The Vivaro has to be my favourite van. Small enough to take everywhere. Quite quick for a van and very comfortable and reliable. You don’t suffer fatigue as much as sitting on the floor in a car.
They get a bad rep as cheap working vans with too many common issues (which they do seem to have) but find a well maintained example... and you're laughing! compared to old rust bucket Transit vans, or sky high mileage T4/T5 vans, these offer great value for a camper conversion 😁
Oh and I use va 25mm x70mm x 170mm pine board for a bedbase vacross the vivaro back wheel arches ,then put real foam mattress ontop and take my home duvet and pillows in a strong bag ,no sleeping bag for me!! Then I have designed also everything sized so can wheel into my van my new Vespa Scooter up my bedboard! and strap down the centre.
Yes, my Vivaro is a great van, did mine in 2016 and it's still going strong. Ours is the same layout, but have a swivel double seat which makes the van much bigger, No second battery, no split charge system, no solar, no need, Changed to the larger main battery when it's life was up and all is well. My £30 cold box only works when the engine runs so no problem, l lose a litre or so of milk each year and that's it, big deal. If I fancy a cold beer I stop and buy one. Vivaro beats VW V4/V5 hands down, better engine, bigger van and much cheaper repairs.
Great video, could you give a rough cost breakdown, since you remember how much all the parts were, I wasn’t quick enough to catch everything you mentioned.
I honestly cannot remember Helen, this was some time ago now, I also recently compleated a VW T5 conversion series on the channel, which goes much deeper into costings which might help. 😁
Love it.. just brought the Nissan Primastar (basically the same van) and want to kit it out into a camper as it basically looks like a bin at the moment.. love what you've done with this interior and have been taking notes lol. Great vid and many thanks 👍🏻👍🏻
Just FYI the green is just bare MDF. I think also that you may have the Veltrim on the wrong way round. A great little van for fishing or something like that tho!
Thanks for the info on the MDF, but the Veltrim is the right way round, the other side is totally different, if I put it the other way around there would be just the carpet backing? the way it was put on means you can brush the carpet, so it is 100% the right way :)
This has to be the best straight up van conversion tour talk through I've watched so far 🤣 Great ideas here easy slap it together get the new owner to customise it. I'm currently looking for a renualt traffic. I agree on the rock and roll bed and sure what's 3 inches 🤣 Off to see your other conversion now and probably will get lost in bike reviews female biker here 👍
I just did a search on eBay for foam, and contacted a company on there with the measurements I needed, they cut them and shipped them out in 48 hours. Just remember to adjust the sizes for how you want them to fit, so if you are placing the foam for the seat first, the next bit (back rest) needs to be a bit smaller, as it will sit on top of the seat section, raising it up a fair bit :)
@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes As you said in the video the companies that professionally cover foam for you with included zips cost a bomb. For my conversion the cost came to £550 for the whole set! It was all very well done but for my latest and second conversion (a vivaro) I want to limit costs everywhere and do a budget conversion and so cover any foam cushions myself. How did you cover the foam with that blue fabric did you or your other half sew it? Did I miss it in the video? I cannot sew unfortunately.
@@chatteyj Hi Ian Essentially what I did was to measure the fabric to fold over the foam at all 4 sides, then cut a section of plywood to be around 3 inches smaller than the foam. Then lay out the fabric, place the ply on top of the foam, fold the fabric up and over the edges of the ply, and staple the fabric to the ply. Also meands it can be changed very easy in the future. Hope that helps, and good luck with the project :)
Nice one mate but thats alot of money and not enough room! Should of done the bed long ways that turns into a seat! Everyone is doing the campers the same way but lose too much room!
I tend to agree Gary, the days of these older "Rock and Roll" beds is gone I think, people expect more room now. And if/when I do my next van conversion, I will trying to actually BUILD the interior to suit my needs, more storage and some more gadgets too. Thanks for your comment :)
Shame it's not insulated, otherwise chuck a solar panel, split charger and a battery in, diesel heater and could live in it all year round. its just restricted to summer day use now.
Hey! Great video! I've subscribed. I am in the market for a Vivaro, but torn as i've heard the older models lack reliability, how is this van holding up now? Do you prefer Ford Custom or alternatives?
