Vlog 26: The costs of my DIY self-build campervan conversion

In this excruciatingly detailed chat to camera, I go through my spreadsheet of costs for the DIY conversion of my Toyota Proace van into a self built campervan.
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[@jayoneill1533]

“The quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten” Sir Henry Royce I’m glad you didn’t cheap out... Well done David!

[@ysesq]

next purchase - a barge to tow behind the narrowboat which will accommodate the van.

[@davidoickle1778]

Pulling the van behind the narrowboat would be a challenge, wouldn't it?

[@normanboyes4983]

Congratulations David.👍 Of course you could have just bought ready made but: 1. It would have cost more. 2. It may not have been exactly to your requirements. 3. It may have used cheaper components. 4. You would not have a clue where the technical bits ran. 5. You would not have built up a shed full of tools’. 6. You would not have a real sense of achievement. 7. You would not have had the arse clenching moment(s) as you cut big holes in the van. 8. You would not be as confident doing projects as you are now. 9.If anything goes wrong you know where to look and who to blame. 10. You have saved a great deal of money , all other things being equal. Well done!👍

[@Vandemonium]

All excellent points, including the arse-clenching ;-)

[@professordeb]

Bounced over here from "Cruising the Cut" and just binge watched the whole build up to here. Really interesting documentation...you are fun to watch. Now back to the "Cut"! I know these are old videos now, but they are a great distraction from the present chaos. The English countryside is just marvelous. ❤

[@Vandemonium]

Welcome along!! 😀

[@hannahroberts6295]

Only David could make a list of conversion bits sound riveting!

[@terryentoure6475]

Despite having limited interest in van conversion I quickly found myself completely wrapped up in your heroic progress and looked forward to every vlog. Bravo! Van looks all kinds of amazing, too.

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you

[@rockrebeluk5315]

You Always make me smile with your wicked sense of laid back humour.......

[@padgepadgham3238]

I think you did a good job, saving yourself thousands 👍

[@CardiganBear]

I think you are being too modest about your capabilities - you must have picked up a wealth of skills and techniques during this project, and personally I think you have done a brilliant job!

[@davidpiper3652]

5K to convert is pretty good. I totally concur with your choice to not do it on the cheap, it costs more in the long run, says the voice of experience. Plus the aggravation of removing the cheap item and fitting a replacement that never quite goes in the same way and does not look as nice. Well done and thanks for all the information.

[@LysanderLH]

Excellent presentation and may I express how eternally grateful I am to you for two main reasons. Firstly for taking all the time to help others by showing how you did what you did. Secondly for not speaking in that Top Gear/ Transport Evolved/upspeak manner but as a normal person, who is simply saying words. So thank you!

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you

[@susanchitra9888]

That's what I meant

[@noakeswalker]

I am amazed at how cheap the Victron inverter was compared with their charger or pv controller. And I agree with you - don't, whatever you do, buy an 'unbranded' inverter off Ebay for £10 - that way disappointment (and possibly fire) awaits you..

[@Wishwader]

Its only a 700w inverter - i should hope it’s relatively inexpensive!

[@samcgill]

You’ll never regret spending big on a proper fridge. Bought mine 17 years ago for $1000 and have used it year in year out. It still performs like new and has been one of the best purchases. Not just for camping but think about picnics, parties at home etc etc. it’s even come in handy when my main house fridge had a problem and it saved all my perishable food.

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

Building out a vehicle always takes more time and money than originally thought. There is always second guessing about what should have gone where. Looks like a professional job to me. Very nice.

[@monusbrewer4911]

To be honest that's actually not a bad price. Think about the actual cost of labor if you had someone do it.... Labor rates are insane. I am really impressed, excellent work. New follower. 👍✌️

[@philthefarrier9469]

You should be pleased with yourself. You made the vehicle you need and did it yourself far outside your comfort zone and got some good prices. Well done that man. Time for a g and t and don’t need to worry about driving home.

[@airriflepestcontrol2006]

As a builder ,van builder ,tiny house builder ,and a boat builder ! You done a great job! Enjoy 😉good work!

[@pipparker6455]

Well done to you for having the bottle to do it David, cutting holes in your prized van takes some guts.

[@Anthonifizer]

What about tea ? Surely that warranted being included under "consumables " ???

[@verynearlyaboutsailing8114]

Ha - "Shore Power" - once a boater always a boater. Anyway, I was expecting it to be a lot more expensive. You have got a very decent camper for that money. Although, as a fairly recent DIY'er myself, I know that the new tools will be about the same cost as the rest put together.

[@rambleon3698]

Wow! Really ..

