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Self build van advice needed

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By *not69 OP   Man
over a year ago

Lancashire

Hi, I'm looking to convert a van into a camper. The problem I'm having is that it won't only be a campervan for weekends away, it will also be my everyday vehicle for going to work, shopping, visiting friends and family etc. So it has to be practical.

So far I've decided to go for a MWB or maybe LWB but not a XLWB.

What I'm struggling with is hight. I'd prefer something taller than a H1, but how high can I go without it being too restrictive with car parks etc?

For people with high vans, what do you find are the limitations and would you go for a lower van next time?

Thanks in advance

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By *eorgeo1Man
over a year ago

Slaley

I’ve had a swb van for 7 years, and I find it very practical driving car parking getting into tight places. I haven’t probably converted to a camper because of the size inside the rear, it also has a bulkhead fitted. A lot of my friends have bought a mwb or lwb, intersting what there limits are. They removed the bulkheads and converted themselves, the small gas hob fitted and certified by a gas fitter. The beds/! Storage at the rear of the van. One guy has a transit high roof, it’s massive lots of advantages and disadvantages, parking in car parks horrendous with the size of the bays, difficulty driving some roads in the lakes, Scotland and Yorkshire, the speed is another issue, 70mph is a nightmare to keep control but 60mph is a lot easier but still sways a lot on bendy roads. He’s put everything inside required and it looks amazing, but it’s over weighted it. He’s taking stuff out this weekend and selling it on. There’s lots of things I could say, just say if anything specific

Dave

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By *opline7Man
over a year ago

Cardiff

I have a LWB Vauxhall Vivaro but added a pop top roof for extra height when parked up.use it fir my everyday vehicle ..

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Loads of van builds on youtube

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Before you start the build, check the new DVLA guidelines and website regarding home built campers.

There have been some changes.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/converting-a-vehicle-into-a-motor-caravan/converting-a-vehicle-into-a-motor-caravan

Apologies if this link isn't allowed, Admin.

Please remove if it goes against forum rules.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

We have a med high transit still have problems with car park barriers so might go for higher on next time. Better have the extra space. Ours has cooker at one side in rear and fold down sink over loo on other side with shower tray in middle. Bench seat behind driver which pulls out to a double bed at night. Passenger seat changed to a single which turns round to face rear if needed. Works well for 2 people. Water tank is on out side of rear doors. It used to be inside but always had condensation leaving things packed near it wet. Any thing you want to ask feel free. O and a small inverter to drive the TV and dvd player at nite.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Before you start the build, check the new DVLA guidelines and website regarding home built campers.

There have been some changes."

Yes the dvla have odd rules made by people who do not use campervans, but if you read the full guide it is legal to convert and use as a campervan even they do not change the details on the log book. Stupid things like must have an awning and campervan graphics on out side but no need for a loo or wash basin.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

No V5 changes means you follow van law.

Maximum driving hours and van speed limits (50 single carriageway and 60 dual)

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By *eorgeo1Man
over a year ago

Slaley


"I have a LWB Vauxhall Vivaro but added a pop top roof for extra height when parked up.use it fir my everyday vehicle .."

I’m looking for a LWB for conversation maybe a roof tent added.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 07/08/21 17:45:53]

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"No V5 changes means you follow van law.

Maximum driving hours and van speed limits (50 single carriageway and 60 dual)"
Few 3.5 ton vans will have a tacko fitted so driving hours do not count. As for speed limits yes as a van they are commersal limits but even when changed on V5 it is still a van and as advised by local Travic officer van speed limits still apply it is still a van. Calling it a camper van does not change that. There is an advantage of keeping it as a van in that the road tax is slightly lower. Any way on holiday who want to brake the speed limits lol.

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By *melia DominaTV/TS
over a year ago

Edinburgh (She/Her)

Most multi-story car parks have a height limit of 2.0 - 2.1mtrs.

This was the main reason why we went for a transporter.

Head room becomes an issue.

Options: I have seen as a compromise an outside awning space for cooking and sitting in that is bolted to the side of the vehicle with the sleeping compartment and storage inside the van.

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By *picMan
over a year ago

Petworth


"No V5 changes means you follow van law.

Maximum driving hours and van speed limits (50 single carriageway and 60 dual) Few 3.5 ton vans will have a tacko fitted so driving hours do not count. As for speed limits yes as a van they are commersal limits but even when changed on V5 it is still a van and as advised by local Travic officer van speed limits still apply it is still a van. Calling it a camper van does not change that. There is an advantage of keeping it as a van in that the road tax is slightly lower. Any way on holiday who want to brake the speed limits lol."

Work vans full of guys on their way home after 4.30pm never go over 60mph on the motorways

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"No V5 changes means you follow van law.

Maximum driving hours and van speed limits (50 single carriageway and 60 dual) Few 3.5 ton vans will have a tacko fitted so driving hours do not count. As for speed limits yes as a van they are commersal limits but even when changed on V5 it is still a van and as advised by local Travic officer van speed limits still apply it is still a van. Calling it a camper van does not change that. There is an advantage of keeping it as a van in that the road tax is slightly lower. Any way on holiday who want to brake the speed limits lol."

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"No V5 changes means you follow van law.

Maximum driving hours and van speed limits (50 single carriageway and 60 dual) Few 3.5 ton vans will have a tacko fitted so driving hours do not count. As for speed limits yes as a van they are commersal limits but even when changed on V5 it is still a van and as advised by local Travic officer van speed limits still apply it is still a van. Calling it a camper van does not change that. There is an advantage of keeping it as a van in that the road tax is slightly lower. Any way on holiday who want to brake the speed limits lol."

Speed limits for motor-caravans/motorhomes under 3 tonnes are the same as a car. Above that and the limits are same as a van

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By *affa CakesCouple
over a year ago

Tidworth Wiltshire

https://www.gov.uk/speed-limits

Motorhomes or motor caravans (not more than 3.05 tonnes maximum unladen weight) 30 (48) 60 (96) 70 (112) 70 (112)

Motorhomes or motor caravans (more than 3.05 tonnes maximum unladen weight) 30 (48) 50 (80) 60 (96) 70 (112)

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By *not69 OP   Man
over a year ago

Lancashire

Thanks for all the replies, you've certainly given me lots to think about but will probably go for a L2H1 vivaro or a LWB vito. Now to find one at a decent price

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