£50K PROFESSIONALLY BUILT vs £10K DIY BUILT CAMPER VAN

In this video I take out a professionally manufactured and converted Weinsberg Camper Van that cost £50,000 and compare it to my own self built and DIY camper van that cost £12,000. In this video we look at the pros and cons between both vehicles to see if a £36,000 price difference is worth it!
🚐 Oaktree Motorhomes - omcmotorhomes.co.uk/?...
⬇️ Want to feature your vehicle in a video, get involved below ⬇️
forms.gle/KiS6BbzJkxAAxMYS8
FOLLOW ME!
📸 Instagram - / willswhereabouts
📰 Newsletter - www.willsweek.co.uk/subscribe
🍿 Tik Tok - www.tiktok.com/@willswhereabo...
👍🏻 Facebook - / willswhereabouts
SUPPORT ME!
🍺 www.buymeacoffee.com/willswhe...
❤️ Patreon - / willswhereabouts
👕 SHOP MERCHANDISE 👕
willswhereabouts.myspreadshop...
🔥 Autoterm Diesel Heater
5% Discount Code - 'whereabouts5'
planarheaters.co.uk/
#vanlife #motorhomereview #campervantour
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links.

[@viv-i-vangoesforth]

If I had 43K to spend on a van Will, you know what Id do? I'd spend 20K on buying a van and converting it to my own taste and the 23K left I'd have a bloody good time touring everywhere in it without fear of not being able to afford to use it. Nuff said 😊 BTW, I prefer yours to the soul-less clone you stayed in. Much respect- Kenny

[@run4078]

U put my thoughts into words! Agreed! 😊

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Hah cheers Kenny and yep I would do the same for sure

[@john.powell645]

Soulless clone 🤣

[@ohspikymiky]

Time is money. Also need to consider resale value

[@usman2131]

You would be a fool if you do that .

[@GTwistingTale]

Self build every time for me. Though I confess mine is more basic than Mary & was bought already done. Spending a year working out what I really need for mine & how I want it to look before a little renovation. Already love her. Channels like yours are so helpful. Thank you!

[@Seanjones1990]

we converted ours in a month but i did all the planning and purchasing for my dad. we ended up with mostly 100mm wool insulation mixed with some of that foil foam board stuff. bubble foil for vapour barrier and then cladding the walls , ceiling. has a shower in it too as well as permemnant single bed with under stoage, chest fridge. stove top and running water - ford h3 l4 van we put the diesel heater under the sink counter and raised it up put windows in the back doors and the sliding door. took the bulk head out and replaced that area with curtains (shower toilet behind the drivers seat) and a maxxvan for ventilation cost around £4000 for the interior - between the bed and a shower theres a kitchen pantry cabinet with a microwave on it and a weird ottoman type thing with arms on the sides but no back on it, but has storage in it (this sits over the wheel well) - good thing about the ford transit l4 we have a full width single between back door and wheel wells then sofa and kitchen cabinets are built around them i am terrible at diy but i'll upload the video i took near completion

[@KevinJones-bt7ib]

I've never owned either of these type vans, but for cost, personal touch and satisfaction, I would have to go with the DIY option 👍

[@SherryAnnOfTheWest]

I've always said, yours if one of the most beautiful, functional, and practical van builds I've ever seen. And the fact you did it all for 12 GBP? Insane!!! I'll take Mary for the win.

[@tammycruz8189]

💯 Agreed me too i love Mary

[@Daniel-kj8kj]

Actually the vote is very subjective and wrong. Few things to take into account, the work he done and seems that was not alone value some money for which in the end the VAN values more than 12k GBP depending on each one hourly rate (in my case would not worth a DIY VAN, as I could buy a comercial one in 2 years and have no additional headache, while with a DIY one based on other experiences you need to do fixes all the time which in the end means more money and possible bad time in your trips. Another very important aspect, the DIY VAN has no warranty, no quality test passed, you can expect everything at any time. The fact the the comercial VAN has a shower is way more valuable than an oven, especially in the winter :P (in both VAN you need an Thermomix to make your life easier) ... entertainment is subjective too, you use the VAN to explore the world not to waste time watching TV / play games ... and if you really want to watch something during the night you can also have an Oculus VR, a laptop or a portable laser projector. Idk how he reach almost the same score with the Fire VAN, objectively talking is far away in many aspects, build quality, reliability, design (the way it looks and montage). Btw, you can bring various customisation to a comercial VAN too, but usually is not required as they are already well designed. Should we talk about ITUV? ... Not sure his VAN will pass it in various of EU countries. Not a hater but a realistic point of view. If you are a mechanic / electronist, is a hobby project and it happens to not have enough money for a comercial one, of course a DIY is the best to go, but for 90% of us which no real knowledge I think if you really enjoy camping then get a comercial VAN or a rulote/caravan (is cheaper).

