Anyone turned a van into a camper?

sprite1275

sprite1275

sprite1275

Associate
Joined
9 Jul 2013
Posts
2,201
Thinking of doing this but I've heard they can be hard to insure. Don't want anything big just maybe vw transporter size for days out and the odd weekend.

Was thinking maybe just put a couple of windows in with some rear facing seats just behind the bulk head, line it out with a couple of storage cupboards.

Not sure if that would keep it technically a van or not. When does a van become a camper?
 
Years ago (1996) I read in a magazine that all it needed was a window in the side to be classed as one. But that's probably not true. sprite1275's link is handier :D
 
The bizarre thing is that if you turn your "van" into a "camper" it magically becomes safe to drive at 60MPH on single carriage way NSL roads and 70MPH on NSL dual carriageways.

As a mere "Van" it is totally incapable of doing so safely and as such mere "Van" drivers are baby killing murderers who deserve extreme penalty of law for attempting to do so.

(Please would somebody, ideally involved in policing and law enforcement, actually explain this "Weird Science" logic!)
 
I am involved in policing and law enforcement, for weird science logic you really need to speak to a politician and/or someone in the legal profession who so happens to 'advise' them on writing such laws though... :p
 
Orionaut said:
The bizarre thing is that if you turn your "van" into a "camper" it magically becomes safe to drive at 60MPH on single carriage way NSL roads and 70MPH on NSL dual carriageways.

As a mere "Van" it is totally incapable of doing so safely and as such mere "Van" drivers are baby killing murderers who deserve extreme penalty of law for attempting to do so.

(Please would somebody, ideally involved in policing and law enforcement, actually explain this "Weird Science" logic!)
Click to expand...

White van man = retard
Campervan driver = Hippy or old git :)
 
p1RATE said:
For a few days out an the odd weekend wouldn't it be more economical and comfortable to stay in a hotel?
Click to expand...

Will be doing this as well but I just like the idea of going to car/air shows etc, pop up the peak district, seaside and having the amenities to have lunch, stay over if we want.

Like i say Not looking for anything big. Them Mazda bongos look about the right size.
 
Orionaut said:
The bizarre thing is that if you turn your "van" into a "camper" it magically becomes safe to drive at 60MPH on single carriage way NSL roads and 70MPH on NSL dual carriageways.

As a mere "Van" it is totally incapable of doing so safely and as such mere "Van" drivers are baby killing murderers who deserve extreme penalty of law for attempting to do so.

(Please would somebody, ideally involved in policing and law enforcement, actually explain this "Weird Science" logic!)
Click to expand...

What's the speed limits for a van then? Thought it was the same as a car.
 
50 on single carriageway, 60 on dual, 70 on motorway. Applies to non car-derived vans
 
Last edited:
Thought it was 3.5t max, but appears it applies to up to 7.5t It is a bit silly at times though, yes a van could be loaded with a lot of weight... but it's the same speed limit on single & dual carriageway roads as a bus/coach. Yet stick some windows in it, and suddenly it's suitable for going faster? Personally I tend to just do car speeds though :p
 
We insulated, carpeted out and fitted our VW Transporter with a full width RnR Bed. For cooking we have a foldable cooking station/cupboard and 2 burner with grille portable gas cooker that sits on top then for water we just have a big container with a tap in it and for refrigeration we have a 3 way Gas/240/12 Chest Fridge. Oh and we put a window in the sliding door.

We didn't want loads of permanent fixtures in it as we like the space inside and being able to carry loads of stuff if needed.

It's insured as a Modified Van with Brentachre for just over £200 and as long as any mods you do aren't like a ridiculous engine swap of some sorts your premium does not go up, so stuff like the window, bed, ours is also remapped, stainless exhaust, lowered, alloys, all declared and doesn't up the premium. Also because of this you don't really need to do it all at once, you can say add a bed one month.... just let them know, lower it a couple months later.... just let them know, fit a side window another month down the line.... just let them know.
 
RenoRanes007 said:
We insulated, carpeted out and fitted our VW Transporter with a full width RnR Bed. For cooking we have a foldable cooking station/cupboard and 2 burner with grille portable gas cooker that sits on top then for water we just have a big container with a tap in it and for refrigeration we have a 3 way Gas/240/12 Chest Fridge. Oh and we put a window in the sliding door.

We didn't want loads of permanent fixtures in it as we like the space inside and being able to carry loads of stuff if needed.

It's insured as a Modified Van with Brentachre for just over £200 and as long as any mods you do aren't like a ridiculous engine swap of some sorts your premium does not go up, so stuff like the window, bed, ours is also remapped, stainless exhaust, lowered, alloys, all declared and doesn't up the premium. Also because of this you don't really need to do it all at once, you can say add a bed one month.... just let them know, lower it a couple months later.... just let them know, fit a side window another month down the line.... just let them know.
Click to expand...

Pics?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom