Jump to content

Van Converters


Oor Wullie

Recommended Posts

Nu Venture Motorhomes at Wigan should be a good 'on paper' bet, as much as anything because the wide range of motorhomes they produce is much more extensive than that of the average panel-van converter. Any small UK company prepared to enter the coachbuilt motorhome arena will need to be confident of the quality of its products. (Review of "Nu Surf SD" model in MMM April 2012, page 160). The fact that they've converted Sprinters in the past is another plus.

 

http://www.nuventure.co.uk/

 

Regarding Dometic "HEKI" rooflights, these come in various sizes, versions and styles:

 

http://www.dometic.com/enie/International/Site/Caravan/Rooflights/

 

The large HEKI rooflight is designated 1, 2, 3 or 4. HEKI 1 has multi-way opening, but it's heavy and expensive. HEKI 2 (although often fitted to motorhome because it's relatively cheap) is designed primarily for caravans. HEKI 3 or 4 would be the best choice for a motorhome if the objective was to let a lot of light/air into the vehicle. Midi-HEKI offers a good compromise if it's technically difficult to install a 'full size' rooflight. Mini-HEKIs are available in 3 versions - HEKIplus (front hinged) or HEKI-S or AirQuad (multi-way opening).

 

HEKI are not the only leisure-vehicle rooflights (see link below) though they are almost certainly the most commonly used and probably the easiest to get spares for.

 

http://www.leisureshopdirect.com/caravan/ventilation/Remis_Rooflights_and_Spare_Parts.aspx

 

Leisure-vehicle rooflights are double-glazed and (as Colin says) can be obtained with built-in 'permanent' ventilation. A motorhome needs ventilation at low and high levels, otherwise the atmosphere in the vehicle's living area will rapidly become fuggy. Even if you do decide to have a car-type sunroof fitted, you'll still need some high level ventilation to provoke air movement within the vehicle when it's stationary.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

jonsea - 2012-05-13 1:26 PM

 

olearys are not converts but they know a few people who are .www.olearymotohomes.co.uk

hope it helps john

 

O'Leary's are still converting Vans.

If you look on their website "Motorhomes for Sale" & scroll down, there are a "new conversion by us" on a Ducato "SOLD" & an Iveco "RECENTLY CONVERTED" Photo's should give an indication of what they do.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi and Good Luck with your hunt, it is unfortunate that whoever you choose you’ll have a long trip to check things out.

We got a Bilbo van a few years ago, great van, but wouldn’t travel that far again [about 300 miles at the time]

We did have car type sun roofs fitted and found them to be excellent, neater, easier to use BUT you must have a screen fitted to block insects and occasionally direct sunlight. Did not leak nor did they suffer from condensation and could leave them open at all times.

Wouldn’t go back to a Heki. Probably essential for big coach built types – but not for a van conversion – totally different animal

Found side lights in the roof to be the most efficient way of adding ventilation, can leave them open a little [NOTE - a little} when travelling and keep out unwanted intruders – eg most insects, people, rain.

We did briefly look at Devon – County Durham – but found them unwilling to consider even a minor amendment to their set vans, wouldn’t therefore think they’re likely to be flexible in the case of a one off. Subsequently met a joiner who worked for them in the past – his comments did nothing to change our first impressions.

We now have a VW T5- beautifully and helpfully converted by Hillside Leisure in Derby, convenient for the M1 – but a long haul for you. A family firm who specialise in Toyotas and VWs. Don’t know if they can help but you can contact them

http://www.hillsideleisure.co.uk/contact.asp Tel: 01332 207 976

 

B-)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...