Thanks for doing honest reviews of vehicles many can’t afford to hire, let alone buy, so we know what to consider should our finances allow in the future. There is so much choice out there…it’s a mine field when you start looking…so many pitfalls and sales pitches to avoid..so many conflicting opinions, a battle between motorhomes and campervans….but making a decision gets a lot easier with reviews like yours.
It’s a fairly informative video. However, I’d prefer if if there were fewer shots of the guy talking and more shots of the actual vehicle and its features.
Great review. Can I just point out that charging a laptop via and inverter is extremely inefficient. You can buy adaptors for most laptops that will convert from 12v to the voltage needed (normally between 14-20v). If you use a converter you are going up to 230v and then back to to the required voltage which actually wastes power at each stage of the conversion.
I bought a 204 dsg kombi camper with a full swamper kit built by van haven, I have put so many options and extras on my van and I absolutely love it. ❤️
I have the Bilsten b6 comfort suspension with eibach 60mm lift kit springs on my van with fuel colverts on BF goodridge k02s and the ride is amazing. I have just covered 13 000 miles in my van yesterday on the way back from caffeine and machine, I have driven my van to john o'groats this year ,had 4 weekend's away since Christmas and I have even had my van around the nurburgring ring .I have the 204 dsg and it still surprises me just how well its picks up its skirt and gets down the road . I've had more than 70 vehicle's since I past my driving test including a bmw m3 and a sierra cosworth to name but a few ,but my van has transformed my life .I couldn't see me without one again
Great review, I agree with most of the options you mentioned and I would definitely want to add an after market awning so I could have some shade and in case of rain somewhere to cook a BBQ and have some seating!
I agree with just about all the additions you mentioned, but I'd also add LWB to that list. That extra 40cm is barely perceptible when driving, but makes a HUGE difference to the leisure experience. Yes, you do have to be more circumspect when parking, but I haven't yet had a problem (even in the dreaded supermarket carpark).
@@SteveFletcherGuitar Converters that push a certain configuration most likely have an agenda that suits either their conversion or the vans they have in stock. Drive or, better still, camp in each back-to-back and make you're own mind up.
The RIB bed… thought I could sleep on mine with no topper…. it was like concrete. Absolute nightmare. Horrible night’s sleep. Even with 5cm memory foam topper it’s barely ok. That said… I’m fully happy with it. Totally flat and smooth. Not like sleeping on a seat. And I could get a thicker topper…
Had a look and it’s a no (from me). When you say better finish, can you explain? This appears from photos to have knock on edging? It’s not NCC Approved, it appears from the photos it wouldn’t be compliant. Where are the smoke and carbon dioxide alarms? Certainly one of the better priced campers though and I do like some of the features. Far better than a lot of the conversions out there.
@@StaycationLifestyle the smoke and co2 alarms are behind the drivers seat. The pop top and rock and roll bed are crash tested . All the appliances are domestic. Seats are Bentley stitched. Carpeted throughout. Table in the door. That’s all I’m addition to cool wheels of your choice, custom body kit, blinds, reverse camera and sensors. But if you like the big stock one go for it.
Just couldn’t see them 👍 What height are those units above the hob? Are they tested in vehicle? What chassis strengthening has been carried out? I know what you mean, but your not comparing apples with apples. These vans are Brand New and NCC Approved. I could get all those items you mentioned included, but only after registration as it wouldn’t meet approval otherwise, hence they are sold in this manner.
better finish cupboards are very flimsy and cheap.. the microwave cut out is awful very ill fitting you can see the ply board where they dont even use any edjing strip around the cut out..proper bob the builder finish. plus if you buy the camper with the runners for the rock and roll bed thats another big lazy bodge..the floor runners come past the fridge but the bed stops before the fridge so you end up with 18 inches of runners on the floor that do nothing all because they cant bother to cut them to size..
@@vanagon1966 I don’t know who you rented the van from because as far as I know Needingworth Campers don’t rent their vans only sell them, so perhaps it would be a good idea to clarify your comments .
Just a quick warning to fellow drivers, you need to be aware if you use a satnav, external or built in or Google maps or Waze, to see what the speed of the road you are driving on, please don't rely on them!!! Due to the changes in speed limits all over the UK, the maps are now very wrong where speed limits are displayed on them. Many roads are poorly sign posted making it very difficult to work out what the speed is. Do not rely on these devices for speed limits.
I tend to disagree, one of the bigger changes in speed limits is the 20 mph through towns, I found that Google map has all those posted as it is constantly updated unlike satnav's where you have to pay for updates which most people don't. What I do find amazing is that secondary roads in the UK have a blanket limit of 60 mph even if driving on a virtually single lane that can barely fit one car down.
Because of the rapid increase of EV charge points on fuel forecourts and the greater financial pay back for the fuel forecourt operators with having EV chargers, propane tanks and supply are reducing massively on forecourts because the limited space on forecourts which is now being used for EV chargers instead, therefore propane delivery systems and pumped propane will soon be very hard to find, rendering underslung tanks a severe liability going forward. Much better having a 907 camping gas cylinder for the hob burners and a diesel heater, with both fuels being readily available.
There is an increase in leisure retailers having tanks installed to counteract this and it’s still going to be available at fuel depots. I like the 907, however if the rumours are true, that will be disappearing from the UK. Maybe, just maybe there is an alternative coming in a new conversion 🤔😃🤷🏻♂️
thanks good review. i disagree a tiny bit with you about the 'extra' door that needs opening before you open the fridge. This is called 'form over function' in my design book. So extra weight, extra cost, slower to access, extra materials to manufacture. why? so that it looks a tiny bit 'prettier' in some peoples eyes? nope.
I think bending down to do most of the things youve done must be hard on yr spine..(my lower bk is damaged because of bending down in my VW camper )..to enter the van your ducking yr head and unless you raise the roof (which then looks like yr sleeping there can cause problems with Joe public) unless yr in a camp site .. The cost of this camper you would have thought VW would have made a constantina metal type of roof which can be left raised and van driven at least around town .. For the money there are so many other professional conversions that you can stand up in ..which means more eye level storage .
Interesting van conversion especially as we live fairly close to Tamar Caravans. But the most interesting item for me was your coffee pot😂. Could you tell me what make it is and where you got it from please.
Absolutely, let’s get the important bits out the way first 🤣 Coffee is top of the priority list. Too be honest I’ve had that one for years. It was just a cheap one from Amazon, like this one amzn.to/40AhXr6 It’s been brilliant
They have some, or did I know they sell quick. They have a few more on order of varying specs. www.tamarcaravancentre.co.uk/new+used/motorhomes/filters/body/campervan/
Yes they are doors backwards like most. If I had one I would add the thermo liner in front doors, along with speaker upgrade. More on this will follow soon
Can you confirm you said it’s a camper on the V5? The van has a pop top and DVLA will not pass it as a camper with that roof so can you explain how that was achieved please? Thx
Hi Paul, it is indeed a “motor caravan” on the V5. This is a “type approved” vehicle and has never previously been registered as a panel van. The vehicle is subject to various tests and must meet certain criteria for this approval. Regulations must be met in regards to gas, electrics etc along with upgrades to the structure of the base vehicle. There aren’t many conversion companies that can provide registered “motor caravan” vehicles. The process is very complex and costly.
Great vid and local to me ;) Thinking of purchasing a T6.1 panel van (highline) towards the end of the year and converting over time, as cant afford a full on camper. Any tips/recommendations?
I have lots of tips, too many in this reply 😂 Send me an email and can share more. Have a few videos coming soon that may help. Take your time if your doing gradually, research and take inspiration from others.
Not sure if you were aware when making the video but VW has now stopped taking orders from dealers for any Transporter 6.1 which just leaves the California available to order for now. However, the dealerships strongly believe this will also go off order at the end of April. The replacement for the 6.1 is a joint affair with Ford, so the NEW Transporter will be built in Turkey alongside the Ford Transit. VW have not announced any meaningful details so after 60 years the story finally comes to an end.
Yes, I did a video on this when the announcement was made. Converters still have orders that are being fulfilled and therefore Brand New vehicles can be ordered from them. I know several Type approved converters still have vehicles available to order
The new one is interesting, we will have to see when the details are released, what is shared with the Ford. In the meantime, has the 60 year story come to an end or is is lived on through the ID Buzz like the original “microbus”?
Great review, I have a campervan , any idea how they manage to get this registered as a motor caravan? Is it possible to get a campervan ncc approved and then registered? What does ncc mean please? Very frustrating having a van very similar to this without the ability to get it registered as a motor caravan unless I swap the skyline pop top for a high top and add some graphics!! Great vid 👌👌🏁🏁
It’s Type Approved, so is never registered as a panel van. It has to be built to a certain specification with several enhancements a lot of other conversions don’t have. This is a link to the NCC, you can read regarding the approval aspect www.thencc.org.uk/Our_Schemes/cert_scheme.aspx
@@StaycationLifestyle hey buddy, one more question sorry, I forgot to ask about the black out blinds in the cab? I’ve been trying to find a company to fit some curtains around my window and windscreen like in a lorry/truck, but can’t find anyone. These in your vid look quite good? Any idea what they are please? Or brand? Thanks very much
I’m not sure of the brand. Just a quick search and these look like they could be the ones www.kiravans.co.uk/products/vw-t5-t6-curtain-kit-cab?variant=30858444439605¤cy=GBP&+shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6cKiBhD5ARIsAKXUdyYu9UCwW57qhdXH2Pri8wJ7VNA3cQQHJMICCKfwaOgLouN_ti3dieEaAllfEALw_wcB
Actually a good review, I actually really like the actual look of the conversion and actually the VW Transporter too. Actually the actual vid had a lot of good points. Actually i only have one actual comment, could you actually say actually some more please? 😊
This is a registered Motor Caravan from first registration because it’s type approved (like the California). It’s passed all the strict safety tests for this to happen.
