Thinking about converting a van.

YouTube is your friend. Don't underestimate the time and cost to properly insulate it. I I went for noise deadening rubber self adhesive mats (no idea if they were worth it, tbh), 50mm kingspan, vapor barrier (that aluminium bubble wrap stuff), then ply and then 4 way stretch carpet. Where the kingspan wouldn't fit it has the recycled plastic insulation (like non-itchy rockwool)
I did pay to join that self build camper van forum, but never really used it.
I'll dig out some links later.
I still have some of the insulation left

I found the Vandemoniun channel on YouTube really helpful.
Here's the link to the insulation bit Linky
There was another video I used for insulation too, l have a look later. Just be careful if you use the self adhesive metal spike things to attach the foam panels, they're great but it's a perfect way to give yourself a lobotomy if you stand up in the wrong place during fitting 😂
I got everything from DIY shops where possible, but did buy the carpet and adhesive from a specialist place.

Have you looked at van prices yet? Faded a bit off the Covid peak but still pretty insane.

Lens of James on YouTube has alot of useful videos from when he converted a nissan nv200.

Have you looked at van prices yet? Faded a bit off the Covid peak but still pretty insane.

You're not kidding.

Webuyanyvan have just given me £4279 for a 118,000 mile 2014 Transit Custom with EML, hillstart, abs and traction control lights on, seats and bulkhead removed and transmission fluid peeing out.

I gave £12k for it in 2016 at 20,000 miles so was more than pleased with the price.

I expected to be selling it for scrap.

My neighbour spent all winter converting a van. Then the next winter redoing it and fixing their mistakes.

I don't think they were that handy at the start, they were the second time.

It seemed they did a solid 8h almost every weekend for two winters. Still at it when it was snowing.

It's put me right off the idea of converting one, or buying a self converted one. What electrical gremlins are hiding under that carpet and insulation.

Bigger tent or hotel for me

I had the same plans for my van but I've had it since June and not used it yet. We've got a baby and I'm about to start a hectic new job so it's not going to get finished. I've listed it on eBay and yes, the market has cooled down considerably. I'm resigned to losing a chunk of money now but I need it gone.

I've fitted Van Pimps opening side windows and £100 worth of Dodomat sound deadening which makes a huge difference. I bought a single passenger seat base and some nice BMW seats. I love it when I drive it but then I spend a month stuck at work with no time to use it.

The next step would be to stuff all the cavities with recycled plastic insulation which is about 18 quid a bag from B&Q then carpet the ply panels with some 4 way stretch from Harrison trim supplies.

I've been driving vans on and off for 20 years and you're right, they're a million times nicer than a soggy tent in a wet field.

If you're anywhere near sheffield im redoing the back of my van after 6 years in this format and will have a ply rock and roll style seat/bed with foam available soon.

Worth reading this excellent thread https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/xlwb-campervan-build-what-im-learning/

I've got a spare xl wheelbase Iveco (as you do) which I'm idlying considering turning into a bothy/bunkhouse on wheels.

That said I've been considering it for a couple of years now so I'm doubtful I'll ever actually do anything with it!

As above,, you tube is your very best friend here. Though I would look through multiple conversions from basic to more advanced. With the more advanced conversions(done in a diy fashion) you'll get someone using better quality or more appropriate materials, like extruded alloys and veneer faced lightweight panels.
Then take time to actually plan it. Dont just make a start and play it by ear or you're likely to end up with problems from forgetting things or put in for example the insulation only to find you should have put in electrics or plumbing first.

Having a checklist of jobs, goals to reach etc, will stop you losing patience or enthusiasm as it will be a big and complex job, so stages of completion will help you there.

Also think access. with areas you might need to get to in the future being behind easily removable sections. For that type of thing there are knock down fittings that hold secure, but a turn of a socket,or screwdriver/allen/torx etrc to remove sections for electrics or plumbing etc etc.

Cheers all, I'll get hunting around on Youtube. Not planning on going bonkers, just insulation, flooring and wall covering then either make or buy a seat/bed for the back and get some more windows fitted. No new electrics, no fridge/cooker/sink.

Prices do seem to have come down a bit and it doesn't really matter as car prices are also insane. 10k for a 6/7 year old with no stupid milage and in decent condition seems achievable. My kids are at the age where they're asking about camping and the like so seems like a good time to dip a toe.

got a mate who has done a few and I'll lean on him but he lives an hour away so I'll need to fend for myself most of the time.

Thick insulation is pointless without heat. Put a layer of 7/8mm foil backed , self adhesive foam insulation to the inside of the outer skin. It will deaden sound and allow sun to warm the van well in a morning. Invest in a leisure battery and a diesel heater. In the long run, not much more £ than thick insulation. No more damp kit or trying to nod off in minus 5 with a beanie hat on.

Yeah, my mate suggested similar, thanks.

Thick insulation is pointless without heat

I've had two vans over 12 years and never yet felt the need for a heater. There are times when it might have been nice but an extra layer has always done the trick and I've never felt like it was a struggle or reducedthe usability of the van. This includes 5 Easter trips to the Alps and lots of Scottish winter.

