Camper self build o...
 

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[Closed] Camper self build or motorhome

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Guys I'm seriously thinking about buying a cheap motorhome (Hymer diesel type 5 berth £7-8000 budget)

Or do I build one myself from a jumbo transit/merc I see you can get ex force vans for 5K plus that are insulated, windows, night heaters etc

spend 2K on build I can do most jobs myself,

But it needs to seat and sleep 4 (2 Adults 2 kids)
Thinking the motorhome would do this best? but its a lot older, slower left hand drive etc.
Does anyone have any decent plans for a 4 berth self build that won't break the bank?
Cheers


 
Posted : 06/05/2016 10:48 am
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There is a great thread on here somewhere of somebody doing a big van. I think he's called Mike


 
Posted : 06/05/2016 10:53 am
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A Hymer type setup would be less hassle and cheaper with insurance and you can legally drive it at 60MPH rather than 50mph for a van.


 
Posted : 06/05/2016 12:06 pm
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The trouble with a self build - as I'm finding now - is the time....

Despite me being a carpenter, having a workshop I've not done any work on the van since February. The set up in the back works, but isn't finished.

It drags.


 
Posted : 06/05/2016 12:12 pm
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A Hymer type setup would be less hassle and cheaper with insurance and you can legally drive it at 60MPH rather than 50mph for a van.

Possibly less hassle in terms of being ready to roll, but the downside is the performance, not talking about burning rubber everywhere just sluggish and lacklustre - a modern panel van drives like a big car, i've never been pulled over in 10 years in my converted van (or any van) for driving to the speed limits or a little over... my insurance is not what I would call expensive either?


 
Posted : 06/05/2016 12:21 pm
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If you do a thorough enough conversion of the van then DVLA will alter V5 to Motorhome and you get car speed limits.

A colleague at work has recently done this with a big Citroen Relay. There are certain listed requirements (bed, wardrobe, cooker etc) and it must also look like a camper outside (windows etc) not just a panel van. The last bit isn't in the written rules but seems to get enforced by DVLA (police have to visually be able to see it is a camper). Colleague got windows and some graphics done on the outside, sent lots of photos of interior and exterior with application and had no problem with DVLA.

As above - time is the killer.


 
Posted : 06/05/2016 12:35 pm
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A big bonus of a self-build is you can design it yourself. e.g, storage compartment for bikes etc.


 
Posted : 06/05/2016 12:47 pm

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