Help making decision.....

[Riccardo C.]

Hi.
We have started looking into a T6 transporter camper conversion and its been quite a journey so far. We know what colours we like and we know we want the Highline spec as a starting point, we also know which company will supply the 1 year old van and do the conversion. I am finding it difficult to find comparisons and details etc which is why im here. If anyone can help with the following I'd be very grateful.

Most of the vans supplied are the T6 102bhp with five speed manual gearbox. Will this have enough grunt to travel the likes of the alps without constantly changing gear?

At 70mph where does the 102bhp 5 speed revs sit in top gear? Also the 150bhp 6 speed?

Should i get the 150bhp 6 speed for the extra £2-3 grand?

Will 18" alloys ruing the ride quality over the 16's?

Does the standard 5" infotainment system have android auto support and if not can it be retrofitted?

Think thats it for now.....
Thanks

 

[former member]

I don't think 102bhp is enough for a full camper conversion; it's okay for just a day van but a camper will weigh close to three tonnes.
The 150 is a 6 speed and this box is worth the extra money alone, so much more robust. I'd definitely go for one if possible.

18s are the biggest sensible size for alloys and are fine: a bit firmer and more fragile than 16s but you should be okay. Also gives brake upgrade options if you need them.

 

[Riccardo C.]

I don't think 102bhp is enough for a full camper conversion; it's okay for just a day van but a camper will weigh close to three tonnes.
The 150 is a 6 speed and this box is worth the extra money alone, so much more robust. I'd definitely go for one if possible.

18s are the biggest sensible size for alloys and are fine: a bit firmer and more fragile than 16s but you should be okay. Also gives brake upgrade options if you need them.

Thanks for quick reply....the more i think about it the more I'm convinced the 150 is the way to go. Will think about the alloys as i could use 18's in summer but have the 16's with a set of winter tyres for the cold weather.

 

[Pauly]

I would agree on the engine, if you can afford the extra I think it's a smart move
I owned a 5 speed small engine T5 and now have a 140 T6 (now a 150 on current models) and wouldn't go back to a 5 speed again

App connect cannot currently be retro added, it is possible from a couple of clever individuals but main dealer will say no but I'm not sure if you can have it on basic headunit ??

 

[Riccardo C.]

I would agree on the engine, if you can afford the extra I think it's a smart move
I owned a 5 speed small engine T5 and now have a 140 T6 (now a 150 on current models) and wouldn't go back to a 5 speed again

App connect cannot currently be retro added, it is possible from a couple of clever individuals but main dealer will say no but I'm not sure if you can have it on basic headunit ??

Thanks! We will now definitely go for the 6speed 150.
I really wanted android auto but i think this may be the one thing i will sacrifice as i can just use my mobile as a satnav etc.
Can i ask where do the revs. Sit in 6th at 70mph.
Thanks!

 

[Pauly]

Cant answer that im afraid as i have DSG but hopefully someone else can

 

[Riccardo C.]

Cant answer that im afraid as i have DSG but hopefully someone else can

Thanks

 

[former member]

Not that helpful but our 204 manual chunters along at about 2k rpm in 6th.
A 150 is probably similar; first two gears are short then they get longer.

 

[MotoPL]

first two gears are short then they get longer.

 

[Riccardo C.]

Not that helpful but our 204 manual chunters along at about 2k rpm in 6th.
A 150 is probably similar; first two gears are short then they get longer.

I'd be happy at around 2000rpm.
Thanks.

 

[DPS]

Hi.
We have started looking into a T6 transporter camper conversion and its been quite a journey so far. We know what colours we like and we know we want the Highline spec as a starting point, we also know which company will supply the 1 year old van and do the conversion. I am finding it difficult to find comparisons and details etc which is why im here. If anyone can help with the following I'd be very grateful.

Most of the vans supplied are the T6 102bhp with five speed manual gearbox. Will this have enough grunt to travel the likes of the alps without constantly changing gear?

At 70mph where does the 102bhp 5 speed revs sit in top gear? Also the 150bhp 6 speed?

Should i get the 150bhp 6 speed for the extra £2-3 grand?

Will 18" alloys ruing the ride quality over the 16's?

Does the standard 5" infotainment system have android auto support and if not can it be retrofitted?

Think thats it for now.....
Thanks

I have a T6 Kombi on order which will be going for a full camper conversion as soon as it's delivered in September. The base spec I have gone for is : Highline, SWB, T32 150ps DSG. I think a full camper needs the extra load rating.
I will be having the basic head unit changed to a Pioneer AVIC-F88DAB. This unit has an excellent and easy interface with the Apple iphone and I can then use the best apps for navigation which will show on the 7" screen.

