Help me become a T6 owner & choose base vehicle for conversion

[Marc Eddon]

Hello and thank you for accepting me into the forum. Hopefully I am finally making the jump into becoming a VW camper van owner
Well, after my original plan to buy a new T6 California ocean I have changed my mind. The sliding door on the wrong side and only 2 seats upfront is enough to convince me conversion all the way. I have trawled the net and read lots of posts regarding the questions I have but predominantly they were for the T5 and I apologise if they have been covered elsewhere on the forum and I haven't seen them. Here goes...

1. Which is most cost effective to convert panel/kombi T6? From what I've read it's the kombi, right?
2. I'm looking at a T30, would this suit my needs? No T28 in kombi and the T32 is more difficult when it comes round to MOT time?
3. Looking at the models trendline & highline, are the differences worth the extra money bearing in mind I'm looking to convert it?
4. Finally, when I spec out the van (type,model & engine) are there any specific extras I should look to get (i.e. for functionality/resale) I don't want to buy a standard 'box on wheels' but then I don't want lots of extras (at a premium) that are negated due to the conversion.

To paint a clearer picture my intentions are to buy new and convert to suit the needs of me, the wife and our 5 year old girl, so pop top and double swivel passenger chair is a must.

We are avid campers looking to make the big jump into the camper van world.

Thank you in advance

Marc

 

[Pauly]

Hi @Marc Eddon and welcome to the forum.

Thats a very good question you have posted and one thats difficult to answer, different people will have different opinions on the best choice
The main one i have an opinion about is the spec level, i would go with a highline everytime, some of the bits you dont get in a trendline but do in a highline are an alarm + heated front screen + multi function steering wheel + front fog lights these alone for me justify the extra cost
The type of van to choose ?? this is where it gets more interesting, if you buy a kombi you are paying for rear seats that you are going to remove but do get a tailgate that would be an optional extra on a van, you already have two rear windows but still need to put more in the rear ?
If you check out the resources section you will see the brochures and price lists for the two and can work out the features that will/wont come with each model and what the option costs are for the things you want
These were updated over the weekend so are the latest versions http://www.t6forum.com/resources/categories/vw-transporter-t6-brochures-options-prices-lists.1/
Theres also links on each resource page to the relevant area of the VW website

 

[VanBlanc]

Hello and thank you for accepting me into the forum. Hopefully I am finally making the jump into becoming a VW camper van owner
Well, after my original plan to buy a new T6 California ocean I have changed my mind. The sliding door on the wrong side and only 2 seats upfront is enough to convince me conversion all the way. I have trawled the net and read lots of posts regarding the questions I have but predominantly they were for the T5 and I apologise if they have been covered elsewhere on the forum and I haven't seen them. Here goes...

1. Which is most cost effective to convert panel/kombi T6? From what I've read it's the kombi, right?
2. I'm looking at a T30, would this suit my needs? No T28 in kombi and the T32 is more difficult when it comes round to MOT time?
3. Looking at the models trendline & highline, are the differences worth the extra money bearing in mind I'm looking to convert it?
4. Finally, when I spec out the van (type,model & engine) are there any specific extras I should look to get (i.e. for functionality/resale) I don't want to buy a standard 'box on wheels' but then I don't want lots of extras (at a premium) that are negated due to the conversion.

To paint a clearer picture my intentions are to buy new and convert to suit the needs of me, the wife and our 5 year old girl, so pop top and double swivel passenger chair is a must.

We are avid campers looking to make the big jump into the camper van world.

Thank you in advance

Marc

There is little difference between T5/5.1/6 when it comes to the conversion. We are about to do our second from new and the spec we are using, which is much the same as our current, is;

T30 Kombi, Highline 150DSG with LEDs, Swivels, Front Park Sensors, Extra Battery, Larger Fuel Tank and for our own benefit Removable Tow Hitch.

Kombi is the way to go as it has extra sound deadening in cab, side windows, tailgate and a few other bits and bobs. Highline comes with a few other decent refinements and finishes. 150DSG is a nice drive with more than enough get up and go. LEDs because I have not had anything but Xenons for 20 years and can't live without decent lights. Factory swivels because we find the Sportcraft ones we have now a bit cumbersome - although at the price of height adjustment. Front Park Sensors for Mrs VB. Extra battery because it comes with the wiring and integrated split charge even though we might up the battery capacity. Larger fuel tank because we can.