All that hi-tech spec until it goes wrong and with VWs new rep, it will go wrong and it will cost you dearly. You made a coffee, wow steady..and bacon sandwiches, what a feat. Give me my £6k Vivaro any day, same power but 6 speed box. Sorry mate I think £50k is a lot of money.
I agree £50k is a lot of money, but it is a brand new type approved vehicle. VW’s just hold their value so well for many years. But obviously you can do the same in other vans, like your Vivaro, each to their own. A Ford does the same as a Ferrari too 🤷🏻♂️
@@StaycationLifestyle Just watched the end and hear you don't have the money either. I am becoming biased against new stuff, it never lasts and something always goes wrong and VW and Mercedes are among the main culprits....and when they do it costs big time. I am an engineer, very very old school (I.K.Brunel was my younger brother) and we say KISS (Keep it simple stupid) Thanks for the review.
@@allanb52 Modern stuff is very complicated, certainly not what it was. Faults harder to find as computers can mask the problem. Had a turbo go on a car a few years ago, instantly I thought it had gone. Limped to garage and explained what happened. They “plugged it in” and computer said it’s fine. I insisted it was the turbo, but they insisted it wasn’t. It was only when they removed the turbo they finally agreed I was right. New age “mechanics” reliant on a computer diagnosing faults
@@StaycationLifestyle There used to be a thing called MTBF (Mean time between failure) and it was calculated on the complexity of a device. When I was in Australia in the 80s and was quoting on a simple control system on a massive building in Sydney (the largest in the southern hemisphere), another company who won the job had a system with an MTBF rate I calculated as "minutes". They installed the system and it never worked, was taken out, at massive expense, which delayed the opening of the building by 5 months. Quality improved by reliability has fallen through complexity. My van has no second battery, no SC system and no solar and it works fine.
@@StaycationLifestyle Some, but not many, of these vans have a three seater bench which gives a wider bed; the cupboard units have to be correspondingly narrower, but still adequate for storage, plus more storage space under the wider bench.
If you had the kind of money this van costs, wouldn't you rather spend it on a hotel? The cost is insane and buying this van wouldn't save you money in the long run.
I do understand your point, however as this can be used as a daily driver and I need a vehicle it makes sense. The cost is high at circa £62k in this spec, however the depreciation is nothing like buying a £62k car, they hold values extremely well. Buying a Campervan is buying into a lifestyle and in that regard, it doesn’t matter whether your van is worth £5k or £50k. If you think this is expensive, there are far more expensive conversions of transporters, which have none of the boxes ticked like this brand
@StaycationLifestyle 🤣 I enjoyed it thank you, I have a t4 I converted a few years ago and looking at a revamp, looking for ideas for must haves, great info👍
after being in vw market for 30 years its amazing how many people spend so much money on something with such little room and depreciate like a brick in water, plus they end up hardly using it making it an expensive brick
I agree they are not the most spacious, however depreciation is a positive for them. They do not depreciate as quickly as comparable vehicles. The prices in the 2nd hand market shows that
@@StaycationLifestyle yes but their not selling like they were and when you look at the prices for a small space, an uncomfortable that 2 can barely sleep on it does make you wonder why people dont spend the same if not less or a proper motorhome camper
@@pauldavies7251 considering ive had 2 before the scene tax went on and been a vw tech for 20 years so i work on plenty sadly, yeah people buy them to follow a trend, sleep on a 3/4 width small uncomfortable bed and think they look cool all while spending an absolute fortune to mainly sit at vw festivals with other like minded mid life crisis people :)
@@StaycationLifestyle After thinking about the camper van, motorhome,caravan choice issue, we went for a 4 birth fixed bed caravan, it was the best option for us, we went for more space, more comfort, and an island bed all for 20 grand. we were at the Campervan and motorhome show at Newbury last year V dubs were priced at up to 80 grand , with the best will in the world, no VW is worth that!
Some are really expensive, some are over £100k, which is crazy. A caravan is definitely a good option (I have one myself at the moment), however they are different as I can’t drive my caravan to the beach front and eat tea from it, or easily park up for an off grid overnight stay. You can’t daily drive a caravan to have the facilities. Each vehicle car, Campervan, motorhome and caravan are all for differing purposes. None is better than the other, they just suit different needs.
Not if you want it to be a daily driver/regular use vehicle also. Have the leisure lifestyle without having a vehicle to big to use regular. And if you look at residual values, the ownership over the lifetime can be lower than other manufacturers
Sorry, You miss the point, I was talking about testing this specific van as it’s on paper excellent, being type approved, high safety standards and premium components. This is cheaper than most VW conversions, So it shouldn’t be as good as it is. 🤷🏻♂️ Yes VW’s are expensive, but residuals are higher. Old vehicles still have value. With campers, some buy them because of the huge availability of aftermarket parts, accessories, clubs, festivals, help and support. But VW’s aren’t for everyone
@@StaycationLifestyle look, I know my campervans. The VW attracts the open wallet cult. One channel I used to watch on BooTube, were a couple, they had a band new two tone Cali.. They purchased brand news seat covers for their van. Around 3/400 quid. Of course, just for channel views, becauae vehicle seat covers are pretty resilient, but they were appealing to the bottomless pockets of the VW cult. And it is a cult. If I were in the market for this size of van, I'd go for the Ford. What a great looking van, and you can seriously pimp them up. Me, I'm in a Citroen Relay self converted. 3L2H. I can stand up, it's double bed is fixed. I've a 90lt fridge freeze, masses of solar, and a 250ah carbon battery. Used to have 4x 110 amp hours. 4 belted seats & loads of solar. I've done 10 days in cloudy rainy Northern Highland off grid. I did 2 months in France, September and October without one hookup, and that's running my 90lt fridge freezer and my power hungry CPAP machine. I can remember being at Shegra campsite in August one year. Well, it was wild. There was a VW there, with an awning that was bigger than his van, and some. He was with his partner and two lambs. What is the point? The big VWs are 'ugly', with a terrible design flaw. Fridge opens by the open side door.... Try loading your fridge after shopping, with the Sun beating down. The fridge will take 6 hours to recover. And then there's the central isle, you'd need to be size 0. Anyway, I'm ranting. I've held these views for a very long time, so don't take this as a personal dig. At least the VW sect is around 20 places behind the Apple sect... don't start me off! These were objective, and constructive comments.
@@CarlJones14 😀 No offence taken. VW stuff can be expensive, your right. The Ford does drive very well. It’s going the be interesting to see what the new Ford/VW partnership for the Transit/Transporter brings. Your van sounds great and that is what the lifestyle is about. It doesn’t matter what van people have, it’s about using it, enjoying the lifestyle it brings. Different vans suit different people, as do cars and houses. Everyone has different needs and budgets
Simple solution, stick velcro pads between the cupboard door and fridge door, to enable opening both doors at the same time.
Thanks for doing honest reviews of vehicles many can’t afford to hire, let alone buy, so we know what to consider should our finances allow in the future. There is so much choice out there…it’s a mine field when you start looking…so many pitfalls and sales pitches to avoid..so many conflicting opinions, a battle between motorhomes and campervans….but making a decision gets a lot easier with reviews like yours.
It’s a fairly informative video. However, I’d prefer if if there were fewer shots of the guy talking and more shots of the actual vehicle and its features.
Agreed. I’d much prefer to look at the van than me 😀 criticism has been taken on board 👍🏼
Great review. Can I just point out that charging a laptop via and inverter is extremely inefficient. You can buy adaptors for most laptops that will convert from 12v to the voltage needed (normally between 14-20v). If you use a converter you are going up to 230v and then back to to the required voltage which actually wastes power at each stage of the conversion.
That’s very true. It was a bad example to give 🤦🏼♂️
I bought a 204 dsg kombi camper with a full swamper kit built by van haven, I have put so many options and extras on my van and I absolutely love it. ❤️
More options the better 🤣 I’m contemplating swamper myself 😄
I have the Bilsten b6 comfort suspension with eibach 60mm lift kit springs on my van with fuel colverts on BF goodridge k02s and the ride is amazing. I have just covered 13 000 miles in my van yesterday on the way back from caffeine and machine, I have driven my van to john o'groats this year ,had 4 weekend's away since Christmas and I have even had my van around the nurburgring ring .I have the 204 dsg and it still surprises me just how well its picks up its skirt and gets down the road . I've had more than 70 vehicle's since I past my driving test including a bmw m3 and a sierra cosworth to name but a few ,but my van has transformed my life .I couldn't see me without one again
Great review, I agree with most of the options you mentioned and I would definitely want to add an after market awning so I could have some shade and in case of rain somewhere to cook a BBQ and have some seating!
@@rod_at_adelaide5766 Absolutely want an awning. An external BBQ point is also an option from the underslung tank, making it an easy click in 👍🏼
@@StaycationLifestyle The BBQ gas point is definitely a great idea!
I agree with just about all the additions you mentioned, but I'd also add LWB to that list. That extra 40cm is barely perceptible when driving, but makes a HUGE difference to the leisure experience. Yes, you do have to be more circumspect when parking, but I haven't yet had a problem (even in the dreaded supermarket carpark).
