IT COST HOW MUCH? My Van conversion costs breakdown.

We all design & build very unique campervan conversions but do we really get value for money once we finish? Would the build cost be recovered if you sold your campervan?
In this video I breakdown the costs for my van purchase and conversion to show what it takes, and costs, to build an off-grid campervan without gas.
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The view expressed in this video are my own and conclusion are drawn from my personal experience of the topic of this video. All comments are moderated before publication to ensure the discussion remains centred on the content of this video. Spam, trolling, abuse and coarse language comments are deleted to keep the channel friendly towards everyone, as well as anything off-topic including but not limited to religion, politics, social / environmental / other activism, beliefs and causes, channel promotion, pandemics, media hatred, conspiracy theories and such like. Stay on topic and civil, please!
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[@SimonKidd24]

I LOVE this video!! Just the way everything is, “presented” to us by Dolly John! 🤣 I can imagine Mandy was almost choking laughing while you recorded it! SUPERB! Thank you!!!

[@GadgetJohn]

Trying to make a boring talking video a bit more interesting 😝

[@SimonKidd24]

@@GadgetJohn oh, it worked! It was FAR from boring for me! Loved it!! ❤️😊

[@scipspics]

Must say you're a brave man calculating the cost, I'm sure a lot of us are too afraid to do that...... I'd be interested in seeing the roof entry gland you're using for the power feeds to all the electronics around the roof rack....

[@ringonotts]

That will be the best £30k you ever spent in your life and I think you know that. It doesn't look homebrew and is off grid capable to most likely UK winter sustainability (looking forward to that video). You have to remember that what you have built is probably not commercially available unless you spend an awful lot more - but you know that too. For me, the crux of the build is the pre-molded panels that make it look factory and not plywood. Top job indeed. Thanks for posting! Ringo

[@ian_morg]

A great, honest, informative and very funny (pointing at everything 😂😂) video. Thanks for entertaining me on my lunch break 😎👍🏻 Are you planning any additions or upgrades?

[@GadgetJohn]

Yes, there are a few changes I’m planning to make / finish things off once I get back to the UK.

[@johngrant5448]

Well done with the conversion. I didn't have that kind of money or the tools and space to work. I managed to buy a Transit for six grand, that had already been fitted with the basics. All of this is new to me as I have been made homeless for the third time and didn't want to have to live in my C1 again. The gas heater doesn't work, and there's not much storage, but at least it provides shelter and allows me to roam.

[@garethwilkins68]

Best video you have ever done John. Informative and comical all at the same time. Well worth it mate. Well done !

[@petewarby7158]

Still amuses me that a few weeks ago you joked about XLHosting sponsoring your videos and... here it is! Brilliant ;) In fact I'm going to be a subscriber on XLHosting in the coming months, so... well advertised :)

[@kevmeadows3915]

You should be proud, everything always costs more as we have particular tastes, and we know how frustrated we would be if we didn’t do or buy that extra 'thing'. Loved watching all the videos of your journey too, so everyone wins 😊

[@packingourtrunks]

Great video John, we really enjoyed the honesty and detail - looks like you've got exactly the van you'd choose off the shelf, so a bargain!

[@stephengraham8629]

Well done John, you have built a brilliant home on wheels for maybe half or more of buying a factory yoke and you know what's in it and after all its your home. Home is were you park it and if you don't like the view, you can move. Wishing you good health to enjoy your many miles and smiles for the future. Take care Bud.

[@georginawilkins5772]

Wow, the van looks fantastic for £30k. Thank you for being so transparent about your spend, really helpful. Happy travelling!😊

[@smallroads]

❤ Just love your presenting postures.😂😂😂 Can't belive you could shoot that without laughing your a.. off. It's a wonderful build John and the videos of it, including the ups and downs are really wonderful. Staying tuned for more videos to come.

[@brianmcclure8012]

Superb end result John. The van is great inside & out. Actualy, with 400 aH lithium and all the other Renogy kit, I was actually expecting the Electrical instal to be more. Overall great job!!

[@terryallen44]

I have done a full design in CAD and 3D of a Citroën Relay, high top and long wheel base. I also produced a full detailed detailed breakdown of cost. Excluding buying the van and my labour, the material cost and fit out cost it came to 15k. As you know you always spend more than you budget so call it 16K.

[@bigyin2794]

Great looking build John, don't sweat the investment, the quality shines through and you are free as a bird Go and enjoy what you did. Cheers

[@eddvanlife7396]

Wow building costs are so high particular for some of the high end items. It is now a great van and will serve you well. For comparison my total was almost identical and bought a new van in 2018 when I started the build. I was at Quirky the other week and some of the pro builders are charging massive prices if that makes you feel better. 85k was one price lovely build out though for L3H2. Doner van build price 36k. Your build so worth the money.

