I have purchased a 2016 Kombi and...

[boxer750]

I finally bought the van.. a 2016 Kombi, with the intention of making it into a campervan, regardless of what the DVLA may say!!
I posted before saying how some aspects of getting the van were complex, and it seems not to get much easier

Getting insurance was a 2 day affair, with all of them seemingly having a different take on the DVLA classification thing, and also how much insurance could be charged depending on how its classified (van atm)

I was going to make a 'proper campervan but if DVLA wont allow a full campervan classification, I might go more for what I want from the van. That is sort of half way between a camper and a day van. Has anyone gone down this route before? I do need to make my mind up as the clock is ticking. I have 90 days from the insurance to have it reclassified by the DVLA, I'm not sure what I'll be able to get it to though?

My thoughts are a pull out module with built in bed surface (with a bit of movement of parts) and also adding in a leisure battery and heater, and a 'habitation module for water, and storage for the portapotty. I'm no cook, so I'm thinking just a single ring burner fr cooking the tea and coffee ..
A poptop would be good, but an awning could suffice

Be great to hear of anyone else's experiences in these kind of conversions and recommended suppliers

Pete

 

[andys]

Is a Kombi not aleady a "van with windows"? What do they expect you to have it reclassified as?

 

[CAB]

You won't get it reclassified as a "motor caravan" unless you put a hightop on it.

 

[boxelder]

Brentacre Insurance. No extra charge for conversions or remaps up to 150ps. Bloke on here doing lovely kombi slide out stuff.
EDIT: For Sale - Pull out kitchen and bed setup for T6 Kombi

 

[boxer750]

Thanks guys for the replies.

I don't know about the van with windows but. Pretty sure its on the V5 as a van. Will get that back soon.
I'd kind of accepted it'll never be called a campervan, but I have declared to the insurers that I'll have it converted more or less in 90 days with some kind of answer from the DVLA.
I tried emailing the DVLA so I could just ask them directly what they need, and the best i could find was a generic email about V5 issues. It sent it before I could find a box to enter any text .. Turns out its just a generic reply to a generic query. If anyone has an actual email where I can try to actually converse with them I'd be grateful. I prefer to talk usually, but sometimes its best to have a trail, with evidence.
boxelder, thanks for the tip. its very much along the lines of what I was thinking, even if it doesn't fit the permanently fixed requirement.
It's all good fun..

 

[IestynD]

This is one option:

T5.1 Kombi

Hi all, So I thought I'd introduce myself and the VAN. I'm Iestyn, Dad, husband, avid DIY enthusiast, IT Storage consultant and generally all round nice guy* *I wrote my own bio so it may be a bit biased! We are pretty experianced campers, with an amazing (soon to be for sale) OutWell...

www.t6forum.com

Good luck.

 

[68martin68]

Thanks guys for the replies.

I don't know about the van with windows but. Pretty sure its on the V5 as a van. Will get that back soon.
I'd kind of accepted it'll never be called a campervan, but I have declared to the insurers that I'll have it converted more or less in 90 days with some kind of answer from the DVLA.
I tried emailing the DVLA so I could just ask them directly what they need, and the best i could find was a generic email about V5 issues. It sent it before I could find a box to enter any text .. Turns out its just a generic reply to a generic query. If anyone has an actual email where I can try to actually converse with them I'd be grateful. I prefer to talk usually, but sometimes its best to have a trail, with evidence.
boxelder, thanks for the tip. its very much along the lines of what I was thinking, even if it doesn't fit the permanently fixed requirement.
It's all good fun..

Hello mate,

Boxelder has Kindly quoted the unit I am making. Just FYI, it is a permanently fitted unit really, although you could take it out if you really needed to for some reason. I keep mine in all the time and use my van for all sorts.

Cheers

Martin

 

[boxer750]

I really need to crack on with this.. for the insurance stipulations of 90days if nothing else

Having bought a twin slider kombi, I would really value input from other Kombi camper owners as to how they put furniture etc in their vans?
Seen a few on the net now with units across the back of the seats, and smaller pods .. Can the kombi seat retainers be used in any way? If not I think I'll flog the seats and but in a floor and sliding bed of some sort

Asking in case someone out there has has a genius solution that I've not seen or thought of..

I dont have a family to lug about
I do want to be able to camp without a hookup and be a little self sufficient on occasion.
It would be nice to retain access through both sliders, but if one turns into an overgrown access hatch, thats ok too

Also, and this might be a bit wacky.. has anyone had porthole windows in the back quarters of their transporter? There is a very slight curve in the panel but sure it'll be ok??

Pete

 

[boxer750]

Its been a while, but I've decided to go with a standard style fit out. It has become standard for a reason of course.
I'd prefer to learn from others mistakes or good finds when it comes to finding suppliers for the usual furniture, and also recommendations for the R&R, or similar style bed.
If possible the quality of both the product and the service? If you feel the need to warn me about anyone, and dont want it publicly stated, just drop a PM please
Thanks in advance
Pete