Citroen Relay van conversion: Eleanor & Andy transformation

**Meet Eleanor and Andy from Blackburn, owners of Lady E. While researching vans for Andy's business, Eleanor kept stumbling across van conversions, and it spiked her curiosity. Fast forward three years, and they have three converted vans listed with Camplify, and a fourth in the pipeline for 2023! **

Can you tell us a little about yourself, Eleanor?

I’m 57 years old born in Glasgow, but moved to England when I was 17 with a friend. I now live with my partner Andy and my son James. I also have a daughter Lydia who lives in Manchester. I have a passion for interior design.

Why did you decide to convert a van and when did you start?

I decided to explore the possibilities of a van conversion back in 2019. Andy was researching panel vans for a different business at that time and as a result campervans kept appearing in my feed, intrigued by this I started to research van conversions as a project, fast forward a couple of months and my first Citroen Relay was purchased. After considerable market research and a great deal of design collaboration with Dalesman Conversion’s, ‘Lady E‘ was born and by March 2020 she was available for hire.

How long did your van conversion take?

The conversion took me approximately 5 months.

What’s one feature you could not compromise on?

I wouldn’t compromise on the Super-king bed, and it’s been a huge success our with customers.

Where did you go to find inspiration?

Inspiration came from the kitchen I designed in my current home. It’s kind of a scaled down version of it in terms of colour and design.

What is one thing you wished you’d known before you started?

I wished I’d known more about off grid inverters. It soon became apparent that the first one was underpowered. It was costly to upgrade it, but well worth it as the van is now more versatile for our customers, it allowed me to introduce a Nespresso coffee machine, milk frother and various other 240 volt appliances.

What is one piece of advice you’d offer a first-time van renovator?

My advice would be to use a professional conversion company who can offer robust carpentry, essential for the rental business.

Is there anything you wish you could change about your van now?

I would take the double passenger seat out and replace with a single swivel.

Will you be converting any more vans in the future?

We now have now converted Lady E, Lydia J and Laura Mary, and are planning our 4th to be on Camplify by April 2023 .