Conversion of 12 seater transit van to camper

An engineer who specialises in that stuff will set you right QLD TMR will have a list of who to talk to. If you remove seats permanently you will need an LK1 mod plate from an engineer definitely. Insurance class may change
EG taking the seats out and using it as a Courier vehicle would change it Dont know about a camper.
Talk to QLD TMR They are the ONLY people who will give the absolutely correct answers as they have to sign off on it.

Kevin,
My comments, if I were going down the DIY motorhome route I would do the conversion on a Coaster, preferably a Turbo Diesel Version. To me at the CMCA Rallies with over 1000 Motorhomes and Campervans around 20% would be Coasters. I would also look at a crowd in Brisbane, Slacks Creek who buy Coasters/Do Conversions/Sell the completed unit for ideas.

As others have said get involved with and Engineer from the start, who will sign off your finished unit.

My understanding is that a number of members of the Forums below have carried out a similar exercise to you.

Aussiemotorhomers.com and.the Campervan and Motorhome Club (CMCA)
CMCA.net.au

To have access to the CMCA Forum you need to be a member and access to Aussiemotorhomers you need to be interested in motorhomes which if you are going to do a DIY its a given.

Peter

I converted an ex tour bus OKA to a motorhome.
Bus bodies are far from ideal for use as motorhomes.

Windows inappropriate style, wrong positions and wrong height.
Lousy insulation.
Curved walls and ceiling makes everything difficult.
Not quite wide enough.
Not quite high enough.
Door in the wrong place and wrong style.
etc, etc, .....

I removed the bus body and built a custom body in its place.
It works.

Seating changes need engineering approval.
Registration (in SA) is cheaper for motorhomes than for busses or vans.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

As noted by others, engineering certification would be required when altering seating configuration & for the roadworthy inspection.

Point I'd add, ensure you have the vehicle reclassified (by the engineer or Dept Transport) from it's current commercial category (bus/ delivery van etc) to a, caravan / motorhome or similar; ie, a private recreational classification.
This should provide cheaper registration / insurance (does in SA)

( I've converted 4 ex ambo Merc Sprinters, all into campers/motorhomes)

have fun

Thanks Everyone

I am now thinking the easier way to go may be a van with mods and plate already done. I have seen a six seater for sale that would suit. Its a lwb with dual rear wheels. Are there any problems with these? I am also wondering about fuel economy on such a big rig.

Thanks Kevin

Kevin, What type of van? LWB Coaster?, if so to me you cannot drive it on a standard licence. Do you need 6 seats if not, I understand that will still need an engineer certificate to remove them.

Have no experience with dual rear wheels, but have heard that there could be problems with the inner wheel going flat and U not noticing, I would look at a TPMS unit to monitor all tyre pressures.

I personally would look at a Sprinter Van pre 2006 manual, for a DIY project, great to drive, great fuel economy and used by Ambo's in SA and Australia Post in some states. However the Ambo units are not LWB I think MWB and suggest you do not buy a 315 Sprinter.

Peter