Camper Van Conversion from start to finish, with Vantage Motorhomes

For more details about Vantage Motorhomes, please check out their website at www.vantagemot...
Why are camper vans so expensive? Many viewers have commented that Van Conversions (Camper Vans) can command high prices, when it appears to the untrained eye that all a converter does is take a £20k van and plonk in a couple of windows, a sink and a sofa.
Actually, when you look at what goes into one, you'll see that camper vans are not that expensive after all - for what you get.
How DO you convert a van into a camper van?
Premium Van Convertor Vantage Motorhomes invited us along to their factory in Leeds, Yorkshire, to see how a camper van is made from start to finish. Vantage vans are ideal for those wanting all the comfort of a coachbuilt motorhome, with the small size advantages of a camper van. They are the perfect van when wishing to downsize from a motorhome.
When you see what goes into one, you'll see that their vans are some of the best value camper vans on the market in the UK.
00:59 We start off with a brand new Fiat Ducato Van, fresh off the transporter.
1:11 First stage is chassis prep. It's here the floor is fitted, the windows are cut out the side and roof of the van, and the electrical wiring is installed. All the van is insulated at this stage.
3:14 Next stage is 'tanking'. The entry step, insulated water tanks, and standard fit gas tank are fitted here.
4:03 Now we go through to the wood working shop, where a CNC Router takes care of cutting out all the pieces of the furniture, which is then carefully assembled by skilled cabinet makers.
6:12 Once the furniture is made, it goes out to the main workshop where it's installed in the van.
7:48 Finally, the van goes into the PDI area for the final touches to be added, and the whole thing is then scrutinised against an exhaustive checklist.
A huge THANK YOU to Vantage Motorhomes of Leeds for sponsoring this video without influencing the content, and allowing full and open access to their factory.
Music tracks used are:
Maasai by Cameron MacKay
Vuelta al Sol by Tomas Novoa
Carmen by Esteban Maxera Cuarteto
Good to be Alive by John Coggins
Available through Artlist.
Get two months Artlist FREE using this affiliate link:
artlist.io/And...

[@williamdonnelly2705]

Hi Andrew, I've had my Vantage Sol for three years now. I love it and have had very little by way of problems with it. Both the company and the product are top quality. The U-shape lounge layout is fantastic and really suited to our UK weather. Looking forward to your review of the Neo. By the way no problems storing the bedding under the seat adjacent to the Kitchen, Lots of storage available, I could go on.... cheers.. Get in touch the next time you are passing and I'll get Caroline to bake you cake ;>)

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Willie! I thought you'd be chipping in soon :) Glad to hear all is well with your Vantage Sol. I'll have to let you know next time I'm driving down... although tell Caroline it has to be low-sugar now - it's a migraine thing! All the best.

[@sarahjones8608]

There's a lot of good craftsmanship going into these vans. Doogle you're lovely ❤

[@lindaborland5606]

We have had a Vantage Neo for 2 years. It is our 3rd motorhome but first panel van conversion. It is a quality build and is very reliable. Vantage are an excellent company to deal with and should you need to speak to them about something to do with your van it is never a problem and you are speaking directly to the people who actually built your van. We would not go back to coachbuilt vans again. Thoroughly enjoyed your Video and loved the chance to see how they are built.

[@andrewjditton]

Always good to hear from the end user Linda. I’ll need your input next week as I’m curious to know how you fit the bedding in the rear locker in a Neo. I’m sure it can be done - just curious how. (It’s already filmed so hang fire till next week!) Cheers!

[@MrRawUK]

They do seem quality but I imagine that comes at the top of the price tree?

[@s.keimes]

It was nice to have a look on how professionals do a van conversion. Even Dougal was impressed, some how.

[@ennuiblue4295]

Aw Dougal such a big baby ❤ y'all livin the dream 🌈

[@BagEndGarden]

Hats off to all panel van converters (admission of bias, as that’s what I have!) With limited room to work inside the vehicles and so much to get fitted in, it’s nothing like as straightforward as caravan or coachbuilt assembly. Even though you adore your Airstream, are you getting tempted to come over to the dark side 😉 🚐 ✨

[@christinegibbins6105]

The look Dougal gave was priceless, bless him. Thanks Andrew, interesting. Take care.

