Dellmassive`s Camper Van Adventure

[Dellmassive]

Dellmassive`s Camper Van Adventure​

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After 8 camping trips away during this season (2022) its plainly evident that camping with a Tent and Panel van is hard work.
to date, we have always camped out in Tents and used the van to transport all the kit to the site.



Running out of space is a real problem . . . . and as we bring along the whole disco-tent and T6F communal setup, so space is a premium. . .



In fact this year we added the 500L roof box . . . . . to be able to get all the kit we needed to site.



no problem there . . . . . BUT

The real issue is that the van us used for work mainly . . .
so before we can go camping we have to empty it all out. . .
then fill with camping gear, - go camping - come home,
empty camping gear - refill with work gear . . .
go work . . . . till next camp.
Then empty it all out. . . ,
fill with camping gear, - go camping - come home,
empty camping gear - refill with work gear . . .
etc etc etc . . . .

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the original idea was to convert this van to a camper. . . but I've decided to keep this as the work van.

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we have now decided that a second van will be better, and to replace our daily driver ( the Mazda SUV) and go for a second van.



The trial run went well this year . . . we had the wife added to the insurance and sent her out on some test drives. . .
at T6F summer camp and more recently out to Family camps . .

This was a worst-case-scenario driving experience for her IMHO, as its a LWB Panel van with no windows, so you need your wits about you when driving, safe to say she dealt with it superbly and didn't put a scratch on it - perfect.



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so what now . . . . . ?

well, we first planned to get a PV and start a slow conversion. . .
but the issue is funding and that we need a daily driver for family commitments and cant be without a family daily driver for long.

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So, we've decided to go for a Kombi and start there.

chatting things over at Busfest and the various T6F events we've decided to start small and build upon that base.

the idea is to start with a Kombi, then add an OVANO style bed box. - just to get us started.
then build up from there,
side awning sail,
side awning drive away tent,
pop-top roof,
diesel heater,
etc etc etc,

solar and lithium batteries will be installed, obviously
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[Dellmassive]

d1

Funding + credits

Funding is now the immediate issue. . .



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This is a shameless request for any that want to make a donation to the Camper Retrofit and Purchase
(C.R.A.P) fund.

As many of you know, i had planned to convert my work van to a camper but with all the stuff we cart about, and all the tools I have for work, this is not really possible. So, if we weren't T6' enough we have decided to go even more (Dell) massive and go all in on another T6.

The plan is to get a kombi and slowly convert it while we use it as our daily driver. The other half has signed off on this plan so far - in so much as it wil stop me buying any more tents.. little does she know I will be moving on to awnings!!!

Anyways, any and all support is much appreciated. The full story will be on the T6 Forum.

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so where clearing out the garage and various bits and pieces to sell and generate some cash. . .


I've setup a link to the various bits for sale on T6F over here:

*****************************************************************

For Sale:

For Sale - @Dellmassive - List of SALE items & Garage Clear-out

@Dellmassive - List of SALE items & Garage Clear-out this thread is for me to list our "For Sale" bits, as listing them on my thread is getting a bit long. . . so ill keep adding to this list with new kit that will be for sale: Mods - please keep this live . ...

www.t6forum.com

*****************************************************************



next up a shameless appeal for generosity or appreciation for anyone that wants to chip in towards the cause. . .

i personally spend a huge amount of time on the forum helping people with there setups and conversions,

plus reviewing kit and new products.. . .

its something i love doing anyway. . . but this is now your chance to thank us back, buy us a beer etc etc.


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we had great feed back last year from the T6Forum Summer Camp donations to the cause,

this helped us put the show on and fund the fire wood, deal with the site, admin, people etc etc . . .


every little helps, and it soon mounts up - so well be doing the same again for T6F SC23.


with this in mind were opening up another donation to the

"Dellmassive`s Camper Van Adventure"​

every little helps, so donate as you see fit. . .


Donate via BACS, account run by @Dellmassive

please use your forum name as the reference ie : "T6F Dells CAMPER - forum_name" so we know whos donated and give thanks accordingly.