 

[Riccardo C.]

Something I hadn't really considered is the load rating....t28 t30 t32. I assume t28 is 2.8 tonnes...?
Anyone know how much a swb converted camper weighs? Is t28 fine or should i ask for t30?

Kinda thinking about spending the extra and just getting a california just so my brain stops hurting.

 

[DPS]

Something I hadn't really considered is the load rating....t28 t30 t32. I assume t28 is 2.8 tonnes...?
Anyone know how much a swb converted camper weighs? Is t28 fine or should i ask for t30?

Kinda thinking about spending the extra and just getting a california just so my brain stops hurting.

I would have gone for a California but I know I couldn't have lived with the sliding door on the offside. I decided to go for an 'upmarket' conversion instead.

 

[vw-me]

Hi.
We have started looking into a T6 transporter camper conversion and its been quite a journey so far. We know what colours we like and we know we want the Highline spec as a starting point, we also know which company will supply the 1 year old van and do the conversion. I am finding it difficult to find comparisons and details etc which is why im here. If anyone can help with the following I'd be very grateful.

Most of the vans supplied are the T6 102bhp with five speed manual gearbox. Will this have enough grunt to travel the likes of the alps without constantly changing gear?

At 70mph where does the 102bhp 5 speed revs sit in top gear? Also the 150bhp 6 speed?

Should i get the 150bhp 6 speed for the extra £2-3 grand?

Will 18" alloys ruing the ride quality over the 16's?

Does the standard 5" infotainment system have android auto support and if not can it be retrofitted?

Think thats it for now.....
Thanks

Hi Riccardo, who is doing your conversion if you don't mind me asking ?
We were at the same stage as you are, spoke to a few people and they said go for the 150 so that's what we did. Still an empty panel van at the minute though..............

Are you going SWB or LWB ?

 

[Riccardo C.]

I would have gone for a California but I know I couldn't have lived with the sliding door on the offside. I decided to go for an 'upmarket' conversion instead.

Yeah the door on the wrong side and the fridge door being part of the worktop is annoying. I did look at a 2011 california with 55000 miles and it was all still working perfectly but all the plastic behind the bed seat and along the door was all cracked, either a hard life or not the best use of materials. It was still very highly priced!
I do like the two tone colours available at the moment, very sexy.

 

[Riccardo C.]

Hi Riccardo, who is doing your conversion if you don't mind me asking ?
We were at the same stage as you are, spoke to a few people and they said go for the 150 so that's what we did. Still an empty panel van at the minute though..............

Are you going SWB or LWB ?

At the moment we are looking at funkydubz.com based in Southbourne. Nice owner and a solid good quality but simple conversion that's nicely thought out and a reimo roof. There's lot of useable storage and once the table is removed you can use the entire length of the floor for those visits to b&q.
Swb as we want to use it daily and dont want to be restricted with parking etc.

 

[DPS]

View attachment 10838 View attachment 10837
At the moment we are looking at funkydubz.com based in Southbourne. Nice owner and a solid good quality but simple conversion that's nicely thought out and a reimo roof. There's lot of useable storage and once the table is removed you can use the entire length of the floor for those visits to b&q.
Swb as we want to use it daily and dont want to be restricted with parking etc.

There are three converters I would strongly recommend. Ecowagon in Cornwall, New Wave near Cardiff, and Three Bridge near Milton Keynes. Thaese three aren't the cheapest but are top for quality and workmanship. All can convert using the original California bed on rails. Hope this helps.

 

[former member]

Well we're on our 2nd California and love it; the door thing isn't an issue partly because most of our miles are done abroad; six week trip starts on Sunday.

Bullet proof residuals and warranty too.

 

[DPS]

Well we're on our 2nd California and love it; the door thing isn't an issue partly because most of our miles are done abroad; six week trip starts on Sunday.

Bullet proof residuals and warranty too.

I know, some can live with it some can't, hence the mega conversion industry in this country! Personally I would love a Cali, but with the slider on our near side!

 

[Riccardo C.]

There are three converters I would strongly recommend. Ecowagon in Cornwall, New Wave near Cardiff, and Three Bridge near Milton Keynes. Thaese three aren't the cheapest but are top for quality and workmanship. All can convert using the original California bed on rails. Hope this helps.

Thanks.... I'll have a look at these but I feel that if i were to spend close to £50,000 id probably get a California due to much better residuals.