I'd like to ask advice of those of you who've been on the road with, or who've used Isuzu and/or Iveco long wheel base vans in the past.
I am going to convert one of these vans into my own camper. What I'd like to know is the pros and cons MECHANICALLY of both; and especially whether in remote or inland townships should I encounter a mechanical problem, whether the local mechanics will be able to assist me with these vans. I had considered a Mercedes Sprinter, but I don't want to be stuck in a town for up to 3 months waiting for parts to arrive from overseas.
Welcome to the gang Raewyn, enjoy here and out in the playground.
From a previous life, I have purchased both Iveco and Isuzu vans and trucks for Local Government. Well, not actually did the purchase bust arranged it as a Transport Manager. I have also purchased Iveco buses.
I was extremely happy with all and found if needed and that wasn't often that parts were available. Both are trusted names these days here in the land of OZ.
If buying second hand just check for the usual signs of rust or major damage etc. Get it checked over mechanically. If buying new, either or.
Keep Safe out there.
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Thank you. I've heard they're very reliable and just keep on keeping on ... which is of course why I am interested in them! I haven't been able to find one single Isuzu van for sale in Australia at the moment ... weird. I was beginning to wonder if they existed. Mind you, I've still got the auctions to check out.
I meet a couple of very pis-ed off campers at a caravan park in Cooper Pedy, they had an Iveco 4x done up as an outback camper, very flash. But it wouldn't go, an electrical fault, the computer said "No gunna go". The problem was that the local garage couldn't get the Iveco codes for the computer, Iveco wouldn't supply. They had to get the vehicle trucked all the way back to Adelaide to Iveco for repair. Something for you to enquire about.
Thank you. I've heard they're very reliable and just keep on keeping on ... which is of course why I am interested in them! I haven't been able to find one single Isuzu van for sale in Australia at the moment ... weird. I was beginning to wonder if they existed. Mind you, I've still got the auctions to check out.
Hi Gypsy at Heart
I do not believe Isuzu sold vans in Australia. They did supply trucks that were converted to motor homes, and they started that 30 years ago. They have been reliable and well regarded around Australia, and probably parts etc are easily available everwhere, but are all cab over the engine trucks.
There are also Isuzu based busses that were made in Australia. Also well regarded but no vans.
Jaahn
-- Edited by Jaahn on Monday 11th of May 2020 06:31:29 PM
If you are heading down this route, a very good website forum for you, is American, but interaction all over the world, that is Reddit, go to the site, type into search r/vandwellers, , this is the most comprehensive van camper building site, I have ever come across. Give it a look.
Re US Campervan Conversion, I have seen a number of conversions where they use solid timber just about everywhere, where as Oz builders (Caravans and Campervans) use thin ply and thinish wooden supports, this gives more weight available for payload ie water, clothes food etc.
I'd like to ask advice of those of you who've been on the road with, or who've used Isuzu and/or Iveco long wheel base vans in the past.
I am going to convert one of these vans into my own camper. What I'd like to know is the pros and cons MECHANICALLY of both; and especially whether in remote or inland townships should I encounter a mechanical problem, whether the local mechanics will be able to assist me with these vans. I had considered a Mercedes Sprinter, but I don't want to be stuck in a town for up to 3 months waiting for parts to arrive from overseas.
I looked at campers made from LWB delivery vans or LWB mini buses and this is the ones I could find.
Mercedes Sprinters, vans and buses. I have one ! Early model.
VW Crafter, same body as the Sprinters. Vans and buses. VW engines and transmissions.
Ford Transit vans and buses
Renault vans and buses
Fiat vans and buses
Iveco vans and buses
Not one Isuzu.
Some of those models may not be as easy to find as others. And it will depend on your budget and what year model you want to get.
I have my ideas about reliability and and problems so have a 2000 Mercedes Sprinter ex bus, simple conversion. I am happy to go anywhere in it, but the later models may not be as reliable as they got more fancy and faster and increased problems as they went on. Mercedes Sprinters were used as ambulances widely around Australia so there is some expertise and availability of parts around the place too.
Jaahn.
-- Edited by Jaahn on Thursday 14th of May 2020 09:59:19 PM
We also have Sprinter a Long wheel base High Roof Campervan. I understand that the pre mid 2006 models do not have the anti pollution gear that the later models have( less issues). Ours is a manual and not the automated Manual that just about all the automatic vehicles use. To me less problems than with the automation when the vehicle gets up a few 100,000Kms.
Sprinters have a good OZ Forum, ditto the CMCA Forum and Aussie Motorhome Forum for Help and ideas.
I would not buy a 315 Model and have a 313 (4 cylinder 130 BHP) the 316 model is great, my understanding is that 308 and 311 may be slightly under powered for a Campervan at max load.