[@frenchboy2005-mp1ui]

First time on your channel. Mary is a very nice short van, unique, with the best kitchen unit. Still though, if money was no object, I'd buy from a local professional converter and go as bespoke as possible with them. Then I'd rely on their expertise and warranty to fix what goes wrong during ownership. Hold on... Maybe I would be better off converting a van myself, so that I could fix anything that goes wrong myself. Yeah, diy is probably best.

[@LeisureBit]

I have the manufactured and then added my own things but would love to do my own van as imagine there is something magical for the effort you put into it that it gives you back - so Mary gets the vote from me 👍 Great video as always, have a great week, David 👍

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Cheers David and there’s certainly a bond that’s made during the build process that you don’t get from buying one off the shelf 😃

[@hikaru__24]

Most of us love your Camper van Mary more than the professionaly built Camper van 💝 And we all appreciate you and your friends effort for building Camper van Mary and giving it a personal and special touch 🤍 Thank you Will 💙 Viewer from Nepal 🇳🇵

[@debh-h6821]

The main reason we did self build was after looking at a lot of off the shelf vans, nothing had everything we wanted and where we wanted it. The layouts didn't work for us. So after months working on our self build in 202/201 we are very happy with Glo or being in Wales and fans of Gavin & Stacey known as Glo'lar. We did our first long haul trip to Scandinavian this year which was awesome.

[@cirrusvfr]

Self build every time for me..........I have a Renault Trafic which I spent 6 months converting in 2012...... since then have had over 330 nights in it and has many changes and upgrades over the years.

[@stellaswancounselling]

We’ve got a self build and we love the manufactured ones way too cramped and specs aren’t that high for the money self build all the way ❤. Great video love the cooking segments ❤

[@On_the_vanwagon]

Not too keen on the Fire but generally prefer a professional build. Got an Adria Twin and love the shower and design

[@palmermccall7309]

Self-build for sure. But with a bath/shower compartment. Ace video, thanks!

[@zacksrc11]

Great build ! I did my own t6 and its been great. Away everyweek . Looking to do bigger van now possibly a crafter. But i dont think i would sacrifice my own time to self build again. Its cheaper , but i think about how much fun i could be having getting one already done and not spending probably a good 4 weeks or more to get my own built. You forget just how long it takes to get it done and its still an on-going project! Always new bits to add!

[@teehzama806]

I absolutely love your videos ❤️. It's so much fun, and it's funny. Love all the way from 🇿🇦

[@simoncummins1964]

The down side of the offside sliding door is that if you get out of it and your parked on the road correctly you are getting out into the traffic. It built like that because the interior furniture is designed for left hand drive.

[@darrenbailey27]

I was just going to mention this but I now don't need to. Safety first 👍

[@astronomenov99]

​@@darrenbailey27a few UK campsites will not allow 'continental' door arrangements on site.

[@stewartarmitage6095]

Yes. First thing I thought when WIll said its handy being on the drivers side. UK vans have the sliding door on the left for a reason.

[@19ac432]

Hello Will, i love both vans, but if i have to choose, give me Mary!! I followed your channel since the beginning of your build and i love it!! I love your enthousiasm of making these kind of movies! I often get hungry when i cu cook in whatever van you are showing. Keep up the good work, and most important of all, enjoy!!!

