Every part of a conversion, three ways.

Plug-and-play systems (Clayton, Zeliox). ~28kg can replace ~150kg of lead-acid. Premium/entry-friendly path.

• Midall-in-one

  Zeliox ECO III 3000

  Zeliox/Eberspacher

  35 kgest.£3,479

  ~2kWh all-in-one, inverter+MPPT+DC-DC+mains in one unit.

• Midall-in-one

  Clayton Power LPSII 2000 (1kWh)

  Clayton Power

  24 kgest.≈ £2,600

  1kWh/80Ah all-in-one, 2000W inverter — smaller all-in-one option.

• Premiumall-in-one

  Clayton Power LPSII 3000

  Clayton Power

  27.5 kg✓ verified£3,840

  2kWh/160Ah LiFePO4, 3000W inverter (6000W peak), 400W MPPT, DC-DC booster, 750W mains charger, RCBO. ~28kg replaces ~150kg lead-acid — entry-level friendly.

• Premiumall-in-one

  Zeliox NEO 4000

  Zeliox/Eberspacher

  43 kg✓ verified£3,719

  2.4kWh/200Ah 48V LiFePO4, 4000W inverter (8000W peak), 1440W DC-DC, 2400W MPPT, 1704W mains. Premium all-in-one.

Busbars, fuses, isolator, shunt/monitor — the glue of a component build.

• Mid

  Victron SmartShunt + busbars + fusing kit

  Victron/Blue Sea

  2.5 kgest.≈ £200

  Battery monitor, busbars, fuses, isolator — required glue of any component build.

Charges leisure battery from alternator while driving.

• Budget

  Renogy 40A DC-DC

  Renogy

  1.6 kgest.≈ £110

  Alternator charging, budget option.

• Mid

  Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-30A

  Victron

  1.3 kg✓ verified≈ £160

  Charges leisure battery from alternator while driving. Bluetooth.

Victron inverters heavier than generic: Phoenix 2000 = 13kg, MultiPlus 3000 = ~19kg (verified).

• Budget

  1000W pure sine inverter

  Renogy/generic

  3 kgest.≈ £120

  Standalone inverter for the DIY route.

• Mid

  Victron Phoenix/Smart Inverter 12/2000

  Victron

  13 kg✓ verified≈ £430

  2000VA (4000W peak) pure sine, Bluetooth. Verified 13kg — heavier than generic. Quality component build.

• Premium

  Victron MultiPlus 12/3000 (inverter/charger)

  Victron

  19 kg✓ verified≈ £900

  Combined 3000VA inverter + mains charger + transfer switch. ~19kg (verified). Replaces two units.

LiFePO4 9.7-13kg per 100Ah; AGM 25-30kg. The DIY/Victron component route.

• Budget

  100Ah AGM leisure battery

  generic

  27 kgest.≈ £120

  Lead-acid AGM. Cheapest upfront, heavy, ~50% usable. Budget/occasional use.

• Mid

  Renogy 100Ah Smart LiFePO4

  Renogy

  11.8 kg✓ verified≈ £320

  100Ah LiFePO4, Bluetooth, self-heating, ~4000 cycles. DIY workhorse.

• Mid

  Renogy Core Mini 100Ah LiFePO4

  Renogy

  9.7 kg✓ verified≈ £330

  Lightweight 100Ah LiFePO4, self-heating. Best weight-saver.

• Premium

  200Ah+ LiFePO4 (Fogstar/Roamer)

  Fogstar

  22 kgest.≈ £600

  Large single 200Ah+ LiFePO4 for heavy off-grid builds.

Charges from shore power / EHU.

• Mid

  Victron Blue Smart IP22 12/30

  Victron

  1.9 kg✓ verified≈ £160

  Charges battery from EHU/shore power, Bluetooth.

Solar charge controller. (Panels are Category 3.)

• Budget

  Renogy Rover 40A MPPT

  Renogy

  1.2 kgest.≈ £110

  Budget MPPT controller.

• Mid

  Victron SmartSolar 100/30

  Victron

  1.3 kg✓ verified≈ £150

  MPPT controller for up to ~440W solar, Bluetooth.

Charging points around the build.

• Budget

  12V sockets + USB/USB-C points (set)

  generic

  0.4 kgest.≈ £30

  Cigarette/USB charging points around the build.

Light overall. Battery cable per-metre: 25mm2 0.21kg/m, 35mm2 0.30kg/m (verified). Whole van 2-8kg.

• Budget

  12V wiring + conduit + loom (whole van)

  generic

  3 kgest.≈ £80

  Thin-wall auto cable, split conduit, loom tape — total for a typical build.

• Mid

  Heavy battery cable 25mm2 (per metre)

  tinned copper

  0.21 kg✓ verified≈ £4

  0.21 kg/m — battery/inverter/DC-DC runs; a build uses ~4-10m.

• Mid

  Heavy battery cable 35mm2 (per metre)

  tinned copper

  0.3 kg✓ verified≈ £6

  0.30 kg/m — heavier runs on larger inverters.

12V distribution/fusing.

• Budget

  6/12-way blade fuse block

  generic

  0.3 kgest.≈ £15

  Fused 12V distribution — DIY route.

• Mid

  Fused distribution + negative busbar kit

  Blue Sea style

  0.8 kgest.≈ £70

  Positive/negative distribution with cover.

LED spots + strips, whole van.

• Budget

  LED spotlights + strip kit

  generic

  0.6 kgest.≈ £40

  Recessed LED spots + dimmable strip, whole van.

• Mid

  Dimmable LED spots + touch switches

  Labcraft/generic

  1 kgest.≈ £90

  Higher-quality, lower-draw lighting with dimming.

230V distribution — needs qualified sign-off.

• Mid

  230V sockets + RCD + hook-up inlet

  generic

  1.5 kgest.≈ £110
  Needs qualified sign-off (gas/electrical)

  EHU inlet, RCD protection, mains sockets. Qualified sign-off recommended.

Rocker panel, battery readout.

• Mid

  Switch panel with voltmeter / USB

  generic

  0.5 kgest.≈ £45

  Rocker switch panel, battery readout.

Brackets/adhesive/glands.

• Budget

  Rigid panel bracket set + roof glands

  generic

  1.5 kgest.≈ £30

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  Corner/Z brackets, cable gland, sealant — for rigid panels (roof penetration).

• Mid

  Adhesive mounting kit (no drill)

  Sikaflex/generic

  1 kgest.≈ £40

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  Bonding adhesive + spacer battens for an air gap (reduces heat, extends life).

6mm2 cable + MC4 + entry gland.

• Budget

  MC4 connectors + solar cable (array)

  generic

  1 kgest.≈ £25

  6mm2 solar cable, MC4 connectors, entry gland.

Verified: 100W ~7-9kg, 200W ~10-14kg. Cheap, durable, 25+yr, but heavy + roof drilling.

• Budget

  100W rigid monocrystalline panel

  Renogy/generic

  7.5 kg✓ verified≈ £70

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  Cheap, durable, 21-23% efficiency, 25+yr life. Heavy; raised brackets (roof drilling). Best value/watt.

• Mid

  200W rigid monocrystalline panel

  Renogy/Photonic

  12 kg✓ verified≈ £120

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  Common single panel. 20-23% eff, long life. ~12kg each — a 2-panel array ~24kg.

Verified: ~40% lighter than rigid. 100W ~2.4kg, 200W ~3-5kg. Pricier, shorter life, runs hot.

• Mid

  100W semi-flexible panel

  Renogy

  2.4 kg✓ verified≈ £120

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  Bends ~240deg, no drilling (adhesive), streamlined. Hotter, shorter life (~3-8yr). Use ETFE not PET.

• Premium

  200W semi-flexible ETFE panel

  Sunbeam/Photonic

  4 kg✓ verified≈ £250

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  Premium ETFE, self-cleaning, 20+yr front-sheet. ~4kg vs ~12kg rigid — saves ~8kg/panel.

Unit ~3kg. Diesel is the default UK off-grid choice — cheap, dry, no gas.

• Budget

  2kW diesel heater (clone kit, Vevor)

  generic

  3.5 kgest.≈ £120

  Cheapest way to heat a van. Complete kit. Variable QC, louder, no support. Popular budget choice.

• Mid

  Autoterm Air 2D 2kW kit

  Autoterm (Planar)

  2.9 kg✓ verified£905

  The UK favourite. 2kW, 0.1-0.24 L/h, altitude sensor, E-marked, 7-day support. Kit incl. tank/ducting/exhaust/pump.

• Premium

  Eberspacher Airtronic 2kW

  Eberspacher

  2.8 kgest.≈ £1,150

  Premium OEM diesel heater, factory-fit quality, quiet.

• Premium

  Webasto Air Top 2000 STC 2kW

  Webasto

  2.7 kgest.≈ £1,100

  Premium German OEM-grade, quiet/reliable. May need extra fuel-tap parts. Durability choice.

Tank/pickup, ducting, exhaust, mounting.

• Mid

  Fuel tank/pickup + ducting + exhaust + mounting

  generic

  3 kgest.≈ £90

  Most branded kits include this; budget separate tank/ducting/exhaust/mounts. Adds a few kg.

Only viable on hook-up / very large bank.

• Budget

  12V/mains electric heater

  generic

  2 kgest.≈ £60

  Light/cheap but drains batteries fast. Only on hook-up or very large bank. Not a primary off-grid source.

Unit + gas system; bottle is the real weight. Gas Safe sign-off.

• Premium

  Truma gas blown-air heater

  Truma

  5 kgest.≈ £900
  Needs qualified sign-off (gas/electrical)

  Only if you run gas. Needs flue + certification. Real weight is the bottle (full 6kg Calor ~12kg+).

Default recommendation for nearly every build. Light, cheap, effective.

• Budget

  Manual roof vent / skylight

  MPK/generic

  2 kgest.≈ £45

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  Passive vent + rooflight. Cheapest airflow, no power. Every build should have one (condensation).

• Mid

  Powered roof fan (Maxxair-style)

  Maxxair/Fiamma

  3.5 kgest.≈ £250

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  12V reversible extractor/intake fan + rain cover. The near-universal van choice. Fit before ceiling lining.

HEAVY (~28kg) and roof-mounted — payload hit AND raised centre of gravity.

• Mid

  Truma Aventa Compact

  Truma

  27.5 kg✓ verified≈ £1,650

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  Lightest/quietest in class (EPP). Roof-mounted. Needs big power. ~27.5kg high on the roof — watch CoG.