It seems you are correct. I can find small trucks but don't want to have to get my truck licence again; and having a truck means that I couldn't rely on someone else to drive it if necessary. Thanks for clarifying that for me
-- Edited by Gypsy at Heart on Monday 18th of May 2020 10:29:37 PM
Thank you! 2 years and no issues. That reliability is what I need, as I may be travelling solo and I've never been much of a mechanic ... although I may do a quick course before I head off.
I meet a couple of very pis-ed off campers at a caravan park in Cooper Pedy, they had an Iveco 4x done up as an outback camper, very flash. But it wouldn't go, an electrical fault, the computer said "No gunna go". The problem was that the local garage couldn't get the Iveco codes for the computer, Iveco wouldn't supply. They had to get the vehicle trucked all the way back to Adelaide to Iveco for repair. Something for you to enquire about.
Oh oh! That's no good and you're right, definitely something to ask about! I imagine they were rather pi55ed off!
Thank you. I've heard they're very reliable and just keep on keeping on ... which is of course why I am interested in them! I haven't been able to find one single Isuzu van for sale in Australia at the moment ... weird. I was beginning to wonder if they existed. Mind you, I've still got the auctions to check out.
Hi Gypsy at Heart
I do not believe Isuzu sold vans in Australia. They did supply trucks that were converted to motor homes, and they started that 30 years ago. They have been reliable and well regarded around Australia, and probably parts etc are easily available everwhere, but are all cab over the engine trucks.
There are also Isuzu based busses that were made in Australia. Also well regarded but no vans.
It seems you are correct. I can find small trucks but don't want to have to get my truck licence again; and having a truck means that I couldn't rely on someone else to drive it if necessary. Thanks for clarifying that for me
Jaahn
-- Edited by Jaahn on Monday 11th of May 2020 06:31:29 PM
Re US Campervan Conversion, I have seen a number of conversions where they use solid timber just about everywhere, where as Oz builders (Caravans and Campervans) use thin ply and thinish wooden supports, this gives more weight available for payload ie water, clothes food etc.
I've also seen them and have come to the same conclusion that I will use thin ply and thinnish wooden supports to ensure minimum weight and be able to put in plenty of water and solar. Thank you
I'd like to ask advice of those of you who've been on the road with, or who've used Isuzu and/or Iveco long wheel base vans in the past.
I am going to convert one of these vans into my own camper. What I'd like to know is the pros and cons MECHANICALLY of both; and especially whether in remote or inland townships should I encounter a mechanical problem, whether the local mechanics will be able to assist me with these vans. I had considered a Mercedes Sprinter, but I don't want to be stuck in a town for up to 3 months waiting for parts to arrive from overseas.
I looked at campers made from LWB delivery vans or LWB mini buses and this is the ones I could find.
Mercedes Sprinters, vans and buses. I have one ! Early model.
VW Crafter, same body as the Sprinters. Vans and buses. VW engines and transmissions.
Ford Transit vans and buses
Renault vans and buses
Fiat vans and buses
Iveco vans and buses
Not one Isuzu.
Some of those models may not be as easy to find as others. And it will depend on your budget and what year model you want to get.
I have my ideas about reliability and and problems so have a 2000 Mercedes Sprinter ex bus, simple conversion. I am happy to go anywhere in it, but the later models may not be as reliable as they got more fancy and faster and increased problems as they went on. Mercedes Sprinters were used as ambulances widely around Australia so there is some expertise and availability of parts around the place too.
Jaahn.
-- Edited by Jaahn on Thursday 14th of May 2020 09:59:19 PM
I couldn't find an Isuzu van. I wish I could have! My budget means a slightly older model, but I believe that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Older vans can be more reliable (or I'm hoping so anyway!!). I discussed Mercedes Sprinter Ambulances today with my son. He believes they would be good due to improved suspension, upgrades and regular servicing. I'd like a high roof though and so far not seen an ex-Ambulance with a high roof, only mid roof. Things to consider
We also have Sprinter a Long wheel base High Roof Campervan. I understand that the pre mid 2006 models do not have the anti pollution gear that the later models have( less issues). Ours is a manual and not the automated Manual that just about all the automatic vehicles use. To me less problems than with the automation when the vehicle gets up a few 100,000Kms.
Sprinters have a good OZ Forum, ditto the CMCA Forum and Aussie Motorhome Forum for Help and ideas.
I would not buy a 315 Model and have a 313 (4 cylinder 130 BHP) the 316 model is great, my understanding is that 308 and 311 may be slightly under powered for a Campervan at max load.
