How to Convert Volkswagen Bus or Van to Camper

by Lindsay Porter

Overview

This volume contains detailed, step-by-step instructions for converting a VW Transporter van or bus to a Camper. It gives advice on how to choose the best van for your needs and prepare it - how to plan the layout and choose fittings, how to fit an elevating roof, how to cut panels and fit utilities.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781903706459
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing
Publication date:	08/27/2004
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	8.25(w) x 10.75(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Lindsay Porter has written more than 50 how-to books and well over 1000 practical articles for magazines on motoring, caravanning and other subjects. His first piece of professional writing was in 1979, for DIY (Do It Yourself) Magazine, explaining how he and wife Shan built and extended their own country cottage - the cottage they still live in today. Even then, their house was designed (by Lindsay) and built to the highest standards of insulation and sustainability.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Wheelspin, Summer 2008
The magazine of the London & Thames Valley VW Club, UK
 
As some of you may know we brought a T4 panel van to convert into a camper which was hard work not knowing what would work. If only I had this book before I started.  If anyone is thinking of converting a T25/T4/T5 van then this is a must-have book, 'How to Convert Volkswagen Bus or Van to Camper'. It's a bit like a Haynes manual with step-by-step descriptions and pictures. It's a must-have in my opinion.  It covers all aspects from start to finish on every detail you might need. Starting by giving you advice on what to buy and what to look out for. Then step-by-step details starting with the exterior of the van, including removal of a bulk head, cutting the windows in, even doing a roof conversion. Followed by interior work like installing seat belts and ply lining. It shows different layouts, how to build the units and installing a rock-and-roll bed.  Also covered are fitting of services electric hook up, gas connections and water for the sink. Even how to fit blinds to the windows.  For me chapter 6 is the most interesting, showing how to fit all the extras, including parking sensors for the ladies; a tow bar; the electrics; dash trim and basic stuff like applying any decals make your van stand out. Also important information about choosing alloy wheels and the correct load rated tires. I also like the details on color coding bumpers, mirrors and window tinting as this can be expensive. There's even a section on installing heated seats and a webasto diesel heater for those cold nights away.  If only I had this info when I did mine, it would have saved me a lot of time thinking, head scratching, swearing and better still, money.
If you want to convert a T5, at £34.99 (before Club discount), it would be money well spent. I give this book 10/10. Published by Veloce Books.  Just need a T5; now to put it into practice.

Editorial Reviews

Wheelspin, Summer 2008
The magazine of the London & Thames Valley VW Club, UK

As some of you may know we brought a T4 panel van to convert into a camper which was hard work not knowing what would work. If only I had this book before I started.If anyone is thinking of converting a T25/T4/T5 van then this is a must-have book, 'How to Convert Volkswagen Bus or Van to Camper'. It's a bit like a Haynes manual with step-by-step descriptions and pictures. It's a must-have in my opinion.It covers all aspects from start to finish on every detail you might need. Starting by giving you advice on what to buy and what to look out for. Then step-by-step details starting with the exterior of the van, including removal of a bulk head, cutting the windows in, even doing a roof conversion. Followed by interior work like installing seat belts and ply lining. It shows different layouts, how to build the units and installing a rock-and-roll bed.Also covered are fitting of services electric hook up, gas connections and water for the sink. Even how to fit blinds to the windows.For me chapter 6 is the most interesting, showing how to fit all the extras, including parking sensors for the ladies; a tow bar; the electrics; dash trim and basic stuff like applying any decals make your van stand out. Also important information about choosing alloy wheels and the correct load rated tires. I also like the details on color coding bumpers, mirrors and window tinting as this can be expensive. There's even a section on installing heated seats and a webasto diesel heater for those cold nights away.If only I had this info when I did mine, it would have saved me a lot of time thinking, head scratching, swearing and better still, money.
If you want to convert a T5, at £34.99 (before Club discount), it would be money well spent. I give this book 10/10. Published by Veloce Books. Just need a T5; now to put it into practice.

From the Publisher