Looking for a sanity check before purchasing

[Louisk]

Morning all,

We are looking to purchase a converted camper with the aim of using it both as a day van and camping in campsites.

We are a family of 4 (children aged 10 and 1) and previously owned a T4 when just a couple.

We have a list of things that we would like in the van, but wanted to see from others if we had missed anything, or indeed if we are wasting time trying to find a van with all. Below is what we are looking for;

• LWB
• DSG
• Fully converted with pop roof
• Sliding rails for rear seats/bed to include isofix

On top of this we would ideally avoid using gas inside, electric would be ideal but have seen the diesel hobs/hearers? An awning and rebar would be ideal as would a tailgate.

The facility to store a porta potti is also important with the children in particular.

We would like the van to be as low mileage as possible and hopefully have a budget to support this, though the price of some is eye watering!

Any guidance or feedback would be much appreciated.

 

[Howzat]

For just campsites (with EHU) an induction hob (maybe double) is the way to go.
Porta potty in it's own tent with light as there's very little room left once the bed is down.

 

[soldas]

I go away with my 2 and 6 year olds. I'm in a SWB. The smaller length has never really bothered me as such. LWB would be nice but we are short on drive space. Under 2m heigh is a must for me though.

I removed a shelf in a cupboard to put a 145 porta potty in. This was a must for me. It sits at the end of the bed at night.

Currently our 2 year old sleeps on the front seats in a karivans bunk but he will be up in the poptop with his brother before long.

I'd like a bed on rails but can't justify the cost and didn't want to wait for longer for the right van to come up. Get pretty good at creative packing.

I have ripped out the electrics and redone as they weren't really up to par. I have a gas hob but we don't use and that will be coming out soon. Induction hob and an air fryer oven works for us with a 230ah battery, 3k inverter and a power bank as a backup.

Diesel heater is also a game changer and wouldn't go without. Well insulated will help but kids can be funny and with the top up it can get a little chilly first thing in the morning.

The bed, heating and electrics wouldn't stop me buying a van as these can he added/changed over time on a budget if needed.

 

[Louisk]

For just campsites (with EHU) an induction hob (maybe double) is the way to go.
Porta potty in it's own tent with light as there's very little room left once the bed is down.

That’s an interesting thought, definitely one to consider with the EHU.

Completely makes sense about separate tent, I think I’d hoped to use a drive away awning to find the space, but hadn’t considered it could be entirely standalone.

 

[Louisk]

I go away with my 2 and 6 year olds. I'm in a SWB. The smaller length has never really bothered me as such. LWB would be nice but we are short on drive space. Under 2m heigh is a must for me though.

I removed a shelf in a cupboard to put a 145 porta potty in. This was a must for me. It sits at the end of the bed at night.

Currently our 2 year old sleeps on the front seats in a karivans bunk but he will be up in the poptop with his brother before long.

I'd like a bed on rails but can't justify the cost and didn't want to wait for longer for the right van to come up. Get pretty good at creative packing.

I have ripped out the electrics and redone as they weren't really up to par. I have a gas hob but we don't use and that will be coming out soon. Induction hob and an air fryer oven works for us with a 230ah battery, 3k inverter and a power bank as a backup.

Diesel heater is also a game changer and wouldn't go without. Well insulated will help but kids can be funny and with the top up it can get a little chilly first thing in the morning.

The bed, heating and electrics wouldn't stop me buying a van as these can he added/changed over time on a budget if needed.

Thanks for that insight.

Completely right about some form of heater, I’d missed that from the list but yes would be looking for one. I hadn’t considered the pop up, can they get cold then (I guess it’s essentially a tent lining?)

 

[darkman884]

If you are on a campsite, just use the site facilities.
I found a gas hob brilliant for boiling the kettle and giving the van a quick warm up at the same time on a morning .
A lwb gives full access to the fridge when the bed is down , if using a traditional r&r set up.
My 15 litre porta loo goes under the bed for storage and sits at the end of the bed overnight , tight but doable.
I use alot of pub overnighters so a pop up loo tent is a definite no go.
I have a pop up loo tent , brilliant for top and tailing in a bucket to get washed when remote camping , and also for changing in , as well as loo storage as site allows.

