LEGALLY converting our Van to a CAMPERVAN | Ford Transit Conversion

Ford Transit Van Build Australia | Vanlife Australia Episode 20
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Remember to leave a COMMENT if you found this helpful!
This is the 20th build episode where we legally convert the van into a campervan/motorhome in the state of NSW for insurance purposes.
We appreciate all comments, feedback and constructive criticism along the way!
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PARTS USED SO FAR
Here is the list of parts and items we have used on the van build is this episode and thus far. These are affiliate links for which I may be compensated if you purchase from the link. Buying from these links help supports this channel.
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FROM THE REST OF THE BUILD
Electrical
Circuit breaker amzn.to/3ah2iWz
2000w Pure Sine Wave inverter amzn.to/2P231Dr
DCDC 50amp charger amzn.to/3vS6B3x
Battery Monitor amzn.to/3cbsfrR
Double Pole GPO outlet ebay.us/zwtLYs
12v Switch Panel amzn.to/31r1z3M
Isolator switch amzn.to/3v01Vr9
70 Amp Fuse amzn.to/32TOLnb
135Ah Lithium Battery amzn.to/3NmzVrq
Blade fuse box amzn.to/3xgz1Fo
Wire connector kit amzn.to/3EYDnU9
100m wire roll 12AWG ebay.us/VOijcB
Split loom wire protector amzn.to/3nUtbal
30Amp relay amzn.to/3tHIlQ8
In line fuse holder amzn.to/3meQwSc
12v LED downlights amzn.to/3lH7NCh
Dc-Dc 12v To 5v convertor amzn.to/3AePbRN
12v USB charging port amzn.to/3G0sQsR
Solar Setup
100w solar panel ebay.us/N3rl0G
Large panel solar panels ebay.us/sWUKuw
Solar Cable Entry Housing Mount amzn.to/2QrvliZ
Solar Inline fuse amzn.to/2SZB15t
Solar Cable Extension amzn.to/3gZFPQj
Water System
85L Freshwater tank bit.ly/3locE9W
43L Grey water tank ebay.us/BgNneX
Water filler port amzn.to/2Q29jDz
12V water pump amzn.to/3lDV0Rd
Gas hot water heater ebay.us/XbUpHq
Water level gauge ebay.us/2QFPmN
Toilet ebay.us/eeG6wD
Kitchen Unit
65L Fridge tinyurl.com/bd...
3 Burner Stove and Oven ebay.us/VCYZmv
Kitchen Drawer slides amzn.to/2RkdOJW
Draw Handles ebay.us/ZUArJc
Kitchen Mixer Tap amzn.to/3aoTctv
Sink amzn.to/3ePVKQ2
Insulation
Foil Board Insulation tinyurl.com/28...
Sound Deadener ebay.us/FJxrxG
Polyester Insulation tinyurl.com/yb...
Windows
Pop out window www.tinyurl.co...
Sliding window www.tinyurl.co...
Bed Build
Cypress Pine Fence Picket tinyurl.com/3v...
Table Drawer slides amzn.to/2RkdOJW
Handy Tools
Rivnut Set amzn.to/3u92wqy
Contour Gauge amzn.to/3eaIbvj
Gas Soldering Iron amzn.to/2PGQkOK
Kreg Pocket hole jig amzn.to/3xUEcKA
Stainless Wire Brush ebay.us/UGNEg3
Brazing Rods ebay.us/rTSkSD
Mapp Gas Torch amzn.to/3xHEKDi
Silicone Finishing Gauges amzn.to/3sC8U9N
Sausage Gun amzn.to/2XAG9z5
Ventilation
12v Exhaust Vent and fan amzn.to/3JJ7QsY
Sirroco II fan amzn.to/3xgMG1e
Roof Top Deck
Led light bar ebay.us/fKrS9Z
Tie Down D rings amzn.to/3nFHy1q
End caps amzn.to/3wNTEYk
Other
Diesel Heater amzn.to/3T9XneU
Hard plastic shims tinyurl.com/y5...
Heavy Duty Drawer Slides ebay.us/uoynBA
Gas box www.tinyurl.co...
Gas struts amzn.to/39aUx3P
Push button locks amzn.to/3cc9cxK
Wacaco Nanopresso amzn.to/3Cw41WG
Wacaco Nanopresso Barista Kit amzn.to/3T1B6zT
Timemore Coffee Grinderamzn.to/3dPIr5d
Smart Projector amzn.to/3h62ueO

[@mcphee224]

Thank you so much for doing this video. I am thinking of doing a ford transit van also and live in NSW. It is really grateful to see Aussie content as the US content can be inspiring but not always possible to replicate.

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Glad it was helpful! I hope it will help a few people out maybe in the same position

[@markfromaus3438]

Great video with lots of good info. As you say, not much out there as you have found. There are some quirky requirements when it comes to certification. In Australia, you must comply with all relevant ADRs and VSB14 (Vehicle Safety Bulletins 14) issued by the Department of Infrastructure is a good place to start. Things like, if you don’t have sufficient ventilation then at least 50% all windows need to be able to open, electrical installations to comply with AS/NZS 3001, and of course compliant gas installations. VSB14 also refers to toilets, showers, sinks and drainage, TV installations, lighting, roof modifications etc. All good stuff

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Thanks, wow you seem like you are very onto it! i was flying blind a lot of the way and just picking. up pieces of essential information when i asked specifics to the right people.

[@della7]

A very, very helpful video about the legalities of converting a van into a campervan. Well done, guys!! (It helps that I'm in NSW too!)

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Glad it was helpful!

[@xxemmiexx83]

I just finished watching this build and it’s been very helpful I’ve always wanted to build up my own van but didn’t even know where to start this was amazing

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Glad I could help!

[@PattyWak01]

Wow super helpful! And you'll probably find that you'll end up using that third seat heaps and being grateful for it! I personally want a van with 3 seats rather than 2. It's one of my must haves

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

We probably will! The double seat also has a heap of storage capacity under it too!

[@thealmostgreynomad5506]

CIL insured mine for its full conversion value based on photos only, didn’t need certification 👍

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

They may have insured you but they did ask me if i had the van certified or not. They actually didn't ask me to send it to them but they said they would need it in the event of a claim being made.

[@czechausout]

Great adaption for the problem! I think that 3rd seat might actually come in more handy than you think. Well done guys :)

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

thanks. guys, We agree!

[@davestewart4119]

Thank you for making this video mate! Very relevant for me as a fellow transit camper build in Aus and I was seriously considering getting a single seat like you did so I didn't have to squeeze my tall ass into the front every time haha, especially useful when stealth camping. I'm convinced now I should just live with it and avoid going through all the hassle you went through when trying to insure it. So many relevant useful videos you have made, keep up the good work! :)

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Yeh it's a bit more of a pain but it does work. We have been doing it when stealth camping lately so it is well doable. Just not as enjoyable and i don't go from the front to the back as often like that anymore. Glad it helped!

[@arkhamkillzone]

Also you will keep a stealth aspect if you keep three seats. With two it can give away that it is a camper but I guess not too many people would pick up on that.

[@mattstockton2433]

That was so useful, thanks, hope it's as easy in NZ

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

I think it’s about the same except you have to deal with VINZ which are always a pain

[@Bakeralarni]

Love your vids and channel. Keep up the dream mate

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Thanks, will do!

[@mickrides615]

Just change the seat for rego then back to your new setup. How will anyone know. Nice to know your supporting the NSW government, I’m sure they need your support 👍🏼 Keep going.

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

I did seriously consider that but evidently if we did have an accident (say a write off) and the insurer was to find out, they may void our cover, meaning we could well be driving around without any safety net. So we opted for the safer and smarter decision. A younger me may have well gone the other road though!

[@R32WA]

Impressed you got it rego'd as a Campervan, well done, legit build

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Cheers, yes very relieved its now fully insured!

[@EatSleepVan]

Hey nice work! I have a 2017 Transit I converted a few years ago in New Zealand. Similar problem, we can't change the number of seatbelts easily, so I had to stick to the bench seat too. I could have fitted another seatbelt in the back to keep 3 seatbelt seats to remain the 'same'. But then that would require engineer testing. Funnily enough the model I bought didn't have side airbags or heated seats, so those wouldn't have been a problem. Anyway, best to just get the correct van at the beginning if you can :) In the end having 3 seats at the front is quite often useful. And yes I can squeeze through too if I'm desperate, but normally walk around...

[@EatSleepVan]

What's also different in NZ - we have no need to 'convert' a panel van over to a 'camper'. Insurance isn't a problem here, they just insure it. They even insured it while I was building it too. So legally I'm still just a van, with lots of sh!t in the back!

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Yes our van we build in NZ did not comply to half the rules here in Aus and we insured it with Covi as a campervan too. Much easier over there.

[@patrickjobling8676]

Well mate im glad ya got that sorted .. and good to see ya kept your personal assistant with the groovey ascent.. time to rockin roll ..😎😍😁pip pips and carryon pilgrims

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Welcome back old timer. Yep the one with the groovy accent has stuck around till the end!

[@tomgibbsart]

This was a super helpful video, thank you! I actually remember meeting you guys on the central coast once in our van, which was super random. Question: I would love to get a certificate too. In Aus do I need a need a compliance badge for a 12 volt solar powered electrical system (without an inverter)? My problem is I did it myself. 😂

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Haha crazy! You don’t need an electrical certificate if you only have 12v or if you have no plugs running off the inverter. Regardless who did the installation.

[@markhiggins3054]

Glad you got that fixed and thanks for all your inspiration. I think you mentioned another you tube video with somewhat wacky and cool people but can’t find it. Could you mention again please when you have the chance. Thanks

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Oh really! I can't remember who i mentioned um....

[@kevingalloway9338]

Congratulations.. job well done

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Thank you!

[@_letsescapetogether_]

Awesome vid mate and great work at pin pointing what you need to do to get it over the line. I skipped through you siphoning the fuel though as it wasn’t relevant to the video description 👍👍

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Glad it helped

[@micka6812]

Really helpful, especially the front seat challenge, didn’t realise it was a thing. Trying to work out single passenger seat or double when ordering…. Have similar size issues. You have really lined up some ducks for me thanks!

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Yes if we were to buy the van new we would have ordered the single passenger seat, but as it happens we bought it second hand. Good lesson learnt!

[@kjs1069]

Well done mate. Invaluable info for us here in Australia wanting to do the same. Now to buy the Van! Thinking a Ford Transit 470e :)

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Go for it! the big brother of this van. If we build another one and want to go bigger we would go for the 470e with the extra GVM

[@kjs1069]

@@SALTYVANVENTURES Hey mate what's the process to convert to 2 swivel seats? Big deal here in Australia regarding Engineering reports etc?

[@matthewappleby8272]

Thanks for all your videos, I'm waiting for my Ford Transit 350E now, but sadly about a 12-18 month wait. Not surprised Ford aren't willing to play ball though as Ford's factory is in Turkey and they won't do anything outside of the norm. I just ordered a van and got the two single seats, but tried to ask them to do a ladder on Transit van, they have them on Customs and the measurements are nearly the same, but they flat out refuse as it's only a Custom accessory (so ridiculous)

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Oh man that is a hard thing to have to wait for. Crazy what is happening with the new car market at the moment! I hope the time goes by fast. At least you have a lot of time to think and plan the build!

[@juanitadaniels7511]

Awesome job. It must be a huge relief to get signed off!

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

It really is! very happy now we are fully and legally insured for our agreed value

[@davidcanavan9623]

Great videos. Just subscribed and hopefully you will complete the expenses video soon.

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Thanks for the sub! Thats the plan!

[@lucsongjewel6355]

Great video with lots of useful helpful info. Thanks. I still confused about Van Weight ? is it necessary to get this weight certification? i know my van's original tare weight, and legal GVM weight. so NSW service need weight certification? i bought a sprinter last week in Sydney and going to convert this van to campervan, better make sure what's legal 'before' you start converting a van. again , good work! very helpful to us!

[@trevorrobinson6551]

I have two brand new single Ford Transit seats. I'm a paraplegic, and my van is being converted to drive from a power wheelchair. In Canberra. Trevor

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

That’s very interesting! Where did you get the seat from? Is it ford OEM?

[@trevorrobinson6551]

@@SALTYVANVENTURES My Ford Transit van arrives at the dealer this weekend. I optioned the van with a one-one seat configuration. However, due to the airbags, I need to have a new seat installed which is secured, like my wheelchair, to a docking station installed in the floor pan. Trevor

[@trevorrobinson6551]

Interested in the seat(s)?

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Oh right so. you bought the van new? Thats the only way i discovered you can get a single seat if you opt for one. Are you selling the single passenger seat?

[@trevorrobinson6551]

@@SALTYVANVENTURES The single seat option was around $150. Its your for that price. I order the Ford Transit mid-roof FWD in February, and it should turn up at the dealer next Saturday (16/10). After couple of days pre-delivery checks & rego, the van then heads off to the modifier in Queanbeyan for three week. Modification to the van is a rear hoist, controllability of rear barn doors, mechanical hand-control, a second row of two seats that fold up, docking stations for the driver and pax, a new pax seat (that can be docked either side) and a docking point on my power wheelchair. Mods are more expensive than the van. I intend slowly modifying the van with a happijac bed, 80+litre underbody tank, solar system, sink, vent fan, induction cooktop, fans, fridge, TV and cupboards. Shower will be from the rear hoist. Design will be, suffice to say, very tricky. I'm not using gas. Your vlog has been helpful in determining pitfalls and suppliers. Trev