[@jillcurtis8910]

Our friends spent £47,000 on a VW pop top camper with no toilet and shower small fridge and stove, so I think you have done well when you think of what you have got. Well done both of you

[@billienomates1606]

Lovely van build. The bottom line is if you are happy with it that's all the really counts, enjoy.😃

[@jrsuk1170]

It's a great van, exactly how you wanted it. The good news for me is I now know exactly where, and how to save £££ Thanks John

[@markwilkinson2673]

John , you'll never regret what you've done , its a bespoke van done to your spec , very few compromise's , enjoy future adventures , 👍😎

[@ijharley68]

You have built a fantastic van John, and you should be very proud. £30k for everything you wanted, compared to what it would cost to buy is an absolute bargain in my book. I only wish that I had your skills to do that myself, as I really want to trade in my VW California for a bigger van.

[@stevem3534]

Have watch most of your vidieos with interest, every other van you have had you have spent money changing, to suite you now you have done it your way👍

[@erichumphreys2154]

John I'm proud of you, you did a fine job and gave enormous advice to many folk. 12 years in the RAF taught me if a jobs worth doing it's essential to do WELL

[@lesleypyke8554]

fab update John. My first van (Talento) was around same as yours to buy and fit out (new van) .. i didnt do it btw had a lovely company do it for me. loved the van and the adventures so money well spent - but got to the age where I need to be able to stand up, so nearly three years ago i upgraded to brand new burstner (city car) Fiat 6m, love it ... has all the bells and whistles that i wanted, cost twice what i paid for the first, but hey ... after working for 40 years why not!! ... there are things im adding ie ecotree lithium, handbuilt drawers etc but love love love my van 😍💕 ... you should be ever so proud of what you have achieved - and even the lessons learned 😘 not just the van tho, but also the fact that you have also inspired others to adventure and build x

[@bettyourcampervan]

Your van build is ace John! You should be proud of what you have done 👍 you should change the channel name to "Honest John" 🤣🤣🤣

[@kstep1000]

Totally worth every penny John, you’ve done a great job and made a great home.

[@andrewalexander4024]

John were you ever on sale of the century

[@sportgliderider]

Great video John, just shows how easy it is for costs to run away, just nuts bolts screws and sikaflex, it all adds up. but personally for £30k i think you have an amazing van, functional, well finished and looks amazing, and as long as you are happy with it, thats all that matters. yes you probably could have saved £10k, but you wouldnt have got the finished van that you would be happy with.

[@darrenjones5885]

Costs soon mount up. Why is it that wiring, fuses and connectors can cost as much (or more) as a television?

[@GedandMichele]

I think that is good value to get exactly what you want John. I do believe the quality achieved is every bit as good if not better than many converters, especially on insulation and vapour barriers etc.What are the key things you'd do differently?

[@ianstratton6319]

You built a fantastic van that works for you I was looking at van conversions they were 70k but no shower/toilet compartment, they were just like a mini bus with a posh unit and lighting. Enjoy what you have designed worth every penny

[@randomtravel1489]

Another excellent video because everyone wants to know how much it truthfully costs to do your own van conversion. I have no doubt at all that you could sell your van tomorrow and make a very useful profit indeed because of all the off-grid electricity installation and solar panels.

[@popestar100]

Geez top notch job I converted same van for £2grand and live in it full time derv heater solar microwave ikea cupboards just basic kit used , hope to use sale of my house to buy some land

[@Lorrowen1]

Congratulations,your van is fabulous! Will Mandy do a similar video?

[@GadgetJohn]

I’m not sure 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@BruceLauderdale]

£5030.00 is a lot but, your van looks really good from the outside. You forgot the additional sliding door 😜😁😇😂😂

[@GadgetJohn]

I’ve costed in the new door & paint 🤦🏼‍♂️😂

[@pamfreeman5197]

Your van+your castle + you're happy = perfect! XxxX

[@viv-i-vangoesforth]

apart from the shinanigens with the electrics MK 1 and the ( coughs) slidey door fubar I think for just over 30K that van is brilliant. You did a grand job. Think of how much it would cost at this moment today. You did amazing and its bespoke to you and your tastes so..yeah.. mega result. I'd love a van like that myself- though I am happy with viv-ivan ( like you I'm not in debt for her) great informative video. Bessy regs-Kenny

[@thewheallons]

Its the blummin screws, they just cost a fortune! Love that your cupboard doors are the same ones from the autofail. Just think what you spent to buy that and then to improve it and make it useable and then your costs for this van dont seem so bad. You have an apartment on wheels for 30K, can't buy a garage in the UK for 30k. So you got a good deal. Hope you have found some more "fun" bike rides for Mandy to enjoy??!!!