I actually do not own the van now, but from what I know it's still going strong. And yes the Vivaro's can have injector issue's, and a few other problems, but as long as you get a good One with decent history, it should last. I did an older Transit on the channel too, but the Transits do tend to suffer with big rust issues!! so the newer model you can afford the better. If I could afford it, I would convert a VW T4/T5 but still very expensive vans. And from what I am told not very comfortable compared to newer Vivaro and Transits. Thanks for your comment :)
I did try to find him again on eBay early this Year, but it seems he is no longer doing these beds, shame as it was a perfect fit, and a great price :)
It did really need a skylight, or at least the rear doors needed some windows putting in the same as I did on my previous build (see my other videos) and I will certainly think about the skylight option in a future project :)
To be honest there are so many time lapse video's out there already of people converting vans, I decided to just show it done. There are carpeting video's all over RUclips now too, and the rest is just bolting things in really.. Happy to answer any questions though :)
I actually didn't on this one! It was designed as a day van, so not really for Winter use, so I didn't see the need to go overboard on insulation. But the latest build on the channel, is a VW T5 which I did everything! So if you get the chance, take a look at that new series of video's 🙂
@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes Cool mate. Just thought I'd ask...and in a way to advise. I've done quite a few in my years.....Inc full blown race trucks when I was racing Motocross. Things like 6 ton Ivecos with workshop at rear. But yeah I'd say any build you gotta have full insulation.... otherwise you lose too much heat...or at least cold/damp/wind chill up thru floor. Even in Summer...in UK. 👍🏼👍🏼🥶🥶🥶😉
It was a SWB van, and from memory the bed was 185cm flat 110cm wide 95cm high There are some pics on my Instagram page if you want to take a look there too hope that helps :)
@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes Thank you for such a prompt reply :) very tidy little conversion! Good, I have been looking if the swb vivaro could achieve this layout, so thank you for showing such...take care. Mike
If you were to buy this van kitted out in the same spec as this One, I would think you would need to budget for around £5000+ If you send me an e-mail via my youtube account, and let me know what links you need, I will send them over :)
Hello mate great work 👍 I'm thinking of converting my vivaro was wandering how you do the electrics? I'm competent at household electric but never messed with a vehicles? Cheers mate
If you can do house electrics, then 12v will be simple for you, at least it won't kill you lol, it's just a case of running a quality (fused) source lead from the main battery to an interior fuse box, and taking additional leads from there to power anything you have in the van, each lead will be fused at the board, or if you are planning on instaling a leisure battery, take the main lead to that via a split charger, and then run a lead from that to the fuse box. Hope that helps a little :)
I bought it from a nice guy in Plymouth who makes them to order. But I'm not certain he still makes them, worth asking him though :) - www.ebay.co.uk/usr/german.klassics
I did have a Transit Van (Ex RAC) which had a bench seat at both sides in the back, which then folded into a bed, but it does make the bed VERY short! gives you a lot more space in the van though generally ;)
"An extra 3 inches in the bedroom department." Quote of the year 🤣😂 Good job though, nice one.
Yeah I did wonder how many people would pick up on that line haha
The Vivaro has to be my favourite van. Small enough to take everywhere. Quite quick for a van and very comfortable and reliable. You don’t suffer fatigue as much as sitting on the floor in a car.
They get a bad rep as cheap working vans with too many common issues (which they do seem to have) but find a well maintained example... and you're laughing! compared to old rust bucket Transit vans, or sky high mileage T4/T5 vans, these offer great value for a camper conversion 😁
@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes my aunt has a vw t4 22 years shes had it
@@hotpointbrownlover3365 Would love to find a T4 or T5 in my budget to convert, they command crazy money even for really rough Ones 😂
@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes I want my aunts vw t4 camper van and thats what I am looking for
@@hotpointbrownlover3365 Me Too 😁
Oh and I use va 25mm x70mm x 170mm pine board for a bedbase vacross the vivaro back wheel arches ,then put real foam mattress ontop and take my home duvet and pillows in a strong bag ,no sleeping bag for me!! Then I have designed also everything sized so can wheel into my van my new Vespa Scooter up my bedboard! and strap down the centre.
Sounds like you got everything you need, and on a very small budget :)
Yes, my Vivaro is a great van, did mine in 2016 and it's still going strong. Ours is the same layout, but have a swivel double seat which makes the van much bigger, No second battery, no split charge system, no solar, no need, Changed to the larger main battery when it's life was up and all is well. My £30 cold box only works when the engine runs so no problem, l lose a litre or so of milk each year and that's it, big deal. If I fancy a cold beer I stop and buy one.
Vivaro beats VW V4/V5 hands down, better engine, bigger van and much cheaper repairs.
Just finished a VW T5 on the channel, and that was much harder to convert in many ways! if you have time check out the VW T5 playlist 😁
Thanks for the video am currently putting a clutch in my 9 seater vivaro bus you have given me some good ideas on how to spruce up the interior
Has anyone told you that you sound identical to simon evans the comedian.
