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Minibus vs panel van as a base vehicle for conversion
Just starting out on the quest for a suitable base vehicle for a camper conversion. Can I ask if it's better to start out with a minibus and incur extra time and cost stripping out what you don't need (though maybe recoup some of that by sell those excess seats on ebay), or a basic panel van and add in just what you want (sexy bonded windows and a more personal trim perhaps?). Any wisdom of experience greatly appreciated....
Thanks for that. I guess what puts me off the basic panel van is that it seems an awful lot to do just to line the thing. The sides may well be ply lined but how do you line and trim the roof? Is there somewhere where you can get the right shaped trim panels for the roof of your particular van or do you always have to make your own? If the latter what is the best material?
I haven't found anywhere that sells pre-cut lining for a ceiling, but it's not so hard to make your own if you have some DIY skills.
Just measure it up and cut it out. 6mm ply wood is light and car be shaped a little. 9mm is stronger, but less flexible and heavier.
I guess anything is possible to do yourself if you've got the time and patience! The trick of course is ending up with something that doesn't look as if you did make it yourself (which is where many of my "projects" fall down! ;-) I guess one way round the problem would be fitting a pop-top roof! I like the idea of the instant extra headroom, bedspace and a good, fun (and out of the way!) place for my kids to play. Annoyed however that I can't find an off-the-shelf elevating roof for a ducato. The argument seems to be that elevating roofs are all about keeping the van height under 2m to be able to still get into multistorey carparks and garages. Thus if the van height is over 2m to start with there's no point in going to the extra effort and expense to put an elevating roof on, you should get a high top to start off with. This seems to be missing the point of the occasional, instant extra bed space (not to mention the fact that many height restrictions are 2.1 m), but would you concur with that thought with your experience? Are elevating / pop-up roofs expensive / drafty etc. and to be avoided if possible?
Having done conversions on both now, my last one being a mercedes minibus i would say definately find yourself a well looked after panel van and convert that instead.
You'll have trouble selling the seats from the minibus and for me one the most important aspects of a conversion is putting in adequate insulation for your needs. If you get a minibus as i found out the very first job you have to do is rip out the whole interior and insulate it. A difficult and time consuming job. Also for my own preference a minibus has too many windows and i have boarded up most of them.
i have a renault master minibus and becouse most of the seats had been removed before i got it i am finding it very hard to get insurance could i but in a solid bulkhead and call it a van ??? of can anyone help me with the insurance thing
I insured my minibus on a self build motorhome policy with these guys
shieldtotalinsurance.co.uk/motorhome-insurance
With my minibus they insisted that before i could be insured it had to have some of the seats removed so that there were no more than seats in it.
Then you get 3 months to complete your conversion and you need to check with them exactly what your conversion need to have in it for it pass there requirements else your cover WILL be cancelled at the end of the 3 months if you dont satisfy the regs.
You will also need to provide them with update photos each month of your progress.
KS
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All depends on your preference. Pros and cons of a minibus
Pros
Tend to be better condition than vans of same age
Already lined
Already has windows
Plenty of seats to use (possible to sell, give away)
Cons
Lining is not easy to change
Maybe too many windows?
Difficult to hide pipes and cables through exiting trim
Go for a mini-bus to save time and money and if you're not too worried about the final appearance. If you want total control over the finish, go with a van.