General convert window/panel van?
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General convert window/panel van?
Peter James
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Thats a very big question. Depends what you want to finish up with. Not everyone wants a camper van like a Greenhouse. Windows make it too hot in summer (especially if they don't open), lose heat in winter, are a weak point for thieves to get in (especially if they do open), tend to leak, take up wall space that could be used for something useful, and add weight and usually cost.
Yes, a very good question. I have in the past converted a T3 vw synchro panel van, a 1996 1.9d ducato panel van, a 2001 2.8jtd ducato and 2007 2.3 X250 ducato panel van. All of the above vans were new or ex demos when I purchased them. They all made very nice campers, the last two having high level fixed beds with a very large storage area underneath. I recently decided to convert a 2008 ducato minibus into a camper and the reason was that I love the look of the large area of flush glass, that looks far nicer in my own opinion than the Seitz windows that I have used in the past. Modern flush glass bonded windows are no more prone to leaks than any other glass
fitted to the vehicle.\It is true that the windows are not double glazed, but a reputable company like auto sleepers would not choose to use window vans (I have just sold my 2009 MWB peugeot symbol) and did not ever find it too hot or too cold. The layout I have chosen this time is a french bed style (yes the bathroom is very small), but I wanted another fixed bed after the symbol, but am getting past the "climb up to high level bed). No wall space has been sacrificed as I have lined and insulated the side where the basthroom and kitchen are.
It seems to me that you are best to decde what is best for your requirements and go for it. I would never say that panel van conversions are bad - they are not, but this time around I decided that the advantages of converting a Fiat factory supplied minibus made it a bit of a "no brainer". Good luck to the OP with whatever he decides to do, but I thought a few comments to counter the previous post would not go amiss. Geoff.
The windows were one of the simplest parts of my van conversion. I agree too many windows isn't ideal you can always vinyl wrap over the ones you dont need and insulate inside. Ive seen several bus and minibus conversions done like that. The panorama will have lots of seat mountings and seatbelt mountings though which is an advantage.
My van has the tinted glass all round and I liked the look of it but the DVLA wanted to class it as a van with windows so I put some vinyl wrap over the middle section and they then classed it as a motor caravan. The rest of the van is insulated but the glass can get warm in direct sunlight.
Mike
Mike
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Lovely van, the bit of vinyl makes a big difference to the overall appearance. I used a heat reflective tint its slightly metallic looking compared to the black but really cuts down the heat compared to our other van that has limo tint.
Yes lovely van 
We have this one with a simpler conversion. Used foil backed good quality bubble sealed to the ceiling before the panel as the native roof got too hot to touch. Now runs cool enough. A tip is to get a 500 watt oil filled radiator they are tiny and keep you toasty on a hook up.
We have this one with a simpler conversion. Used foil backed good quality bubble sealed to the ceiling before the panel as the native roof got too hot to touch. Now runs cool enough. A tip is to get a 500 watt oil filled radiator they are tiny and keep you toasty on a hook up.Attachments
lovely looking van and a very nice conversion. I have submitted my application to dvla for change to M/C and hope that they allow it as it is. As I understand the regs, if the vehicle has certain fixed items and meets the criteria it is a legal requirement to re-register nas a Motor Caravan. I think andydiver's van also looks very smart with the dark flush glass all round. Geoff.
Thanks for your input Peter (PC been offline) I see your point about the heat although here in Britain I think we will be able to withstand our British summer and I will have the air conditioning to use. I shall have to see what I can rig up for Europe just in case. One reason I got window van is for passengers to enjoy a better view of the surroundings as we travel and I can always add black/white vinyl if needed.
Thanks LewLew your reply just lifted my spirits again as I had ordered a window van. Questions...Is a shower really necessary...What in your experience is the most practical toilet....Did you make your own cabinets or are they ready to buy of the shelf (I shall search,but if you point out any sites). Thanks again
Congratulations on your window van purchase, I am sure that you will be very pleased with it. A shower is not really neccessary, but does make a nice way to finish the bathroom floor. The last two ducatos I did both had showers that were not ever used as my wife will only use sites that have full facilities (usually caravan club sites), so no wild camping for us I am afraid. I used Thetford bench type electric flush toilets before, am using a Thetford swivel electric flush this time
so that I can remove the cassette straight out of the back wall of the toilet enclosure, just need to open the back door for easy access, no panel cutting whatsoever. I am very lucky in that I have a 50% share in a cnc router, so I can design and cut any furniture myself. I have in the past (pre my cnc days) made my own units, both using a framed system and unframed (15mm faced lightweight ply). As I felt that the doors were the most difficult part I used surplus (new unused)
caravan parts bought from Magnum or O'leary. The 15mm lightweight ply that I am using this time was bought from Morland who have a large factory in Wales. I purchased my underfloor water and waste tanks from Autocraft who are based in Stavely, Derbyshire. If I can be of any help to you, just nmessage me and I will give you my phone no. Good luck and enjoy your van and converting it. Geoff.
so that I can remove the cassette straight out of the back wall of the toilet enclosure, just need to open the back door for easy access, no panel cutting whatsoever. I am very lucky in that I have a 50% share in a cnc router, so I can design and cut any furniture myself. I have in the past (pre my cnc days) made my own units, both using a framed system and unframed (15mm faced lightweight ply). As I felt that the doors were the most difficult part I used surplus (new unused)
caravan parts bought from Magnum or O'leary. The 15mm lightweight ply that I am using this time was bought from Morland who have a large factory in Wales. I purchased my underfloor water and waste tanks from Autocraft who are based in Stavely, Derbyshire. If I can be of any help to you, just nmessage me and I will give you my phone no. Good luck and enjoy your van and converting it. Geoff.
