Vans for conversion. (1 Viewer)

Oct 17, 2012
79
90
banks
Funster No
23,327
MH
mercedes vario youngs con
Exp
1978
problem with all the snap on vans its been stop start ll its life lo of wer and tear on clutch ring gear starter and gearbox and rest of transmission
 

Eggs

Free Member
Jan 3, 2018
1,633
2,934
Suffolk
Funster No
51,836
problem with all the snap on vans its been stop start ll its life lo of wer and tear on clutch ring gear starter and gearbox and rest of transmission
My van started it's life as a Snap On van and this isn't the case, I can take the key out of the ingnition and leave the engine running. I'm told this was done to avoid the stop/start of the engine, it allows the driver to lock the cab doors when trading out of the back of the vehicle. To turn the engine off I have to pull a 'kill' lever.

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Jan 17, 2014
1,246
2,357
Wellington, Telford, Shropshire
Funster No
29,731
MH
Van Conversion
Exp
Since 1977
I've only driven a New Crafter (2017 onwards) as a courtesy van (Worcester - Telford & return) when my T6 was in the VW Van Centre for some warranty work but both of us drove it and liked the drivability in comparison to our high-roof VW T6.

To the extent that we are now looking at the possibility of up-sizing to a LWB Crafter. Our ideal would be based on a Knaus Boxdrive Anglicized to left sliding door on GHD van and including a grill (sorry we are 'English' and like our toast etc.).
Can this conversion be built to run sub 3500kg? I don't know.
 
Oct 17, 2012
79
90
banks
Funster No
23,327
MH
mercedes vario youngs con
Exp
1978
My van started it's life as a Snap On van and this isn't the case, I can take the key out of the ingnition and leave the engine running. I'm told this was done to avoid the stop/start of the engine, it allows the driver to lock the cab doors when trading out of the back of the vehicle. To turn the engine off I have to pull a 'kill' lever.
had snap on vans calling for forty five years and never leave motor runnin had a cupla ex snap on 609 clucth ring gear and a few other bit s you have to expect it but hey you can be lucky

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Jun 30, 2011
7,228
20,071
Barnard Castle, UK
Funster No
17,128
MH
Concorde Concerto
Exp
Since 2007
I've only driven a New Crafter (2017 onwards) as a courtesy van (Worcester - Telford & return) when my T6 was in the VW Van Centre for some warranty work but both of us drove it and liked the drivability in comparison to our high-roof VW T6.

To the extent that we are now looking at the possibility of up-sizing to a LWB Crafter. Our ideal would be based on a Knaus Boxdrive Anglicized to left sliding door on GHD van and including a grill (sorry we are 'English' and like our toast etc.).
Can this conversion be built to run sub 3500kg? I don't know.
It will be extremely tight payload as they are almost 7 metre long vans

I do like them though the spec looks great they even have a wonderful thermal internal wrap around screens not sure if they are just an option or standard.
 
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Jamesh

Free Member
Jun 28, 2020
2,200
3,839
Funster No
72,388
MH
Van conversion
Exp
Caravaning since 2010
<Broken link removed>

Nice lwb iveco...

Can be downgraded apparently.

Nice as it's a 3.0

Cheers James
 
Jun 30, 2011
7,228
20,071
Barnard Castle, UK
Funster No
17,128
MH
Concorde Concerto
Exp
Since 2007
<Broken link removed>

Nice lwb iveco...

Can be downgraded apparently.

Nice as it's a 3.0

Cheers James
Yes lovely van that 3.0 litre only 90000 on plus it’s not the usual white colour.

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Jamesh

Free Member
Jun 28, 2020
2,200
3,839
Funster No
72,388
MH
Van conversion
Exp
Caravaning since 2010
Good to know about the crafter vs t6 as we have a 2.0 140 dsg caravelle.


Nice van but I rekon you could get an English converter to make one substantially cheaper.

