Not another newbie VW request for info!
Discussion
Hi Guys,
So after years of longing for a camper – I’m about to take the plunge – very excited, but clearly want to make the most informed decision as possible, so here I am.
After much research, a few visits to Dub festivals and even one or two viewings, my criteria is as follows.
Purchase a standard T5 van with a view of doing some of the easier jobs myself and leaving the intricate/bigger ones to the experts.
And here are the barrage of questions:
1) Options on T5s – what engine size? Not looking for something juicy, but not a slug – test drove a ’96 T4 1.9 and it was really sluggish. Looking for a SWB, are there any specific T5 specs I should look out for when buying? Happy to drive far for the right one, initial thoughts are £5k for a 80-100k van in mileage – seem a safe bet? Good starting point? I’m not looking for an all singing and dancing – but any extras already done ie swivel chairs, alloys a bonus I guess
2) Exterior – looking for a few things assuming it really is a basic van– nice alloys – blacked out windows, captain chairs (swivel) …what sort of budget am I looking for that?
3) Interior – I’m pretty handy – as a first time conversion what are the straight forward things to do up? I don’t want my van to look too DIYish.. Where can I get interiors –rock and roll bed, lino flooring? What should I get to cover the sides and ceiling? Or are there dealers that can sort out buying some of this sort of stuff…or is it just plain old ebay?
4) Conversion recommendations – happy to travel to a good converters for the bigger stuff – any suggestions, saw some nice classic looks around the Devon area. I guess rock and roll bed, storage and kitchen that can be brought out from the back tail gate are the main things.
5) And finally – finding a van – autotrader, ebay? Any others?
Is there anything I’ve not considered for this first time project?!
Many thanks guys…your opinions would be fab!
So after years of longing for a camper – I’m about to take the plunge – very excited, but clearly want to make the most informed decision as possible, so here I am.
After much research, a few visits to Dub festivals and even one or two viewings, my criteria is as follows.
Purchase a standard T5 van with a view of doing some of the easier jobs myself and leaving the intricate/bigger ones to the experts.
And here are the barrage of questions:
1) Options on T5s – what engine size? Not looking for something juicy, but not a slug – test drove a ’96 T4 1.9 and it was really sluggish. Looking for a SWB, are there any specific T5 specs I should look out for when buying? Happy to drive far for the right one, initial thoughts are £5k for a 80-100k van in mileage – seem a safe bet? Good starting point? I’m not looking for an all singing and dancing – but any extras already done ie swivel chairs, alloys a bonus I guess
2) Exterior – looking for a few things assuming it really is a basic van– nice alloys – blacked out windows, captain chairs (swivel) …what sort of budget am I looking for that?
3) Interior – I’m pretty handy – as a first time conversion what are the straight forward things to do up? I don’t want my van to look too DIYish.. Where can I get interiors –rock and roll bed, lino flooring? What should I get to cover the sides and ceiling? Or are there dealers that can sort out buying some of this sort of stuff…or is it just plain old ebay?
4) Conversion recommendations – happy to travel to a good converters for the bigger stuff – any suggestions, saw some nice classic looks around the Devon area. I guess rock and roll bed, storage and kitchen that can be brought out from the back tail gate are the main things.
5) And finally – finding a van – autotrader, ebay? Any others?
Is there anything I’ve not considered for this first time project?!
Many thanks guys…your opinions would be fab!
Vladimir said:
We cheated and bought a California but I'd say of the pre 2010 T5s, you want the 2.5 litre 130 engine. Six speed box, enough power, not too thirsty (like the 174).
Can't help much on the other stuff as VW kindly converted ours in Germany.
I test drove the 1.9 and 2.5 back to back. In standard sub 100 BHP guise the 1.9 struggles with gradients - it was fine generally, but once all of your kit is added then there is extra weight to think about. I opted for a half way house and re-mapped a 1.9 which produces around the 115/120 BHP mark. I've used my camper regularly all season and not once did I think "I'd rather have the 2.5". I reckon fuel returns around the 45 mpg mark. Can't help much on the other stuff as VW kindly converted ours in Germany.
The only advantage I can see with the 2.5 is the 6th gear for motorway use, but again, my 1.9 will sit at 85mph all day (I've had plenty more out of it just to see what it could do
As an example, I took mine to Le Mans this year. West Midlands to France used 3/4 of a tank, and that was with the pedal pushed to the floor most of the way.
