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My Dream Van advice to consider before purchasing a camper/van conversion
Take it at face value!
- My Dream Van advice on van converting and camper conversion information is here for you if you want a second opinion, so take it or leave it at your leisure. It is what it is, an opinion, nothing else. A lot of the stuff on this page often relates to a VW Transporter/Campers, because we just love to work on them and they are our bread and butter for trade/sales, but adapt the information below for other makes, such as a Mercedes Vito or Ford Transit Custom that both make good platforms for medium van conversions. Large van conversions are also good for those who want added comfort and space.
Type of van
- The VW ‘Startline’ version is a basic van. The ‘Trendline’ is the next step up with better options and finally the ‘Highline’ offers the best initial package, before conversion. People who buy a brand new van can always pick other options, such as air conditioning, parking sensors and cruise control (but these only come as standard on the more expensive Highline version). There is also a ‘Sportline’ which includes body kit.
- Many Transporter conversions start with the basic van so we recommend that you look for one with air con, cruise and parking sensors as a minimum. You can retrofit cruise control but it can be costly to get it done professionally. You can also add parking sensors, but retrofit ones are not the best in our experience.
- Then decide on a tailgate or barn door version. Many go for barn doors for access, but a tailgate offers a mini awning at the rear as well as the ability to add a bicycle rack. Choice is yours.
- How about a long wheel base (LWB) versus short wheel base (SWB) version? Parking and simple activities like going to a ‘drive through’ restaurant can be more of a challenge with the LWB. You don’t actually get a lot of extra room and the cost of conversion is higher. Our advice, unless you really want it, stick to the SWB.
- In addition there is the choice of the manual or automatic (DSG) version. Both good gearboxes and driver dependant, just note that the DSG can cost you a significant amount more.
Power unit
- Subjective! Many go for engine size and output over all else, however, basic modern vans have great performance and can always be adapted with much less cost than the manufacturers 'sporty' model.
- The most common of the VW T6 range is the 2.0 litre diesel which provides great economy and good performance even on the basic 102PS version. As you get to the T6.1 from 2020 onwards, the HP is increased to a basic 110PS. The better accelerating T6 with 150PS is good but the cost is much higher than the basic model. Our advice is to go for the lower horsepower and then have it remapped or add a tuning device if you need extra 'get up and go' or torque for towing.
- A remap is just what the manufactures do in order to get the 102 to the 150 version in the T6 example, but they charge a fortune for it, although as part of this upgrade you also go from a 5 speed to 6 speed manual gearbox. There is no difference in the motor though, it is the same engine with the same parts, just a software upgrade.
- A remap does not invalidate your warranty either. Any claim would have to prove that the remap was what had caused the failure. First port of call would be the company that upgraded the software. Any good remapping/tuning company will have indemnity insurance and if you think that a failure may be caused by their tuning they will task an independent investigation to ascertain the problem.
- On most of our vans, if you so desire and for your own piece of mind, we can offer (at an additional cost) the very best of both worlds with a little device that you can use to change the map yourself. This device gives the user (it is paired to your particular van only) the ability to have the original manufacturers map, or a performance one (giving approximately 160PS in the T6 example) or an economy one (giving 12 to 15% better economy). You choose, dependant on how you feel or what kind of journey you are doing. Just drop us a line to discuss more if you wish.
- For more information from the company who supply our tuning solution, see their (Viezu) short YouTube video at the bottom of this page.
Body Styling
- Next you will often find upgrades to body kits (which can vary massively dependant on cost). Low grade plastics will perish or fail over time. Be aware and ask the dealer if in doubt. Rear spoilers are common additions, along with front splitters like in this picture, which are subtle but make the stance more aggressive and lower to the ground, without compromising clearance.
- Basic sidebars and roof bars add to the great look of the vehicle and make it more like the ‘Sportline’ version as well as giving functionality. Side bars are also useful to protect the sills of the van and roof bars mean you can add a ‘roof box’ or similar, unless you have the pop up top on the van of course.
The Conversion
- Camper conversions can also vary massively. Take a look at the make of equipment, the finish inside the cabin and the front. Often conversions will start as a panel van which are the cheapest on the road. Conversions can cost around 10 to £15k, hence the added value to the final campervan after upgrade. If done well, there is no problem with these and a reputable fitting company will provide lengthy guarantees of their work. Ask the seller for invoices or fitting certificates to ensure that they are done to a high standard. The example in the photo here is in a Ford Transit Custom.
- Fitting windows in a panel van conversion is also no problem if done well. Beware and ask again whether they were done by a professional fitter.
Pop up roof
- To make a 4 berth you will often find the extending pop up roof. These are costly, again reflecting in the increase in value to the final van. Quality and cost will vary dependant on make and fitters. Please contact us for pricing ranges.
- They are an area that can cause much concern. Leaking used to be common but products are better now, however, they do vary in material quality and the cheaper thinner types can mean getting cold at night when sleeping in them. Our advice, why have the cost unless it is essential for what you want. If you do go for one, ensure that it has been professionally fitted and ask for receipts if it is an after market product.
Warranties and guarantees
- For information about any vehicle sold with the remainder of a VW Manufacturers warranty, to give you piece of mind on what is still covered if you have a conversion, please see the VW Vans warranty information at this LINK.
- Any other vans sold will have similar warranties but there may be some small differences. If in doubt, do a search on the internet for warranty information.
Rims, Tyres and suspension
- One other consideration is the size and type of wheels that are fitted. A basic van will have basic steel wheels or the likes of a 16 inch alloy and upgrading them is a simple way to make your van look so much better as well as improving ride quality with the right ones, however, be aware as some ‘could’ invalidate your warranty. Normally up to 18 inch with good tyres will be covered under warranty, however, there can be issues with 19s or even 20s that many people decide on. The wheels (and tyres) must have the correct higher load rating in order to ensure that you are covered for any failures. Be aware that many after market companies will not take this into account and sell you wheels that may not be fit for the job. Finally, bigger rims above 18 inch mean lower profile tyres which are more costly, but more importantly the ride comfort suffers on a lower profile type of tyre. It has to be said though, the look is transformed with a bigger rim, so don't just go as cheap as you can. Research it and ensure fitting and offsets are correct before buying.
- After the wheels, why not lower the suspension for that even cooler image. Adjustable coil overs can be easy to fit for the professional and are normally reasonably priced, given the change in look you get after the upgrade.
In summary
- There are so many things to consider before buying and upgrading your dream van. Get is done professionally is the best advice we can give.
- Just drop us a line and we will happily offer any impartial advice that we can, with a truly honest opinion, but remember, it is just an opinion and should not be used against us if you face any issues!
- PLEASE READ OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS REGARDING ADVICE AND WARRANTIES AT THE FOLLOWING LINK
- For further information, or to discuss a conversion/upgrade, contact us at info@mydreamvan.co.uk
