Lucky Escape from Shocking "Professional" Campervan Conversion company converted VW Transporter

Рет қаралды 56,634

Күн бұрын

Lucky Escape from Shocking "Professional" Campervan Conversion
This camper van conversion was so dangerous it could have killed the owner and his family.
Mark wanted to let people know of the issues he had with his van bought from a "professional" campervan conversion company. The industry needs regulating to minimise the number of these poor vans being sold to consumers.
These vans are not only being sold for more money than they should be. Being sold as "high spec", "top of the range" vans with the "best conversions" when they are far from it with inferior components, poorly installed, mis sold quality and as seen here forged documentation to show conformity.
Please be vigilant.
This is difficult though when some of these companies are still being recommended by others as they are not aware themselves..
If you have a topic you would like to discuss, that our community would benefit from, then please let me know.
NEW SERIES - I need your feedback (please be nice and constructive)
This is only the second in my series of Fire Pit Campervan Conversations.
I am trying to bring interesting topics for discussion so you can gain benefit, learn or hopefully with the right guests be entertained.
I have several planned, with some interesting guests to pass on their knowledge and help us all with our campervan lifestyle.
Guests will be bringing their favourite gadgets to discuss and I will also have a product each week to discuss.
Paddleboards and Kayaks - Sandbanks Style - bit.ly/3xsP4UX
Dock and Bay - Towels, Ponchos and swim wear - tidd.ly/3TH6jcO
Ann's Cottage - tidd.ly/3xvLGcb - Surf Shop, Clothing
Portable Coffee Machine - outin.com/STAYCATIONLIFESTYLE
Use Code STAYCATIONLIFESTYLE for discount
Audible Free Trial with Free Book - www.amazon.co.uk/Audible-Free...
My Amazon Storefront containing many essentials - www.amazon.co.uk/shop/staycat...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whether you have a T5, VW T5.1, T6, T6.1 or even an older T2, T2.5, T4, the VW Vanlife scene is amazing, with so much help and assistance available for whatever project you wish to attempt. Panel van, Kombi, Converted Camper or VW California Beach or Ocean, enjoy the freedom van life brings.
The @Staycation Lifestyle van conversion is coming along.
I bought a VW Transporter T6 Kombi Highline van 140bhp diesel SWB with tailgate.
I have lots more to do though, I have a new electrical system, using Victron components and a Lithium LIFEPO4 battery, so I obviously need to install some power devices. I have a new sound system, with Focal speakers and ibus 2.1 amp, Playstation PS4, which will be removable, TV's on headrests.
Lots for me to look forward too and it would be nice to take you on the journey.
Vanlife for me is just beginning, it's a great adventure and I'm loving it. 😍
There are many great camper adventures to come
Thanks must go to the following:
titantransporters.co.uk - Sourcing my van, providing advice and soon a paint correction and detail
tamarcaravancentre.co.uk - Advising me with many of my leisure equipment purchases, including my Thetford toilet
www.dream-ice.co.uk - Quality advise on my sound system upgrade
plyworxuk.co.uk - Suppliers of my Halo roof and ply products
www.batteriesandsolar.co.uk - 1st class advice and guidance on my electrical system install
stitchesandsteel.com - Seat covers, carpet, roof straps, changing mat
Transporter HQ for my tailgate struts
Kiravans for my Swivel Seats
Amazon Audible is great for listening to books on longer journeys, I have used it for years.
Free 30 day trial - amzn.to/3Pj8qR6
If you click on my Amazon affiliate links, I may receive a commission. I will only link products I use and believe in.
Im a member of Devon & Cornwall Transporters. Have a look at the Facebook group and come along to meet the other friendly members
#vanlife #vanlifeuk #campervan #transporter #vwbus #adventure #rv #rvlife #camper #vwcamper #camper #staycation #wildcamping #offgrid #travel

Пікірлер: 83

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

Sorry I won’t be naming and shaming. A process is in place and the various parties can see where that goes. The video is to make people aware of problems that others have suffered, so others don’t make the same mistakes, by having thorough checks prior to purchase. I have seen lots of vans by other converters with similar issues. Also if it’s not a fresh conversion, who is to say that someone other than the person who originally converted it, hasn’t done some work afterwards and made the error. The brand of the van could get a bad name because of it, wrongly and therefore for those reasons, I won’t be naming and shaming. Just have detailed checks carried out independently for the habitation side of things plus the vehicle, so you know your money is being well spent

@johnsouthern9562 4 күн бұрын

Poor lad, the couple must be very strong to keep the van passion going after all nonsense going on….. this is the reason why I bought my California, I just didn’t want to trust my budget to a conversion team who may not have QC in place……that’s why the VW factory vehicles hold their value better, although they are not so individual of course.

@Nigel2222 8 ай бұрын

I bought mine brand new (2022) from Platinum Wave in Solihul. T6.1 LWB 150 DSG, with EVERYTHING! I had a few warranty issues to sort out and they were brilliant at getting all the little issues resolved. They did a great job and they were in touch with me all the time. Top quality conversion. I absolutely love my van! I did pay a bit more than I could have bought elsewhere, but for genuine peace of mind, it's worth it. Love the colour of yours.

@colinlee5429 8 ай бұрын

Poor mark! Really has been through it, good on you for sharing your story. Lovely van now though!

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

He sure has. Such a nice man and doesn’t want anyone else to suffer 👍🏼

@cantafordia 8 ай бұрын

Absolutely outrageous! He needs to sue the converter if he is still trading. You can do it quickly and cheaply online. If it’s a limited company, it will probably go bust. If he is a sole trader, he is personally liable. If he fails to turn up at court you get judgement by default. If he fails to pay, you can employ a bailiff. Like you said, it will otherwise require a fatality before a coroner recommends industry regulation. The converter going to prison for manslaughter won’t bring them back. It needs to be prevented! Rant over!

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

I understand he is currently in a process, to rectify the situation. I didn’t want to be involved in that, only trying to show others what to look out for.

@nigeljohnson6596 8 ай бұрын

Name and shame, otherwise more people may have the same experience.

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

I didn’t have the experience myself, so not my place. The owner is involved in a process and just wanted to share his story of problems, so others can spot any issues themselves

@LeisureBit 8 ай бұрын

Great video, it’s quite frightening what could have happened and also when you would trust someone to be competent to do a good and safe job. Crikey. All the best, David 👍

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

The industry needs regulation. I am yet to speak to a converter who doesn’t agree. Yet, some people knowingly drive around in dangerous vehicles. Incorrectly load rated wheels and tyres, believing they will be fine 🤷🏻‍♂️

@julesbaby47 7 ай бұрын

Wow! Eye opener. Brilliant video

@StaycationLifestyle 7 ай бұрын

Thank you. Yes it was a bit of a shocker. All good for him now though

@viv-i-vangoesforth 8 ай бұрын

I full feel his pain. I too went to a recommended converter and knew nothing about vans or conversions. Before I took the van to the converter,I personally fitted the side windows,sound deadening,insulation and vapour barrier. I also provided the cx50 fridge, crash tested rock and roll bed and the domestic sink and burners. It took him eight months to do the rest of the conversion ...the van was there weeks at times and nothing seemed to be being done .I'm disabled and the van was my only transport and I got excuse after excuse. Finally after 8 months-which was June last year, it was supposedly finished. Two weeks after I picked the van back up,the whole electrical system of the van went,I had total adblue failure which cost me 4k to fix.oy got the van back January this year. Then my friend who had also had her van converted by the same bloke and warned me to check my wiring. Hers had set alight when she put her microwave on and when having it checked,the converter had used 13 amp ringmain cable and house twin core and earth to wire her van.it cost her a lot to put her van right. So I checked mine. Mine too was wired with household electric cable with a 50 amp fuse taped to the cable herd for the heater,20 amp there etc and no fuse box. The worst thing was the domestic sink and burners. Mine came as a kit with flexible copper to the rear gas locker and small hose. He connected the burners instead via a long orange gas cable touching the burners.i.only spotted this because Id gone to confron him and was given the brush off by his brother who took the P out of me and thought it was very funny. I did report him to trading standards though. I ended up loosing it,going home and ripped everything out and went to the expense of redoing the van except for the joke of a kitchen unit which turned out to be 9 mm ply with sticky back plastic. Its cost me a lot of money to do it but I did it myself following Greg Virgo's conversion of his van. He was also very generous with advice too and I had an auto electrician check everything afterwards. I got so burned financially by this utter tosspot of a con artist I could not trust anyone else to do it. Its put me off ever getting anyone to build a van for me again. Having recommendations is only as good as how genuine they are. I still believe his wiring was what caused the electrical failure of the van systems. Its an abject lesson in just how much this industry needs regulation. Its too easy for total Muppets to set up as van converters .

@suecoo66 8 ай бұрын

Who did the conversion?

