Dipping a toe and buying a camper
Discussion
Hello all. My wife and I have long wanted a camper and have decided to go for it with a (relatively) limited budget.
Looks like a budget of about £25k and at the moment we both like the look of Transporter campers. I apologise if I get the terminology wrong, but the converted van style without shower/toilets. We go camping and we're both relatively practical and I think this would suit us best to see how we get on.
A few questions.
- With that budget, what year/mileage/type would people recommend? Or more specifically which would you avoid! Are there any weak engine types or known issues? I'm not too keen on anything too conspicuous, this is the one we're most drawn to based on "ooh I like that one".
- Are there any recommended insurance companies? We'd only be touring in the UK for now I think.
- Which (if any) clubs etc would be worth joining for booking into sites and things?
- What towing capacity would a Tranpsporter based one have? If I wanted to tow a trailer with a motorbike on in the future, or load a scooter on the back what are the options?
As you can guess we're complete novices at this and I'm having a look around in parallel but I figured there's likely to be some good knowledge on here too
Looks like a budget of about £25k and at the moment we both like the look of Transporter campers. I apologise if I get the terminology wrong, but the converted van style without shower/toilets. We go camping and we're both relatively practical and I think this would suit us best to see how we get on.
A few questions.
- With that budget, what year/mileage/type would people recommend? Or more specifically which would you avoid! Are there any weak engine types or known issues? I'm not too keen on anything too conspicuous, this is the one we're most drawn to based on "ooh I like that one".
- Are there any recommended insurance companies? We'd only be touring in the UK for now I think.
- Which (if any) clubs etc would be worth joining for booking into sites and things?
- What towing capacity would a Tranpsporter based one have? If I wanted to tow a trailer with a motorbike on in the future, or load a scooter on the back what are the options?
As you can guess we're complete novices at this and I'm having a look around in parallel but I figured there's likely to be some good knowledge on here too
Worst time of year to buy! It does mean there will be a lot for sale. Prices are all over the place and not helped by a lot of people asking crazy amounts, I sold mine last year, converted low mileage 61plate ex rac, 75 k mileage for 16k but it was rare 7 speed auto (and was the 140bhp engine). We sold to fund motorhome.
25k is healthy budget, look on ebay at sold prices to get an idea what it will get you.
Just to add, insurance was with Adrian Flux..
25k is healthy budget, look on ebay at sold prices to get an idea what it will get you.
Just to add, insurance was with Adrian Flux..
Edited by ozzuk on Monday 24th March 15:59
srob said:
Hello all. My wife and I have long wanted a camper and have decided to go for it with a (relatively) limited budget.
Looks like a budget of about £25k and at the moment we both like the look of Transporter campers. I apologise if I get the terminology wrong, but the converted van style without shower/toilets. We go camping and we're both relatively practical and I think this would suit us best to see how we get on.
A few questions.
- With that budget, what year/mileage/type would people recommend? Or more specifically which would you avoid! Are there any weak engine types or known issues? I'm not too keen on anything too conspicuous, this is the one we're most drawn to based on "ooh I like that one".
- Are there any recommended insurance companies? We'd only be touring in the UK for now I think.
- Which (if any) clubs etc would be worth joining for booking into sites and things?
- What towing capacity would a Tranpsporter based one have? If I wanted to tow a trailer with a motorbike on in the future, or load a scooter on the back what are the options?
As you can guess we're complete novices at this and I'm having a look around in parallel but I figured there's likely to be some good knowledge on here too
With that budget you'll be looking at a T5.1 (2010-2016) most likely. In that model, the 180 Bi-Turbo was known for having issues, the others are fine. Looks like a budget of about £25k and at the moment we both like the look of Transporter campers. I apologise if I get the terminology wrong, but the converted van style without shower/toilets. We go camping and we're both relatively practical and I think this would suit us best to see how we get on.
A few questions.
