Help with converting my van

gahulala

Guest
Hi Im new here I am to buy a Sprinter van no older than 2013
and was wondering if there was anyone out there that would take on the job of converting it for me
I would want insulation,cooking,heating,ventilation and a fixed double bed as there are two of us.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
Before buying the van make sure you get a independent Mercedes specialist to check it over first and as for converting it my mate does them and now is the busiest time of the year so you would probably have to wait 7 to 8 weeks to book a window and then another 3 weeks to convert it you would be better looking for one that has just been converted there's plenty around
 
I have absolutely no wish to p8ss on your parade..................but:-

You will have an unknown van, unless you REALLY know its history
I looked at this, you will need the following, as a minimum:
Under slung fresh water tank
Under slung waste tank
Under slung gas tank
Water pump
Plumbing
some form of heating system for both water and air (Truma 4E for example)
ALL furniture
All mattresses, cushions etc etc
A toilet, and, if poss, a shower
A shower tray
All cooking and refrigeration..................

I could go on and on and on..........the list is endless

I actually did the sums and the above, NOT incl the van, comes to circa £18000, and that's with MY labour

the van, if worth having, will be circa £20000, now, without going through all of the bolleaux, you could simply buy a 6 or 7 yr old PVC for circa £30000, all done and no bother, I just have!! So save £8000 and just buy a used one!!!

Worse though, is that, no matter how well done, a private van conversion is always just a diy project, with low resale value, look at ebay and you'll see what I mean

Actually, I still would like to do my own one, but as soon as I opened the doors on the current one, I went "there's no f'in way I could compete with that!!!!

:have fun:
 
IanH said:
I have absolutely no wish to p8ss on your parade..................but:-

You will have an unknown van, unless you REALLY know its history
I looked at this, you will need the following, as a minimum:
Under slung fresh water tank
Under slung waste tank
Under slung gas tank
Water pump
Plumbing
some form of heating system for both water and air (Truma 4E for example)
ALL furniture
All mattresses, cushions etc etc
A toilet, and, if poss, a shower
A shower tray
All cooking and refrigeration..................

I could go on and on and on..........the list is endless

I actually did the sums and the above, NOT incl the van, comes to circa £18000, and that's with MY labour

the van, if worth having, will be circa £20000, now, without going through all of the bolleaux, you could simply buy a 6 or 7 yr old PVC for circa £30000, all done and no bother, I just have!! So save £8000 and just buy a used one!!!

Worse though, is that, no matter how well done, a private van conversion is always just a diy project, with low resale value, look at ebay and you'll see what I mean

Actually, I still would like to do my own one, but as soon as I opened the doors on the current one, I went "there's no f'in way I could compete with that!!!!

:have fun:
Click to expand...

so IAN what pvc did you buy we are curious?

regards mike
 
mickymost said:
so IAN what pvc did you buy we are curious?

regards mike
Click to expand...

2011 Autosleeper Warwick Duo on Peugeot Boxer base

£30k 9700 miles when bought a few months ago, I'll see if there are some pics on this site

Bw
I
 
IanH said:
2011 Autosleeper Warwick Duo on Peugeot Boxer base

£30k 9700 miles when bought a few months ago, I'll see if there are some pics on this site

Bw
I
Click to expand...

Look at the photos section on this site "Froggie 2 is here"
 
A van does not have to cost the earth to convert.
Of course finding someone and somewhere to do the work would be the more difficult and potentially costly part.
My brother and I (took a weeks holiday off work) converted a van in our back garden, by buying a damp second hand caravan ( £300 in our case) with the required set up and moving the interior into the van, windows included.
It took us a week to get to a point where the van was usable to overnight in with all working.
Some DIY skills (and tools) are definitely needed however.
 
I actually did the sums and the above, NOT incl the van, comes to circa £18000, and that's with MY labour

the van, if worth having, will be circa £20000, now, without going through all of the bolleaux, you could simply buy a 6 or 7 yr old PVC for circa £30000, all done and no bother, I just have!! So save £8000 and just buy a used one!!!


When you look at the cost of a good quality self build you got to consider is it worth it when you could get one of these coach builds for as little as £37,000 last year if you shopped around.

Advance 640 - Bailey of Bristol
 
We did the same looked at a base van £18000 then £15000 for conversion we ended up buying a new hobby coach built 65 siesta for £38000
 
Getting a one off conversion in a panel van is always going to cost a good few quid. You have to do it yourself to save money, you can shop for bargains and shop around or even find materials.
The 3 litre V6 Sprinters are guzzlers, but there are plenty of examples around with huge mileage, 500 000plus, they all can't have had new engines. If you enjoy the unrestricted motorways in Germany and want to do 115 MPH, you'll love them. :)
 
hairydog said:
You are missing some vital points:
1. Ambulances spend quite a high proportion of their time being hammered more or less flat out.
2. Ambulances have very intensive maintenance routines, so a new engine is comparatively inexpensive.
3. Ambulances need to be exceptionally reliable. A minor breakdown that caused a small inconvenience for some other vehicle can kill an ambulance's patient.
Click to expand...
My mate is an independent Mercedes specialist he cut his teeth on them only passing on what he told me
 
I wouldn't be tempted to carry out or get a cheap budget conversion on an
expensive near new base van. You're very unlikely get your money back if you
decide or forced to sell in a year or two. You might break even if you DIY but only if
you don't account for your labour. And I can tell you there are always holdups
and problems with the fixtures and fittings, that is if you intend to avoid bodge ups.
I think the consensus so far from posters is get a converted van & preferably
a well recognised marque.
I've converted 4.5 vans over the years 3 were brand new, 2 used German
furniture kits. But I only did them as a challenge and as breaks from my
office job. Even with furniture kits it was bloody hard work getting a
professional standard, didn't help that the furniture was scribed and
bevelled for a LHD layout, but I had to flip the layout for RHD. LOL.

Nearly forgot some may argue the point, but body rust is the main thing to
look out for on any MB van, real rot boxes. My present MB van was beginning
to rust when I bought it at 3 years. 4 months lead in time for a new van
I just couldn't be bothered waiting.
 
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It sounds and would be better to buy second hand is here anywhere on here that people sell ?
 
Does anyone know of the best place to find used campervans for sale ?
I will not be buying in the summer more towards the end of the year
but would also be interested in people considering o sel in the future
 
hi Gahulala

everyone posting has good advice.

In theory, I would be willing to convert your van, subject to many discussions/caveats and so on. I would farm-out a proportion of work and obtain certification.

I have the time, space, tools and experience (I converted mine this year, an older van to be fair)

I am currently seeking employment after being made redundant, but would welcome a project instead of another 9-5!

I would look to converting during the Autumn, Winter

John
 
I may be dreaming but Mercedes produce a dual fuel petrol/LPG van, at least
they used to a few years back.
 
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