So many newbie questions!!

[maccapacca]

Hi All,

So after years of umming and arring my wife and I are pretty much set on getting a VW Camper.

We've got a decent budget but I think I'm suffering from analysis paralysis so would appreciate some input from seasoned vanners.

- I 'm pretty sure we want a rib bed as the amount of extra storage it offers seems too good to pass up. We're planning to drive to Spain and back over 3 weeks and I think we'd really struggle for space with an R&R. Am I missing something with the R&R beds that seem to have close to zero space in the boot?

- Diesel heater - We're all weather walkers and can 100% see ourselves using the van though the colder months...but how much use do your heaters get? Are you always hooked up to mains?

- Awning - I really like the idea of having this but some people seem to say they've never used it.

- Do you ever use the hob & sink? Is it just a place to throw dirty dishes and cutlery?


Arrrgh...I'm quickly learning that theres compromises at every turn.

Cheers,
Maccapacca

 

[DXX]

I spend months in my van every year in all weathers, California bed on rails is by far the most versatile IMO, you can’t rely of a pop top with weather and location considerations.
Wallas XC Duo hob / heater, no gas or fumes / water vapour to ventilate, can completely close down van if required, no issues with cold gas cylinders.
Sink definitely, I do dishes in the all important bucket and rinse in the sink.
Awnings just keep divorce lawyers busy.

 

[JOG]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

If you’re not getting a pop top, then get the best bed you can - the California is the best (but I am biased as I have two Calornias!) They all have plenty of storage.

The heater will get a lot of work if you overnight in the winter and even if you use it as a day van.

My personal view is that the hob and sink see little work. Most people BBQ and take dishes to a wash up in a basin. It is also possible to have a kitchen “pod” that can be removed from the van.

Windout awnings are easiest and many can have sides attached.

 

[Jimer]

Hi All,

So after years of umming and arring my wife and I are pretty much set on getting a VW Camper.

We've got a decent budget but I think I'm suffering from analysis paralysis so would appreciate some input from seasoned vanners.

- I 'm pretty sure we want a rib bed as the amount of extra storage it offers seems too good to pass up. We're planning to drive to Spain and back over 3 weeks and I think we'd really struggle for space with an R&R. Am I missing something with the R&R beds that seem to have close to zero space in the boot?

- Diesel heater - We're all weather walkers and can 100% see ourselves using the van though the colder months...but how much use do your heaters get? Are you always hooked up to mains?

- Awning - I really like the idea of having this but some people seem to say they've never used it.

- Do you ever use the hob & sink? Is it just a place to throw dirty dishes and cutlery?


Arrrgh...I'm quickly learning that theres compromises at every turn.

Cheers,
Maccapacca

I have owned vans with both R&R and RIB, pros and cons for both.
R&R you get more storage space under the bed and the access can be easier, depending on your furniture door apetures. The are very easy to convert from a seat to a bed as long as the rails are lubricated often.

RIB you have an actual boot space and two levels of storage as effectively you have a parcel shelf. They can be a bit of a faff to change from day to night mode, especially if you have a back issue like myself.

On balance I would go for the RIB as the overall storage capacity is more versatile.

A diesel heater depends on how and where you intend to use the van, nice to have but maybe not essential. I would always have a sink if only for somewhere to wash your hands after preparing food etc. An awning depends on duration of stays, one or two nights not needed, for a longer period I would have an awning as it provides additional storage space.

 

[JumpShip]

Hi there Maccapacca and welcome ,
A van gives so much freedom to do whatever you want .
Had ours 11 years now and currently sat outside of it in Spain enjoying some winter sun

 

[Bav]

On the assumption there's only going to be 2 of you in the van, have you considred a u-shaped lounge/bed? Offers lots of storage and allows for a bigger bed than the usual side-kitchen layout.

 

[Sasquatch]

Diesel heater is good. Of you're planning staying off grid youll need lithium power to run it all night.

 

[DXX]

Diesel heater is good. Of you're planning staying off grid youll need lithium power to run it all night.

I’m on 90Ah of AGM (45Ah) usable, no issue with the Wallas, it takes 8A to start and after that the current draw is very low.

