The Campervan Thread

[CXRAndy]

My mate converted a Peugeot lwb high top van to be camper, spent a small fortune converting it plus van
It was done so they ship it to USA, drive to Alaska and do the north Atlantic route all the way down to the tip of Argentina over 8-9 months.


Was has actually happened the van broke down over heated in British Columbia Canada, in the back of beyond. The local mechanic hasn't got a clue and has struggled for parts. Our friend have been buying parts in the UK and sending them over to this mechanic.

My mate and his wife have left Canada and flown to Asia to spend a few months there now whilst they hope this mechanic can fix the Peugeot van so they drive it back to New York state and have it shipped back to the UK.

To say they have had bad luck and huge expense is putting it mildly. I hazard to guess how much of their pension they have blown on this aborted trip

Ever since I've know the bloke he has had terrible bad luck or judgement in vehicles, countless breakdowns, engine failures over the years

 

[Jameshow]

My mate converted a Peugeot lwb high top van to be camper, spent a small fortune converting it plus van
It was done so they ship it to USA, drive to Alaska and do the north Atlantic route all the way down to the tip of Argentina over 8-9 months.


Was has actually happened the van broke down over heated in British Columbia Canada, in the back of beyond. The local mechanic hasn't got a clue and has struggled for parts. Our friend have been buying parts in the UK and sending them over to this mechanic.

My mate and his wife have left Canada and flown to Asia to spend a few months there now whilst they hope this mechanic can fix the Peugeot van so they drive it back to New York state and have it shipped back to the UK.

To say they have had bad luck and huge expense is putting it mildly. I hazard to guess how much of their pension they have blown on this aborted trip

Ever since I've know the bloke he has had terrible bad luck or judgement in vehicles, countless breakdowns, engine failures over the years

Why did they not buy an RV in the states and sell at the other end?

 

[oldwheels]

Anyone have experience of coach built campers ? Going to get ideas at the NEC in a couple of weeks. Very expensive, but prices don't seem to drop much - maybe £5-£10k less for a 5 plus year old one. Absolutely loads with relatively small mileage - Euro6 pre ad-blue would suit. 2-4 birth ?

Thinking there could be quite a few downsides re-parking, compared to a standard van/people carrier - loads of beach car parks are restricted height, which would mess us up for the day. Looking at more touring, but have a tent.

There used to be people who converted vans of your choice to your specification. The price would be negotiable depending on age of the van etc. You could supply the van or they could source one for you.
The advantage is you get a new interior rather than buy a used camper.
We got a Transit from a firm in Berwickshire whose name escapes my just now. It was a high top but this was no disadvantage in my experience. We had a pop top before so knew what we wanted or rather needed and more important what we did not need.

Edit to add that we went for a rear door so that bikes could be carried inside by just going straight in rather than juggling about with side doors or having them hanging off the back outside.

 

[CXRAndy]

Why did they not buy an RV in the states and sell at the other end?

You know when you should tell someone to do something, but feel slightly awkward in doing the 'Told you so' phrase.

We bit our lip, seen as they had already bought the Peugeot van before announcing their plans.

Yes, it's obvious, buy American, save on conversion cost, shipping and mechanics know home made vehicles. Sell at the end, save thousands.

There was another issue, which they had to overcome if they had made it to central America. Certain countries don't allow right hand drive vehicles, so would have had to transport across said countries 🤦‍♂️

 

[Drago]

And they'd have got to wear a cowboy hat and not look odd (which I'd love) and randomly shouting "Murica!"

 

[fossyant]

FIAT 9-speed autobox recall
https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/fiat-9-speed-auto-recall-notice-issued.313077/
Sounds rather serious if you have a late FIAT Ducato with the 9-speed and higher power outputs

Oh, we were talking to someone that was raving about their 9 speed auto motorhome (they ran a business) - I suspect they will be getting it updated ASAP. Apparently the gearbox was made by Maserati. whoo. No ta, I'd rather have a Jap Auto !

 

[fossyant]

Back to original plan... going for one of these in Spring, in Orange, top spec, long wheelbase, 180 bhp and 8 speed auto (jap gearbox). Get a boot jump kit which folds a bed over back seats, then a mini clip-in kitchen pod. Still use tent, but will get drive away awning for single overnights I recon. Bike carrier/camper/shoot hauler.

 

[Gwylan]

Back to original plan... going for one of these in Spring, in Orange, top spec, long wheelbase, 180 bhp and 8 speed auto (jap gearbox). Get a boot jump kit which folds a bed over back seats, then a mini clip-in kitchen pod. Still use tent, but will get drive away awning for single overnights I recon. Bike carrier/camper/shoot hauler.
View attachment 753235

Have you tried sleeping a night in one?
The second night is interesting, the third tedious and so on.
Joining a monastic order might be more fun.

Rent one for a week. I'll take 10% of whatever you were going to spend.

 

[dicko]

FIAT 9-speed autobox recall
https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/fiat-9-speed-auto-recall-notice-issued.313077/
Sounds rather serious if you have a late FIAT Ducato with the 9-speed and higher power outputs

Oh dear, my neighbour has one of those 😮

 

[dicko]

Our 2016 trip to New Zealand was toured in a Mercedes Sprinter base van, because of my UK driving licence restrictions. It was OK but as you can see our suitcases had nowhere to be stored.

 

[Drago]

Sprinters/MAN/Crafters (same body and structure, different engines) are becoming a popular conversion in the UK.

 

[fossyant]

Have you tried sleeping a night in one?
The second night is interesting, the third tedious and so on.
Joining a monastic order might be more fun.

Rent one for a week. I'll take 10% of whatever you were going to spend.

It will be for the odd night only. More of a day van and for carrying all the camping gear rather than play tetris with my car. The boot will swallow the tent, camp beds etc.

 

[Jameshow]

Sprinters/MAN/Crafters (same body and structure, different engines) are becoming a popular conversion in the UK.

Sprinters aren't same body irrc?
Unless they have rejoined vw architecture recently....

 

[Adam4868]

It will be for the odd night only. More of a day van and for carrying all the camping gear rather than play tetris with my car. The boot will swallow the tent, camp beds etc.

Ideal for what you want then....grown to love our Berlingo as a camper.Easy to stick the boot jump away and use it as a car/van in the week.A lean to tent like thing is a must for more than one night,nice to be able to sit out of the vehicle if that makes sense.

 

[Drago]

Sprinters aren't same body irrc?
Unless they have rejoined vw architecture recently....

They've diverged with the new generation, but original versions were all the same body and structure, different badges and engines to suit the marque, and came out the same factory in Dusseldorf.