We would all recomend doing a lot of window shopping before you cut metal. A trip to Busfest would be well worth your while.

 

[VanBlanc]

.... kombi you are paying for rear seats that you are going to remove...

Ah yes but don't forget;

I got £800 for the seats and floor out of my T5.1. The current crop only come with a single 3 seater as standard but I have been offered £500 by the people who are going to fit the seat bed.

 

[Marc Eddon]

Nowthen Pauly, thank you for the detailed reply. I have nearly reached saturation with brochures so I'm now into questions and pictures to try and make sense of it all. It's a huge commitment step to take and I'm a big fan of asking those who know/have done. Already your reply has given me lots to think about but also made sense where the brochure failed, thank you

 

[Marc Eddon]

There is little difference between T5/5.1/6 when it comes to the conversion. We are about to do our second from new and the spec we are using, which is much the same as our current, is;

T30 Kombi, Highline 150DSG with LEDs, Swivels, Front Park Sensors, Extra Battery, Larger Fuel Tank and for our own benefit Removable Tow Hitch.

Kombi is the way to go as it has extra sound deadening in cab, side windows, tailgate and a few other bits and bobs. Highline comes with a few other decent refinements and finishes. 150DSG is a nice drive with more than enough get up and go. LEDs because I have not had anything but Xenons for 20 years and can't live without decent lights. Factory swivels because we find the Sportcraft ones we have now a bit cumbersome - although at the price of height adjustment. Front Park Sensors for Mrs VB. Extra battery because it comes with the wiring and integrated split charge even though we might up the battery capacity. Larger fuel tank because we can.

We would all recomend doing a lot of window shopping before you cut metal. A trip to Busfest would be well worth your while.

Outstanding information thank you, you have pretty much described what I've been thinking which can only be a good thing. DSG? Is it worth it, the cost puts me off but continual stop start in traffic with a manual is starting to get on my nerves. I drove a skoda Octavia DSG (original option before I talked the wife in to a T6) and it was amazing, does it still perform aswell in a fully laden camper i.e. getting on and off camp sites?

 

[Pauly]

I should point out I have never converted myself that was just a general view there are a few people here that have/are doing so will give your a better opinion
@VanBlanc @Walski @BiTurbo to name a few

 

[VanBlanc]

For me any auto beats manual for relaxed driving. I have had many variations over the years and the best has been Merc's 7 speed coupled to a 3.5 litre V6.

DSG is a slightly different flavour, you can't ride the brakes, but once you are used to it you forget it's there. TBH I have only once had to use it manually - it has always coped. I have driven a T6 DSG and it did seem a little smoother but then it was new and had this awful Bluemotion stop start which may have masked the DSG lag when pulling away.

 

[Pauly]

My T6 DSG is my first proper auto and i have grown to like it, very easy to drive once your used to it

 

[VanBlanc]

......proper auto.....

?????? Owes much to the preselect gearbox out of an old London bus

Proper auto has a torque converter and a box of helical gears and works best behind a Chevy V8

DSG has 2 motor shafts - even gears and odd gears - with a clutch on the end of each. Then it tries to outguess you and figure which gear you are going to need next. Just be thankful it doesn't use Windoze

 

[Walski]

Hi @Marc Eddon, welcome to the forum.

If it helps, here's my van spec that has been fully converted..... See conversion thread in media section:
Highline Panel Van T30 140bhp DSG SWB. No cost options: single passenger seat, tailgate with window. Cost options: rear wash wipe, Metallic paint. I wish I had also specced front parking sensors. I would also have ordered factory swivel seats but had to cancel them as they were causing production delays at the time. Factory swivels (for single passenger) were just £96 vs £400 for a good aftermarket set (sportscraft) albeit with factory swivels you lose the height adj on the seats.

Why did I choose that spec......let me try to take each one in turn:
I did as advised above and visited a few big shows (Busfest is perfect) and talked to many convertors. I then got a short list and visited each to check out their workshop and talk in detail. My advice would be to choose a convertor first and ask them what van they think you should use.

