[Closed] Vauxhall vivaro, Renault Trafic options

I bought a plain van, removed the bulkhead and then had fitted three removeable seats (bolted, with load spreading plates fitted). Also had side windows fitted. That gives me all the options. If there's a downside to this it's that there's only one side door. For me, that actually works better though some may find it a constraint.

When I'm "camping" overnight in the van I'll have the rear seats facing the other way. It gives me more space and somewhere comfy to sit.

[url= https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8314/8066689418_73dca822af_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8314/8066689418_73dca822af_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/dhPTJ3 ]IMAG0147[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/druidh2000/ ]Colin Cadden[/url], on Flickr

I have a 'factory' doublecab Vivaro (58) and the bulkhead is a plastic bolted in part so could be removed. But the 'factory' second row of seats are bolted in so not a quick flick of a leaver job to remove and they don't tilt.

Just been through this search.

Most Trafic/Vivaro/Primastar crew cabs have a bulkhead, but I THINK these are pretty much cosmetic only and relatively easy to remove.

In the end we were lucky enough to find a fully converted Vivaro already done with rock-n-roll bed, swivelling front seats, battery, etc. Saved us a load of time and money.

EDIT. Also, TVP Addicts group on Facebook might be useful.

Oh - go for a 2009 or newer model. Earlier versions have a potential issue with water off the windscreen affecting the injectors and also some clutch problems.

Mine is the 2.0. It is plenty fast enough and I get over 40mpg on a decent trip. The cost of a full tank of diesel is always a shock but it then runs for a long time.

The bulkhead is easy to remove, its held on with about 6 to 8 bolts and a couple of rivets that you can easily drill out. Took me about 30mins to remove it from a 2011 Traffic and I have no idea what I'm doing with anything vaguely DIY related.

There were seized injector problems upto 2010 model something to do with water dripping into the engine bay and corroding the injectors there may have been some recall / retro fix so check this work has been done. I believe this issue was fixed in the 2011 model.

There are crew cab models available which will have a second row of seats but from reading online it doesn't look too hard to fit seats yourself if you can't find a crew cab model.

My Traffic has 3 seats up front, the middle seat is a bit cramped, dash and gear lever restrict leg room. Its is fine for adults on short journeys but I'm not sure how comfy it would be on a journey longer than 1 hour I've not tried it yet.

Go for a low mileage 2.5 T5. The Traffics, Vivaro's and Primstars are unreliable pieces of junk. They are really poorly made and the injectors are the least of their problems. I know so many tradesmen and all of them that have these have had major problems, two of which have had new engines after bits coming off within the block.
I took the plunge and bought a T5 after years of driving Transits. I wouldn't go back. It was always the high price that put me off but look at the resale value.

I beg to differ mekedabear, i bought mine 2 years ago. A 2007 a 2.0l Vivaro. I had issues with the injectors but absolutely nothing else has gone wrong. I have put about 30 thousand miles on the clock. I also know a few people with Transporters who are having constant problems with them and they are not a cheap fix either. Vans are pretty much the same regardless of badge. I kitesurf and bike so do know a lot of people with vans and transporters are so overpriced for what they are. Vivaro or the new fords are the compromise at the moment IMO

Vivaro or the new fords are the compromise at the moment IMO

Looking for a van I found just as many bad stories about VWs as anything else (bearing in mind it's really only the negative stuff that ends up online). They do look nice but just couldn't bring myself to pay the VW tax in the end...

Vans are pretty much the same regardless of badge

I had issues with the injectors

That's to many issues . My T5 is 2005 and hasn't even blown a bulb.

transporters are so overpriced for what they are.

The build quality is far superior to other vans. Just look around and you will notice how many of the cheaper vans have bits of the cheap plastic trim missing.

and they are not a cheap fix either.

This is not my experience either. That is a mechanics phrase to justify over charging for a repair. I actually found that my 04 Transit was the most expensive van to repair. That was also an unreliable heap of crap.

compromise

Why compromise.

 

That's to many issues . My T5 is 2005 and hasn't even blown a bulb.

Does the minibus (combi) version have removable seats? Might suit you best.

The Traffics, Vivaro's and Primstars are unreliable pieces of junk.

I'd take this with a pinch of salt.

A 2.5 T5 would be amazing but for a budget of roughly 15k id be looking at high mileage only. You can get a very low mileage Vivaro/Trafic type van.

It must have:
Ability to safely transport 2 adults, 2 kids and a dog plus bikes and skis regularly.
Ability to transport 3 adults plus three kayaks less regularly.
Be fuel efficient
Be normal prices to service and repair.
Have rear windows factory fitted.
Have comfy / supportive seats.
Receive an awning for camping trips.

A decent stereo is a plus. Don't need a wee kitchen though that might be nice.

How much are Rock n Roll beds?

Two biking friends run vivaros (builder/plumber). Neither have had major issues and one of the vans has over 200'000 miles on the click.

That's great that the bulkhead can be easily removed on the Vivaro type vans. A few I've seen have a little 1.6 TDi engine, with a decent output though. Does anyone have experience with those?

I've got a 2010 Trafic, 2.0DCi, converted to a camper. Its been fantastic. Reliability wise, they're no better or worse than the equivalent T5, so don't be too concerned that way, despite the comments above. VW long ago lost the ability to assert themselves as more reliable and better engineered.

They're also better to drive than the T5, by quite some margin.

Also, the 2.0 is a great engine. You'll not need the 2.5. VW use car-derived engines in their vans as well, so I'm not sure what the problem is there. I take the point about resale value, but thats because most buyers haven't a clue, think VWs are still reliable, and just want the badge. There's nothing innately superior about T5's.

The other thing to note is that far more commercial outfits run TVPs, as VW's are too premium.

Things to watch out for-

1)Scuttle panel seal has been done
The seal that sits below the windscreen is a poor design that let water run onto the top of the engine and rust out the injectors. If/when the injectors failed, they're tricky to pull out as they tend to snap. Post 2010 it was redesiged, but its still not perfect

2)Servicing/oil changes
These 2.0 engines need regular oil changes to maintain cam-chain life. The long-life servicing doesn't seem great for them. Make sure its been well looked after.

3)The clutch slave cylinders go, and its about a 4 hour job, and you may as well get the clutch done too.

For RnR beds- a full crash-tested one will be about £800, fitted.

If I was getting another one, I'd get an LWB (as Scotroutes advised me to) as the extra space is helpful.

Here's mine:

[img] [/img]

£5k to buy, about £10k to convert, with everything under the sun. Its not the first time I've had T5 owners stop me for a chat, have a look around it, get talking about money and seeing them walk off in disgust when they twig that I've done all this for half the price of theirs.

I've got one very similar to cody, a 2010 2.0L and zero problems for me. Fitted the second row of seats myself, it's a rock n roll bed, they cost anything from £500 to £2k depending on spec and comfort.

Apologies for the hijack but I remember you saying on a previous thread you got the 68mph restrictor removed. I've struggled to find someone to do it for me, if you could pass on details of where you got yours done I'd be very grateful, email in profile.

No probs spacey- here you go:

http://vantuner.co.uk/

Great bloke. He's got a network (or did have) of tuners/van mechanics around who can download your map onsite, securely send it to him, zip it back to the local mechanic for upload.

garryfmacdonald - we operate Vauxhall (plus Iveco and Fiat) commercial dealerships so I have driven a few of the new 1.6'ers. They drive just as well as my older personal 2.0cdti except in very low revs... the 2.0 will still pull in 3rd at tickover - the 1.6 won't... just an observation.

Get an LWB. And if possible (although rare) opt for the dual seats up front (rather than 1+2). I have this factory option and much more comfy for 'family' duties on long journeys.

Nice one thanks, cracking van you have there!

Thanks guys. Good reading here. I have about 6 months til I will be buying but great to get this research out of the way now before I start trying things out. Spacey, who do you recommend for seats?

Any of you guys ever towed with one ?
Looking at a van to replace my ageing Galaxy, as it spends most of its life laden with kids, bikes & a caravan hanging off the back.
Have looked at some T5's but £10k barely gets you below 100k miles... 😐

We are on our second 2.5 T5. They have been the most problematic vehicles we've owned over the last 30 years. New bottom ends, a new turbo, multiple driveshaft problems(shearing), gearbox failures and endless and I mean endless electrical problems - central locking a common fault and continuous engine management issues.

For us modifying the vehicle with seats and windows has narrowed the insurance options down a bit and pushed up the premium. I'm sure otheres will tell you how they did all that and got it 'fully comp for 150 notes' but that's not my experience. We are a running a trade though, which doesn't help.

problematic vehicles we've owned over the last 30 years. New bottom ends, a new turbo, multiple driveshaft problems(shearing), gearbox failures and endless and I mean endless electrical problems - central locking a common fault and continuous engine management issues.

problematic vehicles we've owned over the last 30 years. New bottom ends, a new turbo, multiple driveshaft problems(shearing), gearbox failures and endless and I mean endless electrical problems - central locking a common fault and continuous engine management issues.

based on your glowing recommendation you would wouldn't you?

based on your glowing recommendation you would wouldn't you?

