"Just bought my first van to convert and live in. Anyone else done this? "
Never done it myself, I'm in a competition to try and win one this week. Not to live in but to holiday and have fun in.
I've had a couple of meets in other people's vans which was fun.
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Yep. Done it with 2 vans. Renault Traffic and a long wheel base high roof transit.
Most importantly for Britain & Ireland is insulation to cut condensation out. Vent the van at the sides near the top, small round ones. Don't cut the roof for it, rarely works out. Hitch up a leisure battery to the alternator and you'll have constant power with a back up battery if you lose your main one. Bolt in a small safe for valuables. Keep the van stealthy to avoid thieves. Fit solar panels to the roof. Fit an overhead shelf in the front cab with access in the cargo area. It helps packing stuff away there like bedding and clothes. Raise your bed off the floor to leave storage underneath for fishing rods, foldaway ebike etc. If the van is big enough, install a composting toilet. If the spare wheel is kept inside the cargo area, then install a wheel bracket to the rear door, put it on it outside, fix the wheel on it and cover the wheel. Remember to infill the rear door to keep that bracket ftom vibrating as you drive as it will damage the door.
Keep an eye on weight as it severely impacts fuel economy. Keep your fuel tank between a half and 3/4 full at all times. Keeping it too full burns more to drive with added weight.
You got a lot there for the basics. Go for practicality and functionality, not aesthetics. Invest in good tyres, high grade motor oil, and get the engine flushed out. Get the water pumped cleaned, change the glow plugs. Fit good brakes. The dynamics of the van will change and so will it's performance and stopping ability. Be prepared.
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"Just bought my first van to convert and live in. Anyone else done this? "
i did this years ago it was great until Brexit i used to go off all over the place, good luck with your build if you get stuck with anything let me know |
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Me and a bunch of Irish and Scots boys met in a hostel in Sydney 2003 .. bought an old bus and rebuilt it to travel Oz ... Double beds bathrooms a bar and roof terrace, surfboard bike storage and sound system .. 20 years ago .. cost split between 8 .. was a truly amazing time. A transit is dead easy. |
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