#conversion dodge promaster

[hamloid]

This Guide Will Help You Select The Ideal Van-Life Vehicle That Is Right For You

It's known as "van-life", "overlanding" or whatever you prefer. I've been doing this since the days when it was known simply as "living in your car." Over the course of many years and thousands of miles, I've learned what it takes to find a car you love. If you know what you want to search for, vans, SUVs and pickups can all be modified to fit the road-trip lifestyle.

Your daily life as a van driver will be influenced by the vehicle you choose to convert. The comfort, the volume of cargo you can carry, your day-to-day cost of living, even the likelihood of being pulled up by Karens or police officers--all are affected by your choice of vehicle.

If budget isn't a problem purchasing a van that is ready for life is, of course an easy task. Many companies now provide vans designed for endless road-tripping. But they aren't cheap. Even if they are used, for instance the popular Mercedes Sprinter will run you up to $35,000. Buy new and the sky is the limit.

We're not talking about the pre-made overlanders. Instead, I'm writing to the DIYers out there Many of them are probably working with the confines of a budget. If that's you, then let's get rolling.

Size and shape

The first thing you should consider when attempting to construct a home on wheels is how much area you'll be working with. The more room you have, the more space you'll have. On the other hand If you're living too large, you'll end up spending every penny for gas to transport the huge rig around.

It is important to strike the right equilibrium between how much space you can fit in and how little. While you might want the spacious panel van, you won't need to drive 14 miles per gallon for your car. A hatchback could be too small for long trips than weekenders, so you will need something with more elbow room.

Certain models also offer body shapes that are better to be converted. Certain SUVs may appear spacious initially, but as you begin building, you might discover that awkward angles or a small top can make it difficult to design an ergonomic camper arrangement. The more bigger the box, the better.

This is why I went with a Honda Element. While it's theoretically identical to a Honda CRV and Subaru Forester The Element is a large box when the seats are taken off. It is much more adaptable than other mid-sized SUVs. For the same reason, minivans are seeing a surge in sales to aftermarket. There's plenty of room for your family when you eliminate the child-friendly seats.

The gas mileage

While the cost of gas is always a major factor, it's now vital in the age of the six-buck-gallons. If you're embracing life on the road and paying your rent (or mortgage, if you're over 50) at the pump. A high MPG can make it impossible to live an ordinary life. It is likely that this is the reason you'll see increasing numbers of people choosing smaller SUVs rather than big vans these days.

Handling and capability

In my set-up, traveled more than 40,000 miles across North America last year. This covered all weather conditions and roads. Off-roading in Moab. Blizzards in Oregon, Idaho. Rural Mexico has bedraggled roads. Numerous rainstorms and hairpin mountain passes have been recorded. One tornado could have been in Colorado.

Overlanding isn't unusual for these kinds of driving situations. There are a lot of van conversions bouncing across the hardtop just outside Vegas, inching their way through a Pendleton snowstorm in winter's chilly temperatures, or attempting mucky dirt roads through the backcountry of Northern California.

In essence, you need the vehicle to be capable of handling the most severe road (or off-road) conditions you're likely to throw at it. The all-wheel drive feature in my Honda Element trim made it an ideal vehicle. Other reliable vehicles that you'll frequently encounter in the van-life scene include the Ford Transit, Subaru Forester, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Toyota 4Runner.

Reliability and the condition

The most obvious reason for looking for a car that's in good condition involves the human desire to ensure that you don't get a car that is broken down in the middle of the road, but an efficient conversion could have more ramifications.

Van-life was a new trend prior to the year 2020. It gained popularity because of the pandemic. Many people were looking for other travel options. Van conversions are now observed everywhere, and a lot of people who are not a fan of vans are fed up with the idea. People (or the police) who may not have been a bit irritated by someone parking on their streets for a night's rest a few years back are now much more likely to get up and make you go.

This has led to the growth of "stealth van-lifing" which is the act of parking your vehicle in a suburban or urban area and not attracting the attention of the locals. There are many techniques one can use to accomplish this, however, it all begins with the appearance of the vehicle.

[campervan39]

Unveiling the Ultimate Travel Companion: Choosing the Best Van for Camper Conversion

The trend of converting vans into personalized mobile homes has flourished in recent years, offering a gateway to a nomadic lifestyle full of freedom and adventure. Selecting the right van for a camper conversion is the fundamental step in this transformative journey, and several crucial aspects can guide your choice.

Factors to Consider

Size and Space: Vans come in various sizes, each offering different possibilities for layouts and interior space. Larger vans like the Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit provide extensive room for customization, while smaller models such as the Volkswagen Transporter or Nissan NV200 cater to more compact conversions.

Mechanical Condition: The van's reliability is key. Ensuring a robust engine and overall good mechanical condition is vital to avoid unexpected breakdowns on the road.

Budget: Consider your budget and whether you're leaning towards a new or used van. Newer models may come with modern amenities but also carry a higher price tag, while older models might require more maintenance but could be more cost-effective initially.

Customization Potential: Assess the van's structure for features such as high roofs, extended wheelbases, or factory-built windows that align with your camper conversion goals.

Top Vans for Camper Conversions

Several vans are popular choices due to their conversion potential and versatility:

Mercedes Sprinter: Known for its spacious interior and various roof height options, the Sprinter is favored for larger conversions due to its reliability and availability of parts.

Ford Transit: With multiple size variations, the Transit offers flexibility for various conversion styles. Its accessibility and reasonable maintenance costs make it a preferred choice.

Volkswagen Crafter/Transporter: The Transporter is esteemed for its compact size, iconic design, and reliability. It's maneuverable and appeals to those seeking a smaller van. The Crafter, a larger model, is also valued for its space and dependability.

Dodge Ram Promaster: With a wide, square-shaped build, the Promaster provides ample interior space suitable for different conversion layouts. It's recognized for its user-friendly design and relatively affordable maintenance.

Conversion Accessibility

Consider the ease of the conversion process. Some vans might have readily available conversion kits or aftermarket parts, streamlining the process. Others might require more custom work and modifications, affecting both time and cost.

Personal Preferences

Ultimately, the best van for a camper conversion is a subjective choice. Consider your priorities, whether it's ample space, fuel efficiency, off-road capabilities, or a specific brand, aligning the van with your travel aspirations and lifestyle.

Conclusion

Selecting the best van for a camper conversion is the cornerstone of your mobile adventure. Evaluate your needs, explore available options, and choose a van that fits your budget and space requirements while resonating with your vision for a perfect home on wheels. The best van for a camper conversion is the canvas for your personalized mobile lifestyle.

[bohemiandreams]

2018 dodge promaster 2500 conversion details

The usual exterior slide-out table was swapped for an interior one, that neatly stowed under the bed when not in use. Directly underneath, we put a dual-zone cooler on slide-out rails to allow for more space flexibility.

The extra head-room allowed us to bump the kitchenette height up to 36” and build dual hatch cabinets along the driver’s side wall. The bed platform was also raised to 30” for a comfortable sitting height, creating ample storage below. We finished the van off with facing bench seats (one of which stored a portable toilet), a subway tile backsplash and ambient lighting around the ceiling and beneath the cabinets to illuminate the kitchen space.