[@pauljohnson7199]

Loved it, quite a good video and thank you for the short shot. Keep it going❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Cheers

[@amydenton4759]

You know what Will I would prefer your van, the cooking and the sink are better and I do love vans that have a personal touch. Plus the price far outways the price of just having a shower lol. Thanks for a fantastic channel as well, take care Amy x

[@soniayoung7531]

Heyy will I prefer your van because it was built with love,and somethings look much better, the food looked delicious,great review thanks stay safe

[@jonathanryall355]

Just thought I would drop a hello as iv just stumbled across your channel and watched your van build. Thinking of getting a van myself and converting myself sometime next year. Hoping to document it on KZbin as well. By the way enjoying the vidios

[@eisenschmeisser3959]

I always go with the diy solutions. Mary looks much cooler and, as you mentioned, offers more space. A lot of people drive around with 4 seated vans and only use 2 seats and never used their shower. Its very often a complete waste of space...

[@BecsRae]

Gotta say, I would prefer Mary over the Fire. Yes, it's new and shiny, but the colours are boring and it looks really cramped. I honestly don't believe you need to spend tonnes and tonnes of money to get what you need. I'd rather spend a little money doing up a van to the way I like it, than spend 50k and then have to fork out more money to adapt it to my liking. Mary gets my vote. Aside from a shower, she has everything you need. Keep up the great work, Will :)

[@kevinpounder]

Good vidio certainly prefer your van 😅 recognise the camping spot as well a loverly place lol

[@ChrisSmith-qq4mv]

Loved it well done Will

[@stoneoutdooradventures2286]

Even though I've always imagined having my own wet room/ toilet in a vehicle and awnings aren't difficult to construct on any vehicle I'd have yours as it seems more spacious and many more personal touches like the media etc which I'd also have..

[@daveballam8704]

Great video, still long time no see. After seeing the difference the answer I think would a self build then that way you can have what you want

[@lucienhikingdroneflying2543]

Self build. Just love the process.

[@ceecee3488]

Hey Will........geeze......was about ready to go through Will withdrawal there.......thank goodness you saved me today. Well its too bad you can't throw parts of each one in pile and create another one. Well I guess you could......but to answer your question I would take the new build simply because I'm 5'1....115lbs........and more importantly 70 years old. So I would be fine in the dining table.....rotating chairs....and for sure the full bathroom. The romantic bedroom is not necessary, unless of course Robert Redford was with me. I think you will probably get mixed thoughts on this from people just based on their height and weight honestly. Thank you for making my sunday a bit more interesting and bearable. You are such a dear!

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Thanks matey for sure both types of vehicles have there pros and cons and if there was a hybrid out there then I would certainly go for it! 😃

[@mrlodwick]

Love it bro!

[@mikeklinger1712]

Perfect meal as ya get into the colder season 😋

[@WillsWhereabouts]

It was lovely

[@Wendmera2379]

You are absolutely hilarious! I truly love your videos & you are my favorite content creator. There’s no comparison. I like your van better. The other one is too cramped.

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Thanks Brenda

[@Tom.Jackson.]

Self built as you hsve had the pleasure and experience of building a unit 👍😁

[@alexanderlagergren6559]

Uuummm.... Those are both 5.4m long vans, L2H2 variants. Not that hard to notice just by looking at them. The 6m long L3H2 variant has much more paneling between the wheel axles.

[@jwt9032]

Just goes to show you don't need to spend 10's of thousands on a campervan when you can DIY one for nearly 4 times less wonga. Great comparison video. Only 1 point difference yet a massive difference in cost. Happy New Year Will :-)

[@user-cc4pr8wc4w]

Don’t do yourself down mate, with a factory build you get stuff you’ll never use. I like it, you only put in what you need. Who needs fancy. As for reversing get yourself a tow bar stick it in reverse an wait for the bump, jobs a good’n 💪😎

[@djbouncin8366]

I prefer Mary so much more spacious and I just think looks a lot nicer inside and not so "mass produced", although I would have to agree with what you said at the end about the back windows, I think they would make for a good addition to Mary

[@Our-cornwall-life]

Liked the video from the moment you added in that bloke doing the funny laugh about length 😂😂😂👌

[@elelegidosf9707]

Sliding door on the curb side of the van is better so you can get in and out from the curb and, when you have the door open, it's not open to traffic driving past the van. So for right hand drive vans, that's the passenger side, i.e. win for your van, not the professionally-built one.

