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I was planning on buying a LWB Sprinter but after looking at some vans, we think we'd be better off going for a Luton as it's for permanent dwelling and my partner is just over 6 foot.

The information I'd find especially helpful is what's the best way to insulate an aluminium frame? When I planned for the Sprinter panel van, we were going to go for Ecoquilt on the walls and XPS on the floor (unsure about ceiling).

Also, this has to be stealth so we want to cut a hole in the cab? Does this have any MOT implications, and does it then need to be reinforced?

Thanks!

Hi all

I'm currently in the research stage of my conversion of Mercedes Sprinter 311 CDI LWB.

I will need to go in and out of London for the first year due to work and my understanding is that for LEZ compliance, the following has to be true:

If under 3.5 tonnes GVW, the van has to be registered new after Jan 2002
If over 3.5 tonnes GVW, the van has to be registered new after Oct 2006

Now, when I've looked at the Sprinter in mind, the GVW is 3.5 tonnes so presumably, no matter what, I can't possibly load it to more than this weight without it being unsafe to drive regardless - based on that logic, there would be no point in buying a model post Oct 2006 other than the fact that it would probably be more reliable/less mileage.

However, a friend of mine who got screwed with his 2001 van told me that they'll change the rules every couple of years so if I buy a 2006 van now and it's over 3.5 tonnes, next year it will probably be non-compliant as it will be more than 10 years old, but I'm not sure if he's right about that. I can't see anything about upcoming changes other than the 2020 ULEZ.

I can't seem to find out how the 2002 and 2006 cut off dates were reached - Mercedes have told me it's to do with the engine size but didn't actually give me any guidelines as to what to look for in a van to make sure it's compliant. Elsewhere, I've read that it's catalytic converters that make it compliant. Can anyone help?

Thanks

Hi all,

I came across this site a few months back and really enjoyed reading about the numerous van adventures...they tugged at my travelling nerves so I decided to buy the book and have a read through to the point where I'm now seriously considering buying a van this year. I've also had a mooch about the forums.

My partner's sister had zero conversion experience and converted a van last year which she uses for touring with her other half's band and has done a damn good job! I've always been a keen traveller and itching to get back out there again and would love to travel around Europe as I'd also like to build a cob house so a van would be useful for scouring locations.

The biggest thing holding me back right now is the insurance...wtf?! I don't drive so my partner would be the one behind the wheels but whenever I've used insurance comparison sites to get a rough idea to see if this is actually financially feasible, they're coming out at nearly £2K.

These quotes are generally for Ford Transit 2.4 MWB and LWBs that are between 10 and 14 years old. I'm gobsmacked. My partner is 28 and has had his license for about 10 years - I think he may still have points on there from 5 years ago and I'm not sure if he has any no claims bonus, but even when I put on a 6 years NCB and no points, it's still coming out at about £1,500 at absolute best. As I'd need to get my other half to drive and pick a van up, it seems a royal pain in the backside if we have to spent £1,500-2,000 just to keep it in the yard while I spend the best part of the year doing it up.

I read that Mike managed to get his insurance (for a LDV van - not camper van) for £350 when he wasn't old enough to get motorhome insurance...how come so cheap? As I don't drive, I'm not hugely clued up on these things so if anyone knows any tips to get the cost down, I'm all ears. I'm not particularly fixed on a Ford Transit but I only have a vehicle budget of £1,200.

Thanks!