It does make a big internal size difference, despite not sounding like a lot. Square space increase is pretty big
They look cooler aswell 😂
The argument that most camper conversion specialists make is that the SWB is more like a car or people carrier when driving.
@@SteveFletcherGuitar Converters that push a certain configuration most likely have an agenda that suits either their conversion or the vans they have in stock. Drive or, better still, camp in each back-to-back and make you're own mind up.
If I had the money I’d buy all sorts of things!
Yeah, I didn’t exactly explain that very well 🤣
I would too and one would deffo be a VW California straight from the shop. 😁
I would also change the curtains for Vanshades!! Much better option.
I will confirm why the conversion doesn’t have shades in a future video. However I do also prefer the look of them
The RIB bed… thought I could sleep on mine with no topper…. it was like concrete. Absolute nightmare. Horrible night’s sleep. Even with 5cm memory foam topper it’s barely ok. That said… I’m fully happy with it. Totally flat and smooth. Not like sleeping on a seat. And I could get a thicker topper…
Everyone is different. Try a Duvalay, I’ve used those on rock n roll beds and make a big difference
@@StaycationLifestyle yup. That’s what I’ve got. 👍
@@clfehr08 Mmm, maybe you could try a thicker mattress topper and carry it on your pop top
Never mind, princess
@@robertcook2572😘
Sounds a nightmare. Then you have the dog brigade which is even worse 😂
It is mostly done the VW T6.1 production will stopp in the next month, due to Eco-Madness
There are orders in the pipeline which are due for delivery to the end of this year at least. Hopefully all orders will still be fulfilled.
Have a look at Needingworth Campers, better finish and many of the options you want as standard and at a very reasonable price point.
Had a look and it’s a no (from me). When you say better finish, can you explain? This appears from photos to have knock on edging?
It’s not NCC Approved, it appears from the photos it wouldn’t be compliant.
Where are the smoke and carbon dioxide alarms?
Certainly one of the better priced campers though and I do like some of the features. Far better than a lot of the conversions out there.
@@StaycationLifestyle the smoke and co2 alarms are behind the drivers seat. The pop top and rock and roll bed are crash tested . All the appliances are domestic. Seats are Bentley stitched. Carpeted throughout. Table in the door. That’s all I’m addition to cool wheels of your choice, custom body kit, blinds, reverse camera and sensors. But if you like the big stock one go for it.
Just couldn’t see them 👍 What height are those units above the hob? Are they tested in vehicle? What chassis strengthening has been carried out? I know what you mean, but your not comparing apples with apples. These vans are Brand New and NCC Approved. I could get all those items you mentioned included, but only after registration as it wouldn’t meet approval otherwise, hence they are sold in this manner.
better finish cupboards are very flimsy and cheap.. the microwave cut out is awful very ill fitting you can see the ply board where they dont even use any edjing strip around the cut out..proper bob the builder finish.
plus if you buy the camper with the runners for the rock and roll bed thats another big lazy bodge..the floor runners come past the fridge but the bed stops before the fridge so you end up with 18 inches of runners on the floor that do nothing all because they cant bother to cut them to size..
@@vanagon1966 I don’t know who you rented the van from because as far as I know Needingworth Campers don’t rent their vans only sell them, so perhaps it would be a good idea to clarify your comments .
Just a quick warning to fellow drivers, you need to be aware if you use a satnav, external or built in or Google maps or Waze, to see what the speed of the road you are driving on, please don't rely on them!!! Due to the changes in speed limits all over the UK, the maps are now very wrong where speed limits are displayed on them.
Many roads are poorly sign posted making it very difficult to work out what the speed is. Do not rely on these devices for speed limits.
I tend to disagree, one of the bigger changes in speed limits is the 20 mph through towns, I found that Google map has all those posted as it is constantly updated unlike satnav's where you have to pay for updates which most people don't.
What I do find amazing is that secondary roads in the UK have a blanket limit of 60 mph even if driving on a virtually single lane that can barely fit one car down.
Because of the rapid increase of EV charge points on fuel forecourts and the greater financial pay back for the fuel forecourt operators with having EV chargers, propane tanks and supply are reducing massively on forecourts because the limited space on forecourts which is now being used for EV chargers instead, therefore propane delivery systems and pumped propane will soon be very hard to find, rendering underslung tanks a severe liability going forward. Much better having a 907 camping gas cylinder for the hob burners and a diesel heater, with both fuels being readily available.
There is an increase in leisure retailers having tanks installed to counteract this and it’s still going to be available at fuel depots.
I like the 907, however if the rumours are true, that will be disappearing from the UK.
Maybe, just maybe there is an alternative coming in a new conversion 🤔😃🤷🏻♂️
thanks good review. i disagree a tiny bit with you about the 'extra' door that needs opening before you open the fridge. This is called 'form over function' in my design book. So extra weight, extra cost, slower to access, extra materials to manufacture. why? so that it looks a tiny bit 'prettier' in some peoples eyes? nope.
