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Hi..

This will be a handy site for ya'...

http://sbmcc.co.uk/forum/

It's a shame that you haven't got anywhere to tinker with it yourself because I would've thought that getting someone to do it "professionally", would really bump the costs up....

You may have issues with insurance if is not registered at a motorcaravan with DVLA.

In order to register it as such there is a list of requirements, such as 6' long bed, water tanks, sink etc.

Have a look at Amdro, they do lift in/out convesions for a number of vehicles, which may suit your needs.

Jules

Going off on a tangent a bit, but you'd probably get this one within your total budget, although its older than you wanted, but would save time converting it.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LDV-PILOT-1998-R-PLATE-DEVON-KALAHARI-/261272969898?pt=UK_Campers_Caravans_Motorhomes&hash=item3cd51522aa#ht_1278wt_986

or this one thats been started.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LDV-Maxus-Camper-Day-Van-on-going-Project-1500-work-undertaken-already-/221345802634?pt=UK_Campers_Caravans_Motorhomes&hash=item33893ce98a#ht_1619wt_962

Jules

Just found some useful info on what qualifies as a motorcaravn for DVLA, although they do seem to change/add requirements especially regarding size of water tanks, so it may not be upto date.

http://www.croydebaycampers.co.uk/caravan.htm

Jules

Tom n gill...

Having just reread your post(properly,this time), it seems as if you don't really want any built in kit in it anyway?..and if that is the case, are you really looking to make a "campervan" as such?...aren't you really just after a van, that can be "morphed" into a basic camping base?..(a "camping" van?).

We've got a  lined out and insulated Hiace van, in which I've just fitted a simple, removable, slide out bed frame. We just strap a tarp off the side or use our Quechua base tent and use standalone camping kit(stove, porta loo etc).

No insurance issues as it's "..just a van, transporting our camping equipment officer.."..

(..we'd don't bother trying to get it onto any CC sites with it  though! )

Hi Tom n Gill.

I converted a Peugeot Boxer Hi top a couple of years a go. I joined the http://sbmcc.co.uk site as pepe63 mentioned. Its worth having a look around to see what people have done. You can do this wth out becoming a full member.

To give you some idea of the cost:; My van was an ex fire service van which had covered 35k miles. It cost £5k from a dealer. It was in great nic. This was the hardest part of my self build. i.e finding a straight low milage van.

Walls & roof are insulated with Kingspan sheet & foam. Lined out with ply & covered with auto gray fabric (not carpet). It has a a built in full width shower room with built in toilet at the rear. Fitted 2 ring hob with grill. on board gas. Bench seat that pulls out to make the bed. Fitted lockers. Mains hook up & 12 volt system with all led lighting. Hot & cold water tanks. Hot can be mains or draw heat from the engine as i drive along.

All the above was put togther with new parts for around £3k. The van is upto DVLA spec & is now classed as a "Motorcaravn" on the log book. Which is straight forward.

As for the insurance:- I insured it as a selfbuild conversion from the start. The insurance company gave me 6 months to do the job. Photo & update email at the end of each month so they would increase the cover value as the conversion went from a "van" to a "camper". Which has to be to DVLA spec.

All I can add is you need to start out knowing what you want your van to do & fit it out to suit. Plus if you want someone to fit it out for you your looking a adding quite a bit of cost. My guess is nothing less than £2k on top.

What ever you do have fun & welcome to the dark side

Mostin 

Have a look at leisuredrive  http://www.leisuredrive.co.uk/yourvan.html

or drivelodge http://drivelodge.co.uk/conversions/conversions.htm

for convertors.

Jules