[ninawilliams]

LOOKING:

...for a van to build out! Specifically MB Sprinter or Dodge Promaster... but ‘reasonably cheap’ is always priority. I know Tumblr is kind of a weird place to ask, but if you guys know of anyone who’s selling :)))) LMK!! 

tankyoutankyoutankyou

[loadcute108]

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You’ve seen it before, couples who have quit their desk jobs and sold all their belongings to live on the road exploring the world in a van. Who hasn’t day dreamed about that at their job?

The Top Creative Van Conversions. How many of you have dreamt of converting your own van into a mobile home? There are so many rad inspiration sites and blogs out there with some amazing van conversions – from vintage VWs to top notch Sprinters. Change 3D to 3D video file. Aiseesoft 3D converter can work perfectly to convert video between 3D files. If you want to enjoy a higher resolution 1080p HD, then you may need to consider changing your Top and Bottom (TaB) 3D video in 720p into Side by Side (SbS) video file in 1080p. The FreeBSD Project. FreeBSD is an operating system used to power modern servers, desktops, and embedded platforms.A large community has continually developed it for more than thirty years. Free Video to MP3 Converter extracts audio tracks from video clips and converts them to MP3, AAC, WAV, and many other audio formats for ringtones, notifications, and tunes.

With the ever-increasing cost of living and presence of screens in all facets of our lives, many people are finding ways to escape all those problems by living off the grid. When looking to live life exploring nature, turning a van into a rolling apartment is becoming an attractive option.

So you want to live to the van life. Where do you start?

All you really need is something that's comfortable to drive and has a lot of room for all your belongings.

Depending on your budget, you can either buy an old van and build it out or buy something fully built and hit the road. What are your options?

Full Sized Van

Types: Dodge Ram Van, Ford Econoline, Chevy Express/Astro

Pros: Can be had for cheap, plentiful, large and roomy, parts are abundant, many low mileage examples

Cons: Poor gas mileage, handles like a hollowed out loaf of bread, dated styling

These old full-sized vans come in all shapes and sizes. Expect to find these between $2k and $20k. You’ll find them in various states of wear, coming from their previous lives of airport shuttle or neglected conversion vans.

Cargo Van

Types: Mercedes Benz Sprinter, Ram Promaster, Ford Transit, Nissan NV

Pros: High roof models allow you to stand in the back, flat floors, you can probably turn this into a rolling apartment, no windows = privacy

Cons: Expensive, high mileage, no windows = people may assume you are some kind of criminal

A cargo van is the ideal platform for the van life. These can range from $1k to the high $20ks. Their flat floors, tall roofs and lack of rear windows make these a blank canvas with endless possibilities. Some van life builds feature a dining table, kitchen counter and sink, shower and a raised sleeping area.

Camper Van

Types: VW Vanagon, Converted Mercedes Benz Sprinter or Metris

Pros: Built for van life, available 4x4, aftermarket support, Volkswagen cult following

Cons: Expensive, parts for older models may be hard to come by, Volkswagen reliability

New or old, these vans can break the bank. Early '90s VW Vanagon Westfalia Syncros typically go for $20k to 30k. For as much as $90k, companies such as Sportsmobile offer these with a pop top camper, kitchen and sleeping area with four-wheel drive and solid front and rear axles, creating an apartment that you can rock crawl.

What You'll Need

Aside from making sure your maintenance is up to date, a camper van doesn’t need much to be ready for life on the road. If you’re not planning to venture too far off the paved road, you can do without a lift or armor.

You’ll be spending a lot of time inside the van, so focus your attention to creature comforts you may need every day. Unfortunately, your space is limited. What essentials will you need?

Food Storage: Stove, Fridge, Sink

This can range from a simple camp setup to building a whole mini kitchen with a pullout sink, fridge and such. Depending on climate and how long you will need to store your food, you may not need a fridge, and an ice chest can suffice.

Electrical: Dual Battery, Solar, Power Inverter

Off the grid doesn’t mean you have to go without electricity. When traveling, you want to make sure you have enough to power not only the van, but also everything you use when you're parked. A power inverter is a great upgrade because it allows you to use items that have a household three-prong plug.

A dual battery setup keeps you from being stranded by supplying backup to your main battery while providing power to all your accessories.

Creature Comforts: Bedding, Curtains

If the seats don’t fold down flat, you may need to build a sleeping platform. Typically made from wood, a sleeping platform creates a flat sleeping surface. The open space under the sleeping platform is perfect for tucking away all your other belongings.

Where To Sleep

If you’re out of the city, most BLM land is free to sleep in overnight. In the city, you’ll want to blend in with your surroundings. Find well-lit areas with where other cars park overnight, such as a the parking lots of Wal-Marts, hotels and 24-hour stores and well-lit street parking. These places are typically safe enough to park in overnight.

You may or may not need any of these items. The best way to find out what you need without over-spending is to get out there and find out what you need and can live without as you go.

Photos courtesy of Sportsmobile, Recon Vehicles and Volkswagen

Want to know what it's actually like to live on the road? We tried it out!

When it comes to DIY campervan conversions there is no better vehicle than a minivan for a camper. Once you get past the fact that it’s a minivan you’ll quickly see it’s the best DIY camper for just about every type of camping trip or even long-term living. Here is our design for the best Minivan Camper and we have road tested it for more than 30,000 miles and 150+ nights over two multi-month trips and lots of weekends.

We converted a 2006 Honda Odessy minivan into a campervan with a full-sized mattress, 7 under bed storage drawers, nicely equipped kitchen, cooler, and power charging station. We pulled off this conversion in about three days and under $350.

Take a tour of our Minivan Camper Conversion

This video gives you a quick look inside of our minivan along with some sweet music. The video doesn’t go into depth on the actual build, but all of that is described below and one of these days we should make another video on more about the minivan to campervan conversion process.

Picking a minivan for your Minivan to campervan conversion

We choose a minivan for our project because they are much more fuel efficient than full-size vans and would give us the most amount of space for the money. We bought our 2006 Honda Oddessy for $6500 with just over 100,000 miles.

Things to look for in a minivan camper:

Good mechanical condition – check service records and have it inspected before starting a long trip.

Room for a full sized bed (or close) – which is 54 inches, ours was about 51-52″ between the narrowest point but we used a flexible mattress which fit nicely.

Consider a good condition minivan around 100,000 miles – After a minivan passes 100,000 miles the price drops to a very affordable level.

How to convert a minivan into the best campervan ever

We are going to take you step by step on how to make your minivan into the best campervan possible. Since everyone might be working with a different van the dimensions of your camper will be different. So, instead of giving exact measurements I used, I will give suggestions on how much room between different parts of the build I would leave, and things like that instead of my exact blueprints.

