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New LDV Convoy Owner

Started by KJRConvoy, March 08, 2015, 04:54:40 PM

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KJRConvoy

Hi all, just joined up here. I have been considering a camper conversion for a while, and was thinking along the lines of a Mercedes Vito, but then a 2001 LDV Convoy HiTop became available just down the road from home, and the owner was looking to swap for a car as his had been recently stolen. Luckily, I had a Citroen Xsara Picasso that was needing a new home, so a deal was struck I became the new owner.

The van did have a part conversion to the rear, which consisted of a U shaped seating area at the rear, and the kitchen unit behind the drivers seat. These had not been fitted very well, and as there was no insulation etc fitted, I decided to rip it all out and start again.

My plans 'were' to insulate and ply line the interior, and then fit beds and units to my requirements before putting the van on the road, but last week those plans changed, when I had a car accident, which resulted in my car being written off, so I am now putting the van on the road (MoT on Tuesday), and then start on the conversion.

Conversion wise, I would like to keep the rear doors as the main access as i'm 6ft 4in, and climbing in through the sliding door isn't the easiest. Therefore i'm thinking of having a seating either side, which pulls out to make the bed. I would also like a twin seat at the front, with seatbelts, as well as captain seats in the cab.

The reason for me requiring a camper, is i'm a photographer, specialising in motorsport, so I spend most weekends travelling up and down the country to events. On my free weekends, I explore the countryside dabbling in a bit of landscape photography.

This is my first conversion, and i'm doing a lot of research before starting, looking into layouts, requirements etc.

Camper Van Travels

Hello KJR

We've got a few things in common. Landscape photography. MOT this week, mine is on Wednesday afternoon. Last but not least our height although I'm a smidgen above you at 6' 6" tall.

It's good to see you here. Don't worry about the sloppy steering on your van only that's completely normal. I know you didn't mention it but I just thought I would in case you thought it was a problem with your van - it's not. They're all the same, just one of the quirks of the LDV Convoy van. On the whole though they're good vehicles once you get used to them.

Welcome to the forum. Keep us updated please on how your conversion goes.

Chin chin,


Mark

Tai-chi wanderer

Hi and welcome aboard KJR, Funny how we get smitten by a make of a van, I'm a Biker and it's the same, Honda all the way.

Chip

Quote from: KJRConvoy on March 08, 2015, 04:54:40 PM
Conversion wise, I would like to keep the rear doors as the main access as i'm 6ft 4in,

What's the interior height like? I'm 6'3" and have considered the LDV convoy hitop but wondered if I could stand up straight inside it?

Camper Van Travels

Without any ply lining above your head, just carpet you'll probably be just about OK. 'Just about' being the operative word Chip.

If this worries you, just find the nearest LDV hightop van for sale or go to your local commercial breakers and measure/find out what the height is like inside for yourself. Only that will give you as clear an indication as any if the headroom fits your requirements.

If it's not enough, just whack in an old fashioned caravan roof vent, the bigger the better for where you envisage you'll be doing most of your standing up in the back. That'll be the easiest solution.