[@vybz_trxffic]

In my opinion have the lateral door next to the peatonal area is better than had it at driver's one :)

[@patrikholm1501]

That Weinsberg isn't 6m long, both vans are 5.4m versions

[@Chris_905]

I was thinking that as I was watching the vid as Will keep saying about his van is longer , but it's the same size Will !

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Really what’s making you say this 😂, I’m certain the Weinberg was a L3H2 and mine is a H2L2

[@Chris_905]

@@WillsWhereabouts nope im sure both vans are L2 5.4 metres , gadget johns is a L3 6 metres and mandys is a L2 5.4 metres 👍

[@yasenivanov6127]

Same size L2

[@alesharobinson8461]

Hi will I would have your van mary looks more cosy and got your own touch in there looking forward to watching your next sleep out take care x

[@colblimp]

Good video. The lounge area in the pro van looks small, cramped and very uncomfortable. My van conversion has a nice sofa to lounge on - self-build for the win!

[@markwhadcock6357]

I think you would notice the difference if you lived in one over the winter since i’d assume the manufacture one would be naturally warmer but you cant beat building to your own spec

[@carldenton967]

I would have to go for that already finished Van because of the toilet and shower. I've never get my girlfriend in a self build Van without one . But value for money definitely the other and the other one is probably more durable

[@WillsWhereabouts]

A toilet and shower seems to be a must for a lot of people and is definitely a nice feature to have

[@woman_men_adore]

I would always choose a van with a shower, i love them ❤

[@MichaelWilliams-ro9bm]

Count how long you utilize the shower out of a full day. (8) minutes. Lot of wasted space

[@rtshort]

I'd have to go the "professional" route, ONLY for the bathroom. That's something that could have been added to yours though. Just a personal preference for me. Love Mary too.

[@WillsWhereabouts]

For sure in another build I’ll add a bathroom of some sort

[@SuperFredc]

I would prefer the sliding door on the passenger side similar to Mary. As when parked by the side of the road and have to be in and out at least you are not faced with oncoming traffic.

[@boatingmanchester]

Damn 260k subs lad good job the sister didn't take over the channel when she tried :) Good to see fella

[@WillsWhereabouts]

😂😂

[@robertharvey7272]

One major thing which your missing out is putting a cost on the time you spent building your van. Those costs can't be cheap 😊

[@wesgunton238]

Will: Every inch counts. Me too right every inch makes a difference. 😂

[@gavinrussell1338]

Your van the best will all day 😊👍

[@alejandrosingh-ls7wm]

Keep up the good work

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Thanks

[@darthsarcastus1064]

If money and time wasn't an option I'd still build my own (or get somebody to build it for me)! The personal touch has a lot to do with the choice of an "off the shelf" camper as opposed to something you planned yourself, put time and effort into, personally it's that personal touch which would swing it for me.

[@IvanDP1967]

Hi Will. Nice to see you in my neck of the woods, that's my local Morrisons 🤣

[@WillsWhereabouts]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@astronomenov99]

I'd prefer the self-build every time (I'm converting an ex-Tesco Iveco) but the main difference in cost is the labour. You took 18 months, I am 24 months in and still about 6 months off finishing. But mine will be exactly what I want, very little compromise will be made when finished. Mine was also £6k but once finished it will probably be insured for around £27k. (The LiFePo batteries were £3k on their own!).

[@lyndsayscott8866]

I think both vans are L2. We have an L3 and the sliding door doesn’t completely cover the rear wheel.

[@TheAdenau]

Yeah, these vans are both the same length.👍

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Really I’m so surprised by this because I was almost certain the Weinsberg was an L3 and it even looked longer on the outside and felt bigger inside because it had more facilities!

[@doyle8711]

Feels like you have a new editor for this video and I love their style. If I'm right keep this person on if I'm wrong I'm an idiot lol.