Tools Required for this campervan conversion

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Drill with Phillips screwdriver & a 1/8′ drill bit

Tape Measurer

Circular Saw or Table Saw or just a hand saw if that’s what you have

Level

Other general hand tools would be helpful but are not required

Supplies Required for this campervan conversion

From Building Supply Store:

2 – sheets of 4′ x 8′ plywood for the top of the bed platform and kitchen storage unit

10 – 2″x 2″ pine studs

1 – Box of screws to build the bed frame and kitchen cabinet frame

1 – Roll of reflective windshield shade material custom cut to fit the front window

1 – Roll of standard duct tape

From Amazon, we found the best prices on Amazon and it’s delivered right to your home:

1 – Full-size premium Futon mattress $169, we love this mattress it’s honestly better than hotel beds and comparable to our bed at home

7 – Sterlite tubs to go under the bed frame

2 – Sterlite storage crates $6.25

1 – Coleman cooler $58

1 – Compact folding table $43

2 – Outdoor folding chairs

Step 1. Remove the Minivan 2nd and 3rd-row seats

We started our conversion by removing all of the back seats of the van. We will be traveling as just two people so more seats while isn’t necessary. Honestly, a minivan camper is probably best for 2 people at most, if you are planning a trip with more people a bigger van might be a better option.

If you have a van with a third-row seat that folds flat, still consider removing it and using that pocket for additional storage. We used this space to add about a 12″ deep by the width of the van of extra storage space. I was tempted to leave it in there and make building the minivan camper easier, but the extra room was great.

Step 2. Building a platform frame for the bed

We rented a campervan for our trip to New Zealand and it had storage under the bed which was great but in their design, you had to lift the mattress up to access to storage. We wanted quick easy access to the storage and to have it divided and also cheap and easy to make.

We used 2″x 2″ pine studs to make the supports for the frame and a piece of cheap OSB roofing plywood for the top of the platform. We built the platform to raise the bed and frame high enough to slide bins in that we bought.

Start just behind the front seats to put your first bed platform frame member. Double check to make sure to make it high enough for your storage bins to fit underneath including any part of the frame. After the first one is the get a level and set the height of the back frame member.

The reason I did this is that the floor of our van was all kinds of different heights. The floor was higher and lower in many places so to get the bed level I would suggest setting the front frame support and then the back with a level, and the build each of the rest to fit your van floor.

Step 3. Adding under-bed storage

We built out platform tall enough for a bunch of plastic bins to slide under. Using plastic bins didn’t require building and tracks or complicated systems, just slide them in and go. We have used 7-inch tall bins since we did the camper conversion a few years ago, but next trip we are planning on raising the platform for more storage. Always, always build in as much storage as you possibly can, it will make trips in your campervan much more enjoyable.

Step 4. Build a ‘Kitchen’ Storage Cabinet

Here is where you can get as crazy as you want, but we wanted to keep it simple. Our kitchen is primarily for storage and we cook and clean everything on a small fold-out table. When we are camping we find we end up cooking on this table or a campsite picnic table and doing washup here as well. So we didn’t want to add a sink because it adds a lot of costs and they never really work that well.

A 12v refrigerator cooler would be great if you are on the move a lot, but if you are going to stay put for days at a time a normal quality cooler is probably better.

Step 5. DIY Camper Window Shades

As funny as this sounds widow shades can make or break your camper build. Our first design of window shades we a total disaster and we were constantly fixing them. Our van has side curtain airbags in the back around most of the windows so we couldn’t screw in and mount anything to hold sliding fabric shades. So, we tried to attach brackets to the windows themselves. Note nothing expoy-ed, sticky velcro-ed, or anything suction to windows in a campervan will ever be permanent.

Optional – Blackout shades for a DIY Campervan

Last summer we drove to Alaska during the solstice and we knew we needed to get some sleep during the 24 hours of sun so we build blackout shades for our minivan camper. We did this cheap and easy, of course. We bought black poster board from Walmart and then with the windows open we held the poster board inside the van and traced out the shape of the window best we could. We cut them out using an Exacto knife.

This got the blackout shades close, but then we took 2″ wide (standard size) duct tape a taped the perimeter with pieces of the tape laying half of the width on the board and half hanging over. then did the same on the other side sticking both sticky sides of the tape together. This made up for any errors we made while tracing and created a flexible edge to really seal out all of the light. These worked out really well, we were even able to sleep in the middle of the day for a nap when we started out late taking photos or slept in bright parking lots – these are great for stealth camping for both privacy and blocking out the light.

Step 6. Basic 120 Volt Charging Station (wall/house power outlets)

All minivans should have several 12v power outlets or cigarette adapters and with a low-cost power inverter $29.99 you can charge or power most household things. This takes a lot of power and should really only be used while driving or the van is turned on.

Last step. Put the mattress into the minivan camper

We put our mattress in right after building the platform and it constantly got dirty and sometimes damaged as we finished the campervan conversion. After you finish the bed platform make sure the mattress fits, but then leave it out of the van until the very end, it will keep it a lot nicer as you finish building your campervan.

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Additional pieces of kit to consider

Portable Jump Station – If you plan to be in some remote areas it’s best to be prepared. You might forget to turn off a light or cold temperatures at night can make a weak battery not start. With this unit, you can jump-start your camper without having to use another car. We bought this portable jump station with an air compressor for $45.

Things that worked and didn’t in our minivan camper

Stuff that worked:

The Bed – Our bed was actually super comfortable, I would rather sleep on this mattress than a bunch of hotels I’ve stayed in. We measured the inside of the wheel wells and they were about 2-3″ too narrow for a ‘real’ full-size mattress, so we were pretty confident that a premium futon mattress would squeeze into the space and it did. A spring mattress might have but it would have been a tighter fit. Plus the mattress was only $123 shipped right to our door.

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The Kitchen – It works well mostly for storage, the cooking we do is usually on our fold up table or on a picnic table.

Stuff that didn’t work:

Suction cups to hold anything on the windows long term, with heat they fall

Command strip hangers on the window, when it gets over 100° they fall off

Cast Iron pots and pans, unless you are cooking over a fire a lot, they are too hard to clean and keep from rusting when you can’t wash them right away (or maybe we just got bad quality ones)

Our first window shades – Our biggest problems we the window shades, we are seriously thinking about having the windows heavily tinted in the back to help with this and give us more privacy. We wanted to keep the van as close to normal condition because we wanted to resell it after our big road trip, which for the most part worked.

The stuff we wished we had:

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Portable battery operated fan for hot nights.

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The van has been busy so far, she has brought us on a three month US road trip, a 6-week road trip to Alaska, and many other short trips around the country.

If you have built a DIY campervan share your story in the comments, or if you have any questions about building your own minivan camper ask us below.

This post may contain affiliate links, see our disclosure

[commercialvansolutions]

Build Your Van

Choosing a van for your camper can conversion is your first important step when taking the leap towards living in a van. 

There are many types and models of vehicles out there, and the best one for you really depends on your needs and wants.

Some vans are better for extra space, some are better for stealth camping, some are more cost-effective. 

If you’re reading this page, chances are you plan to build out your van yourself. But if you want something already converted that will take minimal work to get on the road, there are options for that, too.

To help you choose the right van to live in, I have put together an infographic with pros and cons of some of the most common types of vehicles out there on the road. 

Sprinter commercial van is especially known for its interior height, long wheelbase, and boxier shape making them ideal for building out spacious, functional living space. 

This category includes the original Mercedes/Dodge Sprinters, as well as Ford Transits and Dodge Promasters.

Sprinter van options include the Sprinter cargo van, passenger van, cab chassis, and crew van. Prices for base model Sprinter vans start in the mid-$30K range. Gross vehicle weight ratings for Sprinter vans range from 8,550 to 12,125 lbs. 

[mayolaparren]

Dodge ProMaster Conversions https://ift.tt/35c0Ujj

[carnet-de-routes-vanlife]

Chapitre 1 : Choisir Votre Van

https://carnetderoutes.net/chapitre-1-choisir-votre-van/ 

Choisir Votre Van

Le choix d’un Van est la première étape importante à franchir lorsqu’il s’agit de faire le saut vers la vanlife. Il existe de nombreux types et modèles de véhicules, et le meilleur pour vous dépend vraiment de vos besoins et de vos désirs.

Certains fourgons sont plus efficaces pour l’espace supplémentaire, d’autres sont plus efficaces pour le camping furtif, d’autres encore sont plus rentables. Si vous lisez cette article, il y a de fortes chances que vous envisagiez de construire votre fourgon aménagé vous-même. Mais si vous voulez quelque chose déjà converti qui prendra un minimum de temps et de travail pour prendre la route, il existe des options pour cela, aussi.

Pour vous aider à choisir votre fourgon qui vous conviendra le mieux, nous avons préparé un infographie avec les avantages et les inconvénients de certains des types de véhicules les plus courants sur la route. Cela devrait vous donner une bonne idée de ce qu’il faut rechercher, et nous avons également des descriptions plus détaillées de ces véhicules (et plus) plus bas sur la page.

Volkswagen Westfalia Campers (et tout ce qui est VW)

Les camping-cars Volkswagen sont de loin les véhicules les plus emblématiques de la communauté vanlife. Ce sont des classiques, et ils le seront toujours. Cette catégorie comprend l’ancien bus Kombi (VW Bus), le Vanagon 1980-91 et les nouveaux Eurovans. Aussi appelés Westfalias ou Westies, de nombreux fourgons VW ont été convertis en camping-cars par la société Westfalia en Allemagne (à l’exception d’Eurovans, qui ont été convertis par Winnebago aux États-Unis).

Les Westies sont tout simplement géniaux. Ils sont amusants à conduire, ils sont pré-convertis, la configuration du camping-car est très fonctionnelle, et il y a une grande communauté de propriétaires de VW, de pièces de rechange et de modifications innovantes. Plusieurs d’entre eux ont aussi des dessus pop, ce qui ajoute une tonne d’espace supplémentaire pour la tête quand ils sont garés et vous permet même de coucher deux personnes de plus.

Mais s’ils sont si géniaux, pourquoi ne voudriez-vous pas d’un Westy ?

Eh bien, pour commencer, ils peuvent prendre un morceau de votre portefeuille. Depuis que le vanlife a gagné en popularité, le prix des vieux Vanagons a augmenté avec lui. Ce sont aussi de très vieux véhicules, et il y a juste beaucoup de choses qui peuvent mal tourner mécaniquement avec tout ce qui est sorti de la chaîne de montage pendant la guerre froide.

GoWesty, un restaurateur et fabricant de pièces de rechange bien connu de Vanagon, recommande de ne pas acheter un Westy à moins d’avoir au moins 25 000 $ pour le réviser et remplacer des composantes vieillissantes. Même si vous trouvez un Westy bon marché caché dans un garage quelque part, soyez prêt pour des pannes fréquentes et des maux de tête mécaniques coûteux à moins que vous ne dépensiez l’argent pour le reconstruire complètement.

C’est aussi ce que certaines personnes aiment vraiment chez Vanagons. Il y a une certaine romance à travailler avec un moteur pré-ordinateur, à l’apprendre à l’intérieur et à l’extérieur, à le réparer sur la route et à avoir la capacité d’ajouter de nouvelles innovations à un véhicule classique. Si vous avez un penchant pour la mécanique, que vous aimez bricoler et que vous avez de l’argent à dépenser, une VW pourrait être très amusante.

Mais si vous n’avez pas de budget, si vous ne voulez pas faire face à beaucoup de problèmes mécaniques ou si vous voulez vraiment personnaliser l’intérieur et la fonctionnalité de votre fourgonnette comme espace de vie, il existe de bien meilleures options.

Van Sprinter (et autres Vans de style européen)

Les Vans Sprinter existent depuis un certain temps, mais c’est toujours le nouveau. Ces fourgonnettes sont surtout connues pour leur hauteur intérieure, leur empattement long et leur forme plus rectangulaire, ce qui les rend idéales pour construire un espace de vie spacieux et fonctionnel. Cette catégorie comprend les Mercedes/Dodge Sprinters d’origine, ainsi que les Ford Transits et Dodge Promasters (lisez cet article et ce graphique pour en savoir plus sur les différences entre ces deux modèles).

Si vous voulez le véhicule ultime à personnaliser pour votre fourgonnette de bricolage, le Sprinter est le véhicule qu’il vous faut. Ils ont assez d’espace, même pour que les personnes de grande taille puissent se lever, et assez d’espace intérieur pour concevoir n’importe quel type d’aménagement. Ils ont aussi généralement des moteurs diesel, ce qui signifie une meilleure efficacité énergétique et une durée de vie du moteur plus longue (de nombreux Sprinters diesel sont connus pour dépasser les 400 000 miles). Si vous pensez que vous ferez beaucoup de tout-terrain, le Mercedes Sprinter existe aussi en version 4×4.

Cependant, les Sprinters sont beaucoup plus chers que les autres options. Il peut être difficile de trouver n’importe quoi à prix raisonnable avec moins de 200.000 miles. Pour les Mercedes Sprinters, les pièces sont plus chères et il peut être difficile de trouver des mécaniciens qui ont de l’expérience en la matière (c’est moins un problème avec Transits et Promasters). Et comme il s’agit de véhicules complexes, ils ne se prêtent pas aussi bien au bricolage qu’un classique comme une VW Vanagon ou une vieille Ford Econoline.

Il y a quelques variations dans les caractéristiques et la fiabilité des différentes années-modèles, et des différences entre les Mercedes Sprinter, Dodge Sprinter, Ford Transit et Dodge Promaster – assurez-vous donc de faire vos recherches. Le Sprinter RV Conversion Sourcebook est une ressource incroyable sur tout ce qui concerne le Sprinter (et les conversions de camionnettes en général), et il passe en revue toutes les options en détail.

Si vous avez de l’argent à dépenser pour un Sprinter décent, il y a peu de meilleurs véhicules sur le marché. Il n’y a vraiment rien d’autre qui rivalise en termes de flexibilité et d’espace pour une construction sur mesure. Mais si vous avez un budget limité, il existe d’autres options qui fonctionnent bien et coûtent moins cher.

