VW T5 Campervan for Sale – Stunning conversions with SCA roof and RIB bench seat/bed

For Details of our latest vehicle for sale, see our ebay add – she’s a beauty!:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260835136216

 

 

 

 

EUROPEAN TOUR – JULY/AUGUST 2011

This blog details our recent holiday to  Germany, Luxemburg and Belgium.  We hope it provides information and ideas to anyone planning such a trip.

MARK1 CONVERSIONS EUROPEAN TOUR – JULY/AUGUST 2011

 

The Families and their Camper Vans on our adventure:

The Rowland’s – T5 (2 adults, 1 child)

The Everett-Browns – T4 (2 adults, 3 children)

The Baker/Carols – new T5 towing caravan (2 adults, 4 children)

The Itinerary:

Leg 1  Devon,UKto Dover Euro Tunnel (218 miles)

Leg 2  Calais,FrancetoMonschau,Germany(293 miles)

Leg 3   Monschau toNesselwang,Germany(Bavaria) (410 miles)

Leg 4   Nesselwang toHeidleburg,Germany(215 miles)

Leg 5   Heidleburge to Luxemburg (183 miles)

Leg 6   Luxemburg toGeraardsbergen,Belgium(159 miles)

Leg 7  BelgiumtoCalais(153 km), then Euro tunnel toKentand Return toDevon(223 miles)

The Trip details:

Leg 1 – Day 1:Feniton,Englandto The Black Horse, Ashford.

Left at 16:00hrs from Feniton, taking the A303 towardsKent.  Stopped along the way at Fleet services for Dinner (KFC).  Continued onwards after an hour’s stop, to arrive at The Black Horse http://www.thebestpubintheparish.com/default.aspx for 20:20 hrs.  Had a few drinks in the child friendly pub, before putting our heads down in their car park – free camping with no strings attached.  They even have an outside toilet and shower if you need it (although it was not the nicest – but who’s complaining – It’s free!)

Leg 1 – Day 2: The Black Horse, Ashford to Euro Tunnel.

Up and out at 9:30 hrs to catch our Euro tunnel crossing.  Just a few minutes down the road, we called into the local services for some breakfast, then on to the Euro Tunnel terminal – all in all, not more than 10 minutes away from The Black Horse – Very handy!

Arrived well in advance of our check-in time and drove up to the check-in points.  Excellent technology – our number plate was scanned and before we new it our booking details were on the screen – we just had to press to confirm.  No booking reference number, or “the credit card you paid with” necessary.

We parked up to wait for our train to be boarding.  Kid’s played in the park, adults enjoyed the Sun.

Departure time approaching, we move onto board the train.  A few minutes later we drive down to board, unfortunately, the train we were scheduled to go on was full (due to a previous train not being loaded correctly) which meant we had to be held back to take the next train – 20 minutes later.

Eventually we drive on and once the doors are shut we can get out of the vehicles and walked up and down the train – or look out of the small side windows.  The train departs and we are away – 25 minutes later we are in France.  We drive straight off and we are on our way to out 1^st overnight stop in Germany

Leg 2 –  Day 2:Calais toMonschau, Germany– Camping Perlenau.

Our slightly late departure has put us behind schedule a little – but we head on from Calais towards Monschau, Germanyand our 1^st overseas campsite.  We take the E40, stopping after 1 ½ hours for a quick bit to eat, then we push on for the next 2 ¼ hours to arrive at Camping Perleanau.  The scenery is beautiful – the campsite http://www.monschau-perlenau.de/startseite.eng.html is also very nice.  A small outdoor pool which the children can’t wait to get into after our long journey, but it is not heated – so they are not in it for long!!!  The showers were lovely and hot though.  We paid on average €28 per pitch, with hook-up.

Leg 3 – Day 3: Monschau toNesselwang, Germany

10 am the next morning and we leave in the rain for our final destination – Nesselwang.  The Sat Nav tells us it will be a 6 hour drive – unfortunately, with the heavy traffic (it’s the first day of the German school holidays) and numerous wee-wee stops/1 hour lunch break – it takes us 9 hours to get there.  We travel at 70 mph (110 km) – the autobahn has no speed limit (advisory limit 130 kmph) – another reason why the Sat Nav calculates the journey to be quicker.

