Welcome new members

Thanks. It wasn't by choice but I did buy it knowing it needed a bit of re-work however, I quickly discovered just how danagerous everything was and spent the last 3 weeks in a self-learning crash-course on how to re-fit a campervan electrical and gas system. Having said that, it has been quite enjoyable and I even surprised myself at some of my handywork....

Not sure what you mean about joining a team but will look it up and get it done.
Good stuff!

Find an appropriate Team (or more than one!) here:
 
Hello all - hope I'm posting in the right place, my first post ever, not just on this forum, in life!! I'm "only" 46, but have never felt the need before .......... but the thought of soon owning a T6 or T6.1 has excited me enough to give it a go. Sorry if I should have started a new thread. My Mitsubishi L200 is about to go back after the 3 year lease expires and I want to now buy something that is even more versatile, through my business. Haven't decide if it will be SWB or LWB yet (what's available will influence this too - can't be without wheels for too many months) and would like it to be 4Motion too as I tow a caravan, and maybe a horsebox one day soon too. Camper conversion is the main consideration, so again, exact model is very important ............. feel free to reply with any experiences/advice and hope to now join in with more threads!!
 
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Hello all - hope I'm posting in the right place, my first post ever, not just on this forum, in life!! I'm "only" 46, but have never felt the need before .......... but the thought of soon owning a T6 or T6.1 has excited me enough to give it a go. Sorry if I should have started a new thread. My Mitsubishi L200 is about to go back after the 3 year lease expires and I want to now buy something that is even more versatile, through my business. Haven't decide if it will be SWB or LWB yet (what's available will influence this too - can't be without wheels for too many months) and would like it to be 4Motion too as I tow a caravan, and maybe a horsebox one day soon too. Camper conversion is the main consideration, so again, exact model is very important ............. feel free to reply with any experiences/advice and hope to now join in with more threads!!
Welcome to the forum.

FWIW, I would recommend LWB - every time! I've driven and camped in both and I'd say the extra 40cm in length is negligible when driving and only marginally trickier when parking, but it makes a huge difference to internal space. I'd also recommend a T30 for a full camper. With a T28 you'll need to be constantly vigilant you don't exceed the max GVW and with a T32 your wheel/tyre options are very limited (if you're looking to upgrade from standard wheels).

As for 4Motion, then you'll be restricted to either a 150 or a 199 bhp engine, either of which are suitable for towing. DSG is also a must in my view.
 
Welcome to the forum.

FWIW, I would recommend LWB - every time! I've driven and camped in both and I'd say the extra 40cm in length is negligible when driving and only marginally trickier when parking, but it makes a huge difference to internal space. I'd also recommend a T30 for a full camper. With a T28 you'll need to be constantly vigilant you don't exceed the max GVW and with a T32 your wheel/tyre options are very limited (if you're looking to upgrade from standard wheels).

As for 4Motion, then you'll be restricted to either a 150 or a 199 bhp engine, either of which are suitable for towing. DSG is also a must in my view.
Thanks Bav.

I really appreciate the feedback. I think the SWB looks a bit better, subjective I guess, but additional room is never a bad thing, especially with a long term investment. Wife prefers LWB simply for the space, she values practicality over looks, wonder what that says about me!! Has an impact on the GVW position too.

I certainly take your point onboard regarding the T30 vs T32. The driver here is that I believe the base vehicle needs to have a payload in excess of 1000kg to be classed as a commercial vehicle by HMRC . I'm not taking the base kerb weights as read that I've seen on autotrader, so will take further advice on this from the commercial deals when I visit them (Milton Keynes and Northampton) in 2 weeks time.

Look forward to driving a DSG and seeing how it feels. I'm old school, only ever had manuals, couldn't stand the thought of a crappy 5 speed auto. I'm looking forward to testing a DSG as I'm now ready to 'cruise' I think!

Catch up soon!

Markus
 
Haha! They tell us that size doesn't matter, but we know they don't really believe that ;)

The T32 wheel/tyre thing didn't put me off - I ordered one anyway. It's just a little restrictive if you want to stay legal and above board.

Previously, almost all of my driving has been in a manual. I had a brief spell with a Peugeot 406 which put my right off automatics (torque-converter + underpowered engine = mega frustration!), but the DSG is a different kettle of fish and makes for effortless driving.

Paul
 
Hi all, got a 6.1 Cali Ocean on order and expected delivery around October. 12 months after ordering. Went through all the options before taking the plunge on a new one. Yes it’s very pricey but secondhand prices are crazy so we’re looking at the long term and I’m trying to convince myself it will hold its value quite well. Even though it’s a Cali we still have loads of ideas for upgrades and additions - we’ve had plenty of time to research! We are first time Campervanners but I’ve been quite active over on the Cali forum. Lots of people on there recommend this forum so here I am.
First things we plan to do are security (Ghost possibly), suspension, front spoiler, sidebars, graphics and solar, so I’ll be on here for advice soon.
Thanks, Phil.
 
