shape but better i think.
dave reason is overlap makes for shorter length .plus the old age driving licence problem.
big 4x4 eat juice.
getting hard to choose the base vehicles these days .i,m one of the dont like too much computer worked systems .
think now is a good time to think ahead though before all the simple stuff as gone . new is out of the question i think and as been for years .
rember at 70 you could have upto 12ton trainweight with a car licence if you get the right vehicle.and no medicals .
if landrovers are your thing then convert a discovery . better fuel consumption and work well with a box conversion .a few companies do them already. see a few in maroc in winter.plus you can uplift their gvw to i think its 6.5ton.
 
Last edited:
OP
OP
Snowbird

Snowbird

LIFE MEMBER
Apr 24, 2009
11,818
22,345
Liverpool.
Funster No
6,422
MH
Fifth wheel.
Exp
Since 11-05-2000
far better vehicle than the master i reckon is the mascot .rwd . same shape but better i think.
dave reason is overlap makes for shorter length .plus the old age driving licence problem.
big 4x4 eat juice.
getting hard to choose the base vehicles these days .i,m one of the dont like too much computer worked systems .
think now is a good time to think ahead though before all the simple stuff as gone . new is out of the question i think and as been for years .
rember at 70 you could have upto 12ton trainweight with a car licence if you get the right vehicle.and no medicals .
if landrovers are your thing then convert a discovery . better fuel consumption and work well with a box conversion .a few companies do them already. see a few in maroc in winter.plus you can uplift their gvw to i think its 6.5ton.

Hi Al, Am thinking along the lines of simple on the outside, bordering on stealth to aid wilding. Also a manageable size so all told under 7 metres. The reason I want a good payload is for my bio tanks, and therefore as long as 20 MPG is attainable that's OK. It has to be simple mechanics, no drive by wire stuff. Top speed does not have to be over 60 MPH. I dont think I am looking for the holy grail here. I keep getting drawn to the German sites as they seem to have a lot of what am looking for. Once the base vehicle is sorted then I will be knocking on Terrys door :Smile:
 

Terry

LIFE MEMBER
Dec 27, 2007
11,904
8,969
Lincolnshire
Funster No
1,075
MH
A class
Exp
Can't remember ;)
I dont think I will be able to improve on the van I have Terry, but am always up for a project. Am thinking along the lines of an older rear wheel drive or maybe a 4X4 ex military/forestry commission/fire brigade/ambulance type vehicle. Preferably under 7 metres long, with cheap availability of parts that can be purchased and converted for under £12000. There are some cracking vehicles in Germany that have been used by public authorities and have had little use and maintained regardless of cost. I really am my own worse enemy where motorhomes are concerned as its not just a a case of travelling in them but I also love tinkering and trying to improve on them. I always fancied a bus conversion, but am now of the opinion they are to big, so am looking at something smaller and more practical. I would like to do a conversion mainly as a hobby and to give me something to occupy my time and then perhaps present it to my daughter. You are the obvious choice for inspiration :thumb:

No idea on prices availability on non uk vehicles so will give you low downs on uk ones as I see them ::bigsmile:
spending 5k ish on vehicle then another 5/6k on conversion totaling 10 /11k ish
Firstly the price is using all new matts and cookers sinks loos etc etc .this can be brought under 4/5k if utilising exhisting windows etc.or second hand parts :Smile:
Normal panel vans --You can just about scrape into the new shape Fiat group vans that are a lot wider than any others :thumb: but all FWD :cry:You should be able to get any of the others from 2005 to 2008 obviosly mercs being the dearest :Smile:
next widest are Masters transits and then Mercs VW followed by Iveco -wider are better for converting- longest are Iveco mercs/VW all closely followed by the others but the longer you get the more restricted your paking places become and as such I try to stick sub 20ft ::bigsmile:Again above 20 ft is ok but it creates small probs on parking but not really where you can go :Smile:You can get RWD on all vans except the Fiat group although Masters and trannys are more ready in FWD,leaving Iveco,merc and VW all RWD.:thumb:
With the exception of the Fiat group all are too narrow for across the van beds unless you are well under 6 ft so this eats into the van lenght ie 6ft .3 ins as to 4ft / 4 ft6 ins ::bigsmile:Take a normal internal job of about 12 ft :Smile: ALL PVs need windows/blinds and the odd roof vent with all needing insulation with the exception being crew/mini buses. :Smile:
So as to not make this too long I will cover Ambulances later :winky: this will give time for me to write and you to pull apart what I have written in general ::bigsmile:
terry

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
D

DM14742

Deleted User
Has anyone thought of the LDV Van? Now I have no experience of these but you seem to get a lot for your money & a 2.5 Diesel should pull ok.
I've seen a couple converted & have to say they do make a good looking camper.
 

