Who has had a van converted over the last few years by one of the many "specialists" conversion companies...???
I have bumped into a few guys/friends (sorry don't mean to offend) who have bought converted vans and honestly for the money they paid i would not be happy in the slightest...
Im not even talking 6-7k, but quite a serious bit of money
Having converted a couple of vans myself in the past, i would say the stuff I've done is far superior and a lot better build quality.
I know there are some quality conversion companies out there. They stand head and shoulders above the rest. But what convinces someone to part with £20k-£25K on some high mileage ex builders van. I am always job-smacked when i ask them a few question and they seem to have done little to no research on the vehicle and conversion company they have bought into.
I just can't fathom why someone would invest such vast sums of money into these sloppy vehicles...???
I think the same goes for builders as well - people get a few quotes (and invariably go with the cheapest) and then get the work done, only to find a load of problems on the way or afterwards.
Shame there's not some kind of trade recognition body in the conversions business.
That's a really good comparison.
I think a lot of people are I a rush to do it all at once, where with a bit of planning it would be better to do in stages as finances allow. I've noticed as well, most the vans used are very low spec vans, which once converted command an eye-watering amount of cash.
Anything with a hint of "carpet" anywhere but on the floor and I run a mile.
And poorly fitted lights.
And underpowered donor vans - some do full conversions on an 84PS van - that's just not enough!
I bet at least 90% of converters line with carpet - not sure of the issue there, unless of course you mean that only a conversion by VW with it's moulded plastic panels are any good? What else are you going to use, you either use lining carpet/material, vinyl (most of which wouldn't be pliable enough to fit contours neatly), or leave paint showing?
I agree. I was looking around some vans on converters' display stands at the Stanford Hall VW show earlier this year, and some of them were really poorly finished. One van in particular that I looked at has since been featured in the VW T Magazine, and the article raves about the converter's attention do detail. The pictures in the mag really flattered the van which in truth was as rough as hell.
Shame on VW T Magazine. It's this kind of miss-information which isn't helping.
A mate last week bought a van off a Midlands based converter. Shocking price for such a basic van. There were some good points, but many bad.
He seemed pretty happy with it generally, but already has a snagging list and its two weeks old...!!! Which has took some of the shine off. I noticed a few things he will have problems with, but decided to stay quiet. It's a difficult position to find yourself in. I kinda felt sorry for him. The only real praise I had, was the van was a nice colour.
It would have been a better investment/finish if he had gone for a second hand California.
I think it is very difficult when you dont have the knowledge or expertise to do a conversion yourself and due to time contraints are looking for someone who will do the whole shebang for you.
Can you give any pointers for the a newbie on what to look out for when looking at conversions , what should ring alarm bells and any sepcific areas to look for in the workmanship.
We are currently in the process of trying to choose a convertor and find it all a bit overwhelming.
Any recommendation for reliable good quality convertors would also be gratly appreciated.
First things first.
The base van needs to be A1 especially if your putting a lot of money into it.
Do a check list of what you would expect in a modern vehicle.
Engine spec
Gearbox
Mileage
Age
Then,
Sat nag
Aircon
Cruise
Etc etc
Next
Conversion. Do not be mesmerised by fancy looking kitchen cabinets. Never judge via pictures. Go and see their vehicles and don't be shy prodding and poking. Look at the finish, wiring and the type of products used. If they stick on some roof made by Ping Pong Roofs that cost £2k then don't expect the rest of it to be any good either.
SCA, Reimo roof are class leading for a reason. Fiamma or Omnistor awnings and Ribb beds etc should be the minimum you expect.
Don't except cheaper brands it will cost in the long run.
To be fair, it depends on your budget. You're not going to get a top spec, newish, low mileage base van with a quality conversion using branded kit, fully built for £20k.
Not sure it really matters, if it serves it's purpose who cares. Obviously the amongst us will but generally if it supplies one with holidays, adventures, and fun well it's done its job...
I'd rather have carpet on the walls instead of a monthly payment plan..
I don't mind the carpet, as there isn't another option to sort a T5/T6 that will make as much improvement. However, can't deny after owning the Beach with its extra insulation and good quality plastics. Its a step above.
If a company could manufacturer similar for the aftermarket scene, i think it would be massive.
:ILU:
I remember style-line and the problem it had at the time was, it was just plastic no secondary insulation and hit the market at the start of the home camper revolution. Every sheep was carpeting walls, such is the copy cat mentality of van converting.
Things have moved on. The market is much bigger.
Builders vans and Cali's are different beast. No reason why a builders van can't be as good with the right materials and workmanshipA:
Plus, T4s were a cheap way to convert a van. They were cheap to buy and to convert as most people did their own. Style-line was expensive at the time for what it was.
Since the T5 entered the scene, a new clientele entered the market and with it high prices...!!!
I think this is true, I was told conversions started at around £8500 but by the time we got around to what I wanted were the extras, reached £13000 with more to go and I lost interest. Doing it myself in the way I wanted is going to cost around £3500, no skimping on kit. Ok, it's nearly 3 months of sometimes frustrating effort but I'll have money to spend on trips, lots of them and Europe and know that it's done properly.
It all adds up to the converters charging labour at around £10000 for a weeks work but what is behind the panels, the wiring and plumbing.
I know some couldn't do it and have resources to pay for it and good luck to them but I'm a bit tight and don't like being taken for a ride.
The final part is my satisfaction of doing something I'd never have dreamt of and can sit in the van with a smile.(in a week or two)
T:
You really do post up some rubbish sometimes Cali but thats hit the nail on the head.
My T5 is a conversion. Ex-demo from a very well respected conversion company. It cost £10k less than what I thought was a poorer spec California and was more suited to us (was built by a mountain biker so had features ideally suited to myself).
Yes its lowered. No I don't stick stickers all over it but I do have some Animal t shirts somewhere in my drawers. I do surf now and then.
No its not on finance. Nothing I own is.
Some conversions I've seen are ropey but a LOT more self build stuff is a LOT worse.
I do wish everyone would stop running down the lower end Poptops 'en masse'...not all £2000 or less Poptops are in someway substandard.
I for one could not afford to pay big money for one and opted for a Westdubs side opener [when he was doing them] for £1000 and did the finishing myself, which I am more than happy with.
The whole conversion cost me no more than £3000 [including roof] by sourcing good but bargain materials and learning more skills including upholstery.
....you don't have to spend a fortune if you use common sense and do your research, whether diy or by converter T:
I agree,,,, I forked out over £20 on Wind Deflectors, which to my horror make a whistling noise. " No wait a minute" I did buy a MAGIC TREE AIR FRESHENER PACK OF 5 of amazon £4-79 FREE UK delivery.and I'm really pleased
I was looking over my mates newly converted van again last night.
Ribb bed seat, are you kidding me...???
Sleeping on, ok it did seem fairly comfortable. But sitting on that thing. It's far to high. I'm almost 6ft and my feet barely touch the floor and my head is about half inch from ththe roof line. I wouldn't wish anyone more than 15minutes sitting on that thing. Then he was saying after only a few weeks of owning it, how having it in a fixed position is a bit of a nightmare as all his camping gear has to be stored in front of the seat. This isn't a cheap seat and used by a lot of conversion companies.
Again, it's just another flaw in the conversion route:*
I always assumed the RIBB would be comfortable to sit on, being shaped more like a proper seat and less flat than most R&R beds. Can't you store anything under it? My Streamline bed has loads of space under it, I manage to keep all my bedding, tv and all my photography gear under there no problem.
I didnt realise that RIB seats were not comfortable. One of the problems with "internet research" is that you cant tell what it's like in real life.
I'm torn between RIB seats which seem to look nicer, and the more standard (cheaper) Rock n roll....currently trying to figure out which to go for (as well as width! ha)
I've had a RIB installed into my camper (that started life as basic van - allowing a little more headroom) Our feet don't touch the floor, partly due to the fact we are both short in the leg department but also due to the basic RIB design. I will however, say that it is very well made, looks good and is very comfortable to travel in and sleep on but we do use a mattress topper, which most definitely helps.
Ours is fixed to the floor rather than on sliding rails. Personally, I think there is a good amount of available under seat storage, combined with the 18 inches or so remaining 'boot space', we are able to get the majority of or camping equipment stored away. We use the floor space in front of the seat to store our clothes bags and black Lab.
If I was doing another build, I might look at the Caravelle sliding seat/bed in order to overcome the leg touching floor issue. My understanding is that these are even more expensive than the RIB, which itself is not cheap!
As it stands today, I have no real regrets over having the RIB fitted.
Same here I like my rib and also find it comfortable to sit and sleep on. I also did my research before I spent my money and like the rib.
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