To convert or get converted???

[Ed Webb]

Potentially a situation that only I can decide the answer but I'm torn between getting the van converted professionally for up to 15k or to concert it myself with the windows, pop top and possibly some electrics done professionally.
I'm looking at pop top mainly for standing room, side windows in the usual places with 3/4 r&r and side units.
I originally intended to get a van and convert myself but having a nice van on low mileage it makes a bit of sense to get a proper job done as it will last.
Did anyone else have the thoughts with there's and are there some obvious pros and cons to each worth thinking about?
If converting myself I will be us8ng this forum like a bible to get the how to's and info for the tasks in hand.

 

[MikeyM]

I'm in exactly the same position as you.

TBH I'm still saving my hard earned and not buying just yet but I have given it a lot of thought and come to the conclusion that the only way to get a camper in the spec I want within my budget is to DIY.
I have at looked at some conversions done by a couple larger camper dealers and wasn't that impressed to be honest. I'm sure (I know) there are a lot of really good converters out there but one van I looked at didn't even have any insulation and just had a standard VSR connecting the two batteries on a Euro6 T6!

I figure the only think I won't tackle is the pop top.
I'm not 100% with electrics but looking through the pdfs on @travelvolts website I reckon I could do it. I do work in the Maritime industry so would get a marine sparky to check it all through before it's connected up...
How much knowledge in electrics should someone have before tackling a camper conversion? Should novices leave it to the pros or is it something that can be done if care is taken??

I guess a lot comes down to how much spare time you have on your hands to tackle it all as well?

 

[Ed Webb]

True. I have plenty of spare time as normally only work a 40 hour week due to a new fatigue management policy. I'm after the typical set up but do feel I want a good job. With a professional job you do get gas and electrical certificates. Do these count for much if reselling or insurance? I do worry that if I did a job myself I'd always find some niggles that 'I wish I had done better or different.' I'm off to speak to a company next week and hopefully see what they can do for my budget and see if it's worth it or not. First world problems!!!

 

[Pauly]

I'm in exactly the same position as you.

TBH I'm still saving my hard earned and not buying just yet but I have given it a lot of thought and come to the conclusion that the only way to get a camper in the spec I want within my budget is to DIY.
I have at looked at some conversions done by a couple larger camper dealers and wasn't that impressed to be honest. I'm sure (I know) there are a lot of really good converters out there but one van I looked at didn't even have any insulation and just had a standard VSR connecting the two batteries on a Euro6 T6!

I figure the only think I won't tackle is the pop top.
I'm not 100% with electrics but looking through the pdfs on @travelvolts website I reckon I could do it. I do work in the Maritime industry so would get a marine sparky to check it all through before it's connected up...
How much knowledge in electrics should someone have before tackling a camper conversion? Should novices leave it to the pros or is it something that can be done if care is taken??

I guess a lot comes down to how much spare time you have on your hands to tackle it all as well?

You may just be lucky enough to live very close to a sparky with a little bit of T6 knowledge, happy to help out if you need any leccy bits sorted

 

[Ed Webb]

The Mrs is happy to get it professionally done so that it will last for years as the van is so new. I still cant decide which is best so I shall be heading up to a conversion company near me next week and will discuss things with them. hopefully that will clear things up.

 

[rod_vw]

I was in the same position thirteen years ago having bought an ex-demo LWB T4 but still working full time. However my employer decided that I could leave full time employment with a handsome hand-shake. Their decision made up my mind, I'd now got the time for DIY!

Look at my signature for the result while I sit here on an Aire in central France enjoying the sun in the latest conversion, mine's a glass or 'red' by the way.

The main problem of doing self-builds is having the time (and money) to make a 'professional' job so that the re-sale value is there when you come to part with the vehicle.

Rod

PS, Ed, Has the campsite re-opened on Hereford racecourse now that racing happens there again?

 

[Colinlp]

Get a poptop fitted professionally by a reputable fitter, the rest like windows and carpet lining is a lot easier than you might think if you have half a brain and plan your work carefully, OK you might wonder how I finished my build!! The hardest part is the furniture but en that is available in just about every combination you can imagine off the shelf. If you think you can do it then you can, it really is that easy, the only specialist tooling needed would be a jigsaw and some form of powered caulking gun for the window adhesive. I bought an air powered one for £18. Lots of money to be saved but more importantly it will be your work and holidays are twice as good in your own creation. Lots of help to be had from the forum at every stage if you need it.

I said if you think you can do it then you can, the opposite is also probably true, if you don't think you can do it the it probably isn't worth the risk, it would be a hell of a feeling realising you've cut the window opening in the wrong place

 

[T6 Dave]

Measure 57,0000 times... Cut once!

 

[Ed Webb]

@rod_vw that's some good advice as I do wonder how much time id be able to assign to the conversion when it actually gets started. my fear is my conversion wouldn't do the van justice. As she is going to be kept for a very long time I have decided to get the inside professionally done. The outside can be my project.

@Colinlp I was coming round to the idea of getting the roof, and windows professionally done along with the diesel heater and rock and roll so that's its tested and fully legal. its also nice having all electrics and gas tested too but not essential. I've decided to get it done professionally but do see your view that holidays are even better when your camping out in your own handiwork, it could also be a bit frustrating if you haven't been able to do a good job. I will keep the outside of the van to play with though.