BS: OT Camper Vans

Subject: OT Camper Vans
From: glueman
Date: 17 Jul 09 - 06:14 PM

We normally camp for our holidays but a solid metal shell seems an increasingly good idea after some of the recent summers we've 'enjoyed'. A split screen VW with a Porsche engine would be nice, ditto a new Hymer but realistically we're talking about something in the £3-5k bracket.

I see groovy vans at festivals but it needs to sleep 2 adults and 2 kids and be reliable. What I'd really like is a classic British 60s campervan but can't be doing with too much spannering these days. So what do people who know about these things reckon?

Subject: RE: OT Camper Vans
From: terrier
Date: 17 Jul 09 - 06:30 PM

OH's Vdub comes with popup roof, mandatory rock'n'roll bed and two hammocks for the kids. Don't know what sort of engine's in it but it makes a sort of blub blub sound. I'm told they're fun to drive..Hmmm! Not much room inside for one, let alone a family of four but a good way to get to know each other :) There's always loads of old dubs for sale which makes me wonder if people start off with high hopes of regaining their lost youth but fall by the wayside. How about a nice comfy family car towing a trailer tent or (ducks for cover) a caravan?

Subject: RE: OT Camper Vans
From: glueman
Date: 17 Jul 09 - 06:44 PM

This is one of those things I've probably thought about too much. We presently have a small estate car with a trailer. That contains various tents up to a 12 man Khyam, though without one of the bedrooms so more room for galley, table, bog, etc. Obviously that gives far more space than a camper but it takes a while to get up and down and lacks a certain get up and go a campervan provides. Trailer tents from what I've seen are quite expensive and caravans are a possibility but my car only has a 1200cc engine.

For myself I'd get a nice big old deisel van, stick some inflatable beds in the back and go feral whereas my wife is at the book a cottage for the duration and drink Pimms stage, something we seem to do with increasing frequency. A campervan may be a happy medium but aesthetically the new ones do very little for me.

Subject: RE: OT Camper Vans
From: collierlad
Date: 17 Jul 09 - 06:50 PM

My solution to the cost issue was to build my own.
Take a look at my WEB site.

Campervan Conversions

Subject: RE: OT Camper Vans
From: Tangledwood
Date: 17 Jul 09 - 06:57 PM

The one thing that discourages me from campervans is that once you are at your destination you have to pack up every time you want to drive somewhere, unless you strap bicycles or small motorbike on the back. If you're at a festival or can use public transport that's not so relevant. Rather than tow a big caravan I use a fold out camper trailer. It's more comfortable and better equipped than a tent and more flexible than a campervan.

How about hiring a campervan for a weekend away and see how it works for you, and what features are important to you?

Subject: RE: BS: OT Camper Vans
From: Rapparee
Date: 17 Jul 09 - 07:00 PM

DIY.

Subject: RE: BS: OT Camper Vans
From: terrier
Date: 17 Jul 09 - 07:12 PM

Trailer tents are quick to erect and are easy to find cheaply on the SH market but you've a hard task ahead convincing your OH that it's better than that lovely, warm, dry cottage or B and B. This year I've seen a lot of small day/camper vans pulling trailer tents.
I had the same DIY idea when I wanted to buy a horsebox. Rather than buy and old box for an extortionate amount of dosh, I bought a much newer wagon and fitted it out myself. A hell of a lot cheaper.

Subject: RE: BS: OT Camper Vans
From: Leadfingers
Date: 17 Jul 09 - 07:14 PM

Dont forget that MOST Campervans have a facility for an awning which will double your available space ! Same goes for a small Caravan !
Shove the kids on campbeds in the awning !!
And Good Luck !

Subject: RE: BS: OT Camper Vans
From: Bonecruncher
Date: 17 Jul 09 - 09:45 PM

Having used a motorcaravan as my only vehicle for in excess of 25 years perhaps I can offer some advice.

Firstly, look at as many different types that you can find. A conversion of a Transit-sized van you may feel is somewhat cramped for a family of four, although as was said earlier an awning for additional sleeping is not out of the question.

A small coachbuilt van may be more advantageous, usually with a double bed above the cab for the children (or in my case, the dogs) and either twin or double bed below. Coachbuilts usually have a larger galley and a shower room. The main disadvantage is their size, although this can be an advantage when moving house.

With all campers, watch out for height barriers!

Also be aware of the maximum load capacity. The maximum load, now called something like Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight, is on the chassis plate. It includes occupants, fixtures and fittings, gas, water, fuel. Any allowance left over after having the vehicle put on a weighbridge can be used for food and luggage. It could be that a conversion may leave you, after your wife has loaded her own holiday wardrobe plus that of the children, with only an allowance for one clean shirt and a pair of socks for yourself!
The Stazi, sorry, the Police are becoming much more prone to stopping campers and taking them off the road if overweight. They are more hot on the older vehicles.

Be wary of the advice about DIY as many insurance companies will not insure DIY conversions. Also the neccessary gas installation for cooker, fridge, and possibly heate, must be installed by a registered gas fitter (late CORGI, now something else). I have done a total rebuild of a coachbuilt van and one needs to be adept at mechanics, welding, panel-beating, woodwork, upholstery, auto-electrics, domestic electrics if fitted to van, plumbing, as well as inumerable other skills.
Also one needs access to a supply of specialist lightweight plywood, wallboard, etc as bog-standard ply, MDF or chipboard from B & Q is far too heavy. Your weight limit would be exceeded before you loaded yourselves!

Joining the Camping and Caravanning Club, about £35 p.a., is a good idea, as they have a wealth of information. The cost is saved during the year by reductions on site fees.

If you would like to PM me with your phone number I will happily give you what advice I can.

Colyn.

Subject: RE: BS: OT Camper Vans
From: jeddy
Date: 17 Jul 09 - 10:43 PM

we had an old coachbuilt ambulance that was converted. it was wood framed so it rotted and we had to have an insurance guy come out to check it. i think it cost £35 ish but it is probably more now.

a caravan is a wonderful thing, as you can still go where you want once you are set up and you still have a big enough car to get all your stuff in for day trips.

if you have a heavy enough car you might get away with it. ours is a 2.3 turbo and still struggles.
the real test will be stopping and starting.
lighter cars need alot more room to do either.

good luck with your search

jade x x x x

Subject: RE: BS: OT Camper Vans
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 18 Jul 09 - 07:19 AM

Camper vans.love em! At the moment we have a citroen relay home (not by us)conversion.It's not the best, but it serves us well. Panel vans such as transits and the relay/boxer are a bit wider than a VW trooper. Loads of people are going for imported Mazda bongos and you can get some really good ones but you can get some dogs as well. You might not get such good mpg round 25 I've been reliably informed but most bongos are 4 wheel drive.They are also quite small we though as we looked at them a couple of years ago. We've had small converted vans (Morris marina) when there was just us two and cozy. Bigger VW camper vans. Devon conversion and another (can't remember the converters at the mo) Last year Mrs viking, myself and daughter went to Germany, France, Switzerland, Holland and all round the top of Scotland in our X reg (2000) converted panel van.(8000 mile round trip, six and a half weeks) Keep under 6 metres and the ferries are cheaper.

We belong to the motor caravaners club.

There are very many to choose from and the quality varies hugely from almost a wreck (cheap)to super but at £1000's.

I've got to say I'm impressed with Collierland's site and wish I'd known sooner !!

We have a drive away awning which serves as shelter, recreation, daughter bedroom, indoor dining when cool or wet. It saves our space on crowded sites. We have electric hookup but don't use it when wild camping. Leisure battery but of course limited life even when driving around to charge it.

As daugher now 16.5 is getting a bit big for mum n dad, we are considering a Romahome for just the two of us. That way we'll get rid of the cars.

It depends on the complexity of van you require. You can do it basic up to top luxury at a price.

Bone cruncher is right when he says be careful of home/DIY conversions. We got ours checked out by the Xperts, electric included and beware of the kerbside weight as well. Loads of good advice available, take it. Good book is "The motorcaravan manual" by John Wickersham. Most of the van people you meet are brilliant people and most helpful.

Subject: RE: BS: OT Camper Vans
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 18 Jul 09 - 03:42 PM

We've got a Bongo (2 wheel drive and considerably better on mpg than the example cited by Eric above). Depending on the conversion (and the size/age of the kids) you can sleep four (two in the van and two in the poptop) but it would be extremely cosy. The answer, of course, is a driveaway awning, which should only take a few minutes to put up and means you get to keep your pitch when you nip into town. Bike rack on the back is a good addition too.

You can pick up Bongos for the sort of price you're looking at, but they may be a bit frayed around the edges. Mine was imported from Japan and cost £5000 - ten years old, in fantastic nick, with very low mileage. The price rocketed dramatically when I paid for a full conversion.

The other bonus is you get to join the only vehicle owners club named after a Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart album - Bongo Fury. Plenty of useful info (too much, some would say) and a for sale page on the site, where there's a fair frew for sale in your price range. Useful stuff in the forum. And you can get to refer to yourself as a Bongonaut.

And they're lovely to drive.

Subject: RE: BS: OT Camper Vans
From: collierlad
Date: 18 Jul 09 - 05:29 PM

Eric the Viking thanks for the kind words about my website.

Subject: RE: BS: OT Camper Vans
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 18 Jul 09 - 05:56 PM

Yup, Collierlad, I had a look round your website earlier. Excellent stuff. In the future I'm going to use some of your ideas. Thanks!

Subject: RE: BS: OT Camper Vans
From: Alice
Date: 18 Jul 09 - 05:57 PM

Check out the camper at the bottom of this page (click).

Subject: RE: BS: OT Camper Vans
From: collierlad
Date: 18 Jul 09 - 06:21 PM

Spleen Cringe your more than welcome to use any of my ideas, I'm glad to be of some help.
The last van I converted was a Vauxhall Movano 2001(X Reg)it had been owned by a carpet fitter so had not been worked hard, I payed £1500 for it. The rest of the conversion cost was £600. The main expenence was getting the side & back windows fitted. The total cost was a campervan for £2100. I was fortunate to be given an old caravan so did not have to buy cook, sink etc.
Good luck with you conversion & happy campervaning.

Subject: RE: BS: OT Camper Vans
From: GUEST,eric the viking
Date: 18 Jul 09 - 07:24 PM

Spleen. I'm glad you are getting better milage than the figure I quoted. I wasn't speaking from experience but only from reports I had been given particularly from dealers for some reason. We would have loved one, but a bit small for us when we take daughter, labrador and the cat (UK only). We sat in loads of good ones, very comfortable drive.

Collierlad, we got rear windows fitter to our relay for about £350.pretty good for Orkney. All the rest had been done. Our relay has 168000 on the clock, two weeks ago the clutch packed up. We got a second hand box coming up and a new clutch. When we get it done we'll be back on the road.

Subject: RE: BS: OT Camper Vans
From: Mr Happy
Date: 19 Jul 09 - 06:40 AM

Someone mentioned Romahomes

I believe they also do the sort've van that fits on the back of a pickup can be used either attached or detached, standing alone on legs that you can jack down.

This then gives the flexibility of still having a vehicle to use, while leaving your van on its pitch

Subject: RE: BS: OT Camper Vans
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 19 Jul 09 - 12:20 PM

All the 60s classic British vans rusted like billy-O!

The split-screen VWs are death traps in shunts (look where your legs are), and forget about doing more than 40 if there are cross-winds.

If you want enough space for a loo and a shower, (as well as cooker, fridge, wardrobes and beds - oh, and space for the guitars and mandolins and squeeezeboxes - if you go for a campervan you will be driving round the rest of the year with something unpleasant and thirsty.

As said above, you have to unpitch to go to the shops.

Levelling a van-based home is much more difficult than a caravan, and old fridges have to be within 3 degrees to work and stay working - modern ones will tolerate 6 degrees. Or you can go for a HGV-sized US based monster at 5 mpg with hydraulic jacks at each corner.

I think tent or caravan is much more sensible. If you want your own loo and shower that leaves caravan.

Small caravan and Volvo turbo. Drive an appreciating, fun, classic the rest of the year while the caravan is in the drive. The Volvo has plenty of grunt. I have succeeded in turning a generator over in the back of the Volvo (with the van on the back) while being rather annoyed with a Ford Focus.

Or get really radical and go for a conversion on a LandRover 101V8 or a WW2 109 Officer's sleeping quarters. Slow, thirsty, noisy - but GRAND.

Subject: RE: BS: OT Camper Vans
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 19 Jul 09 - 12:39 PM

One of my uncles, a bit of an amateur craftsman did out his own second hand van and lived in it - something like an bog standard old Tranny I think. All wood inside - no sharp edges, kinda Barbarella meets Blizzards Wizard Woodwork..

Subject: RE: BS: OT Camper Vans
From: Barb'ry
Date: 20 Jul 09 - 11:01 AM

We bought an LDV convoy - ex post office crew van with windows in the back and an extra set of windows in the side as there used to be two rows of seats. (Yes, it is still bright red but now has the addition of a jauntily angled chimney on the roof!) It took a while but we managed to convert it and it works really well. I insisted on a shower (softie, I know) so that took up a bit of room, but it has a large double bed and most 'mod cons'. It was really low mileage when we bought it, and hopefully will keep going for a while.

The LDV is not the best vehicle though - not a turbo diesel and really, really slow up hills, but other than that, it does the job. If you spot us at any festivals, feel free to come for a nose around.

Barb'ry

Subject: RE: BS: OT Camper Vans
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 20 Jul 09 - 04:02 PM

http://www.auto-trail.co.uk/motorhome_frontier-chieftain.htm

Subject: RE: BS: OT Camper Vans
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 20 Jul 09 - 05:17 PM

After many mind wracking months of looking at camper vans we were thinking to buy of these Little Guy caravans because you can tow it with anything. Could load a tent, air bed and sleeping bags inside for the kids, the kitchen is on the back so cooking is always done outside whatever the weather. No toilet.

We have decided on a proper caravan with kitchen, toilet and shower. And now after driving these western highland (Scotland) roads, we are thinking we better up the new car purchase to a 1.8 because we don't think a 1.6 can manage even with a Freedom caravan.

Subject: RE: BS: OT Camper Vans
From: gnomad
Date: 20 Jul 09 - 05:42 PM

For small caravans the T@b caravan looks tempting, but the pricetag looks less so.

Subject: RE: BS: OT Camper Vans
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 20 Jul 09 - 09:24 PM

Engine size is not the real issue. You need to compare power output and (particularly) torque. Towing is easier with high torque at low revs, but if you can change gear you can tow even with high-revving engines so long as the power is there.

Stability is heavily influenced by towcar weight and how close the rear wheels are to the towbar.

Subject: RE: BS: OT Camper Vans
From: Mr Happy
Date: 13 Aug 09 - 09:08 AM

http://www.buysell.co.uk/vehicles-accessories--services/caravans-motor-homes-tents/

Subject: RE: BS: OT Camper Vans
From: open mike
Date: 13 Aug 09 - 02:20 PM

check out www.vixenrv.org

Subject: RE: BS: OT Camper Vans
From: John J
Date: 13 Aug 09 - 05:49 PM

We tow a Compass Echo caravan behind our 1.4l turbo diesel Ford Fiesta.

The van is a small 2 berth (11'6" long) model, but it has all the bits needed for a comfortable holiday. We have 2 awnings to choose from (we don't always bother), one is a full awning whilst the other is a light-weight 'roof only' awning which just gives us that extra bit of sheltered space.

It's stable and reasonably economic (35-45mpg whilst towing). The van cost £2500 second hand, about 4 years ago.

If anyone wants a look we'll be at Moira Furnace and Shrewsbury festivals.

John

Subject: RE: BS: OT Camper Vans
From: John J
Date: 13 Aug 09 - 05:50 PM

Oh, and we trundle along the motorway at 55-60mph.

JJ