SWB vs LWB: Pros and cons
- Thread starter Keaney
- Start date
If you’re going to have one
You might as well have a big one!
LWB T32 DSG
You might as well have a big one!
LWB T32 DSG
Hi All
Looking for opinions on having a Long Wheel Base as a daily drive compared with the short wheel base, before I spend my cash.
Wondered about parking especially in car parks as see swb seem to fit in the space fine. Does anyone have issues in car parks with getting parking tickets as the too long for the space.
Any other cons to having a LWB
Thanks
Looking for opinions on having a Long Wheel Base as a daily drive compared with the short wheel base, before I spend my cash.
Wondered about parking especially in car parks as see swb seem to fit in the space fine. Does anyone have issues in car parks with getting parking tickets as the too long for the space.
Any other cons to having a LWB
Thanks
i drive mine every day and no real issues. If parking in the town, i might have to park out of the way and walk a bit further than if i was in the car but good exercise. I'm well under the 2m height but i dont chance multi storey carparks as they are a bit tight for turns etc. at the supermarket, i have always parked in the far corner anyhow so no issues there as you do need a bit more space than the standard bay. go for it
What he said
I contemplated between swb and lwb for my kombi. I just use it for bikes in the back and I’m pleased I got the lwb so the bikes go straight in without having to take any wheels out.
You have to be a bit more picky with where you park and a 3 point turn might turn into a 5 point turn when it’s a bit narrow between rows of spaces but other than that it’s been fine so far.
I have a LWB T5 (still on the waiting list…) and never had any bother parking it. I can get a least three MTBs in the back (camper conversion) wheels on, so LWB every time for me.
If you have room to park/ garage a LWB at home, get a LWB. If you don't, move!
Seriously though, all other "issues" associated with a LWB are non-issues.
Once you’ve actually driven a LWB you’ll wonder what all the fuss is about. Ours fits into a standard supermarket car park space. The extra 400mm makes a huge difference, literally.
I always park in supermarket bays, 2 in line, then have about 1/2 metre into the rear. Small cars could come behind ok. The other reason, on a normal bay, opening the tail gate, you are well onto the path of passing, parking motors.
As for 3 point turns, into 5, wow, never thought of that as an issue for choosing SWB over LWB. How many tight reverse turns does a driver make in a year?
LWB much more versatile, no worries about lengthy boards, timber etc. Less bounce than a SWB, feels steadier on motorways as well. You may gain 2-3 MPG with the less weight. But more than compensates with the extra length and, leg room etc. Can't see how how 800mm will make a huge difference, to once or twice a year ferry crossings. IMO.
As for 3 point turns, into 5, wow, never thought of that as an issue for choosing SWB over LWB. How many tight reverse turns does a driver make in a year?
LWB much more versatile, no worries about lengthy boards, timber etc. Less bounce than a SWB, feels steadier on motorways as well. You may gain 2-3 MPG with the less weight. But more than compensates with the extra length and, leg room etc. Can't see how how 800mm will make a huge difference, to once or twice a year ferry crossings. IMO.
It’s only 400mm difference
Firstly I apologise in advance if this had been asked already.
I’ve joined today and have a couple of questions.
I’m in the market for a T6 Kombi. I’m new to these and was wondering what the best options are. Is it best to look at the SWB or the LWB? Do the prices vary according to the wheel base?
Does the LWB version struggle more when comes to paring?
I want to use the van for a bit of work at the moment, but being semi retired I am looking at converting it more towards a camper in the next couple of years. I’m very naive at the moment, but looking forward to getting on board.
any info on best places to look to buy a used Kombi would be hugely appreciate. It’s a bloody minefield out there Budget is circa 25k - 30k
Thanks
Nigel
I’ve joined today and have a couple of questions.
I’m in the market for a T6 Kombi. I’m new to these and was wondering what the best options are. Is it best to look at the SWB or the LWB? Do the prices vary according to the wheel base?
Does the LWB version struggle more when comes to paring?
I want to use the van for a bit of work at the moment, but being semi retired I am looking at converting it more towards a camper in the next couple of years. I’m very naive at the moment, but looking forward to getting on board.
any info on best places to look to buy a used Kombi would be hugely appreciate. It’s a bloody minefield out there Budget is circa 25k - 30k
Thanks
Nigel
Hello, have a go on the Search function, top right corner of the screen.