Nesselwang is in the Bavarian Alps and as we approach at 7 pm the scenery is breathtaking. The hill’s roll into mountains – it makes the journey all worthwhile!

http://www.alpspitzbahn.de/

We are staying with Family, but there is a camping site at the foot of the Alpspitz if needed.  The house is a huge family house with 3 living levels, a huge barn, a cellar, numerous balcony’s – it’s like a maze and an adventure just to find your way around it.  Not to mention the paddock where this evening’s party will take place.

We spend the evening around the fire and the kids enjoy the space they have to run about and play.

Day 4 (at Nesselwang)

The rain keeps coming down, but it doesn’t dampen our spirits.  The kids still have masses of fun playing in the barns.  The adults set up camp and eventually the rain stops.  Were all pretty tired from the long drive, so we take a walk around the village and pop into Aldi’s to stock up again.

At 4.30 pm the party starts and the paddock fills with family and friends.  The party is an annual event, which we have travelled down for this year as it’s also my Uncle’s 50^th birthday.  The barns make it perfect for party’s – one barn is for the food (everyone brings something to accompany what ever you want to stick on the massive grill which is suspended over the fire pit), another barn is called “The VIP Lounge” and it’s kitted out with mattresses, lights and a swing for the children.  The barn in the middle has a disco ball and makes a perfect dance floor as we find out later! 

In front of the barn a shelter is erected and a stage created using crates – at 8pm the 10 piece band strike up and play through to 11 that evening. It’s a fabulous party, everyone is having a great time and there is various plays’, dance routines, speeches through out the night keeping everyone entertained into the early hours!

Day 5 (at Nesselwang)

No rain today and the sun pop’s in and out.  We walk up to the cable cars at the foot of the mountain and take a ride to the very top of the mountain, which everyone really enjoys.  At the very top the mountains stretch out as far as the eye can see – unfortunately, it’s a bit cloudy – it’s even more spectacular on a clear day.  We can just about make out theNeuschwansteinCastle(where they filmed Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) in the distance.

We have lunch in the restaurant and walk the final 20 minutes to the highest point of the Alpspitz.  It’s a steep climb, but it feels like you are on top of the world when you up on that narrow tip – not for anyone with a fear of heights!

We take the cable car back down to the middle station, the walk to the Sommer Rodlebahn for the final descent.  It’s a metal slide with lots of twists and turns, built on the side of the mountain, which you ride down on a single or double cart (like a bob-sleigh) – it’s brilliant fun for the children and adults. 

The full day of fun cost €12 per adult for the cable car (kids under 8 are free), and €3 for the Rodelbahn (kids are 50 cents) – we all agree its great value for money.

Day 6 (at Nesselwang and crossing into Austria briefly!)

Neuschwanstein Castle in Fussen http://www.neuschwanstein.de/englisch/palace/index.htm  is only 25 minutes away by car.  It’s very busy but we park the 3 vans without trouble (€5 per car/van but the T5 with a canoe on the roof rack is picked up on the scanners as a touring van and charged at €7.50).

We walk up to the top – a 40 minute uphill walk.  It’s so busy we decide against the guided tour inside the castle (which is also quite expensive) and just look around the outside and courtyard of the castle.  It is a fantastic building – it makes you wonder how the hell they got all the materials and machinery up there to build it.

There is also a foot bridge across a huge drop, where you can get a superb view of the castle nestled on the side of the mountain.  It’s a further 20 minute walk (mostly up-hill) from the castle, but well worth it for the views and the thrill factor!

Walking down from the top takes only 20 minutes – or you can opt for the horse and cart (€3 to go down – it was €6 to go up, but there was a big queue for that!)

We enjoy a very expensive drink in the hotel at the bottom while we wait for those who came down by horse and cart (over €20 for 5 soft drinks – ouch).  We then drive into Fussen for a look around the town.  We cross a river that is a brilliant green – apparently due to the minerals in the rock.

Fussen is a beautiful city and the town is very quaint.  We have a look around the shops – buy a Bavarian Coo-Coo clock and then head back to Nesselwang.  A lovely day out.

Day 7 (at Nesselwang)

Not a cloud in the sky today – it’s very hot.  We go for a walk up the waterfall to the Sommer Rodelbahn.  It takes about an hour to walk up, but the kids are kept interested and motivated by the ice cold pools to dip your feet in and interesting steps, bridges and tree routes that make up the pathways.  The Waterfall is beautiful and we’re met with stunning views as we come out from the woods.  A little walk down hill to the Rodelbahn and another ride down – this time a little faster (top speed 46).

