Used camper as a daily?
Discussion
I am currently two and a half years into a PCP on an M135i, which is a fantastic everyday car. We have a family workhorse (XC90) so do not need any more practicality. However… I have always had a thing for VW campers.
I used to take my eldest camping every year from about 3 years old. We both got a lot from our trips. He is now 17 but my youngest is coming up to 3 soon and I would love to do a similar thing for him. Thing is, I’m 44 and the thought of putting up tents in the rain and the general inconvenience of it all is putting me off. Now my 17 year old loves the BMW and I must admit, I will miss the performance but I fancy going down the camper route for my next car.
I went to this year’s mighty dubfest, I have been looking around a lad at work’s van (brand new California Ocean) and a friend’s high-end conversion, and I have caught an obsession about having a camper van. Something I can escape the stress of my job and take my little one away for adventures.
If I can get one, I plan to keep it for a long time but the thing is, I will not have a lot of budget and it would have to be my only car. I currently only do about 7,000 miles a year and plan to add three or four weekends away with maybe a break now and then to tour the Highlands, etc.
As much as I would love a Cali, I am looking at either an older one or possibly a conversion. There are a couple of places local to me who do them and they look great inside. I am not sure if that is a good idea given stories of pop tops rusting, etc.
Therefore, a few of questions for those who are more clued up…
1. Will I kill it long before I can pay it off if I start with a 5 or 6 year old van with maybe circa 50,000k on the clock? Circa £400 a month means I’ll have to extend finance over more years than I'd normally like.
2. Do others on here use one as their only car?
3. Are conversions to be avoided at all costs? (I have been looking at all the season’s leisure conversions, which are newer and look great but maybe better to go for an older proper one)
Any tips/thoughts?
Thanks
I used to take my eldest camping every year from about 3 years old. We both got a lot from our trips. He is now 17 but my youngest is coming up to 3 soon and I would love to do a similar thing for him. Thing is, I’m 44 and the thought of putting up tents in the rain and the general inconvenience of it all is putting me off. Now my 17 year old loves the BMW and I must admit, I will miss the performance but I fancy going down the camper route for my next car.
I went to this year’s mighty dubfest, I have been looking around a lad at work’s van (brand new California Ocean) and a friend’s high-end conversion, and I have caught an obsession about having a camper van. Something I can escape the stress of my job and take my little one away for adventures.
If I can get one, I plan to keep it for a long time but the thing is, I will not have a lot of budget and it would have to be my only car. I currently only do about 7,000 miles a year and plan to add three or four weekends away with maybe a break now and then to tour the Highlands, etc.
As much as I would love a Cali, I am looking at either an older one or possibly a conversion. There are a couple of places local to me who do them and they look great inside. I am not sure if that is a good idea given stories of pop tops rusting, etc.
Therefore, a few of questions for those who are more clued up…
1. Will I kill it long before I can pay it off if I start with a 5 or 6 year old van with maybe circa 50,000k on the clock? Circa £400 a month means I’ll have to extend finance over more years than I'd normally like.
2. Do others on here use one as their only car?
3. Are conversions to be avoided at all costs? (I have been looking at all the season’s leisure conversions, which are newer and look great but maybe better to go for an older proper one)
Any tips/thoughts?
Thanks
Not a conversion but we use our swb t5 kombi as our daily driver, only issue is we done fit in the local multi storey due to height.
There are nightmare stories about reliability but as always the negative press always gets more attention.
You will pay the scene tax, but they hold their value really well.
Be careful with home brew conversions, i have seen some which looked great but were terribly built and very unsafe
There are nightmare stories about reliability but as always the negative press always gets more attention.
You will pay the scene tax, but they hold their value really well.
Be careful with home brew conversions, i have seen some which looked great but were terribly built and very unsafe
A T5 T6 is fine for an everyday driver, they do 40+mpg on a long run, mid 30's with mixed journeys.
They're about 1.8m with a poptop on so will go in some car parks.
SWB drivers better in my opinion and fits in a parking space better.
Get yourself over to the T5 forum for loads of info.
Common faults are EGR valves, driveshafts on early T5's, they can suffer clutch judder even at low miles especially pulling away first thing in the morning.
Californias are expensive but hold their money, but bear in mind if you're dropping kids to school the side door is on the wrong side.
I've seen many conversions, some lovely, some not so.
All I can recommend is take someone along who knows about them, and go for one with a name behind it so you've got saleability when the time comes, and future back up if required.
When I say name I mean ones from say "Camper King, Danbury, Bilbo etc"
I'm sure some people on here can name a few others that have been around for a while and are well known.
When I tried to sell one a while ago most buyers asked who had built it.
I wont go on about it here but research crash tested beds/roofs etc.
I ran one for a bit as a daily, regretted selling it soon after.
They're about 1.8m with a poptop on so will go in some car parks.
SWB drivers better in my opinion and fits in a parking space better.
Get yourself over to the T5 forum for loads of info.
Common faults are EGR valves, driveshafts on early T5's, they can suffer clutch judder even at low miles especially pulling away first thing in the morning.
Californias are expensive but hold their money, but bear in mind if you're dropping kids to school the side door is on the wrong side.
I've seen many conversions, some lovely, some not so.
All I can recommend is take someone along who knows about them, and go for one with a name behind it so you've got saleability when the time comes, and future back up if required.
When I say name I mean ones from say "Camper King, Danbury, Bilbo etc"
I'm sure some people on here can name a few others that have been around for a while and are well known.
When I tried to sell one a while ago most buyers asked who had built it.
I wont go on about it here but research crash tested beds/roofs etc.
I ran one for a bit as a daily, regretted selling it soon after.
Keep the M135i for daily duties and get an older T25.
It 'shouldn't' lose money in depreciation. It will be more of an event when you do go out in it. It will cost in maintenance. Ours is 36 years old and got us camping in France for two weeks this year with our two kids. ….. and then when I get back home I use my 330i coupe for daily duties.
We use the T25 for loads of day trips too as the kids love travelling in it. And any excuse to post a picture.
It 'shouldn't' lose money in depreciation. It will be more of an event when you do go out in it. It will cost in maintenance. Ours is 36 years old and got us camping in France for two weeks this year with our two kids. ….. and then when I get back home I use my 330i coupe for daily duties.
We use the T25 for loads of day trips too as the kids love travelling in it. And any excuse to post a picture.
Personally I would go for a proper motorhome or a van converted by a proper manufacturer.
Something along the lines of this
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-Hymer-Exsis-SG-Fia...
or this
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SWIFT-MONDIAL-2-Berth-c...
Obviously you don't get the scene points that come with a VW however you do get a properly built, Insulated camper/motorhome with properly installed electrics etc
Hymers seem to really hold their value however that swift looks good for the money and as its a van conversion as opposed to coachbuilt you shouldn't have to worry about damp.
Something along the lines of this
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-Hymer-Exsis-SG-Fia...
or this
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SWIFT-MONDIAL-2-Berth-c...
Obviously you don't get the scene points that come with a VW however you do get a properly built, Insulated camper/motorhome with properly installed electrics etc
Hymers seem to really hold their value however that swift looks good for the money and as its a van conversion as opposed to coachbuilt you shouldn't have to worry about damp.
We started off with a T25 and loved it. It's what started an outdoors family lifestyle for us. However the gamble of if it would get us to our camping destination along with a lack of space / toilet facilities forced the decision to upgrade to a bigger motorhome. Ours was a high top and our kids would sleep in the top. It had a portable toilet which fit under the seat / bed. In the night, if the kids needed the toilet, we had to put our bed away to get the toilet out.
Obviously you can increase your space with an awning and thats what many do.
A T5/6 I could see being used as a daily drive, I wouldnt take the motorhome out as its too big to fit down some roads and parking would certainly be an issue. After a tom tom taking me through the moors road (BIG MISTAKE) I got a lorry based sat nav system which helps me to avoid those small back lanes.
Obviously you can increase your space with an awning and thats what many do.
A T5/6 I could see being used as a daily drive, I wouldnt take the motorhome out as its too big to fit down some roads and parking would certainly be an issue. After a tom tom taking me through the moors road (BIG MISTAKE) I got a lorry based sat nav system which helps me to avoid those small back lanes.
Thanks for all the comments. I did look into a motor home but I'm not sure how much use it will get and I don't want to run anything too big for normal driving. I suspect anything I do get will be used mainly for a short commute and the odd shopping trip but just having the ability to grab some beach towels and escaping for a few hours up the coast or doing a weekend in the Lakes if work is getting me down really appeals. My other half really isn't into the idea so it would be primarily for me and my youngest.
I like the idea of keeping my car and getting an older van to use on occasions to keep the costs down. I have the drive space but I'm a mechanical idiot and I'd be no good spannering to keep it on the road.
I'm toying with the idea of hiring a California for the weekend and seeing what the experience is really like (I'm not normally an outdoors person so the novelty or reality might put me off anyway!)
I like the idea of keeping my car and getting an older van to use on occasions to keep the costs down. I have the drive space but I'm a mechanical idiot and I'd be no good spannering to keep it on the road.
I'm toying with the idea of hiring a California for the weekend and seeing what the experience is really like (I'm not normally an outdoors person so the novelty or reality might put me off anyway!)
Honestly anything normal van sized will be fine for the occasional commute and for the odd bit of shopping. Our motorhome is only 40cm longer than my car. Fits in a parking bay without too much hassle. Used it a lot more than the car last winter as it seems to cope with snow far better than my car. Currently in the midst of a house renovation and its really useful for carrying supplies too.
The only issue I have with it is that its a bit agricultural to drive but the newer ducatos are quite pleasant. Sitting up high is a bonus too. If you are interested in the older stuff join the classic hymers facebook page. They are a really helpful bunch and even if you wanted to try a hymer. Buy one over winter and if you don't get on with it sell it in spring for a profit
The only issue I have with it is that its a bit agricultural to drive but the newer ducatos are quite pleasant. Sitting up high is a bonus too. If you are interested in the older stuff join the classic hymers facebook page. They are a really helpful bunch and even if you wanted to try a hymer. Buy one over winter and if you don't get on with it sell it in spring for a profit
I've got a T6 LWB that I use daily, it's got all the silly boys toys like big wheels, spoilers, coil-overs etc. I don't have any trouble using it daily, there's always a space on the rare occasion I visit a supermarket or shopping centre etc. I could have bought a new RRS/Disco for the same money that I paid for the van, they aren't cheap, but they are just so versatile.
Mine has a Kombi Bed that my wife and son sleep in, myself and my daughter sleep in a drive-away awning. I'm having a pop-top put on it shortly for the odd one night away where we won't need to pump up/peg out the awning.
I decided against a full camper conversion as they are quite compromised in a T5/6 and I hate the idea of cooking in such a confined space.
We've camped in it 5 times this year, the kids have loved every minute of it, it's really been a great purchase and I can't wait to get back out again early next year when it's a bit warmer.
I take 4 bikes, 2 sups, 2 body boards, wet suits, 4 comfy seats, 2 airbeds, 2 toppers, cool boxes, barbecue, twin stove, storage cupboards, the dog and his bed etc etc, I can just about squeeze it all into a LWB with the bikes hanging off the back on a tow bar carrier.
California's are all SWB, have the suicide door, and you won't be able to put it through the business, but they do hold their money well.
3rd party conversions are great, but there are soooo many cowboys out there so do your homework.
Avoid the 180 bi-turbo engine in the T5, these engine's are doomed to fail due to the EGR. T6 204 has a different EGR, these are still prone to failure, but they don't cause the catastrophic engine failures like the T5. Also avoid the 5 speed gearboxes, weedy and don't like the extra torque that a remap will bring.
Loads more info on the T5 and T6 forums.
Mine has a Kombi Bed that my wife and son sleep in, myself and my daughter sleep in a drive-away awning. I'm having a pop-top put on it shortly for the odd one night away where we won't need to pump up/peg out the awning.
I decided against a full camper conversion as they are quite compromised in a T5/6 and I hate the idea of cooking in such a confined space.
We've camped in it 5 times this year, the kids have loved every minute of it, it's really been a great purchase and I can't wait to get back out again early next year when it's a bit warmer.
I take 4 bikes, 2 sups, 2 body boards, wet suits, 4 comfy seats, 2 airbeds, 2 toppers, cool boxes, barbecue, twin stove, storage cupboards, the dog and his bed etc etc, I can just about squeeze it all into a LWB with the bikes hanging off the back on a tow bar carrier.
