Building a campervan on a budget is never just about the carpentry or the wiring; it’s about the hunt for the right parts and the stories that happen along the way. In my latest mission, I found myself driving 240 miles round-trip to Weston-super-Mare for what might seem like a simple purchase: a set of minibus seats & Unwin rail system. But as any self-builder knows, the right deal can make or break a layout.
In this post, I’m taking you along for the ride, from the stress of a Marketplace deal to the serenity of a sunrise photo session on the Clevedon seafront. Read on or watch the video below.
The 120-Mile Gamble: Why These Seats?
You might think I’m mad for driving over two hours just for minibus seats & Unwin quick release runners, but there was a method to the madness. My goal for the Vauxhall Vivaro build is flexibility.
The “holy grail” for this setup is Unwin rails and quick-release fixtures. These will allow me to fix to the rock and roll bed, so when in seating position the seats can be moved forward to give me basically a boot space for my work equipment as I clean out fish ponds. If you look these up new, a set of quick-release unwin runners alone can cost upwards of £120, then there is the cost of he track!
I spotted a listing on Facebook Marketplace in Weston: four minibus seats and 2 pairs of quick release runners for a steal. The price had dropped from £100 to £50. Despite my ongoing spinal issues and the pain of long drives, I knew I had to go.
The Marketplace “Shuffle”
When I arrived, the deal got a bit complicated. The original listing was for four minibus seats and two sets of the quick release runners. The seller suddenly claimed the price was £80, then settled on £60 because he had some of the track that I needed. It wasn’t exactly what was listed, but for £60, I walked away with:
- Two fully covered seats. (One will come in use later in build)
- The quick-release mechanisms.
- Sections of Unwin rail (totalling over 2 metres).
Even with the extra £10 and the long drive, I saved hundreds compared to buying new. Success!
Stealth Camping in Clevedon
After the “seat saga” in Weston, we decided to make a mini-adventure of it. While Weston-super-Mare is great for families and the pier, but as it was a nice day we had a walk along the front and took in the sights for a few hours, but for a parkup we were looking for something a bit quieter for the night. We drove about 30 minutes north to Clevedon.
Finding the Spot
We found a brilliant spot right on the seafront, literally within sight of the Clevedon Pier.
- Parking Tip: Between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, there are time limits (usually 2–4 hours). However, after 6:00 PM, there are no limits, making it a fantastic spot for a stealthy overnight stay.
- The Vibe: Clevedon is a beautiful, classic town, made a coffee in the van, and just watched the world go by.
Photography: The Sunset and the Struggle
If you’ve followed my channel for a while, you know that landscape photography is my escape. It’s the reason I build these vans to get me to beautiful locations despite my mobility challenges.
The sunset in Clevedon didn’t disappoint. Both me and the missus had a walk along the seafront towards Clevedon pier. I spent some time down by the rocks, faffing about with my tripod while the “missus” headed back to the warmth of the van. There is something incredibly grounding about watching the sun dip below the horizon. Even if I don’t get a “professional” shot, the experience of being there is what matters most.
The Reality of Van Life with Chronic Pain
I want to be honest with you guys: this trip almost didn’t happen. Halfway to Weston, my legs were giving up and my back was in agony. We stopped at the services halfway & I almost turned around.
Living with a spinal problem means every trip is a calculation of pain vs. reward. I have to rely on heat rub and medication just to get through the day. But this is exactly why the van conversion is so important to me. It gives me a place to lie down and recover right at the location, something a standard car just can’t offer.
Testing the New Bed Setup
The night in Clevedon was the ultimate test for the latest modifications to the rock-and-roll bed.
- The Comfort: We’ve recently upgraded the padding, and I have to say, it’s a massive improvement. It’s much softer than the previous iteration.
- The Night: Despite the comfortable bed, my back was still “shot” from the long drive. I only managed about two hours of sleep, but that’s the reality of my condition rather than a fault of the van.
Sunrise on the Seafront
Despite the lack of sleep, I’m a natural early bird. I crept out of the van just before dawn to explore the other end of the Clevedon promenade, near the Victorian bandstand. The morning was incredibly peaceful just the sound of the birds and the changing colours of the sky. I struggled a bit to find a clear “subject” for my photos, but after a few months of losing interest in photography due my old Peugeot partner camper breaking down and health issues, it felt amazing to just have the camera in my hand again.
Final Thoughts: Was it Worth it?
Driving 240 miles for a £60 seats & rails might seem crazy to some, but it’s all part of the “Budget Camper” philosophy. Those seats and rails are the key to making this Vauxhall Vivaro a truly versatile vehicle.
We’ve now tested the bed, secured the parts for the next phase of the build, and enjoyed one of the best seafront views in the West Country.
What’s Next? The van is still far from finished (as you can see in the video, it’s a bit of a mess!). Next, I’ll be properly installing those Unwin rails and the seat. If you want to see how this budget build progresses, make sure to subscribe to the channel.
Thanks for joining me on this journey. See you in the next one!
Here are just a quick sample of the photos I got on this trip.