[@WillsWhereabouts]

I’m sorry to say I’m the editor 😂

[@Bigchaser01327]

Fixed bed and shower toilet is a must, would not consider a van without

[@chriscalvin5083]

Enjoyed the comparison video

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Cheers Chris

[@chriscalvin5083]

@WillsWhereabouts thanks. I really enjoy your videos as american it surprising how much nicer European motorhome are and a few of them like the nu venture surf could be a daily driver here but still fully functional as a motorhome

[@john.powell645]

Im a big fella too 6ft5 so mary definitely takes it for me but if i had to choose a big sprinter kr box van partly for the space and cause id want to travel with a dog

[@phillipkrelle5661]

Bit of both that van made personal.

[@user-rp3gs1qp4u]

Conversion as it is laid out with more thought ❤

[@Dave-lonely_traveller]

As a technician or if u have a friend or family member who is one, you can save so much money by rebuilding everything yourself and it is of high quality despite your own conversion

[@mesh147]

Self build all the way! great vid

[@davemorris6747]

One of the biggest savings is self build. You don’t charge yourself for your labour. I’ve bought pre built but if I was younger I’d build my own next time round.

[@jahanas22]

I like the manufactured one. With a few tweaks, it could be perfect. I am less than handy or I'd go for doing it myself.

[@joline2730]

Jahan: why would you pay that kind of money only to find it's not what you want, and have to still do 'tweaks' ❓

[@WillsWhereabouts]

For sure you can always add things to these vans to make them more characterful

[@CrispyJacketStudios]

1:59 I’d give yourself a point for your can in this round!!! Well for the UK or driving on the left. Parking and opening on the correct side etc… Right sliders were always designed that was for continent. But daft in England really if you wanna stop somewhere on a lay-by with a nice view and make a cuppa ☕️

[@RobsonM]

Both of these are the same length: 5,4m, both are L2. L3 (which is the 6m one) has a longer plastic behind side door! ;)

[@just_mengie9371]

Weheee….the clumsy Will has improved his cooking skill!!!!

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Hah just about

[@petewatson9866]

I would choose Mary, because you can choose your own interior style, and still keep it looking like a panel van on the outside for stealth parking

[@slowmadders]

Those vans are the same size! You can tell because the door sliding rail goes to the end on both models, the 6m Ducato has a gap after the slider.

[@05984905]

Great video, thanks for a good comparison. What would Mary actually be valued at if you were to sell. I'm guessing 12k is what she cost you in total to buy and build? Cheers 👍🏻

[@andyb9262]

It amazes me how little originality there is in the professionally produced products. I’ve rebuilt my van four times and am happy now? Went with 5.4m as well because it can fit in a normal parking space. I tried to divide the interior by how much time each activity takes during the day. A permanent shower/toilet space seems to me to be a waste of space - how long does anyone spend on the toilet every day? Conversely, my bed only takes two minutes to make but I’m going to spend eight hours in it. All facilities are inboard, nothing hanging underneath. 70lt water, 50lt waste, 4 burner domestic hob, domestic size sink, big worktop, 80lt fridge, comfortably seats four at the table - could squeeze nine! with swivel seats, 2800kg fully loaded.

[@JenniferCally]

diy build with some of the options from the 40k van :D

[@CabanaD]

One thing to keep in mind is crash safety. Talk to a hospital physician and they’ll mention things that they wouldn’t do and traveling around in a homemade diy camper van is one of them. In a crash all that wood moves forward to the driver.

[@jrewillis]

And this is why you keep the bulkhead in place. Complete safety still

I prefer a self built van because, first of all, those “commercial clones” are completely soulless. Second, every person is different, so a self built van will cater to one’s needs, taste an priorities far better than a prebuilt “one size fits all”. Last but not least, being able to say to myself “I built this” gives me a enormous satisfaction 😊

[@galdessa1]

For 40k I can do 5 years of airbnb all over the world.

[@thecreativeguitarlounge]

That’s exactly the point my partner and I always get to when we think about camper vans. That and the hygeine aspect. Still want one though 🤔

[@craigdunn1642]

Yeah Will hand out your fajitas on the road side 😂👍

[@filmogosc]

It's not longer!!! Both are L2 versions, look at the door rail ;) so Mary should get one more point! Otherwise great video as always

[@klaudiam6671]

+1

[@WillsWhereabouts]

I think I got this wrong 😂 I could have sworn that the Weinsberg was the bigger vehicle

[@GordonjSmith1]

With this 'bought van' your observation about the seating around the table is really important - there is not enough space. Additionally with the 'bought van' I don't think that they have 'thought through' the bathroom - better if it was 'shower sized' with a cassette toilet that could be pulled out of the wall (from under seating or the bed) when it is needed). I think you made better choices - 'build your own'.

