Vauxhall Vivaro Camper Van Conversion - Van Tour

[@MaxBashir-lj1hp]

Superb Dave!! Love you’re internal design and frugality. May you have many safe journeys exploring!!

[@dave-watson]

Many thanks.

[@durbledurb3992]

That's a piece of art you've made.

[@dave-watson]

Thanks very much, It's a Van Gough, Ha ha. Thanks

[@HK.Builds]

Absolutely fantastic job. Really like how well you've built this, cannot believe this is your first build!

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot. It worked out a lot better than I thought it might.

[@someoneelse1904]

I much prefer this design to the rock n roll style setup. It feels more open and has better storage, etc. Really nice looking setup. 👍🏼

[@dave-watson]

Yes i like this layout and the fold out bed. I've just completed anther van with very similar layout. Thanks for watching

[@someoneelse1904]

@@dave-watson Although… I recently watched your own rock n roll build and that’s a thing of beauty! I always felt that the standard metal ones, aside from being super heavy, left uncomfortable looking gaps between the cushions. Yours don’t seem to have that issue. Great channel, by the way. The narration and process make these some of the clearest conversion videos out there :)

[@dave-watson]

@@someoneelse1904 Thanks a lot, yes the wooden R&R bed is much easier to use and the cushions are not fixed on so they can be positioned without any gaps.

[@missjazz1468]

Thank you for showing us your build, Dave. It looks lovely. We’re looking to convert a lwb vivaro next year. Looking forward to seeing other conversions from you

[@dave-watson]

Thanks, I hope to do another in the Spring, good luck with yours

[@missjazz1468]

@@dave-watson We’re disabled so we’re hoping to find someone to do a simple conversion for us. Looking forward to seeing your next one in the spring :)

[@LantingFarming]

Very nice and clean van. One of the best i found on youtube. Not a comlicated project, just simple, and it does what it has to do, make life easier. I love it!!! i got a Vivaro, 2015 model, and this inspires me to do the same thing with it.

[@ptdborth]

Brilliant video Dave. Very informative and easy to watch.

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot, glad you liked the video. A new van build series coming soon.

[@gabrielzachariah5496]

That's a proper and well thought out job sir. I respect it. Maybe the most realistic and attainable van build I have seen so thank you for that.

[@dave-watson]

Thanks Gabriel, I did many drawings and planning before I started the build.

[@doeharris5363]

Hi Dave, we are are doing our van and your video and tips are a great help. It's looks amazing and so much storage space. Thank you for sharing your video, looking forward to watching your next creation if you decide to do another van. 🙋🙋🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@dave-watson]

I'm glad the video helped and hopefully provided some inspiration. I'm hoping to do another in the Spring and I will video the whole thing. Good luck with your own conversion.

[@jonathancamm896]

Thank you for sharing your excellent van conversion with us. I am thinking of buying a SWB Renault Trafic to convert myself and you've given me lots of great ideas here. Well done - great job!

[@dave-watson]

Thanks very much, glad you liked the video. And good luck with your own conversion.

[@martink9785]

Cool build, always great to get ideas from other people's vans, thank you 👍

[@dave-watson]

It's all about sharing ideas and skills, Thanks

[@simali3308]

Dave I’ve been looking at Vivaro’s and love your conversion simple clean finish looks very profession good job ! Enjoy your bottle of decent Scotch

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot, glad you liked the video, the scotch was great!. I'll see if I an hunt out the parts and cost list and post them to your other comment.

[@chatteyj]

Nice looking build thanks for the tour. I'm looking at getting a Vivaro swb as well so this was helpful. I want to downsize from my lwb high root transit camper which I find just too impractical and overly engineered. I'll probably go for a fixed bed design this time and basic amenities and no inverter this time. Its great to hear about the heating I might scrimp on that as well and just use the stove lol. Brilliant.

[@dave-watson]

Thanks for watching. I might need the stove and an extra jumper in the winter. Good luck with your build.

[@MakeArtAndShutUp]

Hi Dave, I've learned far more from your conversion video than I have from all of those thumping music/spectacular drone-shot videos combined. Straight to the point, filled with so much useful information for the likes of me about to take on this project without a clue, so thank you for that. I am thinking of buying that same 2 burner stove, and am wondering if it's it hooked up to the leisure battery to ignite it, or can you just use a lighter? Cheers

[@dave-watson]

I'm glad you liked the video and I'm happy that you found it helpful. The hob is great but the ignition would not work from the 12v, so it's a lighter . Good luck with your own build.

