hello all

[grahamt]

It’s time to get a campervan, and I would prefer to convert my own rather buy a ready-made. However… I’m having a dilemma. I’m considering buying a minibus as a base vehicle rather than a panel van. Can anyone think of pros and cons?

Many thanks for any thoughts

cheers
Graham

[Darren]

Hi Graham
A few pros and cons
Hi Graham

A few pros and cons of a mini-bus

Pros
—-
Lots of windows (make sure at least some open)
Seats (sell excess on eBay).
Often cheap to buy
Many lowish mileage ones around

Cons
—-
Lots of glass! Maybe more than you need?
Removing interior to insulate can be trouble
Insurance can me tricky. You need to understand the insurance companies requirements well. When does it change from a mini-bus to a campervan? Which are you insured for (mini-bus or campervan, or campervan being converted?)

I would recommend contacting some of the following insurance specialists

http://www.campton.co.uk/
http://www.adrianflux.co.uk/
http://www.insurancechoice.co.uk/motorhomeinsurance/self-build-motorhome

[Darren]

Hi Graham
A few pros and cons
Hi Graham

A few pros and cons of a mini-bus

Pros
—-
Lots of windows (make sure at least some open)
Seats (sell excess on eBay).
Often cheap to buy
Many lowish mileage ones around

Cons
—-
Lots of glass! Maybe more than you need?
Removing interior to insulate can be trouble
Insurance can me tricky. You need to understand the insurance companies requirements well. When does it change from a mini-bus to a campervan? Which are you insured for (mini-bus or campervan, or campervan being converted?)

I would recommend contacting some of the following insurance specialists

http://www.campton.co.uk/
http://www.adrianflux.co.uk/
http://www.insurancechoice.co.uk/motorhomeinsurance/self-build-motorhome

[grahamt]

This is not easy!
Hi Darren
Thanks for the reply. Why can’t this be easy?! The range of options and choices is infinite, and it is certainly hurting my brain. OK, so perhaps a minibus may not be ideal, and it’s back to panel vans. My next issue is how to build an extra single bed into a van. Current thinking is a foldaway stretcher-style hammock going sidways at ceiling level in a high roof van.

Or, if someone out there has a van they would care to sell me and save me any more brain pain, I’m all ears!

cheers
graham

[grahamt]

This is not easy!
Hi Darren
Thanks for the reply. Why can’t this be easy?! The range of options and choices is infinite, and it is certainly hurting my brain. OK, so perhaps a minibus may not be ideal, and it’s back to panel vans. My next issue is how to build an extra single bed into a van. Current thinking is a foldaway stretcher-style hammock going sidways at ceiling level in a high roof van.

Or, if someone out there has a van they would care to sell me and save me any more brain pain, I’m all ears!

cheers
graham

[lauraJonathan]

Id vote mini bus 🙂
Hi Graham

We bought a VW Transporter shuttle mini bus that we had converted. I love that shes fully windowed, for light and to make the most of the view! We got £1000 for the seats on Ebay!

We ‘unclipped’ all of the inside panels to insulate behind, not the easiest I dont believe (my boyfriend and his dad did it) but still do able.

Once our conversion inc plumbing and electrics was completed I contacted DVLA to have her reclassified, they needed pictures sending. I used the list that Darren has on here as requirements. I believe there isnt a offical list as such but Darrens was perfect.

So id vote mini bus!! 🙂

[lauraJonathan]

Id vote mini bus 🙂
Hi Graham

We bought a VW Transporter shuttle mini bus that we had converted. I love that shes fully windowed, for light and to make the most of the view! We got £1000 for the seats on Ebay!

We ‘unclipped’ all of the inside panels to insulate behind, not the easiest I dont believe (my boyfriend and his dad did it) but still do able.

Once our conversion inc plumbing and electrics was completed I contacted DVLA to have her reclassified, they needed pictures sending. I used the list that Darren has on here as requirements. I believe there isnt a offical list as such but Darrens was perfect.

So id vote mini bus!! 🙂

[lauraJonathan]

Our van is actually for sale
Our van is actually for sale Graham. Shes a 56 plate silver LWB VW Transport shuttle conversion. I will be uploading an offical advert in the next couple of weeks.

I could send you my email address if you need further details 🙂

[lauraJonathan]

Our van is actually for sale
Our van is actually for sale Graham. Shes a 56 plate silver LWB VW Transport shuttle conversion. I will be uploading an offical advert in the next couple of weeks.

I could send you my email address if you need further details 🙂

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