@ianf7246 8 ай бұрын

All well & good bemoaning these cowboy convertor, but they need to be named and shamed before somebody gets killed - once their business dries up they will be out of the market

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

That’s true and I understand, but I believe the appropriate authorities are involved who will do as required. In the meantime, we can just try and help others spot any potential issues

@ian2283 8 ай бұрын

Really liking these new chatting format videos a refreshing change from many other channels !

@Ragorar 8 ай бұрын

100% agree!

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

Thank you. I’m trying to improve and help others where I can. Plus if it’s entertaining, it’s even better 😁

@peakyparttimers9362 8 ай бұрын

Love the colour of the paint work

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

It is nice 👍🏼

@shaunelliott5408 8 ай бұрын

Feel for this guy shocking story. Hope its all sorted and he can enjoy the van has he should've from the start.

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

He is beginning to enjoy it now and wants others to learn from his mistakes 😀

@brianwilcock3980 8 ай бұрын

Just name the company who converted it

@suecoo66 8 ай бұрын

Would love to know which company it was. Even if they didn't do the whole conversion if they are selling it then it should be some as safe

@kevinrobinson5640 8 ай бұрын

Great video, maybe he should change tyres also as 97y ain’t enough for a transporter

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

100%. He is aware and is changing them. No point buying expensive tyres if they aren’t correctly rated 👍🏼

@MakeDoAndMend1 8 ай бұрын

My Mazda Bongo. No gas locker. Mains hook wires against gas bottle etc etc. Flooring put down stopping access to engine etc. Cutlery draw knives can go over into fridge compressor etc etc. 😢 George

@timbird5494 8 ай бұрын

Great video mate it's scary that there are cowboys out there ripping good people off

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

Thanks. It is indeed. The forged gas certificates is really scary.

@coraandtheexplorer 8 ай бұрын

What companies would provide detailed checks if purchasing a van?

@petehancock1057 8 ай бұрын

Really love the colour .....may I ask what it is ?

@rezreaver 8 ай бұрын

Why don't you say the name of this company so people don't make the mistake going there.

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

The problem is more widespread than one company. These issues keep occurring. I would rather highlight the issues, so people can look out things and get proper checks carried out.

@russellnewton6660 8 ай бұрын

@@StaycationLifestyle that sounded like an answer from a politician, I’m afraid.

@Lion19722 8 ай бұрын

Maybe I Missed it, but it’s Pointless if you can’t tell us the well known converter who made this mess.

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

It highlights what mistakes can be made when people are looking for vans. This isn’t an isolated incident, but there is a process behind the scenes between the two parties. The owner just wanted to share his story so others may know what to look for. If someone is interested in a particular converter, asking the question on a Facebook group will often highlight people’s experiences

@dibdab699 8 ай бұрын

Rob and Colebrook = quality outfit. Still cowboys out there, but never has it been easier to name and shame. It needs to be done.

@markfoster3421 7 ай бұрын

Regulation won't change anything, look at the building industry, regulated to the hill but cowboys everywhere, sadly.

@romanyronadventures277 8 ай бұрын

Hi who was the converter as would like to no so I can stay clear ?

@jerqah2042 8 ай бұрын

I am really appreciate all your help and video, they are very educational and knowledgeable 5*****👍 i bought California Ocean and wonder if you could recommend a tracker and good insurance company for me ,thanks

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

Thank you. Opt for a Thatcham approved category 5 tracker. There are various companies, Scorpion, SmarTrack, Meta Trak. Regarding insurance, there are so many variables involved

@jerqah2042 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for your quick response👍@@StaycationLifestyle

@_bav 8 ай бұрын

@@jerqah2042Meta Trak S5 Deadlock Pro

@glennconstantine7566 8 ай бұрын

We have just bought a autosleeper air campervan that has just as many faults including faulty seat faulty pop top with water ingress rear water ingress still to be found but not coming from pop top . Appalling fit and Finnish and water damage van is a 2023 and only a few weeks old .. so buying new from a supposedly reputable manufacturer is still no guarantee that the van has been built or sold correctly

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

Oh dear, that’s a lot of money to spend for those kind of problems, especially concerning if they don’t know where the water is coming from.

@lovevans911 8 ай бұрын

Scary. The story could have been so different 😮

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

Sure could, thankfully all was good in the end for this one.

@brianleach3027 8 ай бұрын

We are about to embark on a Campervan./ conversion. Would you like to follow and see our progress over winter. We would use a conversion company.

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

How exciting. Where are you based? Have you decided which van, company to use etc?

