If you’ve ever dreamed of converting a van into a camper, let me tell you—it’s not all sunshine, neatly organized toolboxes, and smooth progress. No, it’s a battlefield filled with stubborn screws, mystery leaks, and a whole lot of “why did I think this was a good idea?” moments.
Welcome to my latest adventure, where I attempt to transform a Mercedes Sprinter 313 into a cozy camper. The video takes you through the first major step: ripping up the floor to see what horrors lie beneath. Spoiler alert—there are plenty.
Living the van life is all about freedom, adventure, and the occasional DIY fix. If you’re like me, your Chinese diesel heater is one of your most prized possessions—keeping you warm during those chilly nights in the mountains or frosty mornings by the lake. But let’s face it, even the most reliable gear can throw a curveball now and then. Chinese diesel heaters, while affordable and efficient, are notorious for a few common faults that can leave you scratching your head (or shivering in your van).
Fear not, fellow van lifer! I’ve put together this handy guide to help you troubleshoot the most common Chinese diesel heater errors. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a total newbie, these tips will have you back to cozy vibes in no time.
Finally the floor is up in my Mercedes Sprinter Conversion and that leads to the inevitable question, how best to fill the holes left over from ripping up the floor.
Sitting back with a drink in your van after a long day sounds like the perfect end to a road trip. But before you crack open that bottle, let’s address the question: can you legally drink in your van in the UK?
Van life presents its fair share of challenges, and one of the most daunting is the ongoing quest for a suitable place to park for the night. Often, you may stumble upon the perfect spot, only to realize you lack the app needed to pay for it—and to make matters worse, your mobile signal is weak. To ease your journey, here’s a list of apps designed to help you find and pay for parking with ease.
If you know or are hosting a van meet up that’s not on this list, please get in touch and let me know. The van life community isn’t quite what it was due to the rising cost of living.
Fair to say it’s been a bit of a weekend in the UK with Storm Darragh making its presence known and it’s a time where I’m grateful to have a battery power bank in the form of the AllPowers R600, and yes one day I’ll have that video edited.
Getting down and dirty in this video with the Mercedes sprinter van build, although it’s more of a van destruction as I take on the nemesis, the battery guard 3000.
Every van build has to start somewhere. Without a clue, tools, guidance or a care in the world, I start my first ever solo van build with my Ex British Gas Cadent Mercedes Sprinter 313.
Alright, let’s get into it. This is the beginning of my journey converting a Mercedes Transporter into a fully functional home on wheels. For those with an ex-British Gas van, you’ll appreciate the rugged base these vehicles provide for a conversion. Here’s a look at what the first day entails.
Getting Down to Business
I’ve got my trusty DeWalts on, the drill is charged, and it’s time to get serious. This isn’t just any project—this is my first full-on van build, and I’m tackling it solo. There’s a mixture of anticipation and a bit of apprehension, but mostly, I’m ready to transform this van into something incredible. No more faffing about; it’s time to put in the hard work.
Today’s Mission
The goal today is clear: gut the van. If you’ve ever dealt with an ex-British Gas van, you know they’re built to withstand just about anything. This toughness is great for durability, but it also means there’s a lot to strip out before the real work begins. From shelves to partitions and old wiring, everything that doesn’t fit into the new vision must go. It’s not glamorous, but it’s a vital step in the process.
The First Step
First things first, a quick prep session in the back of the van. Making sure everything is lubricated and ready to go is crucial. Then, it’s straight into dismantling. The old setup needs to come out piece by piece, and it’s not always easy. There’s plenty of unscrewing, prying, and sometimes a bit of frustration when things don’t budge. But this is all part of the journey.
The Big Tear Down
This is where the transformation begins: tearing down the interior. Every bolt, every panel, and every fixture that doesn’t serve the new plan is removed. It’s like peeling back layers to reveal the potential underneath. Care is taken with anything that might be useful later, but everything else is discarded. This stage is chaotic, but it’s a necessary chaos that paves the way for creativity and progress.
Aiming for Excellence
For those with an ex-British Gas van, you know how tough these vehicles are. They’re built to handle almost anything, making them perfect for a conversion project. The enthusiasm comes from knowing that every effort now will pay off massively in the long run. This isn’t just about creating a living space; it’s about building something unique and personal.
Looking Ahead
Once the van is stripped down, the next steps will be planning the layout, insulating the walls, and starting the build process. This is where the vision starts to take shape. But for now, it’s all about laying a solid foundation.
Final Thoughts
Starting from scratch is daunting, yet exhilarating. There’s a long road ahead, but every step forward brings this project closer to reality. Sharing this journey adds another layer of purpose and connection. I’ll be transparent about the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
In the next episode, we’ll get into the details of planning the layout and kicking off the build process. If you’ve got tips, insights, or just want to share your thoughts, leave a comment. This project is as much about community as it is about the build.
Until next time, keep dreaming, keep building, and savor every step of the journey.