We had a bit to eat and a drink in the café at the bottom of the lifts – great play area for the kids, including trampolines.

A walk back to the house and grab the swimming gear and we head to the nearby lake the Kuglemeier, for a refreshing dip.  We get the inflatables, Kayak and kids there by van, the rest of the Adults on bikes (including a tandem – a bit of a giggle!).  The lake is great for the kids – staying quite shallow.  Just watch out for the biting fly’s.  We didn’t know it until the next day, but we were the main meal I think!

We stayed at theLake until 7pm, then headed back for Dinner.

Day 8 (at Nesselwang)

Another lovely day of bright sunshine.  It’s our last day at Nesselwang so we take it easy with a walk around the local shops.  After lunch the clouds roll in and very quickly we are in torrential rain fall!  We opt to go swimming in Nesselwang pool.   Its €16 for a family for 1 ½ hours – and that includes the changing time, so it’s not cheap.  But once again, it is well worth it.  The pool has a whirl pool, rapids, outdoor hot tub, large swimming pool and Childs pool.  A good time was had by all (even those who normally hate swimming!).

Kebab from the local Kebab-Haus for dinner.  Not sure what the meat was (not like our traditional donar meat) and served in a large soft bap – Yummy!

A trip over to the local pub/bistro for a nightcap that evening – another brilliant day.

Leg 4 – Day 9: Nesselwang to Heidelberg, Germany, Odenwald Campsite

We wake to more rain, and with a slightly heavy head after a few Weitsen the night before. 

Were packed up and say good bye to our hosts and the Baker/Carol’s in the T5 towing the caravan.  From here we take a different onward journey.

At this point we would like to give our hosts (Jon, Gertrud & Oma) a special mention – we all had a fabulous time, enjoying the area and the company just as much.  Thank you for having us to stay and sorry about the tyre tracks we left in our wake.  It was great to see you all and we felt very welcome.  You certainly know how to throw a good party.  Thanks too for the babysitting Malka & Martyn.  And Lee & Ruth – hope you have fun in Paris!

We leave at 12:15, after popping up to the chair lift to retrieve one of the Kid’s hats which they lost on the Rodelbahn the previous day!  The sun is out and stay’s with us now for our whole Journey.

We opt to take the A7 right up to the A6, rather than the route the Sat Nav wants us to take.  This way we avoid the Stuttgart area and hopefully, some of that heavy traffic.

Not long out of Nesselwang and the traffic starts to slow – no worries though; they are just painting the white lines – were off at 130 kmph this time – no caravan to consider.

We take the A7 directly north until we pick up the A6 to head for Heidleburg.   A short stop for lunch and we arrive at Odenwald Campsite  http://www.odenwald-camping-park.de/ at 16:15. Definitely a good decision to avoidStuttgart– we are bang on our e.t.a.

The scenery as we exit the A6 and drive along the E45 is once again breath-taking and the campsite, set in the valley, is tranquil and welcoming.  The kids head straight for the swimming pool.  The pitch with hook-up was around €30 for the night.

Lovely food that evening in the campsite restaurant and the best/hottest weather of the whole trip.

Leg 5 : Day 10 – Heidelberg to Camping Fauusskaul, Luxemburg.

Another baking hot day, as we have our breakfast, then leisurely pack up to leave.  We depart at 12:15 and head out on a slightly different path towards the A6, through some more fantastic scenery.  When we are on the A6 we cross the river Rhein and make good progress as we head towards Luxemburg.  We stop briefly just before we join the A62 (worse toilets ever) then head on for the final hour.

We arrive at 4:45pm and check in – it is a very big/very busy campsite http://www.fuussekaul.lu/index.php?article_id=2&clang=3, not what we are used to, still our pitch is nice and we can put up our awnings for the 3 days we are here and enjoy the extra space and company of The Barretts, more friends fromEngland.  They came directly to Luxemburg from Devon, and head on to the south of Franceafter our 3 days together.

We booked in advance and I think this is the only campsite so far where that has been necessary.  Slightly disappointed that the showers are 75c each and the outdoor swimming pool is not heated.  But the numerous play parks on site keep the children happy.

