£700 Micro Camper Van Build UK Start To Finish Step By Step Full Camper Build

camper conversion uk. swb van camper . this is our 2014 ford transit connect campervan conversion. we converted this small van into a fully fledged campervan on a budget. this budget camper has everything from solar power micro camper to a pull out full double bed starting this budget van conversion with a clean out then removing the bulkhead in out swb ford transit connect. we changed her from a 3 seater to a 2 seater. then our micro camper got fully insulated and built. we floored our micro camper , built a budget bed in our mini camper conversion , added all the electrics and solar power into our van conversion and continued building our van conversion with a self built custom unit with free ikea wood and topped it off with a few finishing touches.
still more to do and I'm still debating a window but we are aiming for a full stealth camper van conversion on a budget.
more to come for please subscribe.

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Have you subscribed yet? ;)

[@kris856]

yes sir :)

[@TheSpexxyboy]

Aye bud 🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🙏

[@Mr34LUKE34]

That was an awesome conversation making memories I lived in my van for a year n a half a Vauxhall combo it was not converted and I couldn’t afford to convert as I was paying of bailiff’s I had all my belongings and my work tools I was wet and cold every day I woke up with head aches and back ache but my god I miss living in van so bad good luck

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Good luck for the future bud

[@Rabswood296]

I like your style of presentation and enjoy seeing your progress on the van.

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Thanks a million. She's our pride and joy..

[@vanlee9699]

Excellent video , just bought an older Renault traffic LWB and want to convert it on a budget so your video is so helpful

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Top tip. Just enjoy the process

[@henrycooper3361]

This commentary is class. Entertaining, educating and honest. might not be exactly how I would of done it but really enjoyed the build.

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

To be honest I built this then watched others...realised there's a few things I would do diffrent to haha

[@patrickevans8940]

Great video Done a great job there And with some good laughs

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Thanks a million buddy. Still loads of finishing touches to do and things I could of done better but there not urgent. They can wait until winter

[@RobS32]

Good job 👍

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Cheers rob

[@winflip]

Great vid, you're a legend!

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Cheers. It was a fun project. Still some finishing touches to do

[@jays_metalworks9399]

What’s the material you glued in Ritchie? I’m going to my my little van now watchin this 😂

[@pbarrick03]

Awesome little build.. would you like another 8 cups of coffee 😂😂

[@slightlyfoxed9809]

great video..could you possibly give a breakdown of costs

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

That's a great video idea! Build totalled out at 700 pound but I'm a tight arse so I found loads of bargains haha

[@slightlyfoxed9809]

@@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES I live in Spain and am planning on doing a similar build in a connect over here ..mostly wondering about the cost of your solar/battery/electrical setup costs...from experience for some reason anything electric over here is sodding extortionate..

[@SubToTripleThreatRC]

This is a helluva video! Well done M8. Thumbs up!

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Cheers mate. I don't think a camper is ever complete haha I'm always adding bits to this

[@ellapoole9073]

i REALLY LIKE THE BUILD. hOW DO i CONTACT , OR WHO DO i CONTACT FOR PRICE, OR SALE.

[@barstoolpreacher7851]

Less talkin more doing please

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

That's what she said

[@Matty27]

Its nice to see somebody not spending tons of money on it. Getting cheap things and just cleaning them up. Really enjoyed the build.

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Thanks a bunch Mathew. I love this van. She's taken me to so many epic places. Currently in glencoe

[@James-zk7km]

I would have even kept the maintenance stickers on so it was more stealth

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

That's a really good idea haha

[@stevesmith7530]

Little trick for people watching, or if you do another such project. I use net curtain wire for pulling wires around in confined spaces. Both stiff enough to feed through and flexible enough for tight bends. Feed it through, tape the end of your cable(s) to it, and draw through gently.

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

That's a cracking idea

[@stevesmith7530]

@@vanlivingandmagnetfishing5263 +1 on never leaving potential throwables around.

[@paulreportingliv]

Full camper van??… Where is the washroom where is the toilet where is the shower where is the sink…???

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

I don't need them so I didn't fit them. With my work and how many hours I work . I basically sleep in this while working and shower at work or the gym. When not working I use public facilities

[@paulreportingliv]

Oh, okay. So this is more like a partial van built??..

[@jamieaubre8215]

mate I absolutely love how 'too the point' this is, so much dilly dallying on tutorials, but this is quick and too the point and pure easy to understand. respect and thanks!

[@SH-fc7xp]

WD40 to remove adhesive

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

It didn't do well . Celulose thinner worked the best.

