Has anyone converted a van into a camper?

[ploopypleepy]

We're looking at buying a Ford transit custom and getting it converted professionally. We're hoping this will be a cheaper option than buying an already converted camper van. Has anyone done this? What were the costs involved ? We don't need a fancy conversion, probably mid range ? Any tips welcome !! Unfortunately me and DH are DIY challenged, so only small things could be achieved by us 😂

If you’re going to get it done professionally, your conversion will be straightforward. Go with a reputable company, though. One that deals with insulation, not just units that slot in.
Your main issues will be to make sure you get a good, mechanically sound van. Low mileage, undersealed, full service history, if you go diesel make sure the DPF and turbo are spot on.
There’s a cooker you can get which is fuelled from the diesel tank, which is a great option to avoid running out of gas if you’re going to far off locations. Saves on space, too.
There are good second hand campers which are an option, though make sure the van history is good and check for damp.
Biggest issue with campers is insulation and damp. Get windows that you can secure partially open.

We did this, it's cheaper but still expensive. You need specialist companies to fit the rock and roll bed/rear seat if you want to be able to travel sitting in the back and I would always recommend a pop top unless you get a high sided van.

Windows are also a specialist job.

Companies will convert a transit for you but lots are set up for VW conversions only. There was a massive backlog post-covid so book a slot as soon as you can. We waited 5 months in 2021.

Also, lots of YouTube videos are out there if you fancy checking out what you can and can't do yourselves.

I would highly recommend checking out Greg Virgoe and Vandemonium on YouTube.

Greg is an engineer and very good at making the technical stuff easy to understand, and showing how the detail is done. He has just started his second van build and is only about 3-4 videos in to that series.

Vandemonium is an enthusiastic amateur with little DIY/engineering knowledge, but built a camper from scratch, after following a lot of Greg's advice.

They were my go to when we were looking at van builds, but we were ultimately in the very lucky position to buy a motorhome a couple of years ago, so went that way instead.

Both do costings videos and both fitted their own windows. Even rock and roll beds can be fitted yourself if you are brave enough - I wouldn't be personally! 😂

Has the van you are looking at been undersealed since new/almost new? Ford Transits are notorious for rust, so make sure the chassis has been thoroughly checked before you buy.

Thanks everyone for all your help, a lot to think about .... starting to think it might be easier to buy an already converted camper ?!

When you look at the costing videos its not far off what a pre-converted or even half tidy 2nd hand motorhome would cost, especially when you factor in your labour/time. I would love to convert one myself, but I know I would give up part way through.

I really want to do this but I want to convert a Luton style box van. It's more squared off so easier to fit out myself. It's also got a potentially detachable back so you could swap the cab out if needs be.
One day maybe.

We have just finished converting a transit to a camper ourselves. My husband designed the layout for our needs and watched YouTube for help and inspiration. He has done a brilliant job and we can't wait to use it.

I've just looked up my spreadsheet. We bought a van for £14.5k and spent circa £10k on the conversion. DH did the insulation, electrics and fitted the flat pack furniture. These were the big ticket items:

Pop top £4,500
Furniture and appliances £2,820
Rock and roll bed £2,080
Windows £1,010

Re the rock and roll bed. In order to carry passengers these need to be M1 tested to pass the MOT. I would not attempt to fit this myself.

Our van is a 2017 Ford Custom Transit. It's an ex AA van so a lovely cheerful yellow!

@Paq wow you did an amazing job!! But the fact you spent 10k and did everything yourself just tells me that it's going to be a really dear do if we're paying for professionals to do it. Got my eye on a pre converted transit custom... will enquire with the dealer today 🤩

As a motor trader I'd say this market has changed massively in the last 6 months. We are being offered them left right and centre from customers who bought during Covid and now want to get rid of them (as camping is shit in my opinion 😂). We had one guy last week with a Transit conversion done by a great company but it owed him £78,000!!!! We just didn't offer him a value as it would have been an insult to him to be honest. So it may be worth looking for one already converted as prices are definitely tanking on them at the moment.