Fourgonnettes (et versions pour passagers)

La quintessence de la fourgonnette, la « fourgonnette blanche flippante », les fourgonnettes de cargaison sont parfaites pour le camping furtif et ne sont généralement pas remarquées. Ces choses sont partout, et c’est toujours un excellent choix pour y vivre. Cette catégorie comprend la Chevy Express/GMC Savanna, la Ford Econoline, la Dodge Ram Van et la vieille Chevy Van.

Les fourgonnettes sont omniprésentes et leur conception de base n’a guère changé depuis des décennies. Cela signifie qu’ils sont globalement fiables, que les pièces sont courantes et que les mécaniciens savent comment y travailler. Ce sont aussi des fourgonnettes généralement bonnes et flexibles – rien d’extraordinaire, mais elles offrent une toile vierge parfaite pour votre propre fourgonnette sur mesure.

Les gens ont tendance à acheter des fourgonnettes pour le travail et à s’y accrocher pendant des années, de sorte que beaucoup de fourgonnettes sur le marché peuvent être assez abîmées. Bien que vous puissiez trouver des fourgonnettes peu coûteuses en bon état, il peut être difficile de trouver des fourgonnettes à faible kilométrage – alors soyez prêt pour tout ce qui vient, même un véhicule à kilométrage élevé. Les fourgonnettes n’offrent pas non plus beaucoup d’espace pour la tête. Il n’y a aucune chance que même les personnes les plus petites puissent se tenir debout dans l’un d’eux, et le manque de hauteur libre réduit également l’espace de rangement.

Mais si vous voulez faire beaucoup de camping furtif dans les villes, un fourgon de fret est votre meilleure option. Il y en a tellement sur la route que les gens ne les remarquent tout simplement pas, et ils ont beaucoup d’espace au sol pour jouer avec votre aménagement parfait. Mais si vous n’avez pas l’intention de faire du camping furtif et que vous accordez de l’importance à l’espace d’entreposage et à la hauteur sous plafond, il pourrait y avoir de meilleurs choix.

Fourgonnettes de conversion haut de gamme

Le choix de Carnet de routes. Les fourgonnettes de conversion sont généralement des fourgonnettes de passagers pleine grandeur (Chevy Express/GMC Savana, Ford Econoline, Dodge Ram Van, etc.) qui ont été converties en véhicules de voyage confortables, ou même en fourgonnettes élévatrices pour fauteuils roulants.

Les fourgonnettes de conversion sont dotées d’agréables commodités intégrées, y compris des hayons hauts pour plus d’espace pour la tête. Plusieurs ont des fauteuils capitaine confortables, des sièges en cuir, un éclairage d’ambiance, un téléviseur et un magnétoscope, et une banquette arrière qui se replie dans un lit. Si vous n’êtes pas pointilleux sur votre situation de vie, c’est peut-être tout ce dont vous avez besoin pour commencer. Et si vous l’éviscérez et le personnalisez vous-même, le toit haut offre des tonnes d’options de rangement que les autres fourgonnettes n’ont tout simplement pas.

Vous pouvez également trouver ces fourgonnettes pour pas cher. La plupart des propriétaires de fourgonnettes de conversion ne les utilisent pas comme chauffeur quotidien, de sorte que les vieux véhicules à faible kilométrage en bon état ne sont pas trop difficiles à trouver pour un prix décent.

Cependant, il y a quelques inconvénients. Si vous voulez personnaliser l’intérieur, vous devrez complètement vider l’ensemble, ce qui peut représenter beaucoup de travail supplémentaire. La forme bizarre et la construction en fibre de verre de la plupart des hauts sommets rendent également plus difficile l’installation de panneaux solaires, d’un plafond ou de tout autre élément sur le toit. Et nous avons aussi constaté que certains ateliers de réparation automobile ne sont pas assez grands pour monter notre fourgonnette sur un élévateur – bien que ce ne soit vraiment un problème que pour les gros travaux, pas pour l’entretien courant.

Malgré tout, avec le haut de gamme et le faible coût des fourgonnettes de conversion, elles offrent la meilleure combinaison d’abordabilité, de polyvalence et d’espace de n’importe quelle fourgonnette sur le marché.

Campeurs de classe B / Classe C

Si vous voulez prendre la route le plus tôt possible, alors un camping-car de VR de classe B/C est une excellente option à considérer. Ces véhicules sont généralement prêts à l’emménagement, et à moins de problèmes mécaniques, ils ne devraient pas nécessiter beaucoup de personnalisation avant de prendre la route. Les camping-cars de classe B (aussi appelés « camping-cars ») sont construits à l’intérieur d’une fourgonnette, tandis que les camping-cars de classe C ont une carrosserie sur mesure construite sur un châssis/cabine de camionnette.

Les anciens campeurs de classe B/C sont construits sur des bases Chevrolet ou Ford, mais vous pouvez en trouver sur des Toyota et d’autres véhicules. Si vous avez l’argent pour en acheter un plus récent, vous pouvez trouver des camping-cars construits sur une base de véhicules Sprinter.

Le grand avantage d’acheter un camping-car pré-construit est qu’il est déjà construit, donc vous n’aurez pas à attendre pour prendre la route. Beaucoup d’entre elles sont dotées de moyens novateurs de transformer l’espace de vie en chambre à coucher, et peuvent même inclure une salle de bain/douche. Ces véhicules devraient aussi avoir des systèmes électriques, de plomberie, de propane et d’eau déjà installés (bien que si vous voulez de l’énergie solaire, vous aurez probablement besoin de l’ajouter vous-même).

Les anciens fourgonnettes de classe B/C peuvent aussi être relativement abordables – plus chères qu’une simple fourgonnette, mais d’un prix comparable à ce que vous dépenseriez pour l’acheter et la convertir. Comme les fourgonnettes de conversion, ces véhicules ne sont généralement pas des conducteurs quotidiens, donc avec un peu de recherche, vous devriez être en mesure de trouver des campeurs plus âgés à faible kilométrage en bon état.

Quel est l’inconvénient ? Eh bien, pour commencer, les conversions de VR ne sont pas vraiment connues pour leur qualité. La plupart des fabricants utilisent des matériaux bon marché (c.-à-d. merdiques) et ne construisent tout simplement pas leurs véhicules pour résister au stress de la vie à plein temps. Vous êtes également enfermé dans une mise en page prédéfinie, il sera donc beaucoup plus difficile de personnaliser la façon dont tout fonctionne.

Et, si vous achetez un VR préfabriqué, vous n’avez vraiment aucune idée de ce qui se passe derrière les murs. Vous pourriez facilement hériter des problèmes de quelqu’un d’autre, alors qu’avec une version personnalisée, vous savez exactement ce qui s’est passé et comment réparer ce qui ne va pas.

Malgré les inconvénients, l’achat d’un camping-car de classe B/C peut être un excellent choix si vous voulez prendre la route rapidement, ou si vous voulez tester la vie d’une camionnette avant de vous lancer dans une construction personnalisée. Assure-toi juste de savoir dans quoi tu t’embarques.

