First campervan - Some advice welcome

[JamesL]

Hi folks,
I'm looking to buy my first campervan, and have been doing some research, and looking at a few. I know what I'm looking for on the habitation side, and I've had no trouble finding ones that meet those criteria. I'm not mechanically minded so I'm having a bit more trouble when thinking about the base vehicle, which is where I would be grateful for your advice.

I intend using it for working on my laptop on the road for a few weeks, or while away from home at the office, or for short holidays of up to four weeks. I want to be able to use it on a daily basis to replace my car. When I say daily, to be fair, I often don't use my car on more than two days a week when I work from home. Obviously reliability is important, but I'm also keen on something with good resistance to rust, having lost a couple of great old Saabs to rust, when the engines were still in fine form. It will be used mostly in the UK, and I don't expect to be going off-grid very much. I don't have much experience driving vans, and when I did they were almost empty, so not very heavy.

Initially, I was looking at Duettos and Symbols because they had the shower cubicle. I found the cubicles a little small, and since I'm likely to spend a fair bit of the time on campsites will have access to both on-site, I'm considering a different layout in a smaller package. Specifically, I'm looking at either Toyota Alphard pop top or VW T5 high/pop top. I've noted a few threads on the Alphard, and note the fuel consumption issue. The ones I've seen so far are the 2.5L petrol. The T5s I'm looking at are the 1.9d.

As I say, I'm not mechanically minded, so wondering if it's better to get a conversion that's based on a van(T5), rather than a car(Alphard), albeit a large one. I'm thinking about extra weight and the supporting structures underneath.

I'd be vey interested in your thoughts on this, rust, fuel consumption, and anything else you think might be relevant. If you have any suggestions for other conversions I should consider, that would be great as well. I looked at Romahomes but they felt a bit cramped.
Thanks,
James.

 

[Puddleduck]

Personally I don't think there is much to choose between base vehicles as all have advantages and disadvantages. We've had Mercedes, Toyota and Fiat on the vans and all sorts of different cars (including Ford).

 

[MisterB]

Short holidays of four weeks .... You may find the amount of living space restrictive, though I'm sure lots of others manage it !

 

[DJIT]

Hi James,
As others have said, living space might be tight in some of these vehicles for 4 weeks or more.
However, to answer your specific question about base vehicles, we used to have a VW transporter camper conversion, and there is definitely a premium on VW vans, since there is a whole "scene" associated with them. There are VW meet-ups and rallies etc. and a lot more people seem to be enthusiastic about VW based campers and vans than other specific base vehicles.
Hence, if you are not into the scene, you can get a lot more for your money looking at other vehicles of a similar size - as a quick comparison,
£12k would buy a 2014 VW T5 with 92k miles
£11k would buy a 2018 Ford transit custom with 72k miles

 

[Viennese]

I'd be looking for a WildAx Pulsar. They are very popular and well-loved

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[rosalan]

First priority, almost regardless of marque, layout! I believe one of the main reasons for people changing their motorhomes is layout found not to suite their needs.

 

[headlight]

I found my previous 5.4M PVC (Renault Traffic conversion) fine for long weekends and 1-2 week holidays provided the weather was nice and you could spend plenty of time outside, so only really slept in the van.
However a few days bad weather where you had to stay in the van (2 of us) was not great.
I changed to a 6m coach built 2 years ago.
The extra space and home comforts inside the van has made a massive difference, to us anyway.
We're going away tomorrow for 4 nights.
The weather forecast is terrible but I don't care as I know if we have to stay inside the van we have plenty of room and are completely self contained and self sufficient.
I wouldn't fancy 4 weeks in a van the size of a VW in the UK as chances are you'll have to spend days in the van due to the weather.

 

[davidbaldam]

Hi and welcome to FUN. As others have said layout is the key, sit in any van you’re interested in and think “what would it be like to sit here during a few wet windy days”. Oh and you’re dying for the toilet and it’s bucketing it down and the shower block is about 5 minutes walk away.

 

[JamesL]

Hi and welcome to FUN. As others have said layout is the key, sit in any van you’re interested in and think “what would it be like to sit here during a few wet windy days”. Oh and you’re dying for the toilet and it’s bucketing it down and the shower block is about 5 minutes walk away.

Thanks David. Good points! I know what you mean about the layout. I tried a couple of larger vans, and concluded that I was never going to confuse being in the van with being in a hotel, so thought the ease of driving the smaller van might work for me. The main thing I noticed was the importance of being able to stand-up properly. I have to admit a toilet would be handy at times.

 

[JamesL]

I found my previous 5.4M PVC (Renault Traffic conversion) fine for long weekends and 1-2 week holidays provided the weather was nice and you could spend plenty of time outside, so only really slept in the van.
However a few days bad weather where you had to stay in the van (2 of us) was not great.
I changed to a 6m coach built 2 years ago.
The extra space and home comforts inside the van has made a massive difference, to us anyway.
We're going away tomorrow for 4 nights.
The weather forecast is terrible but I don't care as I know if we have to stay inside the van we have plenty of room and are completely self contained and self sufficient.
I wouldn't fancy 4 weeks in a van the size of a VW in the UK as chances are you'll have to spend days in the van due to the weather.

Thanks headlight. Yes, the consensus seems to be that the VW may be a bit small at times. I guess I won't know for sure until I jump in and give it a go. Maybe start small and see how I get on with the driving it and go bigger with the next one as you did.

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[JamesL]

First priority, almost regardless of marque, layout! I believe one of the main reasons for people changing their motorhomes is layout found not to suite their needs.

Thanks Rosalan. Yes, some of them seem to make better use of the space than others.

 

[JamesL]

I'd be looking for a WildAx Pulsar. They are very popular and well-loved

Thanks Viennese, I'll look them up.

 

[JamesL]

Hi James,
As others have said, living space might be tight in some of these vehicles for 4 weeks or more.
However, to answer your specific question about base vehicles, we used to have a VW transporter camper conversion, and there is definitely a premium on VW vans, since there is a whole "scene" associated with them. There are VW meet-ups and rallies etc. and a lot more people seem to be enthusiastic about VW based campers and vans than other specific base vehicles.
Hence, if you are not into the scene, you can get a lot more for your money looking at other vehicles of a similar size - as a quick comparison,
£12k would buy a 2014 VW T5 with 92k miles
£11k would buy a 2018 Ford transit custom with 72k miles

Thanks DJIT. I'm not really looking for a "scene", so not bothered about that too much. I suppose at least the VW would hold its value, a bit like the Duettos.

 

[JamesL]

Short holidays of four weeks .... You may find the amount of living space restrictive, though I'm sure lots of others manage it !

Thanks MisterB. That seems to be the view of most people. I did read about one person who went around Europe in something that was basically a Renault estate car, but I doubt it was very comfortable

 

[JamesL]

Personally I don't think there is much to choose between base vehicles as all have advantages and disadvantages. We've had Mercedes, Toyota and Fiat on the vans and all sorts of different cars (including Ford).

Thanks Puddleduck, that's good to know.

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[headlight]

Thanks headlight. Yes, the consensus seems to be that the VW may be a bit small at times. I guess I won't know for sure until I jump in and give it a go. Maybe start small and see how I get on with the driving it and go bigger with the next one as you did.

You will find that within reason length makes no difference to the driving, an extra metre is not noticeable, lots on here will confirm.
Its width that makes a difference to driving.
But an extra say 30cm in width also makes a big difference to internal space.
Having a bathroom with toilet, shower and hand basin makes using a van much much more usable, especially if you are going to use it for several weeks.
I use mine in the UK 12 months a year.
More often in summer than winter but I still use it through winter just generally for shorter trips. Typically up to 4 nights away in winter where as in summer it can be up to 4 weeks.

 

[JamesL]

You will find that within reason length makes no difference to the driving, an extra metre is not noticeable, lots on here will confirm.
Its width that makes a difference to driving.
But an extra say 30cm in width also makes a big difference to internal space.
Having a bathroom with toilet, shower and hand basin makes using a van much much more usable, especially if you are going to use it for several weeks.
I use mine in the UK 12 months a year.
More often in summer than winter but I still use it through winter just generally for shorter trips. Typically up to 4 nights away in winter where as in summer it can be up to 4 weeks.

Thanks headlight. Yes, I noticed the difference to the feel of internal space from a small difference in width and roof shape when comparing the Topaz with the Duetto. It was the width difference that I noticed most on the few occasions I've driven a van. UK roads, especially around towns can get very tight these days. Not exactly the wide open spaces of the US.

 

[Neckender]

JamesL Hi James I have had 6 motorhomes in the last 19 years coach builds and PVCs.
I now have a VWT6.1 Transporter bought new on Nov 2021 I’ve converted it from a 6 seater to a 6 seater with pop top and a Van King bed system with a sliding tray beneath the bed. We have a Berghaus 300 air awning on the side and we put the porta potti toilet in the awning tunnel, we do all our cooking and living in the awning.
Now my cousin has just bought a Toyota Vellfire Alphard 2010 reg Japanese import with 76000km, with all the bells and whistles electricly, twin sliding doors, walnut steering wheel and dash.
The company has fitted a pop top, A rear pod for cooker and sink, with cupboards for gas, 12 battery and room for a porta potty, a removable table and they converted it so it had a single bed, room for his dogs bed, curtains all around, waxoiled, new discs and pads and tyres.
All for £15000, my VW Transporter up to now is close to £60000 and still spending, his Alphards interior will n
knock spots off a VW Transporter anyday.
He is also an ex Saab fanatic as he’s had quite a few in the past and just sold his last one.

Toyota Alphard Imports

Toyota Alphard Sales | Ian Taylor UK Ltd | Stoke-on-Trent

At Ian Taylor UK Ltd we sell freshly imported Toyota Alphard and Mazda Bongo MPV's from Japan . We also provide a 36 month dealer warranty on all sales, and have workshops for servicing, conversions and repairs. Visit our website to view our stock

www.japcarimport.co.uk

John.

 

[headlight]

Neckender Just interested do you do all your "cooking and lving" in the awning in UK winter ?

 

[Spriddler]

There's an excellent guide produced by our Leader which you might find useful, available free to subscribers.

The Motorhome Buyers Guide

This book will save you money, probably a lot of money. It will show you, step step by step, how choose the right motorhome and then show you how you can easily negotiate the very best price. This book is FREE to subscribers. Download it by...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

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[Neckender]

Neckender Just interested do you do all your "cooking and lving" in the awning in UK winter ?

Hello headlight We don’t do winter camping, up to 2018 we used to go to Benidorm for winter.

John.

 

[JamesL]

JamesL Hi James I have had 6 motorhomes in the last 19 years coach builds and PVCs.
I now have a VWT6.1 Transporter bought new on Nov 2021 I’ve converted it from a 6 seater to a 6 seater with pop top and a Van King bed system with a sliding tray beneath the bed. We have a Berghaus 300 air awning on the side and we put the porta potti toilet in the awning tunnel, we do all our cooking and living in the awning.
Now my cousin has just bought a Toyota Vellfire Alphard 2010 reg Japanese import with 76000km, with all the bells and whistles electricly, twin sliding doors, walnut steering wheel and dash.
The company has fitted a pop top, A rear pod for cooker and sink, with cupboards for gas, 12 battery and room for a porta potty, a removable table and they converted it so it had a single bed, room for his dogs bed, curtains all around, waxoiled, new discs and pads and tyres.
All for £15000, my VW Transporter up to now is close to £60000 and still spending, his Alphards interior will n
knock spots off a VW Transporter anyday.
He is also an ex Saab fanatic as he’s had quite a few in the past and just sold his last one.

Toyota Alphard Imports

Toyota Alphard Sales | Ian Taylor UK Ltd | Stoke-on-Trent

At Ian Taylor UK Ltd we sell freshly imported Toyota Alphard and Mazda Bongo MPV's from Japan . We also provide a 36 month dealer warranty on all sales, and have workshops for servicing, conversions and repairs. Visit our website to view our stock

www.japcarimport.co.uk

John.

Many thanks for the info. John, that's really helpful. Thanks for the link. Up until now, the main converter that I have seen is Jap Motors in Sheffield. I like what you say about the way you use your awning. That's some nice flexibility.

 

[JamesL]

There's an excellent guide produced by our Leader which you might find useful, available free to subscribers.

The Motorhome Buyers Guide

This book will save you money, probably a lot of money. It will show you, step step by step, how choose the right motorhome and then show you how you can easily negotiate the very best price. This book is FREE to subscribers. Download it by...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Thanks for pointing me to this Spriddler. I'll have a read through it.

 

[rod_vw]

Hi James,
As others have said, living space might be tight in some of these vehicles for 4 weeks or more.
However, to answer your specific question about base vehicles, we used to have a VW transporter camper conversion, and there is definitely a premium on VW vans, since there is a whole "scene" associated with them. There are VW meet-ups and rallies etc. and a lot more people seem to be enthusiastic about VW based campers and vans than other specific base vehicles.
Hence, if you are not into the scene, you can get a lot more for your money looking at other vehicles of a similar size - as a quick comparison,
£12k would buy a 2014 VW T5 with 92k miles
£11k would buy a 2018 Ford transit custom with 72k miles

Personally I wouldn't touch a 2014 VW T5 converted to a camper if it were that cheap as there must be something seriously wrong with it! A reasonably decent but basic base vehicle would be close on that price.

JamesL you can always look at my T6 advertised in my signature below, price may be negotiable.

 

[DandG5515]

What hasn’t been mentioned is if you wish to go into the LEZs, I have a 2005 Suzuki petrol car (euro 4) that can go anywhere in this country without being charged, however to get a euro 6 diesel you need to be 2016 onwards. I only mentioned this as a lot of small campers are used as daily cars as well. Also you need to check carefully on road tax, as some have been registered under the emissions not as motorhomes and have high rfl.

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[headlight]

JamesL I take it that you only intend to use the van in the warmer UK months and not through the whole year ?

 

[DJIT]

Personally I wouldn't touch a 2014 VW T5 converted to a camper if it were that cheap as there must be something seriously wrong with it! A reasonably decent but basic base vehicle would be close on that price.

JamesL you can always look at my T6 advertised in my signature below, price may be negotiable.

Just to clarify - those are base vehicle prices, not converted campers.
The OP asked about base vehicles.

 

[JamesL]

Just to clarify - those are base vehicle prices, not converted campers.
The OP asked about base vehicles.

Thanks DJIT for clarifying. The ones I've seen advertised and converted are in the £20k region.

 

[JamesL]

Personally I wouldn't touch a 2014 VW T5 converted to a camper if it were that cheap as there must be something seriously wrong with it! A reasonably decent but basic base vehicle would be close on that price.

JamesL you can always look at my T6 advertised in my signature below, price may be negotiable.

Thanks Rod. That's a lovely looking van, but my budget's more in the region of £25k.

 

[JamesL]

JamesL I take it that you only intend to use the van in the warmer UK months and not through the whole year ?

You raise a good point headlight. I was hoping to be able to use it for about 10 months of the year, avoiding really cold weather. I had assumed there would be some insulation, but not as much as a coachbuilt. I've camped in the winter so don't mind some cold.