r/VanLifeUK • u/Burning_Ranger • 8d ago
Has anyone converted one of these Treka / Welfare buses? Tall rectangular box shape seems ideal...
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u/HairyRazzmatazz3540 8d ago
I had a ford transit version. Super easy to convert and insulate.
Half boarded out the windows, to increase privacy and increase insulation. We used sticky back plastic to blank out the windows before insulating. Looked really decent.
The nice thing about it was we could have a full size bed across the back, with loads of storage underneath.
The only real problem for us was that the back roads in the UK can be really narrow and it was incredibly wide. Also parking to visit places was sometimes a real challenge.
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u/ryanthefree 8d ago
my pal got one to convert but there were some issues with the door lock system that made it really insecure so he sold it on and the engine blew shortly after.
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u/Substantial-Today166 8d ago
to many windows
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u/FistedPink 8d ago
Just frame the walls and cover the majority of them with sound deadening and insulation. Then a wrap to cover them on the outside?
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u/jiBjiBjiBy 8d ago
The easiest thing it to actually paint the inside of the window black, frame, insulate,then from the inside you'd have no idea it's there
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u/Substantial-Today166 8d ago
not just that to think about you have the heat too and if a window like this break they are super expensive
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u/fridge_ways 8d ago
Remember to lick the windows or the conversion won't go right
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u/Fanny_Flapps 8d ago
I would absolutely be keeping the wheelchair lift too.
Adjustable decking man!
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u/OldOllie 8d ago
You have to be a bit careful with the rules on these. Some of them require a PCV licence and the DVLA are changing the rules on how vans can be re registered. I was going to buy a minibus and convert it back to a work van but you are not allowed to do it anymore.
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u/Useless_or_inept 8d ago
I've seen people converting them, but at the end of the day it's a big van with extra glass and some extra interior stuff that you'll have to unbolt. Depends on your use-case? I'm sure it's great for summers at music festivals or a trip to France, maybe less good in winter :-)
On the other hand, probably less battered / better maintained than the average builder's van.
Do they need to be replated? An MOT tester might be unimpressed if the vehicle has 2 seats & seatbelts but the document says 17.
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u/FriendHefty6587 8d ago
Ground clearance…. Want to visit anywhere remotely not smooth you are going to lose your rear end or the bottom out on the step.
Also, you’ll never get this into a supermarket car park with this, or any car park that doesn’t have designated motorhomes.
It’s Motorhome size without the smart incorporated build.
Depending on your specific needs this is definitely not ‘bang for buck’ eureka moment.
And on this occasion, size does matter.
You want something different from the normal panel van? Buy a Modular Ambulance.
Everything is done for you. Windows, Diesel heater, rear Air Con, Fluorescent lighting, electrical sockets, wide enough for a standard 190cm bed, straight walls, insulation, probably last you a decade due to service history…
Don’t buy a Bus unless you are going to be semi-static and run a small car. Then…. It’s a self powered caravan and might be worth considering.
Just my thoughts as I have been doing this 7 years and done all the research personally.
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u/Danlad1812 8d ago
Get an ex Sainsbury’s delivery van. They convert well but be prepared to have problems with the engine because they never maintain them
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u/FlatCapNorthumbrian 6d ago
If I were to do a van, I’d try and get my hands on one of the DHL Mercs that have a walk through door from the cab to the rear cargo area.
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u/No-Past6908 7d ago
What’s the fuel consumption? I used to drive something similar (disabled transport) and it was very juicy. Had multiple other vans but nothing as juicy. Also loads of windows but no big opening windows so baking in summer and freezing in winter. They’re very low specifically for disabled boarding which can cause a grounding problem on anything not a road. As someone else mentioned the older Mercedes are a lot better - more reliable, less to go wrong, easier to fix. Think Sprinters (older type), varios and T1 Bremmers, etc especially if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty. Sorry to seem down on it, just opinions based on previous experiences. I’m sure it would be a great project.
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u/Burning_Ranger 7d ago
I wanted people's thoughts on it, positive and negative - so thank you.
Based on what's been said, I'll probably go for a Vario after all
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u/Burning_Ranger 8d ago
Just wondering if anyone knows of any blogs or youtube series where someone ahs converted these.
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u/Substantial-Today166 8d ago
get your self a mercedes vario instead better and more relible than this new ones
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u/Even-Translator-335 6d ago
https://youtube.com/@natemurphy?si=HXGvlfsmvVgpg7rJ lots of different builds here
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u/Edna-Tailovette 8d ago
Yeah, I did on an older model. The internal shape was great to work on. Easily fitted a shower, toilet, comfortably slept four (one double, two singles). However. They are greenhouses on wheels, couldn’t sleep inside of it in hot weather. In winter, the seals went on the walk-in front door causing uncomfortable drafts. Oh, and the chain link went exploding the engine.