Unveiling the Price to Turn a VW Transporter into a Camper

How much does it cost to convert a VW Transporter T5 T6 into a camper van?
Conversion costs can vary drastically, in a future video I will explain why. Today I talk about the main items for a conversion, some of the options available and approximate costs.

How much does it cost to build a camper van?
These costs are starting points, taken from various sources

Sound deadening, insulation, carpet
Dodo Mat Hex (4.7Sqm) - £79.99
Dodo Thermo Liner 12mm - £79.99
Thermo Fleece 50mm - £34.99
Carpet - £10 per metre
High temp glue will also be required

Diesel Heater
Chinese - £79.99 - Not for me
Planar - £700.00
Webasto - £1,050.00
Eberspacher - £850.00
Various options are in addition to these prices. (coming soon)

Electrical System
12v System - £550.00
240v Hookup and 12v - £1,100
Solar System - £550
AGM 110AH Battery - £120
LiFePO4 110AH Battery - £700.00

Pop Top Roof
Austops - From £3,000
Westdubs - From £3,000
Alititude - From £2,595
SCA - From £5,600
Reimo - From £4,750

Rear Seat / Bed
Rock and Roll - £1,500
RIB - £2,600
Sliding Smart Bed - £3,700
RIB on Rails - £5,200

Kitchen
Standard layout - £1,500
Hob/Sink - £400
Dometic fridge - £600
Top loader fridge - £700

There are so many choices, decisions to make. The costs can escalate as there are so many cool things to do with vans.

Conversion cost budget is different for everyone, whether a small budget or large budget, you will have fun in your van.

Use Code STAYCATIONLIFESTYLE for discount

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Some ESSENTIAL items for you to have to keep safe in your van

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Whether you have a T5, VW T5.1, T6, T6.1 or even an older T2, T2.5, T4, the VW Vanlife scene is amazing, with so much help and assistance available for whatever project you wish to attempt. Panel van, Kombi, Converted Camper or VW California Beach or Ocean, enjoy the freedom van life brings.

The @Staycation Lifestyle van conversion is coming along nicely.

I bought a VW Transporter T6 Kombi Highline van 140bhp diesel SWB with tailgate.

Slowly turning it into a camper van / day van with bed. I will also need something for cooking, cooling, sleeping, drinking ?? Choices to be made.

I have lots more to do though, I have a new electrical system, using Victron components and a Lithium LIFEPO4 battery, so I obviously need to install some power devices. I have a new sound system, with Focal speakers and ibus 2.1 amp, Playstation PS4, which will be removable, TV's on headrests.

Lots for me to look forward too and it would be nice to take you on the journey.

Please do let me know if you have any ideas or suggestions.
Vanlife for me is just beginning, it's a great adventure and I'm loving it. 😍

There are many great camper adventures to come

Thanks must go to the following:
Transporter HQ for my tailgate struts
Kiravans for my Swivel Seats

Many choices of places to park up overnight and stay in their carparks including pubs, restaurants, adventure centres and even vineyards and breweries.

Im a member of Devon & Cornwall Transporters. Have a look at the Facebook group and come along to meet the other friendly members

#vanlife #vanlifeuk #campervan #transporter #vwbus #adventure #rv #rvlife #camper #vwcamper #camper #staycation #wildcamping #offgrid #travel

[motiv]

ThanQ again for great and informative videos! 🙌🏽
You are hitting the nail on the head and saying the things others are thinking but do not say!!!
Looks like corona pushed the vanlife into the fast lane..
Great info as always. ThanX again fella🙏🏽

[clungebucket]

As regards leisure batteries... I use a Buck /boost converter. This 'pulls' an even level of power from it.... This way, not only does the voltage stay even from the start, it takes you deep into the dead zone before connected components start complaining.
Battery starts at 13+v and finally grinds to a halt at 10v BUT the output is always 12v!

[JamesWilliam]

I haven't got a clue about all of this. When does a panel van have to be legally registered as a camper ? Are there insurance benefits of one over the other?

[ianmarshall]

Very good video having had my last to work vans converted the first being a Vivaro swb they put a rock & roll bed in nice comfy but terrible storage, second van custom lwb I had seen the Rib beds at a show & had the benefit’s explained & had one fitted, the storage is fantastic, comfy.
The other advantage is if parked on a slope facing down towards the front you can raise the bottom of the bed to stop you sliding down, the height his a disadvantage but can be remedied with a foot rest, cheers.
Also definitely L W B.

[xxwookey]

8:20. Not sure why you suggest that having 240V means you need to worry more about fire? It's the low-voltage side that has the high currents (in general). 20-times higher for the same power. And it's current (well, resistance*current really) that makes things hot.
Apart from that detail though this was very good advice. That factor of 10 difference between a Chinese heater and an Erbesbacher is kind of crazy. If we could just get the Chinese to make slightly less shoddy ones for 200 quid that would be marvellous :-)

[joeythelips]

Great video I'm in the process of looking at transporters to convert and this has helped a lot.Cheers

[clfehr]

Nice overview. Would have helped me immensely a year ago. You’ll save some people some time and effort 👍🏼.

[MisterString]

Bed is a difficult choice. I think those 3 seaters that allow for slimline cabinets are very narrow. So you go full width and no cabinets. Then there's testing! What does it mean if the seat isn't tested to the configuration you want? Seat on rails is a great idea. That is important to me. Have the van in Kombi mode when travelling and have all the paraphernalia packed safe behind your passengers. RIB on a rail is twice the price you have shared, especially if you want to be able to say that it has been tested. Hobs? How difficult is it to get a decent pod with a sink without an integrated hob that needs a gas bottle? Personally I don't like the idea of a fry up in a van. Prefer to cook outside as long as it is sheltered. Fridges? You make a great point on fridges. I thought I wanted an integrated fridge but a decent coolbox is much more practical. Thanks for starting the conversation.

[jamesdunn]

Really informative video. About to buy my first van for (mostly) DIY conversion. Rented a van where the bed covered the fridge 🤦‍♂️. Planning solid counter/custom storage as agree about the off the shelf options. Different is good 👍

[FromMetayou]

Not everyone has 10grand to spend on conversions and will always opt for a DIY van and some are awesome some are basic as is mine

[mpaodonovan]

Thank you - I find your videos very helpful

[stevezodiac]

I can't understand this fad about VW vans. I could understand it, if it were a premium car, but a van ? I found that a transporter is quite thin, therefore with a side kitchen, it provides only space for a narrow bed. In my Talento, there is much more space for a wider bed, with a nice width kitchen alongside. Not buying a VW, saved me thousands and at the end of the day, it does the same thing.

[mutley]

Just curious, why is it not meant to be as comfy? Very helpful video 👍