Campervan talk- combining camper van with daily driver.

[AIMD]

We’re thinking of getting a new car. Ideally I would like something we can use as a camper (or day Vn that can be used with a tent) as well as a daily run around. Currently we have a standard size family car and a Older camper (T25). However I get frustrated that we don’t get enough use out of the camper because she is difficult to drive and expensive in fuel (and constant body work needs) so we only use her specifically for camping and not for day trips.

I’m hoping we can find something that could work for commuting and camping/day trips. There are lots of things like bongos and T4/T5 but would like something that has 6 (or more seats) does such a thing exist?!

Any suggestions of vehicles?

I had my T25 converted to LPG, it makes running the van much more economical.

@Brahumbug

I had my T25 converted to LPG, it makes running the van much more economical.

Yea my husband is keen on that and spending some more money to keep her in good condition.

Truth be told I really struggle to drive her though so I just wouldn’t drive her for trips to the beach etc. It’s not the size but the gears and general odd feeling of an older motor. Hoping a newer vehicle would be better for driving and more reliable.

T2 solo car owner here!
Definitely look at a t5 or t6 depending on if you have the heart to go that young?
Our t2 has 7 seats, but we redid the interior ourselves.
If you get a t4 you could convert the interior to something you want? But if you want seat belts it’s welding (and we all know how much that costs!)
Someone in my club has a variety of campers, and currently her favourite is to drive the t2. They have changed the engine (Porsche i think) and she loves it!

Also if you’re on Facebook I would ask the vw camper chicks group. They are full of good ideas.

A Toyota Alphard is the perfect vehicle for what you want. Ours is run on LPG so cheap to run, has 6 seats, the back 4 make a perfect double size bed and we have a drive away awning. Some people convert them, but wanted an everyday vehicle that we could camp in. I highly recommend following 'toyota alphard club' on FB, very informative and helpful.

@Username7521

T2 solo car owner here! Definitely look at a t5 or t6 depending on if you have the heart to go that young? Our t2 has 7 seats, but we redid the interior ourselves. If you get a t4 you could convert the interior to something you want? But if you want seat belts it’s welding (and we all know how much that costs!) Someone in my club has a variety of campers, and currently her favourite is to drive the t2. They have changed the engine (Porsche i think) and she loves it!

I really don’t want a T4 or T5 really because I love our camper....I really do. If money and time were available I’d keep her forever. We’ve just found that since having kids we struggle to get time to work on her, don’t use her as much as we should and long term we won’t all fit in her anyway (for camping).

My uncle has had several over the years and I imagine if we did get rid of her we’d get another in the future maybe when the kids are older.

I will look at the group though, thanks for that recommendation.

@Flowersmakemyday

A Toyota Alphard is the perfect vehicle for what you want. Ours is run on LPG so cheap to run, has 6 seats, the back 4 make a perfect double size bed and we have a drive away awning. Some people convert them, but wanted an everyday vehicle that we could camp in. I highly recommend following 'toyota alphard club' on FB, very informative and helpful.

Thanks I’ll take a look. I had seen some but not looked specifically at what is available.

@Flowersmakemyday just had a look. That’s exactly what I was looking for actually.

My Brain and heart are torn. The Toyota makes sense but I know I’ll cry if (when) we sell our current camper. The kids might too!!

If you struggle with the steering you could consider having power steering fitted. I had it for our van and it makes a huge difference and not very expensive to have installed.

If you do decide to go with an Alphard let me know and I will give you details of where we bought ours.

I’m reading this with interest as we have recently been considering a camper van but also want it as an everyday vehicle too. I do barely any miles day to day so seems daft (and expensive!) to have a car as well.

Please could you tell me where you got your Toyota from @Flowersmakemyday

We’ve got a VW California Beach. We tend to use it for day trips as well as on days with 3+ passengers or luggage (my run around car is small). I do think it’s workable for daily use as it does fit into parking spaces and is ok on narrower roads etc. We only get about 35 miles per gallon but we have badass off-road tires on + bikes on the back etc so it’d definitely be more efficient under normal circumstances.

We have a converted T6. Bought and had it converted as the youngest went to uni so we'd have a vehicle which could transport her stuff and we could combine camping trips up north. We love it! Super duper insulation and the biggest bed we would fit. But no built in sink of stove. Just a fridge, which is great. We cook over a high spec Primus under our awning. No pop top either. But we love our van!!
It gobbles up the miles with its cruise control and automatic gear box.

Have a look at Toyota vellphire.

I'm just waiting for the VW Buzz electric, and then my beautiful but difficult split-screen will be heading off to someone who likes welding and waiting for the AA man.

Yep 7 seater t6 California! Do it!

@MsRinky

I'm just waiting for the VW Buzz electric, and then my beautiful but difficult split-screen will be heading off to someone who likes welding and waiting for the AA man.

What’s a vw buzz.....off to google. This is my issue with the t25, we love it but there is always SOMETHING that needs sorting in the engine or the body work, it’s constant and we just don’t have time.

@Goingunderground2

Have a look at Toyota vellphire.

Not seen that model, I’ll have a look, ta!