Lucky Escape from Shocking "Professional" Campervan Conversion company converted VW Transporter

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Sorry I won’t be naming and shaming. A process is in place and the various parties can see where that goes. The video is to make people aware of problems that others have suffered, so others don’t make the same mistakes, by having thorough checks prior to purchase. I have seen lots of vans by other converters with similar issues. Also if it’s not a fresh conversion, who is to say that someone other than the person who originally converted it, hasn’t done some work afterwards and made the error. The brand of the van could get a bad name because of it, wrongly and therefore for those reasons, I won’t be naming and shaming. Just have detailed checks carried out independently for the habitation side of things plus the vehicle, so you know your money is being well spent

[@Nigel2222]

I bought mine brand new (2022) from Platinum Wave in Solihul. T6.1 LWB 150 DSG, with EVERYTHING! I had a few warranty issues to sort out and they were brilliant at getting all the little issues resolved. They did a great job and they were in touch with me all the time. Top quality conversion. I absolutely love my van! I did pay a bit more than I could have bought elsewhere, but for genuine peace of mind, it's worth it. Love the colour of yours.

[@colinlee5429]

Poor mark! Really has been through it, good on you for sharing your story. Lovely van now though!

[@StaycationLifestyle]

He sure has. Such a nice man and doesn’t want anyone else to suffer 👍🏼

[@viv-i-vangoesforth]

I full feel his pain. I too went to a recommended converter and knew nothing about vans or conversions. Before I took the van to the converter,I personally fitted the side windows,sound deadening,insulation and vapour barrier. I also provided the cx50 fridge, crash tested rock and roll bed and the domestic sink and burners. It took him eight months to do the rest of the conversion ...the van was there weeks at times and nothing seemed to be being done .I'm disabled and the van was my only transport and I got excuse after excuse. Finally after 8 months-which was June last year, it was supposedly finished. Two weeks after I picked the van back up,the whole electrical system of the van went,I had total adblue failure which cost me 4k to fix.oy got the van back January this year. Then my friend who had also had her van converted by the same bloke and warned me to check my wiring. Hers had set alight when she put her microwave on and when having it checked,the converter had used 13 amp ringmain cable and house twin core and earth to wire her van.it cost her a lot to put her van right. So I checked mine. Mine too was wired with household electric cable with a 50 amp fuse taped to the cable herd for the heater,20 amp there etc and no fuse box. The worst thing was the domestic sink and burners. Mine came as a kit with flexible copper to the rear gas locker and small hose. He connected the burners instead via a long orange gas cable touching the burners.i.only spotted this because Id gone to confron him and was given the brush off by his brother who took the P out of me and thought it was very funny. I did report him to trading standards though. I ended up loosing it,going home and ripped everything out and went to the expense of redoing the van except for the joke of a kitchen unit which turned out to be 9 mm ply with sticky back plastic. Its cost me a lot of money to do it but I did it myself following Greg Virgo's conversion of his van. He was also very generous with advice too and I had an auto electrician check everything afterwards. I got so burned financially by this utter tosspot of a con artist I could not trust anyone else to do it. Its put me off ever getting anyone to build a van for me again. Having recommendations is only as good as how genuine they are. I still believe his wiring was what caused the electrical failure of the van systems. Its an abject lesson in just how much this industry needs regulation. Its too easy for total Muppets to set up as van converters .

[@suecoo66]

Who did the conversion?

[@cantafordia]

Absolutely outrageous! He needs to sue the converter if he is still trading. You can do it quickly and cheaply online. If it’s a limited company, it will probably go bust. If he is a sole trader, he is personally liable. If he fails to turn up at court you get judgement by default. If he fails to pay, you can employ a bailiff. Like you said, it will otherwise require a fatality before a coroner recommends industry regulation. The converter going to prison for manslaughter won’t bring them back. It needs to be prevented! Rant over!

[@StaycationLifestyle]

I understand he is currently in a process, to rectify the situation. I didn’t want to be involved in that, only trying to show others what to look out for.

[@suecoo66]

Would love to know which company it was. Even if they didn't do the whole conversion if they are selling it then it should be some as safe

[@ian2283]

Really liking these new chatting format videos a refreshing change from many other channels !

[@Ragorar]

100% agree!

