Buying a Camper Van?

[KernowKids]

We would absolutely love a camper as we go away a lot/spend lots of time at the beach and I think it would be a brilliant thing for us as a family. We have quite a lot of equity in our house and I have been mulling over whether we 'take back' some of the money to finance a camper.

What camper would you buy if you had a completely free choice?

[weatherall]

I'd really love to get a campervan.

We holiday in the UK (mostly Scotland) and I think it's be great for getting about more.

I'm used to having a fixed caravan for weekend stays but we don't have that anymore and I'm missing it.

What kind of mpg do people get?

Are they easy/comfortable to drive?

Neither of us are any good with DIY/mechanics, do we need to learn?

[maddy68]

We bought a. I I bus for around 2k and my husband converted it fairly easily and cheaply (around 1 k).
We have just come back from a month touring Europe in it. Love it. Would never go back to a caravan now

[maddy68]

Mini bus. Bloody I pad :)

[Katz]

We've just bought a VW T4 which has been converted into a camper for £8K. It has a pop top and rock and roll bed, sleeps 4 seats 4, we didn't max out our budget so have so to replace the bed. It has fridge, sink and cooker. We're really looking forward to lots of holidays in her.

[weatherall]

Where/how do you buy the 'stuff' to do a conversion?

[Katz]

Weatherall - google vw conversions, there's loads of company's out there.

[KernowKids]

I know you can buy the VW California from new, but I can't see that you can buy others ready converted new? I guess you buy the van and then take it to a conversion specialist - I have seen them advertised in Cornwall.

[Katz]

We're looking at this place for new seats
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171340073715?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

[Katz]

We looked at this company for a new conversion www.wellhouseleisure.com. They do fords and hyundias.

[KernowKids]

I am in love!

[museumum]

We got ours converted because we knew we wanted a cheap to run and reliable "fleet van" like the vivaro or traffic.

Also we had hired vans before and knew where our priorities lay (e.g. Heating).

[museumum]

Used these guys www.millgaragecoachworks.co.uk

[Katz]

Kernow - which one takes your fancy? We really liked the ford, the video is very convincing but our budget wouldn't stretch to it. It might be worth looking at going to the camping show at the nec. We're looking at going to see about upgrading ours

[RonSwansonsLushMoustache]

We're spending our first night in our self build campervan tonight. We bought a Vauxhall Movano and converted it ourselves. We're a tall family and went for substance over style with the van.

It's been a lot of work but was the only way we could afford anything half decent.

[MyballsareSandy]

We have a Bongo. It is heavy on fuel but less so on longer journeys. We are driving down to Cornwall in it next week, from London, I'm curious to know how much it will cost.

[winnertakesitall]

Throwing a bit of a curve ball here- but why don't you spend the next year hiring camper vans and trying them out? Then you can decide what you really really can and can't live without?

[weatherall]

Hiring them is so expensive- we could never afford that on a holiday!

[CampingClaire]

Oh heavens...money no object...definitely a Hymer for me!

[Cereal0ffender]

I love the old hymers

[ivykaty44]

I would also say hire one or two for a weekend break. That way you will get a better idea if what you like and don't like.

We have one with two seating areas, which gives us a bit of space even when raining.

We love the loo indoors for night time use, but never use the shower.

I love ovens but sadly this one doesn't have an oven.

We don't like the fixed bed as they are short on one side and too small, so we have two doubles you convert and a Luton double.

Hymer are wonderful and would change to one if we could.

[colleysmill]

I think if you've not had a van before its well worth looking round at different models before jumping in. We have a vw t25 and pretty much every van you see has a different layout.

Ours has an unusual style of high top which we find works for us particularly for storage during the day and both our kids sleep up there but separate (one at the front one at the rear) but layout is quite personal - what works for us (I like to lots of cupboards and storage but lots don't)

we have two awnings - a large drive away Outwell for longer holidays and a pull out one for weekends. In terms of comfort I actually sleep better in the van than anywhere else!

Practically the mpg is rubbish at about 20 mpg (although lots of people are now converting to lpg) some basic mechanical skills are essential as is aa breakdown cover, the tax is as high as you can get, there's always something that needs attention and it will drain you of money.

Saying that the love for our van is endless and we get away in her at every opportunity and we wouldn't be without her!

[workingtitle]

My dream is an old Hymer.

We have a 1991 (early model) VW T4 westfalia. Westfalia's were built to be campervans so not converted, which has some pros (excellent quality interior and good wiring etc - can be a problem on cheaper conversions) and cons (more ££ to buy - though they hold their value - and right hand drive).

There is a pop top so can sleep four - or more with one child in a hammock in the front (where DH slept for childhood holidays in his parents T1 and loved it).

We paid 10k and the mpg is surprisingly excellent. She has a 2.4 (IIRC) Diesel engine that we take good care of and drive well, and we recently drove to Bordeaux for less than £40...

I find the right hand drive fine in reality, the high driving position and slower pace helps.

There are various forums etc you can check out once you know what can is going to suit you, so you can get advice on what to lo

[workingtitle]

oops, posted too soon!
... What to look for/prices.