How much do you have to spend for a decent van (for a long term conversion) ?

413x

413x

413x

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As the idea has become more and more implanted in my head to get a van I am wondering how much I need to save to get a second hand large LWB van?

I don't want a pre conversion, I want to convert to my preferences. Which will be part storage of stuff and part living (ie camping).


I don't want an old battered thing that's gonna cost loads in maintaining. But also I can't justify 20k+.

I was hoping for 10-15.

Must be some people in here with it.

Main purpose will be to:
-take on 1 to a few over nights away.
-primarily in uk
-hold my bike, kayak and stuff.
-Sleep two people
-Possible desk-work space as I WFH and it opens up so many possibilities.

Short term I'm happy just to have a bed, and space for my bike/kayak.
Long term I want to do it the conversion. But nothing like a hot shower or full oven. More like a glamping pod on wheels.

And suggestions/advice? It would make Our ul trips so much less hassle. And weekends away much much easier.
 
Can’t help you much but defo subbing as long term I have a similar ‘plan’ floating round in my head (though it may never get any further than that!)
 
Yaayuh! said:
Might be worth looking into minibuses for the windows and floor fixings?
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Ive heard you want it to look like a van as its easier to just park up without annoying people. Ie looking like you're on holiday in a nimby area!
 
ShiWarrior said:
ahem ;)

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my mate sleeps in one with his GF and using it as a work van
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This is way too small. I've looked and I definitely need a "big" van. Not even one of those small LWB low top Ones.

I sure these different vans have a names!


And I have had a look. But I have so little clue about vans I'm. Not sure what to get.
VW and ford seem to be main ones I see others have at beach and on the trails.
 
It will probably be something I buy early 2024. Hence the research now.

I need to save up that 10-15k. And only have 5 saved so far for this purpose.

Other things like holidays need paying for this year
 
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413x said:
This is way too small. I've looked and I definitely need a "big" van. Not even one of those small LWB low top Ones.

I sure these different vans have a names!


And I have had a look. But I have so little clue about vans I'm. Not sure what to get.
VW and ford seem to be main ones I see others have at beach and on the trails.
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LWB van like a Mercedes Sprinter
 
ShiWarrior said:
already converted one to a campervan

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That's what I don't want. I don't need a home away from home.
It also adds to the cost. 28k would take me 3 years to save up I expect!

I want a bed, and storage under the bed for my bike and kayak.

Any other stuff I can add over time. Definitely want a bare bones earlier. Rather than a finished product later.
 
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Trifid said:
I think they gave up on it.

I'm looking forward to electric vans being decent. The idea of a van with decent power capacity really opens up the capabilities for me.
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I'd love a fully electric van. Unfortunately probably would cost 1/3 price of a house!
 
413x said:
I'd love a fully electric van. Unfortunately probably would cost 1/3 price of a house!
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Definitely wouldn't commit to it yet, weight might also be a problem with only 3.5 tons to play with. Consider the risk of ULEZ expansions when putting so much work into a vehicle.
 
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Trifid said:
Definitely wouldn't commit to it yet, weight might also be a problem with only 3.5 tons to play with. Consider the risk of ULEZ expansions when putting so much work into a vehicle.
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ULEZ won't be an issue. I unless they go nation wide. Ie Rural.

Its actually amazing what you can get in one and still got 3.5T
 
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