VW Campers - are they all "conversions" of some description?
Discussion
We hired a converted T5 and then bought a new T5 California.
There is a vast difference in the vehicle,s the California is based on the Caravelle and the rest are on Vans, different suspension etc.
Also most conversions seem to use quite low power engines which isn't what you want with a heavy campervan.
The quality of materials is much better on the California, and I found it much more refined to drive.
We had ours about 4 years and lost about 10% in depreciation over that period.
The only reason to get a conversion is if you need a specific layout that the California doesn't provide.
There is a vast difference in the vehicle,s the California is based on the Caravelle and the rest are on Vans, different suspension etc.
Also most conversions seem to use quite low power engines which isn't what you want with a heavy campervan.
The quality of materials is much better on the California, and I found it much more refined to drive.
We had ours about 4 years and lost about 10% in depreciation over that period.
The only reason to get a conversion is if you need a specific layout that the California doesn't provide.
The official VW California and like is easy to spot as the sliding door is on the wrong side (built for left'y market).
I went down the route of buying a panel van and getting a local company to convert it. There are lots of horror stories out there, and giving someone either a brand new van or a 2nd hand one in my case still costing 16k was a bit daunting. I spent a lot of time check the fitters current stock and how they built the conversion, nothing was hidden from me. Most conversions also seem to use the weedy 84bhp vans, which is odd (yes you can get them chipped etc). We bought a T5 with 140bhp and the 6 speed box from VW approved, and most importantly it had Air-con.
If you do go down this route couple of things to consider.
I went down the route of buying a panel van and getting a local company to convert it. There are lots of horror stories out there, and giving someone either a brand new van or a 2nd hand one in my case still costing 16k was a bit daunting. I spent a lot of time check the fitters current stock and how they built the conversion, nothing was hidden from me. Most conversions also seem to use the weedy 84bhp vans, which is odd (yes you can get them chipped etc). We bought a T5 with 140bhp and the 6 speed box from VW approved, and most importantly it had Air-con.
If you do go down this route couple of things to consider.
- If having a pop up does it have the roll cage structure and extra beam support.
- Is the rock and roll bed crash approved.
- Is the swivel seat crash approved.
- Does the gas bottle have a drop vents (does it have a Gas Safety Certificate - some insurance will not cover in the event of fire).
- Get the V5 converted from Commercial van to Campervan and + no of new seats.
Dan_1981 said:
In these VW camper vans - how many people do they sleep?
Do you need to take an awning etc with you also? Or a tent?
I can't work out how they work in reality and none of the pictures that i've seen help really.
Ours is a 1982 T25 with a high top. We 'could' sleep four in the van - but we have never used the high top to sleep in. Personally I would find the high top claustrophobic and equally the kids weren't keen (especially when they were very young). In reality, we take a four man tent with us too - it provide extra living space -eating area - extra dry area if raining etc. plus means we can use the van more effectively whilst we are camping. (ie we don't need to pack everything away to go to a local beach - the sleeping bags, pillows, chairs, table, pots, pans, plates, BBQ, etc just get stuffed in the tent)Do you need to take an awning etc with you also? Or a tent?
I can't work out how they work in reality and none of the pictures that i've seen help really.
On a journey it provides extra luggage space for all the gubbins we take on camping trips. Also, it is useful to be able to stand up when using as a day van, to make a brew or something. Originally we wanted a pop-top, but with hindsight the high-top suits us much better.
Mike
Kneetrembler said:
I have a T6 Kombi, but didn’t want the cupboards all down one side and narrow the width of the bed.
So I have a slide out kitchen in the rear but have a full width full size bed and a po up roof with another bed above, plus the obvious extra height for walking around.
My VW has a lift up tailgate which I have a ‘Packashack’ tent which goes over the tailgate and takes me literally 5 minutes to put up.
I also have a drive away attachment which fits in the rail on the side.
There are many many variations on beds, units,kitchens, roofs etc etc
I don't suppose you would mind posting some pics? I yet to see one with a layout like yours. As you say most have the kitchen down one side.So I have a slide out kitchen in the rear but have a full width full size bed and a po up roof with another bed above, plus the obvious extra height for walking around.
