[Closed] Lets have a campervan thread

One flaw with all these campers - bikes on the outside 🙁

Otherwise I'd absolutely love to have one, but something with a garage tends to be a tad less practical as a daily(ish) runner

Oh and I love that Mash article.... but then I dont cost justify my leisure time as I have to do that every minute at work. What you pay for with a van is the ability to park up somewhere with a great view, drink a glass of wine enjoying a magnificent sunset. Which is priceless....

It's very true 🙂

Where's that sunset pic taken?

Pic taken at Rosemarkie near inverness Pete - great place to watch dolphins

One flaw with all these campers - bikes on the outside

Not really - leave them on the outside in the highlands due to lower crime risk, but can easily fit two inside and move around/sleep ok, and have also carried a spare on the wall in the loo before - made going for a 2 difficult but not impossible.....

Ooh I do like that Silver bullet 😉

Our work's one that we take to all the trade shows around the country, complete with beer fridge, TV and old fashioned Atari console - for the customers, of course 😆

[url= http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8447/8003638962_2d9bf62bbf.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8447/8003638962_2d9bf62bbf.jp g"/> [/img][/url]

I've got an old VW camper. I bought it second hand and then had it flown to a refurbishment specialists in Germany for a complete overhaul!

There's nothing better than jumping in the camper and heading away for the weekend - really finding yourself and escaping the clutches of modern life.

I'll usually stock the fridge with organic (Im a very environmentally conscious guy) food and attach the surf boards (I cant surf, but they look the part) to the roof after an early finish at the office on a Friday. We'll then drive the 500 miles (costs a fortune at 18mpg!) down to Cornwall, via Stonehenge. We'll probably find a small bay to park up for the night.

We'll usually spend the next day lounging about in our latest Howies threads whilst listening to a Jack Johnson or Mark Ronson album on the sound system.

I'll usually try and do some painting, writing or photography so I can really find myself. I'm not very good though (I guess there are some things my money cant buy!) I usually just end up playing on my iPad instead.

On the Sunday, we may go for a drive into town (I love the attention my van gets) and do some shopping. We'll usually grab some food and a drink at a local surf bar. I enjoy telling my campervan tales to the locals, although often they dont seem very interested(?!?)

After a long weekend of sun, sea, sand, chilled beats, tiresome stories and overpriced vegetables, clothes and electrical gadgets, we're ready for home.

I love going into the office and telling my weekend campervan stories (my life seems so exciting compared to what my work colleagues get upto) though my colleagues often dont seem very interested (?!?!)

This is my self build. Started out as a standard long wheel base, high top transit GLX panel van back in March. Got it done to a point that I can take it away and everything works by July. Still lots of finishing touches left to do. Registered with DVLA as a campervan now, so cheaper insurance and class 4 MOT.

Space for 3 bikes in the back, bed above and another bed that pulls out from the seating area. Awning plus the privacy room which doubles the space when needed. 12v and 240v hookup. No hot water or air heater yet, but thats the next big job along with an under chassis LPG tank.

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Just a thought ....if you carry an LPG gas bottle on board ...do you have to have one of those LPG on board stickers on the back ???

I like yours MTBMAT. more pics please.

davidtaylforth - Member

I've got an old VW .................... often dont seem very interested (?!?!)

I hope that was a cut'n'paste and you didnt just type all that drivel out 😀

I can't post pictures from my phone, but if any of you are on Facebook have a look at my page it's www.facebook.com/#!/Astburyjoinery&construction
Look in the album named race coach, that's one he'll of a camper 😉

[url= http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8179/7964643916_f514a23d57.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8179/7964643916_f514a23d57.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/nzrich/7964643916/ ]DSCF2007[1][/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/nzrich/ ]Richard Munro[/url], on Flickr

[url= http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1055/530206573_4cfee9b683.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1055/530206573_4cfee9b683.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/nzrich/530206573/ ]Heading out of Glenbrittle[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/nzrich/ ]Richard Munro[/url], on Flickr

Handy for the kayak

[url= http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8315/7964733616_19d33482cc.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8315/7964733616_19d33482cc.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/nzrich/7964733616/ ]DSCF2073[1][/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/nzrich/ ]Richard Munro[/url], on Flickr

Heres my t5 that we had for abou a year before our daughter came along.
Should've hade it done as a 3 seater!

[url= http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5031/6946837534_b385edfc33.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5031/6946837534_b385edfc33.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/65116677@N02/6946837534/ ]IMG_0505[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/65116677@N02/ ]marcusandcath[/url], on Flickr

After milling it over for a long time I finally took the plunge and purchased a used T5 last year. Spent a lot of time and money doing the inside etc together with the obligatory alloys etc.
despite the bad weather it's been used a few weekends this year as well as transporting bikes etc and logs
Just came back form a trip to the Alps superb vehicle can't wait to go again.

[url= http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8446/8004185233_907c53cae0.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8446/8004185233_907c53cae0.jp g"/> [/img][/url]

[url= http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8320/7912377150_37455e2992.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8320/7912377150_37455e2992.jp g"/> [/img][/url]

Self build beast with four travel seats, fixed rear bed with bike storage underneath. Just had a refit (i.e ripped everything out and put it back in a different way round) so its not quite finished. But it has just proved itself by lugging a horse and our bikes on a 300 mile round trip, and it was a huge improvement over the old layout. Bumpy, noisy and thirsty 🙂 (the van, not the horse)

P.S If it can get into Sainsburys car park on a Saturday afternoon, and then leave again without getting wedged, its a compact camper in my books. At 6 metres long it can get a bit snug, admittedly...

I hope that was a cut'n'paste and you didnt just type all that drivel out

😥

We used to go on family holidays in this in the 80s..

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I'd prefer something like this these days though, less mechanical knowledge required..

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Mega lolz 😆

[url= http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6013/5925693949_2a6b88e645.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6013/5925693949_2a6b88e645.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/37621241@N05/5925693949/ ]IMG_2831[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/37621241@N05/ ]ianvincent[/url], on Flickr

I bought this off Khani last year, lived in it for 9 of the last 14 months (sabbatical year with numerous French road trips). Its been ace 🙂 Budget alternative to the VW.

Saw a brand called Oxygene in France this summer, possibly the perfect proper camper for carrying bikes.

http://www.oxygen-camping-cars.fr/fr/7000-c.aspx

Oooh yes, love a good van thread.
George, a VW T3 Westy imported from the US - agree with all said, brilliantly laid out, compact but sleeps 4 and super practical with the driveaway awning:

Llyn Gwynant
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Rhosneigr
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Overcombe
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One flaw with all these campers - bikes on the outside

I'd prefer something like this these days though, less mechanical knowledge required..

Yeah I'm just after the moon on a stick really. In my ideal world there'd be room for 4 bikes inside (Trail bikes and DH bikes you see), kitchen, double bed, TV and it'd all fit into the same size as a T5 🙂

One flaw with all these campers - bikes on the outside

I got one with two floors, saves alot of hassle.

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Yeah I'm just after the moon on a stick really. In my ideal world there'd be room for 4 bikes inside (Trail bikes and DH bikes you see), kitchen, double bed, TV and it'd all fit into the same size as a T5

All possible with a LWB transit. Not possible with a T5.
Plus transits are way more reliable and cheaper to buy. Newer model is really nice to drive too. Sprinter/Crafter would be nice, but way more £££.

@mtbmatt - Like the look of your Tranny, Ive been thinking of doing something similar (but with 4/5 belted seats) as a replacement for our Bongo. Got any more pics of the interior?

bearGrease - Member
@SprocketJocky - is that a waveski on your roof? Not many about....

No, it's a 7'3" Magic Carpet sharing a bag with my little boy's bodyboard - hence the lumpy shape! Paddles are for the inflatable double kayak that's in the boot 🙂

That was my thinking too, though I'm not sure I'm going to splurge on a Reimo. Do you think they're worth the extra £££ over something like a Vamoose?
Been agonising over this very question.... my reasoning at the moment is that a bad roof has the potential to utterly spoil the van (leaks, noise, creaking etc.), so if I'm going to do it, I should do it properly!

They are expensive though!

Dave

I went through the same thing, went for a Vamoose one in the end means I had extra money for some shiny bits, like the fellas at vamoose (good service, need to work on the tea though, bit weak), meant I could get awning rail in the roof gutters (can't with a reimo). Have not regretted the Vamoose roof, would be more than happy to put one on the next van if I ever change.

Will try again with the link!!!
Www.facebook.com/Astburyjoineryconstruction
Check out the album named race coach, I have been looking into other types of transport for motocross etc ; )

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Dolomites this summer.

Hull-Bavaria-Dolomites-Bavaria-Hull on 2.5 tanks of fuel.

Is that another T4 Multivan owner Mr Glover?

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Presented his present to my little boy last night, not particularly impressed but he checked out all the features..

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It really is an awesome bus, it will be interesting to see how it is to live with.

Excellent pics - like the pondering of the roof lining but that sink really needs a seatbelt!

lol awesome pics

Bongo in Croatia earlier this year. 😀

[url= http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8321/7987040708_60497b6bde.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8321/7987040708_60497b6bde.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/pimpmasterjazz/7987040708/ ]blip-20120729DSC_0433[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/pimpmasterjazz/ ]NeilCain[/url], on Flickr

Great pics pictonroad 🙂

I've got a great pic of our little lad laughing his head off having a bath in the sink in our Westy when he was a similar age.

Sure you'll have loads of fun with your bus. Ours is treated like a member of the family now.

Ours is treated like a member of the family now.

must post pics of my bongo

Some more Bongo shots for you SimonM:

France:

[url= http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8314/7987028161_1fc9bc104c.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8314/7987028161_1fc9bc104c.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/pimpmasterjazz/7987028161/ ]Time to relax[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/pimpmasterjazz/ ]NeilCain[/url], on Flickr

Slovenia:

[url= http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8171/7987039220_858d187413.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8171/7987039220_858d187413.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/pimpmasterjazz/7987039220/ ]blip-20120729DSC_0127[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/pimpmasterjazz/ ]NeilCain[/url], on Flickr

France again, in awkward company:

[url= http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7130/7728288162_e3defa0058.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7130/7728288162_e3defa0058.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/pimpmasterjazz/7728288162/ ]Bit of a fish out of water. First stay at a French aire.[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/pimpmasterjazz/ ]NeilCain[/url], on Flickr

After looking at many campers, this has been near on perfect us;
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Its one of the best I've seen for mtb'ing and travels.

We've had it for a few years and due to job changes, we no longer get the time off needed to justify it. So its for sale, if anyone is interested.

Its on ebay.
[url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-LT35-TDI-130BHP-Camper-Race-Van-4-Berth-Garage-Hob-Fridge-TV-/110951094620?pt=UK_Campers_Caravans_Motorhomes ]ebay link[/url]

If you want any more info, just ask.

OOh will you lot stop it, i've been having a few 'mares getting a California (long story) and had decided to give up. Then this thread starts and i read it, then a Cali appears and I am now going to look at it. This could be an expensive thread, i'd have to make the Cali my everyday car (to work 3x a week circa 20kms). How bad would it be ?

Here is my van with a fresh respray
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...to work 3x a week circa 20kms

My better half does that in the Bongo, so I'd presume it'd be OK.

Is that another T4 Multivan owner Mr Glover?

Yup, mines a German Multivan II with the swivel and slide middle row seats and the 150
Engine.

Bloody love it !!

NZCol - Member
OOh will you lot stop it, i've been having a few 'mares getting a California (long story) and had decided to give up. Then this thread starts and i read it, then a Cali appears and I am now going to look at it. This could be an expensive thread, i'd have to make the Cali my everyday car (to work 3x a week circa 20kms). How bad would it be ?

T4 or T5?

As above, my T4 is my daily driver and used as a second family vehicle as well as holiday home. It's fine for both despite being 17 years old, and to be honest I think it's generally been more reliable for being in daily use than it would have been if it had been parked up in the drive for half the year. It's a SWB pop top so I can take it anywhere I could take a normal car. Fuel economy is fine and it's a 1.9TD so mechanically pretty simple (albeit a tad underpowered sometimes). 2.5TDI is more powerful, but more complicated etc.

If I want to get somewhere fast or we're going a long distance to visit family etc we'll still take the car though - it's more economical and I try to avoid putting too many unnecessary miles on the van given it's age.

T5 Cali is a cut above the T4 in terms of comfort, drive and gadgets etc. If I was lucky enough to be able to afford one, I wouldn't hesitate to have one as my only vehicle - ideally the 4Motion version.

Morzine
[img] [/img]Do motorhomes count ??? My home away from home done me proud everywhere from the Alps to wales and even use it just for days away riding (nice to be able to have a brew afterwards :p)