Hi all, Newbie here...

I am about to embark on my first conversion and need some help and advice re: the order to carry out some of the tasks, as well as How To.

Not sure what vehicle it will be yet, in an ideal world it would be a transporter T4 / T5, but I don’t think funds are going to stretch that far first time round. I have been looking at several options; Merc Vito (but I only really like the sport), Vivaro, Toyota Regius,  or something like a Traffic / Priva, pretty similar to the Vivaro.

Anyway... being a Joiner I am quite confident to carry out the majority of the conversion tasks i.e. insulation, carpeting, construction of / installation of interior units, appliances, seating/bed etc.

What I need help with is:

1) Any info on weight distribution requirements or where to find such info?

2) Requirements and method of installation of gas - in layman terms? (I’ve been reading Regulation 1986 but my concentration went out the window lol) I know the gas source has to be sealed off from the living sleeping compartment, in case of leaks, and a sufficient drop out hole to allow the gas to escape out of the vehicle. But I could do with some kind of instruction on how to do this a) so I don’t create holes unnecessarily in the vans body work b) so I comply with insurance  and DVLA etc.

3) How to link up a leisure battery? What to run off the leisure battery?

4) I want to install spot lights, went should this be done? Before boarding or carpeting? Does light run off the leisure battery?

5) How to install 240v plug sockets?

I saw a lad in work who had linked and AMP up to his work van battery, and somehow wired an extension cable (4 plug sockets) to the AMP so he could recharge his drill batteries etc, which had 240v plugs!

I need to know how to do these things, safely... and in what order, so I am not e.g. stripping back nicely laid carpet from the walls / roof in order to install things I’ve missed. Also, are there any fire precautions re: electrics? I.e. wires / cables heating up next to insulation  /  foam?

Remember, I’m a joiner, not a sparky! :-P

Your help would be very much appreciated guys, Thanks.