[@colinnewmarch1106]

Hi Andrew, last week we went to Consort Motorhomes, in Leeds, the owners Scot and Jane , once owned Vantage , but then sold it and started Consort, vans almost identical but with a few extra refinements , thanks again for the review

[@colinrimmer789]

Very interesting video Andrew.

[@andrewjditton]

Glad you enjoyed it, Colin!

[@rogermowat401]

Great footage Andrew. An insight into the highly skilled craftsmanship to make the finished article we all ohh and ah at. Like the massive thought such as service location and the confirmation of safety points that are built in. Nice to see the dynamic duo back together.

[@andrewjditton]

Many thanks Roger!

[@rejects101]

One of the best and most informative videos for someone that will be taking the leap hopefully in the next 2-3 years. Vantage come across as extremely professional and passionate. Thank you.

[@andrewjditton]

Glad it was helpful! And good luck when the time comes, I don't think you'll regret it.

[@jenniferbailey44]

Very interesting to watch the process and see the attention to detail. I love Dougal’s laid-back approach. He looks incredibly relaxed 😎 I could take a leaf out of his book! 👍

[@andrewjditton]

Not sure if it’s laid-back or simply ‘superior’, Jennifer! :)

[@nealeburgess6756]

I love the way everything is cut to size and ready to go in. One could never match that professional finish in a self build. Great work.

[@martynlewis5901]

Really should have had a look at Vantage as they are just up the motorway from us. We purchased a Swift Select 184 just after the first lockdown, we’ve managed to get away in it twice and I’m less than happy with it. On the first trip away I had to go and find a plumbers merchants so I could repair a leak on a cold water supply pipe inside the toilet cassette compartment. If you try and contact Swift you just get a message saying due to the pandemic they are closed. Not good! Keep up the good work Andrew, it was your channel that motivated us to take the motorhoming plunge.

[@andrewjditton]

Oh dear, sorry to hear about that Martyn. If you look at the other comments to this video, you can see that Vantage have a VERY loyal client base, which only points to one thing - great customer care.

[@paula.jackson5463]

and Dougal is making you (and us) smile, that is what is important!!!!

[@CaravanVlogger]

They are "a lot of money", however, they're basically handbuilt, so you're buying a quality product and paying for a craftsman to build it. I was amazed at the amount of work involved.. Thanks for sharing. Graham

[@andrewjditton]

You and me both Graham. Cheers!

[@An.Individual]

Thanks, I enjoyed that. I have an Autosleeper PVC, will look at Vantage next time.

[@andrewjditton]

Poor Dougal. Nobody understands what he puts up with...

[@peterscandlyn]

LOL!

[@annemarsden2323]

Brilliant make over of the vans but Dougal just love him and our Golden retriever Orchid thinks he is wonderful

[@Mary-fq6sm]

You & Dougal’s ending shot...🥰

[@Jungheinrick]

Nice video! Interesting to see a behind the scenes of a professional converter

[@scottwilson5426]

We all know the end result.. but to see it actually made, awesome! Another fab video with an un- smiley star lol keep um coming, amazing.

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Scott!

[@stevee6316]

Nice to see some new vantage videos.

[@andrewjditton]

Glad you like them!

[@lindahiggins9295]

Hi Andrew ! Great to see Dougal again. Hope you are both well and safe. Informative video thanks for that. 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍

[@andrewjditton]

Glad you enjoyed, Linda!

[@winstonfoto6505]

Brilliant Show. Looking forward to the next one.

[@sharongagne7413]

wow the work into a conversion what an amazing work of art that is. We never think about all the details when buying anything for camping. And Dougal gives you the look like, "what are you talking about now", love it, have a lovely day, great informative video

[@andrewjditton]

Thank you very much Sharon!

[@HereWeTow]

Really interesting behind the scenes insight into what work goes into each and every build. Quite eye opening really. Thanks so much for sharing. 😊👍

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers J&K!

[@markwhitmore7789]

I love this sort of thing...looking forward to seeing the review video after seeing what goes into the manufacturing of the beast...liked the look of lounge-a-billity in one of the layouts. Splendid video!!! 👍

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Mark! I think we need to celebrate UK converters a little bit more for being a bit different - almost EVERYTHING at Düsseldorf was a variant of the same thing.

[@chrisjef06120010]

Great video that. and i love how Dougal is like 'shut up Ditton, What are you doing' Makes me giggle every time

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

Best advert ever for a clearly fantastic van. Now if Vantage could create a couples van that will take 2 full suspension ebikes, I’m in. Currently I have a Carthago Motorhome , but a winterised British sports van would be better.

