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Topic: Which show to visit for custom conversion

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Fiona W

via mobile 05/9/2026 at 10:24am
Location: Ayrshire
Outfit: A2DS+Nuevo

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Joined: 10/4/2007

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“Correct me if I’m wrong, but this is for six years down the line?

“Yup, when I finally retire and start to draw my state pension and have a bus pass!

DK

“Okay, I like to do my research like the next person but this seems too be in the extreme

“I mean most, if not all, of what you’re looking at now probably won’t exist in six years time.

Not just that, who knows how any of us will be in 6 years time? We’re having to consider changing to an automatic Auto-Sleeper because I can’t get the Peugeot gear stick into reverse (thumb joint problem); OH has to do it for me, right-handed.
I’d progress the conversion plans sooner rather than later: as I said when OH dawdled over getting a new kitchen, every year that passes is a year less to enjoy the new van / kitchen (he does the cooking, you do the camping).

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2026: 14 sites / 33 nights. 2025: 13/27. 2024: 20/41. 2023: 9/23. 2022: 13/35. 2021: 11/29. 2020: 4/20. 2019: 13/35. 2018: 20/33. 2017: 10/22. 2016: 19/33. 2015: 15/27. Didn't count sites/nights 1985 to 2014.

George-Mildred

05/9/2026 at 4:05pm
Location: Staffordshire
Outfit: white box on wheels

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warners
Have you seen these shows before, you might find smaller more bespoke converters there, plenty of shows on throughout the year and we have found them good in the past.
Converters probably vary by the area of the show.

spiritburner

via mobile 05/9/2026 at 8:18pm
Location: N.E. England
Outfit: None Entered

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I seriously love these meticulous, clinical parameter, attention to detail posts. I miss Francais(?) for that. Another 6 years of such posts should be welcomed. It's the antithesis of how we operate but fascinating to read.

Currently in France. Didn't know I would be stopping where I am until I saw a sign & checked it out. Know which direction I'm going tomorrow but not where Im stopping. Only certainties are dogs vet visit & return tunnel crossing.

dk168

05/9/2026 at 9:28pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
Outfit: PVC_VWCrafter_MWB

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As I have said before, planning ahead is positive mental attitude for me personally.

I had a 5-year plan to visit Washington D.C. in 2027 to attend a global event of my service charity with an extended stay as a tourist, which was blown to pieces when a certain <<<insert your chosen colourful metaphors>>> came to power.

Otherwise my 5-year plans had worked out, like my van which was a 5-year plan too.

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
* 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!

dk168

13/9/2026 at 4:20pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
Outfit: PVC_VWCrafter_MWB

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I have seen a poled (combination of metal and fibreglass) rear driveaway awning for a VW Transporter that can be fitted over both barn doors as well as tailgates, and also on the side over the sliding door, currently on sale at Olpro and I really like it.

Would it be too premature to buy it 6 years in advance?

I am genuinely interested, however, I have concerns about the plastics especially the PVC windows would deterioate during storage in the shed.

DK

blueexpo97

14/9/2026 at 9:01am
Location:
Outfit:

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I'd say just go for it, and if things don't work out there will be a vintage section on one of the secondhand sites.

-------------
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.

dk168

14/9/2026 at 10:48am
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
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Quote: Originally posted by blueexpo97 on 14/9/2026
I'd say just go for it, and if things don't work out there will be a vintage section on one of the secondhand sites.

I am concerned that poled, especially ones with metal poles or a mix of metal and fibreglass poles, will be harder and harder to come by due to increase in preference for air beam type products, and I do not want an air beam awning.

DK

Post last edited on 14/09/2026 10:55:04

-------------
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!

Monty15

14/9/2026 at 11:46am
Location: London
Outfit: Lunar Cosmos 524

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Quote: Originally posted by dk168 on 13/9/2026
I have seen a poled (combination of metal and fibreglass) rear driveaway awning for a VW Transporter that can be fitted over both barn doors as well as tailgates, and also on the side over the sliding door, currently on sale at Olpro and I really like it.

Would it be too premature to buy it 6 years in advance?

I am genuinely interested, however, I have concerns about the plastics especially the PVC windows would deterioate during storage in the shed.

DK

Two risk I can see, the very 'tent' fabric itself as well as the windows may suffer age related deterioration, and 'stored in a shed!' - many a tent/awning has met it's end in a shed due to rodent/insect activity over winter between seasons let alone 6 years storage!

Even if surviving storage OK, I would suspect that the active life of the awning would be shorter than a more recently purchased one due to just normal age and storage degradation. A gamble that may be acceptable to you.

dk168

14/9/2026 at 12:05pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
Outfit: PVC_VWCrafter_MWB

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Quote: Originally posted by Monty15 on 14/9/2026

Age related deterioation would be my concern too.

I shall hold out as much as I can, in the hope that it is still available nearer the time.

DK

morepints

14/9/2026 at 8:57pm
Location: Dartford Kent
Outfit: VW T6 campervan

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Yes, far too soon.
You’ll end up buying a van to fit the awning, not the other way around. And who knows what the market will be like then.

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