• Mid

  Dometic FreshJet 2200

  Dometic

  28 kgest.≈ £1,500

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  Compact rooftop unit, popular Truma alternative. Similar weight/power considerations.

• Premium

  Mestic Rooftop RTA-1700L

  Mestic

  30 kgest.£1,200

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  Rooftop air-con (Ahoy Leisure). Mains-powered. Budget-friendlier rooftop option.

• Premium

  Truma Aventa Comfort (inverter)

  Truma

  28.7 kg✓ verified≈ £2,000

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  Inverter compressor, 2500W, night mode. Heavy + power-hungry — realistically needs EHU or heavy electrics.

Runs off battery, mounted low (keeps weight down). Big power draw.

• Premium

  Eberspacher Breezonic / under-bench 12V

  Eberspacher/Zeliox

  18 kgest.£2,200

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  12V DC air-con — runs off battery (no hook-up), mounted low (weight stays low). Needs serious LiFePO4.

EMPTY weight only. FULL = empty + capacity_l x 1kg. 1L = 1kg — the biggest hidden payload killer.

• Budget

  Jerry cans / portable (2x 20L)

  generic

  2 kgest.≈ £30

  40 L capacity — counts as 40 kg when full

  Lightest, flexible, no plumbing. 2kg empty but 42kg full. Refill anywhere. Great for weekenders.

• Mid

  Fiamma 70L onboard fresh tank

  Fiamma

  3 kgest.£58

  70 L capacity — counts as 70 kg when full

  Classic van fresh tank. 3kg empty but ~73kg FULL — dominates payload. Consider part-filling.

• Mid

  Underslung fresh tank (60-90L)

  CAK/generic

  5 kgest.≈ £180

  75 L capacity — counts as 75 kg when full

  Under-chassis, saves interior space. Empty ~5kg, full ~80kg — slung low (good CoG). Needs frost protection.

• Mid

  Grey waste tank (40-70L)

  generic

  4 kgest.≈ £120

  50 L capacity — counts as 50 kg when full

  Collects used water. Fills as fresh empties, so combined water weight stays ~constant in use.

Sink, tap, fittings, hose runs.

• Budget

  Sink + folding tap + pipework

  generic

  3 kgest.≈ £70

  Sink, tap, John Guest fittings, hose runs, strainer.

• Mid

  Combi hob/sink + mixer tap + fittings

  Dometic/Smev

  5 kgest.≈ £220

  Glass-lid combi hob/sink saves space; better mixer. (Hob cross-refs Cat 8.)

Empty weight; holds its own water. Gas types need Gas Safe sign-off.

• Budget

  Truma Therme TT2 (5L electric)

  Truma

  2 kg✓ verified≈ £150

  5 L capacity — counts as 5 kg when full

  5L hot water for hands/dishes, 300W + uses air-heater warmth. Not enough for a shower. Empty ~2kg.

• Mid

  Truma electric water heater (14L)

  Truma

  3 kg✓ verified≈ £330

  14 L capacity — counts as 14 kg when full

  14L mains-electric, shower for two. Empty ~3kg, ~17kg full. Needs 230V/hook-up or big power.

• Premium

  Diesel water heater / combi (Autoterm Flow / Truma Combi)

  Autoterm/Truma

  7 kgest.≈ £900

  10 L capacity — counts as 10 kg when full

  Heats water (+ often air) off diesel. Best all-round off-grid hot water. Combi replaces a separate air heater.

• Premium

  Truma Ultrastore BGE 10 (gas+electric)

  Truma

  6 kgest.≈ £400

  10 L capacity — counts as 10 kg when full

  Needs qualified sign-off (gas/electrical)

  10L gas+electric combi — best for off-grid showering (gas heats without hook-up). Gas Safe sign-off.

12V pressurised or submersible pump.

• Budget

  Submersible 12V pump

  Whale/generic

  0.5 kgest.≈ £20

  Cheapest, sits in tank. Fine for a single tap. Lower pressure.

• Mid

  Shurflo diaphragm pump + accumulator

  Shurflo

  1.5 kgest.≈ £90

  Standard pressurised 12V system, ~3 GPM, auto on/off. Add silencers. Reliable/recommended.

Hardware only; REAL weight is the 70-100L+ tanks + water heater it forces (Cat 6).

• Premium

  Wet-room: tray + wet-wall + mixer + drain + extractor

  generic

  15 kgest.≈ £400

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  Enclosure hardware. Real weight is what it forces: 70-100L+ fresh+grey tanks + water heater (Cat 6). Needs waterproofing.

Rear/side hot-feed point. Light, no wet-room.

• Budget

  Outdoor shower point (hose + inline heater)

  generic

  2 kgest.≈ £120

  Rear/side hot-feed shower off your water heater or solar bag. Light, simple.

Heaviest toilet hardware but no waste-water weight — payload advantage for full-timers.

• Mid

  Budget separating composting (Boxio/OGO-style)

  Boxio/generic

  6 kgest.≈ £180

  Compact urine-separating toilet at a fraction of premium price. Lighter, smaller capacity.

