Finally making a buy Camperking MB 2018 DSG

[Lotuscamper]

Ok I have read the searched threads on quality of Camperking conclusion it’s a marmite but overall it seems ok based on availability and all important price
The camper we been to see is available and has all ticks but expect compromise on non rib bed and pop top not of highest grade ?
So we want to take plunge we getting a full 12 months warranty on vehicle @ conversion so have a piece of mind
We like to add reverse camera and solar panel but unsure to go direct to CK HQ or use local chaps ?

 

[t0mb0]

If you can find a local outfit with a good reputation, I'd use them.

 

[Alan Watts]

Don't do it. I looked at CamperKing conversions 7 years ago, build quality wasn't great. There are a few threads on the forum regarding electrical issues

 

[Lotuscamper]

Don't do it. I looked at CamperKing conversions 7 years ago, build quality wasn't great. There are a few threads on the forum regarding electrical issues

I found a thread on this but then others have reported no issues ?
I do have the fall back that 12 months warranty from dealer who is a camperking agents

 

[Ayjay]

A warranty is only as good as the firm that it's with! I will confess that I've no direct experience of owning a Camper King but I did visit them about 5 years ago when I began my search for a van and wasn't over-impressed. It's difficult to put a finger on one thing but I got the overall impression that the standard of workmanship didn't seem that high.

 

[Lotuscamper]

Fully understand your view point but I guess I can only go on reviews on here and other internet review platforms and my own inspection etc ?

 

[CraigP]

Can't comment on older ones but we've had our CamperKing conversion 18 months and have only had two minor issues:
- sticky curtain where one screw sat a bit proud in the rail - easy diy fix
- intermittent ignitor on the grill - its a domentic unit so not CK related and they sorted it out

And I did get CRS to work their magic on the suspension.

No other issues with build quality after many nights away and it being used most weekends for MTB trips. Appreciate that problems may crop up over time but experience has been good so far.

Before buying we looked at loads (I'd need to look up names) and while I agree that there were more premium feeling conversions, and a lot of cheaper alternatives, CK seemed on par with others at the same price point.

 

[Lotuscamper]

Before buying we looked at loads (I'd need to look up names) and while I agree that there were more premium feeling conversions, and a lot of cheaper alternatives, CK seemed on par with others at the same price point

Thanks Craig
Lovely comments not just as it’s camperking but whether it was another converter
Given we been looking for over 10 weeks maybe not long enough but wanting SWB and DSG has restricted the numbers but also a number of snapped up before I could even view it which becomes so frustrating

 

[ReevSie]

I have a CK T6.1 LWB DSG and I am really happy with it and the after service from the dealer I bought it from and CK themselves. You are always going to get ‘niggles’ especially on a modified vehicle.
Our ‘niggles’ were the ignitor on the gas stove (same as CraigP) and the tailgate not shutting properly which turned out to be carpet glued in the locking mechanism.
I have had a couple of other issues but these were VW related and again the originating dealer were very quick to sort.
We are 2 years in now and have friends that bought what they thought was a ‘premium’ build and have had a no end of ’niggles’ and one that even left off the fitted solar panel which couldn’t be retro fitted!
I found the CK FB group very useful and CK themselves are usually quick to respond to posts directed at them.
Enjoy your van…

 

[Lotuscamper]

I found the CK FB group very usefu

Cheers ReevSie
I don’t think CK are premium but they seem to have a decent formula hence I guess why they sell in the quantities they sell ?
I am going for my test drive tomorrow and will give it a decent run and get it up to temp but as it’s done less than 27k it a baby in mileage scale so shouldn’t be any issues ?

 

[ahappychappie]

Ok I have read the searched threads on quality of Camperking conclusion it’s a marmite but overall it seems ok based on availability and all important price
The camper we been to see is available and has all ticks but expect compromise on non rib bed and pop top not of highest grade ?
So we want to take plunge we getting a full 12 months warranty on vehicle @ conversion so have a piece of mind
We like to add reverse camera and solar panel but unsure to go direct to CK HQ or use local chaps

Firstly, don't want to put a downer on something you've probably already made your mind up on. There's so many different options and opinions - clearly everyone is different.

You're about to spend a lot of money and ideally shouldn't be compromises - though possibly compromises are what's making it within your budget...

Arguaby - Camperwise the two compromises you refer to are the two key items on a Camper.

We have a RIB bed - price is a premium but without doubt was so worth the extra. So easy to set up and the space it offers is fantastic.

Also went with a Reimo roof - it has been faultless.

