Campervan newbie
Discussion
Hello
I've been thinking about getting a camper van for years and years and years. All this means in reality is I browse the ones for sale on eBay without really knowing what I want or need. So I've decided to just buy one on the cheaper end of the market and see how we get on with a couple of little trips. Then I can decide what I need to add or modify or just buy a better one / different one that better meets my needs and sell the first one on again. Like a kind of trial if that makes sense.
I did post a thread a few years ago here - link below - where I talked about being able to tow a car. So I still like the idea of being able to tow a car but not necessarily for camping trips. I just want a Van with a bit of oomph that has the ability to tow a car should the need arise if that makes sense. Towing a car would probably mean a proper car trailer. Not sure if I would rent that as buying one would cause me storage problems.
So I'm thinking of a simple panel van which has had some camper type stuff added or can be cross purposed. I'm not too fussy about full on bathrooms or toilets or cookers etc. The idea is camping will still be pretty basic so portable stove and blow up beds rather than a hotel on wheels. Just no tent so we can sleep in the metal box. Maybe even have a bit of a heater for when the weather gets a bit colder and we can get out and about more all year round. So I guess I just need a mid to larger size panel van with maybe an awning and a tow bar. What else am I missing if anything?
We do have a house in Italy in the Family so I should throw in the possibility of European trips also. Not sure what that means in terms of crossing but I guess if massive trucks can get across it isn't impossible with any van.
Thanks In Advance
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I've been thinking about getting a camper van for years and years and years. All this means in reality is I browse the ones for sale on eBay without really knowing what I want or need. So I've decided to just buy one on the cheaper end of the market and see how we get on with a couple of little trips. Then I can decide what I need to add or modify or just buy a better one / different one that better meets my needs and sell the first one on again. Like a kind of trial if that makes sense.
I did post a thread a few years ago here - link below - where I talked about being able to tow a car. So I still like the idea of being able to tow a car but not necessarily for camping trips. I just want a Van with a bit of oomph that has the ability to tow a car should the need arise if that makes sense. Towing a car would probably mean a proper car trailer. Not sure if I would rent that as buying one would cause me storage problems.
So I'm thinking of a simple panel van which has had some camper type stuff added or can be cross purposed. I'm not too fussy about full on bathrooms or toilets or cookers etc. The idea is camping will still be pretty basic so portable stove and blow up beds rather than a hotel on wheels. Just no tent so we can sleep in the metal box. Maybe even have a bit of a heater for when the weather gets a bit colder and we can get out and about more all year round. So I guess I just need a mid to larger size panel van with maybe an awning and a tow bar. What else am I missing if anything?
We do have a house in Italy in the Family so I should throw in the possibility of European trips also. Not sure what that means in terms of crossing but I guess if massive trucks can get across it isn't impossible with any van.
Thanks In Advance
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I'll be following this with interest as I've also been a long time admirer of the camper van classifieds and hired a T5 conversion for this year's week at Le Mans as a little trial run. This follows previous hires of small motorhomes (Hymer 4 and 6 berths). One thing I did notice this year when booking the channel crossing, is that a van was noticeably more expensive than the same sized camper; presumably there is a premium on commercial vehicles. If you're planning regular trips to Europe this might be a factor in the type of vehicle you go for.
We have a camper and sometimes tow a car. It's a high roof long wheelbase Citroen Relay and has plenty of go even with the trailer. We built ours after looking at other self builds in the classifieds and as you'd expect some of the quality of the builds verged on dangerous and one or two stood out as exceptionally well built and cleverly designed so i'd definitely want to thoroughly check out anything already built.
The main advice I'd give is to go around looking at as many layouts as possible, maybe even go to a motor home show to get an idea of how you'll use your van. That's specific to you and your enjoyment and will greatly impact on how you use the van and how it integrates with your trips away in it. I know it sounds obvious but you only need to look at the caravan vs motorhome thread to see there are many ways of enjoying these types of trips. Some people's expectation is to never leave a camp site and other is to never go to one so get the van that suits what you want and not one that you think you do.
The main advice I'd give is to go around looking at as many layouts as possible, maybe even go to a motor home show to get an idea of how you'll use your van. That's specific to you and your enjoyment and will greatly impact on how you use the van and how it integrates with your trips away in it. I know it sounds obvious but you only need to look at the caravan vs motorhome thread to see there are many ways of enjoying these types of trips. Some people's expectation is to never leave a camp site and other is to never go to one so get the van that suits what you want and not one that you think you do.
