Forums / Building your own camper van / Air vents?
Air vents?
Hi Ian
Nice to hear from you.
I've never used a camper van in a British winter, but I don't think a roof vent is necessary. It would be a nice general addition if you have the materials and time though.
I used 9mm ply for the ceiling and walls and found this to be more than enough. In fact I would consider using 6mm for the ceiling on future projects, as it follows the ceiling shape more easily. I mounted quite a lot of heavy things on the walls, so 9mm was good. But I only hanged surfboards from the ceiling, so 6mm should be fine for that. I'd always recommend using the thinnest wood you can. It's easier to shape, costs less and saves weight, which is perhaps the most important factor.
With the 9mm ply I was able to follow the shape of the ceiling, just. I think 12mm will give you a flat ceiling, which is equally as good.
Glad you like the website and any ideas you got from my conversion.
Best of luck with everything.
Cheers
Darren
Joined: 2008-08-20
Hi Darren, I have been following your website with great interest having
just bought a SWB Sprinter (96). It has a rather rudimentary, but
functional, conversion, however I intend to use it for winter use as an
amateur landscape photographer. My intention is to use the van as a base
and plot up near to the area I intend to photograph. I have just travelled
from Winchester to the north west of Scotland, across to the east and then
back down again. The van has sliding windows in the sliding door and
opposite panel. In your opinion do I need to add ventilation for winter
use? There was no noticeable condensation when I used it recently, but as
the inner and outer skins are parting company on the sliding door and
drivers rear door that was hardly surprising (I have now bought replacement
doors for both).
I am about to insulate the roof and board it up using 12mm ply. I will
then insulate and board up the side panels. The layout of the van is
L-shape and will remain so after the re-furb, but like your conversion I
will be adding a small kitchen area (I loved your stroke of genius plumbing
the grey water outlet into the wheelarch!).
Also, when you boarded up the roof did you go straight across and have a
flat ceiling or follow the natural curves of the van? I am about to start
on the roof Thurs or Fri and would be interested to hear back from you.
Brilliant website, especially for an older Sprinter owner. It has saved me
a lot of hard work already!
Cheers,
Ian