Where to start - Campervan
Discussion
The more I read the more confused I get!
If you have any recommended reading or groups for me to look at please let me know.
I’ll try and keep this brief
I have a second car for generally running around with the dog which is getting close to needing changing. I’m thinking of moving to a small camper van (eg transit size) so I still have a vehicle for dog use but also gives me the options of days/weekends away.
The vehicle would mainly be used when I visit my son at uni which would be me or me and the dog for a night or 2. I like also the idea of exploring our country more on the way to and from visiting him. Ocasional use for me and the wife (not with the dog) and potentially the odd longer trip.
I basically have no idea where or what to start looking for.
I have a budget of circa £30k. Would that be realistic?
Ideal size is around a transit size. Neither my wife nor I are very tall ( I’m 5. 11”) or chunky. I could go a bit bigger but not too much as I’d like it to fit in car park spaces.
No idea what makes are reliable or recommended. I hear horror stories on wet belts
I’d like some kitchen in there but a shower wouldn’t be a necessity.
I’m guessing a pop top would make things more pleasant.
I could buy a van and get a conversion as I’m in no rush but not sure if this is the right option. I like near Skipton so not sure if there are decent options for this round here.
Any pointers or suggestions?
If you have any recommended reading or groups for me to look at please let me know.
I’ll try and keep this brief
I have a second car for generally running around with the dog which is getting close to needing changing. I’m thinking of moving to a small camper van (eg transit size) so I still have a vehicle for dog use but also gives me the options of days/weekends away.
The vehicle would mainly be used when I visit my son at uni which would be me or me and the dog for a night or 2. I like also the idea of exploring our country more on the way to and from visiting him. Ocasional use for me and the wife (not with the dog) and potentially the odd longer trip.
I basically have no idea where or what to start looking for.
I have a budget of circa £30k. Would that be realistic?
Ideal size is around a transit size. Neither my wife nor I are very tall ( I’m 5. 11”) or chunky. I could go a bit bigger but not too much as I’d like it to fit in car park spaces.
No idea what makes are reliable or recommended. I hear horror stories on wet belts
I’d like some kitchen in there but a shower wouldn’t be a necessity.
I’m guessing a pop top would make things more pleasant.
I could buy a van and get a conversion as I’m in no rush but not sure if this is the right option. I like near Skipton so not sure if there are decent options for this round here.
Any pointers or suggestions?
CAH706 said:
I have a second car for generally running around with the dog which is getting close to needing changing.
Which, the dog or the car? 
CAH706 said:
I m thinking of moving to a small camper van (eg transit size) so I still have a vehicle for dog use but also gives me the options of days/weekends away.
I like near Skipton so not sure if there are decent options for this round here.
Any pointers or suggestions?
You live near one of the most prolific camper/motorhome buyers/sellers in the country, especially if you are on a budget. It would definitely be worth a look round as their stock changes regularly & I do know a couple of people who have used them & highly rate them. One even bought a van from them & took it back a week later to "swap" for a different layout van as they realised their mistake, they gave them every penny back & part ex'd them up.I like near Skipton so not sure if there are decent options for this round here.
Any pointers or suggestions?
They are called Northern Motorhome Buyer, the are online & on ebay. Not sure if it still is, but their "yard" for viewings is on the Grassington road 1.2 miles from the A59 roundabout, just here on the left.
ETA.
Ultimately the ONLY person that knows what works for you is you, so my advice would always be take your time & then take some more time to decide what layout works for you as there are millions of diffreent options.
Edited by E-bmw on Monday 13th July 13:21
A mate has an IH Motorhome. He uses it for him and his partner, and their dogs.
The benefit of an IH over a VW Camper is that you get a loo and a shower. The build quality is excellent. I have been looking at the market and 2005 models are offered for circa £15k, 2012 models are offered for £30k plus.
2005 model
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202...
2012 model
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202...
The later Fiat platform is well regarded - they are our ambulance fleet. Look out for paint and rust on older models. Some examples returned to IH for a respray, which might be something to look out for.
The benefit of an IH over a VW Camper is that you get a loo and a shower. The build quality is excellent. I have been looking at the market and 2005 models are offered for circa £15k, 2012 models are offered for £30k plus.
2005 model
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202...
2012 model
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202...
The later Fiat platform is well regarded - they are our ambulance fleet. Look out for paint and rust on older models. Some examples returned to IH for a respray, which might be something to look out for.
Edited by WhiskyDisco on Monday 13th July 13:47
If you go the VW Transporter route then I'd recommend a 2015, or 2016 van.
After that they went downhill, the AD blue saw the Mpg drop also.
But avoid the 180bhp Bi Turbo, as that one was troublesome.
Decide if you actually need a full conversion, as they limit what you can put in them (bikes etc..)
If I was buying again I'd do a poptop roof, fridge, lighting, elec hookup, diesel heater, swivel front seats.
I'd keep the units inside minimal to ensure plenty of space for stuff.
So many people never cook in them, never use the sink (disposable plates) and use bottled water (wouldn't trust drinking water out of a camper conv water tank unless it can be easily removed and cleaned out)
Lastly, you'll have people telling you the VW's are overpriced.
Maybe so, but they hold their money ever so well.
Good luck.
After that they went downhill, the AD blue saw the Mpg drop also.
But avoid the 180bhp Bi Turbo, as that one was troublesome.
Decide if you actually need a full conversion, as they limit what you can put in them (bikes etc..)
If I was buying again I'd do a poptop roof, fridge, lighting, elec hookup, diesel heater, swivel front seats.
I'd keep the units inside minimal to ensure plenty of space for stuff.
So many people never cook in them, never use the sink (disposable plates) and use bottled water (wouldn't trust drinking water out of a camper conv water tank unless it can be easily removed and cleaned out)
Lastly, you'll have people telling you the VW's are overpriced.
Maybe so, but they hold their money ever so well.
Good luck.
Your first van will not be your perfect van.
We are now on perfect van no 3 and it is close.
Fiat Ducato PVC panel van conversion 6.4 metre like a camper van with a woosh bang door and it is not a coach built caravan/motorhome.
The most important features for us are
Fixed double bed
Longitudinal bed
We don't want a configuration were we have to make up a bed and the made up bed area is great for quick relax.
The front driver and passenger seat captain's chairs are very comfortable and swivel to make up a small central dinette with table.
Many vans have a transverse bed arrangement which results in one person having to sleep under a cupboard and climb over the other to get in and out.
A previous van had a sofa which converted to a bed but it was very uncomfortable as a sofa and took up all the living space as a bed.
A 6.4 metre van is probably the minimum length for longitudinal beds.
A 6.4 meter van is difficult to park in busy and tight supermarket car parks and McDonalds is not advisable. It is annoying that motorway services don't accommodate van size parking and I wouldn't want to use the lorry parking area.
If you don't go as large as a Ducato or Transit then consider carefully if you have everything you need and especially a toilet.
The Fiat Ducato engine and transmission is made of cheese so I'm expecting the worst.
We are now on perfect van no 3 and it is close.
Fiat Ducato PVC panel van conversion 6.4 metre like a camper van with a woosh bang door and it is not a coach built caravan/motorhome.
The most important features for us are
Fixed double bed
Longitudinal bed
We don't want a configuration were we have to make up a bed and the made up bed area is great for quick relax.
The front driver and passenger seat captain's chairs are very comfortable and swivel to make up a small central dinette with table.
Many vans have a transverse bed arrangement which results in one person having to sleep under a cupboard and climb over the other to get in and out.
A previous van had a sofa which converted to a bed but it was very uncomfortable as a sofa and took up all the living space as a bed.
A 6.4 metre van is probably the minimum length for longitudinal beds.
A 6.4 meter van is difficult to park in busy and tight supermarket car parks and McDonalds is not advisable. It is annoying that motorway services don't accommodate van size parking and I wouldn't want to use the lorry parking area.
If you don't go as large as a Ducato or Transit then consider carefully if you have everything you need and especially a toilet.
The Fiat Ducato engine and transmission is made of cheese so I'm expecting the worst.
If you really want it to be usable as a second car and to fit into most normal car parking space you need to stick to a 5m long van. That rules out a lot of stuff and pretty much leaves you looking at VW Transporter or similar based stuff. Finding a good VW California for 30K is tricky but not impossible. Have a look at the for sale stuff on here - https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/classifieds/ They are mostly well loved and looked after examples.
This one looks decent - https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/classifieds/listings/...
This one looks decent - https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/classifieds/listings/...
Edited by RedWhiteMonkey on Monday 13th July 14:00
These have a Cali for jusr under £34,000. Looked at one here before, they are decent and have good quality stock. Changes very very quickly though!
https://25sevencampers.co.uk/current-stock/
https://25sevencampers.co.uk/current-stock/
Thanks for all the replies. Really helpful.
I hadn’t realised that I was close to a prolific seller so that’s very useful to know. I’ll get in touch with them.
Thanks for the suggestions. I have some flex in my budget up to £40k so those listed are within that.
I’ve hired a van locally for a couple of days the week after next to have a ‘test run’ which will help me narrow down the must haves. The reality is I probably won’t cook much if at all in it but I guess this may impact re-sale without it?
Thanks again all.
PS sorry for the slow reply. My reply post has not worked a couple of times.
I hadn’t realised that I was close to a prolific seller so that’s very useful to know. I’ll get in touch with them.
Thanks for the suggestions. I have some flex in my budget up to £40k so those listed are within that.
I’ve hired a van locally for a couple of days the week after next to have a ‘test run’ which will help me narrow down the must haves. The reality is I probably won’t cook much if at all in it but I guess this may impact re-sale without it?
Thanks again all.
PS sorry for the slow reply. My reply post has not worked a couple of times.
Trevor555 said:
Lastly, you'll have people telling you the VW's are overpriced.
Maybe so, but they hold their money ever so well.
They are over-priced compared to others, whether they are worth it or not will be a matter of personal taste, however they all hold their value really well.Maybe so, but they hold their money ever so well.
