My VW Transporter T5 camper build

[Rosscow]

s3fella said:

This looks fab, but you know that.
What I'm scratching my head about, I really don't get it, is how the swivel double seat works? How is there room to swivel?

Does it pull back first into the rear, then swivel, and return to position? I'm confused!

Like this one I presume:

http://vimeo.com/38838803

[LeighW]

Rosscow said:

s3fella said:

This looks fab, but you know that.
What I'm scratching my head about, I really don't get it, is how the swivel double seat works? How is there room to swivel?

Does it pull back first into the rear, then swivel, and return to position? I'm confused!

Like this one I presume:

http://vimeo.com/38838803

Yep, that's the exact seat. Clever piece of design.

[S6OOH]

Superb work! I love that

[LeighW]

S6OOH said:

Superb work! I love that

Thanks!

Finally got my logbook back from DVLA.

Edited by LeighW on Monday 11th August 00:16

[berlintaxi]

Stunning conversions, better then some manufacturers, top marks.

[B17NNS]

Just seen this. Can only echo others comments. It looks like a factory conversion. First class workmanship.

[Agent Orange]

Looks great and bookmarked to read later as I'm in the process of looking at T5s myself.

Seems like you've answered all the questions I had re-suppliers too and I had also been looking at the Evo kits.

[matt 74]

Great thread and Echo the previous remarks of a great looking conversion.

Very useful for those considering the same, I have started to research the market and am leaning towards a conversion, out of interest did you look into 'pop-top' roofs? At 6ft2 I could do with a little extra height!

[LeighW]

matt 74 said:

Great thread and Echo the previous remarks of a great looking conversion.

Very useful for those considering the same, I have started to research the market and am leaning towards a conversion, out of interest did you look into 'pop-top' roofs? At 6ft2 I could do with a little extra height!

Thanks Matt.

I did look at pop tops, but initially decided against one for reasons of cost, figuring that I could always add one later if I felt it needed it. Having camped in it a few times now, I'm glad I didn't add one, and for a couple of reasons; 1) You really don't spend much time at all standing up in it, you can use the hob and sink while sitting down. The only time it's a bit of a struggle is when you're getting changed, but it's no hassle really. 2) I've insulated the van pretty well and it's really cosy. A pop top is basically a tent when it's raised, so all the heat would just escape through the canvas, meaning I'd probably end up dropping the roof down overnight to stay warm, which kind of removes the point of it for me.

That said, I'm only 5ft 10, and my head is pretty close to the ceiling when sat in the back, so you'd probably have to slouch a bit!

Edited by LeighW on Wednesday 24th September 21:08

[Rew]

Fantastic work! I got my Transporter last weekend and will be looking to do something similar throughout next year so this thread will help me a great deal! Thank you

[matt 74]

Leigh, how much of a drama is it to re-register with the DVLA?

[LeighW]

matt 74 said:

Leigh, how much of a drama is it to re-register with the DVLA?

Sorry for the slow reply Matt, I hadn't looked on this thread for a bit! It's pretty straight forward actually; just send the logbook to the DVLA stating the change of classification, together with a covering letter stating what you've done to meet their requirements plus photos proving that you have actually done it.
More info in the following link, but there's plenty of info on the net about it.

http://www.basecampers.com/how-to-re-register-as-a...

[VolvoT5]

very nice. I think the colour coding, alloys and rear window make the biggest difference.

Not sure I would have the skills to do the interior design but you have clearly managed it well.

[TheMoo]

Fantastic build.

My dad has been threatening to turn his T5 into a camper for the last 2 years, think I need to show him this to give him a nudge

[LeighW]

TheMoo said:

Fantastic build.

My dad has been threatening to turn his T5 into a camper for the last 2 years, think I need to show him this to give him a nudge

Thanks very much. Tell him to do crack on and do it!

I've done a couple more bits to the exterior recently - added facelift rear lights, some side steps, and um.. chrome door handle covers.




Edit Couldn't remember the exact pics for these, so found these from a drive on the beach...

Edited by LeighW on Tuesday 8th August 16:03

[dirty_dog]

Looks smart and Very clean, nice and subtle.

[Otispunkmeyer]

This is bloody good. Sorely tempted now to do something like this because I friggin hate tent camping and don't want a caravan. Something like this where you rock up, parking brake on and you're done? Sorted.

Ideally I'd like to also fit the pop up roof tent thingy and have the retractable side awning as well. You got any plans for those?

I have a friend who is slowly converting his Renault Master. Its huge inside, but still very van like as all he's done is fitted a wooden frame to take a large memory foam mattress a good foot off the floor and fitted an electrical box with a load of 12 V sockets and USB ports. Also some LED lighting and one of those spinny roof vents. Its a hatchet job but it looks like a damn comfortable way to camp.

[AyBee]

LeighW said:

Now it was time for the bed. It won't be used to carry passengers, so I didn't need (and couldn't justify) a £2k crash tested bed, so I bought one from streamline in Wolverhampton for £715. They're made to order, so you can choose the upholstery, and they also fitted it for free. They did a good job, using spreader plates under the van to make it very secure.

Can you still carry passengers (noting the seatbelts) even though the seat/bed isn't crash tested?

[moesie]

Hi Leigh

fantastic job on the T5, i've looked at a lot, and yours is a stand-out creation. i am getting a 07 plate lwb in december and wanted to get a bit of a head start with the build ie getting the kitchen/storage units made before it arrives.
would it be possible for you to help me out by giving me some dimentions re the units,
1, overall length, front to back,
2, length of base units,
3, length and height of rear cupboard section,

thanks very much,
[e-mail]

[LeighW]

Hi Peter - sorry for the slow response, I haven't visited this thread for a while.

The link to my kit is here:

http://evomotiondesign.co.uk/product/type-2-long-w...

If you scroll along the pictures, one of them gives the dimensions. Some of the pics on there are my actual van (where are my royalties?! )

Drop me a PM if you need anything else.