New prospective T6 owner seeking advice!

[camp.trought]

Hi everyone. I'm at the start of my T6 journey and looking for advice. Sorry if I'm posting in the wrong place - if so please let me know where I should be and I'll delete and repost.

Wife and I are very keen to buy a T6 (teenage kids don't want anything to do with us now so might as well!) but it's a big investment. I want to get it right. This seems to be a place chock full of passionate experts so I'm hoping some of you will be kind enough to guide a wide-eyed naive dreamer towards T6 nirvana.

Our budget will be in the region of 35 grand. I have my heart set on a two tone van. Has to be EURO6 which I think means 2017+. For the interior I'm probably looking at a pretty standard custom build but I'd love to personalise a bit, like picking up the colour of the exterior on cabinets etc. LWB would be nice but I'm not sure how much extra this adds to the cost, and how much difference the extra space actually makes. Keen to have heating too which I guess means a diesel heater.

With all that in mind, the best place I've found that seems to tick all the boxes is Welsh Coast Campers. Do they have a good rep? They have vans that meet my needs but seem cheaper than elsewhere. My main question: is my budget realistic? Guess I need to compromise a bit on mileage but other than that can I expect to get something that's going to last many years?

Regarding Welsh Coast Campers I'm not sure if I'm being swayed by the fact they seem to specialise in two tone colour schemes, but I don't know how easy it is to recolour any old van. Would I be better off securing a bargain then colouring later? Any other supplier recommendations greatly received.

So, as you can tell, many questions. I'd love to hear some top tips and gotchas to give me confidence my money will be well spent.

Thanks in advance

 

[Sackmycook]

Take a look at some of the vans for sale on the Forum firstly maybe.....

 

[Ads_Essex]

Hi everyone. I'm at the start of my T6 journey and looking for advice. Sorry if I'm posting in the wrong place - if so please let me know where I should be and I'll delete and repost.

Wife and I are very keen to buy a T6 (teenage kids don't want anything to do with us now so might as well!) but it's a big investment. I want to get it right. This seems to be a place chock full of passionate experts so I'm hoping some of you will be kind enough to guide a wide-eyed naive dreamer towards T6 nirvana.

Our budget will be in the region of 35 grand. I have my heart set on a two tone van. Has to be EURO6 which I think means 2017+. For the interior I'm probably looking at a pretty standard custom build but I'd love to personalise a bit, like picking up the colour of the exterior on cabinets etc. LWB would be nice but I'm not sure how much extra this adds to the cost, and how much difference the extra space actually makes. Keen to have heating too which I guess means a diesel heater.

With all that in mind, the best place I've found that seems to tick all the boxes is Welsh Coast Campers. Do they have a good rep? They have vans that meet my needs but seem cheaper than elsewhere. My main question: is my budget realistic? Guess I need to compromise a bit on mileage but other than that can I expect to get something that's going to last many years?

Regarding Welsh Coast Campers I'm not sure if I'm being swayed by the fact they seem to specialise in two tone colour schemes, but I don't know how easy it is to recolour any old van. Would I be better off securing a bargain then colouring later? Any other supplier recommendations greatly received.

So, as you can tell, many questions. I'd love to hear some top tips and gotchas to give my confidence my money will be well spent.

Thanks in advance

Hello and welcome to the forum.

Euro6 is 2015/16 onwards. You wouldn’t know the difference on looking at the van really so make sure you ask. Or get a petrol and not worry about ULEZ!

LWB doesn’t necessarily mean more dosh, and only adds 40cm space. It means you overhang car parking spaces but the extra bit can be handy. Furniture firms like EvoMotion Design do cater for both SWB and LWB vans, if you end up doing a self-build.

Heater-wise you can have the regular diesel (or petrol, if you do find a TSi) heater under the drivers’ seat - or LPG (which then gives you an external gas BBQ hook-up point at the rear along with an internal gas point for your cooker) but there’s also a diesel cooker which doubles up as a heater - search Wallas for info.

Recolouring a van is an easy job for a sprayer or wrapper - it comes down to budget. I’d choose the right van first, then worry about colour.