Look at any campervan/motorhome which is x-years old, then research the actual cost price when sold then look at the price for resale x-years on & the typical loss through depreciation (assuming condition/mileage are within reason) and you will see they don't lose much at all.
Just as an example last year we bought a 730HB Autotrail. We were originally looking at a 20 plate model.
From new IIRC it was £57,000 (ish) and at 5 years old it was priced at £53,000.
I know nothing about campers, sorry.... BUT one of friends does conversions for a living, specifically Transporters and has a great business and lots of returning customers and word of mouth.
He's in Chorley, so not too far from you I guess. He usually converts customers base vans or buys brand new vans from VW and converts, but he does occasionally have a van or two in stock that has been traded against something else or he's 2nd hand and converted/waiting conversion.
I can PM his details phone/website etc if interested.
He's in Chorley, so not too far from you I guess. He usually converts customers base vans or buys brand new vans from VW and converts, but he does occasionally have a van or two in stock that has been traded against something else or he's 2nd hand and converted/waiting conversion.
I can PM his details phone/website etc if interested.
For the use you're talking about I'd be looking at one of the flat-floor MPVs where you can remove all the rear seats. They used to be things like Renault Espace, Chrysler Voyager or Ford Galaxy. Then sling a mattress in the back and spend your very considerable cash saving on camp sites with decent facilities, restaurant meals etc etc.
The good thing with a car-sized vehicle is you don't have to go in search of oversized parking. Of course a van can be used similarly but is much less flexible.
The good thing with a car-sized vehicle is you don't have to go in search of oversized parking. Of course a van can be used similarly but is much less flexible.
Freakuk said:
I know nothing about campers, sorry.... BUT one of friends does conversions for a living, specifically Transporters and has a great business and lots of returning customers and word of mouth.
He's in Chorley, so not too far from you I guess. He usually converts customers base vans or buys brand new vans from VW and converts, but he does occasionally have a van or two in stock that has been traded against something else or he's 2nd hand and converted/waiting conversion.
I can PM his details phone/website etc if interested.
Yes that is close to me.He's in Chorley, so not too far from you I guess. He usually converts customers base vans or buys brand new vans from VW and converts, but he does occasionally have a van or two in stock that has been traded against something else or he's 2nd hand and converted/waiting conversion.
I can PM his details phone/website etc if interested.
If you could PM the details that would be great
Thanks also for the additional comments.
I did consider a one of the MPV options but I think I’d prefer to go the whole hog and get a van. Worse case scenario if I buy right I could sell it in a year and not lose too much on it.
I’m liking the look of the VW California but let’s see how I go with the one I’ve got lined up to rent.
I did consider a one of the MPV options but I think I’d prefer to go the whole hog and get a van. Worse case scenario if I buy right I could sell it in a year and not lose too much on it.
I’m liking the look of the VW California but let’s see how I go with the one I’ve got lined up to rent.
stevemcs said:
Go for something that has a shower and toilet, it would make such a difference, if you didn t want to go that big then go for a Transit, they are wider than the vw which in turn means the bed can be wider, they also drive so much better than the vw.
Thanks for the reply.What size would be needed for a shower/toilet?
Go big from the off is my advice however a T6 should do you just nicely.
If you go down the T6 route go LWB and I'd recommend a U Shape lounge / sleeping area.
Our journey so far
Mazda Bongo - no facilities, beds were lumpy and not that good with toppers. Great to start off with though.
T5.1 - 2 burner hob, fridge, storage. Awesome van but with 3 of us we found we wanted more space.
We now have a Ducato Weinsberg Carabus 600k - 2 double bunk beds, toilet and shower. It's 6m which is a PITA in the supermarket car park but we love it.
The reason I recommend a toilet is at 3am when it's raining outside not having to get dressed, find shoes in the dark etc. is a piece of camping luxury.
Have a look at crafter conversions which are a nice mix of big but not too big.
If you go down the T6 route go LWB and I'd recommend a U Shape lounge / sleeping area.
Our journey so far
Mazda Bongo - no facilities, beds were lumpy and not that good with toppers. Great to start off with though.
T5.1 - 2 burner hob, fridge, storage. Awesome van but with 3 of us we found we wanted more space.
We now have a Ducato Weinsberg Carabus 600k - 2 double bunk beds, toilet and shower. It's 6m which is a PITA in the supermarket car park but we love it.
The reason I recommend a toilet is at 3am when it's raining outside not having to get dressed, find shoes in the dark etc. is a piece of camping luxury.
Have a look at crafter conversions which are a nice mix of big but not too big.
We've had a T5 sized van and if your requirement is having to use it regularly as a daily then it's not a bad shout but don't have any additional furniture / equipment you won't use as they are still small vans. When the weather's good they work well, in bad weather less so even with a side awning.
If it's more of a weekender then a 6m van gives you so much more, takes up two spaces though so parking can be difficult depending where you go but still small enough for almost all situations.
We got this recently and not looked back:
If it's more of a weekender then a 6m van gives you so much more, takes up two spaces though so parking can be difficult depending where you go but still small enough for almost all situations.
We got this recently and not looked back:
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