[@MakeArtAndShutUp]

@@dave-watson perfect thanks Dave 😊

[@HW-op7pq]

lovely conversion

[@Martin-qg5kr]

Hello, very nicely done, practical 👍 I wish you beautiful experiences on the go. Sincerely, Martin.

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot Martin. I did have some great trips in the van. But I sold it earlier in the year and I am now looking for van number 3 to make another one.

[@briantheminer]

Excellent job As you say if you do another, you now know how to do things easier and better

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot. I'm looking forward to doing the next one, as you say easier second time, so I'll definitely video the next build

[@waynespence9122]

Excellent work marra. Recognised the sea front straight away

[@dave-watson]

Yeah, you can beat sunny South Shields. I did this video down on the dragon. Thanks for watching

[@teresamiddleton3674]

Thanks Dave. I'm in process of doing same but couldn't find a video for Vivaro!! Thanls

[@dave-watson]

Hi Teresa, Here is a link to a couple doing a vivaro conversion. Some real good info. Hop it helps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4nQd4CHmrqXa6c

[@renaulttraficconversion]

Thanks for the videos, Dave. My second van was very similar to yours. (Great minds think alike). I like the way you have designed your beds. We don't sleep in our van but nowadays use it for daily trips. I am 81, and with the covid, we don't want to go into caravan park cabins as we used to. Have a great day and enjoy your van.

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot, I think I'll get the LWB version in the spring and try another conversion. Well done with the van and I hope you continue to get out and about in it.

[@renaulttraficconversion]

Thanks, Dave. Have a nice day.

[@gazliberation]

Nice conversion!!

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot.

[@TheTopGhia]

I really like the layout in your van and the finish is great too.

[@dave-watson]

Thanks very much, I went for the clean lines etc and I'm real happy with it.

[@joobie1000]

You've made cracking job of that mucka, well done, 👌

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot Joobie

[@columbushill4974]

Simply mind blowing van build. Bravo man!

[@dave-watson]

Thanks you very much, glad you liked the video

[@boshebosh9269]

Nice video. 👌Good job on the conversion. I gave up on a VW van as they are far too expensive! So looking at a vivaro or similar 👍

[@grumpygrandpa3640]

Looks stunning fella you should be very proud 👍

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot, I'm very happy with the way the conversion went and I did give myself a little pat on the back.

[@kevinwilson2872]

absolutely brilliant job well done and as a first time outstanding

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot Kevin, can't wait to do another.

[@TheTuckerVision]

Beautiful build. I'm currently in the process of converting mine; LWB high roof Vivaro.

[@dave-watson]

Thanks, I was thinking of getting a LWB next, that bit extra space would be a bonus. Good luck with your build.

[@RGW851]

Great job, Watching your videos. And thumbs up subscriber now.👍

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot.

[@1994cjay]

Great little van was going to sell mine next year was looking at a vauxhall vivaro yours is a good van to copy cheers

[@alejandronunez7650]

minimalistic but decent looking, i like it!

[@dave-watson]

thanks

[@easymedia7988]

Very nice build, I'm looking into getting a SWB Vaxhuall or Renault van to use as a campervan.

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot, it's a great project to do, good luck with yours

[@davidgetty6729]

You’ve done a fantastic job 👍 well done.

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot, can't wait to do another.

[@saskiaryan-munden7402]

Hi Dave, love your videos! They are so helpful for our first camper build (SWB Renault Trafic). We have decided to follow your layout for our camper. You don't happen to have a drawing/any helpful sketches of this first build? Any help would be great as we navigate our first conversion! Thanks so much, a fellow Sand Dancer! Saskia

[@dave-watson]

Hi Saskia, thanks for watching and I am glad the videos are helpful. I have some old paper drawings of the first van and if you are in the area you are welcome to come along and take some images of them. I can send you a postcode if you would like to do that. Thanks Dave.

[@paulsee2]

Really enjoyed your talk through of the van 👍

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot

[@stevecoppins6554]

Very nicely done.

[@dave-watson]

Many thanks.

[@megharts_]

Love this thank you for sharing! I’m about to invest in my own Vivaro to convert!

[@dave-watson]

Glad you liked the video. I just bought another Vivaro and I have started converting it. I'll be uploading the videos of the step by step process soon. Good luck with your own conversion.

[@megharts_]

@@dave-watson sounds great! I’m going to be videoing my conversion videos too! I’ll definitely be using yours as a guide

[@brandonkelly5520]

Really inspiring video thank you.

[@dave-watson]

Thanks for watching Brandon, glad you liked the video.

[@sweejus17]

good job Dave

[@RaspingLemon]

Blown away by your van, i'm looking at this model for my own conversion, what's it like to drive? I've subscribed and look forward to more van videos in the future!

[@dave-watson]

Thanks, glad you liked the video. The van is great to drive, just like a car really, the cab lay out is good and plenty of power in the engine Good luck with your conversion..

[@Silvestmentpms]

Super build

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot

[@Breezemike]

Great presentation. 👍 l have had several self build campervans and l have found taking out the bulkhead is a mistake as it exposes sooo much window space from the front where most of the cold comes from. Also your breath overnight creates a lot of condensation on front screens which is a no no if your looking to go stealth.

[@dave-watson]

Thanks Michael. I know what you mean about the bulkhead, but I do have a bulkhead curtain with a thermal backing. I've not tried it in the winter yet but is was fine over the summer months.

[@aki5official]

very nice build

[@LoveSundays]

Nice video Dave. I’ve just bought a Vivaro and considering turning it into a day van/ mobile KZbin studio 😆

[@dave-watson]

Thanks, The Vivaro has been great, easy parking and enough room if planned right. Good luck with your build

[@LoveSundays]

@@dave-watson thank you 😊

[@stephenlaw9886]

Lovely build

[@dave-watson]

Thank you

[@icba4907]

Lovely build Dave, I may be wrong but I think the gas bottle should be in its own locker with a dropout through the floor.

[@dave-watson]

Thanks glad you liked the video, And yes it should be (the gas bottle) That's a little project for the spring.

[@s_ram8433]

Looks great. Good effort with the build, getting it competed so quickly and learning a new skill with the sewing. One question, did you insulate the cab at all? Do you think it would be worth it? (maybe yes if you have insulated window screens?) See lots of vans on youtube painstakingly really well insulated but then just a thin curtain or something separating off the cab.... Heat loss aside, would the cab and the windscreen not become a condensation nightmare when you're cooking and sleeping in the back? Maybe a well fitting insulated curtain with vapour barrier would be a good bet for SWB vans with no bulkhead?

[@dave-watson]

Thanks. Good point of insulating the cab. I did not do it, but I do have a thermal curtain which tightly covers the bulkhead. Seems to work fine, a couple of window and windscreen reflectors would probably help too.

[@Misskiff]

Love this Dave simple I love it

[@dave-watson]

Thanks

[@elsa-marieevans8867]

Hi Dave, love the conversion! Could you let me know which the fridge is please? Thanks !

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot. The fridge is the Alpicool r15.

[@diwarburton5369]

You’ve really utilised the space to the max with plenty of storage.

[@dave-watson]

It's all in the planning, I did many drawings of the layout before starting the build. Thanks for watching

[@andrewjackson240]

Spot on job 😊

[@dave-watson]

Thanks Andrew

[@tonyturner9333]

Hi Dave,love this van, I have just aquired a Vivaro myself with a view to turn it into a camper. In the video you touch on the fan you use,with the flyscreen and blackout screen,could you tell me what make and model is it ?

[@dave-watson]

Thanks....It was a vent in the roof but no fan...it is called the MPK Vision star....I got it form ebay....good luck with your conversion.

[@jsfaulds]

Superb video, would have been good to see the build.

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot. I will definitely video the build the next time.

[@kingtutukartuts9903]

I like what you've done it looks nice. I was thinking of converting a vivaro too. If you was to sell it do you have a price in mind? And would you consider installing solar panels? I much prefer the off grid van life living. Could be a idea for a video👍🏼

[@dave-watson]

Thanks, Looking at the price of other similar conversions i think I would sell it for around 12k. It has a 150w solar panel which seems to keep the battery charged up.

[@DaveH-t9s]

Thanks for the video Dave and such a lovely van layout. I have just bought a Renault Traffic to convert. However my wife insists I don’t do the work! Look forward to seeing more builds hopefully. Using mine for mountaineering.Great to see such a straight forward video without the vanlife music . Thanks Dave Scotland

[@dave-watson]

Hi, Glad you liked the video. I have sold that van now and bought another. I will be posting the videos of the new build soon. Good luck with your own project Thanks Dave

[@doodlevanadventures4513]

Hi Dave! This video is fantastic and has reinspired myself and my partner to crack on with our vivaro van build… we are complete novices with any DIY so things are taken us a lot longer than most but we love the bed design! Would you be happy to send us the measurements and what materials you used or would recommend? Would be such a great help! Thank you 😊

[@dave-watson]

Glad you like the videos. I have a recent video of me making a very similar bed in my Renault Trafic, here's a link kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXennoJvpMp-gsU It's made with 3 x 2 and 12mm plywodand I think it was 1850mm long and 1200mm wide when open. Good luck with your build.