Here’s one search result for starters;
SWB vs LWB: Pros and cons
I'm looking at getting a new van with a camper conversion in the near future. One question I keep asking is SWB or LWB? Apart from the obvious pros and cons that the extra length gives what else do I need to think about? Does it impact on insurance, ferry prices or anything else? Please let me...
Luton: Van overloaded with carpet rolls stopped by police Luton: Van overloaded with carpet rolls stopped by police
LWB might not attract the Fuzz
LWB might not attract the Fuzz
Most of the police cars are un-marked these days. They’re there, don’t worry.
I have had both at the same time....An SWB as a daily drive (work van) and a lovely converted LWB.
The SWB has now been given to an employee as a company vehicle and the LWB Camper remains an epic capable vehicle with so much more room for our family of 5.
The LWB is used as a camper and it is a great vehicle, but after driving an SWB daily I find the LWB a pain in the arse for day to day driving!
I also find it quite long when attached to our (big Gypsy style) caravan, when touring Europe. Today I have been to a Venice car park that would be nonissue for the SWB, but a problem with the LWB!
After relinquishing my interest in the SWB as my daily drive, I bought an EV to use as my daily drive, leaving me with the LWB as a weekend camper and this has highlighted what a thirsty pain in the arse the LWB camper is as a daily drive!
I would say that an LWB camper is a really great bit of kit for many reasons, but if you want a small nimble camper, SWB is for you!
LWB is a heavyweight, capable bit of kit for holiday purposes, which can accept all of the crap associated with a large family, but if I could spend my time again, I'd have bought extra Durex in preference to a LWB T6!
For those out there where this advice is too late..... An LWB is a good capable vehicle which will accommodate your needs well, but trust me.... it is a tw@7 to park, a tw@7 to tow with, and frankly you need to have a word with yourself if you are looking at an LWB van prior to having too many kids!
The SWB has now been given to an employee as a company vehicle and the LWB Camper remains an epic capable vehicle with so much more room for our family of 5.
The LWB is used as a camper and it is a great vehicle, but after driving an SWB daily I find the LWB a pain in the arse for day to day driving!
I also find it quite long when attached to our (big Gypsy style) caravan, when touring Europe. Today I have been to a Venice car park that would be nonissue for the SWB, but a problem with the LWB!
After relinquishing my interest in the SWB as my daily drive, I bought an EV to use as my daily drive, leaving me with the LWB as a weekend camper and this has highlighted what a thirsty pain in the arse the LWB camper is as a daily drive!
I would say that an LWB camper is a really great bit of kit for many reasons, but if you want a small nimble camper, SWB is for you!
LWB is a heavyweight, capable bit of kit for holiday purposes, which can accept all of the crap associated with a large family, but if I could spend my time again, I'd have bought extra Durex in preference to a LWB T6!
For those out there where this advice is too late..... An LWB is a good capable vehicle which will accommodate your needs well, but trust me.... it is a tw@7 to park, a tw@7 to tow with, and frankly you need to have a word with yourself if you are looking at an LWB van prior to having too many kids!
Sorry mate, I couldn't disagree with you more.
We came to the later front engined Transporter world from a Type 25 (T3) to a LWB T4, at that time I measured from the back of a front seat to the rear window glass to discover that they were almost identical!
At that time I wondered how the hell anyone could manage with a SWB T4 which was 14" (355mm) shorter than a Type 25 to use as a camper. From then in the early 1990s onwards we have owned seven LWB high roof Transporters for both everyday use and holidays all over the UK and Europe.
Now we have a LWB MAN TGE which admittedly is too big for everyday use at 6800mm long so it's had to be partnered with a VW T-Roc. Now my wife (and me to some degree) complain that the T-Roc is too small and difficult to manoeuvre! We are both very happy driving the TGE both here and in Europe.
So to other readers, don't let a 5m (5.1 with a tow bar) camper put you off you will find that you can soon get used to it, drive it with pleasure and park it almost anywhere
PS A Volvo estate is only about 100mm (4 inches) shorter than a LWB Transporter.
Additional edit - I've towed with a number of our LWB Transporters and never had any problems with either a caravan or a car transporter trailer loaded with a Beetle. Just get the trailer nose weight right!
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