[@bobham919]

in the USA they say shore power regarding campers or caravans in the UK. its not limited to boats

[@lockedin60]

A good price. Sometimes items bought on the cheap actually cost you more on the long run. Because who normally have to replace them in the long run. You bought the electrical components that you had good success from your canal boat journey. I think all your purchases were wise purchases. People just underestimate what things actually cost. Dreamers!

[@StaticOverlander]

Your Vlogs are so much more reflective than some of the others out there. You are honest about your errors and are honest about them. I have been inspired by you to fit a Propex heater. There are always tweaks and updates to make, I view my van as a long term project/hobby. Some have MGs I have a Sprinter camper!. Looking forward to you new vlogs. I even watch your boating vlogs now.

[@Vandemonium]

Hello Richard, thanks. Good luck with the Propex install. My next vlog on the exhaust of that thing might be of interest too, probably have that online in a week or two.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks for taking the time to lay out all the details, David. Great video and surely very useful for anyone planning s similar project. You really ended up with a marvelous, practically new van. And the last thing you are is “ham fisted” considering the brilliant job you’ve done.

[@paulwooster3590]

Well my jaw hit the ground a few times, however you have made a quality Camper van. Like you said It's going to be around for a few years. Once you start travelling you will find that the items you have splashed -out on will be worth it's weight in gold. Comfort is paramount. Well done David can't wait to see the first excursion.

[@bertdinienroute7226]

We’re RV’ers and that is a bargain, but yes, DIY can’t ever be calculated ! Well done !!

[@sunnydaze6974]

Yay !! Late Saturday night viewing :)

[@robertdonnelly434]

Many thanks to the RV Geeks for mentioning this channel on one of their more recent videos. Expect that THEY will be your soon-to-be "guests" aboard the narrow boat. I binge-watched the "van" series over the last three days, and MUST say how much I enjoyed both your "give it a go" approach and the very nice end-product. Had I been in your, er, boots, I expect that the quality of the work done by me would have not come anywhere CLOSE to yours. Plus, the air hereabouts would have been made "blue" through constant application of naughty words, at high volumes. Personal, build, and other damages would also have been certain. So. IF I may, "well done". Thanks for taking me (us?) along, and For What It's Worth, really enjoy the "Cut" series as well. Sincere cheers from here, hard by Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada...

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you!

[@billbaker9623]

Long time viewer of Cruising the Cut and just binge-watched the entire van build over several hours. For a self admitted "ham-fisted numpty" I think you did a wonderful job. There a few things I would have done differently, but it's not my van is it? The education that you received during the build is certainly worth the price of admission. Looking for ward to watching more of your adventures on and off the water. Cheers

[@cambo1200]

Pretty good price for a camper built the way you want it. Now you can enjoy the fruits of your extensive labor!

[@andrewallen9993]

Makes the £30 I paid for my VW splittie van 30 years and 700 000 kms ago seem quite a bargain. Everything you have in your van except the alarms, and solar panels though the heater is the gas grill of the stove and the toilet is of course an outhouse!

[@iancardwell3877]

Wow David, you have turned into quite a handyman, bit different to your narrowboat. Well done

[@kimpulsipher647]

That is an amazing amount $18,623.89 US today! You couldn't get a camper van for that anywhere! I am sure you will continue to customize it they way you want. Great looking van by the way.

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you

[@maxboonkittypoison]

no limmits in options if you build your own campervan and your conversion build is awesome and everything you put in to this van is brand spanking new. i think if you put it up for a good price its gone and some happy guy wil enjoy this campervan for years 'n years to come. greetings,, Kitty.

[@paulwood7798]

Having done a few van conversions myself now I just totally refuse to pay the so called going rate for a "so called " professional camper and your Vlog perfectly highlights how ridiculously over priced they are. A great series and thanks for sharing.

[@Vandemonium]

Well I half agree and half not. I suspect that if I multiplied the hours I put in by a typical labour cost, then added rent of a workshop, commercial rates and overheads, insurances and business "stuff" I reckon it would be about what a "professional" one costs so I'm not sure they're overpriced as such - just unaffordable to me!!

[@Wishwader]

If a company can develop truly modular conversion parts to slash the man hours they'd make a fortune.

[@jerrybootneck1736]

Might have been a little expensive but look at the value that you added to your Van/camper. Great job.

[@jerrybootneck1736]

It's nice to see someone do a total costing with rundown of individual costs, not many of these on youtube, I did a full restoration on a campervan but never kept the miscellaneous receipts only for stuff bought from auto-spares shops those receipts went into the vehicle history folder. So put everything you bought and have receipts for into your own van history folder it's good for the future when you come to sell your van. Thanks for an excellent video.

