by Cider Andy » Mon Sep 24, 2018 10:19 am
I had similar considerations to make when seeking a van to convert into a camper. To fit everything in comfortably (including vertical passengers!) I concluded I'd need a LWB high-roof FWD and then discovered, as someone else pointed out, that they're rare. Another consideration I had was wanting a decent 'comfort' specification, so I didn't have to mess about retrofitting factory options. Also, knowing my budget would point me towards an older van, I didn't want a rust bucket.
Having all those things on my wish list meant finding the right van would be a tall order and that I'd need to compromise. What I ended up with was a 2008 van that ticked most the boxes, ie. it had more pros than cons. The pros:
1. It's a FWD, LWB high-roof.
2. It's a GLX so has electric windows, electric mirrors, auto headlights, rain-sensing wipers and heated front screen. As a bonus it also has aircon and factory satnav.
3. It's not yet needed welding for the MoT test.
4. It's a fridge van so:
a. it's already heavily insulated (and waterproofed with GRP) in the rear.
b. it already has a mains hook-up.
c. it already has a 140A split charge relay fitted.
d. there's a few hundred quids-worth of cooling equipment to flog on eBay!
And the cons:
1. It's a fridge van! So it will have a bloody great hole in the roof when I strip the cooling kit out.
2. It's a non-runner - I've yet to establish what's wrong with it but at worst it'll need another engine.
3. It's white: metallic paint would have been a bonus but I would have been really lucky to get that as well.
The van was over 200 miles away and [obviously] I had to have it transported, but £1500 saw it sitting on my drive: I'm pretty happy with that.
For the conversion I bought an old caravan as a donor vehicle. The floor is spongy but the interior fittings are all in good order. I paid £300 for it, which will give me:
- hot & cold water
- gas fire
- blown air heating
- 3-way fridge
- hob
- oven
- sink
- mains electricity and charging system
- shower
- toilet
- wardrobe & cupboards
- full legth three-quarter bed
- cupboards, storage and trim
- windows and rooflights with fly screens
- lighting
I reckon I'll need to spend perhaps another £1000 or so in other bits and pieces, plus a lot of time and effort, and the engine is still a bit of an unknown. But if I do the job right I'll have a great van that should be worth the thick end of £10,000.
The Mk6 and Mk7 vans came in a multitude of heights, lengths, interior specifications and drivetrain combinations so, once you've settled on what your needs are, you WILL find the right Transit out there.
In my opinion, for a campervan, the only advantage of RWD over FWD is there is room to fit underbelly water tanks. But that's just my opinion.....
Drink moderately, eat healthily, exercise regularly, die anyway.