• Premium

  Nature's Head / Air Head composting

  Nature's Head/Air Head

  13.2 kg✓ verified≈ £950

  No chemicals/black water, separates urine/solids, fan-vented. Heaviest hardware but no waste-water weight.

Needs external service hatch cut into bodywork (plan early).

• Premium

  Thetford C223/C260 cassette

  Thetford

  8 kgest.≈ £450

  Built-in swivel toilet, externally-accessed cassette. Needs external service hatch (plan early).

Light empty; flush/waste tanks add ~15-20kg full.

• Budget

  Bucket toilet / Big Loo (20L)

  Outdoor Revolution

  5 kg✓ verified≈ £30

  Cheapest, simplest, stowable. No plumbing. Occasional/backup use.

• Mid

  Thetford Porta Potti (335/365)

  Thetford

  4 kg✓ verified≈ £90

  The default van toilet. Two-part, good odour control, detach to empty. Tanks add ~15-20kg full.

• Mid

  Dometic 976 portable

  Dometic

  4 kgest.≈ £110

  Compact chemical toilet with level gauge, pressurised flush, low water use.

Hob light (~6kg); gas system real weight is the bottle (~14-17kg full).

• Budget

  Portable 2-burner camping stove

  Coleman/Campingaz

  4 kgest.≈ £45

  Stowable, no install, small canisters. Great for weekenders. No fixed gas system.

• Mid

  Smev 9222 / Dometic HSG 2370 hob+sink

  Dometic/Smev

  5.8 kg✓ verified≈ £250

  Most popular van hob+sink. Twin glass lids, piezo, flame-failure. Runs off gas system.

• Mid

  Dometic Smev PI8022 2-burner hob

  Dometic/Smev

  4.5 kgest.≈ £180

  Hob-only, glass lid, FFD, piezo/12V ignition. Pair with a separate sink.

Hardware; +bottle 14-17kg full. Vented drop-out locker + Gas Safe sign-off.

• Mid

  Gas system: bottle + regulator + vented locker + pipework + bubble tester

  Calor/generic

  4 kgest.≈ £180
  Needs qualified sign-off (gas/electrical)

  THE BOTTLE IS THE REAL WEIGHT: full 6kg Calor propane ~14-17kg (tare 7.7-9kg + 6kg gas). Vented drop-out locker + Gas Safe sign-off.

• Premium

  Refillable LPG system (Gaslow-style)

  Gaslow

  8 kgest.≈ £400
  Needs qualified sign-off (gas/electrical)

  Refill at forecourts, cheaper long-term. Underslung lowers CoG. Gas Safe install recommended.

Light but needs 1500W+ — weight/cost moves to Cat 1 (Heavy electrics).

• Mid

  Single-zone portable induction hob

  generic/Nuvi

  3 kgest.≈ £60

  Gas-free, no CO, great air quality. Light hardware BUT needs 1500W+ inverter + big LiFePO4 (Cat 1).

• Premium

  Twin-zone induction hob

  generic

  4.5 kgest.≈ £160

  Two-ring induction. Only sensible with Heavy electrics (2000W+). Zero gas/flue/certification.

Heavy, space-hungry. Larger vans / full-timers.

• Premium

  Combi hob/grill/oven unit

  Dometic/Thetford

  15 kgest.≈ £600

  Full cooker with oven — heavy, space-hungry, gas or gas/electric. Larger vans / full-timers.

The van favourite. Biggest constant 12V load — sizes your battery (Cat 1). Needs venting.

• Budget

  Vitrifrigo GR50 / generic 50L

  Vitrifrigo/generic

  17 kg✓ verified≈ £350

  Same footprint as CRX50, cheaper. Built-in ice box, micro-compressor, ~17kg.

• Mid

  Dometic CRX/CRE 50 (48L)

  Dometic

  17 kgest.≈ £550

  The van favourite. 48L incl. 4.4L freezer, ~1.1-1.7Ah/h, quiet, solar-friendly. Fits standard slot. Needs venting.

• Mid

  Compact 12V fridge (35-40L)

  Dometic/generic

  13 kgest.≈ £400

  Smaller compressor fridge for compact vans. Lighter, less capacity, lower draw.

More capacity/draw. For longer trips / two people.

• Budget

  Portable 12V compressor cool box (40-50L)

  Alpicool/generic

  14 kgest.≈ £250

  Portable chest-style compressor fridge/freezer — no cabinetry, removable. Popular budget route.

• Mid

  Dometic NRX 60 / 55-60L 3-in-1

  Dometic

  20 kgest.≈ £700

  Larger 55-60L with freezer flexibility. More capacity/draw. Longer trips / two people.

• Premium

  Dual-zone fridge-freezer (65-90L)

  Dometic/Vitrifrigo

  26 kgest.≈ £950

  Separate fridge AND freezer zones. Heaviest, highest draw — needs a healthy bank (Cat 1). Full-timers.

No compressor. Ice or inefficient thermoelectric. Weekenders only.

• Budget

  Cool box / 12V thermoelectric

  Coleman/generic

  5 kgest.≈ £40

  Cheapest, no compressor. Passive needs ice; thermoelectric inefficient. Weekenders only.

Heaviest insulation item BY DESIGN. Only ~40-50% coverage on large flat panels — do not over-apply.

