Toad's T6. No, I'm Not Converting My Van. Ish......

[Toad]

My van is first and foremost a family car, and I wanted to be able to use it for some of my catering jobs, so I need to be able to get a hog roaster in the back, or a pizza oven or such like, so I can't do a full conversion.

My challenge therefore has been to make it as flexible as possible whilst still being able to sleep in it for weekends away.

This is basic van mode so far, virtually no change.

I've added the Loc8 table to the sliding door, internal LEDs, LED fogs, Kiravans offset swivels, but otherwise no real change yet in Van Mode.

 

[Toad]

I've not yet got to insulation or lining yet so for now it's about getting the ideas right.

I wanted a bed that can easily go in and out, and isn't a pain when you want to go to bed, and the Wessex Vans Kombi Bed seemed perfect for this.

I'll put together a more detailed review of this later, as to me it's good, but a long way from perfect.

This is the provisional Day Mode. Bed in but put away.

 

[Toad]

Night Mode with the bed out. Having a decent sized bed is important as I'm a bit of a f@ tw@

 

[Peatey]

Reading this thread it's got T6 forum meet written all over it, got to love a hog roast

 

[Toad]

Reading this thread it's got T6 forum meet written all over it, got to love a hog roast

It's certainly possible..... ....

 

[Toad]

So, back to the Wessex Vans Kombi Bed.

For me the prospect of an easily removable bed was a good one, but this is a £1100+ bed, so it's not to be done lightly.

Another factor to consider is that it's a made to order product, made specifically for the vehicle by a VW specialist for a premium price, so I don't think its unreasonable to have high expectations.

I think the design is good, but there are certainly some issues with the quality of manufacture.

The two main pieces of the frame attach to the 4 rear load lashing points, and this is good system as it doesn't require any further modifications. You'll see from the picture below that the finish is not great.

My disappointment with the product came next when you put 3 Cross beams between the two frame pieces. Thule issue is that they're the wrong size, and don't attach in any way.

They knew it was for a T6, and are custom made, so why are they the wrong size? There's a gap of about 15mm at each end of the beam, so they slide from side to side unrestrained.

This shows the amount of movement. Poor I think.

There are small areas of felt in the brackets, but these look like they've been put on by a careless child as per the picture below.

The mattress then sits on top without any securing and therefore slides around as well. It really needs some way of locating it securely in place. It's reasonably comfortable but you wouldn't want to spend more than a couple of nights on it as its very firm.

It's an OK product, but for the money you should be able to expect alot more.

 

[Toad]

I'm game for doing alot of work to the van myself, but sometimes you have to know when to use the professionals.......

 

[Toad]

Obviously an important job is getting some swivels on the seats.

After extensive research (a quick browse through here) I decided that the Kiravans offset swivels were just the job.

I went for the offset swivels as there was a suggestion that these would be better for seats with arm rests.

VW T5 / T6 Driver seat swivel (RIB) with offset

There does seem to be a stock issue with them as when I first looked they were out of stock for the next 2 months, and looking again now they're out again. They confirmed that they'd be back in stock on Xmas eve so I placed my order then. Delivery was swift so on with the fitting

The seat came out easily with just 4 bolts.
A couple of clips to undo under the seat. Heating and seat belt I'd guess.


The swivel then bolts to the base, and the seat bolts to the swivel.

Not quite as nicely as I'd hoped as unless you like a very high seat position the trim on the bottom of the seat fouls the swivel lever. I'm going to need to trim it at some stage to tidy it up properly.



With one done it was on to the drivers. Again, same removal process, but this time with an extra set of wires under the seat. Anyone know why?

The interesting part of the drivers seat is that there's a large shim that lifts the seat over the handbrake. This is easily fitted, but once the seat is back in its been raised by 45mm. It's then a very odd seating position.


All in all a straight forward job to complete, but I'm yet to be convinced that I like the seat position in the end.

Lowering the handbrake and removing the shim may be the answer.