California's are all SWB, have the suicide door, and you won't be able to put it through the business, but they do hold their money well.
3rd party conversions are great, but there are soooo many cowboys out there so do your homework.
Avoid the 180 bi-turbo engine in the T5, these engine's are doomed to fail due to the EGR. T6 204 has a different EGR, these are still prone to failure, but they don't cause the catastrophic engine failures like the T5. Also avoid the 5 speed gearboxes, weedy and don't like the extra torque that a remap will bring.
Loads more info on the T5 and T6 forums.
Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 2nd October 13:42
I'm in the process of self-converting a LWB T5 4motion, it replaced a Range Rover as my daily driver and a large 2 berth caravan for the camping needs. I actually find it easier to park than the Range Rover and just as nice to drive on a long journey. Lowered it by 30mm on genuine sportsline VW springs in preparation for the pop-top going in and am yet to find a car park I've got issues with although I do check on google maps for height signs when planning a trip for work.
If you're worried about re-sale and aren't too handy then a big name converter is great, Hillside Leisure in Derby have a big selection on display to look around and they really helped when I was deciding how and what to build.
Our aim is to explore the more remote parts of the UK in all weathers (hence the 4mo) and also some jaunts over to Eastern Europe.
If you're worried about re-sale and aren't too handy then a big name converter is great, Hillside Leisure in Derby have a big selection on display to look around and they really helped when I was deciding how and what to build.
Our aim is to explore the more remote parts of the UK in all weathers (hence the 4mo) and also some jaunts over to Eastern Europe.
I have a t5 2.5 pop top camper (and a 130i!) We came into camper ownership pretty blind but it’s ace.
As others have said it’s easy to drive and park, with the other added bonus’s of escaping. We hire ours out alongside our day-day thing of running our B&B.
I’m not sure who converted ours, but it is done properly, and has some good/nice bits on. I was initially scared of the 2.5 lump but glad we opted for it (has a great service history!), as it has enough grunt and 6 speeds.
There are plenty of companies throughout the uk who hire them out - most of our customers are trying before they buy, I’d recommend it before committing. If you’re in/near Scarborough and fancy a mooch around mine you’re more than welcome!
As others have said it’s easy to drive and park, with the other added bonus’s of escaping. We hire ours out alongside our day-day thing of running our B&B.
I’m not sure who converted ours, but it is done properly, and has some good/nice bits on. I was initially scared of the 2.5 lump but glad we opted for it (has a great service history!), as it has enough grunt and 6 speeds.
There are plenty of companies throughout the uk who hire them out - most of our customers are trying before they buy, I’d recommend it before committing. If you’re in/near Scarborough and fancy a mooch around mine you’re more than welcome!
Edited by ADogg on Thursday 4th October 19:30
Coin Slot. said:
I've got a T6 LWB that I use daily, it's got all the silly boys toys like big wheels, spoilers, coil-overs etc.
Lovely looking thing! The company who do conversions near me have a beauty in although the price can't be far off a similar mileage/age Cali. https://www.allseasonsleisure.com/vehicle/volkswag...Twice my budget unfortunately
toon10 said:
Lovely looking thing! The company who do conversions near me have a beauty in although the price can't be far off a similar mileage/age Cali. https://www.allseasonsleisure.com/vehicle/volkswag...
Twice my budget unfortunately
That looks the part, but a Cali at that money would be a safer bet, there's a T6 Cali Ocean on Ebay for £46k.Twice my budget unfortunately
This likes an honest little bus - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-T5-LWB-CAMPER-CALIFO...
Looks even better -
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volkswagen-VW-T5-Transp...
Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 4th October 13:24
I’ve sold my last Range Rover a year ago and bought a T6 Kombi and had a professional conversion carried out on it with a SCA Pop top, I still have a toy to play with but otherwise this is our main car.
Prior to this we always had a Range Rover and large Motorhomes from 12 mtrs down to our smallest Hymer of 7.6 mtrs but after 20years of motorhoming we felt that we were missing out on seeing some places because our motorhome was just far to big, so we have now downsized and have since done a 3month trip to Portugal and a month trip to Germany and just getting ready to do a 4month trip.