Otherwise I’d focus on what your living space will be, what your power needs will be, and what your budget will allow.

If you’re able to get involved, I’d say build it yourself. Get a van, get the roof done, then set about getting the windows, furniture and power in - it’ll work out cheaper, but take some time.

As SackMyCook says, it’s worth checking out the vans selling here on the forum, but £35k won’t get you the newest, two-tone, bling machine I’m afraid.

 

[Ads_Essex]

This is a great example of a petrol van that can be converted - it’s good to go with the SlidePod.

Sold - 2017 T28 SWB 150PS TSi Trendline Camper. £25,000

A huge change of family circumstances means we need to sell our 2017 petrol transporter. We have used it as a campervan. It has a slidepod in the rear, captains chairs, aircon, lithium battery, hookup under bonnet, LED interior lights. The advert on autotrader is here...

www.t6forum.com

This is a fully fledged camper, diesel

For Sale - 2016 T28 SWB 102PS Startline Camper. £30,750.

Hi, We have a camper coming up for sale in the next few week, just testing if any intrest really 2016 Startline 5 speed 57,000 miles Part History B14 lowered Revo tune to approx 170 BHP, Excellent on fuel Genuine sale Just holding off due to wheels needing a refurb and a small area of paint...

www.t6forum.com

Bodans are a big outfit, so this should be a good reliable build

Sold - 2018 T28 102PS Highline Eu6 Bodan’s Camper. £33,500

posting this for a good friend, hope that's OK/allowed. New baby unfortunately forces sale. Relatively new conversion by Bodens, which has hardly been used and well maintained. 2 owners. MOT passed with flying colours at the end of August. Recently replace cam belt and water pump. Start stop...

www.t6forum.com

The kids will definitely want to holiday in this:

Sold - 2018 T32 Campervan | 150PS | £35k upgrades

Van is back on the market. I had the van for sale last year but wasn’t really that bothered about selling it but I’ve now bought a Porsche Panamera Turbo so need the space and the van gone. I’ve owned the van from brand new. It’s a 2018 VW T6 Highline T32 Kombi 150PS TDI that was converted...

www.t6forum.com

 

[Farnorthsurfer]

Don't believe anyone that has bought a LWB van for a camper base has ever regretted it but lots of people with SWB campers would like a little more space.
There is not much difference in day to day use when you get used to the LWB although a reversing camera is a bonus.
Two Tone will cost a lot so if your on a tight budget think carefully about what's really important.
For sure there is loads of excellent reading on the forum to help you with everything else you might want to know form engines to camper layouts.
It's time consuming but well worth the effort to dig into the forum. All the best on your journey

 

[roadtripper]

Have you hired a T6 or driven one before? It sounds like you're maxing out your budget so do try and find out the basics if you can and maybe hire even a plain van for a weekend.

That's what we did and found what suited us better was a Caravelle rather than a camper.

Also consider if you want your perfect van in one go - that's hard to do. I suspect a lot of folks learn more about what sort of van they want during the first season of ownership. A good van will hold its value, consider if something ready to go, close enough but a bit cheaper to find out what you want and how you'd use it. For two of you a decent Kombi with a slide pod or similar gets you in the game.

As to colour you can get some amazing stuff done with wraps these days. If you are passionate about two tone you could do that after you know it's a keeper. It's likely harder to wrap the top of you have a pop top so maybe pick a colour you can live with there and change "below the waist" later.

 

[camp.trought]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

Euro6 is 2015/16 onwards. You wouldn’t know the difference on looking at the van really so make sure you ask. Or get a petrol and not worry about ULEZ!

LWB doesn’t necessarily mean more dosh, and only adds 40cm space. It means you overhang car parking spaces but the extra bit can be handy. Furniture firms like EvoMotion Design do cater for both SWB and LWB vans, if you end up doing a self-build.

Heater-wise you can have the regular diesel (or petrol, if you do find a TSi) heater under the drivers’ seat - or LPG (which then gives you an external gas BBQ hook-up point at the rear along with an internal gas point for your cooker) but there’s also a diesel cooker which doubles up as a heater - search Wallas for info.

Recolouring a van is an easy job for a sprayer or wrapper - it comes down to budget. I’d choose the right van first, then worry about colour.

Otherwise I’d focus on what your living space will be, what your power needs will be, and what your budget will allow.

If you’re able to get involved, I’d say build it yourself. Get a van, get the roof done, then set about getting the windows, furniture and power in - it’ll work out cheaper, but take some time.

As SackMyCook says, it’s worth checking out the vans selling here on the forum, but £35k won’t get you the newest, two-tone, bling machine I’m afraid.

This is great advice, thank you. Exactly why I came here. It's early days so just working out where to focus my budget. Sounds like the paint job can wait! I really don't have time to do the conversion myself but right now it's all about understanding the range of options. Much appreciated.

 

[Ads_Essex]

This is great advice, thank you. Exactly why I came here. It's early days so just working out where to focus my budget. Sounds like the paint job can wait! I really don't have time to do the conversion myself but right now it's all about understanding the range of options. Much appreciated.

If getting away is your thing, then just buy a converted van. If you can wait but can’t DIY, get a converter to build it.
If you’re not going to be travelling much this year, self-build.

The wait time for my roof to be fitted was 6 months, to give you an idea. That was a few years ago but I doubt it’s changed much.

The beauty with these vans is that you could buy a van that’s already converted, decide you want a different layout or look, and still be able to sell it on.

 

[DaveD]

Some features can't easily be changed once you've purchased a van. I'm talking long wheelbase or short, twin sliding doors or single, barn doors or tailgate, air conditioning or not, manual gearbox or DSG, 5 speed manual or 6 speed. You probably get my drift!
It's easy to be swayed by things that can easily be changed later, like fantastic wheels, but make a list of things that you can't easily change that are non negotiable for you, for example, mine included short wheelbase and air conditioning. I could immediately discount a fair number of vans for sale, making the whole buying process easier.
Unless you have a huge budget there always have to be some compromises, decide what you are prepared to compromise on and what you're not.
Good luck and keep us updated.

 

[Andyf]

Have a good look around, ask and ask and ask again lol
Sit in one or two doesn’t matter how many times you go back to look, if the person selling doesn’t like it move on
Try and higher or borrow one see how you get on,
Listen to members but take in and buy what you want / like

Andy

 

[camp.trought]

Have you hired a T6 or driven one before? It sounds like you're maxing out your budget so do try and find out the basics if you can and maybe hire even a plain van for a weekend.

That's what we did and found what suited us better was a Caravelle rather than a camper.

Also consider if you want your perfect van in one go - that's hard to do. I suspect a lot of folks learn more about what sort of van they want during the first season of ownership. A good van will hold its value, consider if something ready to go, close enough but a bit cheaper to find out what you want and how you'd use it. For two of you a decent Kombi with a slide pod or similar gets you in the game.

As to colour you can get some amazing stuff done with wraps these days. If you are passionate about two tone you could do that after you know it's a keeper. It's likely harder to wrap the top of you have a pop top so maybe pick a colour you can live with there and change "below the waist" later.

Thank you. No, not even hired or driven one before but planning to as soon as the weather improves. Don't anticipate issues with the drive itself though - driven an RV through California before. Right now I'm just keen to understand my options. Definitely seems the colour can come later, and it's great advice to start simple and work towards a dream van later. Will look at the Caravelle, thanks.

Some features can't easily be changed once you've purchased a van. I'm talking long wheelbase or short, twin sliding doors or single, barn doors or tailgate, air conditioning or not, manual gearbox or DSG, 5 speed manual or 6 speed. You probably get my drift!
It's easy to be swayed by things that can easily be changed later, like fantastic wheels, but make a list of things that you can't easily change that are non negotiable for you, for example, mine included short wheelbase and air conditioning. I could immediately discount a fair number of vans for sale, making the whole buying process easier.
Unless you have a huge budget there always have to be some compromises, decide what you are prepared to compromise on and what you're not.
Good luck and keep us updated.