I had a 2.0 vivaro for work (57 plate). Being a work van it thrived on neglect, annual service only no matter the mileage and I put 80K on it whilst I had it. It endured mainly digital throttle driving and it never skipped a beat, I was sorry to see it go at 120K. The same cannot be said for the 1.6 Peugeot "expert" I then got saddled with. Endless ecu problems and horrible to drive, especially in the snow.

but you said you took the T5 plunge and now wouldn't go back. Either you think they are great or you don't - which is it?

based on your glowing recommendation you would wouldn't you?

sorry wrong quote.

Either you think they are great or you don't - which is it?

Posted 8 minutes ago # Report-Post

That's to many issues . My T5 is 2005 and hasn't even blown a bulb.

My '51 Octavia hasn't blown a bulb since I've had it either, which proves nothing

Scotroutes.... where did you get those rails you fix the bungees too please ?

These vivaro's/trafics that you guys are running, are they cam belts or chains? The big vw 2.5 was always attractive for being chained but we'll be looking at other options next time round. We do need enough grunt to shift a ton of stone in a twin axle trailer plus mixer etc in the van though. I've never been convinced the smaller engines would manage but maybe i am wrong?

2.5 t5's are not belt or chain timed. They use a series of cogs therefore eliminating the need for belt or chain replacement.

Thanks but not what I was asking.

Had a 2010 ex-AA Trafic for a couple of years as a daily and race van. Had no problems at all, other than the fact you won't really get much money back on them when you come to sell compared to a VW or a Merc.

I'm now running a low mileage T4 as I now only use the van for racing and it'll hold it's money much better.

If I had the option of TVP vs T5 though I'd go T5. I think that's something to do with me also owning a 67 Beetle, a 1982 T3 and a beach buggy though 😉

Looks like DIN rail to me.

get talking about money and seeing them walk off in disgust when they twig that I've done all this for half the price of theirs.

Probably raging that your side windows don't leak like theirs too

2l TVPs have chains.

Probably raging that your side windows don't leak like theirs too

Too true 🙂

Vivaros are a nice van and should be ideal for what you are looking for, All vans have their problems and T5's more than most!!

BUT

I have a 2.5 T5 and its just gone past 250k miles for a 2008 van.

Other than a couple of wheel bearings, a clutch and consumable items, nothing, and i mean nothing went wrong until I reached 230k. It then had an overhaul, new bushes droplinks etc.. new bigger turbo, intercooler, driveshaft, gearbox bearing, it still drives like the brand new T6 I tried the other day.

The bodywork has a few scrapes and dings but the interior is sturdy and rattle free...I hope to get an other 100k out of it...

The T5/6's are overpriced, but I like them, and other brands make more sense but if I went past a T5 in a vivaro I will always wish I had one.. they are after all the new mid life crises van and I'm now in my 40's

I have a 2.5 T5 and its just gone past 250k miles for a 2008 van.

When you get a good one they are great vans, no question.

[quote=revs1972 ]Scotroutes.... where did you get those rails you fix the bungees too please ?

http://www.vanbitz.co.uk/3mtr-Tie-Down-Cargo-Rail.-Load-securing-rail-for-vans/104.htm

Vader...a quick google suggests the Vivaro and siblings have a 2 ton tow limit...I've not looked up twin axle trailers but I'd expect them to weigh about 800kg. If you are literally sticking a ton of stone on the trailer, it would be best to avoid FWD if you have the choice.

You might be better getting a RWD Transit, probably a 330 or 350, I think they'll pull around 2500-2800kg depending on engine and axle ratio. (not a wimpy 260 or 280, some can only pull 750kg)

F*ck ****ity f*ck!
Tracking a 2.5 VW T30 on Fleabay to the point where I'm hoping to test drive it on Sat.
04 plate with 116K miles but had loads done under the bonnet etc as well as being ready for bikes and beds.
Really not sure what to do now! 🙄

I got my t5 at 52k. Now on 165k. Driven gently, never loaded, never short journeys.

It's needed
Gear cables reattached twice.
Two sets of brake discs.
A radiator.
An intercooler.
A turbo.
Shocks front and rear.
A clutch and dmf.
Two sets of tyres.
Tailgate lock.
Door locks
A battery.
Multiple drop links etc

It's a money pit.

Vader - our current Land Rover is just a 2.2, but still pulls everything we hitch behind it, pretty sure we are at 3.5ton with tractor on the trailer. Very similar engine in a lot of the Transits.

As Spooky mentions, I'd favour rwd for towing. Trailer weights, our 12' is 700kg and 16' tilt bed is 900kg.
Economy models also often have taller gearing which results in lower tow weights.

