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c'mon lets see em 😀
Another one??? Oooh go on then.
'95 Westfalia T4 California Coach
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I've been pondering campervans for some time now. Question I ask for the cognoscenti is why are VW transporters so favoured over the likes of Renault Masters et al
VWs have been linked to surf culture for years so there is the trendy lifestyle element, but I think the main reason is that most of the first mass-produced small campervans were on a VW platform so there is a much longer history of conversions...so more knowledge about how to convert them, and more of the relevant bits available.
I think I'm right in saying that VW are also the only mainstream vehicle manufacturer who do a factory conversion (the current California). All the others are after-market.
Having driven a number of vans I'd say they were also the most "car-like" to drive.
Camo; that is the funniest thing I'm going to see this week. I strangely want to see it drive past...
Vauxhall Vivaro's work well as a camper. They drive well and comfortable in the back.
It fact I know of one for sale if anybodies interested: [url= http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/vauxhall-vivaro-campervan-for-sale/110958172 ]Van for Sale[/url]
I keep thinking of buying one then look at how much they cost, quickly change my mind!
Edit: Great article from the Mash there 🙂
Custom modular build being planned for winter on the Loco T4 at present. 😀
I bought an '08 T5 Kombi a few weeks ago. Absolutely love it, wish I'd bought one years ago. Not going for a full camper conversion as I want the versatility of a bike/junk hauler, but I'm going to insulate it (for noise mainly), install 12v elecs and a 240v hookup, stick a pop top on and get a removable kitchen pod thing. Also considering an erberspacher heater but not sure about that yet.
I was lucky to find a good van, 2+1 rear quick release seats (leather) make it really handy with kids/dog etc, tailgate, electric windows, air con and a full VW history. It's a brilliant family vehicle.
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pedalhead... very similar to mine, except mine is an '07 black LWB; oh, and I've got 2 single seats up front.
Strongly considering getting a reimo poptop with a roof bed installed, so that we can have the back full of bikes and kit, pop the roof and instant comfy bed 🙂
Dave
Clean. Before Alps trip.
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Not so clean. During Alps trip.
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Clean again.
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Gunz - that's local to me!
Is it a 4 seater?
Must resist, must resist 😉
Bought this yesterday, it's a present for my son's 1st Birthday. He's said I can borrow it though.
99 westfalia exclusive 2.5tdi.
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alfabus
pedalhead... very similar to mine, except mine is an '07 black LWB; oh, and I've got 2 single seats up front.Strongly considering getting a reimo poptop with a roof bed installed, so that we can have the back full of bikes and kit, pop the roof and instant comfy bed
Dave
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?
This winter's project for me is a Vivaro/Trafic/Primastar with tracks in the back holding a 3 seater rock n roll bed and cooker unit that are re/movable. Sort of a modular camper van.
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
Pictonroad, the LWB Westy Exclusive is by far the finest compact camper available in my opinion.
Brilliant layout and so cleverly designed to make the best use of the space.
Very good purchase !!
(is the 150bhp or the 102bhp ?)
Oh no, the Belgians heard about this thread:
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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
Yeah, my thoughts too. Got an installer in mind yet?
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!
Agreed, therefore don't go for the Reimo one - it's not very good. I agonised for ages whether to get Reimo or SCA and in the end went for the Reimo one as I couldn't actually find any SCA ones to view. It cost me around £4000 including the respray and roofrack.
Since then I've seen a few SCA ones on France and Germany and they just seem so much better made. I really wish I'd got one.
Advantages of SCA:
Better fit at the front where the roof meets the fairing.
75kg rated roofrack instead of 50kg
One piece strengthening unit instead of the multi part Reimo one.*
Much better bed arrangement which allows it to be completely closed off
Better tent shape gives more usable room.
Advantages of Reimo:
I heard from one person on a German forum that their SCA cloth sides leaked. Uncorroborated but this was what swayed me to Reimo in the end and I really regret it.