My VW has a lift up tailgate which I have a ‘Packashack’ tent which goes over the tailgate and takes me literally 5 minutes to put up.
I also have a drive away attachment which fits in the rail on the side.
There are many many variations on beds, units,kitchens, roofs etc etc
task said:
a day spent at Camper Jam or another large show can really open your eyes to the varying level of quality available
This could be a good shout. There is the possibility that we will be going to Goodwood FOS this year during one of the quieter days and with wee one in tow. We could possibly pass Camper Jam on the way back up the road! Their website is terrible though (or my eyes are). I can't seem to find the section to buy a day pass over a weekend camping one. I guess paying at the door is an option though.Have you been to Camper Jam before? Do you get many dealers demonstrating their conversions?
springfan62 said:
We hired a converted T5 and then bought a new T5 California.
There is a vast difference in the vehicle,s the California is based on the Caravelle and the rest are on Vans, different suspension etc.
Also most conversions seem to use quite low power engines which isn't what you want with a heavy campervan.
The quality of materials is much better on the California, and I found it much more refined to drive.
We had ours about 4 years and lost about 10% in depreciation over that period.
The only reason to get a conversion is if you need a specific layout that the California doesn't provide.
Some excellent comments there. The decent conversions cost the same or more than a Cali so what’s the point. Yes, you pay on the way in but get the vast majority back on the way out. The Cali holds its value like nothing else and gives you a single throat to choke should you have any issues. Friends have a Westfalia Club Joker which cost more than my Cali Ocean. The Cali is so superior to drive in every way. They’ve had problems which has meant several 6 hour round trips with trains back (no courtesy vehicle) to get it looked at. Still not right now. Think they are going to get a Cali once it’s finally fixed. There is a vast difference in the vehicle,s the California is based on the Caravelle and the rest are on Vans, different suspension etc.
Also most conversions seem to use quite low power engines which isn't what you want with a heavy campervan.
The quality of materials is much better on the California, and I found it much more refined to drive.
We had ours about 4 years and lost about 10% in depreciation over that period.
The only reason to get a conversion is if you need a specific layout that the California doesn't provide.
If you don’t want the Ocean layout, you could get a Cali Beach and put a removeable slidepod kitchen in it for a very flexible layout.
I've got a T6 Kombi with all the factory toys, and then a partial conversion.
As already said, there are some really bad conversion companies out there, proceed with extreme caution.
And then decide if you want a full conversion from VW, an independent or a partial conversion and give yourself a little more space.
I've got a full width, full length bed that takes about 5 minutes to set up and fits my 6ft 7" 22 stone frame and either my wife or one of the kids easily.
Kombi Beds from Wessex Vans or Exploria have a frame that you leave in the back and then add the 3 mattress pieces afterwards.
A HiLo pop-top roof that sleeps two, you don't even know these are fitted, I don't like the upturned bath look of normal pop-top roofs.
I've also got a leisure battery and a Webasto heater, so with a portapotty thing, barbecue etc we can go wild for a night or two.
And then if we are out for more than two nights I take my drive-away awning and event shelter to give us all more room.
I only cook outside under the event shelter, I'd never want to cook inside the van
I use the van everyday for work and then most weekends in the summer we jump in the bus and find somewhere to stay for a night. Last year being exceptional, we spent several weeks camping in total due to the good weather.
You won't find a more practical vehicle, these things do it all. I've got a toy in the garage if I feel the need for speed, but these vans can shift a bit with the right engine choice.
The below set-up takes about an hour in total to set up and about the same to knock back down again
As already said, there are some really bad conversion companies out there, proceed with extreme caution.
And then decide if you want a full conversion from VW, an independent or a partial conversion and give yourself a little more space.
I've got a full width, full length bed that takes about 5 minutes to set up and fits my 6ft 7" 22 stone frame and either my wife or one of the kids easily.
Kombi Beds from Wessex Vans or Exploria have a frame that you leave in the back and then add the 3 mattress pieces afterwards.
A HiLo pop-top roof that sleeps two, you don't even know these are fitted, I don't like the upturned bath look of normal pop-top roofs.
