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Topic: Caravanner to Camper (maybe)

Mrs E

26/6/2014 at 9:46pm
Location: South West
Outfit: VW T5 campervan

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Hi,

I'm after some advice really. We're caravanners and have been since Oct 2005. We've recently been to Mull and my hubby is now keen to get a camper. He's looking at the possibility of a bit of wild camping in Scotland and the increased freedom that travelling without a 23ft+ caravan on the back of the car should give us.

He likes the look of the VW T5 campervan. I think he's ruled out a T2 as he says that they're more expensive to run and maintain (although I quite like the look of them!).

It won't be for a while yet as we have several things we need to look into, including the finance.

We live in Wiltshire so can anyone recommend a good dealer. He wants to have a look at Danbury Motorcaravans in Yate so that'll be first on the list. Any other suggestions would be really appreciated in the Wilts/Glos/Hants/Somerset area.

What should we look for? Any tips/advice? Are they expensive to tax/insure/run? I'm concerned there won't be enough room after having the luxury of the caravan (space wise). We are a couple with 2 dogs, one of which is a Boxer X so a fairly large dog!

Sorry for the multiple questions but I'm hoping for some great advice from my fellow forum members

Thanks

-------------
2024:
February: Broadstone Park, Coleford
March: Bucklegrove, Rodney Stoke
Easter: Llandrindod Wells, Powys
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Westmorland

26/6/2014 at 10:02pm
Location: West Cumbria
Outfit: Renault Master Self Build panel van co

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Hi there,
To go from a 23' caravan to a VW campervan is a BIG difference. I would suggest hiring one first to see if you can 'live' in the smaller space and adjust to the different philosophy of holidaying in a campervan - better than making an expensive mistake!

Cheers

John

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franbee

26/6/2014 at 10:35pm
Location: Lancashire
Outfit: Leisuredrive VW T6 campervan

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We love our VW camper. Here's a few thoughts.
Pop top means when down it is 2.0m high, so will go under a lot of barriers, like car parks, we need this as our second car. Also travels as Class 1 on the french toll roads, same as a car.
Not a lot of floor space when in 'bed' mode, but we have seen similar vans which have a high bunk bed.
We have no toilet, as we use campsites. However you can have a toilet if you wish. (Thinking about your wild camping).

Your best bet is to look at as many vans as you can. We spent about 6 months searching, then when we ordered our conversion we had everything we wanted.

Diesel engine is economic to run. Not particularly expensive to insure. Expensive to buy but retains it's value.

Mrs E

26/6/2014 at 10:55pm
Location: South West
Outfit: VW T5 campervan

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Quote: Originally posted by Westmorland on 26/6/2014
Hi there,
To go from a 23' caravan to a VW campervan is a BIG difference. I would suggest hiring one first to see if you can 'live' in the smaller space and adjust to the different philosophy of holidaying in a campervan - better than making an expensive mistake!

Cheers

John

Thanks John. It will be a big difference - think if we do it we just need to "pack smart" as we take way too much with us (because we can)!

I am thinking about maybe hiring a VW for a weekend as it will give us a feel for it and also it's the "Try before you buy" option.

-------------
2024:
February: Broadstone Park, Coleford
March: Bucklegrove, Rodney Stoke
Easter: Llandrindod Wells, Powys
May: Carmarthenshire
July: Dorset Volksfest + Wilksworth
August: Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza
August BH: TBC
September: Undecided
October: Bull Bay, Anglesey

Mrs E

26/6/2014 at 11:09pm
Location: South West
Outfit: VW T5 campervan

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Quote: Originally posted by franbee on 26/6/2014
We love our VW camper. Here's a few thoughts.
Pop top means when down it is 2.0m high, so will go under a lot of barriers, like car parks, we need this as our second car. Also travels as Class 1 on the french toll roads, same as a car.
Not a lot of floor space when in 'bed' mode, but we have seen similar vans which have a high bunk bed.
We have no toilet, as we use campsites. However you can have a toilet if you wish. (Thinking about your wild camping).

Your best bet is to look at as many vans as you can. We spent about 6 months searching, then when we ordered our conversion we had everything we wanted.

Diesel engine is economic to run. Not particularly expensive to insure. Expensive to buy but retains it's value.

Hi Franbee

Hubby is favouring a pop top as opposed to a high top as like you say you can get into car parks/multi storey car parks especially those that have height restrictions.

I WILL want a toilet and I believe this can be done/fitted under a buddy seat? I'm sure someone will correct me if I've got this wrong. We mainly use sites with full facilities i.e. toilets, shower and hook up. If we do wild camp when we return to Scotland the plan is to do this for 1 or 2 nights then stay at a site with facilities and so on.

MY plan is to spend plenty of time searching and researching to be sure we get what we want if we go ahead. I think hubby is keen on the idea of a company sourcing a van and then converting it to our spec.

What you've said about running costs etc is exactly what hubby has said - he wants diesel and tells me they will hold their value. So, if we really don't like it after a certain period we can always sell without too much of a loss.

