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Example Campervan Conversions
When converting your own campervan pictures of other peoples conversions are invaluable. Our members conversions should provide ideas and inspiration to help you with your own conversion.
You can add your own campervan here by signing up as a member, and editing your profile.
Relay Van Conversion
Our old Talbot Express Pilote R380 did us proud for 12 years but the bodywork was getting beyond us - spent over three thousand on just dealing with the rust over the 12 years but it needed doing again.
Now converting the Relay to sleep two. We don't want all the usual fittings, full size fridge, kitchen size cooker etc; we didn't use the cooker once in all those years. Read more »
DD
Purchased for $500 from a friends roommate.
Maintenance since purchase:
Brakes, Muffler, Alternator
Campervan looks like new. No burns, fading, or tears.
Ford transit Debonair Dormobile
Vehicle was bought as is with the coach built debonair conversion by martin walter of Folkstone beleved to be from a 1973 bedford prior to it being fitted to a 1998 ford transit chassis
Aoife
Building a four berth van out of a lovely 1993 leyland daf 400 minibus. This is never going to be a stealth camper!
will it ever be finished ?
01 mercedes sprinter 313,116000 miles, just starting to convert it
Big Nige
Christened Big Nige by a former owner, our Renault Trafic is a rather well done "home" conversion which has done us proud at festivals and nights away since we got him in March. We are now planning a trip through France in September, and are a bit apprehensive about potential breakdowns! Read more »
Touring Base van for Biking
At present it's just a van!
Plan is to fit a set of folding seats in the back 2m of the van that can be used as either 2 single beds, 1 big double bed, seating and eating area and bike storage when folded up!
Rest of the van - well cooking area and a load of cupboards along the tops and a small wardrobe. MAYBE a toilet with small sink in it but not sure. Read more »
the duchess of derbyshire (the elder)
This was our first campervan. We got it in September 2009 to try touring as we have dogs and it so expensive to find accommodation for them. We have enjoyed hols in Weymouth, Derbyshire, Wales and, most recently, in the Lake District with this van. We love it so much we snapped up a newer version. Read more »
BAVO76
Hi all i am Darryl and i brought my bus from e-bay in march 2009 it was a 1985 Nissan diesel school bus with a 6 cyl turbo diesel and a 6 speed manual it was registered and in good condition and seated 35 people it is 30 foot long and easy to drive .Ive pulled out all the seats now and making it into a motor home .its got so far queen bed in rear ,bunks full size shower separate toilet L shape lou Read more »
Searching for a campervan on the US eastcoast
Hello
I am a swiss rockclimber. In fall 2010 I will go to the USA for a rockclimbingtrip together with 2 friends. We will start our trip in New York on September 5th and end it on October 30th also in New York. The first month we will be climbing in Rumney, New Hampshire and the second month in the Red River Gorge in Kentucky. Read more »
Sprinter Conversion
I have started a blog to chart progress - mainly for my own sanity. The ideas keep whizzing round in my noggin and I need to fix them in place by writing them down.
Blue Mercedes Sprinter MWB
After thinking about building another campervan for a while, I was looking online at vehicles in the Cornwall area. I saw a few that looked good, especially a Blue Sprinter very near by. I went and had a look. It was in good condition, an ex Transco van that had a few bruises as all work vans do, but a full service history and brand new MOT. Read more »
master campervan
the van was a ambulance /minibus used to toke people to and from hospital it had 9seats and a strecher and oxygen and baby incabater on board it is now a two birth camper with a shower ,toilet ,kitchen and beds/seating
little gypsy
renault trafic prima
1996
short wheel base
Cruisin' Cuisine
Repowered with an Isuzu Diesel and power assisted steering. The brakes have been changed to air over hydraulic. The floor has been lowered to give more head room to the sides of the original main saloon. Under the floor on the left had side are fresh water, gray water, and black water tanks. Plus the generator and main toolbox. Read more »
Stuart and May's Campervan
I started off by making a blog entry on this site about this project. Now it seems that this is perhaps a better place to document our progress! So here goes again! Read more »
1967 heap of rust
well we made a start today, its up on blocks and i have taken the plastic screws out of the floor. 4 big bolts out by the petrol tank, and now im puzzling how to get the shell off the chassis. more to follow
winnie the bago
she is a 26 foot 7 berth rv with a 440 cubic inch v8 big block and auto box. she runs on unleaded fuel but is fitted with lpg conversion although we don,t know if this is functional yet. Read more »
A BUS FOR US - The DIY Self Build Camper Van Conversion Blog
I've just spent the last 12 months converting an old Transit Minibus into a camper van. One of the main objectives was to try and keep the cost down to an absolute minimum but without compromising too much on quality, comfort and style. All in all the conversion cost less than £500. Take a look at my blog for more details and pictures.
