Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Motorhomes and Campervans 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: conversion costs
Page:  1  2 Post Reply Post New Topic
Personiggycamper
02/11/2014 at 11:20am
 Location: Devon
 Outfit: Dreamer(Rapido) D.55 select Plus View iggycamper's Profile View Profile   Reply to iggycamper Reply   Quote iggycamper Quote  
Joined: 12/9/2013

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   652
Site Reviews Total: 36
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Agree with pepe - good advice. (imho!)

Also agree with screen2 - some vans are illegal when brand new - especially on rear axle loading. 'Quality' vans, especially British are bad in this respect - often it is down to the fact that they have used wood rather than lightweight board in their furniture construction. Also consider seating - if there are 4 belted seats you must consider weight of passengers and luggage!

As an aside - Like Francis we have also looked at new £50K+ VW vans - on the surface looked nice and shiny but further checks by OH ('hawkeye') showed sharps edges and holes in back of cupboards etc! Further research with actual owners on sites said the compressor fridge flattens the auxiliary battery in 2 days! So much for 'loadsamoney' says I!

-------------
The older I get the better I used to be.


Personadibranch
02/11/2014 at 1:42pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View adibranch's Profile View Profile   Reply to adibranch Reply   Quote adibranch Quote  
Joined: 31/10/2014

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   6
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by happybonzo on 02/11/2014
Have a look at the Self Build Motorcaravanners Club - on Google

You'll get a lot of ideas from there as to costs and the vehicles that have been used



great stuff, thanks :)


Campervan and Motorhome Insurance - Special Discount for UKCampsite.co.uk members
Caravan Guard Special Discount for UKCampsite.co.uk members on Campervan and Motorhome Insurance. Get 5 star rated cover and big savings - for a quote simply click Online Quotation

Personadibranch
02/11/2014 at 1:43pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View adibranch's Profile View Profile   Reply to adibranch Reply   Quote adibranch Quote  
Joined: 31/10/2014

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   6
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by Screen2 on 02/11/2014
If you are building interior from scratch it is best to use lightweight board as indicated in a previous post. Half inch ply might be cheaper but you could end up with an interior that is too heavy. Your overall weight needs to be considered & it is not unknown for campervans to be overloaded & illegal without owners realising it.


I hadn't considered this .. thanks for the advice (and for the link given earlier by someone).


Personhappybonzo
03/11/2014 at 9:00am
 Location: Ndidis Kraal
 Outfit: Laika Ecovip 100 & Quasar View happybonzo's Profile View Profile   Reply to happybonzo Reply   Quote happybonzo Quote  
Joined: 20/6/2003

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4046
Tent Reviews:   2
Site Reviews Total: 39
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Having done a few "Self Bilds" I'd say that go around a local Motorhome showroom and take some photos. You'll get loads of ideas from them*

How many of you will be using the vehicle? If you're a family group, then have a look at the ELWB Ivecos - try and find one with the 2.8JTD Iveco engine.

On a budget of 4 to 5k then it may also pay you to have a look at LDVs. They're not that popular but they're still a good van



*Having said that, the last time we did that, we ended up buying a Laika for mucho dineros



Personnaturlist123
03/11/2014 at 11:09pm
 Location: Southport
 Outfit: Adria Adora Premium Yeti 4x4 run about View naturlist123's Profile View Profile   Reply to naturlist123 Reply   Quote naturlist123 Quote  
Joined: 13/1/2013

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   702
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
How about looking for a horse box most are not high milers
lots come with sleep and shower fitted for grooms or riders and usually are renewed by horsey set to keep up with the jones.
the horse side can be converted at your leisure after replacing flooring (horse pee rely stinks and lingers for ever) hence the flooring.
and you will need to get deplated if bigun like rainbow converstion of single decker bus.
Unless you have goods or psv licence to cover


Advertisement



PersonSwiiiss
04/11/2014 at 8:25am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View Swiiiss's Profile View Profile   Reply to Swiiiss Reply   Quote Swiiiss Quote  
Joined: 14/10/2014

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   2
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Very detailed explanation thanks





------------------------
coque galaxy s5


PersonVWT4Transporter
05/11/2014 at 10:40am
 Location: Hants
 Outfit: VW T4 Home conversion View VWT4Transporter's Profile View Profile   Reply to VWT4Transporter Reply   Quote VWT4Transporter Quote  
Joined: 21/4/2013