A while back there would have been a lot of replies along the lines of 'you must register it as a campervan with DVLA' but rules have changed since 2019 and now it is not so much necessary. Interesting article here - note the high percentage of home conversions that fail/would fail if they applied now.
https://climbingvan.co.uk/van-life/reclassifying-y...
The only thing that I have noticed as a caravanner is that a lot of sites we got to have a policy of 'vans must be proper campervan conversions' and [i]'no panel vans or commercial vehicles'[/]. This is primarily to stop travellers, but in doing a kind of partial conversion such as you describe may find yourself lumped in with them.
In my experience as long as the sites can see a couple of side windows they let people on as long as they behave themselves and don't get too fussy about it not having the ubiquitous two ring hob, fridge and rock 'n' roll bed.
https://climbingvan.co.uk/van-life/reclassifying-y...
The only thing that I have noticed as a caravanner is that a lot of sites we got to have a policy of 'vans must be proper campervan conversions' and [i]'no panel vans or commercial vehicles'[/]. This is primarily to stop travellers, but in doing a kind of partial conversion such as you describe may find yourself lumped in with them.
In my experience as long as the sites can see a couple of side windows they let people on as long as they behave themselves and don't get too fussy about it not having the ubiquitous two ring hob, fridge and rock 'n' roll bed.
So is this the kind of thing which will get me sent home with my tail between my legs?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/165589190591
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/165589190591
No, because that’s clearly a conversion rather than just a bed thrown in the back, although it looks easily reversible.
Ad states it’s a motorhome on the V5c so there’s no argument against that. Just unusual to see one starting out with a minibus as the base vehicle rather than a panel van.
I wouldn’t expect any problems from the Camp Site Police in that (unless possibly on a C&MC site, as they like everything’just so’).
The only thing that might put me off is that, being a minibus originally, there is a lot of single pane glass in the sides whereas with a panel van conversion you have more wall space which is normally insulated. You might get quite a bit of condensation and/or feel the cold in this, all of course depending on where and when you use it.
Ad states it’s a motorhome on the V5c so there’s no argument against that. Just unusual to see one starting out with a minibus as the base vehicle rather than a panel van.
I wouldn’t expect any problems from the Camp Site Police in that (unless possibly on a C&MC site, as they like everything’just so’).
The only thing that might put me off is that, being a minibus originally, there is a lot of single pane glass in the sides whereas with a panel van conversion you have more wall space which is normally insulated. You might get quite a bit of condensation and/or feel the cold in this, all of course depending on where and when you use it.
Edited by PurpleTurtle on Thursday 11th August 19:26
As PurpleTurtle said there's a lot of glass in that which would mean it's likely to get hotter and colder faster with the added condensation to consider too. On the flip side, you'd have a lovely view which mine doesn't as it's heavily insulated! It's a good example of how little differences can really have a significant impact on how easy it is to use in a given situation. In reality, at that end of the market I'd probably be more keen to get an idea of how knowledgeable the builder is and be satisfied it's been done by someone who knows a bit. The ad talks about what his plans would be if he kept it which is reassuring.
Do you see yourself on campsites or aires/off grid? I've never had issue with campsites snubbing me in my self build and mine's not a motorhome on the V5 either. In balance though, after about 3 or 4 we've tended to stay away from the more upmarket sites such as the two main clubs as whilst they're lovely and definitely serve a purpose, it's not really our go to type of place.
Do you see yourself on campsites or aires/off grid? I've never had issue with campsites snubbing me in my self build and mine's not a motorhome on the V5 either. In balance though, after about 3 or 4 we've tended to stay away from the more upmarket sites such as the two main clubs as whilst they're lovely and definitely serve a purpose, it's not really our go to type of place.
sebdangerfield said:
Do you see yourself on campsites or aires/off grid? I've never had issue with campsites snubbing me in my self build and mine's not a motorhome on the V5 either. In balance though, after about 3 or 4 we've tended to stay away from the more upmarket sites such as the two main clubs as whilst they're lovely and definitely serve a purpose, it's not really our go to type of place.
This is my problem I've not experienced these different sites and I've not experienced using a camper van. So that's why I'm thinking of buying something on the cheaper side and trying it.