 

[Sackmycook]

Have you considered an alternative layout ?
Leisuredrive and others do interesting layouts with full toilets at the rear with the kitchen. You can have a bed in the roof and 2 singles or a double downstairs.
We have a Leisuredrive Vivante with this layout and it has 4 travelling seats, a toilet, full kitchen, fridge and living area.
Ours is a Hightop too

 

[Bigsidavies]

Decide what can be added cheaply later and put that on a desirable list eg All electric setup, Diesel Heater,
Decide what is non-negotiable and can't be added - eg LWB, Air con, maybe bed rail system
I wanted a DSG but found a van that ticked all the other boxes. I've had a manual for 6 years now. Done 70K mainly holiday miles and it's not been an issue
You can remove a gas hob and pop in a nice new worktop and an induction hob relatively easily, but you'll need at least a 230Ah lifepo battery unless you intend to always have EHU.
Low miles? Diesels don't like doing a load of short journeys. I wouldn't want a 4 year old van with 10k miles. I'd rather have a good service history with oil changes at less than 10k intervals. Bought mine at 3 years old with 90k miles on it and a nice service history. On 156k now and we are off to the Netherlands on Wednesday for a few weeks.
An awning can be easily added. Better off choosing one that suits your needs once you've started using the van. Don't know what a 'rebar' is - presumably a mistake not proof read.

 

[soldas]

Thanks for that insight.

Completely right about some form of heater, I’d missed that from the list but yes would be looking for one. I hadn’t considered the pop up, can they get cold then (I guess it’s essentially a tent lining?)

Generally they are slightly thicker than a tent and they get the warmth from below but yes it is a little colder up there in the morning than on the 'ground' floor.

You can get insulated liners which are great. We haven't found the need yet but with the kids we are kind of fair weather campers. PJs and socks if needed but using a 10 tog duvalay my 6 year old generally end up stripping down to boxes as hes to hot.

I go away just me and the dog in the winter and sleep with the top down and its super toasty.

With the 2kw diesel heater it goes from slightly too cold to sauna mode in about 5 mins.

 

[darkman884]

Generally they are slightly thicker than a tent and they get the warmth from below but yes it is a little colder up there in the morning than on the 'ground' floor.

You can get insulated liners which are great. We haven't found the need yet but with the kids we are kind of fair weather campers. PJs and socks if needed but using a 10 tog duvalay my 6 year old generally end up stripping down to boxes as hes to hot.

I go away just me and the dog in the winter and sleep with the top down and its super toasty.

With the 2kw diesel heater it goes from slightly too cold to sauna mode in about 5 mins.

5 minutes,,,wow
I've tested my 2kw over several freezing winters and its 5 minutes before it starts to pump luke warm air.
30 minutes getting warmer.
50 minutes , its t shirt and shorts , windows open to let the snow in lol.
When pre heating the van on a winters morning , ( pre commute )I gave the heater at least 30 minutes to warm stuff up.

 

[soldas]

I think yours might be broken mate

I'd say I'm getting full hot air within 5 min and then 5 mins to covert the van to death vally on a summers day. I'm only on a cheap Chinese one 2.

 

[DXX]

Wallas XC Duo, combined diesel hob with a heater.
Very economical.
Best choice I made with my van conversion.
Second best choice; California seat / bed on rails.

 

[darkman884]

2kw heater on a summers day ???
You craaaazy lol.

Defo not broken mate.
I removed it last year year and fitted a new atomising gauze and glow plug.
NOT because it was broken, but because I CAN , mate

 

[darkman884]

It doesn't start dripping diesel into the combustion chamber until about 4 or 5 minutes have elapsed mate.
Think you probs trippin

 

[soldas]

2kw heater on a summers day ???
You craaaazy lol.

Defo not broken mate.
I removed it last year year and fitted a new atomising gauze and glow plug.
NOT because it was broken, but because I CAN , mate

I think you read me wrong, I dont run it in summer.

All I can give you is my personal experience. Mine in under mounted fitted by Josh at craft a camper and its the best upgrade I've had done to the van to date.

 

[darkman884]

I think you read me wrong, I dont run it in summer.

All I can give you is my personal experience. Mine in under mounted fitted by Josh at craft a camper and its the best upgrade I've had done to the van to date.

It won't start dosing diesel in the combustion chamber until at least 4 or 5 minutes .
I thing you got it wrong, mate

 

[soldas]

Ok well either way it warms the van up and I'm happy I'm not sitting in the cold for a full 30mins.

 

[darkman884]

Ok well either way it warms the van up and I'm happy I'm not sitting in the cold for a full 30mins.

Me neither lol.
Before it took early 50,s retirement,
I would start the heater up at 4.30 am.
Remotely from the bedroom,
Then jump in a hot shower , go down stairs for a brew, the leave at 5.15 am in a toasty van for my commute , ALL windows defrosted,, CUSHTY , ,
regardless, I don't want to hijack the OP thread , so enjoy your van

 

[Louisk]

Great guidance offered and definitely things to think about for sure.

It’s so difficult looking as there’s such a variety in the cost across different conversion companies, having looked at a recent show it’s clear that the standard of conversion varies massively as well!