Race van / camper van conversion

[jamesl]

Over the winter I'm intending to get my long wheel base, high top Citroen Relay van converted into a basic race van. In my mind I intend to have 2/3 berth with space for tools / spares at the rear of the van -similar to the motorcross vans. Has anyone had any experience of doing this, or could recommend a company who specialise in doing simple conversions at sensible money.
Many thanks.

[GORDON STREETER]

James, there is a thread on just this subject I seem to remember it was fairly lengthy.

[GORDON STREETER]

I know this thread is on here somewhere. Basically you could buy an "oldish" small touring caravan for 2 /3 hundred quid and utilise all the bits. Don't fall into the trap of the finished vehicle being overweight for towing.

[AU N EGL]

Originally Posted by GORDON STREETER

I Don't fall into the trap of the finished vehicle being overweight for towing.

Or under powered.

[GORDON STREETER]

Yes it is on 10/10ths. Type in "van to camper conversion" I knew it was a complicated title
Incidentally I saw a very good idea, they had a big Merc Sprinter and because it was their daily delivery van, had made a complete modular unit that they put in through the back doors with a fork lift truck.
You will find it cheaper and less aggro to buy one already done, as we all kid ourselves we can do it cheaper ! The main thing as you will read is the weight and keep the dirty bits away from the sleeping bits !

[jamesl]

Thanks Gordon - there are some interesting points in this thread.

[GORDON STREETER]

On a more "quirky" note I have seen a few new age traveller type of "conversions " that consist of a 7.5 ton flatbed with a caravan without wheels strapped on the back (AN INSTANT DIY MOTORHOME ) I hope the people don't sleepwalk as they need a stepladder to get in it

[Podd37]

Hi James. I did this conversion with an old high roof Renault Master. I used an old caravan for the innards, put a full height partition around the rear wheel arches and created a little workshop at the rear. Sleeps two (uncomfortably if you're tall!) widthways on a bunk system that hangs across the partition. Has all we need to go racing with invertor for power etc but would have been easier and cheaper to buy a ready made unit. Oh and we made the mistake of using a 2litre petrol...without power steering. Who needs a gym?? If you like i can post some pics for you.

[Alan Cherry]

Try http://www.sbmcc.co.uk/index.html the site/club only exists for converting vans etc to mobile homes - useful tips re building electrics etc etc. having said that I've had my van for over a year now, and despite having seats and windows etc to put in the back , have done precisely bugger all to it. ( except towbar for trailer and having a profeesional high roof fitted- can't be doing with all this stooping around). One thing to watch - do you ever come anywhere near london - if you do , check out the TFL Low emissions zone pages - could be bad news if your van is 2001or older .

[jamesl]

Sorry for the late reply. I've had my van converted now by waverider vans : http://www.waveridervans.co.uk/

They have done an excellent job, and at sensible money. They are very easy to deal with and if anyone is looking to convert a van I would highly recommend them. I incorpaorated lots of the ideas suggested on this forum so thanks to everyone.

[cheadle]

Thanks for you positive feedback James. I enjoyed doing your conversion and hope you can find some more customers for me!! Colin