• Budget

  Butyl deadening mat (Silent Coat/Killmat)

  generic

  6 kgest.≈ £60

  Peel-and-stick vibration damping. Apply in PATCHES at ~40-50% coverage. 2-2.5mm worth it. Do not over-apply.

• Mid

  Dodo DEADN Pro (~3.7m2 pack)

  Dodo Mat

  8 kgest.≈ £90

  Fire-retardant butyl, won't absorb moisture. One 3.7m2 pack treats a typical van at 40-50%.

• Premium

  Dodo DEADN Hex (low-weight)

  Dodo Mat

  5 kgest.≈ £110

  Lower-mass butyl — quiet drive without unnecessary weight. The payload-conscious deadening choice.

LIGHT. Wool/Thinsulate/recycled/PIR. Barely moves payload.

• Budget

  Recycled plastic loft insulation

  generic

  4 kgest.≈ £40

  Cheapest effective option — tear and shove into cavities. Very light. Popular budget choice.

• Mid

  3M Thinsulate (SM600)

  3M

  5 kgest.≈ £180

  Synthetic, non-off-gassing, hydrophobic, sound-absorbing. Easy to fit, light. Van-build favourite.

• Mid

  Sheep's wool batts

  Havelock/generic

  7 kgest.≈ £200

  Natural, breathable, moisture-managing, sound-dampening. Slightly messier install. Light overall.

• Mid

  Rigid PIR/PU foam board (25mm)

  Celotex/Recticel

  6 kgest.≈ £90

  High R-value per thickness, great for floor + flat panels. Light. Doesn't flex to curves.

Condensation control + bonding + seam sealing. Light consumables.

• Budget

  Foil vapour barrier + spray adhesive + tape

  generic

  1.5 kgest.≈ £40

  Controls condensation, bonds insulation, seals seams. Light consumables.

What cladding + furniture screw to.

• Budget

  Timber/ply furring battens + fixings

  generic

  12 kgest.≈ £60

  Framework cladding + furniture screw to. Rivnuts/screws. Keep sections modest.

Battens + PIR + 12mm ply deck + finish. ~22kg per 8x4 sheet. 1-2 sheets.

• Budget

  12mm ply subfloor + battens + PIR

  generic

  30 kg✓ verified≈ £90

  Battens, PIR between, 12mm ply deck. ~22kg/sheet — floor is 1-2 sheets. 9mm on smaller vans saves weight.

• Budget

  Floor finish: vinyl / Altro / laminate

  Altro/generic

  8 kgest.≈ £70

  Wearing surface bonded to ply. Altro walkway vinyl is the hardwearing van favourite.

• Mid

  CNC-cut 12mm ply floor kit

  Coolwhip/generic

  28 kgest.≈ £150

  Pre-cut to van shape (2-3 piece), bonds to ribs. Neater/faster. Still ~22kg+ ply — heaviest lining item.

Finishing trims. Light.

• Budget

  Edge trims, beading, threshold strips

  generic

  2 kgest.≈ £40

  Finishing trims around windows, floor edges, panel joins. Light.

SNEAKY HEAVY. 6mm ~12kg/sheet, 9mm ~17kg/sheet. 3-5 sheets = 36-85kg.

• Budget

  6mm ply wall/ceiling cladding (3-5 sheets)

  generic

  40 kg✓ verified≈ £120

  Lining panels. ~12kg/sheet; a van uses 3-5 sheets = 36-60kg. Where hidden weight adds up. 4-6mm keeps it down.

• Mid

  9mm birch ply lining (furniture-grade)

  birch

  55 kg✓ verified≈ £220

  Thicker birch for a premium finish/structural walls. ~17kg/sheet. Use only where needed; thinner elsewhere.

• Mid

  Tongue & groove cladding (ceiling)

  pine/poplar

  20 kgest.≈ £90

  Timber cladding for a classic ceiling. Poplar/lightweight species save weight vs pine.

• Premium

  Carpet lining / trim panels

  4-way stretch

  8 kgest.≈ £110

  4-way-stretch van carpet over ply or panels — light, hides curves, quick. Lightweight wall finish alternative.

HEAVY + SAFETY: must be M1 crash-tested + floor-strengthened to carry passengers.

• Mid

  3/4-width rock'n'roll bed, M1 crash-tested

  Fabworx/generic

  84 kg✓ verified£610
  Needs qualified sign-off (gas/electrical)

  Seat by day, bed by night, 2 seatbelts — legally carry passengers IF M1 cert + floor strengthening plates. ~84kg.

• Premium

  RIB Altair seat-bed (M1 + TUV, on rails)

  Scopema RIB

  95 kgest.≈ £2,500
  Needs qualified sign-off (gas/electrical)

  Premium seat-bed, M1+TUV, flip-over, ISOFIX options, optional rails. Safest/comfiest, heaviest/priciest. Raises resale.

Lightest sleeping option. BED ONLY — cannot carry passengers.

• Budget

  Timber/ply fixed bed frame + slats + garage

  DIY

  40 kgest.≈ £150

  DIY frame from battens + ply (Cat 11), slatted base, storage garage. Lightest/cheapest. BED ONLY.

• Mid

  Lightweight fixed bed (aluminium extrusion)

  generic

  30 kgest.≈ £350

  Aluminium T-slot or thin-ply frame to cut weight. Good for payload-tight builds. Bed-only.

