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The Build

A tour of my self-built campervan

I built my home inside a rusty 25 year old LDV Convoy that once sat in a scrap yard. Come in, I'll show you around...

  • BaseLDV Convoy 2003 2.4 diesel engine
  • Power230Ah battery bank with 270W solar
  • HeatPropex space heater and full insulation and ventilation
  • Build time3 months on the living space. 2 months making it run

This van was in a rough shape when I got it. I later discovered it had been written off and sat in a scrapyard before I got it.

After spending 3 months converting the inside, I spent 2 more months getting it to run properly. Since then it’s taken me all over the place, from the Saraha Desert to the Arctic Circle, multiple times! It continues to amaze me.ย 

See this post for the van tour video: VIDEO: Inside my DIY van-home โ€“ full tour

Zone 01

General design

I wanted to build a van that FEELS like a home, rather than the usual campervan. Natural materials, soft edges, warm tones. Fibonacci proportions were used throughout, wherever I got the chance. As well as aesthetics, everything had to be highly functional, intuitive and multi-use where possible. 

Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen worktop and hob.
Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen storage and sink.
Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen mid-build.
Zone 01

Kitchen

Everything need to cook and prepare food. 2 gas hob burners, sink with hot/cold mixer tap, fridge, food and utentils storage. Yeah, missing an oven and grill though.

Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen worktop and hob.
Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen storage and sink.
Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen mid-build.
Zone 01

Bathroom

A fully sealed wetroom with chemical toilet and hot shower โ€“ย very useful when in the city but less useful in nature. The bathroom is also used for storage when I have guests in the van.

Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen worktop and hob.
Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen storage and sink.
Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen mid-build.
Zone 01

Water system

I wanted the water system to be 'hands off', which means no special training needed just to turn the tap on, or to get hot water. It all just works like you'd expect with a domestic mixer tap to control temperature.

Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen worktop and hob.
Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen storage and sink.
Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen mid-build.
Zone 01

Storage

Every bit of space is used and optimised. The biggest storage is under the bed, which can be accessed in 3 different ways: top, front, side.

Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen worktop and hob.
Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen storage and sink.
Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen mid-build.
Zone 01

Sofa bed

The main seating pulls out to form the bed. It's not quite a double but it works for 2 people. There's also a hammock to serve as an emergency bed.

Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen mid-build.
Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen worktop and hob.
Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen storage and sink.
Zone 01

Office

The office at the back has a fold down pine worksurface with computer stand, bench with extending flap for extra comfort, natural light from the large back window, extra monitor, shelves above AND heat on your feet from the propex heater.

Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen worktop and hob.
Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen storage and sink.
Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen mid-build.
Zone 01

Electrical system

Everything I need to live and work in the van, powered by one 270W solar panel. Backup charging is from mains hookup or split charge from the van's engine.

Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen worktop and hob.
Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen storage and sink.
Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen mid-build.
Zone 01

Corrosion protection

Jotun Jotamastic 87/90 for underside protection. Bit Hamber Dynax S50 for cavity protection (body and chassis). Upol Gravitex for stonechip protection (over the top of Jotun).

Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen worktop and hob.
Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen storage and sink.
Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen mid-build.
Zone 01

Mechanics

Although the van is obscure (LDV Convoy), the engine is a Ford (Duratorq 2.4 Diesel), with parts widely available. Overall, the reliability of this van has been incredible. On average it breaks down about once every 2 to 3 years โ€“ just standard things like starter motor, water pump etc. I try to do preventative maintenance whenever possible, learning as I go.

Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen worktop and hob.
Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen storage and sink.
Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen mid-build.
Zone 01

Details

It's the details that make all the difference between a shoddy conversion and a quality one โ€“ In look, feel and longevity.

Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen worktop and hob.
Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen storage and sink.
Placeholder photo of the van's kitchen mid-build.

Full spec sheet

Base vehicle

2003 LDV Convoy 2.4D

Length / height5.5m / 2.75m
Weight (loaded)3.4 tonnes
Solar270W roof-mounted
Battery bank450Ah (Trojan T-105)
InsulationRockwool + foil + foam
Water tank70L fresh / 30L grey
HeatingPropex 1600 space heater
Build time3 months
InverterVictron 300W Pure Sine
FridgeWaeco cdf-35
Solar controllerEpever 3215BN
MPG32 miles per gallon
Chargingsolar, split, mains hookup
Gas 12KG refillable
Roof rackSDV roofracks Galvanised
Water pumpShurflo Trialking 7 30PSI
Water heater7L instant LPG heater
Ventilation1x extractor, 1x passive
Corrosion protectionJotun 87/90 epoxy coating
Sleeps2 - 3 max
Bed size 187 x 117
Living space area3m x 2m
Sound systemBehringer 1c
Sound systemThetford 
ShowerInstant hot water
BathroomWetroom - shower/toilet
van conversion course

Build a Van to Be Proud of

Everything you need to build your dream campervan โ€” electrics, insulation, joinery, design and more.