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Anyone got a small campervan - eg Mazda Bongo or similar.
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srichards
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Get one with a decent engine in it. Some of them are seriously under powered so you have to virtually push them up hills! But if you mainly trundle around East Anglia that won't be an issue.
Some quite good information here:
http://www.campingandcaravanningclu...tingstarted/newtomotorhomes/typesofmotorhome/
Some quite good information here:
http://www.campingandcaravanningclu...tingstarted/newtomotorhomes/typesofmotorhome/
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andrewc
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Am looking at various base vehicles from ex-ambulances, to already converted campers to vans/mpvs for conversion.
Many of the Bongos come with an electrically lifting roof as standard which unless it was a high bodied van would limit headroom.
Many of the Bongos come with an electrically lifting roof as standard which unless it was a high bodied van would limit headroom.
onomatopoeia
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I have a VW T25, many of which are campervans (either as new or subsequently converted). Mine isn't, it was a minibus until I took all the seats out so I could use it move big stuff and tow the race car. I did consider converting it myself but realised that unless I did something about the engine the last thing it needed was more weight and a higher roof to increase drag.
It's a 1900cc petrol engine in mine (the so-called "wasserboxer" engine, which is a water-cooled version of the Beetle engine. Not the Beetle that's actually a Golf) which is woefully underpowered for motorway cruising. You can go long distances in it and I have, including towing, but most of the time it's right foot planted on the floor and just about struggling to 60mph which is not relaxed. That mine's a 4wd version probably doesn't help though due to the transmission losses.
So whatever you get I'd advise checking it will be happy in motorway traffic!
It's a 1900cc petrol engine in mine (the so-called "wasserboxer" engine, which is a water-cooled version of the Beetle engine. Not the Beetle that's actually a Golf) which is woefully underpowered for motorway cruising. You can go long distances in it and I have, including towing, but most of the time it's right foot planted on the floor and just about struggling to 60mph which is not relaxed. That mine's a 4wd version probably doesn't help though due to the transmission losses.
So whatever you get I'd advise checking it will be happy in motorway traffic!
Ady N
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Got a 1999 T4 that I got converted locally to my spec. Whatever van you get make sure the service history on the base vehicle is comprehensive. There are a lot of conversions out there and a lot of choice but also a lot of crap. As a generalization, avoid Vito's & Transits. Make sure the conversion has been done professionally & it is registered as a motor caravan. Visit this cracking site for 'free' wild camping spots: http://www.nomadgb.co.uk/map.html
rjbell
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I've been looking at doing this myself. Bongo's are all imports and if things go wrong it might cost you a lot. VW T4 or T5 will cost a little more but hold there price very well. If you are under 6 foot consider buying a short wheelbase Transit,Ducato or Relay. They are not a lot longer but they are 6 foot wide so you can have the bed sideways leaving you a lot more free space for kitchen etc..
jondc
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As a cheap option, I used to have a Talbot Rambler 2.0l petrol. It was powerful enough for the motorway and got around 28mpg. The petrol was more powerful than the diesel of that age and had a timing chain, not belt. The diesels get around 30mpg but are a bit under powered.
The Rambler has a small toilet, shower and sink area and was certainly good enough for a long weekend away. Ours had gas heating and water heater with leisure battery, fresh water and grey water tanks.
You just need to make sure you get one that has been looked after as prone to rust if left with out tlc.
The Rambler has a small toilet, shower and sink area and was certainly good enough for a long weekend away. Ours had gas heating and water heater with leisure battery, fresh water and grey water tanks.
You just need to make sure you get one that has been looked after as prone to rust if left with out tlc.
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andrewc
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I had been considering Vitos, or actually the Mercedes V-Class 'car' from which they were derived on the assumption that it wouldn't have had quite so many loads of bricks in the back, especially if I can find a lowish mileage one. V-Classes also have windows all round whereas these would be added to a van conversion unless it was a minibus.
Import doesn't worry me, I've driven Japanese imports since 1998 except for a few years with an AMG Mercedes. With few exceptions, I do all my own servicing and work anyway.
Most of the weekends away are spent at race tracks, so toilets and showers are present, but would like it to have rudimentary cooking facilities. I'm 6' so a bit of length is important to me.
If I'm on my own I currently either sleep in a tent, or if one of the teams I'm shooting has a pit garage, I'll set up a camp bed in their garage. If the forecast is dreadful, then I'll either borrow the works van and set up camp inside there or get a travellodge.
I realise that I can buy a lot of cheap nights in a travellodge for the cost of a camper, these are all things to consider.
I have more time over winter to search / convert, and traditionally prices drop over the winter and perk up in spring.
Import doesn't worry me, I've driven Japanese imports since 1998 except for a few years with an AMG Mercedes. With few exceptions, I do all my own servicing and work anyway.
Most of the weekends away are spent at race tracks, so toilets and showers are present, but would like it to have rudimentary cooking facilities. I'm 6' so a bit of length is important to me.
If I'm on my own I currently either sleep in a tent, or if one of the teams I'm shooting has a pit garage, I'll set up a camp bed in their garage. If the forecast is dreadful, then I'll either borrow the works van and set up camp inside there or get a travellodge.
I realise that I can buy a lot of cheap nights in a travellodge for the cost of a camper, these are all things to consider.
I have more time over winter to search / convert, and traditionally prices drop over the winter and perk up in spring.
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Shine On
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Look at a VW Caddy, or Caddy Maxi. Loads on the forum www.caddy2k.com that have been converted to have 'rock & roll' beds in the back for this sort of reason. Best thing is that it's a very well made German van that should be reliable, hold its money, and they're really nice to drive as opposed to some decrepit French based heap that is agonisingly slow to drive around whilst also guzzling fuel. A few guys have managed to fit a small sink, cooker etc like a proper camper but if that's your thing I dare say the bigger Transporter models would be a much better base. But as somewhere comfortable to sleep in that can be made well refined and insulated, a Caddy makes a lot of sense.
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