I chose VW as my base van based on the recommendations from my nextdoor neighbour who was and still is a commercial vehicle mechanics.
He has owned VWs for a very long time as his own work vans and his wife's private cars. In addition, he also has a smaller van that he planned to convert into a campervan (still Work In Progress).
I asked him about other marques, however, he was adamant that VW would be the best option.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
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We went to a local converter who mainly used VW's so that's what we got, though OH is the one who chooses. On our second now, had the first for 11 years.
You don't mention whether you are buying a conversion or a used van to convert?
One downside to vw is they are more pricey because they are more trendy. Ducato/Relay/Boxer bodies used to be galvanised (more rust resistant) and are wide enough (for some) to sleep across the van.
Transit custom, Vivaro, Mercedes Vito, Renault Sportive are other options. Transits can have very poor security, Mercedes spares can be expensive
If converting yourself, I would pick one which has conversion kits or accessories or poptops that are readily available.
Our previous 1993 Motorhome was on a diesel VW T4. When we part exchanged it in 2018, it had 120K on the clock. I checked online recently, and it’s still taxed & MOT’d, over 30 years old.
Mind you, the Autosleeper Clubman was on a monocoque body ie no damp or rust in the habitation part. But rust under the cab.
I have a VW T6.1 conversion, bought from Needingworth Campers just over a year ago, and use it as my only vehicle. I’ve done 8000 miles, much of that touring round Europe, but also in different weathers. Fits in most car parks and under most height barriers (all bar one which was a mean 2m). Downsizing from a caravan, made me realise it’s a different experience; as with all styles of camping, there are compromises. Storage is at a premium, but you also need less.
Things I’ve added: reimo awning strip and palm beach canopy; assorted front screen covers, a post in itself; electric heated throw for winter; mattress topper. Portapotti, which is a godsend.
Had to take it back to Needingworth just before Christmas because of annoying rattle, and to reverse fridge door opening - done while I waited, and under warranty. Great guys.
A conversion is much cheaper than buying a California, but they still seem to hold their value.
What size to choose is very much based on how much living you want to do inside the van.
Microcampers (VW Caddy, Berlingo), are very much for existing. More designed to sleep in, extended periods of sitting are more difficult. Cooking, eating, washing up inside possible, but limited.
Ford Connect is the size smaller than a Transit. It will allow you sleep and possibly sit, cook and eat. You will need a pop top to stand up. VW Transporter is larger than the Connect but smaller than a Transit and gives you more room for living, cooking, eating.
Half way house is a Citroen Dispatch or the identical Peugeot and Toyota models.
If you want internal wc and shower you will need a larger van.
I had a Renault traffic pop top camper for 4 years great van but i usually have sea kayaks on the roof rack which means you have to unload every time you want to put pop top up or walk around bent over inside the van.
I now have a Ford custom high top L2H2 which i can stand up in great van drives well and plenty of camper space inside and easy to convert.
point of interest the new VW vans are actually ford customs with different
grills and bonnets i hope they reduce there prices now the are Fords.
Quote: Originally posted by dusters on 11/1/2025
Hey guys , thinking of looking at Ford & vw campervans anyone have good & bad thoughts on these, not the big panel type the smaller type.
Not sure what you mean by “not the big panel type” because “campervans” are Panel Van Conversions, either SWB (short wheel base) or Long WB.
However, they’re all Motor Caravans, whatever the length or width.
Your focus appears to be on the engine, but there are many firms doing many conversions. And that’s as important a decision for you, because the firms tend to use specific vehicle bases.
I opted for MWB VW Crafter instead of the smaller T5/6 to avoid having to make the bed up every morning and night.
In addition, with a T5/6 I would need to set up a driveaway awning to give me some additional living space which would defeat the object moving away from tent set up for me personally.
Also, with a T5/6, I can carry a portable toilet; however, setting up a shower would be a bit of a faff.
With my MWB VW Crafter, I designed the layout so that I could have a drop down bed over a decent size living area, with an end kitchen and bathroom (shower and toilet) that can be separated from the living area by means of a Tambour door.
With an end kitchen, I could close the door in the middle and open the barn doors at the back so that the cooking smell does not linger and permeate into the fabrics of the living area.
I would suggest for the OP to decide on your needs and wants out of a 'van' to see if a smaller VW T5/6 instead of a bigger panel van conversion (PVC) would work for you.
My drive could accommodate a bigger van, as in the VW LWB Crafter which is about a metre longer than my current van. My MVB Crafter can just about fit into a normal length and width parking space without causing obstructions, whereas I would not be able to do with with a LWB vehicle.
Good luck!
DK
Post last edited on 12/05/2025 11:16:45
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
I'd reckon it depends what age of van you're talking about, I just sold my 2014 transit which I had for 6 years, never gave me a bit of trouble, but I won't be replacing with a newer ford, before you invest in any transit after around 2015 I'd google transit wet belt issues, theres also loads of stuff on YouTube.
Yes but there's loads of people who have no issues with the wet belt system.
I strongly suspect they will be in the majority, it's just you never hear about it!
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
I have a Ford custom L2H2 after having pop tops its great to be able to step from the cab and stand up there is loads of space and it drives beter than any van i have had before and i have had most makes. for protection of the wet belt you must only use the ford oil made for these engins.The manual say the belts are fine for 125,000 miles but i will get mine changed at 80,000 as recomended by the garage that sevices my vehicles.just a point of interest the new VW T7 is a Ford custom with just a style change to the bonnet and lights and of course the badge.
I've heard and read all sorts of stories on line from it's all been sorted, to they've now designed a new belt, but any mechanic I speak to tells me to avoid like the plague, not to mention the increased cost to change a wet belt compared to a standard timing belt due to the increased complexity of the job.
A friend who does some haulage for me had a Mercedes for small, local deliveries which did just short of 900K miles with little trouble, but she wanted something newer. I told her not to get a Transit because of wet belt problems, but she got one anyway. Rang me last week, wet belt failed at 41K, engine scrap.
They are supposed to drive nicely though.....
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Topic: Campervans
via mobile 11/1/2025 at 8:38pm