Struggle to see the value in Transporters, no better or worse than any other van.

Agree Timber, engine size is not everything. My Iveco is 3500kg, will tow another 3500kg (so thats 7000kg) and its just a 2.3l 126bhp engine. No low ratio box either, although first is getting close to a crawler gear.

P.S Stuart...thats not so bad for 110,000 miles?!

A lot of those are consumables!

It's an expensive list though my biggest gripe with vw is the cost of parts. It's just stupid how much commonly needed parts cost.

Fwiw I run 2 French vans over 10years old And a 30 year old land rover. Not got a list that long for all three in my ownership across 200k miles in my owner ship and 450k on the clocks (since I put the landy back on the road after 28years of abuse and a driveway rebuild)

Wouldn't have a vw anything again.

Just rolled over 230,000 on my 56 plate Trafic this weekend, use it as a daily driver and bike van, had aftermarket Cruise control fitted. I've put 120,000 on it in 4 years. Other than a blown alternator a few years back, and a recon box (£800) last Christmas the rest has been standard consumables, tires etc.

Still averages 38mpg unless its totally laden down. Great, no rust unlike the Transits I had before.

I have a 2.0dci 115ps 62 plate lwb trafic. Bought as a standard van 18 month old ex-hire. It cost me £1100 to fit 2 rear windows, a rear seat out of a trafic minibus that folds and had the roof lined. The van is mainly used for my work as a plasterer/builder so I have the same issue with a bulkhead, I need to be able to get long ladders, scaffold boards etc in the back so decided to do a diy conversion. It also pulls our 6 berth caravan on holidays & occasionally a large twin axle trailer carrying building materials. I guess it has quite a hard life really. I'm thinking of changing it this year before it gets too high mileage, but can't decide what to go for. I definitely would prefer something with more power for towing & I believe vw t5/t6 will pull 2.5 tons compared to 2 ton for the trafic/vivaro & transit customs. Not sure I can justify spending £20k+ though!

It's a money pit.

You missed your leaky windows too 😉

Garry - you asked about seats/beds on the last page, Kiravans are a good place to start they have the Rib seats which are very nice but pricey. It depends what you want, if you are planning to have people travelling on them they need to be crash tested which adds ££££. Another less spendy option is JAC campers they do a range of crash tested ones for under £1000. If you don't want them to convert to a bed I'm sure there are much cheaper options, like getting seats from old minibuses, although that's not a route I went down.

It's a money pit.

There's good and bad stories about every vehicle out there, my mate has spent so much money on his vivaro he feels chained to it now - 2 new gearboxes in 2 years and multiple injector failures being the main highlights.

T5 frinstance - people are either fierce defenders, or haterz with very few exceptions. If mine starts giving issues like those listed above, I'll flog it, cos I won't lose much.

Here's my JAC campers RnR bed. Its been great. Crash tested- I think it was about £900.

[img] [/img]

[img] [/img]

[img] [/img]

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[img] [/img]

I opted not to get the base of it boxed in, just for the advantage of shoving things underneath it.

looking good cody.

superdan - Member
Just rolled over 230,000 on my 56 plate Trafic this weekend, use it as a daily driver and bike van, had aftermarket Cruise control fitted.

I'm at a crossroads as far as getting a van goes now.
Thinking a 2.5 T30 might be a bit too much of a grunty van esp after hearing about one being described as a 'money pit' - I do not want a money pit whatever I go for. Having said that I [i]want[/i] a VW - getting anything else I know I'd wish down the line I'd got one instead of a Vivaro etc - they might make more sense but I guess buying anything like that is a bit of a lottery 😕

I like that conversion Cody, and Id like to do something similar, but what do you do with bikes?.

My conversion is very similar to that above and unfortunately the bikes have to go on the tow bar rack. In an ideal world there would be space inside but not possible to do everything in a van this size. If you want bikes inside [b]and[/b] space for beds you need to go for XL vans with a garage at the back. There is an awesome thread on a conversion like this, I'll see if I can find it....

[url= http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/family-friendly-bike-carrying-camper-build ]big van conversion[/url]
It's a cracking read!

Aye, sounds about right.

Tbh the van spends more time as a bike day van than it ever would as a camper, and I ain't putting the bikes on the outside. So I'll stick with what I have - Go outdoors campbed with a single mattress on top and a 14 tog duvet, proper toasty and incredibly comfy!.

trail_rat - Member
looking good cody.

Cheers TR.

Nobeerinthefridge - Member
I like that conversion Cody, and Id like to do something similar, but what do you do with bikes?.

