Camper King

[Monte I]

Before investing in a T6 conversion I did a lot of research, here as a lurker and all over the web, I also looked at various ones in the flesh, it's a lot of £££ to get it wrong. I had a T2 back in the day and have been caravanning for years, so not a newbie. As has rightly been said at the end of the day it's about what works for you but some things that came up may help.

My first issue was getting the right base cab, I wanted a T6 with low mileage and recent year, things like aircon less of a concern, but inbuilt heating yes please, again solar panels I can live without for now. Re the vexed insulation issue well I don't think there is a "right" answer. We had no problem with the T2 and none with the T6 neither being insulated, a front windscreen cover of the best quality, specifically tailored for the T6 seems more important and we invested in that. It's worked out just fine in cold, hot and soaking wet weather, so even if they offered to insulate it I would not bother.

So yes we went with a CK conversion sourcing it from Don Amott who sell them cheaper than CK directly bulk purchasing I guess. It is one of the Monte Carlo conversions and I have no complaint at all, it even tows well and certainly makes a good use of the space available. The rock and roll bed takes a little technique to get back up but in all other respects we are happy with it and it's a total pleasure to drive.

I'm not quite convinced about the odd tyres it's come with but will only replace them when needed, the one issue but it's clearly a known with any conversion is the crappy headlights, they will be replaced!

 

[A Bridge Too Far]

Before investing in a T6 conversion I did a lot of research, here as a lurker and all over the web, I also looked at various ones in the flesh, it's a lot of £££ to get it wrong. I had a T2 back in the day and have been caravanning for years, so not a newbie. As has rightly been said at the end of the day it's about what works for you but some things that came up may help.

My first issue was getting the right base cab, I wanted a T6 with low mileage and recent year, things like aircon less of a concern, but inbuilt heating yes please, again solar panels I can live without for now. Re the vexed insulation issue well I don't think there is a "right" answer. We had no problem with the T2 and none with the T6 neither being insulated, a front windscreen cover of the best quality, specifically tailored for the T6 seems more important and we invested in that. It's worked out just fine in cold, hot and soaking wet weather, so even if they offered to insulate it I would not bother.

So yes we went with a CK conversion sourcing it from Don Amott who sell them cheaper than CK directly bulk purchasing I guess. It is one of the Monte Carlo conversions and I have no complaint at all, it even tows well and certainly makes a good use of the space available. The rock and roll bed takes a little technique to get back up but in all other respects we are happy with it and it's a total pleasure to drive.

I'm not quite convinced about the odd tyres it's come with but will only replace them when needed, the one issue but it's clearly a known with any conversion is the crappy headlights, they will be replaced!

I'm glad I read this thread to the end, we placed a deposit on a CK with Don Amott just as we went into shutdown and the first half of this thread made me panic a little... Much happier reading your post now though . Campers for years under canvas but the first time we've invested in a van of any sort.

Again been looking and researching for some time and the CK looks a good balance on value and quality, but you never know. We wanted a Hillside or Kepla 6 but couldn't afford the spec on the van, can't wait to get it now, although it is keeping us motivated whilst stuck at home!

 

[Monte I]

Glad it was useful since I wrote this I've replaced the headlights which are a known issue with the T6 and the work done by Transporter HQ was top notch, the van has proven fine and as you say CK is a very good balance of cost versus luxury. They also have a dedicated group on Facebook which if you haven't discovered is very, very helpful and friendly.

 

[A Bridge Too Far]

Glad it was useful since I wrote this I've replaced the headlights which are a known issue with the T6 and the work done by Transporter HQ was top notch, the van has proven fine and as you say CK is a very good balance of cost versus luxury. They also have a dedicated group on Facebook which if you haven't discovered is very, very helpful and friendly.

The van we have reserved already has the lights changed as it's already had one owner... One of the draws to this particular van as a lot of the work we would have done is done. We spotted the CK Club on FB at the weekend and applied to join.

Have you used Don Amott for any servicing etc? Is there anything on the van we need to check before we take delivery in your experience?

 

[Monte I]

I liked DA but do carefully check for any scratches, dinks or window chips. We found later hidden by the sold sign a chip in the windscreen and a less than perfect rubber window surround... too late to complain of course but not terminal. Also the advice he gave re the internal 12 volt system draining the leisure battery first then the engine battery was wrong, they aren't linked. It's a lot to take in how everything works and the manuels either don't exist or aren't great so it's worth either videoing the run through with him or taking very good notes. They are very approachable and if/when you've forgotten something later they are very helpful.

DA is not that local for us so I've not planned to use them for work, though they appear to have a decent workshop, I did an extensive search for local garages that specialise in VW's and especially campervans, the smaller local ones are often staffed by genuine enthusiasts and I would always go with them if possible.

Even if it seems a bit daunting at first you'll love it and we've found ours really fun to drive

 

[Crooky]

Still loving the van and now spending way to much money on i rather than using it!t

I would suggest you check the warranty period on the wheels if they are diamond cut and see if you can get it extended - or even better, ask for non diamond cut wheels; mine have started to develop, after 18 months, the 'lacquer worm' and its getting very noticeable and I have seen other owners complaining of same. I've not taken it up with them yet, but where people have the response has been positive from CK. Maybe best not to have the hassle of it all though!

 

[Buzby]

Hi all

Just joined the T6 gang so its all new to me having spent the last 11 years driving a 79 bay.

We have just purchased a 17 plate Camper King from a dealer that had it as a trade in, I have to say that its a pretty good conversion in my eyes. I get what has been said regarding insulation but the heater has a fan only mode as well and we tend to like air circulation when sleeping so usually open a window, I will let you know how we get on

Having looked at the market place over the last 6 months I would say its very much a mixed bag.