[@malcolmrowe5031]

Looks really good, as an electrician, the lack of fuses ok the wires is very concerning

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

What would you suggest I do to improve? As a sparky I appreciate your knowledge . We are fused on the fuse box and a few incline fuses

[@normiedeathsquad40]

Why are you putting solar power into the leisure battery. That's literally what the alternator is for. I mean I guess if you want to be "green" but it's literally a 2l diesel 😂

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Simple. I don't want to overload the alternator haha plus who can say no to free electric haha

[@maradall]

A word of advice (from hard experience): nail polish remover, or acetone, is a great solvent for many of these sticky substances - but it is also a solvent for car paint! It takes a bit to substantially dissolve hardened paint - but it definitely is not good for your paint. 😁

[@kirstontozer-goaspirit61]

Great job the only thing I would have done differently was put grommets in the roof where solar panels wire comes into van as the metal could cut through the wire...

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

I never even thought of that. The roof box has come off now and I'm tempted to get the roof rack off with a flat panal so I can always change that. Thanks for the advice

[@catherineferguson7388]

Great job mate, I have a ford connect high top as my camper van, I have a Jackery and solar power kit for my electric, I love my little van, it’s so cosy, thanks mate.

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

There great vans for converting and look really stylish. I would appreciate the taller roof in mine though haha

[@annewhistleketle6350]

Realy the first time i saw you, but.. is your commentary based on the voice of the sperm whale out of the movie the hitchikers guide? Sounds exactly the same! :)

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Dammit now I'm going to have to download that film and watch it hahaha

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

“I think I’ll call it ‘ground’…I wonder if it will be friendly?”

[@expatbiker6598]

Jack of all trade, a master in life. Commentary top notch, ingenuity in problem solving 5 star. Great job mate.

[@ScottsInverts]

Here we go , I was checking out your other channel northern exotics!! Great reptile content

[@sagal33y]

Loved this vid soo much! Very informative I can’t wait to use your vid to guide me to build my camper 🥰🥰.

[@thebigpupster]

got to ask, coz im looking for a small van to covert! and was looking at one of these vans....hows the bed length wise? one i went to view i debated coz i didnt think it was gonna be long enough for a bed?

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Let's put it this way I'm 6ft 2. This van lasted me 8 months then I needed a bigger one haha tomorrow I pick up my bigger one. This was a swb. A 6ft bed can fit in a lwb

[@thebigpupster]

@@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES cheers mate

[@roaming-aus]

Great vid but your selfie camera being flipped was doing my head in. Go into the camera settings and flip it back. Cheers

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

I didn't even know that was a thing! Checking it out now. Thanks a million

[@knolez1546]

I got my van at 280000km. Within 10000km I had to replace a lot of front end parts. I've had 3 breakdowns and had to fix it on the side of the road each time. She runs well now with 310000km. The EGR was buggered too and I'm not buying a new one. I just unplugged the electric connection

[@ItsHilinsDiary]

The car is around 8 years old when you bought it! You weren’t too bothered? I think if I would do it I’d get a newer one because I’m not much of a mechanic

[@vaillantcencini]

Sur le certificat d'immatriculation il est mentionné 3 places. Après la modification il n'y a plus que 2 places. Cela ne pose pas de problème pour le contrôle ?

[@igvc1876]

With a small enclosed space, the vapor barrier is not needed - it makes condensation worse. In a house, a vapor barrier keeps moisture from coming in, but in an enclosed space, you generate more moisture just by breathing than there would be outside - so the vapor barrier keeps it in.

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Wise words my friend

[@WilliamBallaugh-o4c]

THE GAPS IN THAT BED !!! YOU'LL BE AWAKE ALL NIGHT, SAGGING INTO THEM- WHY NOT HAVE SLATS WITH PIANO HINGES FILLING THEM ??? 🤯🤯🤯👍👍👍

[@riaansnyman8747]

Love your videos pal , I’m planning to get the same type of size van … then the adventure will begin upgrading it … keep making them videos … also , maybe mention things about camping or insurance… what you find helpful … cheers again

[@BoCaRdrecovery]

Put the jack under your front seat ☺️ also the black square at the back is for your spare wheel love this build

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Thanks a million

[@stulazonby3523]

Not the most informative van build video I've seen, but man, do I love your enthusiasm and energy! Keep up the good work.