Mostly ply (see Cat 11). Full fit-out adds 60-120kg.

• Budget

  DIY ply cabinet carcasses

  DIY

  40 kgest.≈ £120

  Units from 12/15mm ply — bulk of furniture weight. Thinner ply/lightweight board where non-structural (Cat 11).

• Mid

  Lightweight board carcasses (poplar/hex-core)

  generic

  28 kgest.≈ £400

  Poplar ply or honeycomb/hex-core cuts cabinet weight substantially vs birch. The pro weight-saving trick.

Soft-close runners, gas struts, positive catches (or doors fly open driving).

• Budget

  Hinges, gas struts, drawer runners, catches

  Blum/generic

  4 kgest.≈ £80

  Soft-close runners, gas struts for lids, positive catches so doors stay shut driving.

Travel seats fall under M1/belt/strengthening rules.

• Mid

  Bench seat / additional seating carcass

  DIY

  15 kgest.≈ £150

  Extra fixed bench/storage. If used for travel, same M1/belt/strengthening rules apply.

Laminate/timber/bamboo. Heavier per metre than it looks.

• Budget

  Laminate kitchen worktop (offcut)

  generic

  10 kgest.≈ £40

  Cheap, hardwearing laminate cut to size. Heavier than it looks per metre.

• Mid

  Solid timber / bamboo worktop

  generic

  12 kgest.≈ £120

  Solid wood/bamboo for a premium look. Seal well. Oil-finish.

~40% lighter than glass, double-glazed, integrated blind+screen. Needs timber frame-out on panel vans.

• Mid

  Dometic Seitz S4 hinged window

  Dometic Seitz

  4 kgest.≈ £250

  Premium standard: double-glazed acrylic, integrated blind + flyscreen, friction hinges. ~40% lighter than glass. Needs timber frame-out on panel vans; stands slightly proud.

• Mid

  Arctic Tern double-pane acrylic window

  Tern Overland

  4 kgest.≈ £200

  Seitz alternative — double-glazed acrylic, day/night shade + screen, swings out on struts. Light, well-liked.

Cheap, flush, stealthy, single-glazed. Cutting aperture irreversible — plan early.

• Budget

  Bonded privacy glass window

  generic OEM-style

  5 kgest.≈ £90

  Factory-style bonded glass — flush, stealthy, cheapest. Single-glazed, smashable, leak-prone if fitted badly. Cutting irreversible.

• Mid

  Bonded openable/sliding glass window

  generic

  7 kgest.≈ £150

  Sliding glass for airflow, flush look. Heavier (glass), usually no blackout. Ventilation + stealth.

Light + a bit of vent. Cutting roof irreversible — seal thoroughly.

• Budget

  MPK / basic acrylic rooflight (400x400)

  MPK

  2.5 kgest.≈ £60

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  Passive rooflight for light + a bit of vent. Light, cheap. Cutting roof irreversible — seal thoroughly.

• Premium

  Outbound VAN / double-glazed roof window

  Outbound/Dometic

  4 kgest.≈ £300

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  Premium double-glazed roof window (~30% lighter than full double-glazed). Clear, scratch-resistant, better thermal.

Adhesive/frame-out/trim/sealant. Waterproofing is critical.

• Budget

  Bonding kit / timber frame-out + trim + sealant

  Sika/generic

  2 kgest.≈ £40

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  Urethane adhesive + primer (glass) OR timber frame-out (Seitz on panel vans) + trim. Waterproofing critical.

Mounted high on the side. Heavier than people expect (~25kg).

• Budget

  Pull-out / drive-away fabric awning

  Vango/generic

  8 kgest.≈ £150

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  Cheaper, lighter, packs away (not permanently mounted). No fixed weight/drilling. Weekenders.

• Mid

  Fiamma F45s wind-out awning (3-4m)

  Fiamma

  25 kg✓ verified≈ £450

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  The van-life standard wind-out awning. ~23-27kg mounted HIGH on the side. Wall or roof-rack mount.

REAR overhang + rear-axle load + bike weight. Affects handling.

• Budget

  Rear door / towbar bike rack (2-4 bikes)

  Fiamma/Thule

  12 kgest.≈ £180

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  ~12kg empty + bike weight, all at the REAR — loads rear axle + overhang. Affects handling + door use.

  Check door/hinge rating

Rear roof access. Light.

• Budget

  Rear roof-access ladder

  generic/Fiamma

  6 kgest.≈ £120

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  Rear ladder for roof access. Light, mounts to rear door/body.

HEAVY + on the roof (raises CoG). Has own load rating; watch van max roof load (~100-150kg).

• Budget

  Roof rails / low-profile crossbars

  generic/Rhino

  15 kgest.≈ £200

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  Minimal crossbars to mount solar/fan/awning. Lightest roof option.

  Check van max roof load before loading

• Mid

  Full aluminium modular roof rack (van-length)

  Fiamma/Backland

  85 kgest.≈ £900

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  Full-length aluminium rack for solar/fan/awning/gear. ~80-90kg ALL on the roof — big payload hit + raises CoG.

  ~80-90kg can nearly use the whole ~100-150kg roof-load allowance

• Premium

  Steel expedition rack / roof deck (walk-on)

  generic

  100 kgest.≈ £1,400

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  Heavy-duty walk-on deck for rooftop tents/gear. Very heavy and high.

