Camper as an everyday car?

[Tampon]

I decided to do what you are thinking about (inc diy build) and got a Vivaro van and convert it myself. Cost me £4.5k with 46,000 miles and will cost a extra grand to kit it out. That is a lot cheaper than buying a converted van. It is a LWB and my wife was worried about driving it. One hour in the local carpark practicing and she is fine now.

I looked at getting a Dispatch lwb or a bongo but the width and space inside just wasn't enough. I am really glad we opted for a full sized van now as I have just put the rock and roll bed (folding) and it leaves us with enough room (about 3-4ft) for the dogs to sleep at the foot of the bed, or allow us to use the van with the bed down.

I get about 37mpg but can be pushed to 40mpg if I drive nicely, although I believe this can be remapped for efficiency which should take it over 40mpg easily, but I would rather spend the money on fitting cruise control It is the 6 speed 1.9 version, and will cruise comfortably at 80-90mph and I have had a run at a tonne when I was extremely late for a appointment.

I got the standard height van which comes in at 1.84 metres which means height restrictions aren;t a problem at airport or carparks.

They sound crap to start with but once you insulate and sound proof the back they are nice and quiet. Easy to work on as everything is spread out and you can get underneath easily.

I really like just having the space. Fits in a car park space but you can have a nap in the back, carry a sofa, stretch out across the front, nice driving position. Only thing is they are never going to be fast or fun, even if you chip them.

Heres my thread and ongoing build
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Also if you don't commute to work in it getting campervan insurance is soooooo much cheaper. £750 for mine as a van, £270 as a campervan with A plan insurance.

Edited by Tampon on Tuesday 4th February 11:54

Edited by Tampon on Tuesday 4th February 11:55

[dirty boy]

V8RX7 said:

dirty boy said:

I've just bought a T4.

Paid £6,250 for it, which, considering it's a 10+ year old van on 150k is mental.

However, so far, i'm absolutely loving it. I have 6 seats, so can take out the family, and grandparents can come too, without the need to take another car.

I'm getting 45mpg.

I went to the park the other day, threw 2 bikes, 2 scooters and a toy pram in by simply putting them in.

I can see our other car being made redundant pretty quickly.




The mileages these things do are incredible, as long as they're looked after.

Not the quickest, but does a job and the kids love it.

Blue i ?

Fit the intercooler and remap it.

I have the IC version with 102bhp as std - remapped to 148bhp and still get 35mpg driven enthusiastically.

Yes, it's the blue i.

I'm seriously tempted on the intercooler/injectors/remap route, but there are other more pressing things it needs first...like a fridge and heating! (wife has put her foot down)

[lescombes]

I've had a Bongo 4wd diesel for 7 years now and use it as an everyday motor, nice conversion which suits us.
Also have a Solar Panel for the Leisure Battery & it keeps the compressor Fridge running sweet and for free...lol On a Run getting 34 mpg and around town it's about 25 mpg.... overall combined ( yeah okay a bit of an anorak) I get 29.74 mpg which isn't bad.
We use ours to lug a caravan too plus have the Bongo for walking/cycling/beach trips when we have a week or 3 away...for Le Mans the Bongo does it for us and with a wind out awning too
Mrs is looking at the Sparky/Altrai 4wd for her now...as my Jap import Bongo has been superb in the time we have had it...wouldn't consider buying a 2nd hand UK vehicle

[eatcustard]

Could you not get a teardrop caravan, and keep it in storage, as they are small?

Or look at the Ford campers, much cheaper than a VW and just as good, if not better

[santona1937]

This is my current daily driver ( my Lancia having been heavily vandalized while parked

[Imelda]

That's not a Lancia.

[smn159]

santona1937 said:

This is my current daily driver ( my Lancia having been heavily vandalized while parked

Looks like someone has heavily vandalised that one as well!

[Turbofocus]

Mk6 escort van and keep the bmw as daily driver?

[gd49]

Chrisgr31 said:

At the budget end of the market there is a firm who hire out Toyota Previas that have been converted to campers. So a conversion of a people carrier could be an option?

My girlfriend and I hired a converted Previa in Australia. Was fine for sleeping in, and other than being rather tired drove fine as well. No toilet or shower so you'd want to be somewhere with facilities, was also a bit small when it was raining so couldn't have doors or the tailgate open. Think most of the conversions can only carry 3 people, but will be much more car like than getting a van.

[gd49]

Chrisgr31 said:

At the budget end of the market there is a firm who hire out Toyota Previas that have been converted to campers. So a conversion of a people carrier could be an option?

My girlfriend and I hired a converted Previa in Australia. Was fine for sleeping in, and other than being rather tired drove fine as well. No toilet or shower so you'd want to be somewhere with facilities, was also a bit small when it was raining so couldn't have doors or the tailgate open. Think most of the conversions can only carry 3 people, but will be much more car like than getting a van.