The only thing we can’t do is have a hot shower as in a large motorhome,other than that we have a fridge,toilet,large attached/detachable/driveaway awning for stays longer than a few days..... we have a tailgate awning for a night or a few hours which literally takes 5minutes to put up and a Kiravan side awning which takes a couple of minutes and poles to make it fit whichever shape you wish.
Our driveaway blow up awning is approx 4x4 mtrs and takes the two of us about 15 mins to put up and a bit longer to take down and pack away.
We are both in our 70’s and do this regularly, so why wouldn’t someone in their 40’s do it I don’t know,unless they are unfit.
We changed our luxury Cathargo motorhomes to enable us to see more of Europe as large motorhomes cannot always get in places and now we only need the one car,win win.
Prior to this we always had a Range Rover and large Motorhomes from 12 mtrs down to our smallest Hymer of 7.6 mtrs but after 20years of motorhoming we felt that we were missing out on seeing some places because our motorhome was just far to big, so we have now downsized and have since done a 3month trip to Portugal and a month trip to Germany and just getting ready to do a 4month trip.
The only thing we can’t do is have a hot shower as in a large motorhome,other than that we have a fridge,toilet,large attached/detachable/driveaway awning for stays longer than a few days..... we have a tailgate awning for a night or a few hours which literally takes 5minutes to put up and a Kiravan side awning which takes a couple of minutes and poles to make it fit whichever shape you wish.
Our driveaway blow up awning is approx 4x4 mtrs and takes the two of us about 15 mins to put up and a bit longer to take down and pack away.
We are both in our 70’s and do this regularly, so why wouldn’t someone in their 40’s do it I don’t know,unless they are unfit.
We changed our luxury Cathargo motorhomes to enable us to see more of Europe as large motorhomes cannot always get in places and now we only need the one car,win win.
I use ours as a daily when I'm not commuting by motorbike...
It all depends on what you want to put up with. I've put a great stereo in it and it happily eats up the miles comfortable at the speed limit and will go faster if pushed. It's not that much fun to drive but is totally worth it for what it gives us. This summer we did 2300 miles in a little over two weeks going to Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland and the south of France.
It all depends on what you want to put up with. I've put a great stereo in it and it happily eats up the miles comfortable at the speed limit and will go faster if pushed. It's not that much fun to drive but is totally worth it for what it gives us. This summer we did 2300 miles in a little over two weeks going to Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland and the south of France.
E31Shrew said:
Motorhome show at the NEC this month. Well worth a visit but can be incredibly busy
Friend of mine runs this place. Not sure where you're located but he does produce some stunning options www.rolling-homes.co.ukWhilst a van will never match the driving experience there is something to be said about pushing a big black van full of wheels, spoilers, running & roof bars up to 3 figures on the outside lane …. I bet they tend to move over quicker for me than your BM
Honestly whilst the driving experience isn't great when most driving is functional in town / commuting you appreciate the high position and can hone a more smooth keep rolling flow than point & squirt approach,
Economy is good with at over 30 & almost 40 on a run, anything above a base 82 will keep up with traffic,
Mines on over 160,000 with nothing apart from factory servicing, (not the cheapest but not horrendous - and never needed any "extras")
The lack of an inside toilet is the only downside but you can get a driveaway awning and put the thunder bucket in that...!
I have a rear kitchen set (removable fridge & cooker behind the rear (also removable) seats and cook with the tailgate open, but most of the time eat out,
Life's for living & you'd be surprised how if you have time a day away is an opportunity.
HTH's
Honestly whilst the driving experience isn't great when most driving is functional in town / commuting you appreciate the high position and can hone a more smooth keep rolling flow than point & squirt approach,
Economy is good with at over 30 & almost 40 on a run, anything above a base 82 will keep up with traffic,
Mines on over 160,000 with nothing apart from factory servicing, (not the cheapest but not horrendous - and never needed any "extras")
The lack of an inside toilet is the only downside but you can get a driveaway awning and put the thunder bucket in that...!
I have a rear kitchen set (removable fridge & cooker behind the rear (also removable) seats and cook with the tailgate open, but most of the time eat out,
Life's for living & you'd be surprised how if you have time a day away is an opportunity.
HTH's
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