Day 11 (at Luxemburg)

The next day we wake to rain and decide it’s an ideal shopping day.  The Sat Nav tells us the nearest shopping centre is Topez, in Mersch.  Only small, it has a great toy shop for the children to spend their holiday money, and a few cloths nice cloths shops, all reasonable priced.

When we come out, the rain has stopped and we take a walk around Mersch.  We stumble on a lovely square with a small market, some beautiful buildings and great play park.  There was tourist information in Mersch, were we pick up a brochure for Luxemburg in English.  Very useful – look out for the picture of the man in the yellow budgey smugglers (he he)!

Day 12 (at Luxemburg)

Not raining today, although the temperature is a little cooler.  A chilled day at the campsite is in order.  Kids go swimming and all are happy!

Leg 6,  Day 13 : Heidelberg to Geraardsbergen,Belgium.

Left the campsite at 12:15, after letting the kids burn off some steam in the play barn (yes, you guessed it – raining outside). 

The rain seems to stop as we enterBelgiumand our 3 hour drive is mostly in the sun.  Stopping briefly along route we arrive at our campsite De Gavers http://www.degavers.be/public/verblijfsrecreatie/camping/index.cfm, at 3:45pm.  De Gavers is €25 per night per pitch, with hook-up.  Really cheap and the pitches are all flat.  The toilet block is heated and very clean, but you have to buy 50 cent tokens for the showers, but you get 7 minutes of hot water.  They also have a pc with internet connection that’s free to use in the reception, which is very handy.

We meet with friend of the Everett-Browns, who live in Belgium – and head down to the De Gavers lakeside centre – it has an excellent park that’s free to use, over looked by a restaurant/bar and swimming pool, also backing onto a lake with a man-made beach.  It’s a great facility and as it’s linked to the campsite (although open to general public as well) we get entrance to the superb swimming pool at the reduce fee of €1.50 per adult.

We eat in the restaurant while the kids spend hours in the Park – the food here is fabulous.  Around €10 per adult meal, but the portions are huge and very tasty – recommend the Gammon and the Chicken Vol-au-vant.

Thanks to Joe & Sarah for recommending the campsite and taking the time to meet up with us, and to Louise, Millie & Lukas who played so well with our tribe – some great friendships made today!

Day 14 (atBelgium)

Wake up to sunshine are up and out to catch the bus (just at the entrance to the campsite) to Geraardsbergen Train Station.  The adult’s tickets are €4 (each way) and a child is €2 return.  The bus takes 15 minutes to arrive at the train station, giving us 10 minutes to buy our train ticket (€11.50 return for an adult – Kids under 12 are free) and hop on the waiting train – seamless.  45 minutes train journey and we arrive inGent– St Pietters Station.  Outside the station there is busy circle of Trams, mixed in with cars, motorbikes and bicycles – it’s a bit mad!  As I look at the sign posts to find the direction to the historical Centre, a friendly local offers me some advice and tells me we need tram number 1.  The trams run every 10 minutes, so we board and take the ride of 2450 meters to the centre.

Everybody seems to speak brilliant English inBelgium, and another local is able to advise us on where we should get off and the best sights to see in this beautiful city.  He is also able to tell us we should have bought our tram ticket from the machine before boarding – so we get a free tram ride!

We get off the tram directly outside Gent Castle of the Counts.  Its €8 per adult (Kids are again free) to enter the castle with is well worth it.  The castle is breathtaking, and has all been restored over the years to its former glory.  It also houses various displays of battle weapons and armoury, as well as a gruesome collection of torture instruments, which the kid’s really seemed to enjoy looking at!

The cellars and pits of the castle really get the mind wondering about what went on all those years ago, whilst the battlements of the castle give you great views of the city – Keep hold of your kid’s – it’s a long drop off the other side and they seem instantly drawn to lean out over.

Out of the castle and we walk towards the river, stopping in a Chip shop for lunch.  Chips apparently originated inBelgiumand we are advised that we must try some.  Not that cheap at €3.10 for a medium portion with sauce (and there are many too choose from), but once again we are not disappointed with the portion size – however, I recommend only 1 sauce or you may get sauced-out, even those who like there ketchup!