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   378
Site Reviews Total: 7
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 1
I bought a VW T4 2.4 diesel Hi top for £2300 (Ebay).
I fitted it out using good quality used stuff from Ebay, Fridge, combined 4 burner and Sink Unit, Zig Unit and some other odds and sods, as well as a 12 Volt TV/DVD unit, cleaned them up and they look like new.
The Sink Base and side cupboards were Factum Range from IKEA.
I pinched some Kingspan insulation from a Builders skip ! (well they didnt want it), I also got a pile of used Parquet flooring from a skip. Fixed down then sanded off and varnished and it looks pretty cool !.
Wall lining was from Rainbow Conversions.
Wiring from Halfords.
Best deal was 3 used flourescent double tube lighting units from Ebay, £12 the lot.
Bed was half inch ply from Builders merchants and wall unit was Melamine boards from Builders merchants.
DONT fit a Rock N Roll Bed. It wastes space and is incredibly uncomfortable to sit on.
I built a fold out bed directly behind the drivers seatm also using a removeable Box that forms part of the bed.
To support the bed when in Use I used cut down Stainless Table legs and fitted the base hole units into the floor.
When the bed is folded up, one of the Fitted Table base hole units acts as the extra support for the dining table.
We now have a superb walk through camper.
Total cost of the van and fitting out was just under £4k

ESSENTIAL: Battery powered Drill/Screwdriver. Those little plastic fitting blocks from DIY shops or Builders merchants.

Weve had a lot of comments on our camper from people who thought it was a Pro conversion and even been offered £5k for it but I wont sell it yet.

Funny point. My van came with the solid welded in bulkhead behind the front seats. I jigsawed most of it out, but then went around the spot welds with a Brick bolster and hammer. Got to the spot weld near the driver side seat belt fitting and suddenly BANG !! and a smell of gunpowder or something. I firstly thought I was being shot at then realised that my seat belts had explosive Pre-Tensioners. Scared the life out of me.


-------------
Birth of the Universe?
Once upon a time there was nothing. Which exploded


Personlisterdiesel
06/11/2014 at 9:09am
 Location: Rushden Northants
 Outfit: Mercedes 614D Conversion View listerdiesel's Profile View Profile   Reply to listerdiesel Reply   Quote listerdiesel Quote  
Joined: 03/7/2011

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   581
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
We are on the SBMCC, very good site for the new builder.

We are currently converting a Mercedes Vario 614D minibus, 6 tonnes gross weight and built like a tank, so weight of fittings isn't a problem, we have about 2 tonnes to play with for interior and payload.

We bought a damaged caravan off ebay to source the expensive bits like cooker, fridge, oven, water heater and a lot of fittings and cupboard door in solid wood (or looks like solid wood anyway!)

We are looking at 10 years life out of it, so not building to sell. I don't think anyone gets any significant profit out of a self build when the sell it on.

Peter


Personcampy124
11/11/2014 at 7:31pm
 Location: Cornwall
 Outfit: VW T4 and Outwell Country Road SA View campy124's Profile View Profile   Reply to campy124 Reply   Quote campy124 Quote  
Joined: 11/4/2012

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   2
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 11
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I went for self build on my VW T4 and its even been in a 6 page magazine feature, I wasn't expecting that when I started, check out my full picture build thread of
HORACE

-------------
tell it how it is :)


PersonJohnnie Boy
11/11/2014 at 8:27pm
 Location: Cleveland
 Outfit: Swift select 164 View Johnnie Boy's Profile View Profile   Reply to Johnnie Boy Reply   Quote Johnnie Boy Quote  
Joined: 07/4/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   760
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
There's one thing your going to need loads of .... Time


Advertisement



PersonVWT4Transporter
12/11/2014 at 3:15pm
 Location: Hants
 Outfit: VW T4 Home conversion View VWT4Transporter's Profile View Profile   Reply to VWT4Transporter Reply   Quote VWT4Transporter Quote  
Joined: 21/4/2013

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   378
Site Reviews Total: 7
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 1
Quote: Originally posted by Johnnie Boy on 11/11/2014
There's one thing your going to need loads of .... Time




Around 3 months on and off for me.



-------------
Birth of the Universe?
Once upon a time there was nothing. Which exploded


PersonChainik
18/5/2015 at 4:03pm
 Location: London UK
 Outfit: None Entered View Chainik's Profile View Profile   Reply to Chainik Reply   Quote Chainik Quote  
Joined: 18/5/2015

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   2
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Hi there, for what it is worth, my wife and I are currently converting a VW Crafter MWB (2010).

We budgeted 20,000 GBP and have so far spent 16,000 GBP, including the van, which cost us 8,000 GBP. This also includes custom made furniture and bed.

We took delivery of the van at the end of January and only just took it to the cabinet maker (weekend of 9-10 May). I also took the entire Easter week off work, while my wife took two additional days. The period also included Early May Bank holiday. All in all so far, working 14 weeks by my estimates, we've spent about 470 hours on this project:

130 hours during week nights
80 hours during Easter
260 hours during weekends

This is mainly just to get in lined and insulated.

If you want the whole story, please check out:
http://anton.belodedenko.me/lining-and-insulating-our-crafter/

Hope this helps!

-- ab1



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

  Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2

Quick Links - All Forums - Motorhomes and Campervans - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

10413 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews] 



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder