In general, it's important to choose a van that provides enough space for you to live comfortably, but not so large that it's difficult to drive or park. It's also important to consider the weight and height restrictions of the roads and areas you plan to travel in, as well as any parking or camping restrictions in the areas you plan to visit.
The size of the van you should buy for a campervan conversion depends on your specific needs and preferences. A smaller van, such as a VW Transporter or a Ford Transit Connect, may be more fuel-efficient and easier to manoeuvre, while a larger van like a Mercedes Sprinter or a Fiat Ducato will offer more space for living and storage.
5 Of The Most Popular Vans To Convert:
Here are 5 of the more popular van models in the UK that are suitable for conversion into a campervan for full-time living based on their features and specs.
Volkswagen Transporter T6 - The Volkswagen Transporter T6 is a popular choice for campervan conversions due to its spacious interior, great fuel economy, and reliability. It has plenty of headroom, a powerful engine, and a range of optional features that make it a versatile choice for van life.
Mercedes Sprinter - The Mercedes Sprinter is another popular choice for campervan conversions. It is known for its durability, comfort, and ample space for living and storage. It has a high roof and wide body, providing more room for customization and living space.
Ford Transit - The Ford Transit is a versatile and reliable van that is often used for campervan conversions. It has a good fuel economy, spacious interior, and a range of engine options that make it an excellent choice for van life. It's also relatively affordable compared to some other models.
Fiat Ducato - The Fiat Ducato is a popular choice for campervan conversions due to its spacious interior and low cost of ownership. It has a wide range of engine options, making it a flexible choice for those who want to customize their van's performance.
Renault Trafic - The Renault Trafic is a popular choice for campervan conversions due to its great fuel economy, comfortable ride, and spacious interior. It has a range of optional features, including a sliding side door and a variety of engine options, making it a flexible choice for those who want to customize their van.
These vans are popular choices for campervan conversions due to their reliability, space, and customization options. However, the best van for you ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences, as well as your budget.
What Is The Best Size Van To Convert Into A Campervan?
A popular size for a campervan conversions is a medium-sized van with a high roof, such as a VW Transporter T5 or T6, or a Mercedes Sprinter with a medium or long wheelbase. These vans offer a good balance between space and manoeuvrability, and they are also widely used for campervan conversions, meaning there is a lot of information and resources available for customizing them.
Ultimately, the size of the van you should buy for a campervan conversion depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences, so it's important to do your research and consider your options carefully before making a purchase.
What Size Van Can You Drive With Your UK Drivers Licence?
With a standard UK driving license (category B), you are allowed to drive a van with a maximum authorized mass (MAM) of 3,500 kilograms (3.5 tonnes) or less. This includes most small and medium-sized vans commonly used for personal or business purposes, such as Ford Transit Connect, Mercedes-Benz Vito, and Volkswagen Transporter.
If you want to drive a larger van with a MAM of more than 3.5 tonnes, you would need to obtain a Category C1 license. This license allows you to drive vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes in weight.
It is worth noting that the weight of the vehicle, including any passengers and cargo, must not exceed the maximum authorized mass specified for the license category you hold. Exceeding the weight limit can result in penalties and potentially invalidate your insurance in the event of an accident.
To Obtain A Category C1 licence In The UK, You Need To Follow These Steps:
Be at least 18 years old: You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a Category C1 license.
Hold a full UK car driving licence: You must already hold a full UK car driving licence (Category B) before applying for a Category C1 license.
Pass a medical exam: You will need to pass a medical exam to prove that you are fit to drive a larger vehicle. You can ask your GP to complete the necessary medical forms for you.
Apply for provisional entitlement: You will need to apply for provisional entitlement for Category C1 by completing a D2 application form, which you can obtain from the DVLA or online.
Pass the theory test: You will need to pass a multiple-choice theory test and hazard perception test before you can take the practical driving test.
Take the practical driving test: Once you have passed the theory test, you can take the practical driving test. The test will assess your ability to drive a larger vehicle safely and correctly.
Obtain your Category C1 licence: If you pass the practical driving test, you will be granted your Category C1 licence.
Note that there are different training options available to help you prepare for the Category C1 test, including intensive courses, traditional driving lessons, and self-study materials.
Insurance For Your Campervan Conversion:
It is a legal requirement to have insurance for your van if you want to convert it into a campervan and live in it full-time in the UK. In fact, it is mandatory to have insurance for any vehicle being driven on UK roads.
When converting your van into a campervan, you will need to inform your insurance provider of the changes made to your vehicle. This is because your insurance policy will need to be updated to reflect the new classification of your vehicle. You may need to provide evidence of the conversion, such as photographs, receipts, or invoices for any work carried out.
It is important to note that the type of insurance you require may differ from standard van insurance. Campervan insurance policies typically include cover for fixtures, fittings, and personal possessions within the van, as well as cover for camping equipment and outdoor gear.
Do You Need To Let The DVLA Know You Are Converting Your Van Into A Campervan?
If you are converting your van into a campervan, you should inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the UK.
When you make significant modifications to your vehicle, such as converting it into a campervan, you need to update your vehicle's registration with the DVLA. This is important because the classification of your vehicle on your registration certificate (V5C) affects things like road tax, insurance, and MOT requirements.
To update your registration, you need to fill out a V5C form and send it to the DVLA. You will need to provide information about the modifications you have made to your vehicle, including the type of conversion, the layout, and the facilities that have been added.
After the DVLA receives your application, they will review it and update your registration if everything is in order. You should receive a new V5C document within a few weeks.
The DVLA does not have specific requirements for converting a van into a campervan. However, they do have guidelines that state that a campervan must have certain features to be recognized as a motor caravan. The following features must be present in your converted van for it to be classified as a campervan by the DVLA:
Sleeping accommodation: The campervan must have a bed that is at least 6 feet long and can be converted into a seat.
Cooking facilities: The campervan must have a stove or a hob that is securely fixed to the vehicle.
Storage facilities: The campervan must have enough storage space for personal belongings, cooking equipment, and bedding.
Water supply: The campervan must have a water container with a minimum capacity of 10 liters.
Waste container: The campervan must have a container to store waste water.
Seating and table: The campervan must have a seating area and a table.
Windows and ventilation: The campervan must have windows and vents for ventilation.
Permanent fixtures: The campervan must have permanent fixtures such as cupboards, shelves, and a sink.
These are the general requirements that the DVLA uses to classify a van as a campervan. However, it is important to note that the DVLA will assess each conversion on a cas-by-case basis, so you should ensure that your van meets all of the above requirements and provide clear documentation of the conversion when you apply for reclassification.
Van life In The UK Can Be A Great Experience For Several Reasons:
Scenic and diverse landscapes: The UK has a wide range of stunning landscapes to explore, from the rugged coastlines of Cornwall and Wales to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and the Scottish Highlands. These beautiful locations can be easily accessed in a van and provide a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
Accessible facilities: The UK has a good network of campsites, service stations and public facilities that cater to van lifers. Many campsites have facilities such as showers, laundry facilities and electricity hookups, making van life more comfortable.
Friendly communities: The van life community in the UK is thriving, with many like-minded people sharing their experiences and tips online and in person. This can make van life a great way to meet new people and make friends.
Cost-effective: Compared to other forms of accommodation, such as renting or buying a house, van life can be a more cost-effective option. With a van, you have the freedom to travel and explore while keeping your accommodation costs low.
Overall, van life in the UK can be a wonderful experience for those looking to embrace a more nomadic and adventurous lifestyle.
SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!?!