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.

 

[JamesL]

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.

Thanks DandG, this is something I only recently thought about. Luckily I'm not planning to go anywhere near any LEZs at the moment, but with the rate at which they are likely to spring up over the coming years may become a bigger issue.

 

[vzac]

Base vehicles vans are built to be used a lot, cars are more for more comfort etc. Diesels of any kind these days, all have faults but all have good points and are built for milage. Petrol, you can convert to log, an option not considered a lot now. We have had goats they are fine but driving position in them for me is a bit strange, fords bit more comfortable, Merc to me are the best, man are on. VW over priced. Just my opinion.

 

[headlight]

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.

That's what I thought.
My point is an Alphard or VW with an awning, you will need an awning as there is not enough room inside the van, will be usable for 6 months of the year as you should be able to use the awning for extra space.
If it were me, obviously it's not, and you want to go away for up to 4 weeks and use it 10 months of the year I would be wanting to be self contained as in everything you need in the van.
I would be going for a 6m'ish PVC.
As it is my sister is looking for a van at the moment, just for herself.
I went with her to see an Alphard a few weeks ago.
Lovely vehicle, very high spec, electric everything.
However she discounted it as to small.
She had already discounted VW campers for the same reason.
She's now looking at 6m'ish PVC's.

 

[Neckender]

If you’re mechanicly minded you can fit a Chinese diesel heater for the cooler months early spring and late autumn I fitted one in Dec last year and it’s been great and very economical.
Also in our van I’ve fitted swivel seats, a portable table that swings from the B pillar curtains through out and led lighting 200 watt of portable solar.
We camped 2 weeks in July at the Isle of Wight and we were very comfortable, we’ve booked a month next year and as I’ve said we have had 6 motorhomes in 15 years 2 second hand and 4 brand new,3 coach built and 3 pvcs.
We’re on our second year with the VW and loving it we wouldn’t go back to larger vehicles anymore.
The picture below is an advertisement for the Awning that we have bought.
John.

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[headlight]

If you’re mechanicly minded you can fit a Chinese diesel heater for the cooler months early spring and late autumn I fitted one in Dec last year and it’s been great and very economical.
Also in our van I’ve fitted swivel seats, a portable table that swings from the B pillar curtains through out and led lighting 200 watt of portable solar.
We camped 2 weeks in July at the Isle of Wight and we were very comfortable, we’ve booked a month next year and as I’ve said we have had 6 motorhomes in 15 years 2 second hand and 4 brand new,3 coach built and 3 pvcs.
We’re on our second year with the VW and loving it we wouldn’t go back to larger vehicles anymore.
The picture below is an advertisement for the Awning that we have bought.
John.View attachment 830189

But would you use your VW and awning in November, December, March and April in the UK weather we have as the OP says he wants to use it 10 months of the year ?

 

[Neckender]

I would comfortably but wife wouldn’t.

John.

 

[headlight]

I would comfortably but wife wouldn’t.

John.

I'm not trying to be argumentative here but the OP has said that his proposed use of the van is living and working in it for 10 months of the year up to 4 weeks at a time.
That's a lot different to a fortnight's summer holidays.
I would suggest that the OP hires a VW camper van for a fortnight and sees how he gets on with it.
Only he will know if it meets his needs.
I know that hiring is not cheap but it could save him forking out £20k-£25k only to find that the vehicle is not suitable for him.

 

[Neckender]

The Op said he was interested in Vw Transporter or Toyota Alphard to use as every day vehicle as well, I wouldn’t like to use a 6mtreish van as every day vehicle I’m not trying to be argumentative either.
Anyway I’ve had my personal say on this and it’s my last.
Good luck to the OP on which ever way he goes.

John.

 

[Spriddler]

The Op said he was interested in Vw Transporter or Toyota Alphard to use as every day vehicle as well, I wouldn’t like to use a 6mtreish van as every day vehicle

I have a 6m coach built on a VWT4 base and don't use it as daily transport. It's not the driving of it or the low mpg but parking it in towns that puts me off.

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[DJIT]

If I was looking for the smallest possible vehicle to spend multiple weeks in it would likely be something like a SWB Ducato / Boxer, so around 5.4m.

 

[JamesL]

Thanks for all the thoughts folks. I take your points that it will be ultimately a compromise between usability on a daily basis, size and comfort. DJIT's suggestion of the SWB Ducato/Boxer is interesting as it brings me back to the realm of Duettos/Symbols. Thanks for letting me know your sister's experience headlight. The hiring point is interesting, and I thought about that until I looked at the cost, and decided to put the money towards the van. t's been interesting to hear your thoughts on awnings as it's something I haven't given much thought to, but will definitely look into some more.

 

[Chad Nadbags]

I’m fairly sure a long wheel base T.5 VW van at 5.3M long and with a height of under 2.1M (with a pop-top roof) provides far more useful habitation/working space than a conversion based on an Alphard, yet still be town-friendly. Fuel consumption too is likely to be significantly better with the VW with its Diesel engine than the petrol Alphard.

Like many Japanese cars that weren’t officially exported to European countries, parts and accessory availability can be an issue for Alphard owners, making maintenance and repairs expensive. In contrast, there is a massive aftermarket industry surrounding VW T5 Transporters which share the majority of mechanical parts with later T6s and T6.1s. As Alphards weren’t intended to be used in countries where salt is used in the roads in winter, they are are known to be prone to serious underbody corrosion compared to the German-made Transporters.

Ideally, try to find a T5 with a 150PS 2.0 TDi engine, a fully lined loadspace and that has been owner-driven (which tend to be better maintained and looked after). One without a partition is preferable too as this saves you having to grind out the floor fixings. Avoid any T5 with a 2.5 engine. Good luck with the project.

 

[rod_vw]

I’m fairly sure a long wheel base T.5 VW van at 5.3M long and with a height of under 2.1M (with a pop-top roof) provides far more useful habitation/working space than a conversion based on an Alphard, yet still be town-friendly. Fuel consumption too is likely to be significantly better with the VW with its Diesel engine than the petrol Alphard.

Like many Japanese cars that weren’t officially exported to European countries, parts and accessory availability can be an issue for Alphard owners, making maintenance and repairs expensive. In contrast, there is a massive aftermarket industry surrounding VW T5 Transporters which share the majority of mechanical parts with later T6s and T6.1s. As Alphards weren’t intended to be used in countries where salt is used in the roads in winter, they are are known to be prone to serious underbody corrosion compared to the German-made Transporters.

Ideally, try to find a T5 with a 150PS 2.0 TDi engine, a fully lined loadspace and that has been owner-driven (which tend to be better maintained and looked after). One without a partition is preferable too as this saves you having to grind out the floor fixings. Avoid any T5 with a 2.5 engine. Good luck with the project.

It's not the 2.5l T5 engine that has problems, it's the 180ps twin turbo 2.0l CFCA engine that has the EGR valve / cooler problem see https://www.t6forum.com/threads/healthy-180-cfca-owners.38523/ and many other places although mine never gave any trouble.
The five cylinder 2.5 litre 174ps engine was good from my experience although quite thirsty compared to the more recent 2 litre models.

 

[cyberyacht]

A Romahome R30 might be worth consideration. 5M and probably OK for one for longer periods so long as you aren't claustrophobic. It's when you are cooped up inside when it's cold and wet that is the acid test.

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[paddymcc]

We have owned a Toyota Granvia 2.7L petrol. (1996)This was a grey import by Wellhouse who did the conversion in 2011. It very easy to drive and a good conversion but we upgraded to a motor home as it really was very cramped for 3 ( 2 adults and our daughter, 11 at the time). As people have said fine in good weather but 5 rather wet weeks in Norway were a challenge.
I think I would go for a high top if you plan to use it all year as the insulation is better. The compromise on height barriers in car parks I would say is not a big issue. We have a silver screen type cover for the pop top but it's bulky. Also I think a proper on board toilet makes sense if you are using it all year. Going to a campsite toilet in pouring rain isn't great.
The granvia has been very reliable but it is getting a bit rusty underneath. We probably should have rust proofed it. So far no big problems getting spares but did have to source a rear light cluster from Singapore - it wasn't expensive however.
Good luck whatever you decide.

 

[JamesL]

I’m fairly sure a long wheel base T.5 VW van at 5.3M long and with a height of under 2.1M (with a pop-top roof) provides far more useful habitation/working space than a conversion based on an Alphard, yet still be town-friendly. Fuel consumption too is likely to be significantly better with the VW with its Diesel engine than the petrol Alphard.

Like many Japanese cars that weren’t officially exported to European countries, parts and accessory availability can be an issue for Alphard owners, making maintenance and repairs expensive. In contrast, there is a massive aftermarket industry surrounding VW T5 Transporters which share the majority of mechanical parts with later T6s and T6.1s. As Alphards weren’t intended to be used in countries where salt is used in the roads in winter, they are are known to be prone to serious underbody corrosion compared to the German-made Transporters.

Ideally, try to find a T5 with a 150PS 2.0 TDi engine, a fully lined loadspace and that has been owner-driven (which tend to be better maintained and looked after). One without a partition is preferable too as this saves you having to grind out the floor fixings. Avoid any T5 with a 2.5 engine. Good luck with the project.

Thanks Chad. They are good points about the availability of the parts, I hadn't given that much thought, and the underbody corrosion was one of the things that I was wondering about in the Alphards as opposed to a T5.

 

[JamesL]

A Romahome R30 might be worth consideration. 5M and probably OK for one for longer periods so long as you aren't claustrophobic. It's when you are cooped up inside when it's cold and wet that is the acid test.

Thanks cyberyacht, I'll check it out.

 

[JamesL]

We have owned a Toyota Granvia 2.7L petrol. (1996)This was a grey import by Wellhouse who did the conversion in 2011. It very easy to drive and a good conversion but we upgraded to a motor home as it really was very cramped for 3 ( 2 adults and our daughter, 11 at the time). As people have said fine in good weather but 5 rather wet weeks in Norway were a challenge.
I think I would go for a high top if you plan to use it all year as the insulation is better. The compromise on height barriers in car parks I would say is not a big issue. We have a silver screen type cover for the pop top but it's bulky. Also I think a proper on board toilet makes sense if you are using it all year. Going to a campsite toilet in pouring rain isn't great.
The granvia has been very reliable but it is getting a bit rusty underneath. We probably should have rust proofed it. So far no big problems getting spares but did have to source a rear light cluster from Singapore - it wasn't expensive however.
Good luck whatever you decide.

Thanks paddymcc. I can imagine three in the Granvia was a bit of a squeeze. It'll be just me in whatever I get. Good point on the insulation pop top vs. high top.

 

[andysam]

You will get more bang for your buck with a 6m narrow bodied low profile coachbuilt. They will fit into the same space that the donor vehicle (LWB) will. I have had a 4.8m wide bodied MH, a LWB VW T6 camper, a 7.2m wide bodied MH, a SWB VW T6 and a current 6m narrow bodied MH - which I commute to work in for 4 months over winter. By far the most versitile of the lot has been the current one. I did very much like the 4.8m MH as well. The campers were elevating roofs, but too much compromise with space and facilities, but they suited our needs at the time.

I can't see that it has been mentioned, but unless it is a self build van, any mainstream PVC conversion will have terrible insulation- roasting hot in summer, very cold in winter and will suffer with condensation quite a lot unless you have heating on very high all of the time, or very good ventilation (open windows).

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[JamesL]

You will get more bang for your buck with a 6m narrow bodied low profile coachbuilt. They will fit into the same space that the donor vehicle (LWB) will. I have had a 4.8m wide bodied MH, a LWB VW T6 camper, a 7.2m wide bodied MH, a SWB VW T6 and a current 6m narrow bodied MH - which I commute to work in for 4 months over winter. By far the most versitile of the lot has been the current one. I did very much like the 4.8m MH as well. The campers were elevating roofs, but too much compromise with space and facilities, but they suited our needs at the time.

I can't see that it has been mentioned, but unless it is a self build van, any mainstream PVC conversion will have terrible insulation- roasting hot in summer, very cold in winter and will suffer with condensation quite a lot unless you have heating on very high all of the time, or very good ventilation (open windows).

Thanks for sharing your experience andysam. Certainly I have noticed you can get a lot of coachbuilt for the price of a decent Duetto, and insulation is certainly a factor for me.

 

[rosalan]

Your concern about size and width is noted. Car parks are not so user friendly but still usable. Most towns have bus services and you are unlikely to be that big. Wing mirrors are like cats whiskers, if they go through, so can you. My van is almost 8metres and yes, there have been times when I get to a no go area but this inconvenience is so much outweighed by the living space. A shower, toilet and washbasin are essential if you ever want to explore beyond campsites without inconvenience. However, these luxuries may evolve with time like solar panels and built-in gas.
Finally, unless you like an isolated life, you may like to invite others on a wet day to share a cup of tea.

 

[StephandJohn]

I don't know if anyone's mentioned this but hire a small van for a few days to see if you fit in for work as well as bad days.
Also. Try to get one nearish to home in case anything does go wrong. We met a lady in Cornwall who lived there and was just going back to Hull where she got her van from for some major damp repairs under warranty.

 

[CJK]

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.

I agree about having a bit of space. We’re just in the process of downsizing into a Ford transit 5.4 metres (super easy drive) and it’s clear everyone has their own must haves.. Apart from comfortable bed, I want a bathroom, not just for the toilet but also somewhere to hang wet gear. Also high priority is a cupboard at the back for boots and outdoor gear. The main thing I reckon is not to have to leave the vehicle if the conditions out there (whatever they are) are bad, and not to have stuff lying around all over the place that has to be moved every time you want to do anything. Plans going well though not sure space for husband.

 

[WOF]

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.

Our VW T5 is advertised on here at the moment. Where are you located?

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[Tim P]

Hiya, Bying your first van,we've all been there, that's for sure!
So here's my 6 penny's worth!
For your budget I would be looking at a small coach built ie.less than 6.5m.
This would give you a bit more room, a toilet/washroom/shower, room to stand up, full cooking facilities, hot and cold running water, fridge freezer etc.
With your budget I would be looking at an Autocruise 2010 / 2011. They made 3 or 4 models the smallest being the Starfire (5.9m) which has 2 front sofa's that make up to 2 singles or 1 double bed.
Starspirit (6.47) which has a rear u shaped lounge that makes up to 2 singles or a giant double.
Starburst (6.38) same as starfire only shorter single beds. Back in the day Autocruise ran into trouble and were taken over by Swift, who upgraded the finishes for the 2010 models. Some of these models are still being made to the same designs as part of Swift's Bessacarr range.
All these models run on the same Peugeot chassis but more importantly, they have the Ford 2.2 engine that does not have a cam belt it has a cam chain.( so it doesn't have to be changed every few years) and does about 33mpg!
You should he able to get any of these with sub 50k mileage for your budget and they usually come with many bells and whistles as standard ie. Electric steps Solar panels. Spare wheels etc.
I had the Starspirit and did exactly what you want to do working out of it, sometimes in Europe for weeks on end.
It was just small enough to fit in a standard parking bay but was too high for anything with height restrictions.
Good luck.....and Enjoy!

 

[Riverbankannie]

We had a Topaz for many years. I would say it is better than a poptop for warmth in winter but not as good as a boxier Ducato type as you cannot sleep transverse and bed made up of lots of bits of cushions. Ok for holidays but not living and working.
You say that you are going to stay on sites with EHU, have you considered the cost of these? With EHU at least £20 a night probably on grass. With hardstanding starting more like £25 a night.
With the smaller vans you have to consider where you would put your wet stuff in the winter to dry. Wet boots, socks hats gloves and coat?