Some of the best information available about converting vehicles is available for free online – although you do sometimes need to have some understanding of what you are trying to do to start with.

Here are some useful websites I’d particularly recommend:

eBay.co.uk – almost every motorhome part and accessory can be found on eBay – plus loads of second-hand vans, ripe for conversion.

http://www.sbmcc.co.uk – The website of the Self-Build Motor Caravanners Club. Lots of great pictures and helpful people in the forum section.

http://www.unimog.org.uk/mymog- Something a bit different. If you’re interested in creating a serious off-road motorhome or campervan, look here.

http://abusforus.blogspot.com/ – A-Bus-For-Us – self-build van conversion on a budget. Joe completed his conversion for under £500 – including buying the vehicle. Proof that it’s doable with a bit of DIY skill and ingenuity.

http://jon3m.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/- A good self-build diary site with a fairly thorough description (with lots of photos) of the conversion of a long wheelbase Renault Master minibus.

http://vantocampervan.co.uk/ – A very comprehensive and comfortable Transit conversion completed by John, who is a joiner by trade and can also offer van conversion services to anyone else thinking of converting a van in the Havant, Hampshire area.

http://cheaprvliving.com/howtoconvertavan.html – how to convert a panel van or minibus into a comfortable campervan (American, but would work well on European vans, too.)

http://carliving.info- loads of great information and technical advice on living in and adapting motorhomes for long-term use.

http://www.campervanlife.com/ – a good site with user forums and plenty of information relating to van conversions, including details and photos of the site owner’s Mercedes Sprinter conversion.

Useful Suppliers

Here are some suppliers and other useful contact details:

• Outdoor Bits – Huge amount of Motorhome accessories, spare parts and books
  
• Convert Your Van – I have used and would recommend this company
• Sheild Total Insurance – not many companies will insure self-builds – Shield do
• O’Leary’s Motorhomes – self-build parts and accessories (mail order or near Beverley, East Yorkshire)
• Autocraft Motor Caravans – caravan and motorhome parts, ideal for self-builders (mail order or near Chesterfield, Derbyshire)
• JR Leisure – caravans, trailer tents and loads of parts and accessories (several locations)
• Sterling Power – Sterling make high quality 12V & 24V electrical equipment – such as chargers and inverters. I use and can personally recommend Sterling’s 12V battery-battery charger.
• Vehicle Wiring Products – when it comes to automotive wiring, they have everything. Trade counter and excellent mail order service.
• IKEA – all sorts of cheap and useful bits, especially when it comes to storage.
• eBay – for secondhand vans and all the parts and accessories you are likely to need.