E/roof 2 berth.
Getting an 9 seater, lwb, twin sliding door model with full privacy glass etc. seemed a good idea at the time as we needed twin beds & e/roof to get into car parks. Read more »
Old Rabbit's Van
A leisurely conversion of a panel van into a camper van. Please see my website for an article on the conversion, which is currently a work in progress, with lots more photos and information to be added.
Paddy Project
Paul is converting a Ford Transit mini-bus into a campervan for his family of 6 to sleep in. He has a nice website with photos and tips.
Mercedes Sprinter 1998 412D twin wheel
Converting a 1998 Mercedes Sprinter ambulance into a camper van. Using a donor caravan for parts.
Gashfus go rubbertramp
As soon as we get it it'll be up here!!
Code Red
sleek van with all the bells in whistles.. been great to do road trips, and now i want to take it to the next level!!
Kangoo
I have a renault Kangoo estate which I would like to convert the spacious back into a mini camper.Any Tips and advice would be welcome.I will have to start with blacking out the side windows Im not sure the best way to go with this whether to use blinds or blackout film maybe even a curtain can anyone help Thanks.
FORMER POLICE RIOT VAN, NOW CONVERTING TO CAMPERVAN
PICTURES TO FOLLOW
day van
Anyone help me regarding a small drive away awning i can get for my escort van
i.e. what type and where can i get one.
Mercedes Sprinter ex-roadworks crew-van
Converting a ex-roadworks crew-van
1978 Dodge
1978 Dodge 318 cu. in. automatic transmission. This is very similar to the van I had, it was a very good runner and I lived in it when I was in Seattle WA 1986-87. It had the large windows like these on both sides. I used black velvet material at night to hang flat (ungathered)in front of the windows. Read more »
VW Crafter to the Kids "Freestyle Rippers Van"
No purchased it yet...... seen too and the milage is too high or so my ex says, as hes helping to fund it, and is making sure I have a safe vehicle for his kids, hes a good man, im so excited
Nearly there "it will only take two weeks to do" that was 4 months ago.
My first camper conversion. but had great fun doing it. Well after chopping the end of my thumb off on a bench saw I finally got busy on the van again
Its been to wales, anglsey, skeggy, scarborough, bridlington and a few other places.
only problem I have had upto now was a fan belt which was a easy fix. Some arsehole knocked my mirror of Read more »
VW T5
The Van is due to have it's roof elevated next week.
After that will have four bonded windows and then we hope to fit the interior to a modest standard with bed, sink, cooker and some storage.
Hope to spend weekends until I am too old to enjoy the basic life. Better than a tent !!! Had an old VW camper in 1980s but it gave up!! This one is low milage so I am very excited. Sylvia Read more »
Still planning
I'm still thinking about my campervan conversion.
Camper Van Life is brought to you by Darren Lambert, a big fan of camper vans.
i have a 55plate sprinter LWB, does anybody know of a company or website that supply kits to convert to a camper van, thanks
Hi,
Has anyone ever converted one of these?I just bought one and am looking for any good ideas on how to best make use of the space.I need a double and single bed in there,as well as everything else!Any ideas welcome!
Thanks,
Matt
Hi all
i've just finished a prolonged degree and i have seriously itchy feet. I have purchased an old (1990) transit Lwb Dormobile to convert into a camper as a summer project, hoping to do a bit of travelling in september time. The wheel arches are badly corroded and are stopping it from passing it's mot. what i was wondering was if anyone had come across similiar problems and knew of any welders around the glasgow area that would be able to make a good and cost effective job of the repairs. So as i can move on to the fun part of actually kitting out the inside.
