A blown fuse...or two

Van conversion is a tricky business.

It can lead to lots of blown fuses. Of the electrical and neurological type.

Firstly, there's the mind boggling range of set ups. Do you want a full camper conversion with three quarter length rock and roll bed, or a day van for your daily drive with a snazzy little picnic pod for those peckish moments when out and about?

It's what makes the VW Transporter so versatile (check out my previous post on this here) but at the same time it can be the basis for some epic arguments.

Our first argument erupted when deciding whether to install very expensive full Caravelle seats and rail system (with inbuilt isofix to keep little treasures trussed up safely in their car seats) or a rock and roll bed which is cheaper and ideal for camping, but not as safe. That's fuse number 1 blown.

Thankfully the other half saw sense and our kids are now being stylishly and safely transported around on Caravelle seats (which may as well be lined with gold the amount they cost).

The next conversion consideration is interior styling, including things like carpeting and lighting. The husband did this all himself (well done, hunny) including the installation of recessed LED decking lights in the roof. These he very cleverly decided to hook up to the interior light.

The theory was that when the doors were opened the interior, as well as the swish new decking lights, would automatically come on dazzling everyone. I say theory as no matter what he did, he couldn't get the flipping things to come on just by opening the doors.

A few hours were spent scatching heads and re wiring, then re wiring and then un wiring followed by a few choice expletives.

Luckily us Transporter owners have access to a wealth of knowledge, experience and recommendations from other Transporter owners all across the UK in the T4 and T5 Forum. Check it out. It's quickly become my bible and best friend.

So, while the husband commandeered a neighbour and fellow VW Transporter nut to help him ummm and ahh and fiddle I did a quick search on the forum whilst feeding the new born and enjoying a cup of tea.

And ping! Some fabulous Forum member had shared a solution to our very same problem.

Yep, you guessed it. Blown fuse.

Not only this, they had uploaded a handy diagram showing exactly where the blown fuse was located. Thanks, buddy!

I left it a few minutes and continued to watch the head scratching in the van. Once the little one had finished feeding and my cuppa was finished I slowly sauntered out, popped the fuse compartment on the dash, deftly located said blown fuse and tossed it to the boys in the back. 'Here's the problem guys', I said. Their faces! Priceless.

Who rule the world? Girls! (And the T4 and T5 Forum).

With all our engine troubles since then (resulting in more blown fuses. Mostly mine.) this is as far as our conversion story has got. But we have plans ;)