I do think prices are coming down a little - there's quite a lot of choice out there - a private sale would get you more for your money. Rib beds etc will stand the test of time if you are worries re warranty.

 

[Lotuscamper]

We have a RIB bed - price is a premium

Yes we know the rib bed is best and that was down as our choice on the list as was a scenic tent top but as we are looking for SWB and DSG base this was restricting our choice and price point
Given the demand for DSG it was proving so hard based on luck what was available in our budget , this camper was advertised as manual but when we actually looked on the forecourt it turned out to be DSG so luckily ?
Not to mention the wife didn’t like others viewed as they had red interiors or modifications which was increasing insurance costs and looked like boy racer vans !

 

[Bigsidavies]

Yes we know the rib bed is best and that was down as our choice on the list as was a scenic tent top but as we are looking for SWB and DSG base this was restricting our choice and price point
Given the demand for DSG it was proving so hard based on luck what was available in our budget , this camper was advertised as manual but when we actually looked on the forecourt it turned out to be DSG so luckily ?
Not to mention the wife didn’t like others viewed as they had red interiors or modifications which was increasing insurance costs and looked like boy racer vans !

The modifications shouldn’t increase the insurance costs. Most specialist insurers such as Brentacre or A-Plan just note the mods. Mine started as a PV and is now a full camper with 20” wheels and lowered suspension etc and the premium hasn’t changed.
Also, is there a reason why you are not looking at LWB?

 

[ChrisBell]

Whatever you choose or decide on enjoy! Reading through most of the posts on here recently it is all about faults here, faults there etc. Yes it is frustrating but unfortunately that is life. Things happen but in the foremost things can be repaired or fixed.

I made some compromises when I chose and selected parts for my combi conversion as well as converter.My aim was to get as much value for my money and I am very happy I did.

I agree with others if a suitable private sale van came up you may get yourself a 'bargain, cough'. That is Def what I will be looking for next, I think!

 

[Lotuscamper]

Also, is there a reason why you are not looking at LWB?

My driveway is limited space I have 3 other cars and my wife a driver who will enjoy the compact nature although there’s not much in it anyway.
I def got asked by A plan that lowered susp and chipped spoils the premium and want a tracker fitted also I don’t think I need all these trick mods already have a vehicle to get my trills I just need a gentle easy going DSG

 

[cgtmiles]

I got my van lowered (sensibly)(and then a little less sensibly), 19” alloys fitted etc and when I informed the insurance it made no difference.

I think the camper king is a product that’s well tested and buying from a well known converter at a sensible price with ongoing support should give a lot of peace of mind in the years to come. Some vans are so posh I wouldn’t want to use them and especially not in a muddy field or after a day on the beach or to cook a quick bacon sarnie/cheese toastie while out and about. If the base van is what you want and runs we’ll go for it! Enjoy!

We have a Rib bed and the boot space is the best thing about it, it’s too high to sit on comfortably and still needs a mattress to sleep on (I haven’t tried the alternatives though). We have an austops poptop which is also at the cheaper end of the market but this is perfectly fine. We didn’t go for the scenic option but it has big windows which unzip which is fine for us

 

[DXX]

A decent converter will send you images of the build at all stages as it happens so that you can see what has been installed and how.

 

[CraigP]

We looked at so many options that we were a bit overwhelmed to be honest and decided to go with the attitude of we won't miss what we've not had!

We wanted a RIB bed for the extra boot space but they were very hard to find at the time so went with the rock and roll bed. Have never had a bad night on it with or without a topper. As noted above, the RIB bed sits a bit higher and I couldn't sit in the back with the top down as my head hit the roof. As for storage, while you lose some boot space the 'triangle' of dead space on the rock and roll bed is big enough to stuff the bedding into so that is all neatly out of the way. RIB may be better but what we have is perfectly good and we don't know otherwise.

Pop top is whatever CK fit as standard and while not the most attractive has stood up to high winds with no issues. Being able to unzip the canvas would be great but not a deal breaker for us.

@Lotuscamper - given your user name, do I assume that your "vehicle to get your thrills" comes from Norfolk? Elise and Camper is the perfect combo for me!

 

[Lotuscamper]

Elise and Camper is the perfect combo for me!
It’s an Evora and as of this evening we have taken the plunge and put deposit down on the camper after a decent test drive and final enquiries on the van itself !

 

[CraigP]

Exciting stuff.... Post some pictures when you have it.

For me it was Elise and Evora or Elise and Camper. Think I made the right choice but still keep looking