VW LT35 Luton 2004 - outstanding, professional conversion

Hello,

This 2004 VW LT35 TDI LWB Luton was converted by professional converters David and Heather from ‘The Travelling Makers’ in 2018. Feel free to check out their Instagram @thetravellingmakers to see the quality of their work and photos of the van build. Please also see link to video of the original van build. The van has since been very well looked after, and regularly serviced and maintained.

– The Basics –
2004 VW LT35 TDI LWB Luton Diesel
Mileage 148,862
Reregistered as a motor caravan on V5
5 Speed Manual
Full MOT no advisories (09/24)
Full service (09/24)
Recently replaced disks brake, pads and all pipes and hoses (Front 12/23, Rear 05/23)
Recent handbrake cable and shoes (11/23)
New clutch (07/24)
Recent tyres (12/23)
Gross vehicle weight uprated to 4t which required 5 new high load bearing tyres and an air assisted suspension kit (09/19)
Height of van is 3.5m (including chimney), Length 6m
Bodywork overall in good condition, with some tree branch scuffs, scratches/marks on sides, and small areas of rust showing on door sills
Lots of service history, receipts and appliance manuals

– Exterior –
Full respray in satin grey (2018)
Aluminium roller shutter (2018)
Custom rear step
Double glazed windows (all openers)
Underslung 85 litre water tank
Underslung 55l waste water tank
Shureflow 30PSI water pump
Fammia A20 Accumulator
200W single solar panel with control panel

– Electrics –
120AH AGM leisure Battery
Heavy duty split charge system 140AMP
12v Fuse box
12v 22” TV/DVD player that swivels for viewing from bed, kitchen or seating area (can be used with Chromecast etc.)
9 LED spotlights (4 way light switch for each selection)
Twin USB socket in bed area
12V Dometic/Waeco CRX50 compressor fridge
240v electric hookup
Rear view parking camera with 7” monitor in cab
Double plug socket with USB
Stereo with AUX

– Interior –
Gas boiler
Fully insulated and cladded walls
4 opening double glazed windows
Wooden floor
Dutch style front door with lock and key

– Kitchen Area –
Kitchen Unit, painted in Farrow and Ball Stiffkey Blue
Consisting of double cupboard base unit, cutlery draw above, pan draw under cooker, two large locker top cupboards, custom birch ply and copper pipe spice rack and shelves, birch ply worktop.
Calor Gas cooker (two ring hob, grill and oven)
Black Dometic/Waeco CRX50 compressor fridge
Handmade hammered copper sink
Custom copper pipe tap
Tiled splash back

– Bathroom –
Thetford 365 cassette toilet
Moroccan tiled floor
Handmade copper shower
Handmade copper shower curtain rail
PVC cladded walls
Frosted bathroom window
4 LED spotlights

– Other bits –
Log burner with steel surround, and log storage underneath
Drop down birch ply table
Large bench seat which can also be used as a single bed, with large storage underneath
Small bench seat with storage underneath
Wardrobe/storage area under bed (between living area and cab).
Full sized fixed double bed with memory foam mattress that has only been used with a mattress protector (above cab)
Birch ply/copper pipe shelf in bed area

– Accessories –
Chocks, Water pipe with universal fitting to fill water tank, Lead for 240v hookup.

– Summary –
The van has everything needed for wild camping and off grid living. You can use campsites every 3-4 days to empty toilet, fill up water and wash clothes, which saves a fortune on full campsite fees. Park4night is a great app for wild camping and finding pubs that allow you to stay in their car parks in exchange for buying drinks or food.

The van has been uprated to a gross vehicle weight of 4t. This was signed off by an engineer from “SV Tech” and the plates have been changed and updated with DVLA. The process required 5 new higher load bearing tyres (116/114) and air assisted suspension allowing the driver to raise or lower the stiffness of the suspension with buttons on the side of the driver’s seat. When parked in strong winds you can increase the pressure to stop the van rocking.

To drive this vehicle you would need to have had a UK driving licence since 1997 or earlier, otherwise you would be required to take a C1 test. The test cost £85 for the theory and practical test, plus the cost of an instructor (if required).

Due to it being uprated it is now classed as a HGV with the annual tax being reduced at £165.
It is registered as a motor caravan on the logbook meaning that insurance is cheap, and it is class 4 for MOT’s, meaning it still gets MOT’s at regular car Test Centres. It is advisable to check with your MOT Test Centre/Garage if their facilities can manage the height and circa 4t weight of the van.

The van was previously hired out, which required a landlord certificate. The gas system was redone to meet commercial regulation, with carbon monoxide alarm, vents and a gas locker fitted. This was done through Quirky Campers, who hired it out at roughly £100 per night (higher or lower depending on season). The van could make a great business for someone or just a way of making the van pay for itself.

The van weighs 3.72t with a full water tank, and all accessories loaded. Weighbridge ticket included.

The van cruises nicely at 60-65mph on motorways and has an average fuel consumption of 19mpg (including traffic and cities). We have taken it around the UK and in lower gears it has no problem with inclines.