Cheers James
 
Jan 17, 2014
1,246
2,357
Wellington, Telford, Shropshire
Funster No
29,731
MH
Van Conversion
Exp
Since 1977
Good to know about the crafter vs t6 as we have a 2.0 140 dsg caravelle.


Nice van but I rekon you could get an English converter to make one substantially cheaper.

Cheers James
Just found this on the VW Crafter (2017+) and MAN TGE - Self Build Group Facebook page.


"Just had the conversation with SV Tech on Friday about this very subject of updating the vans (2018 Crafter LWB 140bhp) to 3900Kg GVW.
Cost ÂŁ312 Inc vat.
No requirement to have body type changed to "Motorcaravan" on V5 - although obviously speed limits will remain as a Van (only benefit of changing to Motorcaravan body type).
One benefit was that as the vans GVW was over 3500Kg the annual road tax would fall to ÂŁ165 from it's current ÂŁ210 as van would now be in the private HGV (or was it LGV?) category.
No mods required to suspension, although was advised that if semi-air suspension was fitted to the rear leaf springs increasing the rear axles payload capacity then vans GVM could go as far as 4200Kg."
 
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Jamesh

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Jun 28, 2020
2,200
3,839
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72,388
MH
Van conversion
Exp
Caravaning since 2010
<Broken link removed>

Another one no vat

Rare maxi too.

Milage isn't too bad either.

Cheers James

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Last edited:
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Jamesh

Free Member
Jun 28, 2020
2,200
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Funster No
72,388
MH
Van conversion
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Caravaning since 2010
<Broken link removed>

2985kg ugw so 515kg payload if the seats= the interior fit out????

Cheers James
 
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Jamesh

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Jun 28, 2020
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Always thought they have a lumpy ride being sat in front of the front wheels?

Cheers James

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Jamesh

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Jun 28, 2020
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Caravaning since 2010
Nice older spinter not a rust bucket like most....

<Broken link removed>

Cheers James
 
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Jamesh

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Jun 28, 2020
2,200
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Van conversion
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Caravaning since 2010
Looks like I may be looking at a new van instead of the engine repair to my movano.... Garage says it is a dud, engine supplier says it is s good one....

Probably the best way if getting as much cash back is to sell it as a project for a mechanic to sort....

So if starting again what would you choose as a base van.

I can spend ÂŁ3k cash or load more on finance...

Problem is not much around at ÂŁ3k.

Sprinters a ropey....

Fiat et al are high milage.

Iveco seem a industrial for an everyday driver.

Transits seem a bit flimsy?

Have seen a high milage lt46 minibus down plated high milage though..

Otherwise it's a 2015 boxer at ÂŁ10k with less that 100k on the clock.

Your thoughts chaps.

BTW I'm thinking of a simpler build which can be removed and fixed second row of seats.

Any one want a movano with issues?!!

cheers James
 
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Jamesh

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Jun 28, 2020
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Anyone have any thoughts on lt35

I know they are getting on a bit but the simplicity of the 2.5 TDI lump appeals as well as the looks and size of a mwb van..

D day for my movano tomorrow....

Cheers James

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Jan 17, 2014
1,246
2,357
Wellington, Telford, Shropshire
Funster No
29,731
MH
Van Conversion
Exp
Since 1977
Anyone have any thoughts on lt35

I know they are getting on a bit but the simplicity of the 2.5 TDI lump appeals as well as the looks and size of a mwb van..

D day for my movano tomorrow....

Cheers James
I've never thought it worth converting anything more than twelve months old or a bit more if the mileage is exceptionally low. My thoughts are always on the cost of a good quality conversion vs the resale value.
 

Grummyb

Free Member
Dec 31, 2020
714
2,205
Corby
Funster No
78,662
MH
Coachbuilt
Exp
Since about 2013
I'm sure Linwood replied to a thread the other day about some local authority minimises for sale near him and the price keeps coming down so it might worth having a word with him to see if they are still available
 

Grummyb

Free Member
Dec 31, 2020
714
2,205
Corby
Funster No
78,662
MH
Coachbuilt
Exp
Since about 2013
Bloody predictive text that should say bigwood not linwood

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Jamesh

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Jun 28, 2020
2,200
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72,388
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Van conversion
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Caravaning since 2010
I've never thought it worth converting anything more than twelve months old or a bit more if the mileage is exceptionally low. My thoughts are always on the cost of a good quality conversion vs the resale value.
Agreed if using it as a camper 100% time.

