Buying a small van for mini camping conversion - what to be aware of?

[BobM68]

I'm considering buying my first small van for a basic DIY conversion to something I can sleep in. It won't be anything fancy (the wife has already said she wont sleep in it ). I'd be using it for the occasional couple of days away with my bike(s) and as my day to day car (low mileage in that category as I work from home) so I'm thinking a VW Caddy Max, Transit Connect or similar (LWB version) so a 6 footer can sleep in the back. I wont need (or want rear seats but probably mid windows where the rear seats may have been on sliding doors.

While I hunt for a suitable van I'm looking for pointers / tips in terms of insurance, VAT, legalities etc? It wont be a business vehicle. Will insurance for a mini-conversion be particularly difficult and / or expensive - any recommendations for good companies / comparison sites to use? When a Van Trader says "NO VAT" is that because it's a commercial vehicle and would I still have to pay VAT, or is it just because they are dodging tax / other reason? Sorry I have lots of unknowns so all responses appreciated.

 

[golly]

This firm have some good ideas for layout of micro campers https://www.chapelmotorhomes.co.uk/gallery You may be able to get some ideas from there,

 

[Boringfrog]

 

[Boringfrog]

Ducato/Boxer L1 H1, big enough to move around in when parked up, good daily driver with nearly 40mpg.

 

[davidbaldam]

Hi and welcome to FUN.

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[CherylnMick]

Our friends decided they wanted a camper to take their Triumph bikes touring. They bought a short wheelbase Vauxhall and removed the back seats, insulated it, levelled out the floor and fitted a curtain across the bulkhead. They sort of made an awning as they had an up and over door to keep the bikes in. They put their airbeds and sleeping bags and clothes around the bikes and off they go to the IoM TT just carrying water and plastic cups!

This is not my idea of camping but they were influenced by their New Zealand friend.

 

[CAB96]

I thought 'no VAT' meant it was a private sale? I may be wrong.

Insurance - there are companies that will insure a van during conversion, usually they set a timescale, but to be honest, you won't be adding significant enough value to warrant it. If you sold it you wouldn't get back the full cost of the added items, and you won't get back your labour, so I think with your conversion forget it, just insure it to a value you are happy with.

It will probably be 'van with windows' on the V5, but might be passenger car M1 depending on base vehicle. Either is fine. Both for using, converting and insuring.

Legalities - none in the UK unless hiring it out, as long as it conforms to road traffic legislation. Gas, electrics etc., there is guidance but not a legal requirement as far as I am aware.

Good luck!

 

[Mikeco]

An already converted Micro camper based on a Fiat Doblo would suit you, I did some alterations on a friends one a few months ago where I remove the seats which turn into a bed as they only wanted a day van.

 

[RedFrame]

I came across this outfit recently, they seem to offer converted vans and conversion kits at reasonable prices.

I've never had any dealings with them, so can't vouch for them.

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