  Serious CoG impact; only for large vans with headroom

Frees interior space; significant REAR weight + a full wheel (Cat 15).

• Budget

  Rear-mounted spare wheel carrier

  generic

  12 kgest.≈ £150

  Frees interior space. Carrier + a full wheel (Cat 15) is significant REAR weight/overhang.

  Carrier + full wheel is significant rear weight

Rear air susp + uprated wheels/tyres + re-plate. Improves ride laden. ~£1500 all-in.

• Mid

  Uprate incl. rear air suspension + uprated wheels/tyres

  SVTech + Martech/air kit

  20 kgest.≈ £1,500

  Where chassis needs help: approved rear air susp + higher-load-index tyres/wheels, then re-plate. Adds ~15-25kg, unlocks big payload + improves ride.

  Individual axle limits set the ceiling

~0kg added, unlocks 200-750kg. THE fix for an over-limit build (if chassis qualifies). >3500kg = C1 licence.

• Budget

  Re-plate uprate — chassis already supports it

  SVTech/Van Weight Engineering

  0 kg✓ verified≈ £250

  Where chassis/axles allow it, a legal re-plate adds NO weight but unlocks 200-750kg for ~£160-£312. THE fix for over-limit. >3500kg = C1 licence + possible toll/speed changes.

  Depends on individual axle limits + wheel/tyre rating; 3850/4250 not always possible

Air-assist / heavy-duty springs. Does NOT raise legal payload without a re-plate.

• Budget

  Air-assist rear suspension kit (DIY)

  Martech/Dunlop

  8 kgest.≈ £250

  Rear air bags stop sag under load + improve laden handling. DIY (~4hrs). Does NOT itself raise legal payload.

• Mid

  Uprated springs / heavy-duty suspension

  generic/VB

  15 kgest.≈ £600

  Heavier-duty springs/dampers for a loaded van. Better control + comfort. Front upgrades notably improve ride.

Uprated-load-index tyres often required for a higher plate. A/T can LOWER load index — trap.

• Budget

  Uprated-load-index tyres (CrossClimate 121/112)

  Michelin/Continental

  4 kgest.≈ £600

  Higher-load-index tyres — often REQUIRED to legally support a higher plate. Minimal weight. All-season suits UK.

  Load index must match uprated axle weights

• Mid

  All-terrain tyres + wheels (set)

  BFG/generic

  12 kgest.≈ £900

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  Chunkier A/T for rough tracks. Adds a few kg/corner AND can have a lower load index — check it. Worse MPG/noise. Want not need.

  A/T can have LOWER load index — may reduce legal payload

MANDATORY. CO + smoke + LPG gas alarm (if gas). Cheap, light, life-saving.

• Budget

  CO + smoke + LPG gas alarm

  Fireangel/generic

  0.6 kgest.≈ £45

  NON-NEGOTIABLE with cooking/heating/gas. CO alarm (RV-rated), smoke alarm, low-mounted LPG alarm if gas (propane sinks).

FREE, 4-6 weeks, but ~5% accepted since 2019. Optional — van is legal as a panel van.

• Budget

  DVLA reclassification to motor caravan

  DVLA

  0 kg✓ verified£0

  FREE, 4-6 weeks: V5C Section 7 + interior photos + covering letter to Swansea. BUT ~5% accepted since 2019 (external appearance rules). Optional — legal as a panel van. Can affect insurance/tax. Do not assume you need it.

230V to BS 7671 Sec 721 + certificate. 12V to BS EN 1648.

• Mid

  230V electrical installation certificate (BS 7671 Sec 721)

  qualified electrician

  0 kg✓ verified≈ £150
  Needs qualified sign-off (gas/electrical)

  Any 230V/hook-up: wiring to BS 7671 Sec 721 + certificate from a qualified electrician. RCD essential. Needed for insurance.

MANDATORY. Extinguisher near exit + fire blanket by cooking.

• Budget

  Fire extinguisher (1kg) + fire blanket

  generic

  2 kgest.≈ £30

  Extinguisher within reach of the exit + fire blanket by cooking. Essential with any hob/heater. Service annually.

Gas to BS EN 1949:2021, Gas Safe engineer sign-off. Cert is ~0kg.

• Budget

  Gas drop-out vent + bubble tester

  generic

  0.3 kgest.≈ £25

  Mandatory low-level drop-out vent under gas locker + bubble tester. Part of a compliant install.

• Mid

  Gas habitation certificate (BS EN 1949:2021)

  Gas Safe engineer

  0 kg✓ verified≈ £120
  Needs qualified sign-off (gas/electrical)

  Any gas: system to BS EN 1949:2021, checked by Gas Safe engineer (LPG/habitation). Required for insurance. The sign-off, not a product.

Standard van insurance often WON'T cover a conversion. Get a converted-vehicle policy.

• Mid

  Campervan / converted-vehicle insurance

  specialist insurer

  0 kg✓ verified≈ £400

  IMPORTANT: standard van insurance often WON'T cover a conversion, regardless of DVLA status. Get a converted-vehicle policy. Declare conversion + value.

Fixed low+high vents (BS EN 721) — legal safety requirement. Often overlooked.