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Thank you. I’m trying to improve and help others where I can. Plus if it’s entertaining, it’s even better 😁

[@ianf7246]

All well & good bemoaning these cowboy convertor, but they need to be named and shamed before somebody gets killed - once their business dries up they will be out of the market

[@StaycationLifestyle]

That’s true and I understand, but I believe the appropriate authorities are involved who will do as required. In the meantime, we can just try and help others spot any potential issues

[@LeisureBit]

Great video, it’s quite frightening what could have happened and also when you would trust someone to be competent to do a good and safe job. Crikey. All the best, David 👍

[@StaycationLifestyle]

The industry needs regulation. I am yet to speak to a converter who doesn’t agree. Yet, some people knowingly drive around in dangerous vehicles. Incorrectly load rated wheels and tyres, believing they will be fine 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@julesbaby47]

Wow! Eye opener. Brilliant video

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Thank you. Yes it was a bit of a shocker. All good for him now though

[@Roan65]

Agree with the need to regulate the conversions, we got a Transit L4H3 and had problems with the conversion including (1) fuel tank feed wasn’t reconnected after they fixed a heater problem, (2) electric problems, (3) heater exhaust was venting to the gap between the wall and van wall, (4) no way to drain main water tank, (5) the grey water tank couldn’t drain unless you parked on a hill, (6) insulation was so symbolic it meant the van was soo cold. Ridiculous when consider how much it cost

[@brianwilcock3980]

Just name the company who converted it

[@darrenwhyman4539]

I am in the process of removing my gas hob, have a cadac safari chef compact 30 take the little gas canisters, but also a low wattage electric hob, will boil a kettle from battery/solar but mainly go hook up anyway ! I also don’t understand why fitters fit these massive sink and double hob combos taking up loads of worktop space !

[@shaunelliott5408]

Feel for this guy shocking story. Hope its all sorted and he can enjoy the van has he should've from the start.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

He is beginning to enjoy it now and wants others to learn from his mistakes 😀

[@steveaye5427]

So glad I watched this, and the video about overloading. I’ve subbed. However, this has now put me off buying a new camper van. I wonder if it’s safer buying from an established big name like Swift?

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Thank you. A California or an NCC approved camper from a VW motorhome qualified manufacturer are a good choice. Swift have the Monza on the Ford platform. There are lots of other good converters, it’s just a case of doing proper research and even obtaining pre purchase inspection before you buy

[@peakyparttimers9362]

Love the colour of the paint work

[@StaycationLifestyle]

It is nice 👍🏼

[@johnsouthern9562]

Poor lad, the couple must be very strong to keep the van passion going after all nonsense going on….. this is the reason why I bought my California, I just didn’t want to trust my budget to a conversion team who may not have QC in place……that’s why the VW factory vehicles hold their value better, although they are not so individual of course.

[@nigeljohnson6596]

Name and shame, otherwise more people may have the same experience.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

I didn’t have the experience myself, so not my place. The owner is involved in a process and just wanted to share his story of problems, so others can spot any issues themselves

[@Squats200]

As buying a Transporter is such a minefield, is there any companies you'd recommend buying one from?

[@StaycationLifestyle]

If buying a new van, then an NCC approved, type approved conversion would be recommended. Vans that have to comply with various forms of regulation to pass the safety tests and strict criteria set out. Something like these www.tamarcaravancentre.co.uk/new+used/motorhomes/filters/body/campervan/

[@vanagon1966]

NCC approved yet no fire extinguisher fitted and no ventilation for the Gas cooker as Bespoke make all their campervans without an opening window next to the gas cooker..like mine and the 3 that tamarcaravans have listed.. but can be an option for £150 if you order from factory.. Ventilation is a safety concern when using gas this should be a standard fitment not an option..its the first thing next year i am getting fitted..

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Fire extinguishers and alarms are installed at point of sale, when the PDI is carried out. Don’t forget this is an unregistered vehicle. I think there is a fire blanket also. The ventilation is compliant and is in the form of drop out vent (not the gas one, a separate one) and the pop top vent (not all pop tops have them), I believe this is shown on the safety warning patch. I also would have an opening window personally. Opening windows should be standard and LED headlight lights and LiFePO4 battery etc for safety, but then the base cost would be higher for those who don’t want those items and people don’t. Ventilation wise though, whilst parked there is the pop top vent, the pop top, floor drop out, sliding door, both front doors/windows and tailgate.

[@kevinrobinson5640]

Great video, maybe he should change tyres also as 97y ain’t enough for a transporter

[@StaycationLifestyle]

100%. He is aware and is changing them. No point buying expensive tyres if they aren’t correctly rated 👍🏼

[@stonkeng]

This video is pointless unless you name who did the work. If you are so sure of the facts then name and shame to stop others going to the same company and possibly being killed.