Thanks everyone
Andy
Hi,
looking at the prices of coach-built motorhomes, I'm thinking of building my own. However, I need a five or six berth with lots of kiddie space and a roomy washroom/toilet. Can you suggest any suitable donor vehicle without going into the realms of large trucks?
Regards
Joe
Hi Joe
Do you mean base vehicle, i.e. the vehicle you will do the conversion on and ultimately be left with?
If so consider a long wheel base van (LWB). Mercedes Sprinter and Iveco Daily seem to be the most popular LWD vans. I've seen a few Ford Transits as well.
LWB panel vans are easier to drive than trucks.
Loved the conversion and thank you for taking the time and trouble to share it. Thank you for the tips of your gained expertise and would also like to add, I would not have fully carpeted the floor just in case it got saturated and you have to remove the carpet and was also not happy about the varnished wood above the gas stove, hope you don't ever find out why. Once again - thanks and I am really considering it myself now.
Hi,
I'm converting an LDV van into a camper and have a problem with finishing the seating. Does anyone know of a company, based in KENT, that can make and upholster the made to measure seat cushions. It's basically the upholstry of the foam that we need help with.
Thanks, Jenny
Hi Darren,
I am looking to buy either a sprinter or iveco daily as a donor for converting into a camper.
Do you have a info on sites that sell either bonded or rubber seal windows for these vans, as I am trying to get a cost together for the basic things like power supply, water system, fridge and gas system with cooker. If you knew of a site where I could purchase these items from for a reasonable price it would be greatfully recieved
Thanks
Mark
These guys have been recommended by members here: http://www.leisurevehiclewindows.co.uk/
Download their catalogue
i am converting a T4 at the moment but i need a rock n roll bed with seatbelts which i just cannot afford!! cheepest price so far is about £300. I can get the mechanisms to make one myself for about £40 but does anyone know where i stand with fitting seatbelts to an MOT standard??
Try this page for information
http://www.campervanlife.com/forum/campervan-conversions/seat-belts-regu...
but ultimately check with an MOT tester, as they have to pass it.
This PDF guide should also help
http://www.dvtani.gov.uk/uploads/publications/general/retrofit.pdf
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Hi Bert
Great idea!
A gas fridge is the best for running day-after-day as it's fairly cheap. But you must fit a vent into the side of the car, behind the fridge to vent the burnt gas. Also, they tend to be fairly bit and heavy.
Electric fridges are smaller and lighter, but the cheap ones use lots of power, the expensive ones use much less power.
Hi I have been in the caravan/motorhome/conversion trade now for over 12 years.... With refrence to fitting a gas fridge not only do you need a rear vent for the combustion gas to vent out. You also require by law a gas drop hole (vent in the floor) under each appliance you have fitted that runs on gas, you also MUST have a gas drop under each copper pipe connection, and within your SEALED gas bottle cupboard. Also in addition if you have any gas appliances fitted i.e fridge, hob space heater... you REALLY REALLY MUST have high level ventalation, low level ventalation and ideally mid level ventalation ( how ever in some cucamstances your fridge vent can count as mid level ventalation))))........Also the flue from your fridge must be set an a 45 degree angle upwards othewise you risk carbon monoxide re- entering your motorhome in windy weather..
Always rembember gas is DANGEROUS....GAS THAT HAS BEEN BURT IS A SILENT KILLER AKA CARBON MONOXIDE!!!!!!!!
Hi crazy idea, but I have partially begun it.
I have a 1996 Nissan Micra, 3-door, which I am going to convert into a mini camper, or a CamperCar.
Obviously space will be an issue, but my main question is how do I run a fridge? I guess a gas powered camping fridge would be the best option, right?
I have a semi professional doing my woodwork. and I plan for an awning to extend from the open boot door.