[@adelebeattie8021]

Great video. Loved the ending with Dougal.

[@Mads_1313]

Very interesting seeing all that goes on in the build. Thanks Andrew 🙂

[@andrewjditton]

Glad you enjoyed it Mads!

[@markmclellan7146]

You always get a lick from Dougal in the end :-) :-)

[@steveyoung9114]

Nice review as always Andrew ! Love Dougal and his personality 🤣

[@flybyairplane3528]

Haloooo, ANDREW, I SAY THAT WAS a darn great idea, especially the wiring from start to end WITHOUT VOLTAGE ROBBING CONNECTIONS, , I saw different brands, therefore various layouts, actually looking forward to the next installment , Stay well &safe , cheers 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@andrewjditton]

Glad you liked it!

[@Wagons-Rule]

Great video Andrew, really interesting. Dougle is a real star!

[@andrewjditton]

Indeed, I'm just the co-host ;)

[@katrinaclosier4872]

Interesting video, thanks Andrew, 😀

[@andrewjditton]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@barry-cq4xg]

This is really high quality work; but the ultimate price tag is very high and beyond the reach of most people. One query I have is that the voids in the support rails were not insulated. I appreciate that the access holes are covered in aluminium tape but leaving an an empty void cannot be desirable. Would it be better if the empty space is injected with close cell polyurethane foam as this will improve insulation and audio vibration?

[@HitchUpAndTow]

Great video, just need to save up LOL

[@colinnewmarch1106]

Brilliant thanks

[@teaforthree1]

We were shown round the factory a few years ago by the wife of the previous owner, and founder. (He has started a new company, think it’s called Consort.). We were very impressed with th3 quality but at the end of the day cost was too high. Ended up with a Globecar. There’s a limit to how much automation you can do with PVCs but the continental manufacturers have higher volumes and a lot of preformed plastic panels (better than carpet) which helps bring costs down Coachbuilts are cheaper to Maná facture but panel vans are way better IMHO

[@lizashley8169]

Thank you so much for an incredible recording behind the scenes at Vantage. Despite following van builds it is the first time I have actually witnessed such intricate and detailed work carried out in a very clean and organised yet expert environment. Also I find it so reassuring to see such skilled craftmanship in action. This is the sure fire way to make artisans and industry 'great again'. As well as ideal opportunities to bring the much needed 'apprenticeship' jobs back again!! I had decided on the Buccaneer Barracuda once I can raise the funds, however, am sorely tempted by Vantage now - the exquisite design quality and hand-crafted methods especially. I have always been drawn to design/creativity and it has always been a part of my life in various ways. This was a joy to watch. Looking forward to the follow-up, and further adventures with Dougal :-)

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Linda! Yes, I could have watched that joiner all day, his craft was a joy to behold. All the best.

[@mortenthenorwegian2875]

I definitely think Dougel is well trained not to smile in front of the camera, so even there you do a formidable job Andrew. Great video, but I always wonder how much the finished products have been tested. This is because the entire industry is struggling with many errors and complaints.

[@annettefournier9655]

Thanks Andrew. Still champagne taste on a beer budget for me.😉👍💜

[@trevlocke1962]

Brilliant video, amazing just how much work goes into making them, and what fantastic vans they are,

[@andrewjditton]

Thank you very much!

[@stephenwills1986]

Great video Andrew 👍. I’ve never seen a van conversion being built before so that was interesting to see, there’s lots involved! Vantage look like they do a good job at it. 🏕

[@andrewjditton]

Glad you enjoyed it Mr W!

[@anitajohannadrost]

Very interesting 👍😁👋🇳🇱Thank you!

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks for watching!

[@stephanieruggles7783]

Oh Dougs is back! That means Andrew is back home in Scotland without quarantine. I am so delighted to see both of you safe and sound. Nice video. I always wanted to see how the conversion is done. And I am also delighted about seeing that everything is screwed together instead of the quicker glue. Plus the plywood is awesome. Saves weight. I would also love to see how a caravan is built from the very beginning. I love to see you happy and smiling Andrew.

[@andrewjditton]

Hi Stephanie, I've filmed two caravan factories and never been allowed to show the footage... It's nice that Vantage have nothing to hide and are proud of their processes!

[@chazsach6594]

@@andrewjditton I visited a caravan production line and the workmanship left a lot to be desired.