[@as7736]

Very helpful thanks

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Glad it helped

[@1958linedancer]

thanks so much for your great videos, I really enjoy watching them being in Australia myself. I am converting an ex postie sprinter van to a motorhome for holidays and weeekends, not full time. I am up to the stage of fitting out the furniture etc and would love some gudelines of what is required to change the certification over. I am in Qld so it could vary but knowing the basics would be a good start. I was told it must have cooking facilites, sleeping and windows and gas certificate if using it. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Keep the videos coming please, cheers

[@rjl110919581]

thank you for detailed video as great watching

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lazulikubenk1685]

This is really useful because as you say the information is sketchy online. Australia is such a highly beauracratic country. My situation is that I am still in the buying. I am wanting to buy a slwb toyota commuter. It's such a grey area about getting it registered as an empty van. otherwise I have to get a light rigid license and register it as a bus I think. gosh I had a commuter 20 years ago, an ex military vehicle. had no seats, put a bed in the back, never even contemplated this compliance or conversion problem. no-one ever asked. What I am wondering is; until it actually gets to the more complexly fitted out stage, do I need to do anything, does anyone know? I don't even own it yet as I keep coming up against this light rigid non compliant without all the seats in it rigmarole. SO it didn't exactly answer all my questions but definitely has steered me in the right direction. I am seriously going to be following your every word soon. SO glad to have found you both.

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

I believe if there are more than 12 seats you need a light rigid although you will be removing all the seats. My understanding is that when you change the seating you will need to get it taken to an engineer to who will re plate the van to how many seats are now it in (ie 2 or 3) then you take this to service NSW to change it on the registration. Then your free to drive it on a car license.

[@ssandyvan3692]

Need that breakdown video my man how long ? Great build have binged it haha

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

She’s live now! Check it out!

[@NK-dl2nc]

Don't see what difference the fuel makes to the overall payload as you don't get a higher gvm because the tank is empty. You still have to include it as part of the overall payload same as adding passengers etc. It can't weigh more than its design weight.

[@MrRwp1]

Thanks so much that was a warning !

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

You're welcome

[@placestosea]

good that you made people aware of these issues. And made the point of understanding what's legal 'before' you start converting a van. do you keep a copy of the engineering paper work with your van? in case it needs to checked with the rego papers? ( inspection time etc)

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Yes i hope that this video will help prevent people coming unstuck like i nearly did! Its always best to triple check what is legal and what is not in your country/state before stating and planning, although it is sometimes hard to find the information. We just have it in the glove box for safe keeping, but the only people that will require it i believe is the insurance company if we make a claim.

[@gladysfirey6508]

Pretty sure a smoke detector is compulsory in NSW for a camper van/motorhome. Good work, your done!

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Interesting,I never read anything about it but our certifier essentially said it was "his" rule and he wouldn't pass it without one.

[@HappyCamel23]

Great video, I was curious how this process would go down as like you said it's pretty under documented. Hopefully my partner and I will be at that stage soon! I noticed you've got some personal info in the shot of the rego papers, not sure if that was a mistake or if you don't mind but figured I'd point it out.

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Thanks you! I didn't even realise so i have blurred it now. Glad you have y back haha! Good luck with your conversion. Hola out if you have any questions!

[@HappyCamel23]

@@SALTYVANVENTURES No worries mate. Thanks! The videos have already been a great help so far.

[@trinkabuszczuk6138]

I'm getting a table saw and a pocket screw kit! 😁

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

They are a great combo!

[@trinkabuszczuk6138]

@@SALTYVANVENTURES Presumably, if you didn’t use this method, you’d either have to do a mortice and tenon or brads from the outside which you’d then have to sink and hide? Very time consuming either way. 🙁

[@abettermankind9761]

Thank you very much for this informative video. I've only just started my build and will have to endure the same process. Hopefully Qld have similar requirements to NSW Thank you again for taking the time to upload. 🚐💨

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Glad it helped and good luck with your build!

[@hypercasual]

Does this mean you cant legally do a swivel passenger seat in a ford transit?

[@guilhermepelegrini5827]

Great job building up your van and getting it certified as a campervan! I know you have re-registered due to insurance but would there be any issues on modifying a van and not re-registering as a camper? I’m a bit unsure how I should go because of the electrical work(solar panels running only off grid)? Cheers

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

My understanding is that the insurance companies that insure campers are requiring the certificate to insure your van for the agreed value. This being the van itself as well as the fit out inside. You could call the insurance companies to ask to clarify.

