The cost of van conversion in UK is between £6000 and £17,000, depending on the type of conversion you’re going for. A self-build campervan conversion costs as low as £700, while a professional conversion cost £35,000.
Then, there are other factors to consider, like the floor type, roof option, furniture, and insulation, which will cause average prices to rise.
Factors Affecting Campervan Conversion Costs
We consulted Johnny Fieldhouse who specialises in bespoke campervan conversion at https://www.escape-campers.co.uk to help us understand what cost involves to convert a van. So in this cost guide we cover factors that affect how much a campervan conversion costs in the UK:
The Base Vehicle
Without a base vehicle, there can be no campervan conversion. So, buying this vehicle will understandably affect your budget for this project since it will take up the bulk of the money involved. The size of this base vehicle, its make, model, and storage capacity affect how cheap or expensive the conversion will be.
Buying a large vehicle means more materials and labour costs, translating to a higher budget and a costly conversion. To cut down the labour cost, mind the type of van you procure. A panel van, for example, is low-priced, but more sophisticated vehicles like the Vauxhall Vivaro will cost you a lot of money. Generally, vehicle models like the Fiat Ducato or Peugeot Boxers are easier to convert — buying from this van family may help reduce total costs.
Building Costs
After buying your base vehicle, the next thing to consider is the amenities, the kitchen unit/living space design, and other fittings that will go into repurposing your campervan. These fittings cost money, and some standard materials like insulation, the water tank, leisure battery, LED lights, kitchen fixtures, and flooring won’t put much of a dent in your pocket.
But luxury fittings like custom cabinets, solar panels, heating system installation, a fancy pop top roof, or electrical system wiring can cause your budget to go up significantly. You can also upgrade your sleeping place with RIB bed which going to cost you £3000.
A regular van conversion with just the basic features can cost around £6000 to £12,000, while a luxury conversion, depending on its specifics, can set you back £20,000 or more.
Tools
If you’re doing a DIY conversion, you will need some tools for the conversion process. These include a drill, screwdrivers, workbench, glue, tape, etc. But you can cut costs by borrowing some of these essentials from friends and family, buying secondhand, or even renting from a hardware store. In a case where you’re hiring a conversion company for the work, the tool cost will be out of the picture.
Labour Costs
Most Campervan conversions require the services of professionals because of their delicate nature. But this is not to say that you cannot do a standard campervan conversion yourself.
Fitting the windows and skylight yourself can help cut labour costs, but things like electrical wiring and insulation are better left to professionals. Doing the simpler tasks can help redirect much-needed funds to the areas that need a professional touch.
Licensing
There are specific city regulations a campervan conversion must follow to avoid incurring fines. These typically include meeting existing safety standards and having the appropriate driver’s license.
Your driving license requirement may change depending on the size of your campervan vehicle. For example, you will need a Category B license to drive a campervan of about 3.5 tonnes or 3,500kg, while a van with a maximum load of more than 7.5 tonnes or 7,500kg will require a Category C license. These licenses range from £200 to £250.
Insurance
Although campervan insurance is not a direct expense, it is vital to consider getting one, especially when buying your base vehicle. Insurance prices vary depending on usage, van life, and other risk factors like theft and damage. For example, if your campervan conversion is intended for private family use, your insurance premium will be lower. But if you plan to rent the converted campervan out, you will need sufficient insurance to cover you and any third-party driver.
It is advisable to discuss these details with your insurance service provider to get an appropriate plan that fits your budget and intended usage.
How Much Does A VW Camper Cost?
Most people looking to convert a campervan in the UK tend to go for a VW Camper because of its space, reliability, and versatility. A VW transporter campervan conversion cost typically ranges between £5000 and £25000. But if you want to sidestep all the conversion stress and buy a brand new ready-made campervan, you will need to have around £65,000 upwards. On the other hand, a used van is much cheaper, with prices ranging from about £35,000 to £50,000.
The average cost of a van conversion in the UK is £6000 to £17,000. Understandably, other factors can influence how cheap or expensive a full conversion of this nature will be. To get an accurate quote that matches your needs, you will need to speak with professionals who render this service.