Converting Van To Camper

keryl

Hi

I know there's a lot of posts about this and I've gone through a lot and on the UK camper conversion site which is great too.

Basically I was thinking of buying a camper, then a few people said just make one yourself I was cautious but then the challenge and the change to make it my own really appealed.

I have help to do it but for me the most difficult decision is buying a van big enough, I'm 6'4.. I stood up in a Renault Master and I was catching my head.
I'm considering getting either a Transit or a Sprinter because of the long lasting character the engines have and also parts are available all over.

I am thinking a MWB and is it realistic to get a Camper Shell installed? or am I dwelling too much on height?

With the camper I'm just after the basics really, Sink, cooker, fridge and placing the gas and water in an outside access cavity.
Install a plug connection when using campsites also and have three electrical points in the van with a small area set for electrics to keep it altogether.

I have a wooden floor that can do as the flooring and neighbours that can fit the windows although as per the conversion videos it looks alright to DIY.

The plan is to get something that will work for surfing and get me to Spain/France etc

My budget is around 4,000 and I'm thinking if I do want to change certain things such as front seats I can do that in the future when money allows.
I would like it to sleep 2 and being realistic I would need to sleep with the length of the van as crossways wouldn't work for my height:o
The rock n roll bed is an option but it limits the choice of having opposite seats when setting up a seating area with a table etc

I'm thinking 2001-2004 range of vehicle in the E2000 mark or cheaper if I'm lucky.

Can anyone give some ideas or recommendations? It would be really appreciated.

ted1

If your using it fir surfing, then you have to consider height barriers when going to beaches/ beach car parks. I've see some great transporters fitted with after market pop up roofs, they fit under most barriers.

Here's one for sale. http://www.donedeal.ie/campers-for-sale/vw-t4-1996-surf-van-camper/5318501

paddyp

Re: standing up.

Sprinter high roof is 1940mm load height, but once you've insulated, lined the floor and roof it will be less. You can minimise height loss by using a very thin edpm underlay ~ 2-3mm and quality 7mm laminate floor/tiles and 2.5mm hygenic cladding for the ceiling thats about the thinnest you'll be able to get it.

Theres also a super high roof spinter which is 2140 high in the back. Extra high roof iveco daily 2100 in the back.

Will be extremely difficult to get a sprinter at the age/money you're talking unless its high mileage. I'd look for an older one with mechanically pumped diesel. Evenwith high miles you shoulddn't be looking at big bills. They're alway plastered in rust unless they're metalic painted but its usually not serious, nothing some good prep a roller and some rustoleum combicolor wouldn't sort.

Extra high roof daily will be much more achieveable.

I wouldn't use a Sprinter as a surf wagon. Their bodies are made of recycled filth tin alloy, waste of a decent engine if you ask me.
The salt air will have it riddled in rust while you are looking at it. The fresh air does too.

Any pre 95 Merc is far superior IMHO, they'll outlast them. Bit slow though if you care about that sort of thing.
Ideally a 70's Merc (galvanised body) with a newer engine, that'll never stop.
What about a VW Crafter or LT? Same body as the Sprinter except better metal, good engine, cheaper. I think the LT35 is the better. The Crafter got way too technical and somewhat poorly.

Tbh I'd be looking for an ambulance or a luton body in your shoes.

keryl

http://www.donedeal.ie/campers-for-sale/ford-transit-2-5-turbo-ex-ambulance-/5338721

keryl wrote: »

or am I dwelling too much on height?

No. Take the time to find the right one. It's unhealthy to be cramped or congested. If you plan on spending any considerable amount of time in it then it's paramount. I've never understood the VW T-series. Nice day trippers sure, but you rarely see them touring.

http://www.donedeal.ie/commercials-for-sale/01-ford-transit-box-body/5298518

http://www.donedeal.ie/campers-for-sale/camper-van/5317155

keryl wrote: »

The rock n roll bed is an option but it limits the choice of having opposite seats when setting up a seating area with a table etc

I've a rock and roll double bed attached to the roof braces by ropes and pulleys. It slots between two facing rock and roll benches and can be raised over seated head height, while still made and supported by rope cleats and figure of eight tie downs.
I tried several pulley tow arrangements to make it work. It can be lifted between two and secured, or hauled alone; back two corners up halfway first on two lines run to the driver side, tie down, lift front up fully and tie down front two corner lines run to the passenger side, then haul rear up fully and tie down. It's on good 10.5mm thick semi-static climbing/rigging rope. Para-chord would take the weight but it needs the girth for comfortable grip. My rule when looking was if you can't dance then it's too small. Found they all were so I built my own.
Bed Mark II has 30% cutaways in slots so I can fold the mattress and roof lights can shine through.
From the underside of the bed a suspended table can be dropped, it's actually remarkably stable and easy to swing if someone wants to get up. Biggest problem is I have to clean the table before I can go to sleep.

keryl

Thanks for all the replies, some great reading.

Ted1 that's also a good point

Needs a lot more thought I think.

Just regards a pop-up roof, is it true they can be known to leak?
Also I keep hearing about how Transporters are really hard to fix?

If you're looking at any of the old Merc's thing to watch out for is the gearbox linkage on second. It'll be bad on most unless it was re-conditioned.

Lots of vans are awkward to service...no substantial bonnets.

paddyp

keryl wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies, some great reading.

Ted1 that's also a good point

Needs a lot more thought I think.

Just regards a pop-up roof, is it true they can be known to leak?
Also I keep hearing about how Transporters are really hard to fix?

Transporter is one of the best documented vehicles on the planet there are how tos for everything you might need to do. Parts are availabl for everythig, even bushings and things that vw only supply as part of a unit can be got for peanuts.

Canvas on poptops can leak sinnaker tape / fabsil sorts most things though.