T6.1 retrofits pre/post conversion

[wombatom]

Hi all

We are having a T6.1 T30 150PS Highline tailgate panelvan professionally converted (camper with kitchen) soon. We are considering having some original VW and/or third party retrofit options added, by other parties, either before or after conversion.

Q. Which of the following are difficult to install after conversion?

• Reversing camera (van has standard Composition Colour 6" head unit).
• Head unit upgrade (either Discover Media MIB3, or maybe Alpine, etc.).
• LED head lights
• LED rear lights
• Towbar

I'm assuming that a reversing camera will need a cable run to the head unit, but I don't know what route/path this normally takes from the tailgate (I would guess high/roof-level). I also assume that the other retrofits may be "easy" both before and after conversion. But as an old friend used to say "...to assume is to make an ass out of u and me...".

We'll talk to the converters and other companies about this in due course, but just wanted get the collective wisdom of the lovely people on this forum.

Thanks!

 

[Argent]

Hi @wombatom

I recently bought the same van variant and have already completed 4 out of the 5 upgrades you're considering. Here's a quick rundown of my experience — hope it helps:

I self installed the Alpine Halo 9 head unit, supplied by @Absolut5, who was incredibly helpful with advice. It's definitely one of the trickier DIY upgrades, but still manageable with some patience. If you're doing it post-conversion, it shouldn't be an issue at all.

For the reverse camera, I went with the Alpine HCE-C1100. It wires into the back of the head unit, so I’d highly recommend installing it at the same time. The cable runs the full length of the van (above the headlining), through the tailgate’s flexible rubber sheath, and out to wherever you want to mount the camera.
I mounted mine perfectly centered above the number plate, using the OEM plastic camera bracket — looks completely factory. This is probably the most difficult upgrade to do after conversion, so a good compromise is to supply the camera during the build and ask them to run the cable, leaving the front end accessible for later hookup.

The rear LED lights are super simple. Plug-and-play, takes about 10 minutes to swap — can be done any time.

I haven’t done the front LED's yet this yet but intend to install at the same time as I install the eGrille I bought from THQ and some black trim to cover the chrome. I’ll do it all in one go to avoid removing the front end multiple times.

Tow bar can be installed post-conversion without much trouble. If your van doesn’t have the trailer prep option, I recommend the PFJones wiring loom — it runs from the starter battery across the engine bay, into the cab behind the steering column for CANBUS, and the rest of the loom routes under the van.

 

[doncarlyon]

We had a reverse camera fitted before any conversion work started.

Cable runs along the passenger side with the rest of the wiring loom.

 

[Absolut5]

Ideally yes best to run cables first but we install reverse camera after conversions all the time , barn door and tailgate models, it is possible without any signs of disturbance.

 

[wombatom]

Just want to say a BIG thank you to @Argent, @doncarlyon and @Absolut5 for all the above advice - much appreciated!

So our priority is to find the best reversing camera option that's available out there...

Thanks again!