Renault Trafic SL27+ DCI 115
This van is a 2007 L1H1 Renault Trafic, with a 2.0L M9R engine. This is the model that comes with aircon and electric windows, and is chain-driven so no need to regularly replace timing belts.
It has a 6 speed manual gearbox and 115 horsepower, and so is very comfortable cruising at motorway speeds. Fuel economy is good at around 40mpg, and with the large (90L) fuel tank this means that you can travel long distances between filling up.
A new towbar has also been fitted, and the van tows brilliantly.
Mechanically this van has wanted for nothing. The most major work was done in March 2023, when the engine (previously on 129k) was replaced with a replacement at 69k miles, at a cost of ยฃ5000. At this point, the vehicle was also fully serviced. Other mechanical work done to the van includes:
2023:
New MOT (expires December 2024)
2 brand new front tyres (only ever driven back from garage)
Replacement engine wiring loom
2 new wiper blades
New strut top mounting kit and CV boot
Replacement engine
New AC compressor
New MAF sensor
New rear brake discs and pads,
New throttle position sensor
2022/21:
New drive shaft
New handbrake cables
New front brake discs and pads
New wiper and indicator stalks (commonly faulty on these vans)
New auxillary belt, tensioner and idler
Sealed scuttle panel to prevent water ingress that can cause injector issues
Previous to my ownership:
New clutch
New EGR valve
All work is with invoices. Minor work (e.g. bulbs, oil changes etc) has not been included above.
The new engine was checked before fitting and is in perfect working order. Some of these vans have an issue where water sits on top of the injectors due to a leaking scuttle panel, causing the injectors to fail and rust into the engine. There is no evidence of rust or water ingress here, and the scuttle panel has been sealed to prevent any leaking in the future.
The bodywork of the van is pretty good considering it is from 2007, but there are a few dints and scratches around. The main scratch is on the passenger side door. There are no issues regarding rust, partly because the undersides of these vans are sealed from the factory to prevent this.
Any mechanical inspection of the van by a third party is more than welcome.
The van was converted over a long period of time by myself between 2020 and 2021. It is built with practicality in mind, and so nearly all components can be easily accessed and replaced with just a screwdriver.
The van is fully sound-deadened, insulated with recycled bottle insulation and expanding foam for hard-to-reach areas, and is also fully sealed with an insulating vapour barrier. It is therefore very cozy even in cold weather!
The windows and roof vent in the back of the van were professionally fitted, and the roof was strengthened at the same time to allow this.
The roof is clad with pine, and the walls are painted plywood. The floor is lino, so is very easy to clean.
The bed/seat was fashioned from an IKEA mattress, and is upholstered with hard-wearing, fire resistant fabric. If you need to use the van to move things around, removing the cushions provides a huge amount of space in the back.
There is a large wardrobe, and a good amount of space under the bed. At the front of the bed is a drawer, which houses the 12v compressor fridge. This is highly energy efficient, so can be run for days without needing to run the van to charge the battery.
All the electrics run on a 12V system, apart from the stand-alone 240V ‘connect and forget’ smart battery charger for when the van is not being used. There are LED spotlights in the ceiling, but unlike many van conversions these are cheap and easy to replace if they blow with standard bulbs. There are also 2 sets of USB chargers in the back, and a further 12V socket.
Sadly, over the winter the leisure battery has run flat as I haven’t been able to get to the van. I would be more than happy to buy a brand new replacement battery for you.
The battery charges from the van engine when it is running, and can also charge from a solar panel which is moveable, so you can put it in the sun and park in the shade.
Cooking facilities are provided by the Dometic 9722 hob and sink, with cold running water. There is a 30L freshwater tank, and a 9L grey water tank with an option for water to drain straight out of the van.
Gas is from a Campingaz gas bottle in the rear of the van, which is easy to exchange when empty all over Europe. The gas system has been inspected and certified, with the current certification valid until June.
My personal highlight of the van is the double swivel seat in the front. This was nearly ยฃ400 new, but makes a huge difference to the amount of space you have inside the van when the passenger seat is turned around. This was made by Kiravans, and is fully safety tested with all the relevant certifications.
I will be very sad to see this van go, but hope that I can pass it on to someone who loves it as much as I do! I have had some great trips away, including a month in the Outer Hebrides and a month in Europe with no issues at all (even on the steepest, scariest mountain passes!), so you can be sure that this van will take you on some great adventures.
Full size double bed
The contact details for this vehicle are no longer available because it has either sold or the listing has expired.
Insurance options are available through our partner, Ripe Insurance.