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Cheers bro

[@bumblebee-mygt867]

Have you any plans that you could make available. I would like to do a conversion like yours but need rhe plans. Diy isn't my thing. Thanks

[@platypushatstand]

Take a look at Greg Virgoe’s channel about the conversion of his Sprinter, very knowledgeable guy (he’s a mechanical design engineer by trade) and does easy to follow tutorials about electrics, plumbing and insulation (including why you need a moisture vapour barrier).

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

I'll check it out. Thanks a million

[@allanb52]

Why such a small van, we have a Vivaro and it drives so nicely, we now have a great sized van for our adventures? It would save you ton of work, with much more scope.

[@smokeshow1984]

Painting over rust is the worst thing you can do, All that happens now is that you will have a rust hole in a couple years. if you had just left it alone and regularly wash it, it wouldn't change much. When you paint rust it traps water and the rust has nowhere to go except deeper into the metal. Anytime you fix paint chips it is best to sand off the rust and put a anti rust primer then paint... personally I'd just leave it and spray wd40 on it occasionally.

[@sallyfish9133]

Hi, I’m in the middle of converting my connect LWB and have been told (including by Ford) that I can’t replace my two seats with one…that the single seat wouldn’t fit in to the double seat fittings. I’m amazed and super happy to see you have managed it!

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Here is the detailed video about how I did it. Top tip is leave the centre seatbelt in place under the floor. Don't disconnect it because it'll throw an airbag light on the dash . If your in a newer van then the double seat may have airbags in them so it may throw a light on dash. Take it to ford and they will plug in the computer to the van and take the light away so it'll pass the mot kzbin.info/www/bejne/foaTeGiipcybm5Y

[@jason-ub8qz]

please buy a wide lenses camera and a stand so we can see the dam thing

[@adamlock9305]

Great video!! Thanks fella :) any kit list for the stuff you used??

[@johnw65]

great ideas! I've 'camped' in my Scion XD many times but have never built into it like you have.

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

I think I went over the top with the insulation lol it's a bit warm at the moment haha

[@traceythompson6817]

I didn’t even know that bonnet guards were a thing! Smart AND functional! I’ll be popping one on my Berlingo!

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

I stumbled across it and was unsure when I first put it on but I'm loving it now. Except it did its job bouncing a sone off it but it deflected on my windscreen now its cracked :(

[@traceythompson6817]

@@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES Oh no!! Just what you DIDNT need it to do. Ouch. :(

[@kwong6884]

When wood is as expensive as it is right now. The IKEA hack is such a good idea!

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

I was gutted that I found out about it near the end of the build hahaha

[@brianjohnston3707]

Good content but by 25 mins in I was feeling sick with all that camera movement 🤮

[@jimbo12345abc]

Great build 👍 I’m just under 6ft2, would the bed length in these be ok?

[@snacklofter]

Superb! I predict your channel is going to explode with new subs after this! 👍👍👍

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Fingers crossed :)

[@dentray]

33:50 did you buy 2 service vans?

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Just the one haha

[@belindamoles9192]

Wow that's well cool, you've both worked hard on indivana Jones and it's paid off.

[@CoffeeFuelledAdventures]

Love what you've done with your camper conversation, amazing how much you cN do in a small space!

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

I was shocked with what I could fit in there without it looking to cluttered

[@R53Maffs]

Tell me you have ADHD.. Without telling me you have ADHD 😂 im knackered after listening to that narration!

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

How did you know ;)

[@ketmateo]

Great video, I never have the patience to film the things I'm doing (I barely have the patience to do the task that I need to do!) FYI for the future, and for others, the 12v 4 way socket that you fit to the melamine board can just be done using a hole saw in which you cut out just enough for the 12v sockets to fit through and the nut can then be tightened up behind the melamine board to hold them in position (that's why they have so much thread on them). This is easier and gives the backing plate more support (that way, when you remove plugs from it, the force is being transferred to the back of the melamine board rather than the flimsy plastic backing plate. The easiest way to fit them is to fit the backing plate first and use the holes in it as a guide to start a hole saw through the back board.

[@JayStorms]

Absolutely enjoyed watching from beginning to end!!! You should do more video's like this love it!

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Thanks a million. I'm down in Norfolk at the moment filming so I'll try and add a style like this

[@d.m.splumbingcare9486]

I’ve got a Ford Grand Tourneo Connect that I want to convert it. Are you in uk?

[@jasmijnariel]

Yeah electronics is a pain in the butt sometimes... i feel you

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Got it all sorted in the end . I think I may add a few more fuses though

[@robertfoster1151]

Couple of times, the van looked LHD. (20min 50sec) Looked like you were working on two vans. Do I need to go to Specsavers?

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

That was because of creative camrea angles haha

[@scrumptious9673]

What do you do for fire safety

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Fire extinguishers and a fire blanket

[@jasonga]

So….. how many mpg does it do after conversion??? My Caddy van LOST about 11 mpg!!!!!

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

To be honest only 6 lost but I also dropped on new tires and a service

[@vanplanman]

Nice guide. Way more detail than our micro camper build. Will have to take note for our next project!

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

See now I think this video is to long. I have all the footage still so I might upload another much shorter video of the same build

[@vanplanman]

@@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES nah.... Nothing is too long if it holds the audience.... Well maybe lord of the rings directors uncut edition. They should have learnt when to say enough.

[@decisionsdecisions8906]

Nice video mate well put together nice to see your not perfect just a genuine guy making something special to create memories in well done hope you have some good camping in it take care

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

We're spending the weekend in the lakes. That should be fun. Thanks for the complements

[@decisionsdecisions8906]

NORTHERN EXOTICS TWO your welcome hope you have a lovely time

[@erikscotmanie9652]

Decent build guys 👍 functionality- there’s definitely way more involved too make these small but medium sized vans usable ie with a fine decent living space we a little bit off warmth added in & I will say do beware off water getting in throw ur door locks on doors or say hinges ... have a 2012 tc low roof myself does me fine & dog - am doing extra adjustments at the moment & re thinking contemplating 😆 should be fine after these small tweeks ... a bit too much for me with all those roof light 💡 am using just torches little led battery lights as I like to have my lights in the up right - up light direction but all have options too move them about or pointing them and same lights be used for outsides also - well done thou definitely planning involved- how u get on re insurance process...happy journeys so fine too travel freely when it’s possible to get away from the norm ... this van all do u fine everything’s there ... all add mine only set up for 2-3 days away as why am doing extra planning for a longer trip away re extras required 👍...

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

I'd not thought about the water getting in. I'll have to keep an eye on that. Thanks for that heads up. I tried to re insure it but the insurance just classed all the inside mods as van racking with no increase. If I add a window I'll have to update them again though. I will say it is a little to hot in there at the minute. I'm still out living the dream in her. I had to add a few creature comforts for her indoors when she stays out with me. I'd be happy to use a torch tbf hahaha

[@erikscotmanie9652]

@@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES aye min those ins company’s can be a pain as re checking mine tc van in its way cheaper leaving it as a plain basic van outside - mine be re ins re extra added - roof rack- tow bar- and ie interior upholstery upgrades - as really everything else u will be traveling with will all be allowed in the van anyways as say everything else u will be traveling with all can be purchased from shops and driven about - ie re the water getting in will definitely get in those door hinges & locks even door handles .... there’s a very good reason why there small drain holes 🕳 in the bottom off the doors- and all say if there any issues with ur door locks then it probably the insulation getting stuck a bit in the mechanisms .... enjoy that views and smells where ur traveling about ... definitely need window deflectors - and all advise u that u can get battery operated small fans that can suck the air in throw the side windows and circulates air way better .....

[@tomasaraya-larrain1324]

What is the insulation/sound deadening did you use? The long roll you had

[@quaaludes7898]

indi van a jones 😂😂

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Maye I've just got a drone. Thinking of naming that indiana drone haha

[@daleflaherty]

How did you get it done for £700? How much were all the bits? Where did you get the carpet from ect? Why didn't you fit cooker, water ect?

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

I'll make my next video about the price breakdown. I'm a bargin hunter for sure lol

[@Juanfran90s]

The cam moves too much.. tide! Great work, but..

[@TheSpexxyboy]

absolutely beltin video! out all conversation vids this is 100% best 👌 editing brill mate 🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🙏

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Ahh mate thanks a million. Really appreciate it

[@cchimozmin]

Awesome. Connect the fuse box directly to the battery- not from the charge controller. Also really need a battery isolator from the positive of the battery to kill all the power. Great job 😊

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

If I connect it from the charge control unit like the instructions said then I get to see what my usage is compared to my intake voltage. That's why I did it that way.

[@cchimozmin]

@@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES Good point, well made. You may be limited buy the current the charge controller can “give “ from that output that’s all, but if you’ve had no problems, then carry on sir 😊. I know you probably know all this so I apologise if if teaching my grandmother to suck eggs but do make sure the cables are fat enough to carry the current they need. Otherwise you’re cables become the fuses!! 😂😂 How has the solar been? Has it been keeping the battery sufficiently charged for your usage? Best real-world conversation on KZbin. Well done 😊

[@kris856]

0:40 I would definitevely leave it on the car.

