Following on from our video and blog a few weeks ago we have made the decision to get a camper. We are going to part exchange our Ford Focus and just have a camper as the family car. That then opened up an absolute minefield of what sort of camper to get. Initially we liked the thought of a Mazda Bongo, Nissan Elgrand and Toyota Alphard. However having sat in one of them we decided that they were a bit too thin and wouldn’t offer us the space we needed. We then went and sat in a Transit and the width difference was noticeable and with a baby on the way along with a 12 year old as well, it just wouldn’t work.
That is a community in its own right and what a friendly bunch they were!
We have parked the idea of the big car and have moved onto the idea of a camper. We liked the Transit Custom size wise, we spent a night in a VW Camper at Camper Jam at the Weekend and found it quite comfy to be fair and enjoyed the sleep. We have the benefit of some quality Outdoor Revolution bits for sleep in (a really nice duvet) and on (self inflating mattress “Rock and Roll 120 king”), I will pop the links for those down below as they we really good. The time at Camper Jam was really good, it was an eye opener, that is a community in its own right and what a friendly bunch they were!
I am a stickler for being in the know, I am stickler for needing to be an expert in everything that I do, and I am far from it. Miles away from it.
So now we start dipping our toe into the world of campers, do we get a Transit conversion, a VW T5/T6, A Renault Master conversion or something more quirky than that. The problem, unlike caravans/ trailer tents, I don’t have a clue what I am looking for. What I am looking at, I don’t have a clue about Solar, leisure batteries, about car mechanics. To be honest I am a bit worried. I am a stickler for being in the know, I am stickler for needing to be an expert in everything that I do, and I am far from it. Miles away from it. I am never one to shy away from a challenge, so any help that you guys have please don’t hesitate to reach out because by god I need it.
Does it exist or is it going to be like looking for rocking horse sh!t.
What I am looking for is something with a low (ish) mileage less than 40k ideally, but not more than 50k. Something that is 4 berth and 4 seat belts, a pop top roof and board to sleep on, I also want a swivel seats for passenger and driver seat. I want 3 seats in the front for Lisa and the baby. Gas hobs a sink, good solar and a good leisure battery. I would like to be able to off grid for at least a week and the fridge and a bit of a phone charger. A driveaway awning rail fitted or a Fiamma Sun Canopy. On top of all of that I don’t really want to spend much more than £35k. Which leads me onto my first problem, is what I am looking for possible, does it exist or is it going to be like looking for rocking horse sh!t.
I have a dream of completing a Michael Palin esc trip
The reason why I want a camper is that I have a dream of completing a Michael Palin esc trip like “pole to pole” or “around the world in 80 days” and the thought of doing that with Lisa, Rory and Isabella I think would be an amazing life experience for them. Which is why I want good Solar and stuff like that. It all ties in with my love of going touring as well, to be able to go to other sites as well.
My Worries/ Conclusion
I do worry about Lisa driving, and parking in Supermarkets, speed bumps and driving in villages whether a camper would be adequate. I am torn, which leads me to my question “To VW Camper or Not to VW Camper”. Has anyone done what we are looking to do? Is it possible? I need your help!
Rich
As you know, we’ve had all sorts. Always dreamt we wanted a vw transporter but once I had one I realised they’re too small. You’re relying heavily on an awning for additional living space which brings with it additional set up and pack down times and the dreaded packing away a wet awning to sort out once you’re home. It takes the shine off going away on long trips and doing 1 night somewhere then moving on. You have next to no room to move once the bed is down especially with no storage outside. They’re very much a compromise but if you go something bigger for more usable space use lose mpg and living day to day with it becomes harder. If you only plan to do longer breaks but stay in the same place for 3 days or more then the awning situation isn’t too bad.