Talk to me about camper vans !!

[SimonV8ster]

Not sure where I should put this as theres no section for camper vans so I thought general gassing would be best !!

What wouldbe the best sort of camper vans to get ? I don't mean the old Bedford CF's or Talbot Express's - more modern day vehicles.

What I'm after is a van/camper that is reliable/economical, is a diesel, and is generally robust.

The modern day Volkswagens seem to command a lot of money as they are all the rage with surfing dudes and the like.

What about Mercedes Sprinters or Vitos ? Not after a huge camper just a smart quality unit.

Thought it best to steer clear of the Fiats (although they might actually be quite good ?).

Any recommendations from you van driving, camper driving folk ?!

[madala]

....Hymer?....would suit me....as long as it has a fixed rear double bed......

[SimonV8ster]

Aren't they either really old or hugely expensive new ones ?

What mechanicals are they ?

[Cotty]

SimonV8ster said:

What I'm after is a van/camper that is reliable/economical, is a diesel, and is generally robust.

Robust you say


http://www.unicatamericas.com/photos_ex58.html

[madala]

SimonV8ster said:

Aren't they either really old or hugely expensive new ones ?

What mechanicals are they ?

.....depends on what your budget is.....

[SimonV8ster]

Cotty said:

SimonV8ster said:

What I'm after is a van/camper that is reliable/economical, is a diesel, and is generally robust.

Robust you say


http://www.unicatamericas.com/photos_ex58.html

Now that is my sort of wagon !!

Oh, just seen the price............

[308mate]

Get this and let me live vicariously through your resultant adventures:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1817112.htm

[SimonV8ster]

I must admit that looks very cool !! A 4x4 as well - that must be pretty rare.....

[wildcat45]

Not sure of the make - something like Remo? Anyway, they are based on VW vans and come in colours like silver and black - not camper white with beige stripes.

The fittings are germanic grey rather than chintzy caravan interiors.

I quite like them.

There was a firm called Wheelhome, which did quite fun conersions on things like Galaxy/Sharan MPvs. A folding roof, cooker fridge and the like, but with the advantace of being a compact size for parking, car ferries etc.

There is a company called Danbury which converts small Fiat vans into mini campers - probably OK if its just you and a close friend wanting to overnight.

They are all very expensive for what they are though. Second hand prices are high too.

[onomatopoeia]

308mate said:

Get this and let me live vicariously through your resultant adventures:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1817112.htm

I have a 1.9 T25 syncro that started life as a minibus, but without any of the things to make it a camper, I stripped it out and just use it as a van with windows.

Jolly useful thing to have, even if a top speed of about 63mph with a tailwind gets irksome on the motorway.

[300bhp/ton]

SimonV8ster said:

Not sure where I should put this as theres no section for camper vans so I thought general gassing would be best !!

What wouldbe the best sort of camper vans to get ? I don't mean the old Bedford CF's or Talbot Express's - more modern day vehicles.

What I'm after is a van/camper that is reliable/economical, is a diesel, and is generally robust.

The modern day Volkswagens seem to command a lot of money as they are all the rage with surfing dudes and the like.

What about Mercedes Sprinters or Vitos ? Not after a huge camper just a smart quality unit.

Thought it best to steer clear of the Fiats (although they might actually be quite good ?).

Any recommendations from you van driving, camper driving folk ?!

I think main things to ask are, budget? And what sort of use? As in how many people do you want to seat/sleep? And do you want it full contained, as in cooker, fridge, table the lot?


These are imports, but the Mazda Bongo (also badged as a Ford xxxxx, something too). Some or all are AWD. And seem better priced than VW alternatives.



Classic VW campers might like a bit more TLC, but you won't lose money on them.

And I'm quite a fan of things like a Chevy Astro dayvan. They don't usually have cookers in them, but it might be easier to cook outside or under an awning anyway.

[SimonV8ster]

wildcat45 said:

Not sure of the make - something like Remo? Anyway, they are based on VW vans and come in colours like silver and black - not camper white with beige stripes.

Yep - found one of those -

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1846870.htm

Looks like a tidy conversion inside and sounds quite versatile.

[SimonV8ster]

Thanks 300bhp/ton. Budget is up to 10K max. 2 people max.

Just want modern, reliable and econonical really. Must be able to live in it for 3/4 weeks max.

Have looked at the yank stuff but all seem to have huge engines so would probably be diabolical on gas.

[BIST0]

SimonV8ster said:

wildcat45 said:

Not sure of the make - something like Remo? Anyway, they are based on VW vans and come in colours like silver and black - not camper white with beige stripes.

Yep - found one of those -

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1846870.htm

Looks like a tidy conversion inside and sounds quite versatile.

Ooh... I wonder if you could get a dirtbike in the back of that with the seats pushed all the way forward? If so that could be my perfect compromise...

[///Mike]

I drove a sprinter around New Zealand a few yers ago and it was ace.

I cant say how it compares to others but it was faultless. With it being RWD is was almost fun at times too. I had all the contents of the cupboards swilling around in the back after about 3 miles lol.

We lived in it for 3 weeks and it was very comfortable.

[GTDNB]

We've been lucky enough to borrow a T30 California on a few occasions and it's absolutely brilliant. great on the road and really comfy at night with it's memory foam beds. the van itself is as robust as any other VW but some of the parts that make it camper are delicate to say the least. you have to take great care with the blinds to avoid fouling them up; the front window one is particularly troublesome as it's held in place by tiny magnets. also had problems with the sliding seat catch and the table that stows in the sliding door. tbh it is an ex demonstrator, imported from Germany, so i expect it had plenty of abuse before it was sold.
on our last trip, to Goodwood, we managed to tear the roof when it got caught in the struts as it lowered. we also got a chip in the windscreen on the way down and had the wing mirror smashed by a lunatic sprinter driver cutting a bend. might be a while before i'm allowed near it again i think!

it gets plenty of interest and questions pretty much everywhere it stops but you don't get much love from the type 2 drivers (as you tear past them )

Edited by GTDNB on Thursday 22 July 15:03

[Rubin215]

Mazda Bongo is a good idea.

There are several companies bringing them in from Japan where they have lived low mileage, pampered lives.

Quite a good range of interiors and trim levels as well.

[SimonV8ster]

Have seen quite a few Bongos around - almost worth buying just for the name !!

They do look a little on the small side though in pictures ?

[TooLateForAName]

Bongo Friendee for a reason perhaps?

[300bhp/ton]

SimonV8ster said:

Have seen quite a few Bongos around - almost worth buying just for the name !!

They do look a little on the small side though in pictures ?

I think you'll struggle to get everything you want for £10k if I'm honest.

Hope you find what you are after though.