The Campervan Thread

[Time Waster]

Sounds intriguing! Any pictures?
Might help someone apply a faint valuation 🤷‍♂️

No photos yet but it is on our list.

I am kind of looking for a sunny day to get the nicest photos we can. We also have to get it cleaned out. Thinking of using a pro valeter to get it really tarted up for the photographs. It will cost but at least it will be nice for a while!!

I am a perfectionist and there are some circular dents (bullet wounds ) in that were patched up with the wrong colour blue. I am thinking of getting a colour matched touch up paint to go over those but if I don't get round to it they are not really that much of an issue. I call them the van's war wounds!! Put in before we got it.

 

[Time Waster]

My situation is going back to a car.

I went with cheap insurance, probably a bad mistake tbh. Better going with a big brand...

Perhaps one year with Adrian Flux cover on a car then you can go with cheap elsewhere as the NCB from before the last gets converted by the last AIUI. Other slightly more expensive insurers might do the same.

 

[Scottish Scrutineer]

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

 

[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.
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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.