I have an opportunity (perhaps) to buy an "1999 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 312D Refrigerated, 360916, Manual" with 165000 KLM my question is - are refrig vans easy/hard to convert - can you keep the insulation etc. please excuse my ignorance any comments suggetions will be greatly appreciated. I am a aged pensioner and do not want to make a $$$ mistake Cheers Michael
Possum3 said
09:17 AM Jun 18, 2020
As refrigerated containers are air tight a major consideration is permanent adequate ventilation at high point and an low point of cabin. Then fit it out to suit your tastes. Check sites like Caravan parts suppliers for windows
Download all the technical information you need (FREE) at Caravan Council of Australia. www.caravancouncil.com.au/
Building or converting a vehicle to a motorhome requires lots of different skills and knowledge of all the rules that apply so if you intend to do it yourself, you have much to learn and a lot of study and research to complete before starting work.
It is like building a house, but more complicated.
It can certainly be done, but don't underestimate the knowledge and skills required or the time it will take.
There is a saying - make an estimate of the time it will take and the costs involved. The real time and costs will be about 3 times your best estimates.
There are lots of half finished projects in sheds around the country where people gave up part way through when they came to realise the size of the job.
If you do it, there will be a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction when you do get it on the road.
Cheers,
Peter
Hetho said
10:45 AM Jun 18, 2020
Hi Michael.
It is certainly possible, and when finished the satisfaction of your DIY will be awesome.
Possum has steered you in the right direction, and maybe check with your states transport department rules and regs also.
I built my van; all the parts you require can be obtained from RV parts suppliers, however; I made a shopping list, priced it from the internet, them went to my local caravan yard and gave them my shopping list to price, and disclosed the online prices.
To my surprise they saved me a few thousand $
My internal fit out is all Ikea. (cut down to suit)
However; I used aluminium angle framing for the fibreglass panels. This causes condensation in the colder areas of the country during winter when heat is applied to the inside.
So being a refrigerated van; I'm assuming you may has steel or aluminium inside, and condensation will be a problem in the southern states during winter.
Good luck with your adventure. I had a fantastic time building mine. I've done 95000 ks now and "still loving it"
If I can help at any stage please get it touch.
Regards.
Hetho.
MDN said
04:08 PM Jun 18, 2020
THANKS EVERY ONE
Bicyclecamper said
05:46 PM Jun 18, 2020
If you are a Reddit user good, if not think about joining, as this sub reddit: r/vandwellers is for everyone worldwide, and you will pick up thousands and thousands of tips on how to do it easily. I highly recommend it. NB: you can go there and view, without being a member, but need to be a member to post pics and ask questions.
Whenarewethere said
06:03 PM Jun 18, 2020
I build architectural models, both 3d & physical. Before you even think of picking up tools. Do large scale drawings 1:10 or 1:5 plans (roof, ceiling, floor, chassis), elevations & sections (are useful). Do wiring diagram, plumbing diagram. Material specification sheet including all screw & bolt sizes.
Once you are happy with the plans build a 1:10 scale cardboard & masking tape model to see if you have all door openings & clearances working properly.
No matter how much time you spend doing & fixing plans & it might seem tedious at times. It is far easier & cheaper to solve problems on paper. If you iron out all the problems first you will do the job quicker & better quality.
landy said
10:02 PM Jun 18, 2020
Just a thought I would take a look at your weights early in the project run the vehicle over a weigh bridge before you start and find out what it weighs now then check and see what payload you have to play with for the finished project including water, gas, food etc.
MDN said
08:30 AM Jun 19, 2020
Thanks a heap every one. Had to let it go - because of the insulation it was only 165 cm high.
But am confident for future.
Michael
Whenarewethere said
09:27 AM Jun 19, 2020
landy wrote:
Just a thought I would take a look at your weights early in the project run the vehicle over a weigh bridge before you start and find out what it weighs now then check and see what payload you have to play with for the finished project including water, gas, food etc.
Hi
I have an opportunity (perhaps) to buy an "1999 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 312D Refrigerated, 360916, Manual" with 165000 KLM
my question is - are refrig vans easy/hard to convert - can you keep the insulation etc. please excuse my ignorance
any comments suggetions will be greatly appreciated. I am a aged pensioner and do not want to make a $$$ mistake
Cheers Michael
Download all the technical information you need (FREE) at Caravan Council of Australia. www.caravancouncil.com.au/
www.youtube.com/watch
It is like building a house, but more complicated.
It can certainly be done, but don't underestimate the knowledge and skills required or the time it will take.
There is a saying - make an estimate of the time it will take and the costs involved. The real time and costs will be about 3 times your best estimates.
There are lots of half finished projects in sheds around the country where people gave up part way through when they came to realise the size of the job.
If you do it, there will be a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction when you do get it on the road.
Cheers,
Peter
Hi Michael.
It is certainly possible, and when finished the satisfaction of your DIY will be awesome.
Possum has steered you in the right direction, and maybe check with your states transport department rules and regs also.
I built my van; all the parts you require can be obtained from RV parts suppliers, however; I made a shopping list, priced it from the internet, them went to my local caravan yard and gave them my shopping list to price, and disclosed the online prices.
To my surprise they saved me a few thousand $
My internal fit out is all Ikea. (cut down to suit)
However; I used aluminium angle framing for the fibreglass panels. This causes condensation in the colder areas of the country during winter when heat is applied to the inside.
So being a refrigerated van; I'm assuming you may has steel or aluminium inside, and condensation will be a problem in the southern states during winter.
Good luck with your adventure. I had a fantastic time building mine. I've done 95000 ks now and "still loving it"
If I can help at any stage please get it touch.
Regards.
Hetho.
I build architectural models, both 3d & physical. Before you even think of picking up tools. Do large scale drawings 1:10 or 1:5 plans (roof, ceiling, floor, chassis), elevations & sections (are useful). Do wiring diagram, plumbing diagram. Material specification sheet including all screw & bolt sizes.
Once you are happy with the plans build a 1:10 scale cardboard & masking tape model to see if you have all door openings & clearances working properly.
No matter how much time you spend doing & fixing plans & it might seem tedious at times. It is far easier & cheaper to solve problems on paper. If you iron out all the problems first you will do the job quicker & better quality.
then check and see what payload you have to play with for the finished project including water, gas, food etc.
But am confident for future.
Michael
A really good idea so one has a baseline.