Topic: Campervans

[ElMagico]

Looking at getting my first camper, think I am wanting to get a van and do it up myself.
Got the normal Customs, Transporter, Traffic, Vivaros.

Anyone got one or got any advice on what to look out for? I know some of the engines play up quite a lot.

[CHOPPER]

This is pretty camp I reckon.

[bigbonedrawky]

Done a couple of conversion back in the day LT35 and Traffic my advice when buying a used van is buyer beware...
For parts get over to the scrappers on the east coast after a storm, you'll find plenty of newish caravan parts going cheap. Remember to keep the weight down ie 3mm marine ply for lining and furniture. And when it comes to the scary part ie taking an angle grinder and cutting holes in the sides and roof of your van, be brave, build a template and take your time.
Some joinery plumbing and basic electrical skills are a must.   

[WhereAngelsPlay]

And kingspan and expanding foam for insulation. If you need to use silicone, don't buy the cheap shit & mastic would be best in some places, leave it warming on a radiator or engine before you use it.

[WhereAngelsPlay]

Done a couple of conversion back in the day LT35 and Traffic my advice when buying a used van is buyer beware...
For parts get over to the scrappers on the east coast after a storm, you'll find plenty of newish caravan parts going cheap. Remember to keep the weight down ie 3mm marine ply for lining and furniture. And when it comes to the scary part ie taking an angle grinder and cutting holes in the sides and roof of your van, be brave, build a template and take your time.
Some joinery plumbing and basic electrical skills are a must.   

So much easier now we have led strips and for the rest there are loads of refits on utube..

I'd be looking at something like a transit van, those engines can take a hammering.

[afc tukrish]

This is pretty camp I reckon.

Capon just detailed his van...

[bigbonedrawky]

So much easier now we have led strips and for the rest there are loads of refits on utube..

I'd be looking at something like a transit van, those engines can take a hammering.

Not a bad shout for Transit proper workhorse that plenty of spare parts but used ones have usually taken an hammering.
I'd also use leccy for heating & refrain from using gas for anything other than cooking and to not even think about trying to install that yourself... Strictly Corgi registered only.   

[Sudden Death Draft Loser]

Am about 3/4 of the way through converting a LWB Transit Luton. The plan is to live in it.

Heating - woodburner
Cooking - small gas cooker, 2 rings, oven grill
Double bed
Small 2 seat sofa
LED lighting
Three small horsebox style windows
Lined with 40mm celotex foam and 9mm ply (will take a screw)

To come - solar panel(s)

Fairly easy to fit as the box is 9mm or maybe 12mm ply.

[Sir Capon of Debaser]

Capon just detailed his van...

Cheeky bastard

Spoiler

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[Nobby Reserve]

I'd be looking at something like a transit van, those engines can take a hammering.

You're going to make a tranny camper?

[WhereAngelsPlay]

Not a bad shout for Transit proper workhorse that plenty of spare parts but used ones have usually taken an hammering.

That's the point, you'll struggle to find any used van that hasn't, at least with the ford, you know they can take it & like you say, the parts are plentiful, so cheaper.

I'm sure Rob will know what's best in the different price ranges and that Sudden Death (good choice on the celotex, same but cheaper) will gladly answer any and every question that you have 

[WhereAngelsPlay]

You're going to make a tranny camper?

I do enjoy a challenge.

[Sudden Death Draft Loser]

That's the point, you'll struggle to find any used van that hasn't, at least with the ford, you know they can take it & like you say, the parts are plentiful, so cheaper.

I'm sure Rob will know what's best in the different price ranges and that Sudden Death (good choice on the celotex, same but cheaper) will gladly answer any and every question that you have 

The celotex was already in place when I bought the van, you can't but 40mm new anymore it's been replaced by 50mm.

The van was fully kitted out when I bought it, but was a mess, so I started again.

[Sudden Death Draft Loser]

Transits, in my experience, tend to be mechanically sound with long lasting reliable engines.

The main problem they have is rust. First thing I did when looking to buy was check the chassis and sub-frame. Surprisingly for a 20 year old Transit they were both in very good nick. That along with it driving very well, made up my mind.

Only other vans I have experience with are Mercedes, which I prefer, but they're more expensive all round.

[afc tukrish]

Cheeky bastard

Spoiler

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