[@T6bus1]

Read the comments . Before posting.

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

My Mazda Bongo. No gas locker. Mains hook wires against gas bottle etc etc. Flooring put down stopping access to engine etc. Cutlery draw knives can go over into fridge compressor etc etc. 😢 George

[@Lion19722]

Maybe I Missed it, but it’s Pointless if you can’t tell us the well known converter who made this mess.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

It highlights what mistakes can be made when people are looking for vans. This isn’t an isolated incident, but there is a process behind the scenes between the two parties. The owner just wanted to share his story so others may know what to look for. If someone is interested in a particular converter, asking the question on a Facebook group will often highlight people’s experiences

[@Cestmoi-q5d]

@@StaycationLifestyle all the posts about naming and shaming……Unless there is indisputable/irrefutable proof (usually a verdict from a judge) then anyone that allows themselves to a be a vehicle (no pun intended) of hearsay/libel etc can also be held liable, not just the party who made the allegations. Lots of moderators of various internet forums/fb groups forget this.

[@timbird5494]

Great video mate it's scary that there are cowboys out there ripping good people off

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Thanks. It is indeed. The forged gas certificates is really scary.

[@dibdab699]

Rob and Colebrook = quality outfit. Still cowboys out there, but never has it been easier to name and shame. It needs to be done.

[@jerqah2042]

I am really appreciate all your help and video, they are very educational and knowledgeable 5*****👍 i bought California Ocean and wonder if you could recommend a tracker and good insurance company for me ,thanks

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Thank you. Opt for a Thatcham approved category 5 tracker. There are various companies, Scorpion, SmarTrack, Meta Trak. Regarding insurance, there are so many variables involved

[@jerqah2042]

Thanks for your quick response👍@@StaycationLifestyle

[@_bav]

@@jerqah2042Meta Trak S5 Deadlock Pro

[@FrankDonaldson64]

Here is one for you. We had our T6.1 fitted with a new dash cam from Halford for £40 plus the dash and wireloom only to get faults with the electrics and blown fuses. Took the T6.1 to VW for them to charge us £60 to have the fuses replaced and rewire. Their comments were Halfords should never fit dash cams to VW and only qualify to plug a dash to the cigarette lighter, as their wiring is delicate and they should never fit to a permanent live. Moral go to VW to have a dash cam fitted

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Ouch. That’s poor from Halfords. I use my leisure battery for DashCam, rather have any additional draw away from the starter battery.

[@FrankDonaldson64]

@@StaycationLifestyle I wish I'd gone to VW or yourself. Halfords obviously don't have the skill base to work to Transporters

[@rezreaver]

Why don't you say the name of this company so people don't make the mistake going there.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

The problem is more widespread than one company. These issues keep occurring. I would rather highlight the issues, so people can look out things and get proper checks carried out.

[@russellnewton6660]

@@StaycationLifestyle that sounded like an answer from a politician, I’m afraid.

[@Cestmoi-q5d]

@@russellnewton6660unless there is a verdict/order issued by a judge then this Channel could be held as libellous if the converter makes a complaint. They can be held liable for allowing the comments to be published. All the laws are out in public to read. Share away once court case is finalised.

[@coraandtheexplorer]

What companies would provide detailed checks if purchasing a van?

[@romanyronadventures277]

Hi who was the converter as would like to no so I can stay clear ?

[@peterlawrence3152]

Some serious money has been blown on that green wagon. Does look pretty though.

[@stevehunt3078]

I no how he must feel had some trouble with my conversion Should have named the company so others are aware

[@StaycationLifestyle]

It’s awful when it happens, but it happens too often.

[@petehancock1057]

Really love the colour .....may I ask what it is ?

[@glennconstantine7566]

We have just bought a autosleeper air campervan that has just as many faults including faulty seat faulty pop top with water ingress rear water ingress still to be found but not coming from pop top . Appalling fit and Finnish and water damage van is a 2023 and only a few weeks old .. so buying new from a supposedly reputable manufacturer is still no guarantee that the van has been built or sold correctly

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Oh dear, that’s a lot of money to spend for those kind of problems, especially concerning if they don’t know where the water is coming from.

[@markfoster3421]

Regulation won't change anything, look at the building industry, regulated to the hill but cowboys everywhere, sadly.

[@joezanella8949]

If you don't name the bad guys what is the point?

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Read my pinned comment. There are lots of issues out there and this highlights the potential problems. Hopefully people will take note and carry out relevant checks.