Great video
Thanks (I think) :)
Great video, could you give a rough cost breakdown, since you remember how much all the parts were, I wasn’t quick enough to catch everything you mentioned.
I honestly cannot remember Helen, this was some time ago now, I also recently compleated a VW T5 conversion series on the channel, which goes much deeper into costings which might help. 😁
Love it.. just brought the Nissan Primastar (basically the same van) and want to kit it out into a camper as it basically looks like a bin at the moment.. love what you've done with this interior and have been taking notes lol.
Great vid and many thanks 👍🏻👍🏻
Excellent job. I'm going to do that to my old trafic. I think I'll use bed liner instead of carpet so I can still use it a s a van
Good luck with it 😁
I'm going to start my Vivaro, if it ends up as nice as yours I'll be well chuffed. Thank you.
Hi I pick up mine tomorrow 😀
Looks good mate! I’ve just started mine a week ago... one window to stick in tomorrow then that’s all 4 in 😊
Just FYI the green is just bare MDF. I think also that you may have the Veltrim on the wrong way round. A great little van for fishing or something like that tho!
Thanks for the info on the MDF, but the Veltrim is the right way round, the other side is totally different, if I put it the other way around there would be just the carpet backing? the way it was put on means you can brush the carpet, so it is 100% the right way :)
This has to be the best straight up van conversion tour talk through I've watched so far 🤣 Great ideas here easy slap it together get the new owner to customise it. I'm currently looking for a renualt traffic. I agree on the rock and roll bed and sure what's 3 inches 🤣 Off to see your other conversion now and probably will get lost in bike reviews female biker here 👍
Thanks for your kind words :)
@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes the same as a renault trafic and opel vivaro
@@hotpointbrownlover3365 and the Nissan Primastar too I think 🙃
@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes and the nissan nv 300 too
Looks great , looks like a great project , I'm looking at having a go myself.cheers
Great budget built there.
the same as an opel vivaro
Hi! Great video. I know it’s a few years old now but any recommendations for where to get pre-cut foam for the bed?
I just did a search on eBay for foam, and contacted a company on there with the measurements I needed, they cut them and shipped them out in 48 hours. Just remember to adjust the sizes for how you want them to fit, so if you are placing the foam for the seat first, the next bit (back rest) needs to be a bit smaller, as it will sit on top of the seat section, raising it up a fair bit :)
@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes Great thanks for answering and for the tips!
@@sarahevelyn13 No Problem Sarah. Good luck with your project 😁
@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes As you said in the video the companies that professionally cover foam for you with included zips cost a bomb. For my conversion the cost came to £550 for the whole set! It was all very well done but for my latest and second conversion (a vivaro) I want to limit costs everywhere and do a budget conversion and so cover any foam cushions myself. How did you cover the foam with that blue fabric did you or your other half sew it? Did I miss it in the video? I cannot sew unfortunately.
@@chatteyj Hi Ian
Essentially what I did was to measure the fabric to fold over the foam at all 4 sides, then cut a section of plywood to be around 3 inches smaller than the foam. Then lay out the fabric, place the ply on top of the foam, fold the fabric up and over the edges of the ply, and staple the fabric to the ply. Also meands it can be changed very easy in the future. Hope that helps, and good luck with the project :)
Nice one mate but thats alot of money and not enough room! Should of done the bed long ways that turns into a seat! Everyone is doing the campers the same way but lose too much room!
I tend to agree Gary, the days of these older "Rock and Roll" beds is gone I think, people expect more room now. And if/when I do my next van conversion, I will trying to actually BUILD the interior to suit my needs, more storage and some more gadgets too. Thanks for your comment :)
Good JOB! dx
Thanks :)
Shame it's not insulated, otherwise chuck a solar panel, split charger and a battery in, diesel heater and could live in it all year round. its just restricted to summer day use now.
Fully insulated with Earth Wool behind all the panels. plus sound deadening for good measure 😁
Hey! Great video! I've subscribed. I am in the market for a Vivaro, but torn as i've heard the older models lack reliability, how is this van holding up now? Do you prefer Ford Custom or alternatives?
I actually do not own the van now, but from what I know it's still going strong. And yes the Vivaro's can have injector issue's, and a few other problems, but as long as you get a good One with decent history, it should last. I did an older Transit on the channel too, but the Transits do tend to suffer with big rust issues!! so the newer model you can afford the better. If I could afford it, I would convert a VW T4/T5 but still very expensive vans. And from what I am told not very comfortable compared to newer Vivaro and Transits. Thanks for your comment :)
I’ve seen Vivaros on 240k and they don’t rust like the transits do.
