Small 4 berth day van/camper
Discussion
We are considering a 4 berth small camper for weekend trips, airshows, school away sports fixtures etc. Looking at the prices of the new VW Californias I'm not sure I could justify that spend, but the second hand market seems a bit murky when it comes to what is a 'real' camper and what is an aftermarket conversion. I am also seeing a lot of imported Elgrands and Alphards - were these factory campers or are they aftermarket conversions too? I like the Bongos too, but the styling is a bit dated and I'm not sure the missus will go for it.
Are there any benefits to a factory camper over a conversion? Any others to look out for that I may have missed?
Are there any benefits to a factory camper over a conversion? Any others to look out for that I may have missed?
Ray at Jobl Designs does a lovely camper conversion. 2 mates have bought T6 day-vans from him and his new prices seem very competitive compared with a California. I'm seriously considering swapping the Disco for one of his in the next 6 months. He's based on the Wirral if you're not too far away.
We were looking about 4 years ago for something similar. Eventually decided not to spend too much, so that if we did not use it enough, it would
a) not get hit by depreciation
b) easy to sell on.
We ended up with this, a 1981 2.0 aircooled T25. Just completed five days away near Lyme Regis today. Great fun, reliable and now seem to be appreciating....
a) not get hit by depreciation
b) easy to sell on.
We ended up with this, a 1981 2.0 aircooled T25. Just completed five days away near Lyme Regis today. Great fun, reliable and now seem to be appreciating....
mike9009 said:
We were looking about 4 years ago for something similar. Eventually decided not to spend too much, so that if we did not use it enough, it would
a) not get hit by depreciation
b) easy to sell on.
We ended up with this, a 1981 2.0 aircooled T25. Just completed five days away near Lyme Regis today. Great fun, reliable and now seem to be appreciating....
What site is that or is it just a parking area? We are working our way along the south coast in a few weeks.a) not get hit by depreciation
b) easy to sell on.
We ended up with this, a 1981 2.0 aircooled T25. Just completed five days away near Lyme Regis today. Great fun, reliable and now seem to be appreciating....
Johnnybee said:
mike9009 said:
We were looking about 4 years ago for something similar. Eventually decided not to spend too much, so that if we did not use it enough, it would
a) not get hit by depreciation
b) easy to sell on.
We ended up with this, a 1981 2.0 aircooled T25. Just completed five days away near Lyme Regis today. Great fun, reliable and now seem to be appreciating....
What site is that or is it just a parking area? We are working our way along the south coast in a few weeks.a) not get hit by depreciation
b) easy to sell on.
We ended up with this, a 1981 2.0 aircooled T25. Just completed five days away near Lyme Regis today. Great fun, reliable and now seem to be appreciating....
That was a car park in Charmouth. We stayed at Newlands in Charmouth which suited our family needs well. It was only a ten minute'ish' walk from where the photo was taken.....
Mike
LimaDelta said:
Are there any benefits to a factory camper over a conversion? Any others to look out for that I may have missed?
Not all factory conversions are equal. Worth doing a bit of research of the pros and cons. Stuff imported from Germany may well be better quality than something converted by a British company for example.Home conversion jobs may suffer when you come to insurance.
JimbobVFR said:
This is my Bongo, love it. I also considered Alphard and Elgrands which can be lovely and offer more space than mine, but I fell for the character of the Bongo, plus the factory roof is tonnes better than any Aftermarket ones ice seen.
Do you have any photos of the inside? Keep thinking about these but maybe too small.Sure not a problem. Ours is a 6 seater side conversion, so it's like a traditional layout with a full length kitchen (fridge, hob, sink and a wardrobe at the back) but instead of a rock and roll bed we have modified factory bench seats, both have been reupholstered to make a flatter bed and shortened to fit with the kitchen. The middle bench seat is also on a swivel so can face either way.
This isn't my actual van but the conversion is identical apart from seat fabric.
The only compromise we made is with the bed width, it's a bit tight if we sleep side by side but plenty of room to top and tail and genuinely as comfortable as my bed at home. Of course the kids get way more room upstairs in the roof tent.
This isn't my actual van but the conversion is identical apart from seat fabric.
The only compromise we made is with the bed width, it's a bit tight if we sleep side by side but plenty of room to top and tail and genuinely as comfortable as my bed at home. Of course the kids get way more room upstairs in the roof tent.
