High top roof.

[Doey]

Hi, I'm new to this site and have read most the threads on self builds, which have been very informative.
I have owned a number of motorhomes and caravans over the years, I'm now looking to build my own campervan. My intention is to source a swb Ford Transit minibus with a low roof and tailgate. The reason for wanting this particular vehicle is it is short enough to park in a parking bay, has all the windows in place and a tailgate which I intend to use as part of a rear extension when on site. My intention is to have a high top roof put on but I can't find a company on the south coast that does this kind of work. I have looked at a high top version but they all have double doors at the back.
Sorry for waffling on a bit but does anybody know of a company who could do this work in my area, I live in Worthing West Sussex. Any help would be most appreciated.

Kind regards
Nick.

 

[trevskoda]

Hi if you are doing a self build dont buy a van with widows as ther single glassed and very cold plus condensation.
Better to buy a panel van and fitt seitzs windows and remove the rear door and make a frame to which you could sheet in alloy,i took the rear doors of my iveco and did this adding spare wheel holder and side frames for jerry cans,hope this helps,trev.

 

[hextal]

As above, I'd really suggest against using a minibus. They initially seem like a good idea but are far more problematic.

In terms of the roof, why not just get a high roof van?

 

[CAL]

I agree with trevskoda.
My van is a swb and I had a high top fitted and all the windows are glass.
If I was doing it again I'd have the plastic double glazed windows, much warmer and less condensation.
I would also have a good pop top instead of a high top, I'd just make sure that when it's up there would be enough head room, it's probably slightly more expensive to fit but in the cold winter windy months parked up watching tv or reading/sleeping it would be nice to just drop the roof, less space to heat and as heat rises far easier to warm up and less side wind rocking in exposed places.

 

[n brown]

all good points,and if you're being careful, caravan windows are a lot cheaper

 

[Johnnygm7lsi]

Hi if you are doing a self build dont buy a van with widows as ther single glassed and very cold plus condensation.
Better to buy a panel van and fitt seitzs windows and remove the rear door and make a frame to which you could sheet in alloy,i took the rear doors of my iveco and did this adding spare wheel holder and side frames for jerry cans,hope this helps,trev.

He wants a tailgate door so he can open on site and use as an extention Trev, I think, but defo go double glazed,

Doey, maybe try sourcing a Hitop and getting a local bodyshop to give you a price for fitting

 

[trevskoda]

He wants a tailgate door so he can open on site and use as an extention Trev, I think, but defo go double glazed,

Doey, maybe try sourcing a Hitop and getting a local bodyshop to give you a price for fitting

Think he would e better with a side pull out awning<plenty about> making use of the side door and seal the back but to each there own.

 

[CAL]

I second the side awning, mine has one and it gets used regularly in many places, it only takes seconds to wind out even fully and tie down and I can have the side door open even when its raining, I just make sure of the wind direction, I like to park with the drivers side or head on to any wind where possible.

 

[trevskoda]

I second the side awning, mine has one and it gets used regularly in many places, it only takes seconds to wind out even fully and tie down and I can have the side door open even when its raining, I just make sure of the wind direction, I like to park with the drivers side or head on to any wind where possible.

Dead right cal all down to availability and ease of construction plus common sense.
Trying to make a rear pull out and it would be very slim across and windy draft is a no go in my mind.
I bought a side aun never used for a £100 no brainer i think,but then im a bit tight.:lol-053::camper:

 

[Sparks]

.

 

[karlpe]

I have a self build mini bus and it's fine. I had modern caravan before with dg and to be honest got condensation on the windows in cold weather. I made covers for each window with foil bubble wrap
And makes a lot of difference. Each to there own I guess.:dog:

 

[Doey]

Thanks to all you good people for your advise, it's certainly food for thought. It was very interesting to see your minibus conversion Karlpe, nice job.

 

[listerdiesel]

We also are converting a minibus, and although we are renewing all of the windows, we stayed with single glazing.

We can do all sorts of things in the longer term, but single glazing worked well in the trailer and should be OK in the Mercedes.

Peter

 

[badgerdid]

minibus

I also have a minibus and find its no problem, i think if you were camping in the winter you will get condensation but in the summer months there wasnt any problem at all.
I like the all round views you get from a minibus and those seitz windows were far too expensive for me.

 

[Doey]

Thanks for your further info. The reason for wanting a tailgate is I have designed a fold out rear bed compartment using the tailgate as a roof. My first idea was to use canvas for the sides giving you a solid roof and base. It worked very well on the model I made ( I haven't bought the van yet ) but then I thought, would it be possible to make it out of solid material such as insulated aluminium you find in caravans. After length research on the web I'm convinced it's possible. The only problem I can't get my head round is with the solid sided idea, is making a watertight seal around the door opening. I believe anything is possible if you put your mind to it, if my calculations are correct, I can extend the living space on a SWB Ford Transit by 50%.

Regards
Doey.

 

[badgerdid]

Could you reverse the tailegate? make it drop down instead of up like the traditional tailegate, this would then become your bed base too? if you used canvas it could be fixed around the door opening thus water tight but more importantly draft proof when open, if you see what i mean.

Similar to a folding camper/trailer tent, Just an idea

 

[Doey]

Thanks for your input, the idea is to build a bench seat across the back of the van and have a very high back rest which folds out, creating the bed base and floor. In theory, you open the tailgate (the roof) with the canvas attached, lower the back rest (the floor and bed base) with the canvas also attached, which has adjustable Fold out legs to take the weight.
We are only restricted by our imagination.

Kind regards
Doey.