Skoolies

À bien des égards, les skoolies sont le nec plus ultra de la vie mobile. Le grand avantage ici est l’espace – il y a des tonnes de place pour des canapés, des lits – même une salle de bain complète – et vous pouvez facilement accueillir des familles et d’autres grands groupes. Il y a aussi des constructions de skoolie vraiment impressionnantes qui sont plus jolies que les maisons actuelles, et c’est beaucoup moins cher de convertir un autobus que d’acheter un VR de taille semblable. Les Skoolies sont disponibles en plusieurs tailles, des « shorties » aux bus de grande taille.

Les Skoolies ont cependant des inconvénients importants. Leur taille les rend un peu encombrants à conduire, et il ne sera pas possible de se rendre à certains des emplacements de camping les plus éloignés. Si quelque chose tourne mal mécaniquement, il peut être beaucoup plus coûteux à réparer qu’un véhicule normal. De plus, la taille même de ces véhicules signifie que la consommation d’essence est bien pire que les autres options.

Mais, si vous voyagez avec plusieurs personnes et que vous voulez ce qu’il y a de mieux en matière d’espace, de confort et de flexibilité, un skoolie peut être un excellent choix.

Fourgonnettes

Une fourgonnette est un excellent choix si vous n’avez pas besoin de beaucoup d’espace et/ou si vous avez un budget particulièrement serré. Même s’ils sont plus petits qu’une camionnette pleine grandeur, vous pouvez quand même aménager un bel intérieur fonctionnel à l’intérieur d’une fourgonnette. De plus, ils sont moins chers à l’achat et consomment moins d’essence que les gros véhicules.

Cette catégorie comprend tous les types de mini-fourgonnettes, mais les anciennes Chevrolet Astros/GMC Safaris sont particulièrement populaires pour la construction de fourgonnettes de type diy. Visitez le canal Youtube d’IntotheMystery13 pour voir ce qu’il a fait avec un Astro – et pour obtenir de bons conseils sur la construction d’une camionnette en général.

Autres véhicules

Vous n’avez pas besoin d’un vrai van pour vivre votre vie de van ! Campeurs de camions, berlines, Honda Elements, remorques pour camping-cars, vieilles ambulances, camions-citernes, voiliers et même bicyclettes – les gens prennent la route et vivent un mode de vie nomade dans tous les types de gréements.

C’est très inspirant de voir toutes les façons créatives que nos compagnons nomades utilisent pour que même les véhicules les plus inattendus fonctionnent comme une situation vivante. Et bon nombre des idées et des principes utilisés dans la construction de fourgonnettes personnalisées s’appliquent facilement à d’autres types de véhicules.

Ne laissez pas l’absence d’un fourgon vous empêcher de vous libérer ! Nous pensons que les fourgonnettes sont géniales, mais sachez que si vous avez le désir de vivre ce style de vie, vous pouvez le faire fonctionner avec à peu près tout.

Tester vos options

Vous regardez différents types de van, mais vous ne savez pas quoi choisir ? Une option est d’essayer de louer une camionnette pour un court trajet. Cela peut être une excellente façon de se familiariser avec le véhicule et d’avoir des idées pour sa construction.

Outdoorsy est un marché de location de particulier à particulier où les vrais propriétaires de fourgonnettes inscrivent leurs camping-cars à louer, et ils ont toutes sortes d’appareils à tester (si vous avez déjà une fourgonnette, l’inscrire à louer peut être un excellent moyen de faire quelques dollars supplémentaires lorsque vous êtes stationnaire).

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Recreational Vehicle: The Complete Guide [RVs] [Features, History, Types & Legality]

  RV is an abbreviated form of Recreational Vehicle. RV can be a motor vehicle or a trailer which includes living quarter for accommodation. The usages of RV is temporary accommodation while traveling but some people also use it for main residence purpose.  

Features of RV

Typical features of an RV include a sleeping room, bathroom, and a kitchen. RV can be luxurious as well as utilitarian. The utilitarian one has a sleeping quarter and a kitchen whereas the luxurious one may have features like a water heater, air conditioning, televisions and communication systems. RVs can be self-motorized as well as trailers ones which have to towed behind a motor vehicle. Most of the RVs have a single deck but the double deck is also considered by campers. Nowadays more compact size of RVs consists of expandable sides which are called slide outs or canopies.  

History of Recreational Vehicles

Early types of the caravan were horse driven and they were important during 1745 when they were used to explore the interior of North American continent. Till 1920 the RVs were popular in America and there were RV camping clubs across the country. In those days many companies were manufacturing house trailers, one of the company was Airstream. Until the 1950s the mobile home industry and RVs industry were the same where mobile homes were shorter than 9 meters long and were easy to transport. In the 1950s, The RVs and mobile home industry separated and this was the time when RVs manufacturers were building self-contained motorhomes. In 1810, wagons were made for accommodation rather than just transporting people and good in France. During the same time in Britain, showmen, and circus used to live in these wagons during the 1920s. Even during 1820s Romani people were using caravans for a living.  In 1929, the first motorhome was built in Australia. In 1910, the earliest motorhomes were built for cars and truck in Canada.  

What is the use of RVs?

RVs are used as temporary accommodation for traveling. Although some people also use it as a main residence purpose. In the USA and Canada, snowbirding is the word which used to describe the traveling from clod to warmer areas in winter. Whereas, Grey nomad is the term used for a retired person who uses an RV in Australia.  

Types of RVs

Class A Motorhome (Bus Conversion) These types of motorhomes are either made on truck chassis which is a specially designed vehicle chassis or even a commercial bus chassis. Most of the Class A motorhome looks like a bus in design and also have a flat or vertical front end. One special feature of this kind of motorhome is that they have large windows. Another feature which changed the industry is that now the motorhome was having wider living area because of slideouts. A portion of the vehicle now can come out to extend the inner area. During this time the vehicle has to be stationary mode.   Class B Motorhome (Campervan) These campervans are built by either raising the roof of a conventional van or by replacing the low-profile body such as a.k.a coach-built. But in Australia, you will find a Class B Motorhome quite different from a campervan because it based on a very large type of van which in turn is based on a truck. The weight of these kinds of motorhome can be up to 4500 kilograms. The length of it is up to 6.4 meters. Examples – Ford Trader and Isuzu NPR 300 Many of the Australian campervans are smaller vehicles but the middle ground is mostly populated by a large type of vans which is quite blurry in a definition of a campervan and a motorhome. Examples – Ford Transit, Fiat Ducato, Iveco, and Mercedes-Benz Splinter While in the USA and Canada the motorhome is built on different chassis as it depends on the manufacturer. Examples of chassis are – Dodge Ram Promaster gas, Ford transit, Chevrolet Express gas and Mercedes Benz Sprinter. There are some rules in some state of USA for a vehicle to be qualified as a Class B Motorhome, such as in California. In the state of California, a vehicle should have 4 out of 6 built-in items to qualify as a Class B Motorhome. A water system (sink or a shower) A cooking system A refrigerator A fuel or a 110v electrical system An AC (Air Conditioning) system A toilet    Class B Motorhomes These are large motorhomes, a Class c motorhome is usually built upon a minimal truck platform which is connected by a forward engine and the transmission is connected by driver-shaft to a rear axle that propels the dual mounted rear wheels. Most of the Class C motorhomes are powered by gasoline (petrol) and diesel but some have been converted to run on propane (autogas). These vehicles mostly have automatic transmission. During the building phase, the original chassis is taken from a truck factory and is taken to a coach builder which is attached to a forward cab section, that is a van or can be a conventional truck. This kind of chassis is known as cutaway chassis. Ford E350 or E450 chassis were used in North America during the 21 century but earlier it was Dodge/Ram and Chevrolet/GMC chassis which were used. While in Europe most of the Class C motorhomes chassis are manufactured by either Ford or Fiat. The outer structure of the Class C motorhomes is made from fiberglass, plastics, composites and also from lightweight metals. Earlier it was made from a wooden frame which was then covered by a thin sheet of metal. The characteristics of Class C motorhome can be a distinctive cab-over profile like it contains an upper sleeping area, entertainment section or storage space. In United kingdom cab over is also known as Luton body or Luton peak. Interior of a Class c motorhome is equipped with a kitchen cum dining area which has a refrigerator, a microwave oven and a table with a seating facility. There is a lavatory with bath shower, sleeping area, an AC, a water heater, a furnace, and an outside canopy. It can also have a generator and roof-mounted solar panels. A toy hauler is a subcategory of a Class c motorhome, which has a typical configuration and additional space for hauling dirt bikes, bicycle, and ATVs. You can also find a feature in these motorhomes which can pull lightweight trailers such as for boats. Class C motorhome is also called as mini motorhomes.   Truck Camper A truck camper has a living space which is usually mounted into the bed of a pickup truck. It is often secured against any tipping or wobbling when the truck is in motion. You should take care in matching the weight balance of the truck camper. The truck camper is useful for those who do not wish to own a motorhome or a trailer and use it for part-time. Truck campers are commonly used for Backwood travel Hunting Fishing Camping In North America, it is generally used to drive off-road via rough roads to reach campsites. It can have features like refrigerators, oven, AC, furnace, water heater, lavatory and shower whereas the small can have a sleeping area and an icebox. Some of the pick-up truck which is used in North America for hauling slideout equipped campers are: Chevrolet/GMC 2500 through 3500 Ram 2500 through 3500 Ford 250 through 350   Popup Camper Other names of popup camper are tent camper, folding camper, tent trailer, and camper trailer. Popup trailers are of very lightweight, you can pull out the bunks and the tent's wall. These bunks and the tent walls are collapsible which can be used for towing and storage. It becomes easing for most of the vehicles to toe them such as minivans, SUVs and small pickup trucks even for compact cars.   Travel Trailer Travel trailers are rigid sides design which is generally towed by a pickup truck, SUV or by a minivan. In the past in North America, very large cars were used to tow these travel trailers such as Chevrolet or GMC Suburbans, Ford Broncos, etc. In the UK travel trailers are known as caravans.   Teardrop Trailer These are compact and lightweight travel trailers and it looks like a teardrop hence the name. These teardrop trailers can be towed by motorcycles too.   Hybrid Trailer   These are a hybrid version of a travel trailer and a folding tent trailer. In some designs, you will get a rigid side and a pull-out tent section which is generally beds. In another design, the top section of the walls and also its roof can be lowered over its bottom section to reduce its height for towing.   Fifth-Wheel Trailer It has a fifth wheel coupling, a special inbox hitch, which is specially designed to be towed by medium-duty trucks and pickups. These types of trailers body can be extended over the truck bed which can shorten the total length of the vehicle and trailer too. Some of the fifth wheel trailers can extend over 40 feet (12.2m) in length and can be 18000 pounds (8200 Kilograms) in weight. These are very heavy trailers which can be pulled by small Freightliner or full-size class B truck such as Volvo. They were first used for a commercial purpose during the 1960s and since then have become popular.   Park Model (Vacation/Resort cottage) These trailers are large and generally, they are 35 to 45 feet in length. It is useful for park camping. These are not suitable for dry camping as they do not have any water storage tanks and also must be used with hookups. These types of trailers are designed to remain stationary for a long time, but they differ from mobile homes in that they are often moved during off seasons.  

Legality & RVs

in the USA there are regulations that affect the conversion of a school bus into a recreational vehicle. Like in Illinois and California it is required by law that the signaling equipment of the bus like stop sign, flashing lights, etc should be removed. The yellow paint of a typical school bus to be changed too. In other states, it requires that the school bus signage should be removed from the front and rear. In other countries, you may be required to have a second driving license to purchase or legally own a vehicle. Like in the UK, you need an owner of a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) category D1 or D license to drive the vehicle on UK roads.   Read the full article

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Purchase A Van For The Camper Conversion (A Beginner's Guide)

The first step in your dream of owning a house on wheels is purchasing the van's panel to convert your camper. This is not something to undervalue. You'll have a van for many years if you purchase the right vehicle. If you make a purchase that isn't right you could be impacted by the cost of garage repairs and ongoing maintenance.

There's plenty to keep in mind.

The Top Tips for Buying the right used Van

Picking the Right Panel Van

A panel van that is empty is the most popular base vehicle for camper conversions. Once you've got a clear idea of what your conversion ought to be able of, you can begin looking to find the perfect van for your needs.

Here are some items to keep an eye on when purchasing a used panel van.

Are you eager to find your dream car? It's now a matter of finding the closest to a "perfect" vehicle within your budget. Keep in mind that the focus must be on the words, "closest to perfect". Because unless you are buying from a new vehicle, there is typically always going to be a flaw with every van you must be aware of prior to deciding to make a purchase.

To help you make the most of your time For your convenience, the below list of points to be considered. It is ordered alphabetically:

Bodywork

The state of the van's bodywork is usually a sign of its overall condition and the amount of strain it's suffered in the past.

You should take a close look at the van's exterior. Look for any marks or dents that are not professionally repaired.

Verify that the doors function correctly, and that the seals and weatherstrips remain in place. They are fairly inexpensive to purchase, but they will indicate if the previous owner was pleased of their vehicle.

My van was scratchy and was wearing. If the vehicle isn't worth a look from the outside, it shouldn’t be worth stealing. That's my thought. Here's hoping.

Do not buy vehicles that are rusty when you can afford it. To prevent rust spreading If you see obvious rust in the photographs, you'll have to address it once the van has been bought. Although the rust might not be visible immediately bubbles may form before the paintwork is removed. If you're in the vicinity of a van, then take a quick peek to determine if there's much rust on the undercarriage and wheel wells. The less the better and you'll eventually gain a better insight into what is considered to be excessive once you've looked at more and more vans. Rust can be particularly bad for older models of Mercedes Sprinters and Ford Transits.

