New member on a campervan dream

[JAT69]

Hello, I've been lurking for a while trying to gain some knowledge.
I'm on a campervan quest and I'm a complete novice although I did own a 1973 Bay 23 years ago. I'm still having nightmares to this day!!
I'm currently driving a T5 van but I've decided to purchase a T6 camper.
A ready made camper is the way I think I shall go, hopefully a SWB Highline. But this can all change, I'm off to Busfest on the Sunday so hopefully I can get some info and have a look at variants.
I have a few essentials namely 5 seatbelts, 4 berth, pop up plus I think the 150 engine, but being a large outlay I'm nervous of who are reputable converters. I'm hoping to have a budget of £35K and any advice will be gratefully appreciated. Cheers.

 

[Ed Webb]

Best thing to do in my opinion is spend loads of time trying to work out what you want from the van. Some choose to hire one to get an idea of what to expect and to see what works for them. Busfest will be a fantastic place to check out a range of set ups to help you decide. I actually enjoy browsing the campsite for ideas too as these vans are used as campers and most of us love talking about them. This site is full of ideas. Check out the search function to select threads that relate to a topic you wish to research to make it easier. This site is fantastic for reviews, tips and tricks but I like to check out any bug purchases such as pop tops in person to make sure I'm happy.

 

[Bryn23]

Research, Research and more Research, enjoy Busfest

Also consider a LWB, that 400mm really seems to make a difference over the SWB

 

[Gavandi]

Research, Research and more Research, enjoy Busfest

Also consider a LWB, that 400mm really seems to make a difference over the SWB

Echo the above.
LWB gives option of kitchen conversion at back of van.
This gives lots of access when set up in day.
40cm is nothing when driving but huge when in and out all day!!

 

[Simon Kay]

Research, Research and more Research, enjoy Busfest

Also consider a LWB, that 400mm really seems to make a difference over the SWB

I went with the LWB for exactly that reason..

 

[Davenjo]

I went for a SWB so that I could just about squeeze onto a "standard" size parking bay - the intention being that the T6 will eventually become my daily driver. In reality, on the few occasions I need to use car parks in the van, I tend to park at the far end away from everyone else so not currently that much of an issue for me.

 

[Sjacko20]

We thought we wanted LWB but everyday practicality and having hired one for a weekend decided SWB was the best fit for us. Research, test and more research is the order of the day. I would suggest £35k may be a bit tight but could be doable if you find a good value starter van and don't overspec the conversion (the sky really is the limit!!) Happy hunting and enjoy the journey.

 

[Ed Webb]

I'm really pleased with our base van and the spec of conversion that we've gone for. I made sure I bought a van that matched what I wanted and then with the conversion we are getting the main bits d9ne to make it liveable and any thing we would like professionally done such as electrics, solar panel, diesel heater. We then aim to add things like swivel seats later on when we can afford it again.

 

[Colinlp]

We thought we wanted LWB but everyday practicality and having hired one for a weekend decided SWB was the best fit for us

Me too. a LWB would be totally impractical for me and the SWB is fine inside but it does make having at least a swivelling passenger seat an almost must have. Hiring a van for the weekend is an excellent idea to give you a real grasp of what's important and what isn't