Hi there.
First time posting on here, although something tells me this won't be the last! A public thanks to all the amazing people in here too - so much info and opinion when you're knee deep in the research phase before pulling any triggers.
Fundamental question is any opinions on 3 conversion companies I seem to be coming to (albeit without yet seeing or speaking to them, although I have seen one of their projects in the flesh last week in the form of The Performance Chef's rather spectacular build from CJL). I am at a place of CJL Leisure vs Eco Wagon vs Status 1. Have hunted around for thoughts in the forum on all 3 and can't see anything negative so might come down to price. I live down in Kent so not really an option to easily visit any of them. Will do it if I feel it is critical having spoken to them of course.
The context is......I am a triathlete who is looking to get a van that'll primarily be for me and training/racing weekends away solo. The deadline (a van, raw materials and conversion availability allowing) is May 2022 when I have my first main race of the season. Worth noting that the van might also be with a mate, or my better half. And on occasion maybe 3 or 4 people. So seeking a 4-berth option, but one that can transport 2 bikes. And I'd like the 2 bikes inside the van at night as they aren't cheap! I have worked out (I think) that, despite the CJL option of a separate bike "pod" in the back for bikes and kit, with a SWB that won't allow a folding bed. Which takes me towards their Adventure conversion with a sliding rail bed that you can move forwards and create room for 2 bikes behind. Then 2 people can sleep up top with the bikes inside at night. And then if 4 people are sleeping then the bikes will either stay at home or go on the outside and pitch a tent or a drive away awning (think that's what you call them anyway!).
Preference is to source the van and the conversion through the same place (less hassle). I have the spec of the base van sorted thanks to a lot of time on this forum (won't lay that out here unless folk think it'll be helpful but my strong preference is for a SWB - it won't be my only vehicle but I can see me using it for short random trips in reality). I have a good sense of spec for inside too, hence the key question being who best to do the work? I am a stickler for quality of workmanship (Product Design degree) so really want high attention to detail and no corners cut. And I am fortunate in that my budget is not quite sky's the limit but I will have a sizeable investment (possibly as much as £80k, although really hoping it isn't that much!). So really hoping to get something bloomin' nice at the end of this.
Would really appreciate thoughts on the 3 converter options and their prices, if folk have used them, and then also any general thoughts you may have on my plans.
Huge thanks in advance (he writes, hoping for no tumbleweed moment!)
Neil
First time posting on here, although something tells me this won't be the last! A public thanks to all the amazing people in here too - so much info and opinion when you're knee deep in the research phase before pulling any triggers.
Fundamental question is any opinions on 3 conversion companies I seem to be coming to (albeit without yet seeing or speaking to them, although I have seen one of their projects in the flesh last week in the form of The Performance Chef's rather spectacular build from CJL). I am at a place of CJL Leisure vs Eco Wagon vs Status 1. Have hunted around for thoughts in the forum on all 3 and can't see anything negative so might come down to price. I live down in Kent so not really an option to easily visit any of them. Will do it if I feel it is critical having spoken to them of course.
The context is......I am a triathlete who is looking to get a van that'll primarily be for me and training/racing weekends away solo. The deadline (a van, raw materials and conversion availability allowing) is May 2022 when I have my first main race of the season. Worth noting that the van might also be with a mate, or my better half. And on occasion maybe 3 or 4 people. So seeking a 4-berth option, but one that can transport 2 bikes. And I'd like the 2 bikes inside the van at night as they aren't cheap! I have worked out (I think) that, despite the CJL option of a separate bike "pod" in the back for bikes and kit, with a SWB that won't allow a folding bed. Which takes me towards their Adventure conversion with a sliding rail bed that you can move forwards and create room for 2 bikes behind. Then 2 people can sleep up top with the bikes inside at night. And then if 4 people are sleeping then the bikes will either stay at home or go on the outside and pitch a tent or a drive away awning (think that's what you call them anyway!).
Preference is to source the van and the conversion through the same place (less hassle). I have the spec of the base van sorted thanks to a lot of time on this forum (won't lay that out here unless folk think it'll be helpful but my strong preference is for a SWB - it won't be my only vehicle but I can see me using it for short random trips in reality). I have a good sense of spec for inside too, hence the key question being who best to do the work? I am a stickler for quality of workmanship (Product Design degree) so really want high attention to detail and no corners cut. And I am fortunate in that my budget is not quite sky's the limit but I will have a sizeable investment (possibly as much as £80k, although really hoping it isn't that much!). So really hoping to get something bloomin' nice at the end of this.
Would really appreciate thoughts on the 3 converter options and their prices, if folk have used them, and then also any general thoughts you may have on my plans.
Huge thanks in advance (he writes, hoping for no tumbleweed moment!)
Neil