 

[Spaghetti]

Hi all

Just joined the T6 gang so its all new to me having spent the last 11 years driving a 79 bay.

We have just purchased a 17 plate Camper King from a dealer that had it as a trade in, I have to say that its a pretty good conversion in my eyes. I get what has been said regarding insulation but the heater has a fan only mode as well and we tend to like air circulation when sleeping so usually open a window, I will let you know how we get on

Having looked at the market place over the last 6 months I would say its very much a mixed bag.

Welcome! You must upload some pics of the van.

Also, being a 17 plate CK conversion, it should be a ‘motor caravan’ on the V5c. Have you got this back in your name yet?

if so, what month did the V5c come back, and more importantly, does it say ‘motor caravan’ or ‘van with windows’?

There’s some debate as to whether the classification changes when the document is edited by the DVLA. They changed it last year sometime to make it much more difficult to attain the MC status.

Many thanks

 

[Buzby]

It was registered as a motor caravan on the log book when it was sent off, I'm waiting for the log book but will probably be another 2 to 3 weeks yet as they are a little slow due to covid!

It was converted around the first year of registration so it shouldn't change.

I will get some pics on the site at the weekend, it feels so different to the bay, I will put some pics of them both together.

 

[Spaghetti]

Yeah, I agree it shouldn’t change but there’s been some debate, so it’ll be interesting to see a live case. Enjoy!

 

[A Bridge Too Far]

Welcome! You must upload some pics of the van.

Also, being a 17 plate CK conversion, it should be a ‘motor caravan’ on the V5c. Have you got this back in your name yet?

if so, what month did the V5c come back, and more importantly, does it say ‘motor caravan’ or ‘van with windows’?

There’s some debate as to whether the classification changes when the document is edited by the DVLA. They changed it last year sometime to make it much more difficult to attain the MC status.

Many thanks

Hi I picked up my CK Conversion from Don Ammot on 6th June, V5 stated there Motor Caravan, got the ammended V5 a week later, still a Motor Caravan and since have put on a private plate and still Motor Caravan. I think they need evidence i.e. picture submitting to prove it isn't.

 

[A Bridge Too Far]

Since my original posts, heres the van! Really happy with the build quality, even as a second hand van. Don Amott were excellent too.

 

[Spaghetti]

Hi I picked up my CK Conversion from Don Ammot on 6th June, V5 stated there Motor Caravan, got the ammended V5 a week later, still a Motor Caravan and since have put on a private plate and still Motor Caravan. I think they need evidence i.e. picture submitting to prove it isn't.

I thought so, but that’s reassuring! I’ve got a private plate on mine, but since I got that, there’s a plate which more closely spells my name that’s been released, so I’m considering that.

@Sabre no excuse for you now - get on the DVLA site!

 

[Buzby]

Since my original posts, heres the van! Really happy with the build quality, even as a second hand van. Don Amott were excellent too.

View attachment 75962

View attachment 75963

Loving the colour

 

[DXX]

Ignore all the negative comments regarding Camper King. I have just had T6 2018 Highline converted by them and I'm very happy with the conversion. I visited lots of converters before placing my order with them. The staff are all very helpfull and they supplied photographs all through the build process.
They are better than a lot of other companies I visited. The insulation thing is not a problem in my eyes. With insulation..... in the summer vans get very hot and the heat in the van takes a long time to disapate as the insulation traps it in and in the winter I have a diesel heater. Who needs insulation? its a load of rubbish created by most campervan converters to get more money out of you......this is just my opiniun. Also Camper king supply conversions to Motorhome retailers and Im sure they would not deal with them if they didnt supply a good product. One other thing regarding insulation. Not that many years ago converters didnt insulate vans and they are still running around today with happy owners. I have spoken to many of them and they dont have a problem without insulation in the vans.

Insulation keeps the van warm and most importantly dry in the winter and cooler in summer. This is not an opinion it’s basic thermodynamics.
I know nothing about Camper King conversions but I wouldn’t buy any converted van that was not insulated.

 

[A Bridge Too Far]

Insulation keeps the van warm and most importantly dry in the winter and cooler in summer. This is not an opinion it’s basic thermodynamics.
I know nothing about Camper King conversions but I wouldn’t buy any converted van that was not insulated.

So you wouldn't by a California?.... I wouldn't due to the cost, but they are not insulated due to damp build up in the layers.

 

[DXX]

So you wouldn't by a California?.... I wouldn't due to the cost, but they are not insulated due to damp build up in the layers.

I’m not impressed with the build quality of any modern Transporter, they don’t even provide enough sound deadening.
So no I wouldn’t buy a Cali’, I’ve spent as much as a Cali’ costs on my Kombi and got a much better van in my opinion.

 

[RichDavies82]

As mentioned earlier in the thread, most heat will be lost through the windows and pop top anyway. Unless you have an insulated pop top wrap and internal window thermal screens, it’s pointless worrying. As @Spaghetti mentions, I’ve slept out in near 0 degrees and been fine. Front windows down 2cm, diesel heater set to 15 degrees - lovely!

 

[A Bridge Too Far]

As mentioned earlier in the thread, most heat will be lost through the windows and pop top anyway. Unless you have an insulated pop top wrap and internal window thermal screens, it’s pointless worrying. As @Spaghetti mentions, I’ve slept out in near 0 degrees and been fine. Front windows down 2cm, diesel heater set to 15 degrees - lovely!

Same here, I've been camping down to about minus 10 without a tent in my past life so not worried about the heat, as you say heat is lost through the windows and pop top. I looked at the different views on this prior to buying the van and simply, I don't want moisture build up behind the panels which is why VW stopped doing it (or so I have read). Night heater is fitted so not worried at all.

 

[Buzby]

looks like I made the right decision with the night heater option and the window cracked for fresh air
anything will be warmer than the good old bay anyway