Which Model?
- Thread starter T6&Us2
- Start date
In my limited experience most convertors prefer a panel van as a base van... so they can treat it like a blank canvas.
A Kombi has pro's and con's
Less choice to choose from with one side slider if your looking second hand, but you can sell the rear seats and re-coup a bit of money...
I went for a bells and whistles panel van as a base van as it worked out cheaper when buying new as i couldn't get the spec i wanted second hand.
A Kombi has pro's and con's
Less choice to choose from with one side slider if your looking second hand, but you can sell the rear seats and re-coup a bit of money...
I went for a bells and whistles panel van as a base van as it worked out cheaper when buying new as i couldn't get the spec i wanted second hand.
You might find it there's actually less twin sliders than singles.
Saying that, I've seen campers built out of a twin slider.
I've now done five self-builds, 1 x T4, 3 x T5s & 1 xT6 all LWB one T5 had factory high roof.
The T4 (102bhp) was a full LWB window van with twin sliders, I had a Reimo high roof fitted fitted and converted the rest myself. Fittings down the right side were possible including a gas fridge but added complication.
First T5 (175bhp) was a full LWB window van with single slider, again I had a Reimo high roof fitted, easy conversion with Classic Reimo Variotech seat/bed. Compressor fridge eliminated vents in the side.
Second T5 (140bhp) I ordered new with a similar conversion as number one T5.
Third T5 (180bhp) was a LWB factory high roof Kombi which had genuine rear (side & doors) windows fitted later (HRW but no wipers). Again easy conversion although I wouldn't go for a a factory high roof again due to the high doors.
The T6 (140bhp) was a LWB Highline Kombi again had a Reimo high roof fitted same conversion except that the seat/bed is a Reimo 333 instead of the classic that I have used in previous conversions.
From the above I would always go for a LWB vehicle and fit or have fitted genuine windows with sliders in the front despite their proneness to leaking. Having used pop-up roofs years ago and my wife hurting her back lifting one we now prefer a high roof. It never gives us any insurmountable problem either roaming the UK or Europe and is always our only vehicle type, except for when out with the Beetle on display etc. The high roof is well insulated and keeps the heat in and the noise out not to mention the permanent standing height and superb storage space. Although the LWB is about 400mm longer than a SWB we can almost always park in supermarket car parks etc. Don't let anyone put you off a LWB it's just as easy to drive and park once you are used to it. We do about 15,000 miles (wife drives as many miles as I do) and 90 nights camping in ours each year and love every moment.
Base vehicle specification is always cost dependant but I would advise going for the highest that you can afford. Personally I find the VW Sat-nav almost useless even compared with the free offerings on a Smart Phone so for me not worth spending on if it becomes optional. The factory fitted night heater option is far more expensive that fitting an Ebersapcher later. The factory fitted second battery comes with a simple split charge system which isn't efficient for camping use so go for a after market fitment with good B to B charger and two leisure batteries if you have the space for them augmented by a solar panel.
All but the one T5 (ordered new) of my conversions have been done on ex dealer stock with minimum mileage at purchase. The current T6 only had 17 miles on the clock when I bought it.
The T4 (102bhp) was a full LWB window van with twin sliders, I had a Reimo high roof fitted fitted and converted the rest myself. Fittings down the right side were possible including a gas fridge but added complication.
First T5 (175bhp) was a full LWB window van with single slider, again I had a Reimo high roof fitted, easy conversion with Classic Reimo Variotech seat/bed. Compressor fridge eliminated vents in the side.
Second T5 (140bhp) I ordered new with a similar conversion as number one T5.
Third T5 (180bhp) was a LWB factory high roof Kombi which had genuine rear (side & doors) windows fitted later (HRW but no wipers). Again easy conversion although I wouldn't go for a a factory high roof again due to the high doors.
The T6 (140bhp) was a LWB Highline Kombi again had a Reimo high roof fitted same conversion except that the seat/bed is a Reimo 333 instead of the classic that I have used in previous conversions.