Mileage

You should select the van with the lowest mileage if you plan to spend a lot of time and money on the building of your vehicle. It will make sure that the van will last for a long period of time. Personally, I was searching for a van that could reach the 100,000-mile milestone. I realized that anything ranging from 40,000 to 140,000 was the ideal range that met my (and other buyers') needs and budget. If you're considering a van, double-check the mileage.

MOT History

The results from any MOT can be found online. As long as you know the vehicle in question's registration number then you can have a look yourself on gov.uk/check-mot-history.

There are any advisories that you may have received during the transaction. Some advisories can be resolved fairly easily, but not all advisories are expensive or potentially dangerous. You should, however, try to buy a vehicle with the least amount of advisories that are passed on as you can. You might be able to request these modifications prior to purchasing the vehicle.

Through this investigation You'll also be able to determine the reliability of the vehicle been over the years. The less information that's been noted on the MOT history, the less issues the van has caused previous owners (and probably you, too, in the near future).

Previous Owners

You can find information regarding previous owners at the garage or dealership where you purchase any vehicle. This information is important and could help you to make an educated guess about the vehicle's prior use.

If the car is described as "ex-fleet" then you're fortunate. It is a sign that the vehicle was previously owned by a firm and maintained properly. Ex-fleet vehicles are better for conversions into campers. Specialist vehicles like ex-AA and ambulance vans that are ex-issued are worth considering since they nearly always have been taken care of.

If the owner currently cannot determine who they were before, then at the very least, determine what the van's annual mileage has been up until this point. This can be identified with an MOT checker. The average annual mileage is thought to be about 10,000. If the vehicle is driven for more than 25,000 miles per year then this isn't an acceptable option, but rather a potential warning sign.

Service History

A "service history" is typically a paper documenting any maintenance or repair work that has been carried out on the vehicle. It is not illegal to sell or possess an automobile without one. Therefore, many service history books can disappear between owners.

When purchasing a van, it is crucial to confirm that the vehicle has a complete or, at the very least, a partial, service history. If there is no record of the work that's been done, it would be difficult to know how well maintained the vehicle is and what maintenance work might be required in the near future.

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Unlocking the Perfect Adventure: Choosing the Best Van for Camper Conversion

The allure of van life has captivated the hearts of adventure-seekers and nomads worldwide. The concept of converting a standard van into a personalized home on wheels has gained immense popularity. However, finding the ideal van for your camper conversion project is a crucial initial step in this exhilarating journey.

Selecting the Ideal Van

When seeking the best van for camper conversion, several essential factors should guide your decision-making process:

Size and Layout: Vans come in various sizes, offering different layouts and interior space. Larger vans like the Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit provide ample room for customization, while smaller models such as the Volkswagen Transporter or Nissan NV200 are ideal for more compact conversions.

Mechanical Condition: Opting for a van in good mechanical condition is fundamental. A reliable engine and a well-maintained vehicle are essential to ensure a smooth journey without unexpected breakdowns.

Budget: Consider your budget and whether you're inclined towards a new or used van. Newer models offer modern amenities but often come with a higher price tag. On the other hand, older models might require more maintenance but can be more cost-effective initially.

Customization Potential: Assess the van's build, looking for features like high roofs, extended wheelbases, or factory-built windows that align with your conversion vision.

Top Vans for Camper Conversions

Several vans stand out as popular choices for their conversion potential:

Mercedes Sprinter: Renowned for its spacious interior and diverse roof height options, the Sprinter is favored for larger conversions due to its reliability and availability of parts.

Ford Transit: With multiple size variations, the Ford Transit offers flexibility for different conversion styles. Its accessibility and reasonable maintenance costs make it a preferred choice.

Volkswagen Crafter/Transporter: Known for its compact size, iconic design, and reliability, the VW Transporter is ideal for those seeking a smaller, maneuverable van. The Crafter, a larger model, is also valued for its space and dependability.

Dodge Ram Promaster: Recognized for its spacious, square-shaped build, the Promaster provides ample interior space and is well-suited for various conversion layouts. Its user-friendly design and relatively affordable maintenance attract many enthusiasts.

Conversion Accessibility

Consider the ease of the conversion process. Some vans may have readily available conversion kits or aftermarket parts, facilitating a smoother conversion process. Others might require more custom work and modifications, affecting both time and cost.

Personal Preferences

Ultimately, the choice of the best van for a camper conversion is subjective. Consider your priorities, whether it's ample space, fuel efficiency, off-road capabilities, or a specific brand, to align the van with your travel aspirations and lifestyle.

Conclusion

Choosing the best van for a camper conversion is the foundation for crafting your mobile home. Evaluate your needs, explore available options, and select a van that not only fits your budget and space requirements but also resonates with your vision for a perfect home on wheels. The best van for a camper conversion is the one that becomes the ideal canvas for your personalized mobile lifestyle.

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19 Best Sprinter Van Conversion Interiors

Have you ever wanted to own a camper van ? In the following you can learn step by step how to convert a van into an amazing camper van. Learn how to do it, how long it will take and how much it will cost. Details of all the conversion jobs, skills, tools, resources and equipment needed to convert any van or minibus into a family camper van. If you are considering a camper van conversion, this guide is a great source of information and a good investment before you start your conversion. Camper / Rv conversion DIY guide for Dodge Sprinter, Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit and Dodge Promaster owners. This guide gives step by step guidance, to those who would like to build their own Camper / Work van.

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  Check out my Sprinter RV Conversion Sourcebook.

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[joeyzplaza]

19 Best Sprinter Van Conversion Interiors

Have you ever wanted to own a camper van ? In the following you can learn step by step how to convert a van into an amazing camper van. Learn how to do it, how long it will take and how much it will cost. Details of all the conversion jobs, skills, tools, resources and equipment needed to convert any van or minibus into a family camper van. If you are considering a camper van conversion, this guide is a great source of information and a good investment before you start your conversion. Camper / Rv conversion DIY guide for Dodge Sprinter, Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit and Dodge Promaster owners. This guide gives step by step guidance, to those who would like to build their own Camper / Work van.

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Check out my Sprinter RV Conversion Sourcebook.

  Click on image for larger view

  Check out my Sprinter RV Conversion Sourcebook.

from Home http://www.goodshomedesign.com/19-best-sprinter-van-conversion-interiors/ via http://www.rssmix.com/

[jimmyandreson]

19 Best Sprinter Van Conversion Interiors

Have you ever wanted to own a camper van ? In the following you can learn step by step how to convert a van into an amazing camper van. Learn how to do it, how long it will take and how much it will cost. Details of all the conversion jobs, skills, tools, resources and equipment needed to convert any van or minibus into a family camper van. If you are considering a camper van conversion, this guide is a great source of information and a good investment before you start your conversion. Camper / Rv conversion DIY guide for Dodge Sprinter, Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit and Dodge Promaster owners. This guide gives step by step guidance, to those who would like to build their own Camper / Work van.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Check out my Sprinter RV Conversion Sourcebook.

  Click on image for larger view

  Check out my Sprinter RV Conversion Sourcebook.

from Home http://www.goodshomedesign.com/19-best-sprinter-van-conversion-interiors/ via http://www.rssmix.com/