Community Q&A

I'm starting my Sprinter LWB build and can't decide on insulation. I've seen people use everything from Celotex to spray foam to sheep's wool. Given the UK's damp climate with condensation being a real issue, what's the best approach? I'm leaning towards closed-cell spray foam for the walls and Thermawrap for the ceiling. Budget is around £500 for the whole van. Has anyone had issues with condensation using rigid board insulation?

Planning my electrical system and trying to figure out solar panel sizing. My setup will be: LED lights, phone charging, a 12V compressor fridge (40L), a MaxxFan, and occasionally a laptop. I'm not planning to run a microwave or anything heavy. Would 200W of solar with a 100Ah lithium battery be enough for 2-3 day trips without hookup? Or should I go bigger? I'm in the Midlands so sunshine isn't exactly guaranteed!

I've just bought a 2016 Renault Master LWB and I'm planning my first ever conversion. I've watched loads of YouTube videos but I'm still confused about the order of operations. Should I do electrics before insulation? When do I fit windows? Should the floor go in first or last? I've got a rough plan but would love to hear from experienced builders about the ideal sequence to avoid having to redo things.

Planning my electrical system and wondering about battery sizing for weekend use only.

Planning my electrical system and wondering about battery sizing for weekend use only.

Planning my electrical system and wondering about battery sizing for weekend use only.

Setting up the water system in my Transit LWB. It's a couples van for weekend trips and the occasional week away. We want a sink in the kitchen and a small shower (probably just a portable one). How many litres of fresh water should I plan for? I've seen tanks from 25L up to 100L. Also, do I need a water heater or is a simple immersion element enough? Trying to keep the weight down as my payload isn't massive.

Want to add a swivel base to my driver's seat in a 2018 Sprinter. I've seen Kiravans, Scopema, and some cheaper eBay options. The Kiravans one seems popular but it's about £250. Does anyone know if the cheaper alternatives are any good? Also, how much height does it add? I'm 6'2" and already quite close to the ceiling. Don't want to end up hunched over!

Trying to decide between vinyl plank flooring (click-lock type) and sheet vinyl for my Crafter build. The plank stuff looks better and is easier to replace individual pieces, but I've heard it can expand and contract with temperature changes. Sheet vinyl seems more practical but harder to get a nice finish. What have people used and how has it held up over time? I'm also wondering about what to put underneath — do I need underlay or just stick it straight on the ply?

Designing the bed area for my Vivaro build. Space is tight so I need to maximise storage. I'm torn between a simple fixed platform bed with access from the side/end, and a lifting bed on gas struts that gives full access to the storage underneath. The lifting bed seems more practical but also more complex to build. Has anyone built a lifting bed? How reliable are the gas struts? Any tips on getting the right strut rating?

I need to fit two side windows in my Ducato. I've seen two main methods: bonded (using Sikaflex/polyurethane adhesive) and rubber-sealed (using a rubber gasket). The bonded method seems more permanent and watertight, but it's also more nerve-wracking as you can't really undo it. Has anyone done both methods? Which is better for a DIY first-timer? Also, any tips on cutting the holes without messing up the bodywork?

Looking at rock and roll beds for my T5 and the M1 tested ones from RIB or Scopema are £1,500+. I've seen people build their own or buy uncertified ones for £300-400. If I'm not planning to use the bed as a travel seat (I have enough seats already), do I still need M1 certification? What are the insurance implications? Just want a bed that folds flat and is comfortable.

I've been looking at heating options and the price difference is massive. A Chinese diesel heater from eBay is about £100-150, while a genuine Webasto Air Top 2000 is £800+. I've read mixed reviews about the Chinese ones — some people say they're brilliant, others say they're unreliable or even dangerous. Has anyone used both? Is the Webasto really 5x better, or is the Chinese one perfectly fine for weekend use? My van is a Transit Custom MWB.