Buying a used converted van can be brilliant value — or a very expensive mistake. The risk isn’t just the base van (engine, gearbox, rust). It’s also the conversion work: electrics, gas, water, heater, leaks, poor workmanship, and hidden damp.
This guide is a practical, step-by-step inspection checklist you can use on viewing day. Take it with you and tick things off as you go.
Tip: If anything feels rushed, vague, or the seller won’t let you properly inspect it — walk away.
Quick tools to bring (worth it)
- Torch
- Paper towel / kitchen roll (for checking damp/leaks)
- Small mirror (or your phone selfie camera for awkward angles)
- Phone charger (so you can test USB/12V sockets)
- Notepad
- Optional: cheap moisture meter (helpful but not essential)
1) Paperwork checklist (do this before you fall in love)
✅ Ask for:
- V5C logbook in seller’s name (or proof they can sell)
- Service history / receipts
- MOT history (you can check online)
- Conversion invoices (roof/windows/heater/electrics if possible)
- A list of modifications declared to insurance (if they have it)
🚩 Red flags:
- “No paperwork but it’s fine”
- Seller doesn’t know who fitted the roof/heater/windows
- Big mods with no receipts at all
2) Base van checks (because a perfect conversion on a bad van is still a bad buy)
Exterior & body
- Look for obvious accident repair, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps
- Rust hotspots (depends on model, but check sills/arches/underbody)
- Tyres: matching brand/type, even wear (uneven can hint alignment/suspension issues)
Under the bonnet (basic level)
- Check for obvious leaks
- Check coolant level looks normal (not empty / not oily)
- Check oil level looks normal
- Listen for strange noises from cold start
Test drive (non-negotiable)
- Starts cleanly (ideally from cold)
- No warning lights
- Pulls smoothly, no clutch slip, no harsh gearbox behaviour
- Straight braking, no pulling
If the seller “can’t do a test drive”, be very cautious.
3) Pop-top / roof / leaks (highest risk area on many conversions)
Pop-top checks (if fitted)
- Open and close it fully (twice)
- Check canvas for:
- tears, mould, bad stitching
- zips working smoothly
- Check seals look seated and tidy
- Look for water marks around the roof opening
Water ingress checks (simple)
- Press paper towel around:
- roof opening trim
- window edges
- corners and joins
- Smell the van: musty smell = warning
- Lift cushions/mattress edges and check corners
🚩 Red flags:
- “It leaks a little in heavy rain”
- Damp smell + excuses
- Bubbling trim or staining around roof/windows
4) Electrics (most common bodge area)
Leisure battery system
Ask the seller:
- What battery is fitted (AGM or lithium)? How many Ah?
- How is it charged? (DC-DC? Solar? Mains charger?)
Quick checks you can do:
- Turn on lights and USB — any flicker?
- Check all 12V sockets work
- If there’s a control panel, check it shows sensible voltage
Solar (if fitted)
- Ask what controller type it is (MPPT usually better)
- Ask if it charges properly (they should know)
Inverter (if fitted)
- Ask what it’s used for
- Turn it on and test a phone charger (simple)
🚩 Red flags:
- Loose wiring, unlabeled fuses, messy “spaghetti”
- No idea what battery/charger is fitted
- Random cut-off issues (“it sometimes just dies”)
5) Diesel heater (if fitted)
Do this on viewing day:
- Start it from cold and let it run
- Check for strong fumes inside (shouldn’t)
- Listen for excessive ticking/pump noise
- Confirm it doesn’t cut out after a few minutes
Ask:
- Is it 2kW or 5kW?
- Where does the exhaust exit?
- Is there a CO alarm?
🚩 Red flags:
- Repeated failed starts
- Strong diesel smell in the cabin
- Seller won’t demonstrate it working
6) Gas system (if fitted)
If there’s gas in the van:
- Ask if there is any certificate / install invoice
- Check the gas locker is ventilated (should vent outside)
- Check hoses look in good condition
If you’re not confident with gas, the safest approach is:
✅ budget for a professional safety check after purchase
…and use that in your price negotiation.
🚩 Red flags:
- Loose bottles not secured
- Home-made pipework with no explanation
- Seller is vague/defensive
7) Water system (if fitted)
- Fill the tank (if possible) and run the pump
- Check taps, shower (if any)
- Check underneath and inside cupboards for leaks
- Smell for stagnant water
🚩 Red flags:
- “Pump works sometimes”
- Visible damp under sink units
- Strong mouldy smell around water area
8) Furniture, bed, and workmanship (look closely)
- Open every cupboard and drawer
- Check hinges are secure
- Check bed mechanism feels solid
- Sit/lie on bed: any excessive flex?
- Check sharp edges and unfinished trims
- Look behind accessible panels for wiring neatness
Good conversions feel tidy and thought-through. Bad ones feel “DIY rushed”.
9) Safety essentials you should insist on
At minimum:
- CO alarm (especially if diesel heater/gas)
- Smoke alarm
- Safe fusing and a proper fuse box
- Fire extinguisher (optional but sensible)
If these aren’t present, it’s not the end of the world — but treat it as a sign to inspect more carefully.
10) The “walk away” list (save yourself)
Walk away if you find:
- Damp smell + visible staining
- Pop-top/windows leaking
- Electrical system clearly bodged
- Seller refuses test drive or demo of key systems
- “It’s fine, just needs a quick fix” on multiple items
There will always be another van.
Quick viewing-day checklist (copy/paste)
✅ Paperwork
✅ Test drive
✅ Roof/canvas/seals
✅ Damp checks (smell + towel test)
✅ Electrics (lights/USB/charging)
✅ Heater test (if fitted)
✅ Gas/water check (if fitted)
✅ Cupboards/bed/workmanship
✅ Safety alarms
Next steps
If the van passes most checks but has a few unknowns (gas/electrics), negotiate price and plan for a professional inspection after purchase.