Hello and welcome.
We opted for a T30 150DSG Highline Panel Van which was purchased through and converted by Hillside Leisure at Derby - we have been camping for years but this is our first camper - we absolutely love it and, so far at least, have not seen the problems a few members have reported with the 150DSG.
I see you are going to Busfest - there will be a group of us there (10+ vans), some with converted vans, so come and say hello, look over our vans and have a chat (especially with the guys that know a lot more than me!) to see if we can assist with your decision and advise on your liaison with the convertors there.
Hi everyone,
New forum member here so go easy please....!
After 3 amazing weeks travelling here in Scotland in our 1979 T2, me and Mrs have finally accepted that we need something more modern/practical/safer for us and our 2 kids.
The California is nice but we are keen to create our own camper layout as we know what we do and dont need.
So im looking for a T6 and a converter. And I have tons of questions. Apologies in advance if any of these are repetitive/stupid.
1. I'll be heading to Busfest to try and meet as many converters as possible, but are there any other big (major) shows that i should get to?
2. Base Model - Panel or Kombi??? pros and cons of both?
3. should i order this or allow the converter to do it? im thinking they will be able to get a better price (but will that be passed on?) and also be more comfortable with the mixture of options/extras etc
4. T28/T30/T32 - Does it matter for a camper conversion?
5. 150BHP - is this the right engine - we will both want the auto box
6. 2wd/4wd - again is 4wd really needed?
7. Spec - Im thinking highline but what extras do you think you need for a conversion? what is a necessary and what is a luxury?
thanks in advance - i will probably have a lot more questions as this project develops....!
I have recently had the same decision to make and finally decided to proceed as follows: (following loads of questions and research)
SWB Highline Kombi T32 150 DSG with Tailgate. Why a Kombi? Well overall it seemed to be the best spec. I liked the fact that windows were fitted by VW instead of aftermarket ( yes, I heard about potential side window leaks, but there are risks too as to how well fitted aftermarket windows are). Also, something else that appealed is that on the Kombi Highline a rear wash/wipe is standard and it is extremely difficult (some say impossible) to include this as part of a conversion.
By going for a factory order I was able to choose the spec: LED headlights, Dust seals, Electric Latching, Electrically Folding Mirrors, Heated Seats, Split Rear Seat, Towbar Preparation, Comfort Dash with Cab Carpet, Colour Coded Dash Inserts, and Front and Rear Parking Sensors with Rear View Camera.
On delivery it is going for a full camper conversion with pop-top. I can't remember how many converters I visited,(fifteen I think!). I didn't just look at local ones! Quite a lot were all doing the same thing, some very well, some very dodgy. I wanted something a little bit different! One thing I would recommend is don't just make your decision based on what you see, ask a lot of questions about what you can't see, e.g. Don't base your decision on what you see at shows, you must visit the converters at their workshop to get a full picture. What sort sound proofing materials, sound deadening, insulation, workmanship and quality of finish of cabinets and the materials used. Pros and cons of tambour doors. What type of table and where is it stored? Look at how professional the workshop looks, especially if you are starting with an expensive brand new van! One thing I found is that all the best converters love to answer your questions and will give generously of their time: they will be as keen as you are and they want to exceed your expectations. Walk away if they seem to be dismissive of what you want done. You are paying the money so you are entitled to get what you want, especially after incorporating all the advice you are given. One thing I definitely didn't want was the type of cabinets that were installed in caravans in the 1950's, e.g. surface mounted doors with rubber edgeing.
Aim to maximise space within the van so ask questions about the pros and cons of underslung gas tanks, underslung water tanks and underslung leisure batteries. Do you want SWB or LWB (pros and cons for both). Pros and cons of different roofs. Curtains or blinds? Upholstery: fabric, leather or vinyl. Pros and cons of gas v diesel heating. Type of lighting and technology. Solar panel? What quality of carpet lining and flooring. Type of bed, fixed or slider (once again, pros and cons). Some converters use the genuine California bed. Decide where you are prepared to make compromises to suit your budget. Do you need an oven or just a hob? (I found out that most people who choose an oven never use it!). How good is the converter with electrics, TV's, head units etc. It may be best that you get certain jobs done by specialists of your own choosing. For example Absolut5 in Amesbury Wiltshre are excellent with Sound and Vision. Good converters won't mind you getting some work completed elsewhere.....it is your money, not theirs.
After my research I narrowed my choice down to Ecowagon in Cornwall, New Wave Conversions near Cardiff, Celtic Motorhomes, also near Cardiff, Uberbus in Poole, Exploria in Yorkshire, and Three Bridge in Buckinghamshire; all these convertors take a genuine pride in what they do and want to make you happy. There are, I am sure, other good converters. It's fair to say that no one converter will have exactly what you want, but it is their enthusiasm to get it as close as possible to your dream that is important, you will no doubt be spending a lot of money whatever budget you set yourself.
Of course all the above assumes you are not able to do any of the work yourself (like me!) . I have been extremely impressed and jealous with many of the DIY conversions I have seen. Most of all you have to be realistic about how much you can afford to spend. Some very basic conversions, well done, make a lot of people very happy.
When my conversion is finished and I am proud of the end result I will post a series of pictures. I will then tell you who I chose in the end!!
Hope this is helpful.
