A short guide to the order a conversion is usually built in, and the safety points we would rather you heard from us than from an insurer.
The build stages
- Stage one, the shell: sound deadening, insulation, vapour control, windows, roof vents, lining and floor.
- Stage two, the electrics: leisure battery, split charging or DC to DC charging, solar, inverter and hook up, then 12V lighting and sockets.
- Stage three, heating and water: diesel heater, fresh and grey water, pump, tap and hot water.
- Stage four, furniture and kitchen: bed, seating, cabinets, fridge and hob.
- Finishing: blinds, awning, roof rack and appliances.
Run cables, fuel lines and water pipes before the lining goes up. It is much easier than chasing them in afterwards.
Which van do I have
Van specific kits are cut or bracketed for one van and one wheelbase and roof height. Tell us the model, wheelbase, roof height and year in the order notes, or send the last seven characters of the VIN, and we check the kit before dispatch.
Payload
A converted 3.5 tonne van is often over its maximum weight once it carries people, water, fuel and kit. Every listing states its weight. Add them up as you plan, and weigh the finished van at a public weighbridge before a long trip.
Electrical safety
Fuse every positive cable as close to the battery as possible, and size cables for the current they carry. Mains hook up and inverter circuits run at 230V and should be installed and tested by a qualified electrician. Lithium batteries must be mounted securely, away from heat, with the charger set to the lithium profile.
Heaters and gas
Fit a carbon monoxide alarm with any fuel burning heater, and route the heater exhaust outside the van away from doors, windows and the fresh air intake. Many of our builds are gas free, which removes gas certification from the list.
Seats and beds
Any seat that will be used while the van is moving must be crash tested and fitted to the manufacturer's instructions. Listings marked crash tested say so.
Insurance
Tell your insurer that the van is being converted, and again when it is finished. Many insurers want photographs and a list of work.
Vanlife Outfitters is a trading name of AT AUTO & SPARES LTD, a company registered in England and Wales, company number 17176482. Registered and trading address: Unit 1 Main Road, Tydd Gote, Wisbech, PE13 5QD, United Kingdom. Email info@atautoparts.co.uk, telephone +44 7429 827113.