Considering a campervan

[Skyedriver]

Considering a campervan. - Trying to get my head around the various options available and rapidly getting bogged down .

It would be used for days away and maybe one or two overnight stays, probably no more.

It would be me at a motorsport event or wife, son two dogs and me (get the pecking order) for an overnight stay.

It would replace a Volvo 940 Estate which is our do everything vehicle (holidays/shops/tip/builders merchant etc). So would also be an every day vehicle. (We have a couple of less sensible cars too).

I've read a few threads on this forum such as

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

and Leighs brilliant build thread from some time ago.

There's so many options and ideas I really don't know which route to take.

I'm initially suggesting a budget of around £6k but guessing I'm going to end up spending more. If more, the vehicle really needs to be used regularly.

Do I buy a van and convert or buy ready built? I'm ok with fitting kitchens etc at home.
There seems to be a lot of converted and part converted vans available but most have galactic mileages.

T5 the obvious choice, most options and possibly the best looking?? Like the look of a Vito but heard mixed reviews. Went looking at Transits a few years ago for use as a removal/house renovation van and was surprised how rotten they were after just a few years so abandoned that idea.

I reckon that with the whole family we will need a pop top (advice elsewhere is don't buy a high top)?

Kitchen across the back would seem best option for inside space but means "cooking" (kettle and washing up more likely after fish and chips) would be outside (in the rain!).

Assuming a T5 (or Vito) what sort of things do I look for in the way of the vehicles themselves, any particular engines to avoid. Would prefer something with enough poke to get it up a hill and tow a light trailer/Caterham.
And what is essential if the van is already fitted out. (I've seen photos of some pretty crap installations.) It needs to be comfortable.

At this sort of budget am I pissing against the wind?

I'm west coast Scotland so somewhat distant from most stuff for sale.

Thanks for any useful tips or advice.

[Skyedriver]

Thanks for all of your thoughts, to answer a few questions, There's three of us, me, wife and one son, with (at the moment) two dogs. Son is a tall 14 year old.
Towing is out as i might be towing a race car on a trailer.

Sounds like it's a case of up the budget, select something other than a T5, do the fit out myself or just be patient until the right vehicle turns up.
There's plenty of motorhomes and campervans through our area but most are on holiday here. Don't see many actually for sale. Will do regular checks on all the usual web sites.

[Skyedriver]

LeighW said:

Skyedriver said:

and Leighs brilliant build thread from some time ago.

Just spotted this thread. Just for reference, I think that the total spend on mine including the van (£7200) was around £15000 by the time it was all done, and that's with no pop top. Mine is long wheel base, and while for just me and the wife there is plenty of room, with your son and dogs along too, I would say you either need a high top/pop top or an awning, otherwise it would be pretty snug!

Thanks Leigh, it was reading your story a couple of years ago that has had my mind thinking about this ever since.
Like the idea of a pop top so I can stand upright. An awning would be OK too I guess but can't see the lad sleeping in that so would be the dogs.

For the poster above the "race car" would be my Caterham or a similar lightweight car.

[Skyedriver]

bristolracer said:

OP

Have a look at the Toyota Regius/Hiace/Granvia variations.
They are imports available with diesel or petrol engines, most likely automatics with overdrive. I have had 2 and they are excellent.

The other possibility may be a Mazda Bongo, they have a good following, but watch for rust and overheating problems £6k should buy you a good example.

Without getting into the whole VW argument, I would suggest that your budget may be better suited to a T4 rather than a T5 if you want a T5 you are going to need a bigger budget. The T4 is an old van now, and is a bit agricultural so you may find it a bit tiresome for day to day living.
Having said that my son has one and happily drives it from Plymouth to Scotland.

Im not sure where you live but also keep an eye on your local cities future emissions policy, a £6k budget is going to be an old van that is very unlikely to pass any future limits

Thanks, yes I've seen the various imports and Hiace around, not sure what the conversion kit availability is like. Don't really fancy a T4. Started off looking at Bongo/Freda range a couple of year ago and wa sput off by rust on the older models, the V6 was the only engine with any power but was fragile IIRC and the actual size is smaller than a T5 and I doubt it would remove a rice pudding skin never mind tow a trailer...