Camper/2nd car Van or Jap van...
Discussion
Hi all,
The panzer wagon (Leggy e320cdi estate) has now sold, so I need some transport - want some I can sleep in this time!
Was pretty much set on a LWB Transit custom twin cab in van to do my own simple conversion on that would retain occasional use of upto 6 seats. So Poptop upstairs for roof height and extra sleeping space when needed, and some kind of DIY fold away bed frame downstairs that went over the back seats... I was then going to build/buy a kitchen pod that can be used in situ or lifted into an awning - I don't really like cooking in the van anyway but wouldn't bother with the awning when on my own on short overnight MTB trips. Was either looking at buying at the bottom of the market or more likely doing some finance on a newer one.
This will be my car - I either work from home or get the train 7/8 times out of 10 so not a massive issue. All my camping will either be solo, or as a full family family of 5 which I don't think will be that often, but you never know - I might convert the Mrs! When I'm on my own I need room for my bike with me preferably in the vehicle for security. when we all go kids bikes etc... can go on a bike rack/roof rack, but mine needs to be inside preferably when I'm alone.
I say I was pretty much set, as for some reason I'm being drawn to coming up with a conversion for something like an Alphard...
Will a bike wheel straight in the back with the rear row of seats out. Are pop tops easily available? Will it be a mess of condensation/coldness or is the stock insulation be ok with a diesel heater to dry it out? How tragic on fuel are they? (in comparison with a LWB low top van). Will they tow a motorbike or small car trailer if I ever get to start my illustrious racing career (not likely for a while yet but you never know - likely to be a westfield or track bike so not heavy).
I suppose I'm basically thinking of smaller car based camper and larger awning may give me a better compromise rather than carrying around a load of space I'm not using all that often and the driving experience etc... suffering because of it - the majority of the time it will be just me and the eldest son, or me on my own for the foreseeable future.
I'd like to spend 6-8k cash, but not averse to reasonable finance to get the right setup on a newer vehicle as long as it's likely to retain a good amount of value - I don't like leasing, but don't mind paying off something valuable.
Talk me into/out of it, or tell me what I'm missing please!
The panzer wagon (Leggy e320cdi estate) has now sold, so I need some transport - want some I can sleep in this time!
Was pretty much set on a LWB Transit custom twin cab in van to do my own simple conversion on that would retain occasional use of upto 6 seats. So Poptop upstairs for roof height and extra sleeping space when needed, and some kind of DIY fold away bed frame downstairs that went over the back seats... I was then going to build/buy a kitchen pod that can be used in situ or lifted into an awning - I don't really like cooking in the van anyway but wouldn't bother with the awning when on my own on short overnight MTB trips. Was either looking at buying at the bottom of the market or more likely doing some finance on a newer one.
This will be my car - I either work from home or get the train 7/8 times out of 10 so not a massive issue. All my camping will either be solo, or as a full family family of 5 which I don't think will be that often, but you never know - I might convert the Mrs! When I'm on my own I need room for my bike with me preferably in the vehicle for security. when we all go kids bikes etc... can go on a bike rack/roof rack, but mine needs to be inside preferably when I'm alone.
I say I was pretty much set, as for some reason I'm being drawn to coming up with a conversion for something like an Alphard...
Will a bike wheel straight in the back with the rear row of seats out. Are pop tops easily available? Will it be a mess of condensation/coldness or is the stock insulation be ok with a diesel heater to dry it out? How tragic on fuel are they? (in comparison with a LWB low top van). Will they tow a motorbike or small car trailer if I ever get to start my illustrious racing career (not likely for a while yet but you never know - likely to be a westfield or track bike so not heavy).
I suppose I'm basically thinking of smaller car based camper and larger awning may give me a better compromise rather than carrying around a load of space I'm not using all that often and the driving experience etc... suffering because of it - the majority of the time it will be just me and the eldest son, or me on my own for the foreseeable future.
I'd like to spend 6-8k cash, but not averse to reasonable finance to get the right setup on a newer vehicle as long as it's likely to retain a good amount of value - I don't like leasing, but don't mind paying off something valuable.
Talk me into/out of it, or tell me what I'm missing please!
Here is my take. We have a high top van. It is far more convenient as we can just park up and then we can stand up in the back and make a brew, rather than being hunched over. The height does limit where you can park (especially in coastal regions in France) but it is so much easier when going on holidays to store all the bedding, tents, furniture etc. too. We have two kids so space in a SWB van is somewhat limited.
When going with the kids, we take a four man tent rather than the more expensive, cumbersome awnings. The tent has a dining area, and gives that extra undercover space needed.
We have a three bike rack on the back and the fourth bike goes in the van. We tend to only use the bikes locally on day trips though. We are booked this summer to go to France with the bikes on the back, but we will need to wait and see what happens with C-19.
For context, our van is an air-cooled VW T25. We are not part of the 'scene' but thought if it did not suit us, it would be easier to sell. We bought it about eight years ago and have no regrets. Ours has been fairly reliable (never left us stranded) but as a daily it is probably not suitable for your needs. It can legally seat six people - but one has no seat belt and two have lap belts.
For your budget you could get a nice fuel injected T25. But even then, it will probably need regular attention. If depreciation is a concern then it might suit. Ours is probably breaking even, with appreciation and repair costs.
When going with the kids, we take a four man tent rather than the more expensive, cumbersome awnings. The tent has a dining area, and gives that extra undercover space needed.
We have a three bike rack on the back and the fourth bike goes in the van. We tend to only use the bikes locally on day trips though. We are booked this summer to go to France with the bikes on the back, but we will need to wait and see what happens with C-19.
For context, our van is an air-cooled VW T25. We are not part of the 'scene' but thought if it did not suit us, it would be easier to sell. We bought it about eight years ago and have no regrets. Ours has been fairly reliable (never left us stranded) but as a daily it is probably not suitable for your needs. It can legally seat six people - but one has no seat belt and two have lap belts.
For your budget you could get a nice fuel injected T25. But even then, it will probably need regular attention. If depreciation is a concern then it might suit. Ours is probably breaking even, with appreciation and repair costs.
Edited by mike9009 on Thursday 30th April 23:11
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