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Advice wanted - Camper Vans
#1586538
12/10/2016 12:21
12/10/2016 12:21
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,244 Watford, Herts.
Hyperlink
OP
Forum is my life
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OP
Forum is my life
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,244
Watford, Herts.
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Looking at possibly getting a camper van to travel around Europe for an extended time (multiple months but not sure how many yet) so looking for advice on Camper vans from any owners.
Will probably be a modern VW camper type rather than a mobile home so what should we look out for and what is best avoided. I think we would opt for one with a extendable roof but other than that we haven't really started looking.
We also though possibly getting a LHD vehicle as we will spend most time in Europe but not sure on how this might effect prices etc.
Any advice welcome.
Last edited by Hyperlink; 12/10/2016 12:21.
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Re: Advice wanted - Camper Vans
[Re: Hyperlink]
#1586585
12/10/2016 22:33
12/10/2016 22:33
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 826 Kent
cyborg7
Enjoying the ride
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Enjoying the ride
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 826
Kent
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Don't know much about these to be honest (but considering ditching the caravan for one), but I do happen to know they'll be loads of inspiration at the NEC this weekend as its the main show of the year: http://motorhomecaravanshow.seetickets.c...CFWkz0wodk2MB5wThere's lots of Autotrail van conversions that look absolutely fantastic albeit eyewatering prices. http://www.auto-trail.co.uk/ I think they're the benchmark so probably plenty of choice below this. I've been looking on gumtree and prices are considerably cheaper than the dealer & autotrader prices although obviously not without risk. Good luck and have fun whatever - definitely something I'm itching to do.
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Re: Advice wanted - Camper Vans
[Re: Hyperlink]
#1586595
13/10/2016 00:36
13/10/2016 00:36
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,611 S. Wales. Way beyond my means
Gripped
Club member 1924
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Club member 1924
Forum is my job
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,611
S. Wales. Way beyond my means
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Is it at Allan's? He's a bongo legend.
I still think the bongo is a good alternative to a vw transporter. Much cheaper, and not much smaller.
Last edited by Gripped; 13/10/2016 00:37.
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Re: Advice wanted - Camper Vans
[Re: Gripped]
#1586600
13/10/2016 01:46
13/10/2016 01:46
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 23,315 North Wales
Theresa
Former Presidentessa Club member 58
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Former Presidentessa Club member 58
Forum Fossil
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 23,315
North Wales
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My Mum has a Fiat Ducato which is just a nice size for 1-2 people and it's not massive or horrible to drive. It has the 2.3 engine, so plenty of power for steep hills, etc too. With it being a Fiat, it'll probably be cheaper to buy than other makes She bought hers new in 2004 and I think the only trouble she's had with it is the drivers window motor keeps packing up. It's a Tribute model if you happen to see one in your search.
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Re: Advice wanted - Camper Vans
[Re: Hyperlink]
#1586605
13/10/2016 07:30
13/10/2016 07:30
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,783 In the coupe.
magooagain
Club Member 259
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Club Member 259
Forum is my life
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,783
In the coupe.
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Away for months at a time with a small can may start to be a bit cramped,especially if the weather turns. We also had a very basic hiace van in NZ for two months in spring. It was a bit limiting.
A slightly larger professional conversion of a lwb high top van would be a good choice imo.
Pop ups are a lot of faffing about. But I except that's just my opinion.
I am thinking about changing our large camper van for a converted van next year.
You won't go wrong touring France for a few months. Camping paradise.
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Re: Advice wanted - Camper Vans
[Re: Hyperlink]
#1586632
13/10/2016 15:36
13/10/2016 15:36
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samsite999
Unregistered
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samsite999
Unregistered
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If you are going to be away for a month or so at a time, I honestly think a bongo or VW is likely going to be to small. we have a talbot and even thats small once you have packed it up for two people for a long weekend.
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Re: Advice wanted - Camper Vans
[Re: Theresa]
#1590923
26/12/2016 20:24
26/12/2016 20:24
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 13,200 england
came2dance
I AM a Coop
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I AM a Coop
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 13,200
england
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Fiat have their own Camper Van website for advise; help service issues etc. Fiat Campervan The Ducato is probably the most widely used base out there. I have an Italian 7.5 mfr conversion and i have to admit it's ace If space its an issue (and even if it isn't) you can get a drive away awning which as the name suggest you can leave in position whilst you go tootling off. You can get air inflated ones which save a lot of faffing around with poles and guide ropes etc
Last edited by came2dance; 26/12/2016 20:27.
www.chrisdoyle-photography.co.uk
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Re: Advice wanted - Camper Vans
[Re: Hyperlink]
#1591260
04/01/2017 17:01
04/01/2017 17:01
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,705 Harpenden
sugerbear
Je suis un Coupé
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Je suis un Coupé
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,705
Harpenden
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I rented a vw T5 california last summer, it really was a brilliant campervan (rental was about £600 a week I think from Hilton Rental near stansted but it was really only suitable for two people unless it had an awning, plus in the UK the doors open onto the traffic (not such a problem in europe). Spent a week travelling over to Wales and back and it was brilliant. I would have prefered the beach version which has more room but no cooker / storage because although the cooking area was good it wasn't really practical to have a fry up and the extra room / seats would have been more practical with a gas bottle slung in the back. Unfortunately the california's hold there value really well, or at least they do through the dealer network. Electrical everything (pop top, heater, windows etc) made life easier plus the front seats could be turned around. Economy wise it got around 33-36mpg on diseasil. There is a chap on pistonheads that has converted a bog standard T5, it looks amazing but i reckon a crafter would in the long run be a more practical proposition for a long holiday just because of the additional room. Like this one http://ghostwriter.belodedenko.me/lining-and-insulating-our-crafter/
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