[@paulgardner4931]

Even if i was loaded I'd still prefer your van bud, home builds are so much more homely and inviting.

[@worm22002]

I would go for the self build. Always better adding your own stamp on something

[@joline2730]

Well, I don't have the option of doing one myself, but I pay others to do the work ... but I would NEVER pay out that kind of money, even if I had it, I go for the cheaper pleasure of finding my own van (recently bought a Vx Combo after two Transits) and started the process of having the rear EXACTLY as I want it. I have bought houses cheaper than £48k ‼️ Like I always say "just because you've got the money, does not mean you have to spend it"

[@carsandstuff365]

Your van for sure and save a bunch of money that you can use to make another 3 cans you could rent out

[@craigfraser9102]

The door is on our drivers side for the fact they are built for Europe mate, it’s always kerbside for the slide door, it’s cheaper to get all the vans the side and out different dashes in them, for the tv/oven in Europe they are all built for the out door living, and the van used for toilet and bed, they are never in them, our country and the way it is we live more inside the van hence we need more comforts (tv oven microwave etc) for me the DIY wins hand down and Mary is definitely one of the best examples

[@diwarburton5369]

Definitely prefer Mary. The Weinsberg looked very claustrophobic despite being 2’ longer.

[@victoriabroom2246]

I prefer yours as it’s personalised

[@mannykyut]

you should've comapared yours with a Wildax Pulsar ;)

[@Askaa88]

Lovely video Will! But are you sure the Fire is longer than Mary? In every angle (of this video) Mary looks longer, bigger and taller. And maybe a silly way to compare but at 1:31, if you measure it with a ruler, Mary is 8.2cm and the Fire is 8cm, so u sure about the 2 feet difference in length?🤣

[@WillsWhereabouts]

I could have sworn the Weinsberg Campervan was bigger just from the way it looked in real life and how it felt longer inside the vehicle but I think from the comments I must be wrong 😂

[@bawballs]

I'd definitely go down the route of converting myself to save a big chunk of money. Saying that I'm confident in my skills and can see how people who were not as confident would go for the pro converted option. As you state though .. the pro of self converting is being able to build to your exact needs and wants. The con being is all the effort and hurdles to get there.

[@andyb2706]

It would have to be the off the shelf model. The only reason being I have no skills at all to build one myself. I tried years ago to do an Airfix model of a Spitfire, by the end it looked more like a u-boat than a plane and there was more paint on myself than the model! Saying that I would love to have the skill because the self build ones always look so much homely than the others.

[@samutraifin]

50k van gives "factory made" vibes. i like the DIY for that small inprefection here and there, giving that human touch.

[@katechip7256]

If I had the money, time and expertise, I’d do it myself. If I had the money, I’d get someone to do it for me to a bespoke design with me “helping/hindering” so I was involved and could learn.

[@si_h44]

I much prefer Mary as it's much more spacious, I don't like them too crammed in, maybe you could fit another window to look out off in the mornings?

[@thinkingoutofthebox.9421]

Professional. Holds resale value much better. Others models have oven ect at similar price. Lower mileage.

[@123jrh1]

for me your van wins, the toilet and shower in the ready made van made the inside claustrophobic , for your van you can easily put rear removable seats in and the shower option would be the same as one of your previous videos

[@andreiK21]

It is very obvious that they are both 5,4 m. The sliding door opens all the way to the back. On the 6m long version there's still some space left.

[@wayneharriss9732]

Great video as always but you did not take that lid off with a lighter that was a total different bottle😂

[@WillsWhereabouts]

No it wasn’t 😂

[@arjanmensink1892]

Your skylight is open when you drive at 10:00 in the video. 😊

[@captured-by-kenny]

Get a life🙄

[@WillsWhereabouts]

I know 😂