[@karenkent4767]

Very enlightening video, cheers

[@andrewjditton]

Glad you enjoyed it Karen!

[@tazjamal]

fascinating video - thanks

[@andrewjditton]

Glad you enjoyed it Andy.

[@spinnekopje]

I did already know how much work it is. I have put the solar panel on our van and did some repairs on the fridge, so I could see mine is also build with quality in mind. Removing panels to place extra cables for the solar took quite a while I must say.. and indeed only screws :-) For some an interesting point: they cost more, but there value does not drop that much compared to models built up from a flat chassis. Maybe also good to know for people who think about buying: most converters, even large ones like Pössl are open to changes when ordering one, so be sure to talk about minor changes you would like to see. I wish I would have known earlier for some smaller changes.

[@andrewjditton]

Useful to know, thanks!

[@andrewflint8509]

Very interesting

[@dabois8845]

Good video though lots of people including myself are self building older vehicles to bring costs down even further!

[@IoanaHaitchi]

I like your doggy! Thanks!

[@andrewjditton]

He's the star, I'm just 'the other bloke'! ;)

[@stevieburrows3953]

That insulation on the walls must be very efficient considering it very thin.None underneath the floor ?.Is this classed as a summer only vehicle

[@peterscandlyn]

That was great insight Andrew. Thank you.

[@andrewjditton]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@yes-oy7co]

I would love to have a go at making my own van

[@Erin-Thor]

chocolate log - There’s quite a few KZbin videos on people who have done DIY van conversions. Some are crude, some ingenious like the guy who did a water recycling filtering shower system that allows a very long shower on a gallon or two water. If you’re thinking about it, let others do your homework for you. 🤣

[@mloistianto87]

Cool Conversion!

[@zeproo]

Artists period !!

[@davidhayes4814]

This is a great video. Bearing in mind that a basic van (including VAT and no discounts) costs well over £30K, I am always surprised that budget van conversions can start from little over £40K...... they are basic though. One problem with van conversions, particularly of the 6.4m vans is what mediocre payloads they have..... often less than similar motorhomes. The motorhomes often have the option of a payload upgrade (GVW over 3500kg). I am not sure that van conversions do this so much. Vans do much better in crash tests though..!

[@andiwausf8535]

But Josy smile‘s. Greetings from Germany to Scotland.

[@lorcro2000]

Looks like they do good work. Personally, I'm of the opinion that the internal structure should be constructed out of t-slot aluminium and bolted together, instead. It's not traditional cabinet making per se, but bolting stuff together has many advantages (like the ability unbolt it if need be, and then bolt it up again) and of course aluminium is strong and lightweight and corrosion resistant. But, as traditional plywood builds go these guys seem to do a fine job.

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

Fascinating. Thank you. Best wishes.

[@andrewjditton]

Many thanks Ilona!

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

@@andrewjditton Haven't given up on visiting your island. Hopefully it will happen at some point.

[@davidmbell]

Nice local company - here in sunny Leeds. You should have dropped in for a socially distanced chai

[@ncplantdoctor]

What did I learn from you today? Well, first the van is foiled (at what?) and then the job gets tanked. And there is a lot of work that goes into the final product which is never seen (like editing video?).

[@andrewjditton]

Very true - and thank you for 'seeing' that!

[@RecMan2010]

Dougal is hilarious 😂

[@andrewjditton]

Isn't he? He can be quite happy and animated, but the second that camera starts rolling... ;@)

[@kramsenoj1]

Dougal - it is so kind you to let that nice bald man (your driver I presume) talk so much on your channel - Good Boy

[@andrewjditton]

Driver AND P.A.! ;@)

[@yayasdt2738]

Yes👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@andyp6909]

Can't deny the end result looks good but wonder why they basically don't use any real insulation? Most self builds are using up to 50mm celotex. I guess they don't think it's needed, or it's too difficult to replicate installing rigid insulation precisely and mean all the pre-cut furniture wouldn't fit exactly. Must have plenty of headroom though with nothing under the floor or on the ceiling!

[@juttapelzer6632]

That rear lounge looks great 👍. How much time goes by from start to finish?

[@andrewjditton]

Hmm, that I don't know I'm afraid Jutta as all the vans were in varying stages of production.

[@Paul-hu3zr]

Just for clarification, was that correct that there is no insulation material added under the 18mm ply floor, just relying on the gaps between the ribs?

