Newbie here - Any advice welcome before I convert my new T6.1

[Madaboutgolf]

Hi All

Been reading with interest some of the threads. Not really found exactly what I’m looking for yet.

I’ve just bought a new high spec T6.1 to have converted (I’m so useless at DIY and won’t be doing any of this work). I’ve found dozens of companies and a huge array of prices and spec. It’s a tad overwhelming and I want to make the right decision of course.

The Van will be used for mostly weekends away for just the two of us. Occasionally 2 more guests I guess. It will also be out second car so I’ve gone for a SWB.

Anyone had high Spec conversion done recently and could recommend a company?

Really Interested to hear about “Must Haves” and “don’t bother” as far as the spec is concerned. Example Night heater? Blinds? 2 seat bed or 3 seem to be a theme.

Any comments are very welcome and much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Jlo]

I recently had my bus converted, for my use these are my opinions (may be different for you).

Night heater - I didn't bother and it's not been an issue, I'm only a fair weather camper
Sound proofing/insulation - yeah, don't get too hung-up on doing every square mm.
Fridge - Definitely!
Sink (with water storage) - Definitely! but didn't need underslung water tanks.
Hob - I'm 50/50 on this, good for boiling a kettle but I cook outside.
Bed - Must be crash tested, must have seatbelts for carrying 2 passengers. (I didn't need it on rails)
Storage - lots! with easy access front and from the rear.
Pop-top - Not too fussed on super covert, I prefer the roof mechanism/fixings to be outside of the van as much as possible. (Again, crash tested)
Solar - A must for me to run the fridge for days away without hook-up. (only 100W)
hook-up point - Definitely!
Lighting - yeah, but not fussed and kept it simple.
Blinds - I didn't bother because %95 of the time it's my day vehicle, when I'm camping I bought high quality thermal stick-on insulation blinds. (I don't like the look of curtains)
Mains inverter (for mains power when not on hook-up) - Nah, didn't bother, don't wish I had it.

Hummm... what else?

Front swivel - I've got a passenger double so added a swivel base
Side Awning - I want to get one fitted, not going to bother with a big tent style drive away thing.

 

[Madaboutgolf]

Nice one. Your help appreciated. Looks good.

 

[joshje]

We’re going along the same lines as you @Madaboutgolf. We decided to go with VW T5 & T6 Campervan conversions for sale - Cambee because we liked the look of them (exposed birch ply) and also we have only heard positive things about them.

I’ve heard that quality varies considerably between all the conversion companies, so it’s worth reading reviews and getting a sense of how long it will last.

As for must haves, it’s too soon to tell (conversion isn’t starting till January) but we chose a lithium battery, 200w solar panels, diesel night heater (in case it gets cold), hook up.

We decided not to get an inverter, as we have few/no devices that can’t be run off the 12v. For example you can charge a USB-C laptop (eg MacBook Pro) directly from 12v. Some things will just take a bit longer on 12v. If we end up regretting this decision, we can buy an inverter later.

 

[RealGoneKid]

We’ve had our 6.1 converted nearly 4 months now. Also our second vehicle. Pleased with with what we did, spec almost as has been said so far. Perhaps wished we had a slightly wider rib bed. 112 is cosy and I didn’t know they do three wider ones. Whilst we had one eye on what we wanted we also wanted something that was marketable for when it is time to sell in the longer term. Hence we put USB points everywhere!

Havent used heater yet but suspect we might soon (Scotland - October). Didn’t fit inverter but might if SWMBO insists her hair straighteners are required on longer journeys!

Check out Sunset Campers in Cannock, a faultless converter. Perhaps he’s a little bit away from you but you will see our full spec showcased on his site if it helps. If you‘re willing to travel thoroughly recommend Richard.

 

[JonriceT6]

How many people cook in their campers? I’m converting mine shortly from a
Kombi with forty winks bed to a rock roll with small kitchen. But not sure I need cooking facilities inside.

 

[oldiebut goodie]

I wouldn't want to be cooking outside in a howling gale in the depths of winter! Inside for me. Even boiling a kettle outside wouldn't be feasible.

 

[JonriceT6]

Im More of a restaurant / pub food guy. Haha but I understand. With me having kids don’t suppose I’ve thought about winter trips.
I've got a jetboil to boil my water, amazing bit of kit and would highly recommended, Would boil water within a couple of minutes anywhere.

 

[Pete C]

I wouldn't want to be cooking outside in a howling gale in the depths of winter! Inside for me. Even boiling a kettle outside wouldn't be feasible.

This. Prefer to cook outside, or in the awning, but sometimes you don’t have a choice (and the pub is too far away).

Pete