- With that budget, what year/mileage/type would people recommend? Or more specifically which would you avoid! Are there any weak engine types or known issues? I'm not too keen on anything too conspicuous, this is the one we're most drawn to based on "ooh I like that one".
- Are there any recommended insurance companies? We'd only be touring in the UK for now I think.
- Which (if any) clubs etc would be worth joining for booking into sites and things?
- What towing capacity would a Tranpsporter based one have? If I wanted to tow a trailer with a motorbike on in the future, or load a scooter on the back what are the options?
As you can guess we're complete novices at this and I'm having a look around in parallel but I figured there's likely to be some good knowledge on here too
It's personal preference, but having had our long wheel base for 11 years, I wouldn't consider a short wheel base (unless it was a daily driver where parking might be more of an issue) for a camper conversion. That extra 400mm of space in the back makes all the difference. We can have the bed down and still have some floor space (enough for the loo in it's buddy box - very handy if you have to get up during the night - plus access to the fridge).
See this pic - the two protrusions on the floor beyond the sliding door? That's the extra length in a long wheel base.
I'm insured with Brentacre, they've been very good so far.
srob said:
Hello all. My wife and I have long wanted a camper and have decided to go for it with a (relatively) limited budget.
Looks like a budget of about £25k and at the moment we both like the look of Transporter campers. I apologise if I get the terminology wrong, but the converted van style without shower/toilets. We go camping and we're both relatively practical and I think this would suit us best to see how we get on.
A few questions.
- With that budget, what year/mileage/type would people recommend? Or more specifically which would you avoid! Are there any weak engine types or known issues? I'm not too keen on anything too conspicuous, this is the one we're most drawn to based on "ooh I like that one".
- Are there any recommended insurance companies? We'd only be touring in the UK for now I think.
- Which (if any) clubs etc would be worth joining for booking into sites and things?
- What towing capacity would a Tranpsporter based one have? If I wanted to tow a trailer with a motorbike on in the future, or load a scooter on the back what are the options?
As you can guess we're complete novices at this and I'm having a look around in parallel but I figured there's likely to be some good knowledge on here too
I think you need to be clear about the layout that you want. I would echo the point made about a LWB, the difference in space is amazing.Looks like a budget of about £25k and at the moment we both like the look of Transporter campers. I apologise if I get the terminology wrong, but the converted van style without shower/toilets. We go camping and we're both relatively practical and I think this would suit us best to see how we get on.
A few questions.
- With that budget, what year/mileage/type would people recommend? Or more specifically which would you avoid! Are there any weak engine types or known issues? I'm not too keen on anything too conspicuous, this is the one we're most drawn to based on "ooh I like that one".
- Are there any recommended insurance companies? We'd only be touring in the UK for now I think.
- Which (if any) clubs etc would be worth joining for booking into sites and things?
- What towing capacity would a Tranpsporter based one have? If I wanted to tow a trailer with a motorbike on in the future, or load a scooter on the back what are the options?
As you can guess we're complete novices at this and I'm having a look around in parallel but I figured there's likely to be some good knowledge on here too
A pop top is a must, better than a high top van which won’t fit into car parks under the height restrictors.
The picture of the lovely looking interior above just doesn’t work for us as the bed is too narrow and compromised by the cupboards. Our bed is at the front and all the cupboards at the back, this gives us a full width bed which is also just over 6ft long.
When we were looking we went to the camping show at the NEC so that we could see lots of different layouts together and decide which worked for us.
Avoid the bi tdi and if going for the 2.0 budget for the cambelt and most likely front oil seal which usually fails
I would also say look at vivaro style vans, you will get more for your money as your not paying scene tax, they are also nicer vans. Ford Transit is also an option, they are wider than the VW which means a slightly bigger bed.
I would also say look at vivaro style vans, you will get more for your money as your not paying scene tax, they are also nicer vans. Ford Transit is also an option, they are wider than the VW which means a slightly bigger bed.
Morning all. Thanks for the replies, interesting to read there seems to be a theme on which engine/s to steer clear of!
Layout wise, we haven't really got any preferences. We did go to the motorhome show at the NEC last year but it was more on a dreaming mission than a practical one! At that point we were just idly wandering round looking at the larger ones dreaming of winning the lotto
I haven't seen many LWB options, but in all honesty we're pretty early in the search (although my wife would happily buy the first one she likes the look of!) so we need to search on a little.
I'm looking at this as a way of seeing how we like the practicality of owning a camper, so whilst it isn't our forever option I'm keen we don't buy the wrong (for us) type and put ourselves off.
Layout wise, we haven't really got any preferences. We did go to the motorhome show at the NEC last year but it was more on a dreaming mission than a practical one! At that point we were just idly wandering round looking at the larger ones dreaming of winning the lotto
I haven't seen many LWB options, but in all honesty we're pretty early in the search (although my wife would happily buy the first one she likes the look of!) so we need to search on a little.
I'm looking at this as a way of seeing how we like the practicality of owning a camper, so whilst it isn't our forever option I'm keen we don't buy the wrong (for us) type and put ourselves off.
markymarkthree said:
Check the cost of road tax before you buy.
You don't want a £600+pa van.
Thanks, is there an easy way to do this? Most of the fun vehicles I have don't have tax to pay so I'm a bit out of touch!You don't want a £600+pa van.
skeeterm5 said:
The other option is to hire one and try it out.
That is something I've debated but from a quick look it's incredibly expensive!We bought a California a year ago and love it.
Downside is lack of space when both beds are set up. Other than that, it’s great.
I’d echo the above, the advice to avoid the 180bhp is probably wise but the vast majority of them are ok and so if the price is right, might be worth considering although there’s always the worry when you come to sell.
We’ve got a 140 which seem to have a much better reputation.
Downside is lack of space when both beds are set up. Other than that, it’s great.
I’d echo the above, the advice to avoid the 180bhp is probably wise but the vast majority of them are ok and so if the price is right, might be worth considering although there’s always the worry when you come to sell.
We’ve got a 140 which seem to have a much better reputation.
Definitely hire one. It's the best thing we did. We hired an 'on trend' SWB pop top VW Transporter. And worked out it was too small, cold with the roof up, lacked storage and generally was not all that. Note we camp year round in the Highlands.
The other thing we learned is that many home conversions are frankly pretty s
t. Dodgy electrics. Uncertain insulation. Bodged to fit cupboards with more squeaks than a group of mice. Odd water and waste arrangements. We found that proper factory conversions tended to have proper tanks, good electrics, quieter, better thought out etc. Home conversions are often the lighter suspension set ups etc.
We've ended up with a 2014 T5.1 2.0tdi (115bhp) T30 LWB High Roof Bilbo's Komba. It's got loads of storage. It's warm. It's got a wider bed than most. Electrics and tanks are good, it's quiet going down the road. I can stand up in it fully.
So I would suggest LWB definitely and consider high roof.
The other thing we learned is that many home conversions are frankly pretty s
t. Dodgy electrics. Uncertain insulation. Bodged to fit cupboards with more squeaks than a group of mice. Odd water and waste arrangements. We found that proper factory conversions tended to have proper tanks, good electrics, quieter, better thought out etc. Home conversions are often the lighter suspension set ups etc.We've ended up with a 2014 T5.1 2.0tdi (115bhp) T30 LWB High Roof Bilbo's Komba. It's got loads of storage. It's warm. It's got a wider bed than most. Electrics and tanks are good, it's quiet going down the road. I can stand up in it fully.
So I would suggest LWB definitely and consider high roof.
Edited by POIDH on Tuesday 25th March 07:54
srob said:
markymarkthree said:
Check the cost of road tax before you buy.
You don't want a £600+pa van.