@@recall2880 I've just bought a vivaro 2011, zero rust 97k on the clock, a good find I think.
@@chatteyj Let me know how you get on with it please
Great vid, thanks for sharing. Do you have a link for the guy you bought the bed frame from?
I did try to find him again on eBay early this Year, but it seems he is no longer doing these beds, shame as it was a perfect fit, and a great price :)
Buen vídeo gracias por la información.
Eres muy bienvenida
Great job surprised u didn’t put sky light are ventilation
It did really need a skylight, or at least the rear doors needed some windows putting in the same as I did on my previous build (see my other videos) and I will certainly think about the skylight option in a future project :)
Good video , but would of liked to see you doing the work , not just explaining it ....well done ✅
To be honest there are so many time lapse video's out there already of people converting vans, I decided to just show it done. There are carpeting video's all over RUclips now too, and the rest is just bolting things in really.. Happy to answer any questions though :)
Nice job 👍
How much would this cost to buy rough guideline price rather than converting yourself? Great video
I would think you'll be looking at around £6000 right now 🙂
@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes that including the van?
@@scottdavey9905 yes should be about right. £3000 for the van plus £3000 for the work 😉
Where did you get the cab carpet from please?!
Just a simple eBay purchase 😁
Hope you insulated the floor too😉
I actually didn't on this one! It was designed as a day van, so not really for Winter use, so I didn't see the need to go overboard on insulation. But the latest build on the channel, is a VW T5 which I did everything! So if you get the chance, take a look at that new series of video's 🙂
@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes Cool mate.
Just thought I'd ask...and in a way to advise.
I've done quite a few in my years.....Inc full blown race trucks when I was racing Motocross.
Things like 6 ton Ivecos with workshop at rear.
But yeah I'd say any build you gotta have full insulation.... otherwise you lose too much heat...or at least cold/damp/wind chill up thru floor.
Even in Summer...in UK.
👍🏼👍🏼🥶🥶🥶😉
Was this a Lwb or Swb? Also how long and wide was the bed off the top of your head assuming you no longer have it. Take care :)
It was a SWB van, and from memory the bed was 185cm flat
110cm wide
95cm high
There are some pics on my Instagram page if you want to take a look there too
hope that helps :)
@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes
Thank you for such a prompt reply :) very tidy little conversion! Good, I have been looking if the swb vivaro could achieve this layout, so thank you for showing such...take care. Mike
@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes these were called opel vivaro camper vans in ireland
@@hotpointbrownlover3365 Good to know, cheers 😁
How long did it take to sell?
Not very long really. But thinking of doing another One now, as these are great Winter projects :)
Thank you for the swift reply. I start one next week. Thanks for the information and ideas. A sub from me
Hello could you send me some links and what would this van roughly cost to buy ?
If you were to buy this van kitted out in the same spec as this One, I would think you would need to budget for around £5000+
If you send me an e-mail via my youtube account, and let me know what links you need, I will send them over :)
Hello mate great work 👍 I'm thinking of converting my vivaro was wandering how you do the electrics? I'm competent at household electric but never messed with a vehicles? Cheers mate
If you can do house electrics, then 12v will be simple for you, at least it won't kill you lol, it's just a case of running a quality (fused) source lead from the main battery to an interior fuse box, and taking additional leads from there to power anything you have in the van, each lead will be fused at the board, or if you are planning on instaling a leisure battery, take the main lead to that via a split charger, and then run a lead from that to the fuse box. Hope that helps a little :)
@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes absolute legend cheers mate, literally started stripping it out today so won't be long before I need to run cables 👍
Wind up windows. Wow
Yes,, builders need the exercise ;)
How much would you charge for unite like that one as wife as cancer and I don't have a clue
How much would I charge to do the conversion you mean? or how much does it cost to do yourself?
Annnnnnnnnd..breath! Lol
Great van. Please could you tell me who made the rock and roll bed?
I bought it from a nice guy in Plymouth who makes them to order. But I'm not certain he still makes them, worth asking him though :) - www.ebay.co.uk/usr/german.klassics
bed should be sideways in the back. Trust me.
I did have a Transit Van (Ex RAC) which had a bench seat at both sides in the back, which then folded into a bed, but it does make the bed VERY short! gives you a lot more space in the van though generally ;)
Was this a builders van lol , lip smacking
Hello, I have enjoyed this video but the new camera video and sound is very poor , no where as good as your old one.
Sounds fine to me.
you sure can f--king Talk
Would you prefer I just showed the van and said nothing at all? ;)