I could buy something with all the bells and whistles and not like it, not like van life or not like camp sites.
I'll probably be more likely to try campsites first but I'm not against the idea of wild camping.
I'll be bringing a 10 year old along and therefore want the facilities of a bigger site to keep them entertained.
You'd be fine in most places with a van like that, and you'd have no bother with any ferries regardless of the V5 classification (speaking from experience). As stated above it would only be the fancier campsites where they only allow shiny motorhomes and park them in neat rows that would give you issues.
As a heads up if you're seriously considering that van, I had an LT of similar vintage with the 158bhp engine (although with a lot more miles!), parts for it are not always straight forward to find.
As a heads up if you're seriously considering that van, I had an LT of similar vintage with the 158bhp engine (although with a lot more miles!), parts for it are not always straight forward to find.
Alex@POD said:
As a heads up if you're seriously considering that van, I had an LT of similar vintage with the 158bhp engine (although with a lot more miles!), parts for it are not always straight forward to find.
That would be my concern too - regardless of the quality of the conversion (which on face value looks like it's been done well, in a 'rustic/budget' style) but ultimately the underpinnings are a 17yo minibus.Also the ad states a mileage of 75,000? I suspect that's a typo or it might be "oh yeah, it had a new engine 75,000 miles ago, but all the rest has been to the moon and back". If you are seriously considering that one I would just check its history very carefully. £7k, although relatively cheap for a campervan, is still a lot to lose if it's a lemon mechanically.
ATM said:
markymarkthree said:
Before you buy anything, check what the road tax is.
Awaiting Captain Bore to inform me "it hasn't been called that since 1066".
Is road tax not comparable to a car?Awaiting Captain Bore to inform me "it hasn't been called that since 1066".
When i discovered this, i made sure the Caravelle i bought had a £300 ish tax tag.
I did a self conversion on an old 2009 royal mail vivaro in January this year, the only obvious camper bits I've added are the roof mounted canopy and side windows each side.
We have never been questioned on any site or booking form if it's a converted van or anything, we don't go to the sites where they line the posh motorhomes up on gravel pitches, I don't see the point in that form of camping, but each to there's etc.
But honestly, just do it fella, myself and the wife have been away pretty much every other weekend for months, we are in Yorkshire so we have lots of sites to choose from, we even go to ones 10 minutes away just for a night out.
Barbecue, radio on and a cold one under the canopy, it's not a posh van but it's presentable, has heating and power for 3 days off grid, water and hob.
Cost me 5k Inc the van.
You and the lad will love it.
We have never been questioned on any site or booking form if it's a converted van or anything, we don't go to the sites where they line the posh motorhomes up on gravel pitches, I don't see the point in that form of camping, but each to there's etc.
But honestly, just do it fella, myself and the wife have been away pretty much every other weekend for months, we are in Yorkshire so we have lots of sites to choose from, we even go to ones 10 minutes away just for a night out.
Barbecue, radio on and a cold one under the canopy, it's not a posh van but it's presentable, has heating and power for 3 days off grid, water and hob.
Cost me 5k Inc the van.
You and the lad will love it.
ATM said:
Those monocoque Autosleeper are an all time great motorhome bodyshell, venerable old Talbot express was antiquated when new and thays the last if the pre facelift one's which are even more so.However if it isn't rusted to hwll then they will get you there eventually.
Get one just 1 year hewer tho and you'll hit a slightly more modern looking cab and also Autosleeper updated the interior to grey and green from I think circa 1990 or 1991 which looks better
Budget creep
Mercedes Motorhome 811d coachbuilt palace 7.5t 1987 4.0 turbo
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/304580298384
Mercedes Motorhome 811d coachbuilt palace 7.5t 1987 4.0 turbo
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/304580298384
Honestly as a Motorhome dealer interesting that is ia struggle to trade that put for a third of that on a good day if I got offered it in px, £20k gets you something modern, my own family motorhome is a tag axle 2005 Burstner Active 748 bought for 22k tho admittedly that was a good buy but 5 years ago and worth 28k today, you can still pick up an 02 ish 747 or big tag Euramobil for that price thats way more modern and more saleable.
edited for terrible typos
edited for terrible typos
Edited by nagsheadwarrior on Sunday 14th August 08:12
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