I'm currently working away a lot and having to find digs. I have a Ford transit and was wonder about installing a bed and few other bits. But if I went to a site to stay would the van have to have anything in particular to be able to come into a site and be used as a camper van. I also assume I'd have to declare it as it's no longer just a Van?
The main criteria for the DVLA and insurance are the number of seats. One advantage of having a "multi purpose" vehicle is that the lower speed limit on non-motorway/ dual carriage way no longer applies.
I wouldn't change the seating. But insulate the back and put a bed in that I can remove. Do you need to have Windows in the rear?
What about a very small caravan say 12ft. Everything in there, beds, kitchen, loo, fire. Simples. Could also be classed as business use, hence an expense against tax.
Have you seen these - part caravan, part box trailer. Front bit is a kitchen (with WC) bunk beds, rear half you can use for tools, materials or bikes pages 18-20 of the first PDF http://www.iwt.co.uk/products/businessinabox/bespoke/?tab=brochures#tab
sospan, yes seen them. Also at a show couple years ago was a unit just like that. Was in excess of £40K A used 12ft caravan can be towed by his Van to a site and used during his work. Costs are just like a B&B on business. He can always sell it on if he dont like it, but I would think it would be a good idea. Keep the van for his work tools.
Having read the DVLA I might be as well to buy a cheap van and convert it properly. Don't want to properly convert my transit if I can help it. Seems beneficial to 're register as a motor caravan to
Can but dream of owning one a unit like that. Always fancied a de-mountable camper for a pickup but they are so expensive over here compared to the US. Caravan far better option than sleeping in a back of a van, done that so many times and blinking awful. By the time you get another van, convert, tax, insure you may be better off at a Travel Lodge .... at least you will have a shower and proper toilet
No it's not the ideal option but it's all about cost. Pointless working away if half of it's spent on living costs. I might see if I can buy a caravan and leave it on a site. That way I don't need to worry about towing it around. Can't think it would be a huge expense for a pitch if the caravan was only small. Only other thing about a camper is here's no saying you can't sleep at a layby if I couldn't find a pitch one night