Base van choices

[mcmac74]

Evening

I know there have been a lot of similar threads on this subject as I’ve spent a good hour or so reading them , so I’ll try not to ask repeats.

I have 35k to spend/ risk on a completed van or base van plus conversion.

With the base + conversion in mind, I’ve narrowed my search down to a white T6 SWB (purely based on aesthetics) panel van which I’d like to be 2018 onwards and sub 50k miles…startline with the business pack or highline (HL maybe a stretch on the budget). We want a split coloured van so that makes sense, although I know we’ll need to budget for the spray job/ alloys + plus the main conversion.

This will be my daily drive, the reality of which is that I will do little more than 3 work miles each way plus trips out to kids clubs in the evening. There will be sporadic longer trips (50 +miles) on a monthly basis plus hopefully several longer run outs during the warmer months for weekends away.

We’re a family of four, very occasionally five (if the older child is on board), no bikes, probably an awning and usual camping gear a couple of times a year, and likely (hopefully) numerous low key one/ two night get always.

Given the above info, what are your thoughts about the power/ Tweight I should be looking at and what would you say are the more reliable options when considering how many short journeys I’ll be doing.

Cheers, Mark

 

[Bav]

Hi Mark.

I wouldn't worry about the T-rating. T28 is probably adequate, but if it isn't, it's a relatively inexpensive paper exercise to up-plate to T30 (or beyond).

Regarding power output, I always say: 102 has adequate power; 150 has all the power you need; 199/204 has all the power you'd want (but beware that early examples have been known to eat their turbo).

So, you pays your money, you makes your choice.

 

[icn05]

Regarding the base van it depends on personal preference. I’d say go for the best spec you can afford - in our case it was a 2017 T30 Startline 102 with business pack. I really wasn’t bothered about much else. I was always going to upgrade the head unit for something with a larger screen so the fact the base van was cheaper allowed me to have some readies for the extras I wanted. Power wise it was ok but Dav-Tec’s remap made a big difference.

If you’re getting a company to do the conversion be VERY careful who you pick - that’s speaking from personal experience I’d also strongly advise you pay for at least part of the conversion by credit card so you have some protection if things do go wrong.

 

[Chippie1]

Tsi if you can find one

 

[drinfinity]

3 miles each way daily would be more reliable on a bike than a diesel T6 with so many unfinished regenerations!

 

[Sasquatch]

You're almost guaranteed expensive trouble using a modern era diesel in that manner.

 

[mcmac74]

3 miles each way daily would be more reliable on a bike than a diesel T6 with so many unfinished regenerations!

Hmmm…I did have similar concerns when buying a diesel Kuga several years ago and (touch wood) the DPF has had no issues so I must do enough journeys beside work to clear it out…I assume it’s the DPF people are referring to regarding likely issues.

Other options seem scant in the transporter. The electric version has poor range and there are very few petrol options available.

I’d be interested in hearing the experiences of others whose T6’s don’t get a daily decent run.

 

[The Flying Scotsman]

Have you not considered a LWB?
You get a lot more room inside for a not that much bigger vehicle.

 

[mcmac74]

Have you not considered a LWB?
You get a lot more room inside for a not that much bigger vehicle.

It’s mainly the aesthetics….i think the swb looks a lot nicer which I know is just personal choice. The work car park is also very tight for space and that 400mm can become the difference between a space that works and having to leave on the street in not the best area.

 

[Chris1983]

Hi Mark.

I wouldn't worry about the T-rating. T28 is probably adequate, but if it isn't, it's a relatively inexpensive paper exercise to up-plate to T30 (or beyond).

Regarding power output, I always say: 102 has adequate power; 150 has all the power you need; 199/204 has all the power you'd want (but beware that early examples have been known to eat their turbo).

So, you pays your money, you makes your choice.

For educational purposes, why would you do a paper exercise to up catagorise to t30? What does process look like?

 

[ginkster]

You’ll get more for your money on a completed conversion as its value is never worth the total spend. For £35k you should be able to get a 2017-8, 150bhp manual Trendline, <50k miles with full conversion. Do keep a healthy reserve (in the thousands) though for the potential large repair rather than spend every last penny on it. I’d be very wary of using a Euro 6 diesel for the type of use you mention though as it is just asking for DPF, EGR issues. Maybe spend slightly less and have a £2k petrol runabout?

Also, don’t worry on the T element as a T28 can be up plated to 3000kg or even 3150kg without mods. It’s a £270 paperwork exercise. Edit - just seen Bav said this too!

 

[ginkster]

For educational purposes, why would you do a paper exercise to up catagorise to t30? What does process look like?

Gives you more carrying capacity. Done through a specific company such as Van Weight Engineering or SV Tech. Process details on their websites. A few pics and tyre, wheel details etc.

 

[Bav]

For educational purposes, why would you do a paper exercise to up catagorise to t30? What does process look like?

Is not unknown for a heavily-loaded camper built on a T28 van to exceed its max gross weight. As this would risk criminal prosecution, licence endorsements and/or invalidating your insurance policy, some choose to increase the carrying capacity of their van - known as up-plating.

Fortunately, the suspension setup of a T28 is identical to that of a T30, so up-plating a T28 requires no physical changes - it's just a matter of paying someone to officiallt register the increase in gross weight.

My base van is a T32, so I've never been through the process and aren't aware of the exact details, but others on here have (e.g. @Drive Wayne).

 

[Drive Wayne]

Is not unknown for a heavily-loaded camper built on a T28 van to exceed its max gross weight. As this would risk criminal prosecution, licence endorsements and/or invalidating your insurance policy, some choose to increase the carrying capacity of their van - known as up-plating.

Fortunately, the suspension setup of a T28 is identical to that of a T30, so up-plating a T28 requires no physical changes - it's just a matter of paying someone to officiallt register the increase in gross weight.

My base van is a T32, so I've never been through the process and aren't aware of the exact details, but others on here have (e.g. @Drive Wayne).

Thanks @Bav , I'll answer this properly when I'm safely installed at work! Give me an hour!

 

[Chris1983]

Is not unknown for a heavily-loaded camper built on a T28 van to exceed its max gross weight. As this would risk criminal prosecution, licence endorsements and/or invalidating your insurance policy, some choose to increase the carrying capacity of their van - known as up-plating.

Fortunately, the suspension setup of a T28 is identical to that of a T30, so up-plating a T28 requires no physical changes - it's just a matter of paying someone to officiallt register the increase in gross weight.

My base van is a T32, so I've never been through the process and aren't aware of the exact details, but others on here have (e.g. @Drive Wayne).

Thanks for advice folks

 

[Sasquatch]

Is not unknown for a heavily-loaded camper built on a T28 van to exceed its max gross weight. As this would risk criminal prosecution, licence endorsements and/or invalidating your insurance policy, some choose to increase the carrying capacity of their van - known as up-plating.

Fortunately, the suspension setup of a T28 is identical to that of a T30, so up-plating a T28 requires no physical changes - it's just a matter of paying someone to officiallt register the increase in gross weight.

My base van is a T32, so I've never been through the process and aren't aware of the exact details, but others on here have (e.g. @Drive Wayne).

That said, with a near tank of fuel and a full conversion with high heavy swamper wheels, mine was only 2288kg. With everyone aboard and full luggage there's no realistic prospects of breaching 2800kg...unless the wife brings all her handbags.

 

[Bav]

That said, with a near tank of fuel and a full conversion with high heavy swamper wheels, mine was only 2288kg. With everyone aboard and full luggage there's no realistic prospects of breaching 2800kg...unless the wife brings all her handbags.

Yep. Lots of folk on here with T28 campers with no realistic prospect of exceeding 2800kg.

 

[Chris1983]

Yep. Lots of folk on here with T28 campers with no realistic prospect of exceeding 2800kg.

I ask as mine has two kids, two adults, and importantly 60L under slung clean water

 

[Sasquatch]

Aye, there's three of us but I'm 126kg on my own, another adult, a teenager, and s fair sized dog, plus 60L tank, and luggage. We don't get close to half a tonne.

As Brother Bav rightly points put though, it's only a paper exercise and some shekels to up plate a T28 to a physically identical T30 anyway, bizarrely a lot less expensive than the difference in price between a new T28 and T30.

 

[Bav]

I ask as mine has two kids, two adults, and importantly 60L under slung clean water

Dunno mate - but I guess you don't need to fill your water tank until on site.

All I would say (which I think I started off by saying) is that if you bought a T28 and the weight was a problem, its not the end of the world - there's a relatively inexpensive remedy.