Vito surf bus/camper conversions ?

[Redstev]

Hi everyone.

I'm toying with the idea of getting a vito and converting it into a camper for festivals etc.
Looking for ideas and recommendations. What model etc and any tips

I'm not that mechanically minded but am a joiner so won't have a problem kitting the interior out.

Was thinking of getting a dualiner so windows are in the slidding doors and have lift up door rather than double doors on the back. Does this make sense ?

Would like it to have a seat in back which would convert into a double bed a tv and room for BBQ and luggage.

Not sure what bodywork stuff to do other than alloys and how to go about insulating and lining the rear of the van. So any ideas ?

So if anyone has any ideas or pics or direct me to websites etc it would be great.

Cheers.

Ps yes I am having a mid life crisis !!!

 

[wemorgan]

All I the I know from a friend's experience is that the VW Camper/Transporter is the default van of choice when doing such conversions.

 

[Deleted member 6183]

Hi everyone.

I'm toying with the idea of getting a vito and converting it into a camper for festivals etc.
Looking for ideas and recommendations. What model etc and any tips

I'm not that mechanically minded but am a joiner so won't have a problem kitting the interior out.

QUOTE]

Think you might have done some work in my bathroom!

 

[Shude]

All I the I know from a friend's experience is that the VW Camper/Transporter is the default van of choice when doing such conversions.

My parents have a ~2 year old Leisuredrive Crusader based on a VW transporter and it's great. For some ideas check Leisuredrive's website: Home

My Dad is a cabinet maker and considered making his own camper but he said the parts (fridge, cooker, toilet, heating, electrics) are so expensive to a consumer and such a huge effort to install in a fiddly little space that it's easier to leave it to the experts, he couldn't have converted a van for less money or as quickly. I've not camped in it but I've been for a trip in the van and it seems comfy and well made. Looking forward to borrowing it myself one day if my folks ever come back from France, Italy or wherever they are this week!

Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[Tinck]

I used to have a Mazda Bongo.... Shocking name for a vehicle, I know, but as a surf bus, carrying bikes, down the beach with the kids it was actually very very good. It also had 4 wheel drive and got about 28 mpg from its Ford diesel engine. It had the electical roof allowing a bed up there and with all the seats folded flat made a bed at the bottom as well. I took it to Silverstone for the GP one year. We had it for about 2 years, I then thought it looked a bit naff, and bought a Range Rover...... What a mistake that was!!

I've toyed with another one, looked at a converted Vito and also the new VW California, but as real tools for the active family, these type of vehicles are very good!

 

[finisterre]

I have a vito and I am a joiner. 13 years after buying it I still haven't converted it. If I was going to do something with it, (rather than rolling an old sofa bed mattress out on the floor), it would be to box off above the waist line a kitchen area that would be accessed standing under the open rear door. Maybe with some sort of bespoke tenting and decking for shelter. I have some rear seats from a sprinter fitted. They are good but cumbersome. It is an exercise in compromise.

I would be tempted to buy a bus.

 

[finisterre]

a member has excellent looking small bus conversion, unfortunately I cannot remember his full name. I think it starts with 'les'. Best I can do.

 

[Shude]

I would be tempted to buy a bus.

I would be tempted to start with an actual bus or an ex-ambulance!

 

[Deleted member 37751]

I convert these sorts of vans from time to time and I've got to say that if you want something that drives like a car and won't cost a fortune to initially purchase, get a Vauxhall Vivaro to convert.

These are photos of the V220 that I sold to my uncle and he converted it himself, even though he's more DIY than tradesman. His conversion cost him about £500 iirc.

He sold it a year later for a £2000 profit.

 

[finisterre]

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/memb...ing-stripped-down-again-painted-properly.html

 

[Redstev]

Thanks for all the tips guys