FAQ's
FAQ’s
Do you offer workshop visits?
Yes absolutely! If you are considering using us for your conversion, we encourage people to come and visit and see the builds we are currently working on, get a feel for our workmanship and get to meet the team. We also encourage you to bring your van along for us to chat to you about. Just get in touch and we can arrange a time with you
I’m thinking of getting a larger van, what would you recommend?
When considering between a MWB (Medium Wheelbase) and LWB (Long Wheelbase) van, there are two main options that are most commonly used for conversions: the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, and Citroën Relay (which all share the same body), and the Volkswagen Crafter and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (which also share a common body design).
The Ducato, Boxer, and Relay are the wider of the two and offer greater payload capacity. They are approximately 18cm wider than the Crafter and Sprinter, allowing a 6-foot bed to be installed widthways, which provides greater flexibility when designing the layout.
Another advantage of the Ducato-based vans is their shape. Their squarer profile creates more usable interior space, both at floor level and in the upper sections where overhead cabinets are typically fitted.
The two types of vans differ significantly in their overall lengths. For example, a LWB Ducato, Boxer, or Relay measures around 6 metres in length, whereas a LWB Crafter or Sprinter is approximately 7 metres long.
From a mechanical perspective, our preference is generally the German-built options—the Crafter and Sprinter—as they tend to be more robust and reliable. The French-built alternatives can be more prone to issues, although this will vary depending on the individual vehicle and its maintenance history.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your requirements. Consider where you'll be driving the van (the wider vehicles need more care on the narrow winding roads of Devon), whether you want a bathroom, and your preferred layout. That additional metre of length in the Crafter or Sprinter makes it easier to fit a bathroom, while the extra width of the Ducato, Boxer, or Relay can be equally valuable depending on how you intend to use the space.
Can we come and visit during the build?
Yes! We often will arrange times for you to come and check out the build in progress and make any design decisions that are needed at that time.
How much involvement do we have with the design and build process?
As much or as little as you like. We usually hold a design consultation to go through design choices before we begin.
We then set up a WhatsApp group with our customers so that we can update you on progress and answer any questions you may. This also allows us to discuss with you any further design decisions that are needed along the way.
Can I make my own soft furnishings?
Yes of course, if you would like to add your own details such as soft furnishings this is possible
Do you do part conversions or modifications?
No we prioritise full conversions
How much do your conversions cost?
Micro Campers start from £9000
Small campers start from £15000
MWB/LWB campers start from £35000
Please use our camper build estimate platform to guide you through your design choices and pricing guideline
These are approximate figures as every camper is different.
Please get in touch to discuss your exact requirements
Can you supply a base vehicle?
No, we work on the basis that the customer supplies a mechanically sound, base van.
The vehicle must be taxed and insured and arrive with petrol/diesel.
Is my van insured whilst at your workshop?
Alternative Campers maintain liability insurance covering their own negligent acts, workshop operations, and workmanship carried out to the van. Risk of theft or loss to the vehicle remains with the Customer. The Customer must maintain a valid comprehensive insurance policy on the vehicle for the entire duration it is in the Converter's possession.
Please could you give a quick overview of how your booking and payment process works?
Once we have had an initial chat, we have discussed with you what you are looking for and you are happy to proceed, we ask for a £2500 deposit to secure our next build slot. This is a non refundable deposit, however this money is put towards your build cost once we begin.
2 month before the build begins we ask for an initial instalment of £2,500. This guarantees us that the van is definitely coming and covers us for any unexpected last minute cancellations. This also means we can buy in the materials needed to get started as soon as the van arrives.
Upon delivery of the van to our workshop we request a further instalment, but this depends on what value we have estimated your build to cost.
Equally, the subsequent payments are broken down over the build which will be provided to you with your estimate. The final instalment must be made before collection of the van.
Can you give any info on your design process and whether you do any illustrations etc., ahead of the build starting?
We don't currently offer any illustrations, but we could for an additional charge.
