My VW Transporter T5 camper build
Discussion
AyBee said:
Leigh, did you ever consider the Mercedes Vito for your conversion? For comparable mileages, they appear to be much cheaper than the T5...
I did, but discounted them for a few reasons. 1 - They rust. A lot. T5s are galvanised, so if you see a rusty one it's probably been damaged, or stonechips have been left to rust.
2 - Availability of conversion kit. Because VWs are so popular you can get everything you need off the shelf very easily, conversion suppliers are everywhere.
3 - Depreciation. Again, because of their popularity, VWs hold their value unbelievably well. So, when buying used, yes, you'll pay more than for a similar age/mileage Vito, Transit, Movano etc, but you'll get it back and more when it's time to sell. I have no plans at all to sell mine, but after more than two years of ownership, it's still worth a couple of thousand more than it cost me to buy and convert. Spot the accountant...
glennbtn said:
A bit late to the show here, but your van looks fantastic.
Still looking to do my own.
How did you work out the right cabling and fuses to use for the 12v system.
Fantastic job. Hope mine looks as good when I get it done
Glenn
Thanks Glenn. My cable and fuse info came mainly from doing a lot of reading on the T5 forum! My split charge system was from Xtreme Vans, they sell all you'll need, and are good for advice as well. Link here: http://www.xtremevan.co.uk/index.php?cPath=721Still looking to do my own.
How did you work out the right cabling and fuses to use for the 12v system.
Fantastic job. Hope mine looks as good when I get it done
Glenn
Hi Leigh,
Great job on your van, you've become my inspiration for my new van build.
I bought the same electrics kit as you, do you have any photos of the external hook up under the bonnet? Also, where did you route the cables from this? I've just been looking at the instructions and it says that the maximum permitted length from the outlet to the consumer unit is 2 metres?
Cheers
Great job on your van, you've become my inspiration for my new van build.
I bought the same electrics kit as you, do you have any photos of the external hook up under the bonnet? Also, where did you route the cables from this? I've just been looking at the instructions and it says that the maximum permitted length from the outlet to the consumer unit is 2 metres?
Cheers
AshL86 said:
Hi Leigh,
Great job on your van, you've become my inspiration for my new van build.
I bought the same electrics kit as you, do you have any photos of the external hook up under the bonnet? Also, where did you route the cables from this? I've just been looking at the instructions and it says that the maximum permitted length from the outlet to the consumer unit is 2 metres?
Cheers
Oops, sorry I didn't reply here! Great job on your van, you've become my inspiration for my new van build.
I bought the same electrics kit as you, do you have any photos of the external hook up under the bonnet? Also, where did you route the cables from this? I've just been looking at the instructions and it says that the maximum permitted length from the outlet to the consumer unit is 2 metres?
Cheers
A bit late now I guess, but it's mounted on the side of the battery compartment like in the following pic (not mine), then through a grommet behind the dash, down under the cab rubber mat following existing cable channels to beneath the drivers seat where the consumer unit and leisure battery is.
Hello Leigh,
I know its a while ago now but great conversion! I've just bought a standard T5 van and planning on doing the same. Quick question if you don't mind - where did you get your flooring from? Its exactly the type of design/pattern that I am after. How is it holding up to the wear and tear?
Many thanks
Mike
I know its a while ago now but great conversion! I've just bought a standard T5 van and planning on doing the same. Quick question if you don't mind - where did you get your flooring from? Its exactly the type of design/pattern that I am after. How is it holding up to the wear and tear?
Many thanks
Mike
mikeb88 said:
Hello Leigh,
I know its a while ago now but great conversion! I've just bought a standard T5 van and planning on doing the same. Quick question if you don't mind - where did you get your flooring from? Its exactly the type of design/pattern that I am after. How is it holding up to the wear and tear?
Many thanks
Mike
Thanks Mike. It was from a very high end flooring supplier called Carpetright. I know its a while ago now but great conversion! I've just bought a standard T5 van and planning on doing the same. Quick question if you don't mind - where did you get your flooring from? Its exactly the type of design/pattern that I am after. How is it holding up to the wear and tear?
Many thanks
Mike
https://www.carpetright.co.uk/vinyl/platinum-slim-...
It's wearing fine so far, no problems at all. I do have a rug in there though.
ChocolateFrog said:
This thread may have just influenced the purchase of my own T5.1, if it looks half as good as yours when I've finished I'll be happy.
Excellent, please put a build thread up. Yes, the sides and wheel arches were all one piece, obviously the panels were trimmed seperately. Basically start at the top and work down, then stretch it around the wheel arches. If you use the 'megastretch' carpet you'll be amazed how much it will give, but you'll need:
1) A helper
2) A heat gun
3) Patience
4) A swear box
LeighW said:
ChocolateFrog said:
This thread may have just influenced the purchase of my own T5.1, if it looks half as good as yours when I've finished I'll be happy.
Excellent, please put a build thread up. Yes, the sides and wheel arches were all one piece, obviously the panels were trimmed seperately. Basically start at the top and work down, then stretch it around the wheel arches. If you use the 'megastretch' carpet you'll be amazed how much it will give, but you'll need:
1) A helper
2) A heat gun
3) Patience
4) A swear box
SimonTheSailor said:
You say your GMC day van drank lits of fuel - is that the same as the Chevrolet Astro van ?
If so what did it do to the gallon ?
Astros/Safaris are the same thing underneath, apart from trim/badges, all have the 4.3 V6. On a long motorway run, maybe 21mpg. Short journeys in cold weather, I saw 10mpg or even less.If so what did it do to the gallon ?
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