I have a Bongo with a rear kitchen conversion, I use it for overnight carp fishing trips,weekends, The electronic lifting roof is it's gem.
Surprisingly nice automatic box on my 2.5 diesel,and speed and MPG not to bad either.
I could not imagine how people can go on holidays for week or more in them though.
Surprisingly nice automatic box on my 2.5 diesel,and speed and MPG not to bad either.
I could not imagine how people can go on holidays for week or more in them though.
I bought my T5 3 summers ago and converted it myself, building the furniture out of furniture plywood. Its 3 berth for 2 adults and a child. We have probably used it for 13 weeks of camping so far in total, and I use it as my daily driver.
We have a small pop up awning which attaches to the side when camping and it is invaluable for storing stuff when set up. I thought long and hard on a canopy but needed somewhere to keep chairs and table for outside, BBQ, car seat for the little one, portable loo (for overnight emergencies), rucksacks and pushchair.
The little one sleeps in a hammock across the front doors and has a small pop up bed with built in fly mesh on top.
We sleep in the double bed in the back. We have spent a maximum 2 weeks in the van at any one time and this year we are really stretching its capabilities with 3 weeks in France. It'll either be a great holiday or I'll be booking hotels after week 1.
In all honesty, theyre great for day trips, the overnighters and weekends away but they're expensive and they're cramped. When the weather is good they're excellent as you're outside and only using the van for kit and sleeping in but when it's typical camping weather in the UK, you're stuck in a rather small space (or in the pub or just braving the weather).
The way that our van is configured is much different to the rock and roll layout. Ours has a side sofa/pull out bed with kitchen beside the side door. We have running cold water, 240v and 12v electric, compressor fridge and 2 canister stoves for cooking. It means we can take the cooking outside to stop the van stinking of bacon etc. We are lucky in that I have maximised storage with large areas under the bed, space under the kitchen and behind the front seats as well as a roof storage area. I wouldn't get the same amount in a typical rock and roll setup without piling it up on the back seat or in front of the rear seats.
Toilet is one of those bucket type toilets for emergency number 1s during the night. Keep it outside away from living space. A wash can be had if you boil water, wash cold but limited to 10 litres in our van. We have electric heating but diesel heaters van be installed for versatile heating arrangements.
Its comfortable but only suitable for 3 passengers. It has no pop roof. Upsides are that it maintains its heat and is insulated against the cold at night but downside is lack of headroom.
If another child comes along then it's either a strip out and reconfigure or sell and look at alternatives.
In all honesty would I spend the money on a California? No way. They've worked out a few ways to increase space with pockets in the doors for outside chairs etc but they're still too small and have too many compromises for 4 people. Im considering a caravan but not too keen on towing it.
Pros
Fits in parking spaces
Can be used daily
Mobile for nomadic trips where moving often
Easy camp setup (unless you have an awning then you're effectively erecting a tent!)
Can camp wild
Base for days out and picnics
Great for solo or couples.
Cons
Cramped
Expensive
Setup and dismantling base every time you want to drive off camp for days out
Lack of wash/toilet facilities.
Not ideal for family comfort camping!
We have a small pop up awning which attaches to the side when camping and it is invaluable for storing stuff when set up. I thought long and hard on a canopy but needed somewhere to keep chairs and table for outside, BBQ, car seat for the little one, portable loo (for overnight emergencies), rucksacks and pushchair.
The little one sleeps in a hammock across the front doors and has a small pop up bed with built in fly mesh on top.
We sleep in the double bed in the back. We have spent a maximum 2 weeks in the van at any one time and this year we are really stretching its capabilities with 3 weeks in France. It'll either be a great holiday or I'll be booking hotels after week 1.
In all honesty, theyre great for day trips, the overnighters and weekends away but they're expensive and they're cramped. When the weather is good they're excellent as you're outside and only using the van for kit and sleeping in but when it's typical camping weather in the UK, you're stuck in a rather small space (or in the pub or just braving the weather).
The way that our van is configured is much different to the rock and roll layout. Ours has a side sofa/pull out bed with kitchen beside the side door. We have running cold water, 240v and 12v electric, compressor fridge and 2 canister stoves for cooking. It means we can take the cooking outside to stop the van stinking of bacon etc. We are lucky in that I have maximised storage with large areas under the bed, space under the kitchen and behind the front seats as well as a roof storage area. I wouldn't get the same amount in a typical rock and roll setup without piling it up on the back seat or in front of the rear seats.
Toilet is one of those bucket type toilets for emergency number 1s during the night. Keep it outside away from living space. A wash can be had if you boil water, wash cold but limited to 10 litres in our van. We have electric heating but diesel heaters van be installed for versatile heating arrangements.
Its comfortable but only suitable for 3 passengers. It has no pop roof. Upsides are that it maintains its heat and is insulated against the cold at night but downside is lack of headroom.
If another child comes along then it's either a strip out and reconfigure or sell and look at alternatives.
In all honesty would I spend the money on a California? No way. They've worked out a few ways to increase space with pockets in the doors for outside chairs etc but they're still too small and have too many compromises for 4 people. Im considering a caravan but not too keen on towing it.
Pros
Fits in parking spaces
Can be used daily
Mobile for nomadic trips where moving often
Easy camp setup (unless you have an awning then you're effectively erecting a tent!)
Can camp wild
Base for days out and picnics
Great for solo or couples.
Cons
Cramped
Expensive
Setup and dismantling base every time you want to drive off camp for days out
Lack of wash/toilet facilities.
Not ideal for family comfort camping!
Chicken Chaser said:
Pros
Fits in parking spaces
Can be used daily
Mobile for nomadic trips where moving often
Easy camp setup (unless you have an awning then you're effectively erecting a tent!)
Can camp wild
Base for days out and picnics
Great for solo or couples.
Cons
Cramped
Expensive
Setup and dismantling base every time you want to drive off camp for days out
Lack of wash/toilet facilities.
Not ideal for family comfort camping!
Agree wtih this - we've got a type 2, and it was great for weekend trips when the kids were little and we could sleep them above the front seats; but now on a week's camping trip I'd rather spend 15 minutes putting a tent up once and having a decent amount of room, than spending time every day reconfiguring and working our way around the tight space of the van. Great for day trips to the beach, but for camping I pack the tent.Fits in parking spaces
Can be used daily
Mobile for nomadic trips where moving often
Easy camp setup (unless you have an awning then you're effectively erecting a tent!)
Can camp wild
Base for days out and picnics
Great for solo or couples.
Cons
Cramped
Expensive
Setup and dismantling base every time you want to drive off camp for days out
Lack of wash/toilet facilities.
Not ideal for family comfort camping!
Chicken Chaser said:
I bought my T5 3 summers ago and converted it myself, building the furniture out of furniture plywood. Its 3 berth for 2 adults and a child. We have probably used it for 13 weeks of camping so far in total, and I use it as my daily driver.
We have a small pop up awning which attaches to the side when camping and it is invaluable for storing stuff when set up. I thought long and hard on a canopy but needed somewhere to keep chairs and table for outside, BBQ, car seat for the little one, portable loo (for overnight emergencies), rucksacks and pushchair.
The little one sleeps in a hammock across the front doors and has a small pop up bed with built in fly mesh on top.
We sleep in the double bed in the back. We have spent a maximum 2 weeks in the van at any one time and this year we are really stretching its capabilities with 3 weeks in France. It'll either be a great holiday or I'll be booking hotels after week 1.
In all honesty, theyre great for day trips, the overnighters and weekends away but they're expensive and they're cramped. When the weather is good they're excellent as you're outside and only using the van for kit and sleeping in but when it's typical camping weather in the UK, you're stuck in a rather small space (or in the pub or just braving the weather).
The way that our van is configured is much different to the rock and roll layout. Ours has a side sofa/pull out bed with kitchen beside the side door. We have running cold water, 240v and 12v electric, compressor fridge and 2 canister stoves for cooking. It means we can take the cooking outside to stop the van stinking of bacon etc. We are lucky in that I have maximised storage with large areas under the bed, space under the kitchen and behind the front seats as well as a roof storage area. I wouldn't get the same amount in a typical rock and roll setup without piling it up on the back seat or in front of the rear seats.
Toilet is one of those bucket type toilets for emergency number 1s during the night. Keep it outside away from living space. A wash can be had if you boil water, wash cold but limited to 10 litres in our van. We have electric heating but diesel heaters van be installed for versatile heating arrangements.
Its comfortable but only suitable for 3 passengers. It has no pop roof. Upsides are that it maintains its heat and is insulated against the cold at night but downside is lack of headroom.
If another child comes along then it's either a strip out and reconfigure or sell and look at alternatives.