@danielhines5698 8 ай бұрын

I had a conversion from big wave campers and it was absolutely shocking, cheap nasty bed, unsafe gas install, dodgy bodywork...ham fisted install all round. Awful

@brianleach3027 8 ай бұрын

@@StaycationLifestyle we are from West Yorkshire. Thinking of a T6 or T6.1 highline T30. Not fussed about high mileage. There are quite a few conversion companies knocking around near us. I’m hoping to pick the right one!! Van first though eh?

@bondubasher 8 ай бұрын

What a bodge job!!

@Squats200 8 ай бұрын

As buying a Transporter is such a minefield, is there any companies you'd recommend buying one from?

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

If buying a new van, then an NCC approved, type approved conversion would be recommended. Vans that have to comply with various forms of regulation to pass the safety tests and strict criteria set out. Something like these www.tamarcaravancentre.co.uk/new+used/motorhomes/filters/body/campervan/

@vanagon1966 8 ай бұрын

NCC approved yet no fire extinguisher fitted and no ventilation for the Gas cooker as Bespoke make all their campervans without an opening window next to the gas cooker..like mine and the 3 that tamarcaravans have listed.. but can be an option for £150 if you order from factory.. Ventilation is a safety concern when using gas this should be a standard fitment not an option..its the first thing next year i am getting fitted..

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

Fire extinguishers and alarms are installed at point of sale, when the PDI is carried out. Don’t forget this is an unregistered vehicle. I think there is a fire blanket also. The ventilation is compliant and is in the form of drop out vent (not the gas one, a separate one) and the pop top vent (not all pop tops have them), I believe this is shown on the safety warning patch. I also would have an opening window personally. Opening windows should be standard and LED headlight lights and LiFePO4 battery etc for safety, but then the base cost would be higher for those who don’t want those items and people don’t. Ventilation wise though, whilst parked there is the pop top vent, the pop top, floor drop out, sliding door, both front doors/windows and tailgate.

@joezanella8949 8 ай бұрын

If you don't name the bad guys what is the point?

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

Read my pinned comment. There are lots of issues out there and this highlights the potential problems. Hopefully people will take note and carry out relevant checks.

@StevieTyrrell 8 ай бұрын

Nice content. Who Rob and where can I find him?

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

Thank you. Colebrook Transporters in Plymouth

@stonkeng 7 ай бұрын

This video is pointless unless you name who did the work. If you are so sure of the facts then name and shame to stop others going to the same company and possibly being killed.

@stevehunt3078 8 ай бұрын

I no how he must feel had some trouble with my conversion Should have named the company so others are aware

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

It’s awful when it happens, but it happens too often.

@alandavies803 8 ай бұрын

Scary stuff. Feel for them going through all that and spending so much more of their hard earned money due to cowboys. Should be named and shamed

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

It is frightening. The problem is that it isn’t an isolated case. There are several. I would rather highlight the potential issues than name and shame each company.

@user-pn6se4zf5t Ай бұрын

I think the name on his shirt is a clue

@FrankDonaldson64 8 ай бұрын

Here is one for you. We had our T6.1 fitted with a new dash cam from Halford for £40 plus the dash and wireloom only to get faults with the electrics and blown fuses. Took the T6.1 to VW for them to charge us £60 to have the fuses replaced and rewire. Their comments were Halfords should never fit dash cams to VW and only qualify to plug a dash to the cigarette lighter, as their wiring is delicate and they should never fit to a permanent live. Moral go to VW to have a dash cam fitted

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

Ouch. That’s poor from Halfords. I use my leisure battery for DashCam, rather have any additional draw away from the starter battery.

@FrankDonaldson64 8 ай бұрын

@@StaycationLifestyle I wish I'd gone to VW or yourself. Halfords obviously don't have the skill base to work to Transporters

@silvervandriver9940 8 ай бұрын

Don't name and shame just give what three words location off company

@T6bus1 8 ай бұрын

Plymouth st budeaux

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

🤣

@_bav 8 ай бұрын

I think the W3W address is \\\crap.campervan.conversion 😉

@daz575 6 ай бұрын

If you was really that concerned about how dangerous it really was you would name the company that did the conversion,

@_bav 8 ай бұрын

If they're doing things like forging gas certificates, then it should be easy to get this guy's business shutdown - it's a criminal offence under the Gas Safety regulations and punishable by a fine of up to £6000 and/or up to six months in prison.

@StaycationLifestyle 8 ай бұрын

Absolutely. It’s with various parties at the moment investigating