[@celtsister]

I love this build. Well done! I've seen loads of videos on van conversions and this is one of the best yet.... would love to see a video of the next build. I love the birch ply too on the sides and i guess it's less weight than all the wood. Love the Lshaped bed too with lots of storage. I am seriously thinking of buying a Vivaro SWB - have a car at the moment. Looking to do a little project of a van build to head up north of Scotland most weekends. Fab build!

[@dave-watson]

Hi, Glad you liked the video. I bought another van today and I will video the whole build. It's a great project to do so if you get one I wish you luck with it. I'm also off up to Scotland as soon as I get the next build completed. Thanks

[@sam-ed8uh]

What a great build!! The bed and kitchen unit with those draws, are they a flat pack kit you can buy or did you really make them yourself, they look extremely professional?!

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot Sam. All of the cupboards and draws are handmade, in fact it was all handmade. I have some previous experience in making furniture which helped a lot. I'm looking for another van to convert in the spring time and I will video the whole process.

[@sam-ed8uh]

@@dave-watson thanks for the reply, you're very skilled. Good luck with the next van👍

[@reachthepeakadventures3102]

Love it! Just Subscribed

[@dave-watson]

Thanks man

[@MrKurtis995]

Hiya buddy love the video , I’m doing a similar build to this and just wondering how you went about doing the kitchen that extends past the door I’m having abit of trouble with the back panel as the pillar seems to push it out ? Cheers :)

[@dave-watson]

Hi, If I remember correctly I think I scribed around the door pillar and filled the panel to the floor and worktop, so that part of the panel (around the pillar) was missing. Hope that helps.

[@candymancam2390]

Excellent video. Sorry but i don't understund well about the insulation materials. "Shredded bottles ..." ? Do you have any link to undrestand better ? Thanks

[@dave-watson]

Thanks, glad you liked the video. Here is a link to the recycled plastic bottle insulation that I used. www.celticsustainables.co.uk/thermafleece-supasoft-polyester-insulation/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA8vSOBhCkARIsAGdp6RQdCUSufYB2CGUVKGvQAJ7iGbzTiA7yhZv1G1-RNvQuCA5-Vq0-PksaAnZBEALw_wcB It's easy to work with and has really good insulation properties.

[@bobflyman]

You've made a good job of that mate. I'm just converting a 2016 Renault Trafic, same vehicle. You used a split charge relay? My 2016 has a smart alternator and apparently split charge relays won't work with them. I guess yours has a normal alternator?

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot. The van is 2012 and I think the smart alternators came in in 2014. But I'm sure you can get a split charger for the smart alternators too. Hope your build goes well. Thanks

[@notoriousmole]

Super video Dave, just wondering if you had a list of all the items you used that you could possibly share? Also, do you think a vivaro swb could accommodate a toilet?

[@dave-watson]

Hi Oliver, I have a video of the cost and materials breakdown for my new van. It's a LWB Vivaro and I will be posting that video next week once I've got it edited. The costs and materials are about the same as this build. You could get a very low slide out toilet under the seat but that would compromise a lot on the storage. Hope that helps. Dave.

[@notoriousmole]

Hi Dave, thank you for your reply. I've just started watching your new build videos and really enjoying them. I would love to get a LWB but I have only been driving 6 months and a little apprehensive about such a big van, I think for the first one ill get a SWB and then move up in a few years.

[@dave-watson]

@@notoriousmole The Vivaro is a really nice van, just like a car to drive. Good luck with it.

[@boatingmanchester]

I bet its lovely and damp in the winter :) You got no air circulation son

[@dave-watson]

There is a roof vent in the van and with the front windows opened a little I'm sure it will be ok.

[@renaulttraficconversion]

Thanks for the video, Dave. The layout would suit me, I think. I am 6 feet, and it looks like you might be taller. Is the bed long enough for you? Our van is the same size and was converted by me in 2014. We originally planned a similar layout but decided not to install sleeping facilities. How do you cope with moisture? I could not see any exhaust fans.

[@dave-watson]

Thanks for watching. The bed ended up just over 6 feet and was good for me at 5.11. There is a roof vent in the van and I've did not find moisture to be a problem. I usually had a window open in the cab and the roof vent a jar. Seemed to work fine.

[@SuperDexta1963]

Thank you 👍

[@dave-watson]

My pleasure.

[@ellisstuart8256]

Awesome video Dave! Have you got any tips on buying a second hand van like this?