[@andrewjditton]

Yep!

[@Paul-hu3zr]

@@andrewjditton thanks, very revealing, rewatching the video the minimal insulation all around is shocking. Just carpet on the wheel wells and structural ribs. For me saving a few hundred pounds by not fully insulating a van which will end up costing £60K + is not acceptable, how they achieved the stated Grade 3 Thermal Insulation is therefore beyond me.

[@petermcgregor9255]

It would be interesting to see the one with the Hartall (spelling) door and 'pod' when it is complete.

[@andrewjditton]

My guess Peter is that it was a special order so it won’t make it to the website, but you never know, might be worth keeping an eye on the website to see if it pops up?

[@David_11111]

yay

[@endercelik]

Do you build left-hand drive van for europa?

[@TeddyWandererCamera-Bear]

Well Mr D you were less than a mile away from where one of my humans work . He often wondered what Vantage did when he drives by there now we know :D

[@andrewjditton]

Glad to be of service!

[@TeddyWandererCamera-Bear]

@@andrewjditton : )

[@grahammorgan1]

This video could have benefited from some personal interaction. It comes across as a bad infomercial. Perhaps the next instalment will give us the much needed 'personal touch' that was lacking in this vid.

[@markwhitmore7789]

Those who can, do... those who can't, criticise!!!

[@grahamatsea3575]

@@markwhitmore7789 😂😂😂😂 and I was always told "those that can't, teach...... and those that can't teach, teach PE" 😂😂😂

[@andrewjditton]

I had to keep a safe distance from the workers to respect the Covid Protocols and obviously not interfere with their work. Radios playing mean that I have to mute the sound in order to avoid copyright strikes, leaving no option but to lay a voiceover. Thanks for watching.

[@markwhitmore7789]

@@grahamatsea3575 I did take a little artistic licence with the quote!!! 😉

[@markwhitmore7789]

@@andrewjditton it seems that putting together such a splendid vid is a little like the planning, thought and work that goes into carrying out a quality van conversion then!!! 😉

[@alanjackson4646]

When do you collect yours ?

[@andrewjditton]

Don't even joke about that Alan! You know what I'm like when I find something that fits, feels good, and is top-drawer quality...

[@markmangan8586]

😊👍

[@bjoeljones]

Bhidio sgoinneil, Anndra. Cha robh dad de bheachd agam gun deach uimhir de dh ’obair a-steach gu tionndadh bhan camper. Scratch agus cuddle gu Dougal. Slàinte🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@chazsach6594]

I now understand why these conversions are so expensive

[@stevebennett6727]

Nicely finished but a bit generic. Main criticism is how little actual insulation is used in the construction. A motor home has fully insulated panels floor walls and roof. The van being converted had next to no insulation anywhere. I’d be very unhappy paying all that money (50k plus) knowing how little it had. Most quality self builders must be laughing at this video. John and Mandy on you tube had same issue with their previous ducato conversion a tribute. He was astounded at how badly it was insulated too. The old saying “ fur coat and no knickers” springs to mind........

[@andrewjditton]

Actually, the insulation is a claimed Grade 3!

[@emiliehohner2531]

🦄

[@michaeljohndavis]

Very happy with my Vantage - quality build and great after sales service.

[@emiliehohner2531]

@@michaeljohndavis The 🦄 wasn't meant as criticism. Vantage produces quality builds, as we have been able to witness. I'm sure they are worth their price. Usually I post a ❤ under Andrew's videos (just to make a comment, really). But I fear too many ❤❤❤ might come across freaky. Hence the 🦄 - much less freaky 🤡.

[@petebird7171]

Nice video Andrew but unfortunately yet again you are upstaged by Dougal, sorry mate👍👍😳

[@andrewjditton]

I know my place, worry not! :)

[@annturner7088]

😃🐕👍

[@clairesims9443]

Dougal is just thinking he's got that flipping camera out again 🙄 😒

[@Figure11_Home_and_Garden]

Its seems the vast majority of van conversions are Fiat, any idea why?

[@andrewjditton]

My guess Russell is it’s because Fiat has embraced the Motorhome/Van Conversion Market to make life as easy as possible for the manufacturers - and also they are excellent value. But that’s just a guess of mine - happy for someone with inside knowledge to fill us in!

[@paula.jackson5463]

so this is so cliche!!!!!! only in Britain you say, whaat a Pittttty!!!!!!