[@stuartdunkerton2490]

Hi John great van build don't beat yourself up on the cost I'm a kitchen and bathroom installer looking at building a van next year as we have a 1977 VW camper at the mo but want to travel Europe like mandy and yourself so will need a better van looking forward to getting started taking plenty of tips from you and Greg so will hopefully put them to good use I think 30k is a very reasonable sum for what you have achieved keep up the great posts for us all and enjoy all your efforts in your new van .stu

[@jinjocat]

Love the glamorous modelling John!

[@RoamingRaine]

John, the van looks lovely and at the end of the day it’s your home. Great work 😊

[@expat0149]

Dont think thats too bad , you have what you want how you wanted it ,looking forward to see where the camper takes you :)

[@donnysweekendvanlifetravel7854]

built your self to your spec no way you could not go out and buy one that good and spec for the money well done john allthe best donny

[@Rennie6666]

What mileage was your van john when you bought it for £14,000 ? Once you have added all your costs up john how many hours did you take building your van and whats your hourly rate. As long as your happy with your home who cares what it costs. I know people who have spent over £15,000 on a fence and it did not keep the rabbits out. I think your van looks great.

[@GadgetJohn]

It had 74k mikes when I bought it. The build time was roughly 2 months of actual work time.

[@alanjackson4646]

Very well specked for the money, enjoy, it’s yours. Regards AJ

[@rob20452]

John, you have paid it now and done, it's a one payment and looks great, I need to get the blinds for window screen and door windows, internal are they thermal please and name,?

[@GadgetJohn]

Remis blinds do help deflect the summer heat and keep the warmth inside in winter.

[@christinegibbins6105]

Hey good price methinks, look what the similar vans cost, and this is specced to you. Take me hat off to you. Take care.

[@commuterbranchline8132]

Why does a dog lick its balls? Because it can! You choose to build what YOU wanted, not what your (wishfully modest?)planned budget dictated. Had you not had the extra funds to accommodate your wants and wishes you may well have spent a lot less. As it stands you have built exactly what you wanted and your not in debt for it, I’d say that was a huge win. The value you have in your van is incredibly good because you did it your self and did not contribute to a commercial van builders overheads or profits. You were able to create content, learn a few things and entertain & inspired us all out here in YouToob land. Hats off to you John, you have got a cracking van that’s far more than the sum of its parts!

[@johnoneill9056]

My god John, amazing van. You done really well, I’m gobsmacked. £30,000 for your van specs, it’s nothing. The only thing I would respectfully question is your decision to glue the walls, floor and ceiling. I saw some van build and they thought they don’t glue any of this in case there is a leak or electrical fault and they need to get at it. But apart from that, amazing.

[@GadgetJohn]

The wall coverings are screwed on and give easy access to all cables behind them, there are no pipes or cables under the floor so there’s no need to access them, but I don’t have any squeaks or rattles, unlike all the other vans held together with screws and I also don’t have hundreds of screws rusting away in my floor.

[@davidmbell]

Add your labour etc and it makes sense why motorhomes cost what they do from a converter or manufacturer

[@stephenfoster1971]

30K is very good, especially considering the cost of the van itself, for the same spec from a manufacturer you'd be looking at 55K+ so i'd say you've done great but more importantly you've got what you want and not what someone else says you want. well done! i'm considering selling my coachbuilt and doing my own van next time.

[@bromleyxphil]

Great video John, try putting 30k into auto trader and look at what you get! Then you will be really happy 😂

[@susangoodall5037]

You put your heart and soul into this van John. You know that the quality of work is done right.. It's your home. So now go off and enjoy your travels ❤

[@alanjohn6355]

Big intake of breath from you at the start, but then step back and see what you have. Like you say, paying someone else to put it together would have cost more. And there is a pride in yourself for doing it, and doing it to your own spec, well done. Fully expected you to go over by the way, but glad I estimated the electrics, now I know how much to budget my own.