[@_toepick]

Nice Video! I’ve converted this exact model myself but have since come across a problem that the BCM powers up every time you open up a door and drains the battery!! Have you got a solution? Big problem if you want to leave the doors open through the night..

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

I never thought of that being a problem. I've not experienced it yet . I k ow when I open the doors the approach lights come in but I turn them off but turning main beam on and off then it all shuts down. Maybe that'll help

[@thatguy7085]

I would have left the safety stripes on.

[@barredfrompup]

Is this a standard size connect? Or is it a longer one?

[@Lostsome]

Upvc cleaner takes glue straight off mate

[@gillbawden]

Where did you get the roof rack please?

[@anthonyjonas6236]

You should change your channel to in theory.

[@craftymulligar]

Stone chips may mean highway miles.

[@DonnyUtton]

Well done on the views for this one fella

[@dazallen3324]

Stumbled across your video, Brilliant, thanks for the great informative vid. where did you get all your electrical parts from please? Keep up the great work.

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Thanks a million daz

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Mainly ebay and facebook

[@epj900]

Painted straight over the rust!!🤣🤣

[@smooth111012]

I was thinking, if you say remove passenger seat and convert a car or van is it ok with mot and insurance?, should be I think

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Depends on the safety bits. Like I converted from a 3 seater to a 2 seater because I couldn't secure the 3rd seatbelt. Insurance wise this is classed as van racking. If I add a window it'll be a van with a window. So I just declare it with insurance company

[@smooth111012]

@@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES yes as long as the car engine and emissions not touched etc that’s all they care about and safety etc. I was wondering what they would make if the passenger seat was removed. Nothing would be altered structural and safety wise

[@forgottenknowledge8917]

My VW Caddy is a similar size. I built a camping box/kitchen that slides in and out. I didn't want to attach anything to van so I used the plywood flooring I made to attach things to

[@rhiannonmorrissey9275]

Great job so far... And very entertaining.. I've learnt so much... Thank you.. Looking forward to the next video.

[@Flamunio]

No way that conversion only cost £700

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

I love finding bargains. The solar system was only 300

[@icantfindausernamehe]

How much is the insurance ?

[@sasman63]

Awesome Job. Kudos to you. Good knowledge and you've made the process easy for a donkey like me to understand. Happy camping!

[@btbcc12859]

The LeD lights.. Picasso

[@JustinCase1021]

This is an excellent video. Funny and fun. subbed

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Welcome to the family Justin. We're glad to have you here

[@forgottenknowledge8917]

Also, if you in the southern hemisphere you might not need insulation. I used the silver foil stuff only because the climate in Australia is pretty good.

[@TariAkpodiete]

this guy is hilarious! and he should be happy that someone likes to clean.

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

She loved to clean during the process but hates when we're out and I have to kick her out for 10 mins while I clean inside haha micro camper life is full cleaning daily haha

[@mjbbell]

Your loosing space behind the seats, there should be a false floor behind them where the rear seats would have been.

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

It's only a few inches deep I'm a swb so I just packed it with insulation

[@mjbbell]

I have the lwb there is enough room to possibly fit a battery, I got my have to use as a weekend day van for going off with the mountain bike with. I got a boat hatch and fitted it to the floor so I now have extra storage 🙂

[@karaford9628]

You did a fantastic job on your van well done. My dream of my own camper van conversion is on the cards I have a vauxhall combo and watching your videos will attempt to follow my dream Thank you

[@steveh9229]

Thanks for showing this. Nice build & I hope you get to enjoy it buddy 👍🏻

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Mate I'll tell you what. I'm loving this. She's rough around the edges in places but I'm loving life in her

[@theoldhobbit3640]

Wow, your enthusiasm and energy is quite refreshing. I am fast approaching retirement and will maybe think about a conversation of a little secondhand van, if prices come down a bit, and this video will help me no end. I hope you and your partner have had some great overnighters in it......

[@johnr9126]

An inverter would be ideal if you need more power to run a TV or kettle

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

I've got a little one incase I need it. It's been stored in the van and never used haha

[@bustersbashers2280]

Awesome vid mate, great info and idea’s. Thanks 🙏🏻

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Thanks for watching buddy

[@briansutherland9457]

Very nice lovely little van great job 😉 😊

[@iNDI_VAN_A_JONES]

Aww thanks a million buddy. I really appreciate it