Hi all.

For a while now I’ve been considering investing some hard earned cash in a camper van so that the Mrs & I can get away for long weekends & take some longer trips abroad, when this becomes possible again.

The question is what type, size or make of van is the best bet? The van would have to double up as a daily driver as well so the base vehicle can’t really be any bigger than a short / medium wheel base van & certainly not higher than 2.1m so it can still access most height restricted car parks. It must also have an auto gearbox available so I don’t have to use my knackered left knee to change gear.

My sister & brother in-law have a VW T6 Transporter camper which they’ve been all over Europe in. VW vans are the most popular vehicles to convert into a smaller size camper & there are loads of companies out there that specialise only in VW Transporter conversions. However, even 2-4 year old base vehicle VW camper van is quite expensive so I’m looking for some more cost effective alternatives to consider.

 

I’ve seen quite a few companies online that import rust free MPV’s from Japan & convert them into campers (Toyota Alphard / Nissan Elgrand). These are less than half the price of a VW bus but are often 16+ years old with big thirsty petrol motors & 60k miles or more on the clock. I’m not too worried about the petrol motor but a 16+ year old vehicle (even a Toyota) makes me wonder about reliability.

 

·         Existing campervan owners, what made you choose what you have & what has been your experience with it?

·         Even though VW Transporter campers are expensive their re-sale values seem to hold up well so, all things considered are they the best financial option in the long run?

 

This exercise is turning into a bit of mission so if anyone has any other suggestions, ideas, experience or comments on the subject I would appreciate it.

 

Thanks in advance.....

Mark me "interested" too, please.

Hire an Automatic Camper Van first and see which suits.

There are places in Scotland & elsewhere in the UK that sell and rent and actually take the cost of hiring from the purchase price if you buy.

https://www.highlandcampervans.com

 

http://fantasticcampervans.co.uk

 

http://bigtreecampervans.com

Edit. Pity they have gone. They were very good. Park your car and drive away with good vans including Imported Petrol / LPG Automatics.

 

http://wellhouseleisure.com

 

Edited 17 September, 20205 yr by e-Roottoot

Would a caravan suit at all?

 

The advantages being more space, no separate MOT, tax, insurance etc, you get to drive your car rather than a van, fuel economy is often better than a big van and you have your car with you once you're parked up.

Definitely agree with the advice to hire first so you can work out what YOU need in terms of space and facilities.

 

I started out in the mid-1970s with a Commer Dormobile but soon got frustrated with the lack of space and lack of loo facilities so gradually upgraded via an Auto-Sleeper Talisman (luton style coach built) to eventually a Hymer S650 (A class) as we wanted all the creature comforts and ability to use it year round.

http://bigtreecampervans.com/campervans-for-sale

 

1 hour ago, e-Roottoot said:

Hire an Automatic Camper Van first and see which suits.

There are places in Scotland & elsewhere in the UK that sell and rent and actually take the cost of hiring from the purchase price if you buy.

https://www.highlandcampervans.com

 

http://fantasticcampervans.co.uk

 

http://bigtreecampervans.com

Edit. Pity they have gone. They were very good. Park your car and drive away with good vans including Imported Petrol / LPG Automatics.

 

http://wellhouseleisure.com

 

 

Thanks for the links. I have considered hiring one first before shelling out any cash. Scotland & Ireland are both on my list to visit. 

1 hour ago, Phil-E said:

Would a caravan suit at all?

 

The advantages being more space, no separate MOT, tax, insurance etc, you get to drive your car rather than a van, fuel economy is often better than a big van and you have your car with you once you're parked up.

A caravan is a no go. I don't have the space to store it & don't want to pay someone to store for me either. Also being limited to 50mph makes long distance trips a chore & getting down tight country roads would be hairy as well. I discounted a trailer tent for the same reason. 

1 hour ago, PetrolDave said:

Definitely agree with the advice to hire first so you can work out what YOU need in terms of space and facilities.

 

I started out in the mid-1970s with a Commer Dormobile but soon got frustrated with the lack of space and lack of loo facilities so gradually upgraded via an Auto-Sleeper Talisman (luton style coach built) to eventually a Hymer S650 (A class) as we wanted all the creature comforts and ability to use it year round.

 

I agree the extra space in a motor home is nice to have but a 6m+ long / 2.7m+ high Auto-Sleeper or similar is not going to fit on our drive & cant be used as a daily driver. I also agree the lack of a proper toilet / shower (especially right now) is a problem (according to SWMBO). I have found some VW transporter size campers with fitted toilets / showers (normaly 5.3m LWB models) but they do take up valuable space & force you to go to a larger vehicle. A portable chemical toilet is more common in these size of vehicles. We definitely want to use the van all year round so good insulation & a separate heating system are also needed. If possible I would also like to go gas-less or have an under-slung LPG tank that can be filled at a garage rather than use bottled gas. A diesel heater is another option. However, the problem is once you start adding all the nice to have options to a campervan you can actually pay more than the larger Auto-sleepers & some coach built models that are twice the size. 

1 hour ago, e-Roottoot said:

http://bigtreecampervans.com/campervans-for-sale

 

Thanks...

Found this the other day

 

Nogging the Mog

https://www.unimogs.co.uk/our-stock/unimogs/noggin-the-mog-ex-military-u1300l-expedition-camper-noggin-the-mog-ex-military-u1300l-expedition-camper-u0388

 

 

they've also got a ridiculous £185k expedition camper for sale

 

https://www.unimogs.co.uk/our-stock/unimogs/u4000-luxury-expedition-truck-u4000-luxury-expedition-truck-b3309

 

Less ridiculously

 

If you're handy, my Dad's pal has converted several second hand ambulances into campers.

Husband of a pal converts T5 vans into campers.

Edited 18 September, 20205 yr by Aspman

53 minutes ago, Aspman said:

Found this the other day

 

Nogging the Mog

https://www.unimogs.co.uk/our-stock/unimogs/noggin-the-mog-ex-military-u1300l-expedition-camper-noggin-the-mog-ex-military-u1300l-expedition-camper-u0388

 

 

 

they've also got a ridiculous £185k expedition camper for sale

 

https://www.unimogs.co.uk/our-stock/unimogs/u4000-luxury-expedition-truck-u4000-luxury-expedition-truck-b3309

 

Less ridiculously

 

If you're handy, my Dad's pal has converted several second hand ambulances into campers.

Husband of a pal converts T5 vans into campers.

 

Ha ha. Don't somehow think I would be able to get that on my drive or into a multi storey car park. 

 

I'm currently looking at T6, Renault Traffic & similar size SWB van conversions with a pop top roof as these are about the largest I could accommodate & live with on a daily basis. Sussex Campervans do a diddy Nissan NV200 based camper which is available as a petrol auto Sussex Campercar However, this might be just a bit too small for us. 

For the eco warriors out there Sussex CV's are also about to launch an all electric version of the NV200 Campercar Electric campercar Still not enough range for me & I bet the price is even more expensive than a fossil fuel van, so north of £44k! 

The problem I have is that like most blokes I would like all the mode cons like hot water, a shower, toilet, reversing camera, climate, diesel heater or underslung LPG fed heater etc etc. All squeezed into a van that can double as a daily drive - simples  This rules out a used van conversion as these generally will be more basic conversions, which pushes me towards a custom / purpose built conversion of a used van or, a new van conversion, both of which come with a hefty price tag. 

 

The cost of the whole thing is making me wonder whether to ditch the whole campervan idea & spend the money on conventional holidays during the winter months & tent camping based trips during the summer. We already have a load of camping gear & a Superb Estate & roof box to put it all in so no extra outlay would be needed.  It's a head vs heart thing & I think the head is starting to win the argument. 

I have to say the idea of a campervan often fadesaway when you look into the costs. They are very expensive. And when you park up in a site, if you want to go anywhere you have to unhook everything unless you have a smart car or motorbike on the back.

 

The costs of a Motorhome add up to a lot of hotel rooms, and someone else cleans the bog in them.

 

Also right now is probably the worst time in history to buy a motorhome. Demand is sky high with everyone wanting their own covid-free space on holiday.

 

What about a Tentbox for a car?

1 hour ago, Aspman said:

I have to say the idea of a campervan often fadesaway when you look into the costs. They are very expensive. And when you park up in a site, if you want to go anywhere you have to unhook everything unless you have a smart car or motorbike on the back.

 

The costs of a Motorhome add up to a lot of hotel rooms, and someone else cleans the bog in them.

 

Also right now is probably the worst time in history to buy a motorhome. Demand is sky high with everyone wanting their own covid-free space on holiday.

 

What about a Tentbox for a car?

 

I think that's where I am with this. I can't justify what would probably be a cost upwards of £50k for a custom build on a 1-2 year old base van or, a brand new van build. The lower cost Japanese import conversions are too old & don't have all the bells & whistles I would need.

Even for the £25k the Japanese imports cost would pay for a lot of city breaks & long haul trips & if I really feel the urge I can always hire a campervan for a week.

 

We already have a 4 berth Vango Air Beam tent which goes up in around 12 mins & all the gear to go with it so that will be our "good weather" summer holiday option. I also have an 8 berth tunnel tent from when we used to take the kids camping in France when they were younger but that its far too big for just the two of us. 

 

You're right about the availability of camping gear, motorhomes & camper vans. Covid has created a perfect storm for anyone in the leisure industry. Looking at the camper van websites most companies have very little stock for sales & lead times on new build vans are getting longer & longer.

 

Well that's my mind made up I think. For once in my life my head has overruled my heart.  

1 minute ago, Colin170CR said:

 

Well that's my mind made up I think. For once in my life my head has overruled my heart.  

 

If it's your dream then you shouldn't give up on it

At some point the market will get saturated and prices will normalise again but they've always been expensive.

They do hold their money so you would get a large portion back when you sell but it's locked up until then.

There are towns and villages around Scotland overflowing with Motorhomes and Campers, Girvan actually welcomes them and let you park up at the Harbour Sea Front Car Park and the car park at the West end of town. Both have public toilets.

Elsewhere there is not such a welcome on some hillsides and areas.

 

So to the point. 

There is a Large Motorhome / Camper sales place in Ayr and a couple of smaller sellers and they have vehicles for sale.

Plenty Motorhomes and Campers at sellers everyplace and no shortage of choice.

 

Buying New and having converted is nice, but getting something others paid over the odds for is very nice.

Prices might well be up but there are value for money vehicles around.

3 minutes ago, Aspman said:

 

If it's your dream then you shouldn't give up on it

At some point the market will get saturated and prices will normalise again but they've always been expensive.

They do hold their money so you would get a large portion back when you sell but it's locked up until then.

 

I can't say it was ever a dream. It's more of nice to have treat / retirement present for us both. That said, it would cost twice what I paid for my 1st house which I cannot quite get my head around. 

I get the the investment argument & the fact that they hold their value but as you say it would tie up a load of dosh which could be used for other things - including hiring one if needed.   

35 minutes ago, e-Roottoot said:

There are towns and villages around Scotland overflowing with Motorhomes and Campers, Girvan actually welcomes them and let you park up at the Harbour Sea Front Car Park and the car park at the West end of town. Both have public toilets.

Elsewhere there is not such a welcome on some hillsides and areas.

 

So to the point. 

There is a Large Motorhome / Camper sales place in Ayr and a couple of smaller sellers and they have vehicles for sale.

Plenty Motorhomes and Campers at sellers everyplace and no shortage of choice.

 

Buying New and having converted is nice, but getting something others paid over the odds for is very nice.

Prices might well be up but there are value for money vehicles around.

 

I think hiring a van for a few trips is the way to go & save myself a pile of cash for other projects / holidays & to help the kids out.

 

Scotland is definitely on my list of trips to make. I've been to the USA & other European countries more times than I've been to Scotland, Wales & Ireland put together. Been to Glasgow on business a few times but that's about it. Same for Ireland. A few business trips to Belfast then on to Dublin & back home to recover I have roots in Ireland so that's an itch I have to scratch at some point as well. The problem is you never see the country when you visit on business. You only see the inside of a taxi, plane, hotel room, factory / office, restaurant & back home. The best way to see a country is to tour / travel in it & keep away from the tourist traps. I guess that's why getting a campervan was on my radar. I think hiring a camper for the UK trips & a fly / drive to other countries (when possible) is the way to go & will stretch the funds further & for longer. 

 

Thanks for the links & pointers.      

Edited 18 September, 20205 yr by Colin170CR
spelling

1 hour ago, Colin170CR said:

 

I think hiring a van for a few trips is the way to go & save myself a pile of cash for other projects / holidays & to help the kids out.

 

Scotland is definitely on my list of trips to make.

I can recommend the NC500 having done it twice in a camper van - the scenery is awesome!

Not the best time obviously, just the lack of places for emptying chemical toilets is an issue.

Then those that are not aware that some septic tanks can not be used for emptying chemical toilets into.

28 minutes ago, PetrolDave said:

I can recommend the NC500 having done it twice in a camper van - the scenery is awesome!

 

Yep. The wife want's to do that. Probably drive up & hire a camper locally or, drive it in my car & book stop off's along the route. We could always sleep in the back of the Superb estate - it's long enough!! 

Judging by the news today any sort of holiday might be a way off if the 2nd wave hits. The wife is not happy even going to the local Co-op let alone going away on holiday anywhere. Looks like we are going to stop at home for the foreseeable future.  

Colin, at moment I'd hold off. it wasn't so long ago that the tourist traps were protesting about tourists bring infection to their area.  They'd like the income, but fear over rides that. Come any hint of a second wave, tourists will be persona non grata. For Scotland, I'd forget the 500 and look at off the grid places on the west coast. Try west of Corran ferry- perhaps down to the light at Ardnamurchan and some of the coastal places around Strontium / Salem. But beware as these are not wide roads.

You will not get views like this on the east coast- if you can understand what the natives of the East Coast are saying.

@VWD

There is very little Off Grid after the people with Camper Vans and Motorhomes headed for solitude of being Off Grid and became part of the hoards in further flung places.

For me, a SWB T5 or equivalent is no good for anything more than a weekend.
 

My father in law and I converted one a few years ago and took it to Glastonbury for a week and hated it. The pop up roof was like a greenhouse in the summer heat, the rock and roll bed was as hard as MDF and there was simply no room to swing a mouse in it. 
 

We’ve converted a few different vans over the years, and for me, the best has been the Renault Master MWB hightop; a good engine that will cruise at decent motorway speeds, has plenty of space for a decent and comfortable bed and was able to easily take a moped on the rear.

 

We’ve also had an old Hymer, which was awesome inside with the drop down bed and own shower, but it was simply too wide to navigate around Europe. 
 

Below pic; top left is the last one we did. Renault Master MWB hightop. Had all the usual cooking and washing facilities, a toilet and permanent double bed. By far the best all around one, for me. The father in law took this to the Alps in winter and had no issues with the temperature. Very happily spent a week working at Glastonbury in this van. 
 

Top right is obviously the T5. It went well in the motorway, small enough to get everywhere but felt very cramped. Again, took this to Glasto for the week and was not comfortable or happy with it. 
 

Bottom right was the first one I got involved in converting back in 2014. I didn’t really like this one as the bed had to be made each evening and would only cruise at around 50mph. Painfully slow using across Europe. This wasn’t too bad for the week. Just a PITA taking down and putting up the bed each night. 
 

Bottom left was the old Hymer motor home. As I said, awesome piece of kit inside but was simply far too wide for European roads. As a left hooker, my wife hated us using it in the UK on country roads as she felt she was in the middle of the road facing oncoming busses and the like when driving down b-roads. 

Currently looking at a LWB Mercedes to convert next.

 

I appreciate you have different desires and needs, such as it doubling up as your daily, and budget by the sounds of it! 
 

Like some have suggested, I would rent one and take it away to see how it fits you, how well you can use it, and

most importantly, how comfortable you are spending time in it. 
 

 

I well remember sleeping in the roof bunk of a Commer Dormobile and waking up in the morning to see ice on the inside of the pop-up roof above my bunk!

 

For me good insulation (possibly double glazed windows), a fire, a hob, a chemical loo (with a separate waste tank not an all-in-one) and a solid roof (probably a high top) are the essentials in a camper van.