Building Transit Camper DIY ??

[Groovy2]

Im considering buying a Transit van and building the interior myself-

I like building things and think I could do a good job -
I know what I want - nothing fancy -but using quality components -

My question is what are the Rules/ Regulations / and Inspections
that the Van/RV must pass to be Legal ??

Also can a Home built van/RV be able to get RV Insurance ??

Is there any books on How to build a Class B Van ??

Thanks

[markopolo]

Browse the Tweaks, mods & projects section here: http://www.classbforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=8

And Building Annie: http://www.classbforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3568

Also this is a good site: http://www.deepredmotorhome.com/ (UK not US but very informative).

My van is insured on an RV type policy. I remember having to send in some photos of it when I applied.

If you go ahead with your project I think it would be worth getting the finished campervan appraised for value for insurance purposes. Factory built units valuation is easy to look up on NADA etc. but you'd have to prove the value of a DIY conversion I think.

[Jostalli]

No rules, regulations or inspections. You can build pretty much anything you want. Just don't modify the factory seats.

"Home built" RV's can get RV insurance but check with your provider. I have Progressive RV insurance on my yet to be completed Promaster conversion. I just have to present receipts and photos to increase the value when I finish.

The book most recommend is: http://www.sprinter-rv.com/sprinter-...on-sourcebook/
I personally did not like it because it is a compilation of mostly Sprinter-source.com threads.

[stanw909]

As far as insurance is concerned, my last van started life as a conversion van then the original owner added a poptop and finally custom interior cabinets. I tried to get Progressive Insurance to insure it but because it had no restroom(just portapotti), they would not insure it as an RV. I ended up putting it on my State Farm auto using stated value. I insured it for what I thought it was worth. I took it to my agent and they took pictures.

[mlts22]

I agree about the Sprinter conversion book. It is a collection of threads, but it is a place to start out. If you can get insurance sorted out (so if the van is totaled, you get more than just the base chassis), and you read the bodybuilder's guide from Ford (not the one you get in the gym, but the upfitter's guide), you should have a starting point.

Again, read the Ford bodybuilder's/upfitter's guide. There are a lot of drill/no-drill spots, and it is crucial to make sure to mind those. Cut a CANBus wire, and you will be in a world of hurt.

[skagitstan]

Annie is insured under an RV policy, even though she isn't fully built yet. All the insurer asked is that we keep records of the build, receipts, etc. Of course it probably didn't hurt that we've insured vehicles and homes with these folks for many years with no claims.