In all honesty would I spend the money on a California? No way. They've worked out a few ways to increase space with pockets in the doors for outside chairs etc but they're still too small and have too many compromises for 4 people. Im considering a caravan but not too keen on towing it.
Pros
Fits in parking spaces
Can be used daily
Mobile for nomadic trips where moving often
Easy camp setup (unless you have an awning then you're effectively erecting a tent!)
Can camp wild
Base for days out and picnics
Great for solo or couples.
Cons
Cramped
Expensive
Setup and dismantling base every time you want to drive off camp for days out
Lack of wash/toilet facilities.
Not ideal for family comfort camping!
If you converted it yourself - what does the V5 say? Is it a camper or a van? How does this work for other non-factory campers?We have a small pop up awning which attaches to the side when camping and it is invaluable for storing stuff when set up. I thought long and hard on a canopy but needed somewhere to keep chairs and table for outside, BBQ, car seat for the little one, portable loo (for overnight emergencies), rucksacks and pushchair.
The little one sleeps in a hammock across the front doors and has a small pop up bed with built in fly mesh on top.
We sleep in the double bed in the back. We have spent a maximum 2 weeks in the van at any one time and this year we are really stretching its capabilities with 3 weeks in France. It'll either be a great holiday or I'll be booking hotels after week 1.
In all honesty, theyre great for day trips, the overnighters and weekends away but they're expensive and they're cramped. When the weather is good they're excellent as you're outside and only using the van for kit and sleeping in but when it's typical camping weather in the UK, you're stuck in a rather small space (or in the pub or just braving the weather).
The way that our van is configured is much different to the rock and roll layout. Ours has a side sofa/pull out bed with kitchen beside the side door. We have running cold water, 240v and 12v electric, compressor fridge and 2 canister stoves for cooking. It means we can take the cooking outside to stop the van stinking of bacon etc. We are lucky in that I have maximised storage with large areas under the bed, space under the kitchen and behind the front seats as well as a roof storage area. I wouldn't get the same amount in a typical rock and roll setup without piling it up on the back seat or in front of the rear seats.
Toilet is one of those bucket type toilets for emergency number 1s during the night. Keep it outside away from living space. A wash can be had if you boil water, wash cold but limited to 10 litres in our van. We have electric heating but diesel heaters van be installed for versatile heating arrangements.
Its comfortable but only suitable for 3 passengers. It has no pop roof. Upsides are that it maintains its heat and is insulated against the cold at night but downside is lack of headroom.
If another child comes along then it's either a strip out and reconfigure or sell and look at alternatives.
In all honesty would I spend the money on a California? No way. They've worked out a few ways to increase space with pockets in the doors for outside chairs etc but they're still too small and have too many compromises for 4 people. Im considering a caravan but not too keen on towing it.
Pros
Fits in parking spaces
Can be used daily
Mobile for nomadic trips where moving often
Easy camp setup (unless you have an awning then you're effectively erecting a tent!)
Can camp wild
Base for days out and picnics
Great for solo or couples.
Cons
Cramped
Expensive
Setup and dismantling base every time you want to drive off camp for days out
Lack of wash/toilet facilities.
Not ideal for family comfort camping!
LimaDelta said:
Chicken Chaser said:
I bought my T5 3 summers ago and converted it myself, building the furniture out of furniture plywood. Its 3 berth for 2 adults and a child. We have probably used it for 13 weeks of camping so far in total, and I use it as my daily driver.
We have a small pop up awning which attaches to the side when camping and it is invaluable for storing stuff when set up. I thought long and hard on a canopy but needed somewhere to keep chairs and table for outside, BBQ, car seat for the little one, portable loo (for overnight emergencies), rucksacks and pushchair.
The little one sleeps in a hammock across the front doors and has a small pop up bed with built in fly mesh on top.
We sleep in the double bed in the back. We have spent a maximum 2 weeks in the van at any one time and this year we are really stretching its capabilities with 3 weeks in France. It'll either be a great holiday or I'll be booking hotels after week 1.
In all honesty, theyre great for day trips, the overnighters and weekends away but they're expensive and they're cramped. When the weather is good they're excellent as you're outside and only using the van for kit and sleeping in but when it's typical camping weather in the UK, you're stuck in a rather small space (or in the pub or just braving the weather).