We have slowly got larger caravans - started out with an old 1991 (I think) ABI Award Transtar, then a Bailey Senator Vermont and our current 'van which is another Bailey (Senator Arizona). I think I could cope in a smaller space providing we also have an awning/driveaway awning.

Thanks for the advice.

-------------
2024:
February: Broadstone Park, Coleford
March: Bucklegrove, Rodney Stoke
Easter: Llandrindod Wells, Powys
May: Carmarthenshire
July: Dorset Volksfest + Wilksworth
August: Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza
August BH: TBC
September: Undecided
October: Bull Bay, Anglesey

dinkum

27/6/2014 at 9:16am
Location: crewe
Outfit: Elddis Xplore 302 and Nissan Campervan

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Mrs E., a VW is a good option. With two dogs it would be essential to check it out to see that you will all fit in.
If the dogs are obedient you may get away with it. I know how close people can be to their pets.
You can share some of our experiences of a compact campervan on my Blog. If you flick through the archives you will find a lot of topics covered. Hope it is of some value to you! http://dvickers1955.wordpress.com/

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cramming for my finals in the twilight zone

weegmack

27/6/2014 at 1:18pm
Location: Ayrshire
Outfit: Trigano Tribute 669

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I have a Camper VW T5 - mine is a short wheel base. They are not big on space! However, you can buy awnings for them, which make a big difference.

We don't actually camp in ours - but we could convert our back seats to a rock-and-roll bed if we decide to. We have it kitted out with a small toilet room (tiny) and a hob/sink. I have health problems, so it allows me the freedom to go off road.

I don't have a pop-top roof, but I would definitely recommend that, as opposed to the hi-top. It fits into a normal parking space and gets under most barriers! Mine is a 1.9 Diesel and very economical as I use it as my car.

Good luck!

-------------
Gillian

franbee

27/6/2014 at 1:49pm
Location: Lancashire
Outfit: Leisuredrive VW T6 campervan

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Yes, lots of vans have toilets fitted. You really do need to look at lots of interiors before you decide. Our van is a Leisuredrive Crusader, which has a double bed design. There is another that has singles with a fitted toilet at the back. And a new long wheel base design which has a mini bathroom in the back, but may be longer than you want.

Mrs E

27/6/2014 at 4:06pm
Location: South West
Outfit: VW T5 campervan

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Quote: Originally posted by dinkum on 27/6/2014
Mrs E., a VW is a good option. With two dogs it would be essential to check it out to see that you will all fit in.
If the dogs are obedient you may get away with it. I know how close people can be to their pets.
You can share some of our experiences of a compact campervan on my Blog. If you flick through the archives you will find a lot of topics covered. Hope it is of some value to you! http://dvickers1955.wordpress.com/

Thank you so much for this

I've had a quick peek and read and saved it and will show it to my hubby over the weekend.

-------------
2024:
February: Broadstone Park, Coleford
March: Bucklegrove, Rodney Stoke
Easter: Llandrindod Wells, Powys
May: Carmarthenshire
July: Dorset Volksfest + Wilksworth
August: Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza
August BH: TBC
September: Undecided
October: Bull Bay, Anglesey

Mrs E

27/6/2014 at 4:12pm
Location: South West
Outfit: VW T5 campervan

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Quote: Originally posted by weegmack on 27/6/2014
I have a Camper VW T5 - mine is a short wheel base. They are not big on space! However, you can buy awnings for them, which make a big difference.

We don't actually camp in ours - but we could convert our back seats to a rock-and-roll bed if we decide to. We have it kitted out with a small toilet room (tiny) and a hob/sink. I have health problems, so it allows me the freedom to go off road.

I don't have a pop-top roof, but I would definitely recommend that, as opposed to the hi-top. It fits into a normal parking space and gets under most barriers! Mine is a 1.9 Diesel and very economical as I use it as my car.

Good luck!

Hi. Glad to hear it's economical day to day. We are wondering whether to keep one of our 2 cars (one of which is currently SORNED and off road). We would probably be selling our 4x4 to help finance the purchase as we wouldn't really be able to continue running that in addition to a campervan that will also need fuel and tax (as opposed to the caravan that doesn't).

I think we'll need to compare a SWB and LWB to see if there's much difference. If it was just us I wouldn't be so concerned but the dogs need some space too.

-------------
2024:
February: Broadstone Park, Coleford
March: Bucklegrove, Rodney Stoke
Easter: Llandrindod Wells, Powys
May: Carmarthenshire
July: Dorset Volksfest + Wilksworth
August: Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza
August BH: TBC
September: Undecided
October: Bull Bay, Anglesey

Mrs E

27/6/2014 at 4:21pm
Location: South West
Outfit: VW T5 campervan

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Quote: Originally posted by franbee on 27/6/2014
Yes, lots of vans have toilets fitted. You really do need to look at lots of interiors before you decide. Our van is a Leisuredrive Crusader, which has a double bed design. There is another that has singles with a fitted toilet at the back. And a new long wheel base design which has a mini bathroom in the back, but may be longer than you want.