[@brianleach3027]

We are about to embark on a Campervan./ conversion. Would you like to follow and see our progress over winter. We would use a conversion company.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

How exciting. Where are you based? Have you decided which van, company to use etc?

[@Therealdeal5698]

I had a conversion from big wave campers and it was absolutely shocking, cheap nasty bed, unsafe gas install, dodgy bodywork...ham fisted install all round. Awful

[@brianleach3027]

@@StaycationLifestyle we are from West Yorkshire. Thinking of a T6 or T6.1 highline T30. Not fussed about high mileage. There are quite a few conversion companies knocking around near us. I’m hoping to pick the right one!! Van first though eh?

[@joebloggs4369]

Name and shame is the only way these companies will be called to order until there is a statutory regulation.

[@T6bus1]

Somebody has in the comments

[@lovevans911]

Scary. The story could have been so different 😮

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Sure could, thankfully all was good in the end for this one.

[@markwallington1233]

Nice van, but one thing you will never have is space in a Volkswagen.

[@alandavies803]

Scary stuff. Feel for them going through all that and spending so much more of their hard earned money due to cowboys. Should be named and shamed

[@StaycationLifestyle]

It is frightening. The problem is that it isn’t an isolated case. There are several. I would rather highlight the potential issues than name and shame each company.

[@kendibben3179]

Nice colour

[@bondubasher]

What a bodge job!!

[@daz575]

If you was really that concerned about how dangerous it really was you would name the company that did the conversion,

[@darrenwhyman4539]

Great video but I am also on the side of maybe asking the “well known” converter to comment? If they know their stuff and didn’t do it, why didn’t they correct or at worse let the owner know the errors. They may even compensate this poor guy !

[@darrenwhyman4539]

@@T6bus1 that is really sad, but even sadder if someone who doesn’t have the money to correct their mistakes or worse if one of his vans ends up injuring or worse someone because of bad practice ! I wouldn’t be able to live with myself knowing what was going on and not addressing it. ( not saying you should, others must have had the same issues and not done anything about it) going bankrupt isn’t as easy as you might think and has ramifications for the rest of that persons life it would be a big hit on them.

[@darrenwhyman4539]

@@T6bus1 ah that’s well done mate, it’s such a shame that people like this exist, I, like you would have been gutted, that said, your van is looking spot on now ! Enjoy !

[@StevieTyrrell]

Nice content. Who Rob and where can I find him?

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Thank you. Colebrook Transporters in Plymouth

[@Cestmoi-q5d]

A T5/T6 owner and their money are easily parted. 🤔

[@silvervandriver9940]

Don't name and shame just give what three words location off company

[@T6bus1]

Plymouth st budeaux

[@StaycationLifestyle]

🤣

[@_bav]

I think the W3W address is \\\crap.campervan.conversion 😉

[@jonm9501]

Not telling us the name of the dealer/converter is almost as criminal as the conversion itself. You say at the end of the video “unfortunately it’ll take something catastrophic happening for them to put regulations in place”… you’re literally not helping to prevent this! Why the protection?!

[@T6bus1]

If you read the comments someone has already name him and his business. And the point of the video is so people know what to look out for .

[@kendibben3179]

It’s a time bomb, regulation won’t happen until the bomb goes off

[@Vassle]

Was it vantastic conversions? Seeing as hes wearing the shirt

[@T6bus1]

No that’s a clothing company . Someone has already named him in the comments

[@_bav]

If they're doing things like forging gas certificates, then it should be easy to get this guy's business shutdown - it's a criminal offence under the Gas Safety regulations and punishable by a fine of up to £6000 and/or up to six months in prison.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Absolutely. It’s with various parties at the moment investigating

[@DavidBrand-y3w]

I think the name on his shirt is a clue

[@danielwiles1835]

97 is inadequate load rating for even a non converted t28.

[@Therealdeal5698]

Keep away from big wave campers! Absolute COWBOYS

[@Pelt101]

Are these the guys

[@T6bus1]

No the guy is in Plymouth in st budeaux

[@peteroamer]

A ridiculous video without naming the converter. Simply a very long advert for Colebrook Transporter.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

@@peteroamer The point is to ask questions, realise what to look, know who you are buying from and what you are buying. I won’t name a company negatively, for several reasons, one being they can change and become better, like some have. Also there was legal issues with this company with the purchaser, so he wouldn’t name them himself. Additionally, it certainly wasn’t an advert. It was a conversation so people didn’t make the same mistakes and at the time Colebrook didn’t know the video was being done

[@KiltCars]

😂😂😂😂😂