Each customer we have worked with has very much been a part of the design and build process all the way through. We encourage you to share ideas with us so we can get an understanding of your style and taste. We then work with you, guiding you through what will work and what won't. Giving suggestions and ideas to help you decide on each aspect of the build.
If you live locally then you are more than welcome to come and visit and see the build progress. In fact I find it useful for the customers to come and see colours and make design choices as the build progresses as it's easier to understand the space and see colours etc in situ. But if you don't live locally then it's not a problem. I am in regular contact via Whatsapp sharing photos and things.
I understand some people struggle to visualise ideas, and this is something I am working on to improve. But if you wanted some illustrations we could outsource this.
What’s the typical build time from van arrival to completion?
From empty panel van to campervan, typically, our smaller conversions take around 4-6 weeks whereas our larger, more bespoke builds can take up to 3 months to complete depending on their complexity
Please note that the time frames mentioned are approximate and can be influenced by design considerations and the availability of materials.
Do you provide an estimated and final weight breakdown? Is the van weighed at completion?
Yes every van is weighed at the end of the build and you are issued with a certificate to prove its final weight. We can provide you with an estimated weight based on previous conversions, but it's hard for us to give you an exact breakdown of this weight. We am always being very conscious of the materials used and have a good idea of what will be achievable within the limitations.
How much payload margin do you usually aim to leave?
We try to finish each build leaving you with a minimum of 500kg payload for you, your belongings, food, water etc. My last several conversions, which have been larger conversions where the gross weight is 3500kg, we have come in at around 2800 -2900kg leaving you 6-700kg allowance
Are there particular brands you tend to use?
We always fit Maxair fans as they are the best all round fan/ skylight that helps to ventilate your van but also act as an extractor for cooking and best of all, is the only one that can be left open in the rain and while driving.
If you are wanting a secondary sky light, then we like to use MPK skylights.
**If there is an alternative you wish to use, we are happy to fit it, but cant vouch for how well they work or their durability so hold no responsibility for this.
As far as electrics we like to use Victron as they are good quality products with a 5 year warranty.
Things like fridges and other kitchen appliances varies depending on what you are wanting
We absolutely swear by Truma Combi's for your hot water and heating as they are just brilliant. So so quite for heating and great levels of control over temp settings etc.
However, if you are having a smaller van build, or don’t need hot water, then either the Truma Vario is a fab alternative (just a bit noisier unfortunately)
Timber we use poplar ply which is light weight and use either 9mm or 12mm to keep weight down but still being strong
We do use solid woods like oak, walnut or tulipwood for decorative purposes but am always conscious of how much to keep weight down.
Do you offer any warranties?
Yes, we offer a 12 month warranty towards any major defects in design, materials or workmanship, this does not include typical wear and tear or replacement of the appliances or materials you have provided. Appliances are covered by their own warranties.
Failure to renew certificates and carry out a yearly MOT on the interior of your campervan will invalidate warranties.
If you are renting your van any defects caused by the renter is not covered by our warranty.
Many products will have their own warranties associated with them also. These differ from product to product. I.e: Most of the Victron electronics come with a 5 year warranty, whereas other products like the Maxair fan or fridge may only have 1 month.
Do you offer after care support?
Yes, we stay in touch with all our customers and have met with several of them afterwards as we enjoy seeing our builds and hearing how customers are getting on. If you have any issues, or questions regarding your build, we are always here to help.
How do you handle any issues that come up after handover?
If you have any snagging issues then just pop us an email and we will arrange with you a time to pop back in to smooth out and little issues.
Do you provide documentation such as control manuals?
I provide you with all the operating manuals that come with the appliances. I also share with you really handy YouTube videos that help you to understand how to use things such as the trauma control and Victron battery.
Upon hand over, we will spend a couple of hours with you providing guidance on the proper use and maintenance of your campervan. Once you are satisfied with everything, you are ready to embark on your journey.This is also documented in your handover booklet. If you have any questions or problems once you have taken the van away, I am always on the end of the phone to help.
Can I help out with my van build and be a part of the build?
Unfortunately not. This doesn't work for us. It compromises our insurance policy and doesn't benefit our business.