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot. This is the first van I've bought so I'm no expert but I looked at the state of the cab, thinking that if it was tidy and clean then the rest of the van had probably been looked after too. Also I checked it out at cartaxcheck.co.uk/ you can get data about any insurance problems and past MOTs and advisories. And a good test drive. Hope that helps.

[@OnlyMrFritz]

Dave this is an awesome van. I’m doing a vivaro up myself, can I ask where you got the storage unit from behind the drivers seat? Thanks

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot. I built the storage unit from scratch with 9mm ply (I made a cardboard template first to get the curve of the roof). Good luck with your build.

[@williebobs3830]

I've been told to ask the DVLA to Put camper van on the log book To get cheaper insurance. Your thoughts please.

[@dave-watson]

Hi, The last time I looked the DVLA had quite strict stipulations as to what they would and would not register as a campervan and it is quite difficult to meet their standard with a small van. I think one of them was the van must have two windows on at least one side, not counting the cab window. I've always just insured mine as a van and because there are no alterations to the actual van that seems to work out. It would be easier to comply with the DVLA standards with a larger van. I suppose that is why these are referred to as "Day Vans" and not full blown campers. Hope that helps and thanks for watching.

[@hughoreillyy]

Do you reckon a tall person could convert a trafic / vivaro and still be able to sit upright comfortably without hitting the roof?

[@dave-watson]

It might be a bit tight for 6foot or more......but you can get then with a high top.

[@simali3308]

PS if you could post you parts list that you mention that would be brilliant

[@dave-watson]

If you can send me a message I should be able to attach it.

[@superelectic45]

The only thing I would do with this van is replace the double passenger seat with a single (on a swivel base) to make it a walk through!

[@dave-watson]

I agree and single swivel seat would open up the space a lot. Thanks for watching

[@martincave1084]

Hi Dave what fridge are you running. Can you supply details of it. I'm doing a 2015 long wheel base vivaro.

[@dave-watson]

In that van I used the Alpicool C15. Its a 15 litre compressor, top opening fridge. It seemed to work real well. Hope that helps and good luck with your own conversion.

[@martincave1084]

@@dave-watson cheers Dave.

[@ksfwfc2899]

R u in Dorset?! Hope so. Love this design. Just Instagramed you ❤️

[@dave-watson]

Glad you like the van and the video. I'm quite a way from Dorset, I'm up in the North East

[@mariasilvaoliveira7687]

Lindo trabalho.

[@dave-watson]

Thank you.

[@union310]

You need a ham radio in there

[@jobrinds]

Hi Dave hope youre well. I don't suppose you have any drawings for this layout youd be willing to share do you please? Thanks

[@dave-watson]

Hi, I'm Sorry I don't have any plans for this build. I have drawings for a LWB version which I'm working on at the moment and I'm going to put them up in a video over the next week or so. It's a similar layout and you could take a screenshot of them. Thanks for watching

[@Misskiff]

What was the cost of the build please, how much were your cupboards? Did you make or pre buy it?

[@dave-watson]

The whole build was about £3000. I made all of the cupboards myself out of 9mm ply.

[@Misskiff]

Brilliant Job on the cupboards! Looks shop bought

[@dave-watson]

@@Misskiff Thanks, I've done some furniture building in the past and I think that helped.

[@boshebosh9269]

What would you do differently if you did another conversion?

[@dave-watson]

There are a couple of things. Definitely a swivel seat in the front and I would put an opening widow in the side for air flow without having to open the side door. But I'm happy with the overall layout so not much I would change, I'd make the fridge a bit more accessible.

[@MrMrmysteria]

What was the price of the original van? BTW...nice one!

[@dave-watson]

I paid 6500 for the van

[@MrMrmysteria]

@@dave-watson thats a great price! What website did you choose?

[@dave-watson]

@@MrMrmysteria Yes it was a good van for a good price. It was on ebay, but I also looked on autotrader and gumtree. But this one looked the best so I took it. It just had an MOT today....passed with no problems and no advisories. So yes it was a great purchase.

[@ksfwfc2899]

You could paint that wood

[@GW-kg3dc]

Is it a swb or lwb ? Thanks mate !

[@dave-watson]

Hi, This van was a SWB. Thanks for watching.

[@Shan-outnabout]

How does the van handle hills?

[@dave-watson]

It was okay on hills, that van was the 2ltr engine.

[@aberavon]

I think this could be described as a 'day van' as it would appear no toilet.

[@dave-watson]

That's right, no toilet. But it's good for longer trips, plenty facilities in nature and camp sites. But yes it would be a camper/day van

[@ksfwfc2899]

I like the L shape