Edward Spy a blog from 5th Feb

Hi All,

I find the diversity and endless uses for the humble van very interesting, having completed a couple of Van conversions myself over my time as a mechanic, when I came across this write up from Edward Spy in the telegraph I just had to share it.

Many thanks Edward.

By Edward Spy

12:00PM GMT 05 Feb 2016

 

Want the feel of a luxury airliner like the Sprinter JetVan by Becker, or something a little more off the wall like a Hyundai i10 Ice Cream van? Body builders will turn a simple van into something special.

Most manufacturers now offer a range of bodied vehicles under warranty that are made by approved third parties. These can range from everyday items such as tippers and dropsides on a 3.5-tonne chassis such as the Volkswagen Crafter or the mid-sized Transporter, to more smaller items including wheelchair accessible Caddy vans.

But if you want something a little more bespoke, what are the best conversions?

The emergency services rely on converted vehicles Photo: © Justin Kase Ztwoz / Alamy

1 Emergency vehicles

The emergency services (such as London Fire Brigade, above) are the backbone of any country and one of the biggest users of converted vehicles. They help keep order, treat us when we are sick and rescue us when we are in danger.

But where would they be without vans? From a fire and rescue vehicle to a mobile CCTV unit, vans are used in all manner of ways by the ambulance, police and fire services. It’s not just large vans either, even medium and small vans get in on the action, and occasionally the odd pick-up truck too.
2 The fourth emergency service

This breakdown patrol van comes with a compact recovery trailer

There’s one particular breakdown company that used to refer to itself as “the fourth emergency service”, but when you’re having car trouble it doesn’t matter which company comes to save you, the important bit to remember is they’re doing it in a van.

This van is just like many of the more recognisable patrol vehicles and has been converted to include not only all the diagnostic equipment, jacks, axle stands, tools, parts and car batteries they might need on a job, but also a compact recovery trailer.
3 Partying and relaxation

The Finns have invented in-van saunas for relaxation on the move

Vans are a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, and what better way to do it than with a barbecue. A crowdfunding campaign in Japan is looking to build the Ultimate Smart BBQ vehicle using a Nissan eNV200 van with the aim of providing emission-free parties.

In the rear there is a 1,500-watt electric grill and rotisserie, a sink and waste disposal system, and there’s even an ultrasonic mosquito barrier and a water mister to keep guests cool. For your entertainment, how about a TV screen and a karaoke machine?

Of course after all that cooking you’ll need to relax and while the Transporter might be a German invention, it’s the Finns who have really embraced it when it comes to conversions.

Who else but the Scandinavians would think of transforming a van into a sauna? Both of these old Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles models are driveable, and just like a normal van there’s bench seating, although rather than a tough cloth upholstery it has cedar slats.
4 Sleeping

The Doubleback mixes a camper-van footprint with a motorhome's practicalities

Have you ever heard of a Danbury Doubleback? No, it’s not a sailing knot or a gymnastic flip, it’s a regular-looking Transporter T5 harbouring one hell of a party trick.

Said to be the first true innovation since the elevating roof was developed and added to the Transporter California models more than 30 years ago, the Doubleback mixes a camper-van footprint with a motorhome’s practicalities.

An electrically-operated slide-out pod made from materials used in the aircraft industry adds nearly two metres of extra room to the van, enough to have a full-sized bed, seating and kitchen area at the same time.
5 Luxury transportation

The Caddy Maxi limousine comes with its own mini bar

Minibuses are for schoolchildren and Sunday league football teams. When it comes to moving people around in comfort you need a specialist van. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Volkswagen Crafter vans are often used for the really grandiose conversions, but on the outside they still look like normal vans.

What if you want something a little more ostentatious? With room for five, and a minibar for your drinks, a Caddy Maxi limousine should do the trick.
6 Food trucks

The humble food van has had a cool modern update  Photo: © Simon Dack / Alamy

Pop-up stores are everywhere, from boutique fashion to food. They’re taking over the high street but the humble food truck has also had a refresh in recent years. Vintage vans in particular are now the trend.

These kitchen conversions can be found serving all manner of foods from pizzas to hot-dogs, ice creams or crepes, and are just as common as the lay-by burger van – but much nicer to look at.

An interesting read with nice images, thanks again to Edward Spy.