£20-30k will buy you a top notch professional conversion with all of the options you need (either off the shelf or customer specced). Alternatively, there are shed loads of T5 vans that you can use as base vehicles. Just be aware that a lot of these are the 84 BHP versions (a remap is an essential). Mine also has aircon fitted as standard (which is a rare, but important extra).
Best advice is to test drive the 1.9 and 2.5. The engine style will suit your individual requirements. For me, the 2.5 was a must have, but there is barely any performance difference (in my opinion) between my 'fettled' 1.9 and a stock 2.5.
Hope that helps!
B.J.W said:
I test drove the 1.9 and 2.5 back to back. In standard sub 100 BHP guise the 1.9 struggles with gradients - it was fine generally, but once all of your kit is added then there is extra weight to think about. I opted for a half way house and re-mapped a 1.9 which produces around the 115/120 BHP mark. I've used my camper regularly all season and not once did I think "I'd rather have the 2.5". I reckon fuel returns around the 45 mpg mark.
The only advantage I can see with the 2.5 is the 6th gear for motorway use, but again, my 1.9 will sit at 85mph all day (I've had plenty more out of it just to see what it could do
As an example, I took mine to Le Mans this year. West Midlands to France used 3/4 of a tank, and that was with the pedal pushed to the floor most of the way.
£20-30k will buy you a top notch professional conversion with all of the options you need (either off the shelf or customer specced). Alternatively, there are shed loads of T5 vans that you can use as base vehicles. Just be aware that a lot of these are the 84 BHP versions (a remap is an essential). Mine also has aircon fitted as standard (which is a rare, but important extra).
Best advice is to test drive the 1.9 and 2.5. The engine style will suit your individual requirements. For me, the 2.5 was a must have, but there is barely any performance difference (in my opinion) between my 'fettled' 1.9 and a stock 2.5.
Hope that helps!
I've heard many people moaning that they wished they'd got a 6 speed 5 pot. Honestly, get the best base van you can (aircon, electric windows, tailgate if possible, preferably colour coded bumpers and mirrors) then slowly convert it.The only advantage I can see with the 2.5 is the 6th gear for motorway use, but again, my 1.9 will sit at 85mph all day (I've had plenty more out of it just to see what it could do
As an example, I took mine to Le Mans this year. West Midlands to France used 3/4 of a tank, and that was with the pedal pushed to the floor most of the way.
£20-30k will buy you a top notch professional conversion with all of the options you need (either off the shelf or customer specced). Alternatively, there are shed loads of T5 vans that you can use as base vehicles. Just be aware that a lot of these are the 84 BHP versions (a remap is an essential). Mine also has aircon fitted as standard (which is a rare, but important extra).
Best advice is to test drive the 1.9 and 2.5. The engine style will suit your individual requirements. For me, the 2.5 was a must have, but there is barely any performance difference (in my opinion) between my 'fettled' 1.9 and a stock 2.5.
Hope that helps!
Absolutely do NOT get an 84 as they struggle to move even on the flat - I'm amazed how many conversion companies offer full conversions with an 84PS engine.
The 102 is fine but it's the box you'll miss as well as the lack of easy torque.
Ours needs 180bhp/295lbs-ft because it's rather flipping heavy. Super comfy though.
I sold new Autosleepers for years,theyre bought by the more traditional older campers who found the 1.9 84 perfectly adequate where as younger customers normally went 130.
Ideal world i think the 2.5 130 is awesome,184 just not needed mostly.
Weve just got a t5.5 through with the 102 2.0,a touch underwhelming!
On t5s i always found the 2.5s thirsty compared to the 1.9,maybe from hammering the 2.5s round so much!
Ideal world i think the 2.5 130 is awesome,184 just not needed mostly.
Weve just got a t5.5 through with the 102 2.0,a touch underwhelming!
On t5s i always found the 2.5s thirsty compared to the 1.9,maybe from hammering the 2.5s round so much!
This is one thing that confuses me,I always check the average mpg on every van that comes in and we regularly get 24ft low profile coachbuilt averaging 30 or so and 19ft van conversion doing the same or very slightly better.
I know the obc lies but particularly on the Peugeot stuff economy consistently seems daft,i had 2 23ft Autocruise Stardreams showing 35 and 36mpg averages over decent distances,although these are ultra low profile coachbuilts.
I know the obc lies but particularly on the Peugeot stuff economy consistently seems daft,i had 2 23ft Autocruise Stardreams showing 35 and 36mpg averages over decent distances,although these are ultra low profile coachbuilts.
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