I found each was different re Kombi vs Panel. Ed at Celtic said panel as you're left selling the rear seats and the factory opening rear windows are renowned for leaking (not sure if they have sorted that on T6???) so there's not much of a benefit buying panel...... There were other convertors I spoke to that said Kombi.

Depending on conversion, will determine weight requirement (ie T28,30,32). I've got both an SCA poptop roof and a
Cali seat/bed along with Cali slider for rear seat which all adds a lot of weight so was recommended T30.

140bhp is plenty enough (150bhp now with Euro6?) but pay more for more oomph!

DSG - personally I wouldn't be without..... Mines a camper not a daily driver so we are generally travelling distance in it. auto combined with cruise is perfect!!

SWB - purely personal..... Easy to park vs more room inside c400mm difference I think.

It's bloody expensive of you want the best stuff but will be reflected in the saleability of your van.

Please do ask more questions if I've missed anything.... I more than happy to talk about my vans for hours.

 

[Marc Eddon]

Hi @Marc Eddon, welcome to the forum.

If it helps, here's my van spec that has been fully converted..... See conversion thread in media section:
Highline Panel Van T30 140bhp DSG SWB. No cost options: single passenger seat, tailgate with window. Cost options: rear wash wipe, Metallic paint. I wish I had also specced front parking sensors. I would also have ordered factory swivel seats but had to cancel them as they were causing production delays at the time. Factory swivels (for single passenger) were just £96 vs £400 for a good aftermarket set (sportscraft) albeit with factory swivels you lose the height adj on the seats.

Why did I choose that spec......let me try to take each one in turn:
I did as advised above and visited a few big shows (Busfest is perfect) and talked to many convertors. I then got a short list and visited each to check out their workshop and talk in detail. My advice would be to choose a convertor first and ask them what van they think you should use.

I found each was different re Kombi vs Panel. Ed at Celtic said panel as you're left selling the rear seats and the factory opening rear windows are renowned for leaking (not sure if they have sorted that on T6???) so there's not much of a benefit buying panel...... There were other convertors I spoke to that said Kombi.

Depending on conversion, will determine weight requirement (ie T28,30,32). I've got both an SCA poptop roof and a
Cali seat/bed along with Cali slider for rear seat which all adds a lot of weight so was recommended T30.

140bhp is plenty enough (150bhp now with Euro6?) but pay more for more oomph!

DSG - personally I wouldn't be without..... Mines a camper not a daily driver so we are generally travelling distance in it. auto combined with cruise is perfect!!

SWB - purely personal..... Easy to park vs more room inside c400mm difference I think.

It's bloody expensive of you want the best stuff but will be reflected in the saleability of your van.

Please do ask more questions if I've missed anything.... I more than happy to talk about my vans for hours.

@Walski thank you for taking the time to write down your spec. It sounds very much what I'm thinking, DSG wasn't really an option but having heard your opinions, spoken to the wife and thinking about longevity of owning a van and enjoying driving it I think it's a no brainer.

Parking sensors front and rear were the first option to be selected, it's a shame they don't put them on the side and the roof (wife will be driving it).

Good advice about the seats

It is my intention to get on the scene and go to shows/meets for inspiration and advice once the van is purchased but I need to get that done ASAP due to work. Unfortunately I won't have chosen a converter company prior to purchase to see what they think is better for them to work with.

Cali slider, correct me if I'm wrong but does that allow the rear seat to be pushed forward. If this is what I'm thinking it is key for me because I will be able to fit my bike in the van with wheels on (ready to rock) once it is pushed forward, I will also be able to work on it under the tailgate.

I think a T30 is where I'm at too

 

[VanBlanc]

We are about to embark on our second conversion and this time I am going to project manage as there is no way to get all the things I want installed by one converter.

There are several sliding seat options.

You can get a Cali seat & rails new or s/h from Richard at Kernow Transporters. Reimo 333 or better still 3000 are options - the latter being quite expensive but the dogs.

There are some options around adding rails for other makes of R&R.

