Which are the best vans to convert?

Are you looking to convert your van but feeling overwhelmed by all the information online? The Van Insurer is here to help. We've compiled our list of the best vans to convert by size along with our thoughts on what you might need to consider when choosing the right van to begin work on.

Why convert your van?

It can be easy to get lost in online forums, hearing about other van converters and their conversions, but it's important to remember that choosing the right van is purely down to why you want to convert it in the first place.

For example, someone wanting to convert a van into a camper for weekend getaways will have a different set of requirements than someone who wants to convert their panel van for work.

Know your van conversion requirements

Before looking for a van you want to convert, be clear in your requirements. Create a list that outlines what you need, covering size, height and length, access and mileage.

For example, a list of requirements to convert your van into a campervan may look like this:

• Length: Long wheelbase
• Height: Enough to stand up straight
• Access: Sliding door on the side and rear access
• Mileage: Fewer than 100,000 miles
• Budget: Around £5,000

Once you have answers to your own list of requirements, it's time to get searching. The list of must-haves may change as you compare vans, but your original list of requirements will help you target your search and narrow down the options available.

Best small van to convert

Small vans like the Ford Transit Connect, Dodge Promaster City or the Toyota Sienna are good options for anyone looking to convert a van that's easy to drive, cheap to run and where interior space isn't high on your list of priorities.

Small vans make great campers as they can comfortably sleep two and for occasional weekend getaways, they make financial sense compared to larger, more expensive vans. Small vans are also commonly used for coffee van conversions too.

However, they have some limitations due to their short wheelbases and low roofs and as a result, small van conversions tend to be fairly basic. If you're looking to convert a van into a camper that has more than just sleeping arrangements in the back, you may be better looking at something bigger.

Still think a small van suits your needs? We've picked five small vans that could be right for your van conversion.

1. Mercedes Metris
2. Ford Transit Connect
3. Dodge Promaster City
4. Nissan NV
5. Toyota Sienna

Best medium van to convert

Medium size vans offer more flexibility for both business and camper conversions, while being slightly easier to drive and cheaper to buy than some big van options. For camper conversions, the Vauxhall Vivaro is a common pick, along with the Volkswagen Transporter and the Citroen Dispatch.

And while everyone likes to be different, choosing a big-selling, popular base van for your conversion means parts are easy -- and maybe cheap -- to come by and there's usually plenty of choice for new or used vans when you decide to take the plunge. Popular vans mean they get converted a lot, so there's probably a YouTube tutorial video for whatever it is you're planning on doing!

So, if you're keen on a medium van to convert, here are five picks that could do the job.

1. Vauxhall Vivaro
2. Citroen Dispatch
3. Toyota Proace
4. Volkswagen Transporter
5. Fiat Talento

Best large van to convert

While small and medium-size vans are a good fit for lots of van conversion projects, sometimes they're not big enough to meet your requirements, so you'd want to look at larger panel vans to convert.

Large vans have a longer wheelbase and a higher roof so if you want space then a large van such as a Fiat Ducato, Iveco Daily or Citroen Relay would be ideal.

Not only will larger vans give you more options for storage, accommodation and cooking facilities, they have endless possibilities for business owners who are looking to go mobile, too.

If space is the most important requirement for your van conversion, here are five options that could be right for you.

1. Fiat Ducato
2. Ford Transit
3. Iveco Daily
4. Citroen Relay
5. Nissan NV400

Whatever size van you decide to convert, you must be insured to drive it on the roads -- and that's where The Van Insurer comes in. If you've modified your van, our team is on hand to provide you with a competitive quote that's tailored to your exact needs -- just give us a call on 0330 022 7725.

Alternatively, if your van’s unmodified, our website can present you with an online quote in, typically, less than 5 minutes, from our panel of over 40 brokers.