The way that our van is configured is much different to the rock and roll layout. Ours has a side sofa/pull out bed with kitchen beside the side door. We have running cold water, 240v and 12v electric, compressor fridge and 2 canister stoves for cooking. It means we can take the cooking outside to stop the van stinking of bacon etc. We are lucky in that I have maximised storage with large areas under the bed, space under the kitchen and behind the front seats as well as a roof storage area. I wouldn't get the same amount in a typical rock and roll setup without piling it up on the back seat or in front of the rear seats.
Toilet is one of those bucket type toilets for emergency number 1s during the night. Keep it outside away from living space. A wash can be had if you boil water, wash cold but limited to 10 litres in our van. We have electric heating but diesel heaters van be installed for versatile heating arrangements.
Its comfortable but only suitable for 3 passengers. It has no pop roof. Upsides are that it maintains its heat and is insulated against the cold at night but downside is lack of headroom.
If another child comes along then it's either a strip out and reconfigure or sell and look at alternatives.
In all honesty would I spend the money on a California? No way. They've worked out a few ways to increase space with pockets in the doors for outside chairs etc but they're still too small and have too many compromises for 4 people. Im considering a caravan but not too keen on towing it.
Pros
Fits in parking spaces
Can be used daily
Mobile for nomadic trips where moving often
Easy camp setup (unless you have an awning then you're effectively erecting a tent!)
Can camp wild
Base for days out and picnics
Great for solo or couples.
Cons
Cramped
Expensive
Setup and dismantling base every time you want to drive off camp for days out
Lack of wash/toilet facilities.
Not ideal for family comfort camping!
If you converted it yourself - what does the V5 say? Is it a camper or a van? How does this work for other non-factory campers?We have a small pop up awning which attaches to the side when camping and it is invaluable for storing stuff when set up. I thought long and hard on a canopy but needed somewhere to keep chairs and table for outside, BBQ, car seat for the little one, portable loo (for overnight emergencies), rucksacks and pushchair.
The little one sleeps in a hammock across the front doors and has a small pop up bed with built in fly mesh on top.
We sleep in the double bed in the back. We have spent a maximum 2 weeks in the van at any one time and this year we are really stretching its capabilities with 3 weeks in France. It'll either be a great holiday or I'll be booking hotels after week 1.
In all honesty, theyre great for day trips, the overnighters and weekends away but they're expensive and they're cramped. When the weather is good they're excellent as you're outside and only using the van for kit and sleeping in but when it's typical camping weather in the UK, you're stuck in a rather small space (or in the pub or just braving the weather).
The way that our van is configured is much different to the rock and roll layout. Ours has a side sofa/pull out bed with kitchen beside the side door. We have running cold water, 240v and 12v electric, compressor fridge and 2 canister stoves for cooking. It means we can take the cooking outside to stop the van stinking of bacon etc. We are lucky in that I have maximised storage with large areas under the bed, space under the kitchen and behind the front seats as well as a roof storage area. I wouldn't get the same amount in a typical rock and roll setup without piling it up on the back seat or in front of the rear seats.
Toilet is one of those bucket type toilets for emergency number 1s during the night. Keep it outside away from living space. A wash can be had if you boil water, wash cold but limited to 10 litres in our van. We have electric heating but diesel heaters van be installed for versatile heating arrangements.
Its comfortable but only suitable for 3 passengers. It has no pop roof. Upsides are that it maintains its heat and is insulated against the cold at night but downside is lack of headroom.
If another child comes along then it's either a strip out and reconfigure or sell and look at alternatives.
In all honesty would I spend the money on a California? No way. They've worked out a few ways to increase space with pockets in the doors for outside chairs etc but they're still too small and have too many compromises for 4 people. Im considering a caravan but not too keen on towing it.
Pros
Fits in parking spaces
Can be used daily
Mobile for nomadic trips where moving often
Easy camp setup (unless you have an awning then you're effectively erecting a tent!)
Can camp wild
Base for days out and picnics
Great for solo or couples.
Cons
Cramped
Expensive
Setup and dismantling base every time you want to drive off camp for days out
Lack of wash/toilet facilities.
Not ideal for family comfort camping!
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploa...
LimaDelta said:
If you converted it yourself - what does the V5 say? Is it a camper or a van? How does this work for other non-factory campers?
It's a van with Windows on the V5. It's a case of taking photos and sending them to the DVLA for reclassification. To be honest it's something I've meant to do but never for round to as for a long time I didn't build a table inside which is one of the stipulations. As I now have one I'll probably get it sorted. Gassing Station | Tents, Caravans & Motorhomes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff