There were a bunch of T5’s of various styles and colours down at Weston-Super-Mare yesterday, all independent of one-another, and certainly nothing to do with any ‘scene’, it just happened it was the Weston Air Day. Loads of proper ‘camper’-type vehicles as well, and given the choice, and the money, I’d have a T5 or earlier, like a T3 Kombi, with a reasonably tricked out rear. Reason being I’m a fussy git, and aesthetics mean a lot; I like the look of the VW’s, I don’t like the look of any other vans, except for the Mercs, and the new Transit Custom, which I reckon would make a great ‘lifestyle’ vehicle, especially if it was possible to get a Custom with four-wheel drive, and height adjustable suspension.
That’s it, really, it comes down to how the damned thing looks, and I’ll bet that’s true for most T5 owners; it’s just a much nicer looking vehicle than pretty much any other van derivative out there.
As for having a car and caravan, sorry Mol, but there’s no chance! Been there, done that, although not actually towing myself; too young at the time.
I recently re-visited a part of the country where we used to go with the ‘van; South Hams, in Devon. Driving round the exact same lanes in my Octy, I really could not believe we towed a 16’ ‘van behind a Ford Corsair, the lanes are so steep and narrow. I’m going back down there later this year, with a tent, but I’d love to be able to take a van down there, just as easy to manoeuvre around the lanes, and handier if the weather takes a turn for the worst, which it can easily do.
Maybe the lottery will cough up…