Superb, thanks.
Got a t4 camper pokey for two, bed a bit narrow ( we are not big ) .
Yes they aren’t the widest of vehicles
I think bending down to do most of the things youve done must be hard on yr spine..(my lower bk is damaged because of bending down in my VW camper )..to enter the van your ducking yr head and unless you raise the roof (which then looks like yr sleeping there can cause problems with Joe public) unless yr in a camp site ..
The cost of this camper you would have thought VW would have made a constantina metal type of roof which can be left raised and van driven at least around town ..
For the money there are so many other professional conversions that you can stand up in ..which means more eye level storage .
Interesting van conversion especially as we live fairly close to Tamar Caravans. But the most interesting item for me was your coffee pot😂. Could you tell me what make it is and where you got it from please.
Absolutely, let’s get the important bits out the way first 🤣 Coffee is top of the priority list. Too be honest I’ve had that one for years. It was just a cheap one from Amazon, like this one amzn.to/40AhXr6 It’s been brilliant
@@StaycationLifestyle Perfect, I’ve just ordered one. Thank you.
@@janehirst2923 It’s fascinating to watch it make it. It’s theatre in itself and nice tasting coffee 😀
Really nice review! Where is the water inlet, it wasn’t obvious from the close up? Thx!
Open the tailgate and it’s on the right next to the strut 👍
Could someone direct me to a company where I can buy a new conversion still or has it all came to an end already?
They have some, or did I know they sell quick. They have a few more on order of varying specs. www.tamarcaravancentre.co.uk/new+used/motorhomes/filters/body/campervan/
What about insulation and sound proofing specs on these . Did not hear you mention it at all , but maybe I’m deaf sorry if you did .
Yes they are doors backwards like most. If I had one I would add the thermo liner in front doors, along with speaker upgrade.
More on this will follow soon
Can you confirm you said it’s a camper on the V5? The van has a pop top and DVLA will not pass it as a camper with that roof so can you explain how that was achieved please? Thx
Hi Paul, it is indeed a “motor caravan” on the V5.
This is a “type approved” vehicle and has never previously been registered as a panel van.
The vehicle is subject to various tests and must meet certain criteria for this approval.
Regulations must be met in regards to gas, electrics etc along with upgrades to the structure of the base vehicle.
There aren’t many conversion companies that can provide registered “motor caravan” vehicles. The process is very complex and costly.
@@StaycationLifestyleno mention on the dvla website of it being a camper
@@jackmason4374 I have just run a check and it shows motor caravan 🤷🏻♂️
@@StaycationLifestyle oh well I must be wrong
Great vid and local to me ;) Thinking of purchasing a T6.1 panel van (highline) towards the end of the year and converting over time, as cant afford a full on camper. Any tips/recommendations?
I have lots of tips, too many in this reply 😂 Send me an email and can share more.
Have a few videos coming soon that may help.
Take your time if your doing gradually, research and take inspiration from others.
Thanks for the reply. What is your email address?
Staycationlifestyle@icloud.com 👍
Not sure if you were aware when making the video but VW has now stopped taking orders from dealers for any Transporter 6.1 which just leaves the California available to order for now. However, the dealerships strongly believe this will also go off order at the end of April. The replacement for the 6.1 is a joint affair with Ford, so the NEW Transporter will be built in Turkey alongside the Ford Transit. VW have not announced any meaningful details so after 60 years the story finally comes to an end.
Yes, I did a video on this when the announcement was made.
Converters still have orders that are being fulfilled and therefore Brand New vehicles can be ordered from them. I know several Type approved converters still have vehicles available to order
The new one is interesting, we will have to see when the details are released, what is shared with the Ford.
In the meantime, has the 60 year story come to an end or is is lived on through the ID Buzz like the original “microbus”?
RIP VW heritage.
Multivan
Hehe nice advert
Great review, I have a campervan , any idea how they manage to get this registered as a motor caravan?
Is it possible to get a campervan ncc approved and then registered?
What does ncc mean please?
Very frustrating having a van very similar to this without the ability to get it registered as a motor caravan unless I swap the skyline pop top for a high top and add some graphics!!
Great vid 👌👌🏁🏁
It’s Type Approved, so is never registered as a panel van. It has to be built to a certain specification with several enhancements a lot of other conversions don’t have.
This is a link to the NCC, you can read regarding the approval aspect www.thencc.org.uk/Our_Schemes/cert_scheme.aspx
@@StaycationLifestyle thanks so much for replying, and the info 🙏🙏🏁🏁🏁
@@StaycationLifestyle hey buddy, one more question sorry, I forgot to ask about the black out blinds in the cab?
