Where to start - Campervan

[CAH706]

The more I read the more confused I get!

If you have any recommended reading or groups for me to look at please let me know.

I’ll try and keep this brief

I have a second car for generally running around with the dog which is getting close to needing changing. I’m thinking of moving to a small camper van (eg transit size) so I still have a vehicle for dog use but also gives me the options of days/weekends away.

The vehicle would mainly be used when I visit my son at uni which would be me or me and the dog for a night or 2. I like also the idea of exploring our country more on the way to and from visiting him. Ocasional use for me and the wife (not with the dog) and potentially the odd longer trip.

I basically have no idea where or what to start looking for.

I have a budget of circa £30k. Would that be realistic?

Ideal size is around a transit size. Neither my wife nor I are very tall ( I’m 5. 11”) or chunky. I could go a bit bigger but not too much as I’d like it to fit in car park spaces.

No idea what makes are reliable or recommended. I hear horror stories on wet belts

I’d like some kitchen in there but a shower wouldn’t be a necessity.

I’m guessing a pop top would make things more pleasant.

I could buy a van and get a conversion as I’m in no rush but not sure if this is the right option. I like near Skipton so not sure if there are decent options for this round here.

Any pointers or suggestions?

[CAH706]

Thanks for all the replies. Really helpful.

I hadn’t realised that I was close to a prolific seller so that’s very useful to know. I’ll get in touch with them.

Thanks for the suggestions. I have some flex in my budget up to £40k so those listed are within that.

I’ve hired a van locally for a couple of days the week after next to have a ‘test run’ which will help me narrow down the must haves. The reality is I probably won’t cook much if at all in it but I guess this may impact re-sale without it?

Thanks again all.

PS sorry for the slow reply. My reply post has not worked a couple of times.

[CAH706]

Freakuk said:

I know nothing about campers, sorry.... BUT one of friends does conversions for a living, specifically Transporters and has a great business and lots of returning customers and word of mouth.

He's in Chorley, so not too far from you I guess. He usually converts customers base vans or buys brand new vans from VW and converts, but he does occasionally have a van or two in stock that has been traded against something else or he's 2nd hand and converted/waiting conversion.

I can PM his details phone/website etc if interested.

Yes that is close to me.

If you could PM the details that would be great

[CAH706]

Thanks also for the additional comments.

I did consider a one of the MPV options but I think I’d prefer to go the whole hog and get a van. Worse case scenario if I buy right I could sell it in a year and not lose too much on it.

I’m liking the look of the VW California but let’s see how I go with the one I’ve got lined up to rent.

[CAH706]

stevemcs said:

Go for something that has a shower and toilet, it would make such a difference, if you didn t want to go that big then go for a Transit, they are wider than the vw which in turn means the bed can be wider, they also drive so much better than the vw.

Thanks for the reply.

What size would be needed for a shower/toilet?

[CAH706]

Thanks again all. There are some really useful and helpful points made.

To clarify as I probably confused things a little. I have a car for daily duties but the dog doesn’t fit in it. It’s a Hyundai Inster.

A second car (Honda touring) is currently used as and when he needs to go places eg vets, groomers or a different place to walk. The last 2 months he’s been in the car orce. He’s getting older and we generally walk in the fields around my house now. If I get a van I’d use this to take him places as and when needed. We did use the Honda for airport trips etc but now we use a taxi so no issues there.

We also have my sons car to use (again not suitable for the dog) as he won’t take this to uni.

I’m retired so have time on my hands and thought a van may allow me to visit my son at Uni and explore our country a bit on the way down or back. It would mean I could take the dog new places on this trip as well.

I have thought using hotels may be a more sensible option but I’d still need to change my second car as it’s aging. The Inster doesnt work for longer motorway journeys.

I’d a trick decision and I’m hoping hiring a van will help me decide what to do

[CAH706]

Loads more really interesting comments and the difference in options probably show why I’m struggling with making a decision!

I think the key will be how I get on with my retail and if it goes well I’ll probably rent at least one more time to be sure.

Ps I’m 54 so hopefully not too old yet

[CAH706]

A little update on this but firstly thanks for the additional comments.

I had a night away in a neighbours VW Cali. He kindly let me use it and I loved it but I’m thinking I might like to go a bit bigger.

My wife who was not really sold on the idea of Campervan is now 109% behind the idea so that makes things earlier!

[CAH706]

Quick update on this.

I spent a day/night in a VW Ocean and 2 days in a California.

Love the drive and size externally of them but found them a little small inside. I think I’d like to go a little bigger with a shower but I’ve not ruled them out yet.

I’m now looking at trying to rent a slightly bigger van to see how I go with that.

I also saw a Fiat Ducato (?) in the gym car park this morning which looked a good size. Was just a bit longer than the parking bay but not by much. Was hoping to catch the owner for a chat but he seemed to vanish! I’ll google that van a little later today to see if I can see more information on it.

[CAH706]

Bryans69 said:

Not to be picky, but the Ocean is a California. The also have the Beach and Coast, which have lesser amounts of furniture (can't remember exactly what without looking)

Not being picky. I get confused …. I (think I) had a Beach and Ocean. One with and one without a kitchen.

Both the same size and both SWB I think