Vauxhall Vivaro 2900 CDTI LWB
This is a 2.0L long wheelbase Vivaro from 2010.
I bought the van in 2019 after finishing my Engineering degree to convert into my climbing adventure wagon for a European tour. I got it from a mechanic/garage owner who used it to move car parts for a short period. He bought it from a carpenter who had used it for 2-3 years, but it spent most of its life as a Thames Water van. Whilst with Thames water and the mechanic it was fully serviced with a few stamps missing from when it was with the carpenter. I have also had the van fully serviced since I have had it at 109k miles. It drives well and I have no concerns, the mechanics at the last MOT seemed to think it was in pretty good shape. It has reversing sensors fitted by the mechanic which are really useful.
The MOT is valid in February 2023. I had to replace some items which you can find on the MOT record. I have had the van for the last two MOT tests and the repairs I had done that were required or advised are below:
Headlamp lens restored both sides at 120k
New spring offside rear (back right) at 119k
New CV boots on front drive shaft both sides at 119k
New front brake pads and discs at 115k
Full service and oil change etc at 109k
Just before I bought the van the fuel injectors were also replaced at 109k
I built out the back of this van to take me on a European climbing adventure and it has served me really well with an initial 3 month trip before then being my home when I lived in it for a year to help me save up for a house.
I grew up in a DIY family with a carpenter grandad, hands on parents and my own education as a civil engineer. I wanted to try and build something that maximised storage for long trips and used reclaimed materials as much as possible. I think you don’t need loads of new materials and resources to make a great van and you actually get something with a lot more character if you have to think creatively about how to use whatever you have available to you.
The body:
Starting outside, the van got a custom Blue paint job. It’s not a respray so its not perfect but it surprised everyone who thought me and dad were mad to try this and I’ve always been so glad we did it. At the back I’ve fitted my old bunk bed ladder onto the rareish tailgate door. I also fitted a Fiamma Roof vent and a new window onto the sliding door and there is a 4 bar heavy duty roof rack that I’ve used for bikes and kayaks. I have registered the vans colour change and change in body type to ‘Van with windows’ on the V5 and am just awaiting this back. I have always been able to get ‘campervan’ insurance for it regardless of what the V5 said.
Materials:
The van was fully insulated with a vapour barrier. I used new boards and wool probably an average of 50mm thickness all around. Inside I’ve built it out using varnished reclaimed pallet wood from my local garden centre and stainless steel sheeting that I had spare at home to give it an industrial look. The sink came off gumtree from the gatekeeper at Blenheim palace and the tap was spare out of my parents kitchen when they renovated. All the climbing ropes were retired from my university climbing club and the curtains came from my parents first house together.
Bed/Living Area:
I went for an L shaped sofa that converts into the bed when the table is dropped down to maximise the fixed storage this provided and because I liked the idea of being able to sit a few friends around the table. The seat covers were made by a friend in exchange for a ride to the Peak District. There is now the gigantic ‘climbing drawer’ under the canopy at the back and space for 10 bail arm crates, 7 of which were donated by my local supermarket and are included with the van. There is also dedicated deep storage slots to slide your bedding into during the day and a few assorted shelves to collect everything else. I like the crates because I can pack for my trips in the house by making the cooking box, clothes box etc and then quickly load the van and crack on.
Kitchen:
Up front I built out a work surface that supports the stove when cooking inside and have a fresh and waste water system with a 12v water pump. Theres also dedicated spots for shoes, bins and recycling but you can use them for whatever you like really. I’ve always used the stove with campinggaz but easy enough to set up with a different type of gas and I can help you with this if you need it. You can also mount the table onto the climbing drawer and cook outside in summer.
Electrics – All the usual gizmos you see on these ads, including:
12v 110Ah leisure battery system with isolation switch charged by split charge relay or 240v system
240v hookup with 3x sockets, consumer unit etc.
2x LED strip lighting
12v water pump
12v sockets and USB sockets
There is space for 2 more 12v appliances on the switch board and I’m happy to help you with how to navigate this if you don’t have the experience, I can also add in an inverter if you feel like you want one but personally I’ve never needed it so I didn’t bother.
Any questions please get in touch. I’ve loved having this van and it has brought me a lot of adventures. I have travelled as far east as Croatia and up to the Isle of Skye during Covid times. I hope to pass it on to someone who will also get lots out of it
Bonus feature: I made a pine phone holder for Google maps necessities. VERY useful.
Just shy of a full size double at 130cm x 180cm, this 15cm thick memory foam setup won’t leave you disappointed. I also have a theory that you could sling a hammock above for a child or a small friend but it has not yet been tested.
The contact details for this vehicle are no longer available because it has either sold or the listing has expired.
Insurance options are available through our partner, Ripe Insurance.
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