Peter
Thanks for all that info Peter. My concern with the Sprinter was whether country mechanics would be familiar with them and that if any parts were required I could get stuck somewhere longer than I wanted. But it sounds like that may not be a problem. I'll check out the forums you've mentioned. Thanks.
Apologies, as a newbie I started typing responses... then realised they weren't attaching to your comments ... then didn't know how to delete them! Live and learn!
I couldn't find an Isuzu van. I wish I could have! My budget means a slightly older model, but I believe that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Older vans can be more reliable (or I'm hoping so anyway!!). I discussed Mercedes Sprinter Ambulances today with my son. He believes they would be good due to improved suspension, upgrades and regular servicing. I'd like a high roof though and so far not seen an ex-Ambulance with a high roof, only mid roof. Things to consider
Hi Gypsy
Just a couple of comments on Merc Sprinters and ex ambulances. From the factory Sprinters are available in three wheelbases: short, medium(shortish though) and long(much longer). There are only two factory roof heights; low and high. If you look carefully you might find any combination of length and height in a van or mini bus. But for ambulance conversions they use the medium wheelbase, low roof and remove the roof and fit a special medium height fiberglass roof(not so high) which can be recognised by the shapes molded into them. There are different firms which do the conversions and different states too, so lots of differences in ex-ambos.
Regarding ex ambulances. When they are sold off after ambulance use, traditionally they just roughly pull all the expensive gear out for reuse and the vans are sold in a state that requires a LOT OF WORK to convert them to a usable camper. The wiring in particular is hard to get right again unless you are skilled and other things also need lots of work. I would not recommend you take this route unless you want the hard skilled work required. Also you might be careful buying one that is converted, and ensure that it has been well done and does not have hidden problems. Some ambulances did a lot of hard work in service, on the road 24/7, some not so much. My opinion.
The sensible option IMHO is to buy a mini bus. These were available from 2000 on with seats, perhaps also a wheel chair lifter, and can have the longest wheel base and the high roof with windows and air conditioning. Pull out the seats(and the lifter) and you have a perfect vehicle for a camper. That is what we did . And as the bus had been used for disabled transport it had only done low Kms and was(still is) going well. We had it recertified with less seats as a "panel van with windows" and fitted it out ourselves as a simple camper. Been around a bit since then !! I do not think it is underpowered and people drive too fast anyway to see the country. The early 5 cylinder models go well and are reliable and get a manual transmission. Rust should be checked particularly the roof seams.
Good luck. Send me a PM if you want more information. You will see my handle and Peter too on the Sprinter forum.
Jaahn
-- Edited by Jaahn on Tuesday 19th of May 2020 08:07:41 AM
-- Edited by Jaahn on Tuesday 19th of May 2020 08:15:08 AM
Re ( My concern with the Sprinter was whether country mechanics would be familiar with them and that if any parts were required I could get stuck somewhere longer than I wanted)
Country mechanics would definitely know Toyota Coasters ( Schools Buses) Converted to Motorhomes, but maybe not so much on some modern vehicles that they work on, Sprinters could fall into this category. I carry a Sprinter workshop manual on a memory stick with me, detailing every part removal/check process that would be a significant help to any mechanic that has never worked on a Sprinter. Also there are some very experienced members on the Sprinter Forum, that if you have problems in the country are only a PM or phone call away for advice.
Re Parts, with the number of Ambo Sprinters sold in the past, 2nd hand parts are readily available.
Re Rust, I would also check under the front windscreen.
Having said the above there are, like any vehicle some lemons out there most likely due to poor maintenance procedures or lack of. Prior to purchase have the vehicle checked by an experienced person, not necessarily your state service organisation.
I couldn't find an Isuzu van. I wish I could have! My budget means a slightly older model, but I believe that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Older vans can be more reliable (or I'm hoping so anyway!!). I discussed Mercedes Sprinter Ambulances today with my son. He believes they would be good due to improved suspension, upgrades and regular servicing. I'd like a high roof though and so far not seen an ex-Ambulance with a high roof, only mid roof. Things to consider
Hi Gypsy
Just a couple of comments on Merc Sprinters and ex ambulances. From the factory Sprinters are available in three wheelbases: short, medium(shortish though) and long(much longer). There are only two factory roof heights; low and high. If you look carefully you might find any combination of length and height in a van or mini bus. But for ambulance conversions they use the medium wheelbase, low roof and remove the roof and fit a special medium height fiberglass roof(not so high) which can be recognised by the shapes molded into them. There are different firms which do the conversions and different states too, so lots of differences in ex-ambos.