The bridges that cross the river are very picturesque and the paved roads are lined by beautiful old buildings, churches and statues.  We walk around the city for a while and enjoy some of the local quirky shops.

We hop on a tram to take us back to the station – just enough time for a Belgium Waffle with cream and caramel sauce, before boarding our train to take us back to Geraardsbergen.  A 10 minute wait for our bus and we are back at the campsite.  Excellent day out, excellent city, excellent public transport.

We have an evening swim in the De Gavers pool – the tunnel slide is great fun – it’s hard to tell the Adults from the kids!           

Day 15 : Heading home

We leave Sunny Belgium at 9:50 am and get a good run over to Calais in just over 2 hours. We board the Euro Tunnel and say good bye toFrance, Belgium, Luxemburg, Austria and the Jewel of our trip –Germany. 

SUMMARY:

Germany really was a surprise to us all.  Having only visitedBavaria in the winter for the superb skiing, it exceeded our expectations.  A very beautiful country at every stop we made, with excellent roads and very clean towns & villages.  Heidelberg is a strong recommendation to anyone not wishing to travel all the way down toBavaria and definitely a place I would like to return to for a longer stay.

Luxemburg was very wet and so probably not getting a fair review – although a small country the windy roads make it timely to get anywhere.  But hey, the fuel was very cheap!  Lovely countryside.

Belgium was great.  A much more metropolitan feel – not as relaxed asBavaria and very enjoyable for that reason, as a contrast to the first half of our trip.

TOTAL MILES TRAVELLED: 1854 miles  TOTAL FUEL COST: £328

Pictures:http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150412358527575.449752.808347574&type=1

T5 Campervan for Sale in Devon

Recently uploaded to our website are the details of our latest professional conversions.

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (T5) T28 102PS TDI

We are located in Feniton, Near Exeter in Devon, just off the A30. Easy access from anywhere in the south-west of England and further.
If you are after a quality conversion, you must see this van. Our finish is second to none and once viewed we are sure you’ll agree.
Follow the link and take a look: http://www.mark1conversions.co.uk/advert/002_Van/VanAdvert.htm

Thanks for looking!

Devon Dub Fest – 15th – 17th July 2011

So finally, a Dub Fest comes to Devon!  It’s happening at Crealy Adventure park,  near Exeter on July 15th to the 17th. 

Check out their web site and buy your tickets here: http://www.devondubfest.co.uk/

We hope to see you there!  We will be handing out flyers all day Saturday – let’s hope the sun is shining.  We are also running a competition to win a free bonded window including fitting – see the flyers or visit our web site for more details!

RIB bench seat

For anyone wishing to see how a RIB bench seat works, check out our U-Tube video – it really is that easy to transform from seat to bed.

We rave about these seats – they are fully crash tested and in our opinion the only seat for any worthy camper van conversion.  Fully integrated 3 point seat belts, headrests, moulded seats and when converted into the bed position, fully flat and comfortable.

You can also check out our website for more pictures of installed RIB seats, including a full length (3 seater) RIB bench seat.  http://www.mark1conversions.co.uk/index.asp

An Apology – Our Contact Us form is now working again!

A quick apology to anyone trying to use our contact us form, or not receiving a response following sending us a message. It has now been spotted and fixed so we look forward to hearing from you soon!

Click here to take you directly to the Contact us Form: http://www.mark1conversions.co.uk/contact.asp

Van Window Fitting to VW T5

DO YOU NEED WINDOWS FITTED ON YOUR PANEL VAN?  Look no further.  We specialise in privacy bonded windows for VW T4’s & T5’s, but can also install any other bonded window subject to supply i.e. Ford Transit, Mercedes Vito, Citroen Despatch etc …

WE ARE LOCATED NEAR EXETER SERVICING THE SOUTH WEST – VISIT WWW.MARK1CONVERSIONS.CO.UK

You can transform a simple panel van into much more with just the installation of some good quality windows.  Mark1 conversions can do just that!

Take a look at a VW T5 panel van before and after pictures below.  This vehicle has been fitted with privacy glass to the side front panels, and also the tailgate.  The vehicle now looks great and is much more practical for carrying passengers.

These windows are not original VW glass, but then there are many blogs that will tell you that VW glass windows are prone to leaking.  We don’t have first hand knowledge of that as we have always used this aftermarket glass and not had any problems – even windows with slide opening.  So we have never needed to pay more and run the risk of finding out!  Why would we, in our opinion this glass is perfect and it comes with a 5 year guarantee.