Terry

LIFE MEMBER
Dec 27, 2007
11,904
8,969
Lincolnshire
Funster No
1,075
MH
A class
Exp
Can't remember ;)
Hi Terry, I would want to keep the height down because of hight barriers and tolls. Would it be possible to sink a shower tray to give headroom.
It is posible but as (I THINK)ABA says drainage is the problem-easier to make a WET room and sit on the the loo to shower ::bigsmile:You could always simply let the shower water run stright to ground

If I could afford a second camper I would love one of these converted Link Removed

I may even join the Moroccan trip if I had one of these :RollEyes:
Loads of engine / box options ,plenty of spares :thumb:After that not a lot ::bigsmile: not a lot of room or much chance of making upper lockers for storage without moving the windows which in itself is not much problem but again not high enough to stand in (unless a dwarf )and the enterance height is high :Eeek:::bigsmile:
terry
 

Terry

LIFE MEMBER
Dec 27, 2007
11,904
8,969
Lincolnshire
Funster No
1,075
MH
A class
Exp
Can't remember ;)
Has anyone thought of the LDV Van? Now I have no experience of these but you seem to get a lot for your money & a 2.5 Diesel should pull ok.
I've seen a couple converted & have to say they do make a good looking camper.

You used to get a lot of van for the money until they put tranny engines in (convoys) and then they went to tranny prices :Doh::cry:The new shape ones have had lots of probs and although they ask a lot for them as vans (better vans for same money)they do not bring much as campers - better to make one from tranny or Master etc that will be more desirable come sale time :thumb:
terry

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Last edited:

Terry

LIFE MEMBER
Dec 27, 2007
11,904
8,969
Lincolnshire
Funster No
1,075
MH
A class
Exp
Can't remember ;)
Right onto my own favs Ambulance :thumb:::bigsmile: your 5 k will buy a 2005 Merc/VW BOTH rwd with bomb proof engines and probably dogey leccys ::bigsmile: or a 2006 Master- ALL will have 200k miles but will have been serviced to a like new standard and kept that way :thumb:If a van has a problem with engine then a new one will be fitted, same as a clutch gone new G/Box fitted not just a clutch ::bigsmile:Not many other makes around,odd tranny etc.The min bus types in my mind come into the same catagory as normal PVs but with more windows to cover ::bigsmile:Most are 11.6 ft long in the back or (better) 12ft long and are aprox 6 ft 6 ins wide internal :thumb:I would not consider the box on the rear type simply because I want to get into the rear from the front, not get out of front to get into the rear :Eeek: One of my pet hates is the now often seen self build with the kitchen or bed across the rear of front seats :Doh:::bigsmile:I am talking a low profile luton type ambulance :thumb:
You may well make use of the windows and blinds provided in your van same as keeping the rear heater that they come with (look on heater as a £800 bonus)the van.CUTTING through to the front cab is probably the hardest thing to do along with grinding down the strecher chanels in the floor (you cannot get them out :Doh: easy)We did not use any of the ambulance windows or roof vents or back doors simply sheeted over the roof and rear doors putting the vents windows where I wanted them.Stripping Ambulance wiring (for Paul my mate ) was easy and took about 3 to 4 hrs but gave lots of spare wiring and posh fuses.The 2 swivel seat bases that came in the back were used in the front :thumb:the rest was taken out giving a complete 12 ft by 6.5 ft almost sq blank box to play with :thumb: Also a very well insulated box on all side roof and floor :thumb:
SEE Link RemovedRead down left side what went into it
after that it comes down to the same as any van the layout :Smile: You pays your money and makes your choice for this one :winky:
I said in a previous thread about wireing and stuff,( BUT GOT SHOT DOWN )THAT short of a couple of wires in the roof I would fit all the boarding and cupboads into the van first then use the plastic trunking (sq clip on type) to run all the wireing pipes etc through the backs of cupboards etc to where they were required simply because you can then get to them if anything goes wrong or you need to service things.We slipped up on mine by putting the boiler into what was a very easy to get at and pipe up at the time :thumb: but once the cnr cupboard was in place it has made it hard to get at unless you are super skinny (which I am not ::bigsmile:)hence my thinking along the lines of fitting as much as possible after everything is in place :thumb:After all is wired/piped up then you can add doors ::bigsmile:There are of course places where you have to put pipes etc before any cupboards Bathroom is one but where possible I would try to wire/pipe up after.:thumb:

Any way this is getting too long again so best to decide what which vehicle you want to convert :thumb:Ask pros and cons :thumb: then buy the vehicle after you have been advised ::bigsmile:Advisce is free wether you take/ listen/act on it is up to you :winky:
terry
 
Last edited:
Nov 18, 2011
11,856
42,474
Planet Earth
Funster No
18,938
MH
A van
Exp
Over 25 year's
Has anyone thought of the LDV Van? Now I have no experience of these but you seem to get a lot for your money & a 2.5 Diesel should pull ok.
I've seen a couple converted & have to say they do make a good looking camper.
my first van was a converted council 16 seet bus had it for years it's in my picks:thumb:
 

Join us or log in to post a reply.

To join in you must be a member of MotorhomeFun

Join MotorhomeFun

Join us, it quick and easy!

Log in

Already a member? Log in here.

Latest journal entries

Funsters who are viewing this thread

Back
Top