Looking to build a low loader camper conversion

[dinosawus]

Hello, has anyone done a successful campervan conversion of a low loader box van. I can find plenty of examples of Luton/Box van conversions but not on a low loader chassis commonly used for deliveries of small goods such as food, like an Ocado van. The low loader gives advantages of lower ground height for entering the habitation area and high ceiling height for taller people without the overall height of the vehicle being very high like some box vans. It also has the other advantages of a normal box van, straight walls and some level of existing insulation without being too wide.

Some areas of doubt I would have are 1. are the walls strong enough to support any internal additions such as bed frames and tables etc or would they need reinforcement with wood or steel framing. 2. If you keep the rear double doors as is for access and view, what is the locking mechanism like on those and how would you open and lock from the inside. Probably needs a custom internal locking mechanism. 3. is the existing insulated panel actually good enough as thermal insulation or would you need further insulation on the interior. 4. Most have a translucent plastic roof which is waterproof but offers no insulation or strength. What would be the best way to line the ceiling to add strength and protection? Build an internal wooden frame and use insulation materials and panels to finish.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Riverbankannie]

My thoughts (for what they are worth) are that you would be better off converting something like an old ambulance. They already have suitable doors, windows, insulation and height and often a rear heater too.
I have followed some threads of people converting bare box vans and it looks like an enormous amount of work - and expense.

 

[MR BLO]

Hi. Exactly as Riverbankannie IMO. I too thought ambulance after reading your post if you are looking to do it on the cheap. Having seen a lot of horsebox conversions on these vans everything is parred back to the bare minimum, even the floor stringers, in order to maximise space and an even payload for their original intended purposes. Weight distribution for example battery box and tanks need to factor in the relatively weak floor. Again a simple fix. I looked at picking one up and converting it for the wife in fact for a horse box (ended up buying a Theault instead). Complete internal framework required for strength and stability plus insulation. Back doors not of use once an internal frame is applied so typically replaced with a single central door that is more secure.
One benefit is the skin is easy to cut and place external lockers in - something missing in the wife’s box - and if done right, a double floor could be created for ancillaries and improved insulation / underfloor heating.
Roof is weak - lots are patched where they hit a branch, but at least they are not susceptible to hail damage. If the roof is seamed , check this out for leaks. I have fixed a friends box here this summer - sikaflex is your friend. Internal frame will strengthen it easily enough but not to the point where I would be happy to walk on it.
Clean body lines make them easy to wrap so if you invest the effort you can have a really nice van. Just won’t be cheap.

 

[Gromett]

The problem with a low loader is that you have no space underneath. My last van had underslung grey tanks and if things had gone to plan there would have been an underslung LPG tank. You also have to consider clearances for things like ferries and reversing into car parking spots (overhang over verge) etc. I am not a fan to be honest.

 

[dinosawus]

Great replies thanks. Yes indeed a lot of work although the end results could be better than a standard panel van as seen on the Advanced RV B-Box .

I think an Ambulance could be just as much work in the long run as they have a lot of extra baggage that needs to be considered and usually have dual rear wheels which I dont fancy (watched Project Amber) and might just as well start with a clean slate of a box van.

Interesting about lack of strength on the low loader. What are the risks of cutting through the bulkhead to create and opening from cab to habitation, would this weaken the box structure and require additional support?

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[Jamesh]

I think a lo loader would be a great option.

Easier to build having square sides than a pvc.

Won't have done the massive milages of ambulances, nor ambulance look, or the body fluids / ghosts etc.

Also look at VW bluebird minibus conversions.

As to converting I'd bond 2" polystyrene and 2x2 timber with 6mm ply over that.

I'd use horsebox windows for strength and affordability.

Btw ocardo / Morrisons van aren't lo loaders btw.

Cheers James

 

[Mala1951]

Sorry can't do link but look for British gas van turned into a motor home on YouTube. it is also for hire so maybe the guy might let you go and see the motor home
www.quirkycampers.com/uk/camp...

Hope this is what you are looking for

Mala

 

[Minxy]

I think a lo loader would be a great option.

Easier to build having square sides than a pvc.