I've also got a leisure battery and a Webasto heater, so with a portapotty thing, barbecue etc we can go wild for a night or two.
And then if we are out for more than two nights I take my drive-away awning and event shelter to give us all more room.
I only cook outside under the event shelter, I'd never want to cook inside the van
I use the van everyday for work and then most weekends in the summer we jump in the bus and find somewhere to stay for a night. Last year being exceptional, we spent several weeks camping in total due to the good weather.
You won't find a more practical vehicle, these things do it all. I've got a toy in the garage if I feel the need for speed, but these vans can shift a bit with the right engine choice.
The below set-up takes about an hour in total to set up and about the same to knock back down again
Coin Slot. said:
I've got a T6 Kombi with all the factory toys, and then a partial conversion.
As already said, there are some really bad conversion companies out there, proceed with extreme caution.
And then decide if you want a full conversion from VW, an independent or a partial conversion and give yourself a little more space.
I've got a full width, full length bed that takes about 5 minutes to set up and fits my 6ft 7" 22 stone frame and either my wife or one of the kids easily.
Kombi Beds from Wessex Vans or Exploria have a frame that you leave in the back and then add the 3 mattress pieces afterwards.
A HiLo pop-top roof that sleeps two, you don't even know these are fitted, I don't like the upturned bath look of normal pop-top roofs.
I've also got a leisure battery and a Webasto heater, so with a portapotty thing, barbecue etc we can go wild for a night or two.
And then if we are out for more than two nights I take my drive-away awning and event shelter to give us all more room.
I only cook outside under the event shelter, I'd never want to cook inside the van
I use the van everyday for work and then most weekends in the summer we jump in the bus and find somewhere to stay for a night. Last year being exceptional, we spent several weeks camping in total due to the good weather.
You won't find a more practical vehicle, these things do it all. I've got a toy in the garage if I feel the need for speed, but these vans can shift a bit with the right engine choice.
The below set-up takes about an hour in total to set up and about the same to knock back down again
Camper goals. As already said, there are some really bad conversion companies out there, proceed with extreme caution.
And then decide if you want a full conversion from VW, an independent or a partial conversion and give yourself a little more space.
I've got a full width, full length bed that takes about 5 minutes to set up and fits my 6ft 7" 22 stone frame and either my wife or one of the kids easily.
Kombi Beds from Wessex Vans or Exploria have a frame that you leave in the back and then add the 3 mattress pieces afterwards.
A HiLo pop-top roof that sleeps two, you don't even know these are fitted, I don't like the upturned bath look of normal pop-top roofs.
I've also got a leisure battery and a Webasto heater, so with a portapotty thing, barbecue etc we can go wild for a night or two.
And then if we are out for more than two nights I take my drive-away awning and event shelter to give us all more room.
I only cook outside under the event shelter, I'd never want to cook inside the van
I use the van everyday for work and then most weekends in the summer we jump in the bus and find somewhere to stay for a night. Last year being exceptional, we spent several weeks camping in total due to the good weather.
You won't find a more practical vehicle, these things do it all. I've got a toy in the garage if I feel the need for speed, but these vans can shift a bit with the right engine choice.
The below set-up takes about an hour in total to set up and about the same to knock back down again
idiotgap said:
When we looked at them at Bilbos which is nearby, we were told to look at the tail.
Barn doors likely means built to be a van, tailgate opening upwards was more likely to have been spec'd from factory to be a passenger vehicle,
Interesting statement, as my Vito works van (which I specified with the intention of converting to a camper after the 4 years lease) as a van came standard with the tailgate (lift up) rear door and I had to spec Barn Doors as an option. Barn doors likely means built to be a van, tailgate opening upwards was more likely to have been spec'd from factory to be a passenger vehicle,
So not sure that statement is ture.
Gee Whizz said:
I don't suppose you would mind posting some pics? I yet to see one with a layout like yours. As you say most have the kitchen down one side.
Look up Slidepods Devon and you will see all they sell or speak to Johnny , I’ve had mine since last Summer and again as has been said I wouldn’t wish to cook inside because of smells so only cook outside or out the back.Also for a cheap rear tent look up Packashacks from Scotland just over £100 and takes literally minutes to put up.