[@davidoickle1778]

Really not a bad overall total. I'm pleased for you as well.

[@paulmiller4316]

Well done David, give yourself a pat on the back, nice one :-)

[@steve61098]

I was wondering how much ‘this’ and ‘that’ cost as I watched the transformation...... So thanks for me wondering no more!... I don’t think you overspent for what you now have... Like you say the cost of a ‘ready made’ camper is VERY expensive and yours is truly custom made and unique...

[@strat4ordgirl]

Well done! Amazing job! A low mileage bespoke camper van for under £15000, I look forward to watching your travels.

[@InTheShedUK]

Yes very surprising just how much it costs to convert a van. Just finished converting my Fiat Ducato and although it did cost slighting less than your conversion I didn't fit any solar or a refillable gas bottle, just standard bottle. I also kept a spreadsheet but added an item weight column, I was only 100kgs out when I had my van weighed and most of that extra was due to outside chairs/table/pots/pans/crockery being onboard. The thing that most surprised me was the price of wood, for some unknown reason this has gone up dramatically post covid! Keep up the good work, love the little yellow boat.

[@suesmith6721]

Thank you for sharing all the costs involved. It’s surprising how much it mounts up. I think you’ve done a fantastic job. You’ve done it all yourself and it looks so cosy. Really looking forward to seeing your travels!

[@christaylor8795]

Very interesting film David and I know it’s amazing what you end up spending when you buy bits and pieces as you go, but you’ve ended up with a quality camper van , with the satisfaction that you did it all yourself, well done 👍 on an excellent job!

[@carolleenkelmann3829]

Boy, you really went to town. And all those sealers and chemicals! Are you sure you are living in a "safe environment!" I think you are marvellous. Simply b. marvellous. Umm,..I have a small car I'm thinking of converting. Don't suppose you'd be interested? No. I didn't think so.

[@alangarner4095]

I may sound a lot of money, and it is but you now have a van that is the way you wanted it to be . You have done a fantastic job of it all and should be very proud of yourself. PS those little gaggets that lady’s use to remove the bobbles from woolly jumpers may remove the glue from your wall carpet. Good luck 😎

[@century2298]

Excellent work David. I get a headache listing and adding all the items for a project. Those are excellent quality items at good prices.

[@celtic1522]

I spent the bulk of my employment working out of vans and trucks that I had fitted out for purpose in most cases. Not quite the same but similar. It seems to me you fitted everything in with an eye on weight distribution being pretty even. A very good job Indeed.

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers; I tried to balance it, in particular putting the leisure battery in the middle.

[@christianearly9531]

Great video as usual. Good choice fitted quality products. Buy cheap, buy twice!

[@UPS1000]

Seems very good value for the quality of stuff you have outfitted the van with and of course the van itself is relatively new and low mileage. Looking forward to some trip videos.

[@peterengel7885]

Having read or watched from the beginning. One thing that I wanted to tell you that could have saved you a lot of time and aggravation in building is to have used a tic stick. Boat builders use these because of all the odd shapes that are not square and level. You use it with patterns to duplicate exact shapes. Nice thing is you don't have to buy one. You can make one in five minutes. So if you ever decide to go through another build. Get a tic stick and a pencil and cardboard. Nice build by the way.

[@Vandemonium]

Thanks

[@WillN2Go1]

Great tip this. Also all that cardboard that Amazon sends us? I often just cut and tape together the flattened out card board to fit the odd shapes, then use it as a pattern. I use the cheap (but not the cheapest) clear packing tape on the dispenser, sometimes hot glue (I bought a big box of long glue sticks a few years ago, might end up being a lifetime's supply).

[@colblimp]

I've just watched this again and, after meeting you at Stratford and seeing the van in the flesh, you've done an amazing job. I reckon, in the current financial climate, you'd be looking at around double what you paid. Your current 'ripping out' project makes sense, diesel heater and induction hob is a great idea.

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you

[@ellaevansbolt]

David, Kudos to you! We are very alike in as much as 'if someone else can, so can I' attitude! Came here from CTC to see what a boater would do. Very impressed Sir. Like many who have watched your channel, I am now very definitely thinking on a narrow boat instead of the 'live aboard' stealth van I was going to do, due to all the hassle that goes along with that. Honestly, as I watched the build, I was thinking this is going to be a £20k build. I think you did very well to do it for £15k.

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you

[@ChrisBrummitt]

Compelling... the quality of the fittings you chose makes it all worth it David. Now, time to enjoy yourself!

[@oldgreyhead]

You've got a good van there David and your attention to detail over safety is creditable. Well done.

