What To Look For In A LWB Second Hand Van

By The Dub Hut

At The Dub Hut we are often asked about second hand vans. Which is the best make? And model? Should I buy a short or long wheel base van?

Everyone is different, but we love a challenge! Maria has put together this handy blog to help you with your next van purchase.

Budget

When selecting a base vehicle as opposed to a camper, it is vital you think about the type of conversion you would like. Take this into account with your overall budget spent. We cater to all kinds of uses such as:

• Commercial vans
• Dog vans
• Holiday-only campervans
• Campervan rentals
• Off-grid
• Multi-purpose

Make and model of your second hand van

Many of our customers love the idea of having a second hand VW van, so they can join the VW clubs and attend the regular meets and camping trips with other VW enthusiasts. However, having a VW there will also be a premium for a base vehicle and can often be difficult to locate the ideal vehicle.

There are lots of second hand van options for customers not looking to join the VW scene. You can choose from makes such as Ford, Vauxhall, Renault, Mercedes and Nissan to name a few. Base vehicles tend to cost slightly less than VW and are becoming more popular for conversions.

This has become evident over the last year (2024) where we are converting a massive range of vehicles and not just VW campers. There is no difference in converting an alternative make if that works better for your budget or plans.

Mileage

Mileage on a vehicle is a never ending discussion in our workshop. We have so many of our customers have concerns over high mileage when searching for a vehicle. For us personally, we do not mind looking at higher mileage vehicles.

If they are only ever used for camper trips, the annual mileage tends to level itself out. Providing the vehicle has got full service history with the desired number of services, it is completely down to your preference and budget.

Second Hand Van Colour

Van colours always vary a lot. Unless you want to buy a van new from a dealership, it will be tricky to get a van in the exact colour. It can be useful to take into account if the van has the correct specifications and service history.

The main thing to look for is a van that has a mechanically sound wheel base in the size you need. The correct mileage bracket for you is always going to be a huge plus.

Short wheel base vs long wheel base vans (SWB/LWB)

There are a number of things to consider when deciding on a second hand van SWB or LWB.

• How big is your drive? Will it accommodate a LWB?
• Will you use the vehicle/camper as your everyday vehicle?
  vehicle and what would you prefer to drive around town, to the shops and to carry out your everyday duties

All conversion works can be fitted into either SWB or LWB, but with the LWB you gain additional internal space for your camper. The benefits of purchasing a base vehicle as opposed to a pre-built campervan:

• You get to enjoy the excitement of choosing your interior colours to suit you and your family as opposed to having a camper which was designed and created for someone else.
• Full warranty and guarantees come with all campervan conversions, including manufacturers warranties and this offers our customers the peace of mind knowing that the camper they have designed and had built is perfect in every way.
• During Covid there were many campers built as DIY projects and although so many of these look stunning, sadly there could potentially be a lot of underlying problems which will need rectifying to ensure you continue with trouble free adventures.
• With every campervan installation we fit, you will receive a full Habitation / Gas and Electrical Certification to ensure your camper meets all of the U.K. Legislation

As with any large purchase it can be a very anxious, yet exciting time. Take it sow and dont let anyone pressure you into buying a van.

We recommend you obtain a full warranty from the dealership to ensure you continue to enjoy trouble-free motoring.

If you find a base vehicle and would like clarification if this would be ideal to convert, you are always more than welcome to send us the link of the potential purchase and we can take a look for you.

Happy Camping! Maria xx

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