Sorry I haven’t posted any photos but for some reason it wont let me.
Also check out the T6 Forum for photos and further information.
Or pm me for any further info
geeks said:
Also worth noting there are some very professional looking builds done by some of us on the driveway (Myself and Tampon but to name just two home builds)
However I appreciate that one from Vanworx will always be worth more, doesn't always mean it is better
My driveway build is nearly five years old, and hasn't fallen apart, burnt to the ground or electrocuted me yet. However I appreciate that one from Vanworx will always be worth more, doesn't always mean it is better
Gee Whizz said:
This could be a good shout. There is the possibility that we will be going to Goodwood FOS this year during one of the quieter days and with wee one in tow. We could possibly pass Camper Jam on the way back up the road! Their website is terrible though (or my eyes are). I can't seem to find the section to buy a day pass over a weekend camping one. I guess paying at the door is an option though.
Have you been to Camper Jam before? Do you get many dealers demonstrating their conversions?
I went to CamperJam shortly after buying my factory Kombi, there weren't so many of the larger converters there but a lot of what I would call "medium" sized companies. It was interesting to get a feel for what was on offer, what could be achieved and what we also didn't want. https://www.camperjam.com/traders/ gives a list of traders for 2019, it took us 3/4 of a day to do the rounds, most exhibitors were happy to chat and offer advice.Have you been to Camper Jam before? Do you get many dealers demonstrating their conversions?
Our camper started as a Highline LWB 4motion Kombi twin slider, so certainly not a builders van, but it does have barn doors. I actually prefer these to the tailgate as I'm 6'4 and couldn't shelter under the tailgate, which I believe is the argument most people have for them.
After watching me convert a van my dad has decided he wants to jump on the bandwagon but is unsure of layouts so we are visiting the camper show at the NEC towards the end of the month to see what works for him.
We did look at the Cali when searching, and there's no denying it's a lovely bit of kit but it just didn't tick the right boxes for us, none of the suppliers built a solution "off the shelf" that would work for us, hence we converted our own vehicle.
I have a couple of VW campers and have used more.
Everything with campervans or motorhomes is a compromise we found out, if you want something to use daily you want a SWB T5 or T6 with a pop top but that when you want to go away for a week or two if there is more than two of you quickly becomes quite small when its raining!
So it depends exactly what you want to use it for i suppose, for us we needed to be able to keep in on the drive rather than pay £400 a year for storage, its good to be able to jump init and get out quickly, we also wanted a van with a toilet in as we dont use proper sites that much for festivals & shows and overnight stops in the middle of nowhere.
As other people have said conversion can be cheap and look good on the pictures but when you get there you think there is no way im buying this! We ended up with a VW T4 Califorinia Exclusive which is a rare van in the UK, its a factory built high top campervan with toilet and many other features, its a older van 1996 in our case but is perfect for us the only thing that rival it was the new T6 Westfalia and they are 80k, downsides its older so rust, engines refinement isnt the same as newer stuff but far less to go wrong and they go on for ever.
If you can afford it and it suits i would always go for the more expensive California option, they will always be wanted more and wil be better quality than any converison IMO.
Everything with campervans or motorhomes is a compromise we found out, if you want something to use daily you want a SWB T5 or T6 with a pop top but that when you want to go away for a week or two if there is more than two of you quickly becomes quite small when its raining!
So it depends exactly what you want to use it for i suppose, for us we needed to be able to keep in on the drive rather than pay £400 a year for storage, its good to be able to jump init and get out quickly, we also wanted a van with a toilet in as we dont use proper sites that much for festivals & shows and overnight stops in the middle of nowhere.
As other people have said conversion can be cheap and look good on the pictures but when you get there you think there is no way im buying this! We ended up with a VW T4 Califorinia Exclusive which is a rare van in the UK, its a factory built high top campervan with toilet and many other features, its a older van 1996 in our case but is perfect for us the only thing that rival it was the new T6 Westfalia and they are 80k, downsides its older so rust, engines refinement isnt the same as newer stuff but far less to go wrong and they go on for ever.
If you can afford it and it suits i would always go for the more expensive California option, they will always be wanted more and wil be better quality than any converison IMO.
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