BACS details:
ACC: 61367617
SC: 400907

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weve added a REVOLUT link to donate - @ PM for details


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weve also started a GO FUND ME:

Donate to Dellmassive`s Camper Van Adventure, organized by Lee Nash

Dellmassive Camper van adventure This is a shameless request for any that want to make… Lee Nash needs your support for Dellmassive`s Camper Van Adventure

gofund.me

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we now have SquareUP setup so you can donate via card/tap/online or phone etc.

Dells Camper Van Adventure Donation

<p><strong><em>++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</em></strong></p><p><br /></p><p><strong><em>This is a shameless request for any that want to make a donation to the Camper Retrofit and Purchase fund.</em></strong></p><p><br /></p><p><strong><em>As many of you know, i had planned to convert...

checkout.square.site

.


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and of course well have the :

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"The Donation Wall of Fame"

The honourable members that have donated to the cause will be forever immortalised in the Donation Wall of Fame below.

Donate now to get your name on the list - Go on, you know you want too.




@Dellmassive
@czmate1999
@Anonomous donation
@starstruck








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[Dellmassive]

d2

Spec


This is what we was thinking. . . .


Need a :

VW transporter.
T6,
T30, or T32.
LWB.
DSG,
150,180 or 204 bhp.
Combi.

Red, blue, grey or silver.

Then add:

Ovano XL bed.
C rail.
Side sale awning sheet.
Windbreak.


Then add..
Electricals.
Sound dead,
Insulation.


Future upgrades:

Heater,
Poptop roof.

......

 

[Dellmassive]

d3

Ideas


@czmate1999 advised - "Would also suggest captains chairs for the front."

@Bigsidavies - I’ve got 6 of the normal 12v van led down lights and it’s way too bright. We rarely turn them on. I have 2 reading lights at the rear that get most use.
If I was doing it again I’d use the individual touch on/off leds or the dimmable ones.

@drinfinity - A Heater is essential and should be installed at the start

+



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converters in SE worth a look:

VW camper conversions - Trek RV

Trek RV are the UKs premiere, luxury VW camper conversions specialist. Call today to start your next adventure!

www.threebridge.co.uk

VW Campervan Conversions | VisionTech Automotive | United Kingdom

VisionTech Automotive are specialits in VW Campervan Conversions. We will help you source brand new vans or convert your current one for you. We have full campervan conversions all the way to complete bespoke builds, so VisionTech Automotive can help you build your dream.

www.visiontechautomotive.co.uk

@BognorMotors

Bognor Motors - Hire, Sales, Service & MOT Bognor Regis & Chichester

Chichester & Bognor Car and Van servicing and repairs, MOT testing, car and van sales, leasing and contract hire, and MPV, minibus and Conversions.

bmvs.co.uk

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T6F members conversions / Build Threads :

@Deaky (self build) - Deaky’s Kombi to Camper journey
@czmate1999 (ThreeBridges) - My T6 To Camper Thread...
@Sammy (ThreeBridges) -
@Leehoops (JaiBow) -
@Bigsidavies -
@BoroBoy -
@Jollyvan -




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[Dellmassive]

d4

other

pre-purchase options. . .



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@evans1089 awsome camper - £48k



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2016 VW Campervan with air con. - £28k




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2017 Vw t6 150 bhp £29k



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2016 VW TRANSPORTER HIGHLINE T32 T6 2.0TDI DSG AUTO LWB KOMBI CREW VAN IN BLUE

£19k


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2021 70 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER T6.1 T32 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG HIGHLINE KOMBI LWB DIE


£44k




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VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER T6 DSG HIGHLINE SPORTLINE IDEAL CAMPER KOMBI VAN NO VAT

£25k




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VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER SHUTTLE T6 150HP DSG AUTO LWB EURO 6 SHUTTLE SE SPORTLINE

£26k





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[Dellmassive]

d5 - The Beginnings.


post your thought and experience, on any aspect of a conversion?

if you could do it again - what you you do different?

what's essential?

what could you do without?

ideas and thought from you lot?




add pics for reference if you can . . . . . . . .