Thank you, this is really helpful. Good to have a clear idea of non-negotiables. Working on it!

 

[Jamesie]

Thank you. No, not even hired or driven one before but planning to as soon as the weather improves. Don't anticipate issues with the drive itself though - driven an RV through California before. Right now I'm just keen to understand my options. Definitely seems the colour can come later, and it's great advice to start simple and work towards a dream van later. Will look at the Caravelle, thanks.

Be careful what you are comparing. The road and parking infrastructure in North America are totally different. We hired an RV in Canada for 2 weeks a good few years ago and got on fine with it. Then before we bought our own van a few years ago we hired a Ducato conversion for a trip to the Scottish Highlands and found it an absolute pain when trying to park in busy highland village carparks. So that convinced us the SWB VW van was the way to go and never regretted it.

 

[kg1709]

The only advice I'd add is to be sure that you want a fully converted camper. I thought I did but in the end went the Kombi route, added leisure battery, power outlets, bed, storage, lighting etc. etc. and found that adding an awning to the setup works perfectly for trips and we don't need to cook in the van.

 

[camp.trought]

Be careful what you are comparing. The road and parking infrastructure in North America are totally different. We hired an RV in Canada for 2 weeks a good few years ago and got on fine with it. Then before we bought our own van a few years ago we hired a Ducato conversion for a trip to the Scottish Highlands and found it an absolute pain when trying to park in busy highland village carparks. So that convinced us the SWB VW van was the way to go and never regretted it.

Yeah I'm sure you're right. Thanks for the tip, we'll be sure to do a few rentals before buying.

 

[Bav]

Yeah I'm sure you're right. Thanks for the tip, we'll be sure to do a few rentals before buying.

If possible, rent both SWB and LWB versions. The extra 40cm is barely noticeable when driving, but it makes a huge difference to the camping experience.

 

[Cuffy]

Tip No1
If it's of any help/consolation, I purchased a fully converted camper thinking I would be rustling up exotic cuisine in the van then getting my head down for the night.
I've yet to use the hob as I don't want the van honking of food (There are plenty of windows to vent but I have OCD)
The rock n roll bed is comfortable enough for a couple of nights but after that it was giving me the hump. So since our 1st few soiree's away we have now gone down the larger awning route which now serves as sleeping/cooking quarters and the van used to store clothes and bedding.
Seriously think about what you are going to use the van for, if I could rewind the clock then I would probably not have gone down the oven ready route and looked at a van to do a basic conversion on, would have saved myself a few quid too.

Tip No2
Ride comfort and handling. Again, when I bought mine, I thought it had everything it needed. Being fully converted it had a saggy arse and the ride was wallowy. After searching the suspension thread it was then decided to upgrade the shocks and springs.

Tip No3
Stay out of the "what have you done to your van today" thread and the "what have you bought today" thread, this will save you ££££'s as there is some seriously nice "Gucci" kit about.

**And if the wife asks about your purchases, everything is £20 Even new suspension.

Good luck with your search and welcome to the forum, once a van has been sought, the VIP membership is worth its weight in gold and at £12.99 for the year it's a deal, it's a steal, it's the sale of the f*****g century.

 

[Andyf]

The only advice I'd add is to be sure that you want a fully converted camper. I thought I did but in the end went the Kombi route, added leisure battery, power outlets, bed, storage, lighting etc. etc. and found that adding an awning to the setup works perfectly for trips and we don't need to cook in the van.

Same hear

Got a fully converted camper first time around, the norm way
Now we have a camper but done our way,

Full width bed on rails, move backward and forward to carry what ever, seats like a combi to take grand kids to school and back. Then the next time out it’s our bed lol

Poptop for ease, heater, sockets including USB etc

 

[ginkster]

Welcome.

Great advice above. I bought my van nearly 2 years ago having had VW campers when I was young and a Bongo a few years ago. I’d not really driven a T6 in anger before (except a couple of times in a work van). Things I’d recommend from my experience:

Don’t rush into it - there are thousands of vans for sale. Drive loads to see what you like/dislike. Engine power, gearbox etc.