[@ayliemcdowall]

U guys are awesome biggest xoxoxox

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Aww thank you!

[@arkhamkillzone]

Do I have to declare it as a campervan or can I just build a campervan and have it registered as a standard van? Am a Victorian but I'm sure vic and nsw rules will be similar.

[@doraexplora9046]

Been there done that.. NSW laws on car/van modifications are the strictest in the country. So I'm impressed how you maximised the walk space.....and that $710 certificate fee is just another Govt asshole tax for which we get absolutely zero for!

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Right! it's a bit of a joke. I never really found where that fee goes.

[@BestInterest2024]

what a great video, did you get to certify any changes on windows additioms, or changes (width, height, lenght) in the van?

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

No sure what you mean by that but the engineering certificate covers all modifications made. The certifier wasn't overly concerned with any window or vent cut outs as they are all located in non structural places

[@BestInterest2024]

@@SALTYVANVENTURES Thanks , i think it all comes to Weight and Special modifications such as Electricity , gas and Seating.

[@davidpollard1194]

Thanks for the vid guys. What insurer did you go with?

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

We went with CIL

[@vxcav]

Should of got your self a mk6 no air bag problems plus it's a better van.

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Haha debatable!

[@vxcav]

@@SALTYVANVENTURES Brilliant at least mk6 won't brake down!!

[@TheTraveler2222]

You've jumped through all these hoops just to get it legit so you can get the proper insurance for your van correct? so if I don't care about my van's insurance ie damage to my van, and have only 3rd party insurance, would that be aright? i live in NSW

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Essentially yes

[@thedriftbook5820]

Hey mate can I ask where you got your electrics done? I’m based in Randwick

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

I did all the wiring myself and got an electrician buddy just to wire in the circuit breaker to the invertor

[@andrewjeffrey2160]

Which weigh station did you use? Was it Kimbriki?

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Yes it was Kimbriki

[@lukemckee9772]

Why did you chose to get it rego ed as a camper van? Was it just for insurance?

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

pretty much yes

[@bonesbarker25]

Do you have to tell the insurer whether you will be living in it permanently and would that make a difference?

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

No they didn't ask. I believe because it is a specific motorhome insurer that is more or less assumed.

[@bonesbarker25]

@@SALTYVANVENTURES great, thanks :)

[@danswezey4294]

Dang! glad nothing "serious" needed to be done

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Yes, very happy! The process is pretty undocumented so it was a bit nerve wrecking when the engineer was inspecting everything. Glad we only needed to modify a couple of very small things to get it certified.

[@danswezey4294]

@@SALTYVANVENTURES So far everything is going well on my build. The only thing I am concerned about is passing on the electrical system. Had my diagram looked over by a few electricians who said it looked perfect. Guess time will tell. Keep it up on the vids man. Learning a lot!

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

@@danswezey4294 From what i have learnt you will need to get it signed off by an electrician and get them to fill out that form which makes them use their trades number, so unless they are pretty casual, they will probably want to do it themselfs or see a photo montage showing its been done to standard (like running the wires ect). Once that's done, all the engineer wants to see is that paperwork, even if they don't agree with how it's done, they aren't electricians, they are essentially just checking the paperwork is in order. That might rest your mind a bit

[@danswezey4294]

@@SALTYVANVENTURES Yes, I have been documenting everything as I go to make it easier for them when the time comes.

[@bigboy9983]

Did you have to get the electrics certified?

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Yes i needed a signed certificate from an electrician for the invertor hookup.

[@bigboy9983]

👍

[@turnpike420]

If you could have just a few more edit cuts; must be an editing nightmare.

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Tell me about it. Editing is a nightmare! Still learning to improve me filming and editing techniques

[@turnpike420]

@@SALTYVANVENTURES keep practicing! Write a script, try a teleprompter, or like when producing a movie, take 2, take 3. Your audience will appreciate it. Probably a bunch of other creative things to try too.☺️

[@dirgesinthedark5637]

Did you call a wrecked car junk yard?

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

yes thats where I bought the second hand drivers seat from. Legal seats just don't exist in Australia.

[@stallion1369]

What a rip off for a certificate.

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Tell me about it 🙄

[@17th_Street_Preacher]

So much BS in Stralia mate:D

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Tel me about it 😖

[@grantthomas9027]

NSW rip off state

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Tell me about it!

[@stavrock4995]

You could have left the fuel In buddy - you’ll always need fuel and your GVM is your GVM !!

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

not for measuring the curb weight though