campervan conversions

Nelly · Guru

campervan conversions

Duh · Guru

Check some of these out;

http://www.cmca.net.au/pages/marketplace/marketplace/conversions.php

Also Frontline Conversions might be worth a try, not sure if they do motorhomes or only campervans though;

http://www.frontlinecamper.com.au/

countryroad · Senior Member

I thought if you had a MH it was already " converted " but not the same with a campervan....it could be a van purchase and then converted.

If that is your enquiry Nelly I would be looking for something less than the usual lot due to costs involved.

If costs are less important, then there are plenty around depending which state you live in.

There are some who will do simple fitouts, they may already do boats, 4 wheel drive, camper trailer, horse trailers etc. worth considering.

Robyn

Duh · Guru

They are both the same Robyn, they all start out as an empty commercial van and then are either converted into a motorhome or campervan, both have to be registered and go over the pits or be examined by the transport authorities for their new status, including any electrical or gas certificate and new tare weight shown on the new rego documents.

It is generally accepted that the difference between a motorhome and a campervan is that a motorhome has a fixed toilet and shower while a campervan has none. This can also apply to the same type of vehicle, whether it has a fixed toilet and shower (motorhome) or none (campervan).

Anyone can have an empty cargo carrying vehicle and have it converted professionally, or if done as a home job with the appropriate gas/electricity certificates showing they have been fitted by a tradesman and are safe etc and a weighbridge certificate before being passed by the authorities. In WA (can't speak for the other states) once passed the rego show the campervan or motorhome as a MOBCVN (mobile caravan).

Nelly · Guru

sorry Robyn - I really didn't explain this very well but as Duh writes it is an empty van which is then converted to either a MH or campervan. happy camping

4Bambi · Member

From 4 Bambi,.....I am also trying to find a reputable company that does campervan conversions on the East coast, anywhere 500km north or south of Port Macquarie. I have a brand new VWT5 SWB Transporter just waiting to be transformed into a new campervan.
Companies like Frontline, Discoverer, Trakka only convert their own vehicles which they buy in for that purpose.
Hoping that someone somewhere can set me off in the right direction, 4Bambi

Big Gorilla · Guru

I purchased a van and had it fitted out. It was done by AHA Motorhomes in Launceston, Tasmania. Excellent workmanship and low price. Mobile number for Andrew is 0421 208 555.

jetj · Guru

Macron Campers at Ourimbah do fit outs, nice fellow too.

McJimbo · Newbie

4Bambi wrote:
Companies like Frontline, Discoverer, Trakka only convert their own vehicles which they buy in for that purpose.

I thought Frontline would do a conversion on your vehicle. While I was (still am, I'm a little anal) researching campervans I stumbled across a youtube put out by wrinkle-free nomads. They did as you have done, purchased the VW and had it converted by Frontline. Failing that you could try out a mob called All Seasons Campers they do conversions from around $23k. Here is their link http://www.allseasonscampervans.com.au/pg_conversions.php. They're based in Arncliffe.

What you're doing is what we'd like to do but my research leaves me unsure about the VW T5. They're ideal for a conversion but expensive in comparison to other vans, namely Toyota Hi-ace and Hyundai iLoad. Their biggest benefit is individual bucket seats that can be swivelled (they;re also a little more comfortable and nicer looking!). Also, it appears they have some reliability issues particularly in regards to the DSG auto, though this maybe avoided by having your workshop do a flush of the transmission fluids every 45-60Klms, or by buying a manual! And their servicing costs appear to be much higher than manufacturers. The jury is out at the moment.

Anyone else have thoughts on the best van for a conversion, taking into account comfort, reliability, economy, cost of ownership et al?

-- Edited by McJimbo on Thursday 7th of May 2015 03:37:55 PM

Weevil · Guru

4Bambi wrote:
From 4 Bambi,.....I am also trying to find a reputable company that does campervan conversions on the East coast, anywhere 500km north or south of Port Macquarie. I have a brand new VWT5 SWB Transporter just waiting to be transformed into a new campervan.
Companies like Frontline, Discoverer, Trakka only convert their own vehicles which they buy in for that purpose.
Hoping that someone somewhere can set me off in the right direction, 4Bambi

Pity your not on the west coast, this company in Welshpool (near Perth) do the VW Transporter, see;

http://www.dovecampers.com.au/

However like someone has said, Frontline should be able to do your conversion unless they have changed their practices, they were going to convert a Hi Ace for me a couple of years ago but I decided to have it done in WA (Dove).

madaboutled · Guru

4Bambi wrote:
From 4 Bambi,.....I am also trying to find a reputable company that does campervan conversions on the East coast, anywhere 500km north or south of Port Macquarie. I have a brand new VWT5 SWB Transporter just waiting to be transformed into a new campervan.
Companies like Frontline, Discoverer, Trakka only convert their own vehicles which they buy in for that purpose.
Hoping that someone somewhere can set me off in the right direction, 4Bambi

Hi Dena,

Checkout your local Caravan Repairers, most of them are quite capable of doing conversions and if they don't can usually recomend someone close by who does. Cabinet Makers are also worth a shot. Also if your handy with tools then Flat Pac cabinets can be utilised with a little modification, but nothing beats a custom job. Also you could also checkout Gas Fitters or Electricians who advertise for Caravan fitting because they also will usually know someone who does the cabinets etc...

Hope this helps

Regards Steve.