 

[czmate1999]

what could you do without?

Do not use the internal induction hob. Purely there to aid in any future sale.

lights

We have Dimmable defused white LED. They run down either side of of the internal pop top roof. And three reading lights. Happy with that set up.

 

[Dellmassive]

what could you do without?

Do not use the internal induction hob. Purely there to aid in any future sale.

lights

We have Dimmable defused white LED. They run down either side of of the internal pop top roof. And three reading lights. Happy with that set up.

got a few pics?

 

[evans1089]

Save yourself a load of time and buy my t32 lwb

 

[Dellmassive]

Save yourself a load of time and buy my t32 lwb

that will be perfect ( lovely van and i love to buy it) . . . . but out of our price range atm.

unless you have alternate funding measures? - left kidney?, - pm me if you have any ideas?

 

[Bigsidavies]

I know you love battery stuff.
We have one of these which we use over the sink/hob.

TLW Slim Rechargeable Bar Light 450mm

Bring some much-needed extra illumination to your storage area, caravan or motorhome with the TLW Slim Rechargeable Bar Light. Features a built-in PIR motion sensor.

www.jtatkinson.co.uk

It’s plenty bright enough and you can charge it up whilst driving along.
It’s also magnetic so I stick it on the outside of the van as an exterior light.
I’m just about to buy another one.
See what you think at the weekend.

 

[cgtmiles]

Not that I’m trying to put you off because I think you should definitely do it but what are you trying to achieve here? The van will only replace the sleeping compartment of your tent, that still leaves the need for a large living area and cooking area you have become accustomed to so you would still need to fill the van with all that gear. Should give you more access to 4 seasons camping I guess with sleeping in the van.

 

[drinfinity]

I would say heater is not a future upgrade, it’s the first thing I’d install. I’ve already bought my heater and the van hasn’t even arrived yet!

 

[Dellmassive]

@cgtmiles

We're trying to achieve the below.... Or not as the case may be.

It takes so much physical effort to unload/load the van with heavy tools and ladders etc at the start and end of each trip. .

#####

The real issue is that the van us used for work mainly . . .
so before we can go camping we have to empty it all out. . .
then fill with camping gear, - go camping - come home,
empty camping gear - refill with work gear . . .
go work . . . . till next camp.
Then empty it all out. . . ,
fill with camping gear, - go camping - come home,
empty camping gear - refill with work gear . . .
etc etc etc . . .


#####


Leaving the work van as a work van..... And just setting the kombi up for a camping trip should be a million times less effort and stress.

And agreed that we are greedy for space and a large drive away awning will be needed.

 

[cgtmiles]

Fair enough but you will still need to load/unload before/after a camping trip. We supposedly have the van setup ready to go but always need to lid the stuff specific to our needs for that trip and then unload it all so we aren’t dragging round extra weight all the time.

Like @drinfinity said though, a heater is an essential for elongating the camping season but maybe you have a non fitted solution for this

 

[Long tall John]

Are you planning to sleep in the van
or always use an awning?

 

[Dellmassive]

Are you planning to sleep in the van
or always use an awning?

Both depending on the event and time of year.

Defo van only to start with...

 

[Long tall John]

Drive down to Devon and you can borrow our van for a weekend. ?

It might help you decide what you really want

 

[czmate1999]

got a few pics?

My T6 To Camper Thread...

My VW Transporter and Conversion to Campervan Journey. Around six(ish) years ago I was camping with a friend at our usual campsite near Bodiam Castle. We go there several times every year in the summer to camp. On this particular occasion a family rolled up in a VW California – an amazing...

www.t6forum.com

 

[VanDamMan]

We all need to…….

Brain Storm……Or …Blue Sky thinking…..Or ……ideas on sticky Notes….

all over a few beers at the next camp…..The next Dellmobile…needs to be flexible affordable and with some degree of future proofing factored in….as example are you going to tow in the future….I can see a busy session….so better get some nibbles too