The VW Transporter wasn’t designed to be a home in the first place. Why make these vehicles become camper vans when they are made to transport equipment?
The truth is that VW Transporters aren’t only used for transporting machinery. They can take on any form. They serve as a blank canvas on which people can paint their own ideas. Because VW is aware of this, VW Transporter conversions continue to be the most common type of camper van conversions.
Each iteration of the Transporter is so well-liked for conversion because Volkswagen has long recognized how well-suited it is for a camper van conversion. People enjoy converting VW Transporters into camper vans, whether they are T1s, T6s, or anything in between.
In This Article...
What VW model makes the best camper conversion?
VW produces a variety of vans to satisfy various camper van market needs. The greatest models for VW camper conversions are shown below.
VW Transporter
The Transporter is arguably the best VW camper van and is by far the most popular model. In 2020, the vehicle celebrated its 70th birthday, demonstrating its heritage. Flexibility is one of its distinctive selling advantages. The Transporter boasts a powerful, dependable engine that makes it a delight to drive, fits in standard parking places, and can clear most height restrictors.
The Transporter T6, the most recent model in the sixth generation, with all the newest amenities and technology. Pop-top roof additions for additional headroom, a bed, a kitchen, or additional seating are common modifications. Be careful to research whether features of the Transporter’s four trim levelsStarline, Trendline, Highline, and Sportlinemeet your requirements. Visit this site for additional information on the T6.
VW California
In essence, the California is a Transporter that VW produced internally for the campervan market. Although it has all the common campervan features, including a table and a kitchen, you won’t be getting a custom-made finished product. Going through an independent organization is generally preferable if you’re seeking for a dream experience that suits your particular tastes. This is especially relevant if you have certain criteria that the standard California model doesn’t meet. To locate good bargains, search for the best campervan conversions in the UK.
VW Caddy
The Volkswagen Caddy is starting to pose a serious threat to the Transporter, its larger sibling. The decision to turn the Caddy into a campervan has both advantages and disadvantages. It is smaller than the Transporter, to start. Therefore, if you need more space, the Caddy probably isn’t the right choice for youunless you choose the Caddy Maxi, which is larger than the Transporter but still much lower in height.
The Caddy is a more livable vehicle because you can drive it over any height restrictions and fit into smaller spots without having to strain as much. The Caddy, despite being smaller, nonetheless makes for some of the best VW conversions thanks to its capacity to fit a kitchen, a bed, and more seating.
VW Crafter
The Crafter type is the least well-liked one on our list among campervan enthusiasts. This is mostly because the Crafter is more practical for everyday use because it is bigger than the Transporter. As a result, parking and maneuverability may be a problem. The Crafter is significantly more expensive than the Transporter and Caddy versions, which provide a wider range of options.
Still, the Crafter has plenty of capacity for conversions if parking and general utility aren’t a concern for you. Some Crafter owners install bathrooms in addition to the standard equipment found in Transporter versions, making it a good option for lengthy excursions.
What distinguishes a T5 from a T6 VW campervan?
The engine is one of the main distinctions between the VW T5 and VW T6. All new automobiles must comply with EU emissions requirements as of September 2015. The T6 has a registered Euro 6 engine, which is the newest model and releases less pollution into the environment. AdBlue urea solution is used in the VW T6 engine to transform nitrogen oxide into nitrogen and water. Additionally, a Diesel Particle Filter is present to remove soot, and exhaust gases are recirculated to lessen nitrogen oxide.
However, the engine power isn’t reduced by these emission control technologies. A 2.0-liter TDI turbodiesel engine is still available for the VW T6.
Is my van need to be registered as a campervan?
Therefore, the answer to the question “Do I need to register my van as a campervan? ” is no. Although it can save insurance and travel expenses, some campervanners still opt to register their modifications as campers.
How simple is the process of turning a van into a campervan?
You have the option of choosing the most pleasant additions available or going without any extras. Some travelers prefer a strategy that strikes the ideal balance between the two.
The cost of renovating your freight vehicle can be less than $15,000. Everything you and your fellow travelers would need to ensure the comfort and safety of every voyage is included in this price. Think about including things like a full electrical framework and an ice chest made of stainless steel. A select few individuals entirely spend four months or more to van conversion.
What is the time frame for converting a VW Transporter?
The actual conversion of a VW campervan typically takes four weeks, however this will largely rely on the customizations you have requested and the level of demand at the time of your booking.
We will also have consulted with you before you dropped off your van with us. The exact method is set out as follows:
Customisation confirmation
Once you have made the decision to move forward with VisionTech Automotive, we will schedule a second meeting to go through your color preferences and other customizations. These can still be changed later if you change your mind, though. We provide an extensive selection of cutting-edge and fashionable customizations to fit any type of driver or passengers. We are convinced that we can provide the ideal converted camper to suit your needs, including pop-up roofs, power-folding beds, stowaway kitchens, and several inventive storage options. The difficult part is deciding which elements are essential for your freshly arranged space.
Dropping off your van
If you like, we will check your van for signs of damage when you drop it off at our Colchester location, sign your build sheet, and then drop you off to the railway station. Your VW campervan conversion should finish in three to six weeks from this point.
Conversion underway
We will regularly provide you updates on the status of your order during the conversion so you can see how your camper is progressing as well as images. When your conversion is almost finished, we will contact you to set up a time for collection so you may meet your beloved asset once again.
What are a used Volkswagen Transporter van’s most typical issues?
The 2003 release of the VW T5 received cosmetic improvements in 2009. Volkswagen introduced the T6 to replace the model in 2015. VW provided a variety of body styles for the T5, including long and short wheelbase versions and even a minibus version. There were also a variety of engine, transmission, and power options.
These vans are mechanically sound and offer many years of trouble-free service, especially the manual transmission variants. However, some problems are widespread. As your van ages or when you purchase a secondhand van, you should be on the lookout for these issues.
Are VW campervans worth it?
It will be money well spent because VW campervans keep their value quite well. If you chose a high-quality conversion, which is always in demand, you won’t have any trouble selling it when the time comes to upgrade.
What makes T5 and T5 1 different from one another?
The front end is where the T5 and T5. 1 Facelift diverge most. The lights, front bumper, grill, bonnet, and wing mirrors are all different, as you’ll see.
How many miles is VW T5 good for?
Although the T6/T6.1 is the newest model in the Transporter range, it has not yet proven how durable it is. The T5, on the other hand, has consistently demonstrated its reliability, frequently exceeding 300,000 miles! To be more specific, the T5 1.9TDI receives high accolades; its 35 mpg vs the larger 2.5’s 28 mpg means you’ll save money on petrol as well.
Visit our ‘Transporter Trims and Variants Explained’ page if you need assistance determining what type of Transporter you’re looking for. We go over the various options available to you and explain down how Transporters are named.
Even if it appears that the list is endless, you’ll be able to tell when you’ve located the ideal Transporter. The Vee Dub Team wishes you success on your adventure and reminds you that our upgrades are the finest way to transform your Transporter into something unique!
How durable is a T5 engine?
The significance of the miles already traveled is significantly influenced by how many you intend to travel annually:
Think about a van that has exceeded 70k. A Transporter T6 or T5 should last you at least 250k miles if driven carefully and maintained correctly, which translates to well over 15 years.
Finding the lowest mileage is crucial if you want to drive more miles each year or if you want your van to last for 25 years without needing an engine or gearbox service. Be aware, though, that the number of vans available will be somewhat smaller if you try to find one for under $30,000. You might find that buying a new van with a 3-year guarantee is a better deal.
In general, depending on your entire camper budget, we’d recommend setting the top mileage at 6080k, but don’t be too concerned about age (the T5 started production in 2003). Decide on the year based on your budget and the fixtures you have, such as air conditioning, rear windows, and wipers.
Is T6 superior to T5?
Which Engine Suits You Best? While both engines offer you adequate performance, if you desire more starting-position acceleration, you might wish to choose the T6 engine. If you are seeking for an engine with improved fuel efficiency, then you will want to consider the T5 engine.
If you turn a van into a camper, do you have to notify the DVLA?
- You must notify the DVLA when your conversion is finished and your vehicle is (almost) a camper van or motorhome.
- Change your V5C (log book) document, then give it back to them. You must select “Motor Caravan” as the vehicle body type. The DVLA refers to motorhomes and campervans together as motor caravans. For information on updating your V5 document, visit the DirectGov website.
- Include a covering letter that briefly describes the modifications you have made to the vehicle. Include pictures of the altered vehicle as well. Avoid putting too many in. It takes between 10 and 20. Definitely be sure to include the vehicle’s license plate in both the front and back views of the vehicle. The DVLA can determine from the photos whether you did a quality conversion to the vehicle or just threw a mattress in the back.
- Documents should be sent to DVLA Swansea SA99 1BA.
- If your conversion was successful and the DVLA is satisfied, they will send you a new V5 document with a modified body type.
- They will, however, invite you to go to the neighborhood DVLA inspection office if they have any doubts about your conversion. Before recommending any changes to the documentation, an agent will inspect the vehicle.