The privacy glass (which is by far the most popular) is tinted – it is not a film that can crack or crease.  They are bonded into place and finished with a trim on the inside of the window.  Very sleek and stylish.  If your thinking of adding windows to your van – it’s definately a good choice.

Visit us at www.mark1conversions.co.uk.

How to change the V5 Certificate to “Motor Caravan” (aka camper van)

Do I need to notify DVLA that my Van is now a Camper Van? It’s a frequently asked question and the answer is yes and for several reasons, mostly which could benefit you.

Unfortunately, it’s a bit of a myth that it reduces your road tax fund.  In my experience there has been no difference to the road fun licence fee once changed to a “Motor Caravan”, but there may be savings with regards to your insurance and MOT charges.

You are also limited to 60 mph until the V5C certificate is amended.  After which, the national speed limit will apply.

What criteria must my conversion meet to become a motor caravan? The conversion must be a permanent conversion, i.e. you would not easily be able to return it to its original appearance.   In addition, it must contain some permanent fixtures which need to be photographed to support your claim.  Where ever possible, the photograph’s should include your number plate – i.e. if you have barn doors, photograph the inside of your van with the door showing the number plate in the closed position, or photograph the roof in the elevated position from the front of the vehicle, including the part of the vehicle showing the number plate.  The photo’s need to show without doubt that it is the same vehicle.

The last vehicle classification I successfully changed included pictures of:

* Sleeping accommodation – I photographed the Seat which transforms to a bed in the seat, bed and mid transformation positions (some of these pictures included the number plate off the barn door).  I pictured the elevating roof and bed in its open position from the outside (including the number plate) and the inside.

* Appliances – I included photo’s of the Fridge (door open), gas hob and sink.  These must be fully fitted (i.e. not in a removable unit) as an integral part of the conversion.

* Storage space – again, this must be permanently fixed.  Pictures of the cupboards etc.

* Gas bottle – I photographed the gas bottle inside it’s sealed gas container (the Sealed Gas container is a necessity).

* General photos – I photographed the van from all sides, with the doors open.  Showing the number plate where ever possible.  So the internal pictures could be linked to the same vehicle.

*Other seating – I included photo’s of the front seats in their swivelled position.

* Supporting documentation – I enclosed a letter to support my application and included a photocopy of the sales invoice for the Sealed Gas bottle, and the appliances/main fixtures.

This may not be a full list of specific requirements, and I can not guarantee if you follow this guide that your V5C will be amended, however it worked for me.  In my initial quest to find out how to change the body type, I did receive contrasting information on the necessary documentation and even procedures that must be followed (I was even told that I had to weigh the vehicle and provide a certificate to that effect from one source – which I did not do!).  There is also little or no information on the DVLA website about how to do this.  I just followed a common sense approach.

The wording on my supporting letter was as below:

“I would like to advise you of a change of vehicle body type from Panel Van to Motor Caravan.   I enclose the completed V5C certificate along with supporting photographic evidence of the permanent internal conversions into a camper van.  I specifically enclose photos of the gas bottle, and the sealed gas bottle box. For further support of our application, I enclose a copy of the invoice from the supplier for the main components of the conversion”

Complete the V5C certificate at section 7 in the box headed ‘wheelplan/Bodytype’ carefully entering ‘Motor Caravan’ a letter per box.  Sign and date the declaration at section 8 but only in the ‘Registered Keepers’ section.  Retain the right hand section of the form (detach along the perforations).

The V5C, your accompanying letter and all the photographs (simply printed from your own colour printer onto photo quality paper is fine) and photocopied receipts should then be posted to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA.

It was a approximately 2 weeks and the amended certificate was returned to me.  Job done!

And regarding the Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) – If you are carrying LPG it is “good practice” to display a sticker on the outside of your van, near where the gas is located.  It is not the law (for small amounts which would cover what you are likely to be carrying in a camper van) , however, it will greatly assist the fire services should the need arise!  You should also carry a fire extinguisher – which all good conversions should include anyway.

On the flip side of that – if you are not carrying LPG (i.e. you remove the gas bottle for any reason) it is an offence to display a warning to the contrary!