* One of the converters in Devon told me about this difference and said you need to use four times as much glue on the Reimo strengthener to try to make up for the limitations of the frame. He was right. My LWB creaks and groans like mad if I drive over a diagonal bump.
Get an SCA one.
LWB Westy Exclusive is by far the finest compact camper available in my opinion.
What that huge red thing. Surely that doesn't fall into the category of compact camper does it? It must be about 2.6m high?
@pedalhead - I emailed mad workshop in bristol on Monday, but they haven't responded to me (not a great sign).
@thegeneralist - Interesting stuff, commence googling!
Out of interest, where are yo?, is there any chance I could have a look at yours? Struggled so far to find any that I can see in the flesh (I'm in Cheltenham)
Cheers,
Dave
Pictonroad, the LWB Westy Exclusive is by far the finest compact camper available in my opinion.
Brilliant layout and so cleverly designed to make the best use of the space.
Very good purchase !!
(is the 150bhp or the 102bhp ?)
It's the final act of Westfalia before they folded, all of their compact camping know how in one package. This and the late model T4 California pop tops are brilliant.
It's a 102, drove it for the first time yesterday, flew up hills no bother. It'll receive injectors and a remap but tbh, it doesn't "need" it...
I also own this
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But can't keep both.....
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Worst Photos ever but comfortable and plenty of room.
alfabus
I'm in Manchester (alas) but if you're ever up this way then let me know.
I bought mine 6 years ago pretty soon after the T5 came out and just as people started moving away from the awful white with brown/green stripes down the side T4s that were all the rage. We wanted loads of special things done but couldn't find any examples to see what was possible. With VW conversions you can do almost [u]anything [/u]you want to.... but can rarely do [u]everything [/u]that you want to... and choosing the key bits is tricky. A mate of mine has a full toilet and shower in the back of his. But has poxy little beds whereas I have a bed that is over 2m long and goes the full width of the van. So you need to decide what's important.
But I would genuinely steer you away from a Remio pop top. The german word you are looking for is aufstelldach.
SCA Daecher is the company.
http://www.sca-daecher.de/index.php?id=3
What that huge red thing. Surely that doesn't fall into the category of compact camper does it? It must be about 2.6m high?
It's not a coachbuilt motorhome, so I see it as a "compact camper" meaning it's based on a standard Van chassis in length and width.
You can call it whatever you want. Makes no difference really, it's still the best camper of its size by a country mile.
It's a 102, drove it for the first time yesterday, flew up hills no bother. It'll receive injectors and a remap but tbh, it doesn't "need" it...
The 102 has plenty of power really, but as you suggest, injectors and a remap will improve it no end.
A Decat pipe and EGR delete would work wonders too.
Mine (above) is a 150bhp with a remap, EGR delete and Decat pipe. Making it just above 185bhp (plus BAGS of torque!) it's a flying machine 🙂
We 'need' a 4x4 for other hobbies so it doubles up as a makeshift camper. Pretty compact inside but comfortable enough.
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Been seriously thinking about one after camping a lot this year but as per The Daily Mash "[i]Vintage camper owner Nikki Hollis said: “Apparently ‘freedom’ means ‘travelling slowly in considerable discomfort while using shitloads of petrol’.[/i]" this is what puts me off as I would have to use it most of the time as my daily transport too.
A Bongo seems to be an option and I especially like the idea of 4 wheel drive as with winter tyres it would also solve the 'need' for a 4x4. Would I be right in thinking that it would be big enough for 2 adults and 2 big dogs with an awning for short'ish trips in reasonable comfort?
I've just ordered a rock'n'roll bed and some furniture for mine .....so in a coupe of weeks it'll be a full blown camper
No pics I'm afraid, but we have an '06 T5 LWB with Reimo roof and have no complaints about the roof, apart from the fact that the mattress is painfully thin.