Thanks, is there an easy way to do this? Most of the fun vehicles I have don't have tax to pay so I'm a bit out of touch!You don't want a £600+pa van.
skeeterm5 said:
The other option is to hire one and try it out.
That is something I've debated but from a quick look it's incredibly expensive!People always say 'avoid high-tops', but we had a great long-term T4 Transporter with one. In 10 years I can only think of one incident where not being able to fit under a car park barrier caused even the slightest bother. They are warmer and quieter. Best of all you can stand up in them at all times.
Join a few Facebook groups.
Swivel front seats are great - if it's just the 2 of you then the front seat is best as a single as the doubles aren't as comfy for long drives.
A diesel heater already fitted is a good thing.
Go for one with a black pop top material, lets in less light although our heat wrap helps us.
LWB is a gem but SWB is also good.
A fitted Fiama awning looks good but I'm not a fan, awnings are cheap to buy.
Get a few VW festivals booked, genuine sellers are selling vans plus you'll get to see lots of others that you might get inspiration from - CamperJam / Dubs in the Middle / Busfest et al.
An independent full vehicle inspection can be done for £150, any good seller would get one done.
Budget £1k per year to keep the money pit going.
Insurance - Howden formally A Plan but there are a handful of specialists for conversions Brentacre / Adrian Flux
Lowered suspension typically = harsher ride especially on 20" wheels
Keep us updated, good luck with the search
We wouldn't be without our T5.1
We paid £16,000 for our 2010 T32 T5.1 last year with 158,000 on the clock
You should get a late T5.1 early T6 in budget
Swivel front seats are great - if it's just the 2 of you then the front seat is best as a single as the doubles aren't as comfy for long drives.
A diesel heater already fitted is a good thing.
Go for one with a black pop top material, lets in less light although our heat wrap helps us.
LWB is a gem but SWB is also good.
A fitted Fiama awning looks good but I'm not a fan, awnings are cheap to buy.
Get a few VW festivals booked, genuine sellers are selling vans plus you'll get to see lots of others that you might get inspiration from - CamperJam / Dubs in the Middle / Busfest et al.
An independent full vehicle inspection can be done for £150, any good seller would get one done.
Budget £1k per year to keep the money pit going.
Insurance - Howden formally A Plan but there are a handful of specialists for conversions Brentacre / Adrian Flux
Lowered suspension typically = harsher ride especially on 20" wheels
Keep us updated, good luck with the search
We wouldn't be without our T5.1
We paid £16,000 for our 2010 T32 T5.1 last year with 158,000 on the clock
You should get a late T5.1 early T6 in budget
Edited by MOMACC on Tuesday 25th March 16:47
Mr Peel said:
People always say 'avoid high-tops', but we had a great long-term T4 Transporter with one. In 10 years I can only think of one incident where not being able to fit under a car park barrier caused even the slightest bother. They are warmer and quieter. Best of all you can stand up in them at all times.
indeed - we worked out the number of times we would be in ULEZ or in a place with height barriers in a given year (not many, the camper is for the countryside) and said 'meh, we will go for high top and non-ULEZ'.In 18 months of ownership we have had one car park we had to change plans on and I have to be careful visiting son in Edinburgh and take the 'non-ULEZ route' to his place.
Oh, and we paid £30k for a 2014 T32 LWB High Top factory conversion, two fastidious previous owners, new tyres and suspension bushings all around, just serviced and habitation checked....with 24k miles on the clock
Do go for it - they are brilliant things. But do hire one - just a couple of nights is enough to get a feel for them and make informed decisions.
And I second advice on avoiding big wheels and lowered wagons. There is a huge scene in taking a very driveable and functional vehicle and making it a lot, lot worse to drive around just because you can standout among all the other lowered, big wheeled, on-point darkened window, rear spoilered, DC and Dubbed Out stickered buses with VW logo's embossed on every surface....
Oh.
Wait.
Oh.
Wait.
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