• Budget

  Fixed habitation ventilation (BS EN 721)

  generic

  0.5 kgest.≈ £20

  Permanent low + high fixed vents — legal safety requirement (BS EN 721). Prevents CO/condensation. Not an openable window. Often overlooked.

Cab thermal screens are the biggest quick comfort/insulation win.

• Budget

  Thermal blackout curtains / cab covers

  generic

  2 kgest.≈ £60

  Privacy + thermal + blackout. Cab thermal screens are a huge heat-loss fix. Light. (Seitz windows have integrated blinds.)

• Mid

  Made-to-measure thermal blinds / pleated

  generic

  3 kgest.≈ £180

  Tailored pop-up/pleated thermal blinds for a neat, insulated finish.

Firm foam = good seat, needs a topper for sleeping.

• Budget

  Seat/bench cushions + fabric

  Sew Versatile/generic

  5 kgest.≈ £150

  Firm/medium foam cushions (double as bed sections) + hardwearing fabric. Firm foam needs a topper for sleeping.

Light, cheap, cosy.

• Budget

  Cab/habitation mats + rug

  generic

  1.5 kgest.≈ £40

  Protects flooring, adds warmth/comfort, easy to shake out. Light, cheap, cosy.

The only notable weight. Memory foam heavier; latex/lightweight foam saves weight.

• Budget

  DIY cut-to-size foam mattress (firm + topper)

  GB Foam/Foam Factory

  10 kgest.≈ £120

  Cut-to-fit firm PU base + softer topper — standard DIY route. Sectional foam doubles as seat cushions. Min 8cm. Lighter than memory foam.

• Mid

  Custom memory-foam / hybrid van mattress

  The Foam Shop/RoamRest

  15 kgest.≈ £300

  Made-to-measure for a proper sleep + exact fit. Heaviest soft-good (dense foam). Look for CertiPUR/Oeko-Tex.

• Premium

  Latex / lightweight comfort foam mattress

  foam specialist

  12 kgest.≈ £450

  Latex/lightweight comfort foam — breathable, temperature-regulating, durable, lighter than memory foam. Payload-conscious.

Light — but CONTENTS (your gear) are the real payload. Budget a gear reserve.

• Budget

  Hanging organisers, baskets, boxes, hooks

  generic

  3 kgest.≈ £60

  Soft/light storage. Adds up in bulk — but the CONTENTS (your gear) are the real weight; budget a gear reserve in payload.

Deadlocks first (biggest deterrent) + tracker for recovery/insurance.

• Budget

  Deadlocks / slam locks + Bluetooth tracker

  generic/Tile

  1 kgest.≈ £180

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  Physical security first: deadlocks on cab + side/rear doors are the biggest deterrent. Add a GPS tracker for recovery/insurance.

• Mid

  Alarm system + GPS tracker (Thatcham-rated)

  generic/Thatcham

  1.5 kgest.≈ £350

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  Full alarm + Thatcham tracker — better protection, can lower insurance. Wire into 12V; pro-fit recommended.

MiFi for casual; fixed router + roof aerial for working from the van.

• Budget

  MiFi / 4G portable router + data SIM

  Netgear/generic

  0.4 kgest.≈ £120

  Simplest mobile internet — data SIM, share WiFi. Great for browsing; ok for calls with signal. Light, no install.

• Mid

  Fixed 4G/5G router + roof aerial

  Teltonika/Netgear

  1.5 kgest.≈ £350

  Weight sits high — raises the centre of gravity.

  For working from the van: fixed router + external roof aerial hugely improves signal/speed. Roof aerial = small roof penetration (seal it).

Evidence + insurance benefit. Hardwire with battery-protect cutoff.

• Budget

  Front (or front+rear) dashcam

  Nextbase/Viofo

  0.2 kgest.≈ £90

  Evidence + insurance benefit. Hardwire to switched power (battery-protect cutoff so it can't flatten the starter battery).

Battery monitor/app — often already in a Cat 1 all-in-one. Do not double-buy.

• Mid

  Battery monitor / smart shunt + app

  Victron

  0.3 kgest.≈ £120

  See state of charge, consumption, solar on your phone. Often already in a Cat 1 all-in-one — do not double-buy.

Safety aid for long/windowless vans.

• Budget

  Reversing camera + monitor / mirror-screen

  generic

  0.8 kgest.≈ £60

  Big help reversing a windowless/long van — a genuine safety aid. Add parking sensors for tight spots.

Light but SAFETY: install touches airbag + seatbelt wiring. Use TUV/crash-tested bases + certified fitting.

• Budget

  Budget swivel base (uncertified)

  generic/eBay

  5 kgest.≈ £90
  Needs qualified sign-off (gas/electrical)

  Cheapest cab-to-lounge conversion. WARNING: many budget bases lack TUV/crash cert — risky on a travel seat. Not for driver's side.

• Mid

  Scopema RIB / CTA swivel base (TUV / ECE-R14)

  Scopema/CTA

  6 kgest.≈ £220
  Needs qualified sign-off (gas/electrical)

  TUV-approved, crash-tested to ECE-R14 (20G), auto-locks forward, retains belt anchorage. Adds ~21-45mm height. Driver side often needs handbrake kit. Install touches airbag/belt wiring — certified fitter if unsure.