Camper Vans time to be bold

[Mr.Nobody]

Having taking up hiking this year and really enjoying it. I’ve thought about a camper van. I’ve been a fan of them for years. The question is what could you get for say £25k. I’m looking to get one that’s been professionally converted. I’ve seen some on Autotrader that have very questionable electrics etc. I would also like one that won’t plummet in value. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. I’m north west based so any dealers would be great.

[Badda]

Stretch your budget a couple of k and get a California then there’s no worries about who converted it.

[Mr.Nobody]

Badda said:

Stretch your budget a couple of k and get a California then there’s no worries about who converted it.

What manufacturer is that?

[Gixer968CS]

Mr.Nobody said:

What manufacturer is that?

VW

[Mr.Nobody]

They look nice but looking on Autotrader they are another £10k or more.

[Alicat]

Have a look here;

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/classifieds/vehicles-...

[andyb28]

I would have thought that if you are using it as a base for hiking, you would likely want a toilet? (Maybe even a shower).

[Mr.Nobody]

andyb28 said:

I would have thought that if you are using it as a base for hiking, you would likely want a toilet? (Maybe even a shower).

That’s a motorhome. Which are too big.

[andyb28]

Here is an example.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202...

[Mr.Nobody]

I see what you mean. They do look okay. They are a little old though and quite expensive really.

Options

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202506133...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202508075...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202508075...

[andyb28]

Well its just going to be down to personal preference on the desired facilities and layout.

We started with a VW 2.5 high top. 1.6 non turbo diesel. The thing went 50mph max. Our kids were young then and would sleep in the high top. It was all fine until one of them needed the toilet in the night.

Then we got a motor home with fixed bunk beds, this had a great advantage of a big garage under the beds. But you then sacrifice other things like a lounge area. Our 3rd one was perfect for us, it had a U shape lounge at the back.

I realise that these are bigger and different to what you are interested in, but my point is, think hard about what layout you need. Visit some and sit in them, do you want to be able to stand up in it, are you happy converting a seat into a bed, etc.

[andyb28]

Sorry, one other thing.
None of them generally lose money once the initial depreciation from new has happened.

We sold our last one for £1k less than we paid for it 5 years previously.

[Richtea1970]

Mr.Nobody said:

I see what you mean. They do look okay. They are a little old though and quite expensive really.

Options

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202506133...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202508075...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202508075...

That Ducato looks like a decent conversion/set up, but ultimately you are buying a 10 year old van which has done 160k miles. I wouldn't want to be sinking 25 grand into that.

[POIDH]

I bought a one owner, never used on a winter road, 2014, 22k miles, VW T5.1 LWB High Top Bilbo's Komba for £30k two years ago.

Bilbo's are one of the oldest convertors and I think they are the only ones that VW sell vans to direct from Factory.

Ours was never a van, it was delivered as a High Top from factory, it's the heavier T32 running gear which is noticeably better than many cheaper conversions on T28 when you drive it, and has bigger load capacity.

I'm with you OP - so many poor home conversions and nearly as many companies set up in the last few years whose conversions are generic and variable on quality.

The Komba we have is designed for outdoor my folk - plastic floor, huge amount of storage, cupboards not drawers, easy clean fabrics, good sized water and waste and battery to get off campsites. As LWB and high top is has proper room to get changed in even when bed is down, warmer, quieter, full size double RIB bed which I sleep in so well.

While £30k was more than we wanted to pay, we've since been offered more than that by a local dealer despite putting 20k miles and 120 nights of use into it.

My biggest advice this is to rent one an try it out. Then you know what works for you, what doesn't work, what your priorities are.

I would also hunt down a GOOD converter - the Bilbo's is so solidly built and so well designed. When I bought it I contacted Bilbo's looking for a part as the waste tank sensor had stopped working. I was emailed a full build spec, right down to almost every nut and bolt, and they can still support with parts and advice. Superb.

https://www.bilbos.com/bilbos-campervans/komba/

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202...

[Mr.Nobody]

Those Bilbo look really good. I’ll keep an eye out for one. Any other brands worth a look?

[Aletank]

Hillside Leisure
Rolling Homes
Bespoke Leisure

All are VW approved convertors

[Mr.Nobody]

I’ve found some in budget:

Romahome R25

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202...

Volkswagen TRANSPORTER

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202...

Romahome R20

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202...

Peugeot Expert Tepee

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202...

Ford

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202...

Edited by Mr.Nobody on Saturday 16th August 19:27

[MonkeyBusiness]

Mr.Nobody said:

Having taking up hiking this year and really enjoying it. I’ve thought about a camper van. I’ve been a fan of them for years. The question is what could you get for say £25k. I’m looking to get one that’s been professionally converted. I’ve seen some on Autotrader that have very questionable electrics etc. I would also like one that won’t plummet in value. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. I’m north west based so any dealers would be great.

You sound like me. I was/am a serial wildcamper (as in tent on back over long distances). The 'I've had enough of it' moment was plotting a 100 mile walk, top of The Old Man of Coniston, pissing it down for the last 48 hours, and meeting a couple that were returning to their campervan to get changed and dry off. I had another 70 miles to go.

I've got a VW T6. I didn't particulary want a VW - I am a japanese car fan and there are some brilliant vans to be van.
Overruled by the wife, I have a VW.

Its brilliant.

It is however a money pit. Not because it it has gone wrong, there is always something better and shiner in campervan land.

Dont agree with the 'dont buy a VW'. Yes it was expensive (30K) but I have no doubt I'll get my money back + more.

I absolutely love it.

[DorsetSparky]

Mr.Nobody said:

I’ve found some in budget:

Romahome R25

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202...

Volkswagen TRANSPORTER

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202...

Romahome R20

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202...

Peugeot Expert Tepee

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202...

Over £20k for an old Berlingo? Jesus wept.

[Mr.Nobody]

DorsetSparky said:

Over £20k for an old Berlingo? Jesus wept.

Prices are crazy. They either hold their value really well or are priced quite high. It’s trying to find something within my budget as I can’t increase it.