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Just wish the insurance companies would see it this way. As everyone knows they'll try to find any reason not to pay out if you do need to make a claim. My insurance went from £450 as a bog standard panel van on the V5 to £200 when I converted it to a camper (or motorcaravan as DVLA now class it) on the V5. Oh and i'm 45 full clean licence no claims or anything.

When I get back from Oz in June I need to find insurance that allows me to travel/live full time in the van for Europe/Morocco and accepts self builds. Anybody?

Insurance for full time living/travelling is what I'm looking for too.  I think when the time comes I will approach Adrian flux again as they seem the most helpful! They had no problem insuring my camper as a camper even though the log book still stated that it was a panel van.

On that note, how easy/difficult was it to have your log book amended? Does it change the taxation class of the vehicle also and would it work in the same way if I were to buy a minibus and convert that?

Not sure about the minibus, but vans are dead easy. After I done mine I took about 10 phots of the inside and outside inc number plate, printed them sent them off to swansea with a covering letter requesting change from panel van to motorcaravan and got my new V5 back in about 2 weeks. The requirements were at least one side window, bed/bench, cupboard, table and cooking facilities (not a single burner) They had to be secured but could be removeable. I was also advised to stick some decals on the side as it must look like a "motorcaravan" and not a van with window?!? I was also given a tip to make it up inside like a camper with bedding and nik-naks on display. All worked good for me.

After a couple of months of deep thought and too much time wasting i went for a citroen relay lwb. 12'x6'x6' in the back. The plus points for me was wide enough to fit a 6ft fixed bed across the back doors and the flat(ish) walls (dont curve in too much near the top), oh and they're cheap as chips. It's been pretty reliable and pretty solid bodywork (compared to my work van merc sprinter) Also love the fact the handbrake is tucked down the drivers door so dead easy to walkthrough from cab to back. Next one would be a exlwb L4H2

I've insured my LDV Convoy 2.5TD with Direct Dial, fully comp cover is just £90 for the year. It's coming up for renewal soon so I'll be looking to drive the cost down yet again of course. OK so I'm 48 with a full clean license (of course) and no accidents, points or convictions which helps. 9 years no claims bonus, a shame they don't allow 30 years no claim bonus.

Essentially my van is still just that a van (albeit a minibus) all of the fittings for the wheelchair passengers in transit are just hidden away under my rugs and carpets on the floor and nothing is fixed permanently in place. My furniture is all attached to the wood side panels inside using L shaped stainless steel brackets. It would take me all about 15 minutes at most to switch it back to a minibus. No need to tell the insurance company I've converted the van then.

I like this option because quite often I just feel the urge to make changes to the layout inside, ooh look what a lovely cupboard (in a skip) - I can strip that down, take it back to natural wood, sand it down, polish it up and pop it into that corner to replace that unit lol. It just makes van living more interesting.

I mean a vehicle is a vehicle is a vehicle at the end of the day. It doesn't matter what's inside it. It's got 6 wheels (in my case), brakes, a steering wheel and an engine in it. Whether it is being used as a van or a giant rabbit hutch makes not one iota of difference at the end of the day, a vehicle, whatever vehicle is just made to drive, which is what it was designed for, the risk of driving it on the road are just the same whatever configuration is inside, there is no greater risk to it being used as a van for living in. No need to tell them otherwise.

Just wish the insurance companies would see it this way. As everyone knows they'll try to find any reason not to pay out if you do need to make a claim. My insurance went from £450 as a bog standard panel van on the V5 to £200 when I converted it to a camper (or motorcaravan as DVLA now class it) on the V5. Oh and i'm 45 full clean licence no claims or anything.

When I get back from Oz in June I need to find insurance that allows me to travel/live full time in the van for Europe/Morocco and accepts self builds. Anybody?

There was a superb Merc 814 box 7.5t on ebay recently. It was an TFL incident control room box with built in genny running  240/110/24/12v power heating, hot water, the works. It was quite old H reg so no ecu to go wrong, all mechanical. Only 4000 miles on it. The downside they were asking £12000 for it. But what a great base if money was no object. Would loved to picked it up direct from TFL at the auction.

Hi and welcome aboard.

My thoughts for a budget van to convert you should look at LDV or old favourite ford transits. Some engines are better than others. Probably better to avoid very shoddy examples or ex courier vans. Plenty of looked after old vans around. Minibuses are quite often good value as they tend to be lower mileage. The downside is lots of glass which suits some peeps or you could always panel/paint them over, insulate inside and ply over.

Auctions (BCA or local) can be good for bargains but be careful plenty of rubbish and no test drive or detailed examination.

If your careful you should pick up a half decent example for around a grand.

I'll start the ball rolling. Feel free to add yours

I love tortillas. Last for ever, take up very little room and great as plate liners for a stew, curry or pasta dish. Result very clean plates after your scran. Quick wipe with old newspaper usually does it.....Just got me thinking. Sheet of newspaper then tortilla then your scran. No plates? I'll give it a try and post back

Hello all,
First off thanks for the invite Mike, looking forward to the forum and meeting new friends.
I'm also starting a new chapter in my life. Built my Stormin Norman back in 2011. White van to mother ship. Been all round Scotland and the islands since then even making it from Fife to France.
Anyhow now seperated awaiting divorce and just quit my job currently getting rid of all my furniture and excess belongings and move out of my rented house in 6 days time. A week after that I'm off to oz for a 4 month adventure. Gonna buy a wee van give it a basic fit out and hopefully be on the road by the start of March. My niece and her guy are over there doing the same so gonna catch up and share a few beers and laughs. Hoping to get up as far as the Whitsundays for a swim on the reef. Heading back down to Melbs sell the van and get back here end of June.
I'll then be living in Stormin Norman full time. Catch the summer up in Scotland then follow the swallows south for the winter. Not sure where yet Spain/Portugal/Morocco or even Greece thanks to Mike.
As i said, to be continued.....

Some phots of SN and me
https://plus.google.com/photos/116866147587640977273/albums/5920533720215098449