Here at SJ Campers we have all sorts of folks dropping by.

It may be for a new Webasto heater to be fitted for an up and coming holiday to the snow. It may be help with supplying and fitting a new bike rack for a trip to the Alps with bikes. It could also be a full conversion to get the van of their dreams, for many holidays to come (or the odd weekend out anywhere).

There are also the vehicles that come in for general mechanical work, services or MOT, from the big jobs to small jobs, the garage side of SJ Campers is always busy. We moved to new premises in early 2019, this has provided more space to accommodate the rising amount of vehicles coming our way.

One of the unique aspects of SJ Campers is the fact that we can take customers on a journey from sourcing their dream vans, converting the van to their exact specification, then providing future care in the form of ongoing services, MOT’s and general upkeep. We even offer a text service to remind people that their MOT’s and services are due.

An example of this is the customer that popped by in early June. We sat down in our customer area, surrounded by carpet, unit and floor samples and went through all the options.

Firstly, the van.

We can source vehicles based on customers budget and needs. Alternatively, the customer can take advantage of our ‘check-over’ service, where they can bring in a potential vehicle for us to go over with a fine-tooth comb, and make any recommendations. Either way, we ensure the customer gets the perfect vehicle for the project.

Next, the conversion.

As mentioned, we take the time to go through options for the customer’s dream conversion. Again we base this on requirements and budget. If a budget is tight, we can leave certain aspects of a full conversion out to focus on necessities, and bring the project in on budget. We take the time to make sure the customer picks the colours they like for things like units, the floor or carpeted walls and ceiling.

Having a meeting at our unit means that there are always vehicles around in varying states of conversion. So the customer can not only get an idea of what the finished product looks like, but can get an idea of the process.

There are also other aspects of the conversion we talk through with the customer, this can include lighting (types and quantities), types of cupboard doors, kitchen needs (sink, fridge or taps).

Two of the biggest aspects to talk through with customers, and obviously very important decisions, are concerning pop roofs and rock and roll beds. As previously mentioned in our earlier blogs, pop roofs can add a huge amount to the camper van experience. They can also add a lot of value to a vehicle, should the vehicle ever need to be sold on. The Rock n Roll bed can be equally as important, no one likes a night of broken sleep due to an uncomfortable bed! These 2 items usually consume most of a customers budget, so we want to get the choice right.

Then it’s the After Care.

After the van is found, the conversion done, holidays made, we provide the after care service that a lot of other conversion companies don’t have. This is simply down to the facilities on hand, and varied workforce at our disposal.

Any mechanical issues that arise with the vehicle, we can book it in for our in-house mechanics to put right. Any MOT’s or services due, same deal, we provide a one stop shop.

So, there you have it folks. The SJ Campers process, from dream to reality… and beyond!

Getting the right bed in your camper is essential. Get a good nights sleep and everything else feels easier. A rock and roll bed gives you the versatility of seat belts for travelling, somewhere to sit during the day and then a place to sleep at night. At SJ Campers we fit beds that are fully safety tested, as well as stylish, functional and comfortable.

Smartbeds are a popular choice which can now be fitted on rails to allow you the versatility of having the seats locked to near to the front so that rear passengers can travel close to the cab, or locking the seats to the back to allow for maximum living space. These beds are safety pull tested and are built with comfort and ease in mind.

RIB beds are so easy to convert from seat to bed; just pull up and flip over the front and back cushion and the bed is ready. Not only is it easy to use and comfortable but the RIB is also fully crash tested making it a good choice for any conversion.

Once you’ve decided on you choice of bed, we can discuss upholstery options, and then book your van into our workshop for fitting. 

Big or small, every conversion can benefit from a good core insulation. At the very beginning of the build makes sense, as you don’t want to be moving beds, units and fixtures and fittings about after the fact.

It’s not all about keeping your van warm in the colder months either. As well as keeping you warm, quality insulation will also shield you from the heat in the warmer months. Thermal properties aside, a good thick layer behind all your panels will provide a much quieter and enjoyable driving experience.

Here at SJ Campers we always start with a full coat of silver foil insulation, straight onto the metal, we then fill all voids with a synthetic insulation called Dacron, all topped off and held in place with carpeted ply, made to measure each section of every single van we work on. (The ply doesn’t have to carpeted, but we find it to be a great finish, for most instances, but as always please feel free to contact us direct with any specific requirements.)