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b6x

Hi all.

I'm considering the route of a self build van and wanted to do a bit of reading on the subject first, perferably thru a manual or two. The two obvious books out there seem to be " Build Your Own Motorcaravan" by John Wickersham and "VW T5 Camper Conversion Manual" by Lindsay Porter.

However, the reviews on Amazon are far from impressive. Are these manuals really as bad as that? And if so, is there a generally agreed "bible" of self builds? Or is the sbmcc website the only resource?

Thanks alot in advance,
Steve

ingram

I think that you should ask your question on the SBMCC website forum if you have not already done so: there, will be the people who have read the books and done the job;...........well, some of them.

You can have a few 'free' posts without having to join the Club.

Harvey

premiermotorhomes

We're only down the road from you, and I have the Haynes one available. Your more than welcome to come and have a look and decide if its suitable.

Regards,
Chris
Premier Motorhomes of Chichester

chapter

have a look

petie

Hi,I built my own van last year and i only wish i had consulted the build your own motorcaravan manual first,as it is full of useful information for the build.I also trawled through the self build motorcaravaners club website for ideas on which van to choose.The manual is well worth its weight in gold as it will make your conversion more simple to complete.

MikeyB

Hello b6x, building your own is a most satisfying "hobby". I've done 3 now, each one on a newer base vehicle, and each one funded by the sale of the last (all part of a big plan, leading to retirement).BUT, there are lots of pitfalls. Some folk get carried away by it all and try to fit everything in to a panel van which ends up so cramped, they're forever falling over each other or moving stuff around all the time. PLANNING is essential. Go to some shows, armed with camera, notebook and tape measure. Join the SBMCC. Read the magazines, send for all the brochures, especially the smaller converters and accessory dealers..Rainbow do a good catalogue. look in the back of MMM. Our greatest belief is that a decent size bed is essential,you're in it for 8/9 hrs a day, and not one of those daft dinette things where one of you has to climb over the other to get out in the middle of the night. Consider also, if there's just 2 of you, do you really need a shower/toilet room. They take up so much room (used poss 10 mins per day) and you have to carry extra water, heat it and carry the waste. We have coped brilliantly with a slide out porta-potti and wet-wipes . If on site, they all have showers anyway. Hope this gives you food for thought, good luck, Mike.

MikeyB

Hello b6x, building your own is a most satisfying "hobby". I've done 3 now, each one on a newer base vehicle, and each one funded by the sale of the last (all part of a big plan, leading to retirement).BUT, there are lots of pitfalls. Some folk get carried away by it all and try to fit everything in to a panel van which ends up so cramped, they're forever falling over each other or moving stuff around all the time. PLANNING is essential. Go to some shows, armed with camera, notebook and tape measure. Join the SBMCC. Read the magazines, send for all the brochures, especially the smaller converters and accessory dealers..Rainbow do a good catalogue. look in the back of MMM. Our greatest belief is that a decent size bed is essential,you're in it for 8/9 hrs a day, and not one of those daft dinette things where one of you has to climb over the other to get out in the middle of the night. Consider also, if there's just 2 of you, do you really need a shower/toilet room. They take up so much room (used poss 10 mins per day) and you have to carry extra water, heat it and carry the waste. We have coped brilliantly with a slide out porta-potti and wet-wipes . If on site, they all have showers anyway. Hope this gives you food for thought, good luck, Mike.