I've got a Fiamma rack on the tailgate, NBITF. Not the best solution if you've got nice bikes, I know, but it had to be a 'family' camper, so I couldn't force the issue re a bike garage at the back.

I've got a Fiamma rack on the tailgate, NBITF. Not the best solution if you've got nice bikes, I know, but it had to be a 'family' camper, so I couldn't force the issue re a bike garage at the back.

Yeah, understand, gotta compromise and prioritise. Happy camping matey!.

Nobeerinthefridge .... The camp bed in the back sounds like a decent option and as you say allows more regular use for carrying bikes, skis, kayaks, dogs, etc...

When I get the van it'll be used for Easter, Summer and Winter holidays in the hills of Scotland and Europe so that way of doing the bed sounds the most flexible to me.

Does that make insurance cheaper too, as it wouldn't really need modified. Does putting insulation in the walls and roof count as modification for insurance?

Cheers Scotroutes

Garry - When I told my insurance co about my mods - windows, remap, it really didn't make any difference to the cost.

However, if you do a proper conversion in compliance with licencing requirements to convert to camper - windows, seats, bed, water and cooking kit - then I am told insurance goes down. And obv, you can then drive at 70 instead of 60 on roads that allow.

Insulation and suchlike wasn't a mod with my insurance co. - Aviva.

superdan - Member
Just rolled over 230,000 on my 56 plate Trafic this weekend, use it as a daily driver and bike van, had aftermarket Cruise control fitted.

Of you don't mind me asking, how much did the aftermarket CC cost?

Was around £550 fitted 4 years back, I thought about it for a while, but couldn't face a second trip to the alps and back that summer without CC, its been all good ever since. If you are anywhere near Cumbria drop me an email and I can send you the details of the chap.

codybrennan - Member
I've got a Fiamma rack on the tailgate, NBITF. Not the best solution if you've got nice bikes, I know, but it had to be a 'family' camper, so I couldn't force the issue re a bike garage at the back.

Do you think a small garage (wheels off) would fit in a LWB? Swithering between a LWB Vivaro/Trafic and a MWB Sprinter/Crafter. I like the idea of the having the smaller van so I can use it everyday, but having the bikes inside as well as a bed, hobs, sink etc is a big deal for me

I wouldn't worry about the added length of a LWB. I was concerned until I actually drove one and now don't notice the extra length. I doubt there's enough room for a garage though - not unless you were prepared to dismantle the bike (which sort of defeats the point).

Happy to dismantle the bike(s) as it's the security I'm looking for. The LWB Vivaro would be the smaller end of what I was looking for. The MWB Crafters and Sprinters are longer with the advantage of a height so I could build a raised double bed and place bikes in storage under it in the rear. The LWB Vivaro would be easier to live with daily I think.

Agreed. We have a LWB Trafic which is great. Not converted as a camper but I've built some 'shelf' bunks and four can sleep in it with all the kit, bikes, etc inside. Ours came with windows and a front two seat in the back and part bulkhead behind it. Think mountain bikers had had it before us. The only thing is it's a bit low if you want to transport stuff which is disappointing when people ask you to move stuff because you have a van.

Towing - I towed a trailer with six Optimists on it from Weymouth to Northumberland and barely noticed it was there.

Yeah, a Long High TVP would be a better shape as you could build a bed platform over a low garage.

Friend with the previous shape, boxy Transit can sleep sideways in the van at just over 6'. They have a sleeping platform from the back doors to the sliding door. Kitchen up front and bikes/kites/boards under the platform.

Not sure what your budget is, but I would have a look on Evans Halshaw for used Vivaros,loads of crew cabs with under 200 miles, so basically new, £16500 plus VAT up to about £18.5k plus vat depending on engine and spec. And as little as £12.5k plus VAT for a standard van

I really need to get my replacement van bought. Still humming between Transit Custom and TVP and undecided between SWB and LWB. I really want it to replace my car as well rather than running two lots of tax and insurance which is what I was with the old van.

MrGrim; halfway through converting my second van. Both have been Iveco Hightops, 6 metres long and I think the internal length to the cab seats is 3.6m.

With some planning, you can get a sideways fixed bed with space for the bikes to go under (front wheels off minimum), small toilet room, two belted seats in the back, and a kitchen with large fridge and oven.

Go under 6 metres you'll need to lose either the toilet or rear seats. Go over 6 metres and you'll run into more aggro in supermarkets/ferrys.

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My company may have 5 or 6 62 plate lwb Vivaro Sportives in black coming up for sale in 5 months time. All around the 100k mark and normally sell for about £3k.