Thanks again Franbee

The option of singles with a fitted toilet definitely appeals and I think hubby would like singles anyway. Otherwise it'll be 4 in a (double) bed - us and the dogs who will sneak up in the night! And when you have a 34kg dog sleeping on your legs it's not funny so that might get us more floor space for them to (hopefully) remain at floor level!

I think we'll have to check out the LWB with mini washroom even if it may be too long.

-------------
2024:
February: Broadstone Park, Coleford
March: Bucklegrove, Rodney Stoke
Easter: Llandrindod Wells, Powys
May: Carmarthenshire
July: Dorset Volksfest + Wilksworth
August: Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza
August BH: TBC
September: Undecided
October: Bull Bay, Anglesey

franbee

27/6/2014 at 4:45pm
Location: Lancashire
Outfit: Leisuredrive VW T6 campervan

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We gave up a VW Touran to buy the van. But we also had/have a second smaller car for several reasons.

The van is too high up to get elderly MIL into. Whilst it is ok to transport small granddaughters, it is easier in the car. And though the van fits in car parking spaces, it can be a bit tight, so wouldn't take it into a multi-story or anywhere that parking might be a bit tricky. If we both go out separately, the person going to the easy parking takes the van, the other the car.

hodgsons

28/6/2014 at 6:28pm
Location: South Yorks
Outfit: VW California

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Hi,
we went from tent - caravan's - tent and finally to a VW California. We have 2 teenage kids who in winter sleep in the Cali and in summer sleep in tents. We also have a day tent, so we can keep stuff in there, especially when we are away for 2 weeks. Road tax for the van is £260 (I think) a year and as for MPG it can range from early to late 30's. Depends on how much gear we've got eg bikes etc.

When we were looking at VW's a couple of years ago we looked at conversions and I have to say I wasn't convinced. We went to one of the motorhome shows and VW were there with the Cali along with lots of conversions. I fell in love with the Cali straight away and when we priced it up, there wasn't that much difference price wise. My OH rang round the VW garages for the best discount, I think at the time it was 11% we got off one.

We camped next to a British VW conversion last year in Italy, one thing we did notice was there roof lifted up sideways so there was just enough room for 1 adult and a child, where ours lifts from the front so it's like having a double bed. Our bench which makes into a bed moves forward as well as back, so you have plenty of storage space. There's plenty of other advantages eg chairs in the tail gate etc etc. I could go on for ever. I think you have to see conversions as well as the California and then make your mind up.

We love ours and have no regrets in buying it. Hope this is of some help.

Post last edited on 28/06/2014 22:23:59

Mrs E

29/6/2014 at 8:43am
Location: South West
Outfit: VW T5 campervan

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Hi Hodgsons

Thanks for this as it certainly helps

I'd be happy with the road tax at £260 p.a. as we currently pay £280 p.a. for our Kia Sorento. If it's less than £260 then that would be a bonus!

We're looking at going to The Motorhome Show at The Royal Bath & West Showground in Sept. It would give us the perfect opportunity to see a range of models and layouts and of course gain more advice and ask questions. I've entered the competition to win tickets so who knows we may even make a weekend of it!

-------------
2024:
February: Broadstone Park, Coleford
March: Bucklegrove, Rodney Stoke
Easter: Llandrindod Wells, Powys
May: Carmarthenshire
July: Dorset Volksfest + Wilksworth
August: Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza
August BH: TBC
September: Undecided
October: Bull Bay, Anglesey

hodgsons

29/6/2014 at 10:59am
Location: South Yorks
Outfit: VW California

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Hi Mrs E, I know the guy at the VW stand said it was only a last minute decision to take the California so they may not be there, but conversion people like Hillside Leisure and Danbury were there.

It's definately worth a trip to a VW van centre that sell California's to compare. Or you could take a look at this forum for any questions or advice www.vwcaliforniaclub.com

Happy hunting x

dinkum

29/6/2014 at 12:42pm
Location: crewe
Outfit: Elddis Xplore 302 and Nissan Campervan

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A bit more info which may help. The long wheel base VWs give about 400 mm more internal "floor space",fore and aft, useful when the bed is down. Two swivel seats are essential in my opinion as they offer an "open" feeling to the habitation area. With seats swivelled and pushed into the cab area, your dogs may be able to sleep in the exposed floor area?
You can get a conversion done cheaper than an off the shelf purchase. There are loads of converters with good reputations who can convert a van supplied by yourselves. In our case we bought a brand new van (albeit a Nissan) but heavily discounted. We then had the van converted by Drivelodge near Keighley. The whole lot cost less than £27,000 including a very full spec., alloy wheels and tyres. Not big enough for 2 dogs , to be honest, but you can save a lot of cash with VW with a little effort. Sussex campervans, Bilbos and others can offer a conversion to your specification.

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cramming for my finals in the twilight zone

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