In reply to CharlieMack:
Hi,
I've just done exactly the same thing... I bought a Citroen Berlingo.. only cost £2900... and its been great. I've comfortably spent 3 weeks sleeping in it and climbing... didn't pay for a single campsite... its great for me as I'm only 5'3 but the front seats fold down so taller people can sleep comfortably in it too.
I fit 2 full size boulder pads in there and sleep on that and it's great.
Insurance for me wasn't too much more than my car... maybe £50... but then yes - owning a van means it becomes a commercial vehicle... so there are a few extras to be considered...
I also bought 4 new tyres for it when I bought it.. and apparently you need to make sure you have van tyres on a van.. otherwise an insurance company may not pay out in an accident... this could be the tyre place having me on.. but tyres weren't too pricey and I didn't want to take the risk...
I looked at Caddy as well.. but a lot more money for not a lot more van.... and the mileage tends to be really high i your price range... ford transit also good.. but again more expensive then something like a berlingo, or a partner... or indeed a dispatch...
The other van I nearly bought was a Nissan Nv200... really lovely mid size.. but was a bit too expensive and I just couldn't justify spending that much...
Good luck.. and you will love the convenience when you finally switch...