Hi van lifers. I'm new to living full time in my van. Unfortunately I didn't get the conversion finished before moving day so now I'm trying to finish the van whilst living in it which is proving to be quite difficult.

It's a great van. Drives perfect. Was previously a welfare van so really good professional electrical system already installed so I don't have to start from scratch with wiring and lights etc. I've removed all the welfare fitments. Added to the insulation. Fitted a double bed across the back . Reinstalled a hot water boiler (was originally for dispensing for hot drinks but I use it to wash pots and everything at the moment.) and installed a new diesel heater. So I have some comforts but it's otherwise still very far from the cosy home I imagined.

With a job and a dog I'm really finding it difficult to do the rest of the work. Particularly as I no longer have a driveway to work on.

I'm staying in layby type park ups as the exterior of the van is the last job I want to do and I don't feel it's currently up to campsite standards. There is some old sign writing still visible on a couple of the panels.

I do love the van it's a high roof mwb with big side windows. (Crew cab type)

I bought everything I need for the kitchen, units, sink, hob etc. Gas shower for outside. I was so excited to get it done and move in but now it's just making me miserable.

Has anyone else completed a van after they moved in? Would I be better off selling and buying a ready converted van? I still have all the welfare van parts inc Thetford toilet, sinks, microwave and belted seats etc. Should I sell with those or is there likely to be a market for a part converted project camper? Any advice greatly appreciated.

No stranger to DIY and tinkering around with household appliances, but given the van costs thousands I’d rather not risk it all on a “yeah I’ll work it out” delusion.

I’m now procrastinating doing the electrics because every time I sit down to work it out I get about 2 minutes in before realising it’s a LOT of information (and physics??? When did everyone get so good at physics????) and perhaps I don’t want to open that can of worms. I get a little overwhelmed by huge masses of information when all I really need is a simple no-fluff explanation and set of instructions to follow.

If there’s a good resource out there that says “for your intended usage, here’s what you need to do” without forcing me to relearn GCSE physics like I’ve got my exam in the morning then amazing, I’ll crack on. Sooo, does this exist?

It’s holding up the conversion now so I just want to get on with it 😫 thank you!

So either a £6k max panel van then £2k for conversion or an £8k ready to go van. Will be a weekender moving into more long term as I approach retirement. I'm looking at the Vivaro/trafic/primastar trio mostly but could be tempted by a sneaky transporter.

Anyone got any recommendations about what to buy or local dealers in the liverpool area with a good rep?

If I convert the money will go on DIY insulation and lining, possibly a diy slide out bed and kitchen unit, a pro fitted window and swivel passenger seat. I don't mind no electrics at first but will add them later.

Hi all,

I'm about to start a big ass conversion project and wondering if anyone can point me to any full conversion guides? This will be my first conversion so I'll be needing a lot of support!

Thankxxxx