 

[Voodoo_Pirate]

Welcome.

We have a RIB and we find we have quite a lot of storage underneath and easy access either via the doors or by pulling the seated part up and as @Jimer has mentioned a decent size boot area with parcel shelf type for stacking and also floor space. It takes less than 15 seconds to put down into a bed and just as quick to put away again. Others may answer better but from what Iv been told/read RIB maybe more comfortable as they go completely flat as you lay on the underside of the seats rather than the seats themselves.

Diesel heater is brilliant, we have a Eberspacher heater and it heats the van up nice a quickly. Definitely worth it and get a van that’s been insulated.

We have a rail awning which I think is worth having…. The rails there for when you want and need it, you can switch between a full huge drive-away awning or just a small sun canopy type depending on your trip + when it’s not being used you barley notice it fitted to the side of the van unlike the other types that can stick out!

We have a sink and double gas hob which doesn’t get used much but it’s nice to have if and when you need it! Quickly boil some water or heat something up without having to get out the van or get anything else out can be quite handy!

Consider a pop top too if not already, even if not used for extra bed area it’s nice to lift the roof, makes the van feel so much more spacious, especially if you have a scenic canvas which you can open all the way around, makes a huge difference!

All the above is just preferences and certain things will work for me and not for others, some won’t see the benefit or use certain things also, it’s really down to how you will use the van.

Also don’t forget to check the van itself for how it’s been maintained and serviced etc and what spec it is… it’s easy to get excited about the camper side of things and not notice it’s never had an oil change or been serviced twice in 7 years!

 

[Sasquatch]

I’m on 90Ah of AGM (45Ah) usable, no issue with the Wallas, it takes 8A to start and after that the current draw is very low.

Aye, im on 100 ampy heuers AGM and it's stretching it with the heater, but with lights, fridge, trouser press, 12v penis expander, etc, it fails, leaving me in the dark, cold, and strangely unsatisfied.

 

[maccapacca]

This is all great information thanks guys!

I should caveat that we'll be buying 2nd hand rather than speccing from new with a budget of about 40 grand.

I'd never seen the Wallas XC duo and its looks like a great solution!

I've got a few options saved down on auto trader so I think I need to get out and see them all for comparison.

 

[Sackmycook]

Hightop......your back will thank you for it

 

[CAB]

Heater.

Any use in the UK outside of warm summer months means it is essential, to us anyway.

Even in summer it gets used on cooler days and cold evenings/mornings.


Awning - go for a C rail, and use a sail type thing for a while. Much cheaper and less damage when it gets blown away.

 

[darkman884]

i ran my self built van for several years before i fitted a swivel seat base to the bench seat.
i found the swivel seat made a massive difference to the living space ,for simpljust sitting and chilling or having a meal ( as a day van set up )
obviously if camping on sites all cooking and eating is in the drive away awning.
i really wish i put the swivel base in from day one

 

[T6ChrisO]

This is all great information thanks guys!

I should caveat that we'll be buying 2nd hand rather than speccing from new with a budget of about 40 grand.

I'd never seen the Wallas XC duo and its looks like a great solution!

I've got a few options saved down on auto trader so I think I need to get out and see them all for comparison.

Just to plug my own van for sale........

its a blank canvas for you in regards to interior as i've done everything else. Solar, B2B charging, VanShades, Awning etc etc

Have a look, it might suit, it might not

Sold Thread '2018 T28 Highline Day Van/Camper - £19,950'

10 Nov 2025

Price: £21,950 - NOW REDUCED TO £19,950
Location: Braintree (could possibly meet somewhere if its a deal breaker)

Selling due to redundancy so unable to finish my campervan build. Just needs a kitchen and a rock'n'roll bed to finish the build (approx £3.5k)
Private plate will be removed before sale.

I also have a Renogy 300ah battery, 2000w inverter, 1000w induction hob and all wiring necessary including sockets/switches that can be included for asking price.

95000 miles / 11 Month MOT / Service History inc major service last month / T28 5 speed 102bhp
20" Riviera RV130 Black Alloys...

• T6ChrisO
• Replies: 17
• Forum: Sold Items

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