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Hi ,I'm thinking of getting a Peugeot Boxer and having it converted it will be my first

(definately not good enough to do it myself !! )

A local guy uses Elite conversions(Worksop) so may use them

any tips on layout ,where to buy the van ,and what I should have in it ?

It will be for long weekends and sometimes a week or two

Things I think I need .....

only want a porta loo,bed for 1 but a spare wouldn't hurt not sure to go for bunks or a double,want front seats that turn, cooker ,heating (winter)

any things you wish you'd had ?

and anything that you can't live without ??

also what awnings would fit a Peugeot van ?

many thanks in advance

jimsmimm

thanks for that link I was following a Fiat camper home tonight but couldn't see its name but thinks its the link you just put up :)

rayduff

Thanks for the tips plan to see as many vans as I can in the next few weeks

so far I am liking the living area at the front and cooking at the rear

Hi Isla,

Depending on the age of van you are looking at I would be very wary of a Fiat/Peugeot/Citroen if it will be one of the earlier X250 models which came out in around 2007 as they suffered from reverse gear problems which resulted in mangled gearboxes and ruined clutches when reversed up hill.  I see in another thread you have been looking at Renault Master (aka Vauxhall Movano and Nissan Primastar (or Interstar?)) and I can certainly recommend the RM as a good drive and hopefully a reliable base vehicle.

With regards to layout you really need to get out to some dealers to sea what works for you - even better hire one.  We hired an Adria Twin for a 2 week trip to France and soon decided we couldn't live with the small living area, even though the fixed bed was great.  Our layout doesn't incorporate the cab area into the living area - despite being advised against this by others - having been away for 2 weeks to France I can honestly say it works for us!

To free up some space inside consider an underslung gas tank rather than cylinders in a gas locker.  Although expensive - around £300 - it does free up space and you can fill up with cheap autogas from a filling station, and you're not lugging heavy cylinders around.

I assume you are female (?) - have you driven a van before - I have found they are quite different to drive than a car - my wife certainly isn't keen on it!!

Cheers

John

John

Great advice John

yes i'm female and am on my own so not keen on towing   

hiring one out may be a good idea.I usually camp but want to stretch my seasons and add a touch of comfort.I have only been to look at a bongo and a vw so far and found them too small.

I'm looking at spending £15000 to £18000 should I get something decent ??

quote:

To free up some space inside consider an underslung gas tank rather than cylinders in a gas locker.  Although expensive - around £300 - it does free up space and you can fill up with cheap autogas from a filling station, and you're not lugging heavy cylinders around

does cheap auto gas work in all the facilities ie cookers ect ?

Hi Isla,

It depends what you want in terms of facilities.  My RM cost £18k (new) and the cost of bits has been £12k - this includes satellite dome (£1,200), solar panel (£300), etc. etc.(all new).  Comparable spec from Timberland/IH campers would be £45k - £50k.  I suggest you sort out what you actually need in your van and then go and talk to the converters in your area, they should be able to give a cost for the conversion and then you find the van to meet your budget.  I would think £15-18k should give you something pretty good.

Autogas will work with all appliances provided they are fairly new and therefore able to operate on 30mbar gas pressure.

Cheers

John

how about this one thinking of going for a look ?

http://www.manchestercampers.com/page55.htm

oh really like this one

think i am off to see it next week i like it so much

please don't read this link if you are thinking of buying one don't want anyone else to buy it first

http://www.caravanselecta.co.uk/Motorhomes/Vauxhall/Vauxhall-Vivaro-2-0-CDTi-CS177132.aspx

noticed you have added lots of extras ...what do they usually include ???

solar panels ..? what do they charge up and do you rate them ?

sat dome ..? I intend to have a tv will i need one of these ?

blimey I'm on a steep learning curve

this  company is local to you and the owner is very help full .worth a visit just to pick his brains

caravan supplies and camper conversions.

Hi Isla,

If you want to watch British TV abroad you will need some sort of satellite system - the dome is expensive, you can get a simple 'suitcase' system from Maplins for £100.  The solar panel charges the leisure batteries, depends how you intend to use the van as to whether you need one or not - if you intend to just use sites with electric hook up then no need.  Like most things in life, you get a headline price for the basic model - then once you're hooked they convince you that you really need all sorts of other things!

I think you need to do more research to decide what you actually need before looking at vans - otherwise you will end up with something not suitable for you in the longer term.

Cheers

John