I’ve been trying to find a company to fit some curtains around my window and windscreen like in a lorry/truck, but can’t find anyone.
These in your vid look quite good? Any idea what they are please? Or brand?
Thanks very much
I’m not sure of the brand. Just a quick search and these look like they could be the ones www.kiravans.co.uk/products/vw-t5-t6-curtain-kit-cab?variant=30858444439605¤cy=GBP&+shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6cKiBhD5ARIsAKXUdyYu9UCwW57qhdXH2Pri8wJ7VNA3cQQHJMICCKfwaOgLouN_ti3dieEaAllfEALw_wcB
@@StaycationLifestyle thanks so much, massively appreciated.
Have a great week
Actually a good review, I actually really like the actual look of the conversion and actually the VW Transporter too. Actually the actual vid had a lot of good points. Actually i only have one actual comment, could you actually say actually some more please? 😊
Actually we can’t all be perfect 🤷🏻♂️
@@StaycationLifestyle 😁
😊🙂🙂😊
I was led to believe that a pop top couldn't be registered as a motor caravan
This is a registered Motor Caravan from first registration because it’s type approved (like the California). It’s passed all the strict safety tests for this to happen.
All that hi-tech spec until it goes wrong and with VWs new rep, it will go wrong and it will cost you dearly. You made a coffee, wow steady..and bacon sandwiches, what a feat. Give me my £6k Vivaro any day, same power but 6 speed box. Sorry mate I think £50k is a lot of money.
I agree £50k is a lot of money, but it is a brand new type approved vehicle.
VW’s just hold their value so well for many years.
But obviously you can do the same in other vans, like your Vivaro, each to their own.
A Ford does the same as a Ferrari too 🤷🏻♂️
@@StaycationLifestyle Just watched the end and hear you don't have the money either. I am becoming biased against new stuff, it never lasts and something always goes wrong and VW and Mercedes are among the main culprits....and when they do it costs big time. I am an engineer, very very old school (I.K.Brunel was my younger brother) and we say KISS (Keep it simple stupid) Thanks for the review.
@@allanb52 Modern stuff is very complicated, certainly not what it was. Faults harder to find as computers can mask the problem. Had a turbo go on a car a few years ago, instantly I thought it had gone. Limped to garage and explained what happened. They “plugged it in” and computer said it’s fine. I insisted it was the turbo, but they insisted it wasn’t. It was only when they removed the turbo they finally agreed I was right. New age “mechanics” reliant on a computer diagnosing faults
@@StaycationLifestyle There used to be a thing called MTBF (Mean time between failure) and it was calculated on the complexity of a device. When I was in Australia in the 80s and was quoting on a simple control system on a massive building in Sydney (the largest in the southern hemisphere), another company who won the job had a system with an MTBF rate I calculated as "minutes". They installed the system and it never worked, was taken out, at massive expense, which delayed the opening of the building by 5 months. Quality improved by reliability has fallen through complexity.
My van has no second battery, no SC system and no solar and it works fine.
How do we get hold of one have we got contacts no or email plz?😅
Their telephone number is 01752 341133
Did Bespoke convert this van?
Yes they did 👍
@@StaycationLifestyle is it bespoke in ballymena, Northern Ireland? I’ve been looking at one of their vans.
@@finnps8795 Yes that’s right. Great vans, with the works carried out properly.
Diesel yes. Gas/elec not
Lower bed is too narrow for two people.
Depends how wide the people are 😊 I agree it’s not the widest of beds, but it is a van
@@StaycationLifestyle Some, but not many, of these vans have a three seater bench which gives a wider bed; the cupboard units have to be correspondingly narrower, but still adequate for storage, plus more storage space under the wider bench.
Yes RIB have a 130cm bed which is wider and has the benefit of being able to carry 3 people in the rear
Pot hole free English roads 😂
🫣
HOW can two people possibly sleep on that SHELF of a bed ?
It’s personal preference, some like it, some don’t. Bigger vans have bigger beds but it’s harder to daily drive a motorhome sized van
If you had the kind of money this van costs, wouldn't you rather spend it on a hotel? The cost is insane and buying this van wouldn't save you money in the long run.
I do understand your point, however as this can be used as a daily driver and I need a vehicle it makes sense. The cost is high at circa £62k in this spec, however the depreciation is nothing like buying a £62k car, they hold values extremely well.
Buying a Campervan is buying into a lifestyle and in that regard, it doesn’t matter whether your van is worth £5k or £50k.
