Message Forums

We have been camping using tents now for about 16 years. Last year we bought a caravan and sited it (OH didn't fancy towing) but sold it a couple of weeks ago 'cos we got fed up being in the one place all the time. So now we are thinking about a campervan - just not sure where to start and any advise would be very welcome.

We are a family of 2 adults, our 11 year old son and a medium sized dog.

Probably looking at used (don't tink we could afford new)

After reading about the Mazda Bongo on this site, today we went to (what I think is the only) dealer in Scotland to have a look only to find it closed!!!!  But would this be big enough?

Lesley

P.S. Wanna buy a tent lol

Thanks jimsmimm, we'll give that a try this weekend. Yes we are hoping to get one that we can still use everyday if we have to.  I'll go online to see if I can get some pics of the others you mentioned.  What company did you go through to get your Hiace? So far i have only seen Algys Autos.

Lesley

Depends if you are only using it in the Summer then you could get away with a tent or awning.  But camping all year round you may find it is a little cramped especially with your son and dog.

You may need something with a little more floor space.  We have a Duetto MWB Transit and with only 2 of us you have to move out of each others way quite a bit.

Go to a dealers and look at them all to find the sort of layout you like then trawl the internet for prices,  Of course there are always unfinished projects on Ebay if you are any good at DIY.

Hi Imclaff

What sort of budget are we looking at?

mick

Thinking £4000 - £6000 max Mick. (am I kidding myself on?)

No Jana we are not what you would call handy lol, everything would need to be done.

Lesley

if your thinking of running one as everyday transport be aware that all the jap import campers are not exactly what you would call economical on fuel, returning low twenties in town as they tend to be 4x4 and auto, ........ Vw T4s are far better but far more expensive to purchase initially and far more van like than a bongo with a lot less toys plus converted T4s with seating for more than 4 are very few and far between.. they are also similiar in size to a bongo but do share the same design feature as the granvia in that you can walk between front and rear making them feel bigger than the bongo...

Just a quick update.

We went to 4x4 direct in Kilmarnock and fell in love with a Toyota Granvias at .............£16000!!  There goes the budget lol. We are going to wait 'till April/May and go for one then.

Thanks to everyone for their help

Lesley x

Hi Lesley, it really is a case of research, research then research some more. Ebay is great for looking at all the different layouts of various vans and it also gives you an idea of price. I see you are in also in Lanarkshire so you might be able to go the Knowepark Caravans in Livingston or at a push, Perthshire Caravans. They both have a good stock of used vans that you can have a rummage in. They're prices are a bit much but you do have the chance to sit in the vans and form an opinion of them. Don't be disheartened if you don't find a van immediately, it does take time ( it took us 6 months to find our Midge) . You are coming into the best time of year to grab a bargain. Remember you can have a look on ebay, they're may be vans in the surrounding area and its always worth going to have a look even if you have no intention of buying. We have had many tents and a couple of caravans but IMO a camper really is the best ! Good luck and let us know how you get on.