Regarding ex ambulances. When they are sold off after ambulance use, traditionally they just roughly pull all the expensive gear out for reuse and the vans are sold in a state that requires a LOT OF WORK to convert them to a usable camper. The wiring in particular is hard to get right again unless you are skilled and other things also need lots of work. I would not recommend you take this route unless you want the hard skilled work required. Also you might be careful buying one that is converted, and ensure that it has been well done and does not have hidden problems. Some ambulances did a lot of hard work in service, on the road 24/7, some not so much. My opinion.
The sensible option IMHO is to buy a mini bus. These were available from 2000 on with seats, perhaps also a wheel chair lifter, and can have the longest wheel base and the high roof with windows and air conditioning. Pull out the seats(and the lifter) and you have a perfect vehicle for a camper. That is what we did . And as the bus had been used for disabled transport it had only done low Kms and was(still is) going well. We had it recertified with less seats as a "panel van with windows" and fitted it out ourselves as a simple camper. Been around a bit since then !! I do not think it is underpowered and people drive too fast anyway to see the country. The early 5 cylinder models go well and are reliable and get a manual transmission. Rust should be checked particularly the roof seams.
Good luck. Send me a PM if you want more information. You will see my handle and Peter too on the Sprinter forum.
Jaahn
-- Edited by Jaahn on Tuesday 19th of May 2020 08:07:41 AM
-- Edited by Jaahn on Tuesday 19th of May 2020 08:15:08 AM
Thanks for all that information. A bit of an eye opener about the ex-ambulances, but that's okay, as I'd gone off them anyway due to the low and mid roofs. I couldn't see any high ones. What I have found in the meantime is a 2006 Ford Transit mini bus. 160,000 kms, with all service history. It's in another state, so haven't seen it. Actually there were a couple of Frod Transit mini buses with rear platforms too at reasonable prices. Just wondering about the major service coming up ...
Re ( My concern with the Sprinter was whether country mechanics would be familiar with them and that if any parts were required I could get stuck somewhere longer than I wanted)
Country mechanics would definitely know Toyota Coasters ( Schools Buses) Converted to Motorhomes, but maybe not so much on some modern vehicles that they work on, Sprinters could fall into this category. I carry a Sprinter workshop manual on a memory stick with me, detailing every part removal/check process that would be a significant help to any mechanic that has never worked on a Sprinter. Also there are some very experienced members on the Sprinter Forum, that if you have problems in the country are only a PM or phone call away for advice.
Re Parts, with the number of Ambo Sprinters sold in the past, 2nd hand parts are readily available.
Re Rust, I would also check under the front windscreen.
Having said the above there are, like any vehicle some lemons out there most likely due to poor maintenance procedures or lack of. Prior to purchase have the vehicle checked by an experienced person, not necessarily your state service organisation.
Peter
Thanks for that info Peter, a great idea to have the handbook on a USB stick. You are right, lemons can be found anywhere. I'd like to avoid having to make lemonade though
Thanks for all that information. A bit of an eye opener about the ex-ambulances, but that's okay, as I'd gone off them anyway due to the low and mid roofs. I couldn't see any high ones. What I have found in the meantime is a 2006 Ford Transit mini bus. 160,000 kms, with all service history. It's in another state, so haven't seen it. Actually there were a couple of Frod Transit mini buses with rear platforms too at reasonable prices. Just wondering about the major service coming up ...
Hi Gypsy
If I am looking at the same Ford Transit bus as you, in Woodridge, it looks excellent. Much better value than a Sprinter too. Any Ford dealer around the country should be able to service that and get parts. Transits are not my favourite brand but probably just my biases coming out as there have been a lot built and used in Europe for a long time.
Thanks for all that information. A bit of an eye opener about the ex-ambulances, but that's okay, as I'd gone off them anyway due to the low and mid roofs. I couldn't see any high ones. What I have found in the meantime is a 2006 Ford Transit mini bus. 160,000 kms, with all service history. It's in another state, so haven't seen it. Actually there were a couple of Frod Transit mini buses with rear platforms too at reasonable prices. Just wondering about the major service coming up ...
Hi Gypsy
If I am looking at the same Ford Transit bus as you, in Woodridge, it looks excellent. Much better value than a Sprinter too. Any Ford dealer around the country should be able to service that and get parts. Transits are not my favourite brand but probably just my biases coming out as there have been a lot built and used in Europe for a long time.
I was not cutting in on your bus. I was just looking at what you were looking at. Not for me I have my Merc currently. And it is currently interstate also with my wife, with family. Hmm..
Have a look at the Transits mini busses closer by, and see if they suit what you want to do. Half the price of a Merc and probably as good. That dealer may bring it across the border for you to look at.
There are different firms which do the conversions and different states too, so lots of differences in ex-ambos. 
