I think the convenience of captain seats extends to when you have swivel seats, because I find that I have a better configuration of seating due to having more freedom to move between them.
Finally taking the plunge, here are a billion questions..
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The bench seat will never be as comfortable as a single seat, however you can recline the base slightly to improve comfort. We’ve got a bench seat in the front and when the kids are in the van there is always three of us in the front, the bench seat is the prized position in the whole van as far as the kids are concerned.
Went through a similar process myself.
I don't live a million miles from you. In BA2.
Ended up going down the find van then get the work done by specialists when necessary and by myself when simple.
Van from Avondale Motor Park in Cwmbran during the first lockdown. At the time they had quite a few to choose from. All ex fleet.
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Was originally looking for a tailgate but ended up with barn doors. Simply a matter of availability. Only downside, for us, is that we cannot fit a 3 bike rack. Have a tow bar mounted one. Just need to get a tow bar fitted to mount it.
Van then went to TSpoke to get it de-vanned. Side windows fitted. Sound and thermal insulated and carpet lined. Flooring.
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Ran van for a while with just the 3x seats up front while we decided what would work for us.
Decided against a full on camper conversion as the van is essentially my every day transport. Have gone down the day van route instead. We really don't need one side of the van full of cupboards and didn't quite understand why we would ever want to cook inside the van.
We already had a porta potti from our camping days. Bought a box to put this in. Works as a stool. Doesn't look like a loo. Can also be taken out when not required.
Didn't want a pop top, so opted for a roof tent to provide space for daughter to sleep.
Still enough space up top to carry a 6ft surfboard.
Went camping with an air bed on the floor for us to see how this would work out.
Decided to go for a full width rock and roll bed. After much research purchased one from Titan Beds. They fitted it too. Long waiting list though.
Daughter loves the back seat. Any long journey and she is there. Travels up front rarely now.
The front 2+1 seat set up is OK, but can be a tight squeeze.
Kitchen duties are sorted by using an EVO Designs Rear Pod 2C behind the seat.
Autoterm (used to be called Planar) 2kw diesel blown air heater along with a leisure battery and B2B split charger fitted by Apple County Customs.
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Assorted other items have been done along the way.
We can now sleep 4 in comfort and have space for us all to eat around a table inside.
As soon as I tick something off the shopping list, more items get added.
Happy with choices so far. The evolution will undoubtedly continue for some time to come.
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Thus far, no one has mentioned that it might be worth checking that whatever seat/bed and poptop roof combination you're considering will allow (a) enough headroom when the roof is down (b) you can get your feet on the floor (c) does it rattle irritatingly? (d) can you operate it easily and (e) is it either crash tested, or (at the very minimum) is it pull tested? Having the seat/bed on rails is a Good Thing.
Check your chosen poptop is actually capable of taking a load if you plan on carrying anything on it like a kayak. Be aware that many of those in just a gelcoat finish are going to fade badly after a few years. How is it secured? At least one make requires you to fiddle around with handwheel bolts, one of which will be in a cupboard if you have a full suite of furniture.
In terms of the van choice, we were lucky enough to start with a blank canvas as we were able to order from new, so that helped. We went LWB because that extra 18 ins makes a very real difference inside. Yes, it's a little long for many parking bays, but it's never been an issue in general use. A reversing camera helps massively. We were also advised to go T32 and we're ever so glad we did as we'd have been overweight (when loaded) with anything else. Your conversion may be lighter of course, but be wary of not having enough load capacity. Anything less than the 150 engine will be a slug, and no one ever complains about too much power! If you opt for a T6, you might want to read up about headlights. We spec'd LED lights, and they are fabulous, and we are delighted we ignored the advice from at least one VW dealer on that subject! If you go for the 204, be aware that the cost of changing the cam belt every 4 years is most certainly NOT the £350 many people claim they get their one done for in the local garage!
IF you find yourself looking at a T5 180 bi-turbo, research the EGR / oil-burning issues very carefully before buying. If you get a Kombi as the base vehicle, or anything with OE VW sliding windows, they WILL leak, and you will NOT stop them doing so. A tailgate is so much better than barn doors. If you feel you can use a Portapotti in the van, with your nearest and dearest next to you, I think I admire you. I did say "think"! We got one which slides under the rear shelf which forms part of our seat/bed sleeping pack, and a toilet tent, so it at least allows us to claim we're self-sufficient in that area. I also got a 25 ltr jerry can with a side fill port, which sits below our sink outlet for those places where we can't allow waste water to just drain.