Opinions? This is just a crazy experiment more than anything, and nothing too serious.
look here:
http://www.foro4x4.com/foro/index.php?topic=16406.0
http://www.foro4x4.com/foro/index.php?topic=7856.0
One Renault twingo camper:
http://4x4.mforos.com/247643/2972202-renault-twingo-camping-car/
Vw polo camper:
http://polomobil.net.tc/
A lot of mini campers, like peugeot 205,the renault twingo,nissan micra,opel agila,etc here:
http://www.furgovw.org/index.php?topic=172708.0
Enjoy it!!
hi i want to run tv/dvd 12v and a freeview 12v off a car battery for about 4 or 5 hours a day in my shed what wattage or ampage battery would i need , and i want to recharge this battery daily would a solar battery trickle charger be sufficient if yes what ampage solar panel please
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It's entirely up to you. What do you need? What will you use the van for?
If it's just weekends you probably don't need much. A simple gas cooker and a washing up bowl. If you intend to live in the van for months you'll need a proper kitchen and a good amount of storage.
Think about what you will use the van for and what things you'll need to fit. Everyone's vehicle is unique to them, that's the beauty of doing your own conversion.
Hi darren. thanks 4 ur reply. what i meant was, what is needed from me to be able to turn a normal panel van into a camper? i have already fitted windows and a bed. regards barber
Hi Barber
Do you mean to have the vehicle changed to registered as a campervan with DVLA? Last I knew you needed a sink as well. But I definitely recommend you contact the DVLA to confirm the current conditions. Sometimes they request to have the vehicle inspected before the change the registration type. But this is often only for bigger vehicles.
Hi, I live in the UK could anyone tell me what is needed to convert panel van into campervan? I have already fitted bed and windows, but would I have to have running water, cooker and a fridge? thanks
Hi Nox
Good advice. If you're going to be living in a van permanently then you need to make extra considerations. Hope the changes go smoothly.
Hey all
this is a great site love your work, but i just want to let my fellow steaths know, when you are designing and building it really pays to take your time.
i did a fairly good job on my conversion but i rushed it and now i am planning on starting again and as im living in my van permenantly its not going to be easy!
remember its not the time it takes to do the job its the satisfation that comes from doing the job well!
hi. its great fun. mite c u on the road.
Looking for some ideas on conversion of kia 2700 workhorse to be fitted with drop on camper unit, anyone in south africa with ideas would be good.
Hi Dan
I bought the van in April 2007. I took my time and did the conversion over the summer whilst I was using the van as my surfing van. I left the UK for France in September 2007, so 5 months of conversion time. There was a very raining June in that summer, which slowed things down. If I were to do the same conversion again I could do it in 2 months I think, as I learn't a great deal. A simpler conversion could be done in 2 weeks or a month.
Nice job Darren, lots of useful info on this website too.
How long did the conversion take in all? Thanks,
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Hi Remi
Sorry, I don't know. I would suggest checking with the government department that handles that. Is it DFAT? Maybe it is different in each state?
Hi,
Do you know how it works in Australia for turning a van into a campervan from a legal point of view?? (certification, registration, standards, insurance...)
Thanks
Remi.
Hi Remi,
I am Australian, now in the UK, but when i was at home i travelled a fair bit in my Van, a mitsubishi express (L300)
i just fitted a basic setup into the back and went on holidays.... never any problems.
If you are planning a major conversion, and want to register the van as a campervan, rather than just using the van under standard registration (as many people do), the you should get in touch with the vehicle registration authority in the state of registration .... In Victoria, it's Vicroads, in New south wales it is the Roads and Traffic authority (RTA). other states just search on the net for vehicle registration.
their websites will give you info about registration requirements and conversion compliance.
Personally, i would not bother with any of that, just set yourself up, and go and enjoy yourself.
Good Luck,
Chris
Hi Evelyn. If your vehicle is registered in the UK and you are fitting something of a real camper van (bed, windows, kitchen) then you should inform the DVLA. They sometimes want to inspect the vehicle. Insurance is cheaper for camper vans than regular vans.
hi everybody
although i am english i live in france
i intend doing a conversion on my sprinter 310d
DO I HAVE TO INFORM DVLA ON COMPLETION ?
MANY TKS
EVELYN
Hi Nigel. If you have some DIY skills and know what you want from your camper van then I would suggest doing your own conversion. It's a very rewarding thing to do, and you'll have a camper van that meets your exact needs.
If you are not confident with DIY then consider having a professional conversion done, but they can cost a lot of money.
Hi i looking into converting my van into a camper can i do this my self or is it best tohave a pro to this ?
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