Hire a couple of campers - does it work for you? Can you live with a 3/4 width bed? Do you need a cooker? Do you need a sliding seat? Etc, etc.

LWB vs SWB - I went for SWB for ease of parking and day to day use. I’d get a LWB if I did it again to get more usable space in the rear (especially with the bed down) and also to be able to fit bikes behind the sliding seat.

Consider the classification of the vehicle - panel van conversions are generally stuck with commercial van speed limits such as 50mph on single carriageway and 60 on dual. Is that a problem? There is a work-around for full camper conversions but not part conversions/day vans. Loads of info on here.

Don’t get suckered in by the bling - it may look good but what about the electrics, quality of the bed, usability of the conversion etc?

Don’t buy loads of kit until you have tried it out and know what you actually need. Everything should have 2 uses!

There are a million other things too but there’s probably enough here for now! Good luck.

 

[camp.trought]

Tip No1
If it's of any help/consolation, I purchased a fully converted camper thinking I would be rustling up exotic cuisine in the van then getting my head down for the night.
I've yet to use the hob as I don't want the van honking of food (There are plenty of windows to vent but I have OCD)
The rock n roll bed is comfortable enough for a couple of nights but after that it was giving me the hump. So since our 1st few soiree's away we have now gone down the larger awning route which now serves as sleeping/cooking quarters and the van used to store clothes and bedding.
Seriously think about what you are going to use the van for, if I could rewind the clock then I would probably not have gone down the oven ready route and looked at a van to do a basic conversion on, would have saved myself a few quid too.

Tip No2
Ride comfort and handling. Again, when I bought mine, I thought it had everything it needed. Being fully converted it had a saggy arse and the ride was wallowy. After searching the suspension thread it was then decided to upgrade the shocks and springs.

Tip No3
Stay out of the "what have you done to your van today" thread and the "what have you bought today" thread, this will save you ££££'s as there is some seriously nice "Gucci" kit about.

**And if the wife asks about your purchases, everything is £20 Even new suspension.

Good luck with your search and welcome to the forum, once a van has been sought, the VIP membership is worth its weight in gold and at £12.99 for the year it's a deal, it's a steal, it's the sale of the f*****g century.

Thanks for the taking the time on this. I'm pretty sure we'd cook in the van a lot but proof is in the pudding (literally I hope). But you're right about being sure. I'll definitely take a few rentals out first to get a feel for this new lifestyle and check it's really me. Don't intend to part with that much money otherwise!

Hopefully I won't need your Tip 3 because if I do this there won't be any money left.

 

[camp.trought]

Welcome.

Great advice above. I bought my van nearly 2 years ago having had VW campers when I was young and a Bongo a few years ago. I’d not really driven a T6 in anger before (except a couple of times in a work van). Things I’d recommend from my experience:

Don’t rush into it - there are thousands of vans for sale. Drive loads to see what you like/dislike. Engine power, gearbox etc.

Hire a couple of campers - does it work for you? Can you live with a 3/4 width bed? Do you need a cooker? Do you need a sliding seat? Etc, etc.

LWB vs SWB - I went for SWB for ease of parking and day to day use. I’d get a LWB if I did it again to get more usable space in the rear (especially with the bed down) and also to be able to fit bikes behind the sliding seat.

Consider the classification of the vehicle - panel van conversions are generally stuck with commercial van speed limits such as 50mph on single carriageway and 60 on dual. Is that a problem? There is a work-around for full camper conversions but not part conversions/day vans. Loads of info on here.

Don’t get suckered in by the bling - it may look good but what about the electrics, quality of the bed, usability of the conversion etc?

Don’t buy loads of kit until you have tried it out and know what you actually need. Everything should have 2 uses!

There are a million other things too but there’s probably enough here for now! Good luck.

Thank you. Especially good point about being suckered in. I think I'm in that place now. Lucky for me my wife is pretty good at checking my spending! (Or maybe I opt for @Cuffy's £20 tactic)

I think the biggest challenge might be the small bed, but I've seen conversions with a wider bed and less storage. Hopefully will get a chance to try a range.