Work van/camper.. does it work?

[Tommy Start]

Hi all,

I'm an electrician and currently own a T6 panel van SWB. I have two children (10 and 8), and I'm thinking of converting the van so I can work out of it still. Looking to to get a pop top and a full width rib bed. Idea being that my tools will go in the middle and then take them out and replace for camping gear for the weekend. Has anyone done this and able to shed some light of the practicality of it day to day...

Thanks,

Tommy

 

[Deaky]

That's what I do. Tools in the back on a slide out tray then put the bed down and lay my stuff on top of it

 

[david173]

Hi and welcome,

Appreciate its not about the RIB as you asked but have you thought about an OVANO at all? lots of people use this option for a camper/work van?

VW Conversions, VW Camper Van Conversions - Ovano

Discover top-tier VW Conversions with Ovano Switch—ideal for work and wilderness. Durable, stylish, and built for your Volkswagen Transporter

ovano.co.uk

 

[MarkW-T6]

Electrician, before finishing mainly test & inspection, remedial and small jobs so no need to carry loads of gear. Van converted with RIB 112cm which leaves enough room for tool and parts storage at the rear. If needed, conduit etc on top of the unit, room for boxes in front of the seat.
Just be aware the RIB seat is quite high so small kids legs won’t touch the floor when sitting and the bed is very firm, we have quite a thick mattress topper for it.

 

[Tommy Start]

That's what I do. Tools in the back on a slide out tray then put the bed down and lay my stuff on top of it

View attachment 226941

View attachment 226942

Thanks Deaky

 

[Tommy Start]

Hi and welcome,

Appreciate its not about the RIB as you asked but have you thought about an OVANO at all? lots of people use this option for a camper/work van?

VW Conversions, VW Camper Van Conversions - Ovano

Discover top-tier VW Conversions with Ovano Switch—ideal for work and wilderness. Durable, stylish, and built for your Volkswagen Transporter

ovano.co.uk

Thanks David173 I'll check these out

 

[Tommy Start]

Electrician, before finishing mainly test & inspection, remedial and small jobs so no need to carry loads of gear. Van converted with RIB 112cm which leaves enough room for tool and parts storage at the rear. If needed, conduit etc on top of the unit, room for boxes in front of the seat.
Just be aware the RIB seat is quite high so small kids legs won’t touch the floor when sitting and the bed is very firm, we have quite a thick mattress topper for it.

View attachment 227005View attachment 227006

Thanks MarkW-T6, that's good to see the space in the back of the van.. I have a similar about of boxes as that. I have a set of 6 tread fibreglass steps though so not sure where I'd put them? If I got the pop top maybe I could get roof rails and put them on top of that with a pipe tube also.

 

[louflower]

That's what I do. Tools in the back on a slide out tray then put the bed down and lay my stuff on top of it

View attachment 226941

View attachment 226942

Where is this bed frame from and slide tray please

 

[gilesjuk]

With a van fitted with certain rail systems you can remove the rib bed easily. If you have the kitchen units and other bits removable and not permanently fixed (but secured well during transport) then your van will still be classified as a van for insurance reasons that just happened to be carrying a kitchen and a bed, rather than a camper van with all the modifications that will cost way more.

 

[cossie]

Ovano narrow or Cadco would be perfect.
Also take a look at the cullin from the Plyguys

 

[Salty Spuds]

Just as an aside to this Chaps, if you're carrying commercial goods in your Campervan it voids the definition of "Motor Caravan," & you are now back to commercial van speed limits. Just something to bear in mind.

 

[bobbybasic]

Nice idea

 

[bobbybasic]

More details in this one: