VW T5 1.9 camper… tell me why not….

been looking for a decent camper for what feels like before lockdown but prices are insanity…

I’ve found a decent looking conversion, carried out by a VW specialist (hire company) in the south west – 134,000 miles, used to belong to his son, and was then sold to it’s current owner two years ago who are moving to something bigger…

Full service history, belts changed 20k miles ago

will take £18k

Was hoping for a T6 but on my budget Ive got more chance of becoming the next prime minister and was hoping for a pop top to stick the kids in but only a two berth….

WIll be used for regular (at least once a month, trips from Essex to SOuth West…

I know some people here have them What do I need to look out for, avoid, walk away from..??

Not a transporter expert, but didn’t realise the T5 came with the 1.9 engine. Thought it was 2 or 2.5. The 1.9 is a bit more agricultural but will do mega miles.

I’ve got a 54 plate T5, 1.9 T28, and it’s done 165k miles, 100k of those in the 14 years I’ve had it. I converted it to a camper and it’s had a lot of camping done in it.

Classic things that go wrong, especially if it’s an early-ish one like mine – the ABS unit (cost about £300 for a replacement on from memory), driveshaft went at about 150k miles (cost just under a grand), the linkage on the top of the gearbox can come loose (cost an hour’s wait for the RAC man to turn up and tighten it) and the gearbox spline can wear (cost a couple of hundred quid). They are, basically, pretty bombproof though, I’d have no qualms buying that had a good service record and seemed well looked after.

OK, buckle up for this as it might be long winded…

Right, many questions but I’ll skip the 1.9 engine thing as they’re pretty much bombproof. Cockroaches will be driving around in 1.9PD equipped vehicles in the nuclear apocalypse.

How many will be sleeping in it and what ages? Does it have a pop top? We bought a T5(.1 if you’re being picky) conversion from a company who used it as their demo vehicle. That was nearly 10 years ago and its one of the best things we ever did. But………. space inside a T5 is pretty cramped. For 2 it’d be bearable with a pop top. For 2 without a pop top or in our case, with 2 growing kids and a cockapoo, space was just too compromised. Even space to take stuff away with you, unless you travelled MEGA light and barely took anything, was compromised. You were restricted to the small cupboards, some space behind the back bed or packing the floor between the front seats and the back seats (assuming its a “conventional” T5 layout).

Cooking and washing. The sinks are useless. The hobs are ok for making a brew.

A couple of years ago I tore out the interior of ours so its now a kombi setup that seats 6 people and is able to actually carry stuff in the back (no more of the “oh you own a van but can only carry 4 people and B&Q trips are a pain in the neck” type conversations. Regularly have 3 or 4 bikes in the back and 3 or 4 people in it. But…. we’ve still got the pop top and have an Amdro kombi bed so it still sleeps 4 as it did before but theres more space inside as all the cupboards and crap have gone. Cooking is done on a Cadac stove outside/in a Vango air awning that doubles the amount of space you have in 10 minutes or if we’re travelling light, a simple Stitches & Steel sun-shade type awning.

Worth considering how the van will work for you. A T5 sized van will always be a compromise in terms of living space but with the benefit of being able to park in normal parking spaces but if I wanted a “proper” camper again, I’d be going for a motorhome with some space to live in vs a T5 sized van which is effectively a posh metal tent in my opinion.

For 2 it’d be bearable with a pop top. For 2 without a pop top or in our case, with 2 growing kids and a cockapoo, space was just too compromised. Even space to take stuff away with you, unless you travelled MEGA light and barely took anything, was compromised. You were restricted to the small cupboards, some space behind the back bed or packing the floor between the front seats and the back seats (assuming its a “conventional” T5 layout).

There’s two of us and no pop top, and we have done a lot of camping in it, including living in it for six months on a trip around Europe. We’ve never had an issue, although ours is not the ‘conventional’ T5 layout, it’s Amdro Angel design which gives tonnes of storage and a useable fixed boot.

effectively a posh metal tent in my opinion.

Yeah, pretty much. I think of it as a tent that will withstand any weather and needs no setting up, with a very comfortable bed.

To add to Davey…. we got one at the same time as our kids. Soooooo glad we got a LWB. Short would have been way too wee. Even the LWB was too short for easy camping, but it was also my daily driver, so compromise.

Used to fit 4 bikes on the rear shelf, but newer LWB ones won’t fit transverse. Can take 4 bikes lengthwise with the rear seat in the forward position.

We’ve used it shit loads but from kid age about 10/12 it was no longer a viable sleep for a family of 4. So we use a wee tent too.

We’ve a T5.1 2.0 130, LWB High Roof Komba by Bilbo’s.

My only thoughts:

– They’re all over priced. Just a case of ow overpriced. We bought 2014 with 21k on clocks for £28k last year.

– LWB is the extra room brilliance. So worth it.

– our high roof has so much more storage, so much warmer and I can stand up anywhere. Less MPG and can’t get into carparks in cities. YMMV.

It’s the best thing we’ve ever bought. I wish we had done it years ago.

what year is that ? Sounds quite reasonable price wise….

We have an 07 T5 but the 2.5 tdi so cant comment on the engine

Generic things though – rust around front wings, there is a void behind the outer wing that traps leaves and road poo. Clean via the small hole at the bottom of the windscreen or via the wheel arch liner.

Electrics can be frustrating – check under the drivers seat is dry, there is an issue with dampness under there affecting a control box – central locking/lecky windows etc. We have a strange issue with rear nearside lamp blowing. Seems to be common, the bulb holder is a bit crap

Drive shaft splines are a weak spot but you probably wont know til they go. Ours have gone twice but wasn’t crazy money to fix. Our gearbox also died and was replaced with a refurb. Clue was strange whining noise. DMF went around 150k but i’m not sure if they are 2.5 specific.

To be honest our problems have all been engine based. Body issues few and far between

If it matters, older ones still look good shone up and in clean original spec.

thanks for the replies, its a 2015 1.9 102bhp ifthat makes a difference

It’ll be two of us mainly, plus dog… will be taking the kids occasionally but they can have the tent!

Regular use will be surfing trips, theres room for securing boards inside, essex to Braunton and then following the conditions to use that as a base and poodle off into cornwall if necessary, if Devon is flat.

Bodywork looks ok, couple of discoloured spots around the door handles but eventually would be looking to respray as I do surf through winter.

I have a 2011 1.9 and had it a couple of years
Only issues are I had to replace the intercooler when it go a hole in it, I blame the tourist who drove into the runaway truck gravel trap and covered the road in gravel , and an abs sensor
We have a poptop but also take a tent as we are 2 adults , 2 kids and 2 dogs.
It’s a swb and I find the pop top to be a bit cramped to sleep in

A couple of years ago I tore out the interior of ours so its now a kombi setup that seats 6 people and is able to actually carry stuff in the back (no more of the “oh you own a van but can only carry 4 people and B&Q trips are a pain in the neck” type conversations. Regularly have 3 or 4 bikes in the back and 3 or 4 people in it. But…. we’ve still got the pop top and have an Amdro kombi bed so it still sleeps 4 as it did before but theres more space inside as all the cupboards and crap have gone. Cooking is done on a Cadac stove outside/in a Vango air awning that doubles the amount of space you have in 10 minutes or if we’re travelling light, a simple Stitches & Steel sun-shade type awning.

Now that’s an interesting one. We are on the hunt for a camper, but what has always stopped us is the ‘space’ issue (we are pretty much sold on a Transporter due to various issues). With 2 kids and all the outdoor ‘stuff’, unless it has a Rib or similar type bed, there was no way we were safely packing all the stuff we need unless going very light. And that’s not even considering things like bikes etc. Your kombi style camper lite version has me very intrigued indeed…

I have a T6 that I converted pre lockdown, it was a delivery van with 49k and FSH. Fitted it all out myself. Never fitted a pop top and tbh never regretted that. If we stealth camp we would never put it up and if we camp on a site we put up an awning. Only 2 of us and we do occasionally cook in it and even a pop top wouldn’t be that helpful given the hob and worktops are so low.

Ours has a fixed M1 tested bed so in theory we can carry 6 people. Brother has a sliding bed which I think he has found helpful on occasion. When ours is folded into a seat it is quite far back so does leave quite a lot of floor space but his slides forward giving a lot of loading space at the rear, We are both quite tall so went for a wider than standard bed which means narrower cupboards. Its all a compromise and ours is a LWB but they are small, no getting away from that.Absolutely love ours and wish I had bought it years ago.

I thought most ppl go for a pendle remap on the 1.9, to make them more useable. Though you have to be more careful with the gearbox afterwards

I thought most ppl go for a pendle remap on the 1.9, to make them more useable. Though you have to be more careful with the gearbox afterwards

I looked at that but was told the gearbox isn’t up to it so didn’t do it

The 1.9 is a bit more agricultural but will do mega miles.

Won’t  pass an MOT of the injctors go though and its a spendy job to get them changed.

I thought most ppl go for a pendle remap on the 1.9, to make them more useable.

All I’ll say to this is mine’s bog standard, and entirely useable. It’s a van – it’s not sports hatch, it’s not an executive estate, it’s a van. It’ll sit in traffic like anything else, it’ll sit on the motorway at 70-80mph and sometimes, shock horror, I have to change down if I’m going up a steep hill. It’s not great at nippy overtaking but, and I’m not sure I’ve mentioned this, it’s a van.

IHN

Are you sure its a van?

Now that’s an interesting one. We are on the hunt for a camper, but what has always stopped us is the ‘space’ issue (we are pretty much sold on a Transporter due to various issues). With 2 kids and all the outdoor ‘stuff’, unless it has a Rib or similar type bed, there was no way we were safely packing all the stuff we need unless going very light. And that’s not even considering things like bikes etc. Your kombi style camper lite version has me very intrigued indeed…

Sounds like a LWB mid or high roof Ducato/Relay/Boxer/Transit/Sprinter sized wagon would work better?

Having spent a fortnight in this as two people with clothes, outdoor kit and bikes on the back, it is tight on storage..
Beara penisula by Matt[/url], on Flickr

This shows the size difference between T5 LWB and a Ducato/Relay/Boxer –

Barleycove by Matt[/url], on Flickr

As already said, they are not very big once you add all the crap you need when going away

Was tempted to convert mine into a camper but you lose so much space and it makes the van less pratical for day to day use, in the end i just remove the rear seats, stick two bikes down one side and then put a fishing bed down the other side, ideal for nights away and the boy can sleep in the front in a kids front seat bed

I opted for a proper factory kombi, 140bhp, 6 seats, twin sliding doors, tailgate with glass, great for day to day use but easy to quickly remove the rear seats to make a full size van

Mines a 2011 that’s done 165k, full service history and well looked after

Prices are mad, i paid 15k for it just over a year ago, i sold my 2016 Ford Focus ST3 (250 bhp petrol version) i do miss the power and handling but the van is so much more pratical

IHN

Are you sure its a van?

Hang on, I’ll check.

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Yep, it’s a van.

factory fit aircon for driving around is nice to have,  they didn’t all have it

“thanks for the replies, its a 2015 1.9 102bhp ifthat makes a difference”

This doesn’t quite match up to me: the engine size and year.

1.9 (and 2.5) engine was the T5. Sold up to around 2010.

These were then changed to all be 2.0 engines in various states of power (102 -> 180bhp). So a 2015 would be a 5.1 .  Visually easiest way to tell is the shape of the bonnet/grill/ lights.  All the pics posted above are T 5.1

(but beware some people changed the bonnet/grill/ lights to make a T5 look like a T5.1)

Now that’s an interesting one. We are on the hunt for a camper, but what has always stopped us is the ‘space’ issue (we are pretty much sold on a Transporter due to various issues). With 2 kids and all the outdoor ‘stuff’, unless it has a Rib or similar type bed, there was no way we were safely packing all the stuff we need unless going very light. And that’s not even considering things like bikes etc. Your kombi style camper lite version has me very intrigued indeed…

Its ace. Few pics…

Before:

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After:

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Chuck a 10cm Vango self inflating mattress on this and you have a bed thats far comfier than the old RnR bed + mattress topper.

<script async src=”//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

Still have the ability for this with the big awning:

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Or this with the smaller awning:

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I’m going to throw a curve ball in the mix!

We bought a Tab320 caravan earlier this year having had a rooftent equipped Defender (before they became an Insta thing) and a LWB day van.

They are super lightweight, easy to tow, loads of storage space in them, cheaper than a VW, and German build quality. Having had a van/Defender and our friends have a VW Crafter camper. I think the caravan edges things with the ability to set up camp but still have a vehicle to explore locally in. You also don’t need to drive a van all year round as a daily driver. Obviously you can’t stealth camp.

We are the two of us and a large dog. There are different awnings available – we have the sun shade.

We bought a Tab320 caravan earlier this year having had a rooftent equipped Defender (before they became an Insta thing) and a LWB day van.

They are super lightweight, easy to tow, loads of storage space in them, cheaper than a VW, and German build quality. Having had a van/Defender and our friends have a VW Crafter camper. I think the caravan edges things with the ability to set up camp but still have a vehicle to explore locally in. You also don’t need to drive a van all year round as a daily driver. Obviously you can’t stealth camp.

Occasionally we will have a discussion about what is the ideal camper if we were to replace our current one, and the answer is pretty much always a caravan… And if I was going to buy one, that TAB one is the kind of thing I’d get I reckon

I also keep coming back to a caravan – and likely a Swift Basecamp 3….
Partly for this reason:

We went with the camper as it is a better solution for an odd night off the beaten track / foot of the hill at weekends. Such as:
-6 camp Glen Lyon by Matt[/url], on Flickr
Bilbo’s Komba campervan by Matt[/url], on Flickr

But for *holidays* or a couple of nights, or places where there are campsites, a caravan would win every time..

Why not?

They’re tiny. Great for one person or two people when it’s only a weekend away or a week on a campsite, but for any extended period of time they’re too small. Too many compromises. Can’t pull your trousers on without contorting yourself. Constantly playing tetris. Unless your partner wakes with you, you’ll be waking them up so that you can start your day. Bikes outside on the rack. Relatively low weight limit.

They drive fine and are a nice place to sit, but as a camper, even with a pop top, they’re too small.

You said yourself the current owners are selling because they want/need something bigger.

1.9 engine is pretty solid, if a little gutless.

Buy a Ducato or similar.

2015 is a T5.1 with a 2.0 TDI.  I would run a check on the reg number

I know its had a facelift, and I think its a ‘private’ plate (as its the guys initial) so bodywork and reg number don’t help me…

Ive been talking directly to the owner but found the vehicle advertised on autotrader….

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202405159724860

Personally although I can get it cheaper Im going to hold out for a T6 there seem to be a few further north that are cheaper than down here…

Why is everything so much more expensive just because you live in the south?!

They’re tiny. Great for one person or two people when it’s only a weekend away or a week on a campsite, but for any extended period of time they’re too small.

Again, MrsIHN and I lived in ours for six months on a trip around Europe and have done many, many other trips of a weekend up to two weeks in it. If you think of it as a motorhome, it’s very small. If you think of it as a really comfortable tent, it’s great

Ive been talking directly to the owner but found the vehicle advertised on autotrader….

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/2024051597248060

No way would I want to drive around in that with shitty graphics and

“ON AN ADVENTURE”

written on it. It’s a bit loud.

Also looks like it’s been “modded”. If you want to carry bikes on a rack you’ll need to remove the spoiler. Very little space inside for stuff.

Again, MrsIHN and I lived in ours for six months on a trip around Europe and have done many, many other trips of a weekend up to two weeks in it. If you think of it as a motorhome, it’s very small. If you think of it as a really comfortable tent, it’s great

Obviously it can be done that you’re in the van for longer periods of time, but for me there are/were just too many compromises to make.

I’ve met some couples touring Europe using a roof top tent. It can be done, but I don’t want to swap.

Here’s my old van… LWB with pop top.

I was away for four months on my own and it was perfect. Two weeks with the GF and we had both had enough….especially if the weather wasn’t all that and you couldn’t sit outside.

I don’t think the engines are that bombproof and certainly need regular care with the right oil specs (cam shafts and crank shafts are vulnerable..

Then there are the ancillaries.  Turbos, EGR system, injectors etc etc.

I sold mine last year.  Was ok for my self as a bike van.  But add in two people plus dog and the space was irksome.  Was fine for a night. but more than two nights and we’d struggle as there was always stuff to move to make the bed..  A pop top may have fixed that (expensive but worth it) but came to the conclusion we’d rather have a bigger van.

I didn’t need it as a daily so not sure why i was limiting myself to that size.  Do you need to use it every day?

Can get quite a nice self converted ducato type van you can stand in for less than £18k.

Can get quite a nice self converted ducato type van you can stand in for less than £18k.

This is where I personally have an issue – I look at everything with an engineer’s eye (because that what I am!) The knock on edging used with Vorhinger board in the OP’s link always makes my teeth itch. DIY and lower end converters who don’t have CNC routers or edge banders always use the stuff and it’s never straight.

The OP’s VW linked clearly has wonky edging. I could never spend time in that van as I’d be wanting to re-do the furniture/woodwork and wondering what else they didn’t do properly.

I’d have to have factory built van but I accept that £20k doesn’t buy much nowadays hence why we got the T@B and my teeth have been fine.

Two more reasons why I wouldn’t buy that linked VW (sorry OP but you did ask).

1. Crap Accelera tyres – if it’s skimped on decent tyre’s what else has been skimped on.

2. Barn doors – what was it used for in its early life? Builders farting pies and bacon buttys into the seats for 3 years or kaht chewing couriers ragging the arse out of it for 3 years??? Vs a tailgate van used for the nanny dropping Jemima and Jeffery at nursery every morning.

Probably the best advice we got before buying a campervan was…whatever you choose, it’ll be a compromise!

Ended up buying a T5, not the standard layout which was essential as it had to sleep us us 4 dogs. That was 4 years ago, and I do about 50nights away each year with the dogs, and then Mrs A, me and dogs do several 5 night trips which she finds enough.

Ours was lowered by about 60mm and just back today from a trip, and fear some top mount/suspension bush has failed as horrible clunking. So will finally get it switched back to standard suspension. Otherwise all good.

And v grateful Mrs A pushed me to buy one, it’s been great.  I’d just be pretty focused on what suits your main needs, and ignore anything else.

Ive been talking directly to the owner but found the vehicle advertised on autotrader….

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202405159724860

I know you have said you are already, but run away from that van.

Stuff doesn’t add up. It’s advertised as a 2015 (with 2017 in the description..?) but the DVLA has the first registration as 2008. This means it is absolutely a 1.9 and a much older one.

Even if it was perfect, I would walk away from something with key questions like that (and definitely not consider parting with 20 grand for it)

Agree with the posters about compromises. Nothing is perfect. You a get a bigger van with a shower and toilet and space to store bikes and sleep but then where do you park it and it’s not a daily driver.

I’ve had my VW van for 7 years, first registered late 2016. It’s a Cali Beach. I ordered it with extras to suit me, diesel heater, air con in the back and extra interior lighting. Normally I don’t keep a vehicle more than 4 years but the van is so good I’ve held on to it. Kids are getting bigger now but we went away last weekend and it was fine for 4 of us for a short trip. We generally pop up a tent to store bikes, scooters and bits and bobs. We then pop the roof and set up the table and everything is well set up with the front chairs spun round. Sleeping 2 up top and 2 below in the roll flat back seat which is comfy with a mattress topper. I reckon these type of vans are ideal for campsites with toilet and showers provided. I have no kitchen in the van although I could buy a kitchen pod if I wanted one.

The van is fine as an every day driver but more suited to long journeys due to the diesel gubbins (DPF regents etc). They are a bit wallowy on the bends but great on motorways. They are not like a car.

Yep, 2008 1.9 van, the dashboard/vents gives it away as a T5. It’s had a later front end put on it.

Absolutely mental money for an old basic van (no A/C) with a cheap R&R bed and cabinets in.

Is it Bristol Campers? They did some work for me, and quality was poor. But a few years later my neighbour used them and it was fine to be fair.

Agree with the above that a small van is a squeeze but you are using it for weekends and holidays, not living in it.

No AC. Ours has no AC. Literally just got back from a hotter than hell drive home from Croatia via Italy and France. It can be done but it’s not fun, taking your time is key, but those vans heat up like a bugger.

Indeed that’s a huge amount of money for an older, basic, high miles van with some posh graphics on…

We own a Bilbo’s. They are good. Something like this instead?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202407302296083?advertising-location=at_motorhomes&atmobcid=soc5&fromsra&keywords=bilbo%27s&sort=relevance

Or
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202311063680204?advertising-location=at_motorhomes&atmobcid=soc5&fromsra&keywords=bilbo%27s&sort=relevance