Aha! I wondered how long it would be till this happened.

I was going to say look at the already converted market as I bet a lot of pandemic buyers are looking to get rid.

The only way to keep the costs down is to do most of the work yourself but it is a lot of work and I would also suggest you get a professional to check the electrics.

https://instagram.com/camper_camper?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Highly recommended van conversions. I wouldnt want to do it myself personally but then I have no DIY skills 🤣

We have repaired a few older ones and fully converted one ourselves for our Daughter, didn't save much money but its done to a higher standard. We bought a ready made one, they are about in good condition you just have to know what you are looking for, I would always hire a few different ones to help decide what you really want, after owning four we would only have fixed bed with garage as it suits our needs best.

Currently in the middle of doing this.
High top long wheel base transit. Had to have the rear right wheel arch welded. welder said it is always that one that goes on them, so check that out.

Best advice is to watch as many Youtube videos as you can of people doing it someone above said Greg Virgoe and I agree he is very easy to follow and does a step by step breakdown of each stage of a build which is helpful.

We embarked on this in order to know our own build from the bottom up and have insulation materials that we know are 4 season and water ingress free.

Have done a horse box before this as a workshop for our woodland, so we knew the pain and suffering we were going to incur.

The big make or break in doing something like this is tools. It's always tools.

Tools are the difference between a job being half an hour and several days. if you are not DIY savvy and do not have a well equipped power tool collection then I would not recommend going down this road.

If you want to ply out a summer van and chuck a bed in the back for fun in hot weather you can buy pre milled ply kits ready to install over a vapour barrier. Have a google and you will find companies that do them. Coat of anti-mould bathroom paint on both sides of the ply kit and you have the bones of a basic Summer camper.

If you want a 4 season properly insulated custom camper and have no real power tools or experience. Then I think the advice of the people saying 'go to a professional fitter and get it made for you.' is good, but that will be expensive.

Hope you find a solution that fits your pocket and dreams :) Good luck !

Building is cheaper. It’s okay if you don’t know how to do it; this is how you learn.
There’s also the idea that vans should look like the ones on Instagram, but that's not realistic for most people. You can make a van ready to travel without having to build everything from scratch.
You can use rolling toolboxes for storage if you don't vant to spend a lot on van cabinets, cooking supplies, a sink, and counter space. You can also use a bed frame or futon frame from Amazon to hold your bed.
The point is to be creative. You can design your van however you want, and you'll find that your van build will change after you actually start using it.
You can also find a ton of usable van items at thrift stores, yard sales, Facebook Marketplace, etc.

I looked at converting, and have helped my son convert a transit before.

Second hand base vans are a nightmare - so many awful ones, thrashed, fake MOT's and history etc.

On the Ford be careful of rust (I said be careful of RUST) and some of the dodgy ecoboom engines which blow up. Did I mention rust? If not, check for RUST.

I bought a ready made, from a big, very well established company with a reputation for being 'The Best' and are the oldest VW convertor in the UK.
It was only £1k more than a lot of shonky conversions or £5k more than me doing it all myself. But it is so much better thought out, better build quality, was a camper from factory so has proper suspension for the extra weight, insurance is cheaper and easier, the builder is brilliant at supporting my vehicle even though it is 10 years old - one email or call and they can post a part of share the spec so that I can fix it. It is a delight to use, and the only criticisms are things like one of the curtains does not quit close as neatly as I would like so lets some sun in, the seatbelts needed a small elastic to keep them from rattling while driving etc.

Mine was one owner, low miles, undersealed and doted on for the first 9 years of its life. I bought it with a full year of MOT, new tyres, new brakes, new batteries (van and leisure), new suspension bushings all round, timing belt replaced, fresh underseal with 10 year guarantee and a habitation service....

I bought it nearly a year ago and have been offered 10% more than I paid already.

I really really will not touch a conversion without all this back up again.

Look up Bilbo's campers.