 

[VanBlanc]

This one from Uberbus, UBERBUS Flux, lets you use a RIB Altair which can't be all bad.

I'd say that the downside it the amount of framework underneath the RIB makes storage underneath difficult compared to the Reimo in particular.

 

[Walski]

Yes, the slider allows the seat to be moved.... It means you can travel with the kids in the back right up behind you like they would be in a car and have extra storage behind, then chuck it all in your awning and slide the seat back.

Like @VanBlanc says, there are a few examples.... Just beware, if your not so tall then you might find the Reimo seat quite high.... I'm only 5'7 and my wife's 5ish and it left our feet dangling which wasn't comfortable for us!!!!

 

[Marc Eddon]

This one from Uberbus, UBERBUS Flux, lets you use a RIB Altair which can't be all bad.

I'd say that the downside it the amount of framework underneath the RIB makes storage underneath difficult compared to the Reimo in particular.

@VanBlanc I've looked at that clip before whilst on the net for hours. The bed its self is a nightmare on its own!! I like the rails idea though as it give more flexibility with how/what you put in the van and as @Walski said I can have passengers just behind us like a normal car making everyday use easier.

I'm going to get on the VW site and price up some vans now I have a better idea of what I want, I'm sure that will throw up more questions but then I will have a base price for the van and then look to rough prices for conversions. @VanBlanc you say your going to project manage your next one, by that do you mean get several companies to do 'their part' or you do some if not all? The reason for my question is I like how some companies do some things but not other stuff, and that's before I've had recommendations on what companies to use/not use.

 

[Marc Eddon]

Yes, the slider allows the seat to be moved.... It means you can travel with the kids in the back right up behind you like they would be in a car and have extra storage behind, then chuck it all in your awning and slide the seat back.

Like @VanBlanc says, there are a few examples.... Just beware, if your not so tall then you might find the Reimo seat quite high.... I'm only 5'7 and my wife's 5ish and it left our feet dangling which wasn't comfortable for us!!!!

@Walski the wife and I are 6foot which will make the Reimo seat manageable but then we'll be pushing the boundaries of a SWB I'm beginning to think you can't win

 

[BiTurbo]

Will comment when back from holiday. Signal is crap in the Scottish highlands.

 

[VanBlanc]

Yes, the slider allows the seat to be moved.... It means you can travel with the kids in the back right up behind you like they would be in a car and have extra storage behind, then chuck it all in your awning and slide the seat back.

Like @VanBlanc says, there are a few examples.... Just beware, if your not so tall then you might find the Reimo seat quite high.... I'm only 5'7 and my wife's 5ish and it left our feet dangling which wasn't comfortable for us!!!!

You must be a short arse then

Mrs VB is 5'3" - her feet definitely dangle from our RIB but sitting on the Variotech 3000 her feet touched the floor. I think the squab height is 450mm. Granted the Cali is lower but when opened out the bed uses seat faces unlike the Reimo uses the flat back. Looking around many Cali owners are carrying a mattress topper around with them to overcome this.

Of course the next problem is head room. Even though our current RIB is high we have an SCA roof & bed so we get plenty of headroom. I know we will lose a bit adding a Cali roof and bed but a) we don't travel in the back, b) if tall freinds do it would only be local and c) if we sell it on it would be fine for people with kids.

 

[Marc Eddon]

You must be a short arse then

Mrs VB is 5'3" - her feet definitely dangle from our RIB but sitting on the Variotech 3000 her feet touched the floor. I think the squab height is 450mm. Granted the Cali is lower but when opened out the bed uses seat faces unlike the Reimo uses the flat back. Looking around many Cali owners are carrying a mattress topper around with them to overcome this.

Of course the next problem is head room. Even though our current RIB is high we have an SCA roof & bed so we get plenty of headroom. I know we will lose a bit adding a Cali roof and bed but a) we don't travel in the back, b) if tall freinds do it would only be local and c) if we sell it on it would be fine for people with kids.

@VanBlanc thaks for the info, once the van is purchased and bed is the hot topic I will no doubt have more questions. You hit the nail on the head for me 'we don't travel in the back' haha that's been my exact point with the wife on making decisions.