talk to me about campervans [grin]

[raggedtrouseredphilanthropist]

I made an executive decision today, that I will, by this time next year, buy a small campervan for me and ds. I am not very tall and ds is just a toddler, so we only need something small, and it won't be used for month long trips or anything - up to 10 days at a time I reckon.

So, any small campervan recommendations? I reckon I will be able to rustle up about 2k - will this be enough, or would I need more?

[StripeyKnickersSpottySocks]

I have one. I've got a 1986 VW T25. So lightly newer than a classic VW but similar size.

I bought it a few months ago and it cost me over 5k. The newer VWs (T4s, T5s) are more expensive as are the older classic Bays and Splits. Mine's a high top rather than a pop up top which I find handy for storage and also meant to be warmer than a pop up.

I don't think you'd get a decent VW for that budget but a cheaper similar size van could be something lie a Mazda Bongo or I've seen Renault campervans as well which I'd have thought would be cheaper.

The main thing to consider is to get one with decent bodywork as and engine/mechanical problems are cheaper to fix than poor bodywork. Be careful of vans which have had a load of filler and a respray as they will look fine for 12months and then all the rust will come through a year later.

Mine is a 4 berth, has a fridge, sink, hob and a heater. Think about what you want in it. Mine's also a diesel so better mpg and easier to find spares. I get 35+mpg whereas many petrol VWs would be lucky to get 25mpg. Though you can convert petrol to LPG.

They are lots of fun.

[raggedtrouseredphilanthropist]

ooh, not sure I could stretch to 5k...

Do they do 2 berth vans? That's all we need really - double bed (he will sleep with me), cooker, sink, fridge, cupboards of some kind.

I don;t care if its a vw or not either - anything as long as it runs ok. and pref a diesel.. I would keep my car for commuting and keep any van at mums or dads until I want to use it.

[StripeyKnickersSpottySocks]

You can get 2 berth vans. But don't discount a 4 berth, they're not more expensive. When your DS is older you won't want to be sharing a bed. So long term 4 berth might be better, plus they are easier to sell on.

I think you will struggle to get anything decent/reliable for 2k. I just looked at the Bongo Fury website as was curious to prices and they seem more than the VWs.

There is a nice T25 diesel her ebut its £3950.

[http://www.justkampers.com/marketplace/type25]]

Also a red, petrol pop up for 2.5k but looks a bit rusty. They all have some rust at that age, its knowing how much rust will be a problem and what is ok.

[StripeyKnickersSpottySocks]

www.justkampers.com/marketplace/type25

[StripeyKnickersSpottySocks]

This site looks good;

www.campervanlife.com/buying-and-selling

There is a lot of rubbish on ebay so be careful if you get a van from there. I saw some swful vans when I was searching, they look lovely on the photos. There seem to be a lot of dealers disgised as private selelrs on ebay. Saying that I got mine from gumtree but for some reason it does have a reputation for betetr quality vans.

[drowninginclutter]

From a personal point of view the advice I'd give is don't buy a 1980, pop-top van. Breaking your roof in the night, getting soaked and then not being able to start the engine in the morning does not make for a fun camping trip

I do know people who've got very reasonable vans for less than 2k though. Ford transits are generally pretty cheap for parts which makes them a good bet. My friend has a very nice P reg ford transit which cost about £1600 and hasn't been too expensive to get through MOTs.

[winnie09]

aww, ds and I are desperate for a camper van people keep trying to put me off but I would love one

[raggedtrouseredphilanthropist]

thanks for all the advice! there are some good tips there for looking over a van, and I guess I would get an aa check done before I bought one anyway.
ford transit van. I reckon that would be ok. I guess its just a case of keeping my eyes open for a decent cheap one. My mates also bought one for £80 that lasted a few years without any major work needing!

Oooh, I am all excited now!!

[drowninginclutter]

Please come back and tell us what you end up with! I'm all excited for you now, I loved campervan shopping, wish I was buying one but the finances aren't quite there at the moment .

[raggedtrouseredphilanthropist]

drowning - thanks! watch this space, but very patiently, as it will only be when I move house that I will have the money. But my moving list is currently: redecorate the bathroom, buy a campervan