Can you convert a 2015 Transit Minibus?

[NathanBetts_]

Hello everyone,

I'm a new member, looking to dive into a camper conversion on a Transit. I was looking for a panel van, but I have had my head turned by the minibus option, which seems cheaper and more available at the moment (it seems there is a big demand for delivery vans, and not much for group transport).

I've looked at several very useful threads by forum users who are converting minibuses. I am hoping for help trying to answer a few basic questions.

1) Can all the interior fittings (including ceiling, floor, walls) be stripped out back to metal?

I'm happy to spend time removing fixtures for a lower cost van price. But, I am hoping to strip it back to basically a plain panel van if that's possible.

2) Will the extra windows cause insulation issues?

I am expecting to block out the rear windows with insulation, which seems straightforward but I'm nervous of condensation issues.

3) Would you avoid minibus for any reason?

I took a lot of tips from another thread, where it seems I should check for removing a speed limiter and tachometer. I'd also to be aware if I will come across any fixtures, like aircon, that are difficult to build a conversion around. I think the sunroof might make the air vent tricky to fit.

Thank you.

[dumper]

Yes you can strip it back to bare bus and line it out to suite on mine all the windows except the sliding door and opposite have been boarded over .I did this by getting some waterproof black material up against the glass then I put thin batons across the window frames this was for holding the insulation up against the windows and when boarding out and something to screw them to and stiffen it up so as not to put pressure on the glass .mine had all the toys on it a single front seat and a power side step and I was able to sell off the rear seats.

[Cheet22]

Same as dumper i chose a minibus. 15 seat. I'm a few weeks in but not done a lot in past week but prefer a pile of stuff ready to fit.

I've stripped mine entirely, including cab. The insulation that was in is just pointless, so i just ripped out all out.

My biggest pain was getting the seats out, but i got them in the end. Wd40 underneath is essential.

Headliner a bit of a pain but i just cut off the clips and bought some more, although not sure yet if i will refit.

Mine is limited to 64mph it seems, but i can get the removed later.

The only other thing to remember is that the side door only opens half that of panel Van. You can alter the roller hinges but for me i like it as it gives a bit more wall side inside.

Personally i prefer the look of the minibus externally with the dark glass all round. As dumper though, I'm blocking off a lot of it internally but i still think it looks better from outside myself.

This forum will be your friend.. I've asked and found a lot on here already.

[dumper]

The door on mine was standard fully opening my speed limiter was removed by Ford dealership after logbook changed it maybe that a independent can do it I understand that getting classed as a camper is getting difficult again even for vans .

[NathanBetts_]

Brilliant, thank you both.

I am looking today at insurance quotes, and figuring out if the changing seat capacity will cause any unforeseen costs (I guess it's seen as a 'modification). I'm 26, so I don't think I can technically drive a 14-seater on my license, and I'm always wary of high insurance costs from past years experience on my previous VW Transporter.

Have either of you posted build threads or blogs?

[dumper]

The insurance should go down as less seats less risk of large pay out if the unthinkable happened .
As fo built post no my setup will not suit a family setup it’s a two birth set up for Motorsport and fishing.

[johnporter11]

My 2015 17-seater is starting to take shape now. I've retained just one of the twin seats. Stripped all the trim, but refitting most of it (because like it!). Done all my framework in extruded aluminium. Now about to clothe it with IKEA gloss white doors. Just taken delivery of Renogy 50A DCDC charger and 175W flexible solar panel. 2x100AH EFB batteries just behind the driver's seat. Chinese 5kw diesel heater fitted at the back door and running fine. Bobil Vans hot water system about to be ordered. Toilet compartment about to be cladded with IKEA wardrobe doors. I'm getting paranoid about weight as I'm also in the process of down-rating it 3500kg. She weighed in at 2900kg with just the batteries and seats fitted. Bought Transit luggage racks with the intention of converting them into overhead lockers but their weight is going to scupper that plan.

[dumper]

If you have the correct class license to drive it I’d not downrate it mine logbooked as a camper the road tax is still £165 ish and you will know your not going to overload it . When I’m 70 I will have to look at downrating mine as to keep my license to drive it will need to renew every year instead of 3 years for 3500 kg vans .
Looking on camper forums a lot of 70 year olds are getting SV tech to downrate them ( I think it’s daft that it goes on gvw only and not size when physically a 3500 kg van and a 4600 kg are the same size and as a camper the 460 is a safer van to drive as it’s not going to be on the limit of it’s brakes and suspension most of the time ) when I have to derate it I may run it on single rear wheels .
When I logbook mine as a camper it was 90% finished and weighed in at just over 3000 kg but has got heavier since as for the logbook I ran the electrics off he van auxiliary battery a empty alloy gas cylinder no spare wheel or tools and adblue and diesel very low it was useable as a camper just needed loading up and fuelling to go.

[johnporter11]

I'm 70 and it's NOT easy to get that C1/D1 licence recovered. I failed to complete the 9 minute treadmill test - stopped at 7 minutes due to mechanical fatigue! Nurse said she was happy with cardio performance but said DVLA are looking for athletes! SV Tech are currently helping me....

[NathanBetts_]

Yes, I've seen I will have to downgrade the payload - which seems bonkers as I would be allowed to drive the same size van in a panel version. Alas, my license only covers 3.5t.

I've been told it's not too difficult and I hope that's true, as I will try to go through the application while I'm in the process of the conversion in the driveway.

[dumper]

I'm 70 and it's NOT easy to get that C1/D1 licence recovered. I failed to complete the 9 minute treadmill test - stopped at 7 minutes due to mechanical fatigue! Nurse said she was happy with cardio performance but said DVLA are looking for athletes! SV Tech are currently helping me....

Hi John please let us know how you get on with it I will need to be doing it in a couple of years cheers.

[straydog]

Mines a 17 seater Mk7,
As Dumper says, yes you can strip it all out.
I've insulated all of mine and left all the windows intact, no condensation issues.
You can get the side door to open fully, i've done it.
But it's a real PITA!

I think if it's a question between panel van and minibus, then I would probably go "Minibus".
I've done both, and think the factory fitted windows can't be beat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awh4mzWpcn0&t=67s

Don't even start with me and the 70 year old licence medical

[Rob62]

Nice job with the conversion! I notice you didn’t appear to use a vapour barrier? Is that due to it being in France and the warmer climate... I notice on youtube lots of USA builders don’t use one either.

[straydog]

Nice job with the conversion! I notice you didn’t appear to use a vapour barrier? I

Thanks.
No vapour barrier really needed here, I didn't use it in my last build,(swb Transit mk3)
That never suffered with condensation in the 15 years I had it, so decided not to in this build
I did put the bubble Aluminium to the inside, with the main insulation agains the outside walls.
Which appears to gives better insulation in warmer clims.

CVD

[dumper]

I’m on my 6th camper one was I re conversion of a manufactured one and it had very little insulation at all all I’ve ever done is waxoil the steel work and use insulation on top of it and never insulated the floor the only condensation is on the windows and I use mine all year round.