To the OP, this illustrates one of the most important things about converting a van. Think very, very hard about what you want or need from it.

Not planning on going bonkers, just insulation, flooring and wall covering then either make or buy a seat/bed for the back and get some more windows fitted.

Probably worth doing the windows first...

Book marking

Diesel heaters are amazing but they're not essential. An insulated van is still vastly superior to a tent.

If you're sleeping in it regularly though, get a diesel heater. They're magic.

Think very, very hard about what you want or need from it

This plus 100

Recommend doing it in small steps, try it out between each step, and refine as you go

Heaters are great, used ours this and last weekend, but they are easy to fit at any stage or later.

I'd rather have a decent solar setup and a fridge.

@sharkattack: can you post a link?

What I've done in the past before committing to a layout is just do insulation, sound deadening, carpets etc and then use it like a mobile tent. Keep it flexible until you know what you need.

I then invaribly just leave it like that. Sometimes you just need a big empty van.

@sharkattack: can you post a link?

Yeah. To what?

10k for a 6/7 year old with no stupid milage and in decent condition seems achievable.

Really? What does that get you?

I was going to ask too. Round here (Devon) 10k doesn’t buy you lot.

I’ve got a scruffy 17yr old t5, with 160k on the clock with a fairly light conversion. Insulated, lightweight panels from S&S and set of removable drawers/bed from ply guys.

Yeah. To what?

Im guessing this...

I’ve listed it on eBay

Really? What does that get you?

Not bloody much sadly. Not like back in my day when vans were just slow, thirsty, rusty death traps and not must-have lifestyle accessories.

Since you asked...

This is my current sale-www.ebay.co.uk/itm/295673191611

It drives like a dream and every time I take it out my head starts filling with visions of waking up on Alpine lakesides and all that crap. Then I remember that I'm starting a new job which is going to be pretty intense and I'll never get to use it.

Ah well, I had all my hashtag vanlife fun before we spawned an offspring.

An insulated van is still vastly superior to a tent.

Sleeping in a tent in an awesome place far away from a road is vastly superior to the nearest carpark with 5 other vans and the wiff of shite, piss and chemicals from the previous users decision to empty their bog before heading off.

Touch paper lit...

Something in a nice place better than other thing in horrible place. Shock horror.

That was a bit of a fizzle rather than a bang.

I think it's weird wanting to slee in a van. I love sleeping in a tent. Having a small van for cooking and changing etc makes sens to me then dive out under the canvas for a great night's sleep.

2yrs ago I picked up an ex fleet maintenance Renault Master for 4.5k. It was scruffy with vinyl signage all over but properly maintained. I spent about 20hrs cleaning off the bodywork, resprayed a couple of panels and power polished it. I used it for 12 months as a mobile garden shed doing garden clearance and maintenance until my eyes went a bit wonky. I'm now considering a camper conversion, pretty basic tbh, but to use for biking and fishing expeditions. Following this with interest.

Thanks again all, some interesting points. Won't be going too mad as I want it for a tent alternative when away with the lads and for general van stuff at home. I've been wanting to get in to the lakes more and the thought of setting off after the kids have settled, arriving, having a brew and a kip then getting up and out riding while still being able to get home at a reasonable time for school pick up or weekend stuff appealing.

The first van will be a tester so I'll defo take my time with what I do. Looking at a Transit Custom and there seems to be plenty around on a 15/16/17 reg with 100k-ish within budget. VW's don't interest me as they look nice but are stupidly expensive compared to other equally as good rivals.

There's a lot to be said for a van you can stand up in.

The one thing I wish we'd done was install solar, it would be way too much of a pain in the bum to add it now, we have a leisure battery but we have to recharge an ebike so now really have to drive somewhere to recharge that. My OH wasn't going to bother with much sound deadening until I pointed out how vital it was and now our roof is plastered in it, makes heck of a difference when it's chucking it down. Our's isn't posh but works great and I do lots of weekends away in but the one thing to be aware is the fuel costs. We drive very sensibly, about 65mph on the motorway and if we're good we can average 33 mpg so once you start to think about driving up in to Scotland for the weekend, the costs increase!

Agree that diesel heaters are brilliant, you don't have to spend a fortune, ours is a Chinese ebay knock off type and its fabulous to sit in the morning eating breakfast where you wake up and its 14 and after a minute or two its a nice 20 degrees. Sleep is vital for me as my long term illness means I suffer with fatigue so I'm very happy to have a king size bed in ours, good job now I have to share it with a 30kg dog!

That was a bit of a fizzle rather than a bang.

I think it’s weird wanting to slee in a van. I love sleeping in a tent.

It's not the desire to sleep in a van that's the selling point. It's the convenience of having safe, warm, secure and stealthy accommodation with you everywhere you go.

I love tents, I've just bought one. I just couldn't drive across the country to somewhere I've never been before, park in between some other vehicles and then pitch a tent in someone's garden before moving on in the morning. Vans are great for blending in and getting some kip in a strange place.

You're allowed to like both things. They just have different uses.

Personally I sleep far better in the van than in a tent, better than at hoe even. Not sure what it is but never fail to get a good nights sleep in the van. We have a full width bed which helps.