However I use it as a work van too and as such my movano with full conversion is a pain in the neck as it's limited in what it can carry.

If it's not fixed My next one will have either a fold down bed and cooking pod or music case style bunks and pod which I can remove when needed.

cheers James
 
Jan 17, 2014
1,246
2,357
Wellington, Telford, Shropshire
Funster No
29,731
MH
Van Conversion
Exp
Since 1977
Agreed if using it as a camper 100% time.

However I use it as a work van too and as such my movano with full conversion is a pain in the neck as it's limited in what it can carry.

If it's not fixed My next one will have either a fold down bed and cooking pod or music case style bunks and pod which I can remove when needed.

cheers James
Obviously I don't know what your work requirements are but this layout has always given me plenty of carrying space when out of camping mode.

DSCN6248.JPG


That's a LWB VW T6, the choice of floor covering is obviously up to the user. I simply cover the floor and some of the sides with a large plastic sheet when necessary.
 
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Jamesh

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Jun 28, 2020
2,200
3,839
Funster No
72,388
MH
Van conversion
Exp
Caravaning since 2010
Still looking at vans in case if the worst.

So choice of 3k vans.

MK2 sprinter 313....

Lt46 minibus downgraded to 3.5t

Lt35 lwb minibus???

Am I stupid to get an old van again?

Or I go small and get a Vito / transit custom for more money.

What do I want??

Removable interior.
Cooker
Toilet.

Offbeat suggestion get a double cab and build a demountable!!!

Cheers James

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Jan 17, 2014
1,246
2,357
Wellington, Telford, Shropshire
Funster No
29,731
MH
Van Conversion
Exp
Since 1977
Still looking at vans in case if the worst.

So choice of 3k vans.

MK2 sprinter 313....

Lt46 minibus downgraded to 3.5t

Lt35 lwb minibus???

Am I stupid to get an old van again?

Or I go small and get a Vito / transit custom for more money.

What do I want??

Removable interior.
Cooker
Toilet.

Offbeat suggestion get a double cab and build a demountable!!!

Cheers James
The answer to your quest all revolves around your personal circumstances.

My own thoughts, since I started to build my own, have been to go for the newest vehicle I could afford that satisfies my needs at the time so as to preserve its resale value. This has enabled me to keep upgraded and run a reliable and almost totally maintenance free camper. I know this method is not within everyone's financial or physical conditions but it has served me well.

For what it's worth, the fitting of a removable interior does not fit with the DVLA definition of a Motor Caravan however the way that they are treating van conversions nowadays that may not worry you.
 
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Jamesh

Free Member
Jun 28, 2020
2,200
3,839
Funster No
72,388
MH
Van conversion
Exp
Caravaning since 2010
So any advice for a van?

I'm definitely shifting my movano on and getting something different.

Price less than 12k.

Economic to run 600milescto I'm parents in Dorset for the weekend.

Small enough to be a daily driver

Large enough to stand up in.

Ability to remove all the furniture for work van duties. I can sort this....

Pug boxers dropped from 2.2 to 2.0 for several years and then went back up to 2.2 should one avoid those years?

Cheers James
 
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Jamesh

Free Member
Jun 28, 2020
2,200
3,839
Funster No
72,388
MH
Van conversion
Exp
Caravaning since 2010
I'm going to look at a MWB 2015 transit tomorrow.

Anyone converted one?

Not popular here but in the USA they seem popular.


The Seville vans I saw yesterday for 10k were shocking, and it's an old design now, whereas a transit will be current for much longer. And a better drive too as I will be driving 600miles in a weekend to my parents.

Cheers James

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