Anyone got a VW Campervan they want to hire me (can swap own car too)....

[CountessDracula]

I want to convince dh to get one!

Don't know anyone although someone across the road from us has a huger american luxury motorhome and I keep asking dp to invite them over for dinner or join the golf course he is a member of in the hope we will become their new best friends and can borrow it.

Whereabouts are you? We have one that isn't used every week (although it is for the next 3 weeks!). I might be able to convince dh to wave it goodbye for a while!!

ooh how exciting!
We are in SW London. And you?

ooh exciting indeed!

If you / your dh want to think about a small sideline in camper-rental to mumsnetters, my dp and I are always on the lookout to rent most years! Well, every year he dreams of buying one, and we never quite do it... just waiting for the lottery win.

ps also in sw london

We're in Milford which is just south of Guildford on the A3, so not far from you.

I will have a chat with dh later, but you might like to know the details of the van in case it's not exactly what you want!

It's approx 20 years old, VW air-cooled 2 litre engine. It's pretty slow, but is very easy to drive. It sleeps two on the rock 'n' roll bed (although we have on occasion had the 2 kids in there with us) plus there is a pop-up roof with room for 2/3 children. The only problem with the sleeping in the roof is that it requires the kids to climb up into it, then you have to (from below) move the board across the gap IFYSWIM. Once up there, it's difficult for the younger kids to get themselves out.

We have a frame awning which attaches to the camper (sliding door side) with suckers, and then zips up if you want to drive off for the day. This is really helpful as we can use it for lounging around in the rain, preparing food, playing, and the kids prefer to sleep in it to be honest. Easy access to the loo block if needs be in the middle of the night.

It has a 3-way fridge (although we're having problems with the gas for it), a gas two-ring hob and grill, a sink and running water.

There are loads of cubby holes, odd corners, cupboards and shelves, but invariably once we've got surf boards/wet suits etc, we never have enough space!!!

It is bright yellow, covered with flowers and called Daisy. She's not pristine at all - there are some rust patches, some make do and mend patches, but she is well loved. She is prone to occasionally overheating being aircooled. She's not too keen on slow traffic in hot weather - its easier to pull over and let her cool down.

If you do end up taking her, it would be useful if you / your dh knew your way round her engine, or were willing to learn! I've learnt where the spark plugs are and how to get them out, and I've had to use that knowledge on some of our summer travels!! Her mpg is shocking - 18-25 mpg at the most! I just don't calculate it otherwise I'd cry.

But if that doesn't put you off, let me know!

Hi Countess dracula, as you may or may not know we bought a van about two months ago. 1971 early bay model it was in pretty much mint condition and in vw bay terms we paid a fair bit for it. Now don't get me wrong I love it to pieces but so far in two months we have shelled out well over a grand on it! I totally recommend them, the vw scene is awesome but I do think you have to be aware that they come with alot of problems, as they are aircooled they overheat alot which buggers your engine! Seriously though they are fantastic and since owning ours we have been away alot, live the dream x

btw there are companies that hire them out for holidays too

myvanpicshere

Amanda that sounds perfect, how great that you are so close. I hope your dh will be up for it (but understand perfectly if he isn't!)

We always had one when i was a kid, we used to go all over the place with it, I really miss it. My brother and I used to camp in it in the drive too! I think if I took dh away in one for a weekend he would be persuaded...

Hi Countess - I'll have a chat with dh when he gets home and see what he thinks. I'd far rather it was used when we weren't using it, but you'd have to promise to talk to her nicely and treat her kindly - she's an old lady!!

I love having one - when we were kids we used to get packed into an old Renault 11 plus tent and we camped everywhere all summer. This is a little more civilised but you can still be so free and easy with her - it doesn't matter if you don't find somewhere nice to eat for everyone, if you've got tins of beans and some bread then you're sorted! (oh and the red wine of course)

Having just looked at mykidsmum's photos of her van (which BTW looks gorgeous), I should just say that ours isn't quite that smart and shiny. I'll see if I can find a photo of her to put on here.

I'll get back to you a bit later.

we had one for 7 years. 1977 rickety and rusty. we loved it before children but hated it with 3 small children inside. we got through 2 new engines in that time (going up hills and over mountain passes) but still intend to get another one when we don't have so many children to take with us.