We went for a "minimalist bespoke" conversion, so full width bed on rails, 12/240v and a removable kitchen unit.
Having the flexibility to move the seat and remove the kitchen pod is great.
I have read/heard about pros & cons for both the SCA and Reimo roofs, depending on which converter you talk to.
SCA roofs do look pretty good. I like the idea of having the front spoiler, and the fact that they specifically mention keeping the vehicle height below 2m.
Found this ebay auction from freebird in devon, [url] http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SCA-elevating-pop-top-roof-for-Volkswagen-VW-T5-camper-/180973804832?pt=UK_Campervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item2a22e11d20 [/url]
Anyone used freebird? Are they worth the drive down from Chelt?
Dave
What that huge red thing. Surely that doesn't fall into the category of compact camper does it? It must be about 2.6m high?It's not a coachbuilt motorhome, so I see it as a "compact camper" meaning it's based on a standard Van chassis in length and width.
You can call it whatever you want. Makes no difference really, it's still the best camper of its size by a country mile.
It's compact but not small if that makes sense, I've had several T3 Westfalia's including the one posted that is lowered 80mm with a pop top and can get in car parks and fit on my small drive. The compact nature is the length which is only 400mm longer than a normal SWB T4 believe it or not.
Westfalia have performed miracles inside. It is seriously amazing how they've fitted it in, that combined with the factory build quality has made me reluctantly excuse my utter aversion to high tops of any kind...
50kg factory bike rack and 50kg factory fitted kayak rack too.. 😉
2.7m actually, but I can't see it when I'm driving.....
Alfabus That's who are.doing my furniture ...so I will be collecting it in a few weeks...will have a nosed at the poptops while I'm there
it's still the best camper of its size by a country mile.
Nope, mine's better. Alas I don't have any pictures.
Hope much does it cost on the peage?
same as any other T4 van..
The correct answer to the question "which is the best camper in the world?" is always, " the one I'm in"
Chamonix. The old girl did us proud this year, 3k miles round trip in 3 weeks, no problems whatsoever!
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Been seriously thinking about one after camping a lot this year but as per The Daily Mash "Vintage camper owner Nikki Hollis said: “Apparently ‘freedom’ means ‘travelling slowly in considerable discomfort while using shitloads of petrol’." this is what puts me off as I would have to use it most of the time as my daily transport too.
I use mine as daily transport without any bother. It's only a 1.9TD so not the fastest but will happily cruise all day at 75 and I get around 40mpg.
wish I hadn't have looked at this thread
I'm never going to be able to afford one...
@SprocketJocky - is that a waveski on your roof? Not many about....
Meet Vinnie, our 1984 VW T25.
Slow? Yep, 50-55 normal, 60 downhill with a tailwind. Hills? Well, we get to the top eventually, usually in 3rd or 2nd. That's when you can find 2nd in the gearbox, its a bit elusive at times.
Thirsty? Yep, we'd love to see 30mpg, but 27/28 is normal.
Reliable? Yes, when you've fixed everything that will/can/does either break/wear out/corrode/fall off/rust.
Would we change him? Nope, not for the world, but you either need deep pockets and an expert local, and very friendly garage, or you need an ever growing toolbox and be willing to put the hours in getting dirty.
But as a tandem-transporting biking wagon, he's uttery brilliant 🙂
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Rob
Oooh I love a good van thread.... The silver bullet:
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Check my TK-Max fleecy seat covers 🙂
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[b]Excuse the mess...[i]burp![/i][/b]
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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....
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 😆
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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 - MemberI'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 😉
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[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/nzrich/7964643916/ ]DSCF2007[1][/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/nzrich/ ]Richard Munro[/url], on Flickr
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[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
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[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!
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[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.
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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 😆
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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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Two bikes and a canoe fit under the bed in ours. There isn't space for much else so the living area is under the awning.One flaw with all these campers - bikes on the outside
And it appears to solve the problem of others pitching too close 😆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. 😀
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[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.