What van under 3500kg?

[Wburke]

Evening all. I am wanting to move from having a car to a camper as a daily driver. Due to my age and license it needs to be something that when fully converted and loaded needs to be under 3500kg. What is the best van that will allow me to carry out a decent conversion but be the biggest possible? Won't carry water or bikes. Just 2 adults, hopefully 2 children and clothes etc.

Cheers

 

[f6c]

Welcome aboard

 

[Wissel]

Welcome

Not an easy to answer question if you want it as your daily driver as well. I have a L3H2 Peugeot Boxer, which is good as a daily driver as I can park it most places. But there's just the two of us and the dog. I think I'd struggle in some places with anything longer.

The nice thing about the Boxer/Ducato/Relay vans is they are a little wider than most others, so a traverse bed is possible. Plus really easy to get conversion parts.

 

[gus-lopez]

 

[ambulancekidd]

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[Baldeagle7470]

Help us get a feel for what you have in mind to do?
Are you planning to convert a panel van?.
How long will your average trips be.?
There is loads of help available here,give us a little more info re the sleeping arrangements for four people.
Good luck in your search and the project.

 

[Wburke]

Plan is to convert a panel van or minibus (existing windows) myself. Budget for a van is about £3000 (not huge I know) then convert it myself. Wife and I currently trying for a family so want something we could take future children in, wouldn't be against a separate side tent however. Daily commute only about 5 miles, will holiday in England, potentially into France. Like I say big issue is having something less than 3500kg due to license but want as big as possible. Thanks for all the welcomes.

 

[Nasher]

Given your budget, the suggestion above of Ducato/Boxer/Relay is probably your best bet.

For the age of vehicle you will get for your budget, the Mercedes Sprinter/VW Crafter (same van) and Ford Transit are likely to be rust buckets (It still surprises me that I bought a Peugeot instead of a Merc or VW because of rust issues of the 'premium' brands - later vans are galvanised, but probably outside of your budget)

Also Ducato/Boxer/Relay is a good shape for conversion (square sides). There are a lot parts & accessories available for these vans, making conversion easier.

When deciding on which make to go for, I researched reliability and concluded that the Relay/Boxer with the Ford engine was a better long term option, particularly as it has a chain driven camshaft rather than the cambelt that needs regular replacement on the Ducato

In terms of which model/size, I have the L2H2 (MWB 5.4m) as it's my daily drive but the more popular L3H2 (LWB 5.99m) may also suit, but check it fits on your drive.

Hope this helps

 

[chaser]

Don't know why they are never mentioned in the type of threads , get yourself a renault ex ambulance , plenty in your price range and they are half done

 

[chaser]

Weight wise fully done and loaded mine is 2950

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[chaser]

Oh and after 2007 they are galvanized.

 

[Wburke]

Hadn't considered an ambulance, not sure how the wife would feel though with people dying in it... Will have a look at a ducato etc. Is there a specific size van I could go up to? Would love one I could fit a full size double bed in but might struggle. Not fussed about toilet or shower though so if anyone has any advice or recommendations please let me know.

 

[Rob Hammond]

Hadn't considered an ambulance, not sure how the wife would feel though with people dying in it... Will have a look at a ducato etc. Is there a specific size van I could go up to? Would love one I could fit a full size double bed in but might struggle. Not fussed about toilet or shower though so if anyone has any advice or recommendations please let me know.

We all got to die sometime and welcome.

 

[Wburke]

She isn't keen as it is. Buy an ambulance and I might need one

 

[pappajohn]

Would love one I could fit a full size double bed in but might struggle. Not fussed about toilet or shower though so if anyone has any advice or recommendations please let me know.

There are official DVLA specifications to be able to register it as a motorhome.
Seating, cupboard, table, bed, water, toilet etc are all required and it must LOOK like a motorhome on the outside.
Just putting furniture inside isn't enough for them.
Search Google for "DVLA requirements for a motorhome"
You could simply leave it registered as a van but in the event of a total insurance loss you will only get the market value of a van, and nothing for the extra value of the fixtures, fittings and hard work you put into converting it.

Also, as there's a future possibility of carrying a couple of kids your going to need four seat belts...... A tall order in a panel van.

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[Wburke]

Doesn't say anything about toilets. Aware of the Dvla rules, had planned on having a folding bed that has seat belts, have seen them before. I know that goes against my full-size bed idea. Would have a separate bed section for future kids but a few years yet so would probably upgrade by then.

 

[mitzimad]

the obvious choice is a vw but well out of your budget for two people a vivaro is a good choice converted in the same way a vw is usually done i e rock n roll bed and furniture one side. i wouldnt look for a vehicle for children yet you can get away with one child in this size van up till about 4 years old after that you could add a pop top with bed this is what my son has done .

 

[Richard n Ann]

I had a vivaro van, nice to drive and you never see a rusty one. Early models had gearbox trouble though, and sometimes ones that stand a lot the glow plugs rusted into the engine block because the bonnet can leak.

 

[Nasher]

If you're looking at having a rock'n'roll bed with seatbelts, then I believe it will need to be certified & fitted professionally.

For VW T5's there is a lot of choice, less so for other vans, definitely worth doing some research before committing to a van.

I started with a T5 but quickly found the size limiting & that was just for me! Might be worth hiring/borrowing a van to test out your requirements

 

[pappajohn]

If you're looking at having a rock'n'roll bed with seatbelts,

Does a rock N roll have 3 point belts or just lap belts ???

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[chaser]

Hadn't considered an ambulance, not sure how the wife would feel though with people dying in it... Will have a look at a ducato etc. Is there a specific size van I could go up to? Would love one I could fit a full size double bed in but might struggle. Not fussed about toilet or shower though so if anyone has any advice or recommendations please let me know.

This is ours , king size bed , shower, toilet , hot water, fridge, cooker, solar , split charge, diesel heater. Love it