From the above I would always go for a LWB vehicle and fit or have fitted genuine windows with sliders in the front despite their proneness to leaking. Having used pop-up roofs years ago and my wife hurting her back lifting one we now prefer a high roof. It never gives us any insurmountable problem either roaming the UK or Europe and is always our only vehicle type, except for when out with the Beetle on display etc. The high roof is well insulated and keeps the heat in and the noise out not to mention the permanent standing height and superb storage space. Although the LWB is about 400mm longer than a SWB we can almost always park in supermarket car parks etc. Don't let anyone put you off a LWB it's just as easy to drive and park once you are used to it. We do about 15,000 miles (wife drives as many miles as I do) and 90 nights camping in ours each year and love every moment.
Base vehicle specification is always cost dependant but I would advise going for the highest that you can afford. Personally I find the VW Sat-nav almost useless even compared with the free offerings on a Smart Phone so for me not worth spending on if it becomes optional. The factory fitted night heater option is far more expensive that fitting an Ebersapcher later. The factory fitted second battery comes with a simple split charge system which isn't efficient for camping use so go for a after market fitment with good B to B charger and two leisure batteries if you have the space for them augmented by a solar panel.
All but the one T5 (ordered new) of my conversions have been done on ex dealer stock with minimum mileage at purchase. The current T6 only had 17 miles on the clock when I bought it.
LWB panel van every time, & the highest spec you can afford. “Generally” it’s much easier/cheaper to have goodies factory fitted rather than aftermarket.
Just had a search on the 'VW Used Van' website and specified as less than 3000 miles, 2019 reg, Air-con and Cruise Control there is only this LWB listed as of 08/12/2019
https://used.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/.../kombi-20tdi-150-t32-highline-bmt-lwb-mbb54w5
If I was looking for one to convert today I would be off to look at that. There looks to be the added bonus of the de-luxe dashboard and LED lights from the photos although not mentioned in the description.
https://used.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/.../kombi-20tdi-150-t32-highline-bmt-lwb-mbb54w5
If I was looking for one to convert today I would be off to look at that. There looks to be the added bonus of the de-luxe dashboard and LED lights from the photos although not mentioned in the description.
Nice van for sale, just needs the rear number plate fitting straight...
T6&Us2
New Member
Hi,
I see from the profile pic that you display the van is towing a caravan.
How does it tow?
What bhp is the engine?
I also want to tow our caravan, a Coachman Pastiche and want to know any tips.
Thanks
Hi , yes I tow a coachman 575. My van is a 150. I did start with a t5.1 102 but it struggled on inclines and acceleration. You don't expect brilliant acceleration but it was slightly on the painful side. The 150 is better. I get about 25 mpg towing, as I did with the 102. Having the van for towing allows us to put all the gear we take in the van not the caravan so don't have to worry about weight distribution. A motor mover is essential because the tow bars are so close to the bumper, so hooking up and disconnecting on rough ground can be tricky. I got a detachable tow bar but I leave it on all the time, it doesn't affect the rear parking sensors at all. In hindsight I should have got a fixed one because the breakaway cable shouldn't be looped over a detachable ball and I haven't sorted any other tie point. We tend to take my misses golf as well talking via the blue tooth links to the ice, that means we can nip around narrow roads, park easier, and save on fuel when we get where we're going. Anything else you want to know please ask.
Sorry for re-igniting this thread. I've just ordered a new T6.1 150 DSG and will be towing my Coachman Amara 550/5 with it MPLM of 1575kg.
Coming from a VW Touareg we were a bit worried about the towing experience. Has yours been flawless ? Any situations to avoid ?
They tow really well. You will notice the lack of grunt compared to the Touareg, but the 150 and DSG are a pretty good match and you won't be holding anything up.
The van punches a bigger hole through the air for the caravan to pass through. Added to the weight of the van, this makes for a very well controlled outfit. Also with the van being wider, you'll get a much better view up each side of the caravan through the mirrors. Even tho' some say they are not necessary, I'd still use towing mirrors. The vans mirrors are fine when you are in a straight line, but add in a bit of angle and the towing mirrors will give you a better view of that blindside kerb.
The van punches a bigger hole through the air for the caravan to pass through. Added to the weight of the van, this makes for a very well controlled outfit. Also with the van being wider, you'll get a much better view up each side of the caravan through the mirrors. Even tho' some say they are not necessary, I'd still use towing mirrors. The vans mirrors are fine when you are in a straight line, but add in a bit of angle and the towing mirrors will give you a better view of that blindside kerb.
Out of interest, what tyres do you have on the van, stock R16s ?
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