[@yaminthegrey]

Hari OM Yeah, as you noted and others have BTL, you'd never get a ready-built with the same satisfaction value. You have a winner there John, so don't give yourself a hard time - just go enjoy it lad!!! YAM xx

[@markwhitehead64]

Hi John really enjoyed your video if you have the money and can do it how you would like it why not can’t put a price on being happy and it’s your home as well really great job looking forward to seeing more keep safe 😊👍🏻

[@simonmiller4044]

I personally think that’s a bargain for the spec of van you have built. What would be an interesting add-on to this video is estimating the time cost for labour you believe you’re worth and also, in a worst case scenario if push came to shove, would you sell it for £30,390 or closer to a price including the labour cost? 🤔👏🏻👌🏻

[@GadgetJohn]

It’s a tough question as I’ve been offered a lot more to sell it than it’s cost me 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@bigyin2794]

This looks like a couple of months full time worth of labour....

[@pamelagordon129]

Yes but did you count your time? Alan refurbished our Harmony. He spent a fair amount of money but his experience, expertise and endless patience has made our campervan a unique and bespoke vehicle. You are so right when you say "no debt" is hugely important. You have a amazing camper and you have opened up your world. Time to enjoy that whisky 🥃😅

[@ronpownall2074]

Hello John and Mandy. What’s the difference in mpg with the two vans. Just curious Love your builds,well done both of you Thanks for sharing 👍

[@GadgetJohn]

Now we are both running fully loaded and same tyres sizes it’s around 26mpg for me and 32mpg for Mandy.

[@zoltar666pz]

Wow your van is fantastic John to me dam dam good for what you hav in it if you look at motorhomes in the price yours is dam dam good

[@wrzlygummidge]

An outstanding job John - congrats and thanx for sharing. atb

[@traceycowley8113]

Your van is fantastic John! I’m looking to buy a camper van and your hard pressed to get a second hand one under 30k let alone one as good as yours or Mandy’s. Money well spent👍

[@garethpearson174]

Well done John you have got what you want enjoy 👍👍

[@lynnmic1417]

That’s not a bad price especially is it’s as you said how you want it. I would love to be able to put the type of solar power you have but don’t have the skills and as we have a coach built not sure I could.

[@isobelchapman9548]

Have a couple of dreams and give yourself a pat on the back…….excellent value for money John, excellent.

[@pauldownes5345]

Money well spent in my opinion John brilliant job 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@baggiecamper]

I thought it would be more. As long as the base vehicle behaves itself you've got a bargain 🤞 Great job, I wish it was mine and I've got a five year old Autosleepers Symbol.

[@denisecafferky2248]

Loved your presentation in this video. Van is fabulous 👍

[@marktaylor2533]

Very interesting, early pandemic I managed to get a new autotrail (Ducato) expedition for 37k so seeing that you paid 30 for a second hand one with fitting is intriguing. I think 30k all in is good but it also shows how good we had it before

[@jonathangreenwood4393]

Question. So what does your converted panel van give you that your motorhome didn't before?

[@GadgetJohn]

That’s the topic for a video coming soon.

[@jonsinky911]

Yep it costs, if you want a certain spec. Mine went over, cost was £15k for the total fit out, plus Van at £13,200. Like you it was built to what i wanted.

[@philolivant2706]

John it's your home enjoy it mate its a good conversation 👍

[@manondeslauriers2645]

Absolutely worth it! It is exactly the way you want it. Think about all the money you saved by doing it yourself!

[@PATLIGHT1000]

Hi John, did you calculate your hours worked on your van.? £30k for a van like yours is a bloody bargain but added working hours would add to that final figure.

[@onemanandhisdog9]

As long as you are happy with the base vehicle, you now have exactly what you want and most of it is new. 30k would have bought a 12+ year old motorhome with old equipment and you would have spent loads getting it how you wanted it. Sad to say but 30k is nothing these days.

[@stephenbulmer7148]

I gave up on what my camper build has cost after I'd bought the van and my electric system. I think I could of bought a small house but where would the fun be in that. Can't put a price on enjoyment. Safe travel to you both❤️❤️

[@Jarv263]

Great video mate, reminds me of a shopping channel with the pointing 😂. It’s easily done, I’ve spent about £40k-£45k on my van.

[@fernandoroldan2288]

That is a really nice van. Very well done.

[@welshieonwheels]

Great job , and while it is good to set a budget I think you still have a bargain for the quality job you have done , well done good luck 👍👍👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇬🇧🇨🇦

[@paullawrence8572]

Thought it would have been more to be honest John! If you've got the know how it's got to be lot cheaper than going to buy one( prices astronomical) and you've got it how you want it! Looks great to me mate!👌👍

[@gedw99]

thats a VERY good deal JOhn.. well done. what model van is it ?

[@davekitchener9092]

30 grand ain't bad for a great home john ..love it mate 👌

[@stevencoyne4971]

Brilliant John ,You Have Done A Great Job !VW Transporters In Derby. 50-70 Grand !🤔🤔

[@gedw99]

there is NO insulation ??? I can see the original van panel along where the bed is.

