2019 Citroen Relay LWB Professional Conversion with just 52k, just converted - Off Grid..

After spending three months searching for the right van, I wasn’t about to invest a fortune converting an old builder’s van. Fortunately, Oakley Van Conversions built my ideal van, and we spent four nights in it, only to realise that a campervan lifestyle isn’t for us. Coming from a caravan, that’s truly where our hearts lie. Let me share some details about this campervan, which was freshly completed just two months ago.
Let’s start with the van itself. I chose a Citroen Relay for several reasons. Firstly, it has a galvanised body, unlike the VW and Mercedes alternatives, which makes it resistant to rust. Additionally, parts are much cheaper since it shares its platform with various other makes, providing excellent economy and size. It also drives exceptionally well and comes with great features like built-in sat nav and air conditioning.
This is a 2019 Long Wheel Base Citroen Relay with one previous owner and only 52,000 miles on the clock, complete with a full service history and stamped service book. The van has been serviced annually rather than by mileage, using the correct PSA oil. At 51,000 miles, we spent over £800 on a full service, including a cambelt and water pump replacement. While Citroen recommends a ten-year interval, it’s widely acknowledged that the water pump can fail, so we opted for a Gates metal water pump, ensuring it’s good for the next decade.
We had Quantum remove the EGR valve to prevent potential issues, and I’m pleased to report that there are no warning lights on the dashboard! The van is HPI clear and in pristine condition, which is quite rare for a vehicle of this size, as we discovered during our search. All necessary paperwork is included, along with two flip remote keys. It utilizes AdBlue, which is crucial for us as it future-proofs the van for London and other low-emission zones.
This is a professional conversion by Oakley Van Conversions, located just a few miles from my home, and it has been designed as an off-grid van for year-round use with excellent insulation. I’ll list what I can remember, but I may forget some details.
The van features a 450W solar panel on the roof connected to a Victron system and a Fogstar Drift LIPO battery—an outstanding setup that maintains a charge above 85%, even in the morning after everything has been running. It charges quickly, includes full remote monitoring, and comes with a 5-year warranty on the battery. There’s also an awning rail on the roof and a large 250W LED light mounted on magnetic feet for easy repositioning; the on/off switch is inside the van, and it’s very bright, powered by the battery system.
At the front, we’ve installed daylight LED lights in the fog light holders, which are very bright and aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, two LED spotlights are included with the van, though we didn’t get around to installing them.
For cooking, the van is equipped with a refillable SafeFill LPG system, along with an adapter that makes it easy and cost-effective to refill at any station selling LPG. There’s a 100-litre fresh water tank with an external pump for hassle-free filling, along with an external shower unit and a portable Thetford toilet.
The garage under the bed has been designed for multi-use and features two large 160-liter containers on wheels. One container holds the 2024 Vango Cove awning, groundsheet, carpet, and internal tent, all of which have been used only once and include everything that came with them.
Inside the van, we prioritized ample storage and the ability to comfortably sleep three. The main bed is equipped with a high-quality memory foam mattress, and the seating area easily converts into a bed. In fact, my wife prefers to sleep there, away from me!
We have installed a full-size Dometic fridge, currently the best on the market, with a capacity of about 90 liters and minimal electricity consumption. There’s a sink supplied with fresh water from the rear water container, along with a hob powered by a refillable LPG bottle located in the back.
At the front, you’ll find a swivel double seat and window covers, with high-quality curtains fitted to all windows. Two excellent remote-controlled Max Air fans are installed—one at the front and one at the rear. You can set one to exhaust air and the other to bring it in, creating the perfect airflow in the van, all managed with two remotes.
Hidden away is a 2kW Laverner Pro Max diesel night heater, a quality unit plumbed directly into the van’s diesel tank. We also purchased an Afterburner controller, offering numerous configurations, including a temperature control feature to maintain a specific temperature, and an atmospheric controller that adjusts fuel usage for high-altitude conditions, such as those found in the Alps. Unlike most heaters that only offer on/off settings, this system allows for precise temperature management and includes full remote control.
The van is equipped with heavy-duty Rogue wheels fitted with brand-new Maxxis All Season tires, which are highly rated for all weather conditions, including snow. These tires have less than 1,000 miles on them, and we have a total of five wheels and tires, providing a spare.
Adjustable air suspension enhances ride quality significantly, allowing the van to be leveled when parked, which is a real bonus. The improvement in driving comfort is one of the biggest advantages of this setup.
For security, there’s a pedal lock to prevent theft and a tracker installed. We never got around to adding graphics, which was next on our to-do list, leaving it for the next owner to personalize. I also planned to register the van as a motorhome with the DVLA. With the modifications made, it’s possible to re-plate it for a higher weight if necessary, although it isn’t required in its current configuration.
The bottom half of the van has been coated in grey Raptor Paint, making it extremely durable and protective.
Viewings are available in Paddock Wood. Please note, I am not looking for part exchanges unless it’s an Adria Caravan at trade value. I have priced the van based on what it owes me and the cost of its build. It’s an exceptional van constructed professionally with the best available parts, as we intended to keep it for many years. I also have videos showcasing both the exterior and interior.