[@joann5157]

The whole conversion project was very interesting. You did an EXCELLENT job! Now comes the pay-off: getting to enjoy! Safe travels on land (and water) to you!

[@del5.0]

HOLY SHIT DAVID!!!! I thought you were going to say 20-22 thousand but under 15, that's awesome. I'm so impressed with it being your first go at it. You have done such an incredible job on the conversion, it looks like you bought it off the lot. Thanks again for such great videos.

[@MartinAhlman]

The best kind of numpty there is! So you should be pleased. Love your build and your boat, and I love your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@mr.h5436]

Wow, so much good effort. I enjoyed you reasoning immensely. The prices were surprising. Sounds higher than here in California, and I trust your purchases were researched well. 1 tip for Americans- run at 1.25x speed, very clear and cadenced.

[@rambleon3698]

What...?

[@ratroddiesels1981]

you now have the best of both worlds a n/b and a caravan cant beat that.

[@jordangipson1125]

Quite a bit cheaper than what I would have figured! And like you said, you got a newer van with less miles, and it just looks damn good!

[@gaspasser007]

Thank you for sharing. And yes it is an explanation of expenses not a defense of choices!

[@kevgermany]

Hi David. Just wanted to say how useful this and the others in the build series have been. This shows not only costs, but a lot of materials that get glossed over in most other videos. Has really helped in my planning to do my own conversion.

[@railfan439]

US $18,600. Rate of exchange Dec 26, 2019 $1.30/British Pound Sterling - total price as David quoted.

[@leedesigner1977]

I think you have done a fantastic job, David. I hope you are very proud of yourself, as you should be.

[@alangarner4095]

Hi again I think you have done a fantastic job overall , yes the costs were high but, the main thing to remember is that you now have a camper van that is made to suit your own way of life and a project that you wanted to do . The end results are all very good . Plus you can tell anyone exactly how and were things are . Like I said you should be very happy 😃 with what you have achieved in your project. Well done again and now you enjoy the fruits of your labours .. 👍🏻👍🏻😎👍🏻👍🏻🇬🇧

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you

[@MrBblhed]

As you may remember I followed your build quite closely, mostly it was my academic curiosity about what actually needs to be done to perform such a conversion. Some comments on costs, after seeing what the fit out cost I can see why you got a good solid van to start with, also for the quality of the items you used I think you did quite well on cost, you save more by buying the right things the first time than by buying them twice. Seeing what you spent on paint and other consumables was a solid reminder of why people end up with piles of that stuff that is half used. I still think you did quite well, but I can't wait to see how it all works and what changes you make once you start using the van, I believe I mentioned that things tend to migrate from their original storage locations and storage spaces tend to get modified once they are in actual use. One other thing I will mention is that you did buy some really nice tools, those should outlast you and the person who inherits them.

[@Vandemonium]

Yes I'm very pleased with my tools. I will also be curious to see how the van evolves!

[@paulcollins9397]

You’ll enjoy your new Toyota dinghy! I’m still waiting on your NASA narrowboat conversion! Standing it upright for launching might be a problem. You now own TWO escape vehicles... I like it!

[@johnbrookes2196]

Thanks for the costings David. When you itemised the bits they seemed expensive but the total seemed very reasonable and when the van moves on you have all those useful tools.

[@clearprop]

For that total sum you have a very nice (and mostly brand new) camper. 👍

[@toddogre2491]

Dave I have pretty good knowledge and skill in the areas it takes to do everything you did. I must say you did a lot better job than I could have!! Well done. You should be very proud of yourself. I think you've shown people to not be afraid to tackle anything they want to do. Just do the research and get to it. You've shown people that might think they could never take on such a project that with patience and time you really can accomplish anything you put your mind to!! Congratulations sir you did an amazing job!!

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you!

[@sozofam2164]

Bravo! And we agree with the viewer who commented that only you could make this type of video entertaining/interesting. It appears to be a very satisfying investment of time, energy and money! You really are well fitted out now. Hope it continues to provide you with great opportunities for travel and relaxation. Thoroughly impressed here!👍🏼👍🏼

[@littlespider1661]

Wow i'm impressed and i think the cost and experience of doing it yourself is worth it! You're going to enjoy that!

[@JeghedderThomas]

Aeroplane next then?

[@kr1886]

Absolutely it was useful David and thank you for being so conscientious with your project accounts. Anyone who has similar thoughts of following your example now has a very good idea of their potential outlay and a clearer picture of the many items needed to create a good camper van.

[@rbagrizzly]

Well you should be pleased. Turned out great looking. Especially with you being a self proclaimed novice.