If you think this is expensive, there are far more expensive conversions of transporters, which have none of the boxes ticked like this brand
No I wouldn’t rather spend it on a hotel, idiot
No offence but to much looking at you and not enough of the van
🤣 Point noted. Will bear in mind for the future 👍🏼
@StaycationLifestyle 🤣 I enjoyed it thank you, I have a t4 I converted a few years ago and looking at a revamp, looking for ideas for must haves, great info👍
Driving without due care and attention
after being in vw market for 30 years its amazing how many people spend so much money on something with such little room and depreciate like a brick in water, plus they end up hardly using it making it an expensive brick
I agree they are not the most spacious, however depreciation is a positive for them. They do not depreciate as quickly as comparable vehicles. The prices in the 2nd hand market shows that
@@StaycationLifestyle yes but their not selling like they were and when you look at the prices for a small space, an uncomfortable that 2 can barely sleep on it does make you wonder why people dont spend the same if not less or a proper motorhome camper
@@pauldavies7251 considering ive had 2 before the scene tax went on and been a vw tech for 20 years so i work on plenty sadly, yeah people buy them to follow a trend, sleep on a 3/4 width small uncomfortable bed and think they look cool all while spending an absolute fortune to mainly sit at vw festivals with other like minded mid life crisis people :)
@@mandismith89you win 😂
I haven't read so much rubbish expressed in so few words for a long time. Well done!
Nope, too small, too overpriced
What would you choose instead?
@@StaycationLifestyle After thinking about the camper van, motorhome,caravan choice issue, we went for a 4 birth fixed bed caravan, it was the best option for us, we went for more space, more comfort, and an island bed all for 20 grand.
we were at the Campervan and motorhome show at Newbury last year V dubs were priced at up to 80 grand , with the best will in the world, no VW is worth that!
Some are really expensive, some are over £100k, which is crazy.
A caravan is definitely a good option (I have one myself at the moment), however they are different as I can’t drive my caravan to the beach front and eat tea from it, or easily park up for an off grid overnight stay.
You can’t daily drive a caravan to have the facilities.
Each vehicle car, Campervan, motorhome and caravan are all for differing purposes.
None is better than the other, they just suit different needs.
Too small and overpriced.
Not if you want it to be a daily driver/regular use vehicle also.
Have the leisure lifestyle without having a vehicle to big to use regular.
And if you look at residual values, the ownership over the lifetime can be lower than other manufacturers
Please stop saying ACTUALLY. Very very annoying.
Something for me to be aware of for future videos 👍
Why don’t you start your own YT channel if you think you can do better 🤡
Right, I watched up to 27 seconds. Blatantly obvious that your 100% biased. These VWs are mega, and I MEAN, MEGA OVER PRICED.
Sorry, You miss the point, I was talking about testing this specific van as it’s on paper excellent, being type approved, high safety standards and premium components. This is cheaper than most VW conversions,
So it shouldn’t be as good as it is. 🤷🏻♂️ Yes VW’s are expensive, but residuals are higher. Old vehicles still have value.
With campers, some buy them because of the huge availability of aftermarket parts, accessories, clubs, festivals, help and support.
But VW’s aren’t for everyone
@@StaycationLifestyle look, I know my campervans. The VW attracts the open wallet cult. One channel I used to watch on BooTube, were a couple, they had a band new two tone Cali.. They purchased brand news seat covers for their van. Around 3/400 quid. Of course, just for channel views, becauae vehicle seat covers are pretty resilient, but they were appealing to the bottomless pockets of the VW cult. And it is a cult.
If I were in the market for this size of van, I'd go for the Ford. What a great looking van, and you can seriously pimp them up.
Me, I'm in a Citroen Relay self converted. 3L2H. I can stand up, it's double bed is fixed. I've a 90lt fridge freeze, masses of solar, and a 250ah carbon battery. Used to have 4x 110 amp hours. 4 belted seats & loads of solar. I've done 10 days in cloudy rainy Northern Highland off grid. I did 2 months in France, September and October without one hookup, and that's running my 90lt fridge freezer and my power hungry CPAP machine.
I can remember being at Shegra campsite in August one year. Well, it was wild. There was a VW there, with an awning that was bigger than his van, and some. He was with his partner and two lambs. What is the point?
The big VWs are 'ugly', with a terrible design flaw. Fridge opens by the open side door....
Try loading your fridge after shopping, with the Sun beating down. The fridge will take 6 hours to recover. And then there's the central isle, you'd need to be size 0.
Anyway, I'm ranting. I've held these views for a very long time, so don't take this as a personal dig. At least the VW sect is around 20 places behind the Apple sect... don't start me off!
These were objective, and constructive comments.
@@StaycationLifestyle looks like you blocked me.
@@CarlJones14 😀 No offence taken.
VW stuff can be expensive, your right. The Ford does drive very well. It’s going the be interesting to see what the new Ford/VW partnership for the Transit/Transporter brings.
Your van sounds great and that is what the lifestyle is about. It doesn’t matter what van people have, it’s about using it, enjoying the lifestyle it brings.
Different vans suit different people, as do cars and houses. Everyone has different needs and budgets
@@StaycationLifestyle tried to reply, but blocked.