[@JohnSmith-p4p2i]

Try buying those electrical components for that price now your looking at a lot more from what I can see on the website even when there is a sale on.

[@outandaboutmd]

Money well spent, total freedom and a classy van to boot.

[@avislivingston8946]

Way should anyone say anything about how much you spend on your van it’s yours you are happy in you home well done the van is lovely happy travels best to you and Mandy best wishes Avis x

[@DA11NOON]

Great vlog John. If you spent less it Wouldn't look as good as it does And you wouldn't be as happy with it . Be safe

[@whereonearth1]

Don’t forget mate you have bought the very best equipment I’m sure we’ll I know you can do it for way cheaper

[@TheChickenRun]

TBH I think £30K is excellent, a bargain even! - As you know, try buying a new Hymer / Knaus / Adria / Malibu or any other PVC on the market and the starting price is over £60K - add lithium, solar, inverters and all the rest and you'll be way over £70 to even 80k. Even secondhand you'll be looking at £45- £60k. Plus, you know how the van has been assembled, you chose the fixtures and fittings etc so any upgrades / work that might need doing in the future will be that much easier. The van looks great..... well done on a fab job and congratulate yourself on the cost - It's worth every penny spent

[@grahamgraham1624]

Thats not bad its how you want. Think if you had keeped the Ecoflow power kit it wouldnof been 4 or 5k more.

[@steb9210]

TBH a bargain for what you have ended up with, top notch stuff with bells and whistles, I would say well done you John and enjoy the fruits of your labour.

[@markgore]

30k for your van is worth every penny if your happy . At the end of the day it’s your life you should be comfortable and happy . Yea you get the trolls giving you crap but it’s all about you and how you choose to live so sod em enjoy your new van . I look forward to see your future travels and tips on all 3 channels 👌

[@geoffcampbell7846]

Well, I think you've done ok really, and a useful vlog explaining it too. If brexit hadn't happened and then the war you would have been a lot closer to your estimate as many materials, particularly wood, have shot up in price. The nice to have items like the wheels and tyres always bump up the price, but do what's needed given the areas you want to explore. The sundries are the items that add up to more than you would think, and not being able to bulk buy in large amounts pushes up costs too like the glue, but you've still done it cheaper than it would cost to have the work done for you, and you've had the pleasure of actually doing the work, learning new skills, and challenging yourself, and that's priceless. All in all, its a great van at a fair price. Well done, and there's nothing to be embarrassed about. A bespoke van for £30k? Bargain. 👏👏👋 15:02

[@TOBY_AND_LUCYS_ADVENTURES]

Its your home & your office, & your holiday hotel & your daily vehicle so if you think about that, its not bad at all❤

[@dudeleboski2692]

John, just like my build, it looks like we are going to have to hang on to our builds for a few years to make it worth our investment ROI ( Return On Investment)….. would you in hindsight, prefer to buy a Factory Built (Used) instead?

[@drewselfridge2790]

John, all I can say is that I take my hat off to you for your skill and perseverence with this build it looks bloody fantastic 👏👏👏👍. I expected the cost to be £10k higher. Congratulations now go and enjoy your travels!!!!! All the best Drew & Linda 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@dj0men666]

Now add in the cost with your time at your daily chargeable rate - you'll need a lie down rather than a sit down :) But you learn skills and enjoy the process. As with a lot of trips in the van its about the journey not the destination a lot of the time and the build is part of that. I have sunk countless hours into my projects where I could have bought for less when I've looked at it in retrospect but wouldn't have the same satisfaction and self-confidence it brought me. If you enjoyed the process and would do it again tomorrow for fun then its a no brainer. 30k for your home you can take anywhere is a bargain. Im currently doing a full engine rebuild on a car I've had for 12 years - we did our honeymoon in it driving right thru Europe as far as Chianti and id hate to see it just scrapped so I'm saving it - the cars only worth 4-5k but generally sound and a nice car yet id say not financially feasible spending time on it - but I'm also learning a lot as never gone this deep in an engine before. Thats what I keep telling myself anyway! :D Be great when I hear it fire up again for the first time (I hope)

[@stehaughton5074]

Fair do's John,, its probably the best self-build on the road,& ( Mandy's is cool to 😉)

[@martinbibby9079]

No problem with that at all. It’s your money and you have a nice van that as you say will do everything you want. I built my van a couple of years ago here in Spain. My insurance wanted everything itemising, apart from materials. The total frightened me to death.