[@davidtebbitt5537]

A great first attempt David. Hope you have many happy times in it. There is something so immensely satisfying about using something that you made yourself and can give one a real feeling of pride in ones achievements.

[@Linda-yq8ew]

I hope you have a wonderful companion for your travels. You are a delight to listen to, as cute as a button, and clever beyond measure. Happy Trails!

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you 😀

[@om617yota8]

Thought the rear tire(tyre) looked bald too, but you did mention it was new. I had a closer look and the tread pattern on the outside edge does seem to give the impression that it's bald. Look at the center tread of the tire and viewers will see that it's actually just fine.

[@pedrolg]

Coming back to watch these videos over again to refresh the bunch of ideas they contain, as I'm starting my own conversion. I take this opportunity to thank you again.

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you! Have fun :-)

[@ICENI-Britannica]

14k, i would say that was an absolute bargain. As you say, what can you get for that kind of money, “Off the shelf,” so to speak. You should be proud of your achievement. Probably a bit too soon to ask but, would you do it again? Enjoy your travels; both on water, and road.

[@Vandemonium]

Haha .... "maybe"!

[@davidbagley1783]

Your energy is amazing

[@kf-dk5pb]

Thank you for that David a very interesting log of your build and as expected a very precise accounting the finances involved. I felt your pain at times but as you say it helps us understand why campers are so expensive to buy. Looking forward to your travels and adventures.

[@G-ra-ha-m]

I think you did very well with the budget. Self build vs mass factory built is always a juggling act. Self-build is custom, a one-off creation and you get involved in every item. But a popular well built van like a Globecar PVC or VW California can sell in a couple of years for what you paid for it so they can also be remarkable value too.

[@Vandemonium]

Alas there's no way on earth I could afford a new-built van no matter how slowly it deprecated!

[@hallowther9735]

Having converted a bus with a gasoline engine years back I think your have done wonderfully . Now comes the time to enjoy the rewards of your time and effort. Enjoy and continue to inspire with your vlogs . All the best, Hal

[@islaws4589]

I'd be pretty happy with that David! Inspired!

[@terranno]

Great job that’s a very useful vehicle I’ve actually watched the whole series twice first time was when you were doing the conversion. Well done.

[@urbanrider7981]

This is better than match of the day

[@Bulletguy07]

Well....i've only just discovered this after watching many of your narrowboat vids. Having once owned a campervan i watched this with interest. As a novice first time self build i'd say you did excellently and yes you are absolutely right about choosing refillable gas because you cannot get Calor in Europe. Yes the "bits" soon add up but the average retail price of new professional build panel van conversion (PVC) is £50k - £60k. In UK our motorhome/PVC prices are crazily high compared to Europe. Happy travels in your van and i look forward to following them up! You're doing all this at the right time....giving the job up, cruising the cut, and now having some Vandemonium(!!) because my touring days ended two years ago due to health reasons.

[@chrislarard9736]

Hey David ,for total “numpty” first attemp that is very well done!

[@pvangalder]

Nice Plug for Journey with Jono...good on you David for supporting another Narrow Boat Vlogger

[@onemanandhiswhippet]

Nice one 👍 Regards Dave, Jo and Louie 👍😀🐾

[@lailja21]

Bravo I find you entertaining to listen to. So articulate. Thanks. Here's to you and your van!

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you!

[@susanchitra9888]

That's the word!, thank you... articulate..

[@michaelmoney9445]

You've made a really good job of this conversion..you should be proud of yourself!!

[@kevinbarry3380]

One of best holidays was a motorhome tour of NZ. The scenery fantastic, the whole country ideal for motorhome touring. We especially liked the big kitchens available in all the camp sites, met many people while cooking the evening meal. Would recommend the holiday to anyone. Cynthia B

[@WatfordWobble]

I throughly enjoyed watching this series of Vlogs. I think you have done fantastically well and not ham fisted at all. A very well put together series. Thank you.

[@annie2950]

Nothing like a good costing. Thks

[@marcdewilde518]

Well done David! And by the way I still think your videos are a lot more fun to watch than those over-directed Athena-ones you so much admire ;) ATB Marc - Belgium

[@Vandemonium]

Haha everyone has their own style ;-)

[@scoobydog411]

I agree how you bought your van and build it out. Spend a little more NOW then you will spend less later.

[@richardwhipple3522]

Wow - 14,000 plus spent - just money, but blood, sweat, and tears spent - priceless. Like Frank Sinatra said, "You did it your way!" I have binge watched your vlogs and love them. You are amazing! (Rebecca W)

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you!

[@ou81aswell]

Well done! I'm heading back to CrusingTheCut (#118) for a bit but will be back to continue with the Vandemonium series.