A tow-bar is worth considering - if nothing else because you can fit a bike carrier. And tow things.
Our van has been an absolute game-changer in lots of ways. Even the ability to get changed in it, rather than standing in the rain before or after some outdoor activity, makes a massive difference compared to the car. We were lucky I guess in that most of the things I've noted were not things we were aware of as being potential irritants, let alone "well worth having". I do (now) know of at least one well-respected converter whose product would have annoyed the hell out me - but I didn't know that at the time we were researching. Enjoy.
Check your chosen poptop is actually capable of taking a load if you plan on carrying anything on it like a kayak. Be aware that many of those in just a gelcoat finish are going to fade badly after a few years. How is it secured? At least one make requires you to fiddle around with handwheel bolts, one of which will be in a cupboard if you have a full suite of furniture.
In terms of the van choice, we were lucky enough to start with a blank canvas as we were able to order from new, so that helped. We went LWB because that extra 18 ins makes a very real difference inside. Yes, it's a little long for many parking bays, but it's never been an issue in general use. A reversing camera helps massively. We were also advised to go T32 and we're ever so glad we did as we'd have been overweight (when loaded) with anything else. Your conversion may be lighter of course, but be wary of not having enough load capacity. Anything less than the 150 engine will be a slug, and no one ever complains about too much power! If you opt for a T6, you might want to read up about headlights. We spec'd LED lights, and they are fabulous, and we are delighted we ignored the advice from at least one VW dealer on that subject! If you go for the 204, be aware that the cost of changing the cam belt every 4 years is most certainly NOT the £350 many people claim they get their one done for in the local garage!
IF you find yourself looking at a T5 180 bi-turbo, research the EGR / oil-burning issues very carefully before buying. If you get a Kombi as the base vehicle, or anything with OE VW sliding windows, they WILL leak, and you will NOT stop them doing so. A tailgate is so much better than barn doors. If you feel you can use a Portapotti in the van, with your nearest and dearest next to you, I think I admire you. I did say "think"! We got one which slides under the rear shelf which forms part of our seat/bed sleeping pack, and a toilet tent, so it at least allows us to claim we're self-sufficient in that area. I also got a 25 ltr jerry can with a side fill port, which sits below our sink outlet for those places where we can't allow waste water to just drain.
A tow-bar is worth considering - if nothing else because you can fit a bike carrier. And tow things.
Our van has been an absolute game-changer in lots of ways. Even the ability to get changed in it, rather than standing in the rain before or after some outdoor activity, makes a massive difference compared to the car. We were lucky I guess in that most of the things I've noted were not things we were aware of as being potential irritants, let alone "well worth having". I do (now) know of at least one well-respected converter whose product would have annoyed the hell out me - but I didn't know that at the time we were researching. Enjoy.
Also looking to change my current camper. I have an old "tin-top" LDV Mid roof which used to be a great every day van - but in the last 3 years every hight restriction barrier where I am has been reduced to 2.0m - so now I cannot even get into Sainsbury’s - so it's got to go :-( - We have had great times in this van.
LWB is (IMO) a must - when the bed is out there is very limited standing room at the end of the bed; we have a dog as well this influences the choise
Diesel heater - really standard now adays and reasonably easy to fit.
Second hand - but professional converstion not a DIY - unless you are not fussed about residual values
Re-the rear door - barn door needs more space behind it - so if you have limited drive space then this might be an issue - in my case (I do have limited drive space) - it's not a decision I don't mind which.
Look for space saving options like underslung water and gas tanks - more space in the van
Get a roll out awaning & drive away awaning - gives lots of flexibiltiy
I would prefer 2 single swivel seats up front instead of the more common driver and bench - but it's not a 'deal breaker'
Good luck and have fun
LWB is (IMO) a must - when the bed is out there is very limited standing room at the end of the bed; we have a dog as well this influences the choise
Diesel heater - really standard now adays and reasonably easy to fit.
Second hand - but professional converstion not a DIY - unless you are not fussed about residual values
Re-the rear door - barn door needs more space behind it - so if you have limited drive space then this might be an issue - in my case (I do have limited drive space) - it's not a decision I don't mind which.
Look for space saving options like underslung water and gas tanks - more space in the van
Get a roll out awaning & drive away awaning - gives lots of flexibiltiy
I would prefer 2 single swivel seats up front instead of the more common driver and bench - but it's not a 'deal breaker'
Good luck and have fun