Won't have done the massive milages of ambulances, nor ambulance look, or the body fluids / ghosts etc.

Also look at VW bluebird minibus conversions.

As to converting I'd bond 2" polystyrene and 2x2 timber with 6mm ply over that.

I'd use horsebox windows for strength and affordability.

Btw ocardo / Morrisons van aren't lo loaders btw.

Cheers James

Booooooooo!!!!

 

[gus-lopez]

They are similar to 5th wheels & generally have a double cab MAN, VW,Iveco or Isuzu as a tractor unit.
vwalan has one.

 

[vwalan]

mi

They are similar to 5th wheels & generally have a double cab MAN, VW,Iveco or Isuzu as a tractor unit.
vwalan has one.

my mitzy was originally our local grave diggers tipper truck.
i converted it to fifth wheel.
it had an easy life and wasnt driven hard so when it came up for sale i bought it.
the trailer started life in 1987 with a vw lt 50 pulling it. it was a double glazing companies show outfit .
i bought the mitzy as i knew in africa mitsubishi or Isuzu rule in many african countries .
i used the vw from 2000 then in 2007 bought the mitzy.
lynton trailers made the trailer and i can recommend lynton trailers ,i,m sure mine as been to many places it wasnt built to go to. makes many 4x4,s look like kids vehicles .

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[Jamesh]

Is this of interest / budget?

I rate Renault masters loved by horse box converters.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-...0001&campid=5338547443&icep_item=392980161221

Cheers James

 

[Jamesh]

mi

my mitzy was originally our local grave diggers tipper truck.
i converted it to fifth wheel.
it had an easy life and wasnt driven hard so when it came up for sale i bought it.
the trailer started life in 1987 with a vw lt 50 pulling it. it was a double glazing companies show outfit .
i bought the mitzy as i knew in africa mitsubishi or Isuzu rule in many african countries .
i used the vw from 2000 then in 2007 bought the mitzy.
lynton trailers made the trailer and i can recommend lynton trailers ,i,m sure mine as been to many places it wasnt built to go to. makes many 4x4,s look like kids vehicles .

Any pictures of your 5th wheel?

Looks interesting.

Cheers James

 

[Jamesh]

Or this....

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-...0001&campid=5338547443&icep_item=274570730991

Cheers James

 

[Northernraider]

Great replies thanks. Yes indeed a lot of work although the end results could be better than a standard panel van as seen on the Advanced RV B-Box .

I think an Ambulance could be just as much work in the long run as they have a lot of extra baggage that needs to be considered and usually have dual rear wheels which I dont fancy (watched Project Amber) and might just as well start with a clean slate of a box van.

Interesting about lack of strength on the low loader. What are the risks of cutting through the bulkhead to create and opening from cab to habitation, would this weaken the box structure and require additional support?

That vans the mutt's nuts

 

[Drexxer]

That vans the mutt's nuts

A well thought out van, that also has an excellent build quality!

Daren't think how much one costs!!

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[Northernraider]

A well thought out van, that also has an excellent build quality!

Daren't think how much one costs!!

Yeah id be curious to know the price also

All that tech won't come cheap

 

[Silkcut1105]

Seen this yesterday parked on mumbles seafront. I thought it was a brilliant lob

 

[Boringfrog]

That vans the mutt's nuts

Yup, stunning.

 

[Northernraider]

mi

my mitzy was originally our local grave diggers tipper truck.
i converted it to fifth wheel.
it had an easy life and wasnt driven hard so when it came up for sale i bought it.
the trailer started life in 1987 with a vw lt 50 pulling it. it was a double glazing companies show outfit .
i bought the mitzy as i knew in africa mitsubishi or Isuzu rule in many african countries .
i used the vw from 2000 then in 2007 bought the mitzy.
lynton trailers made the trailer and i can recommend lynton trailers ,i,m sure mine as been to many places it wasnt built to go to. makes many 4x4,s look like kids vehicles .

Any pictures of your 5th wheel?

Looks interesting.

Cheers James

Seconded ...id love to see some pics of it

 

[Jamesh]

Seen this yesterday parked on mumbles seafront. I thought it was a brilliant lob

The waterwheel has sorted off grid living!!!

Cheers James

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