Hi Everyone,

:waving:

We've recently taken delivery of our T6.1 Highline 2l Diesel SWB in Pure Grey that's been converted to sleep our little family of 4.

It's great to be here - the last time I joined an owners forum was when I had a motorbike :)

I'm going to be searching for some audio tips initially - as i've just upgraded the sound system:

APK 165P Speakers
Audison SR 4.5 Amp
Sound Proofing
Prima APBX 8AS Active Sub

And looking at how to get the most out of it.

Cheers
Joe
 
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We took possession of a Leisuredrive Vivante on a T6.1 on Thursday. Installed a dash cam on Sat. All going well. Van build quality from Leisuredrive is truly excellent. Went for a ride Sunday. Noticed mirror adjustment wasn’t working. No big deal. Vans under warranty. Being the type that needs to fix problems I decided to consult the manual to see if it was a fuse. As you all know VW like to keep fuse diagrams in a vault in Germany somewhere. Joining the forum for a v reasonable £13 I get to download the diagram. Located the fuse which was being used as a fuse carrier for (I assume) some part of the Leisuredrive build. Yes I had removed it to test for 12v with ignition on and, yes when I replaced it I bent a pin on the fuse carrier. I’m careful and experienced with auto electrics but I made this simple error. Anyway thanks to this forum and someone’s hard work I was able to diagnose and fix. Now I need recommendations for a reversing camera for the startline.
 
Welcome to the forum!

Don’t forget to post some pics and join our Team!

 
Hello all, been a lurker for a while and have already gleaned loads of useful info and advice, but we are gettign close to pulling the trigger on a van purchase so have joined to become a proper part of the community.

We were fairly seasoned campers when the kids were younger, but now they're off on their own its time for me and Mrs Jay to start some new adventures. We're not planing a grand European road trip just yet though, more like long weekends and maybe 2 weeks UK trips at present. We're thinking to build a camping van (Day van plus ?) , rather than a fully fitted kitchen with Rock'n'roller etc but no doubt things will change over time. Will be putting windows all round as we felt a bit claustrohobic squeezed onto a RIB/RocknRoll Bed surrounded by black carpet and a wardrobe in the ones that we've sat in at shows etc so prefer the open feel and views. And we're favouring the more sociable L or U Lounge as we don't need belted seats for passengers (Ply guys / Van Furntiure style) and it feels better for evening card games and two people to eat facing each other rather than banging elbows on a 112 seat trying to eat off a table no-one can actually reach comfortably.

At present the shopping list for the base van is SWB (also daily driver) T30 highline (or Trendline with A/C & parking), Panel Van, 100+ bhp. We're not too fussed on colours or Rear door Vs Tailgate, & will probably add a pop-top straight away if the budget will stretch and probably looking at V simple leisure electrics for internal lights and a USB port or two plus an EcoFlow / Bluetti style thing for devices (unless that could also cope with the internal accomodation lights?) Cooking will be likely under tarp / sail thing or awning on a Cadac style cooker. Fridge is still tbc but could either be Dometic CRX style in a small pod (off the Leisure Batt) or a powered cool box or just a Yeti-style ice box. When camping we survived by just buying what we needed daily and using a v cheap cool box with gel packs that lasted 1 day and got re-frozen by the campsite shop.

Looking forward to sharing our build with you all (once we've found the right base van!)
 
Hi Guys I'm New to the Forum. I have a Leighton's van 2016 Blackberry kombi we have just done a Kombi bed conversion and had our first night and loved it. But gone and lost a head rest DONT ask ! It fell out when we opened the electric door they were on the floor! Grrrr where shall i start hunting? I'm Swapping the Wheels to Navis Twin 5s this week so Ill post the changes soon.

Van.jpg
 
A place for new members to stop by and say hello, tell us what your driving or planning to drive & anything else you want to share.

If you wish to post a question or discuss something specific please visit the appropriate sub forum. You may find your question has already been ask, so a search is always recommended.

If you wish to sell or place a wanted advert within our classified sub-forum, then you’ll need to upgrade your free account to a VIP account by clicking here.

The forum rules can be found by clicking here whilst FAQ’s on using the forum can be found here.
Hi Pauly and the forum. I'm a new member saying from Bristol. Used to have a T5.1 upgraded in July to a T6.1 Kombi. With slidepod set up and loving it
 
Hi all new too vw camper ownership after years towing around my caravan around picking the t6.1 on September 12th can’t wait .
Need some advice on drive away awnings Looking for a large air awnings that can take a annex if possible.also I have no awning rail Fitted too the van what are my options?
Thanks in advance
Ady & bee
P.s we are complete new bees too camper van life so go easy
 
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Hi all. Finally got round to joining after browsing for what seemed like ages. I've gone and took the plunge and hopefully pick up my van tomorrow. It's a 16 T30 Kombi High line. Team black. Suggestions on what essentials I need to buy??
 
Hi all. Finally got round to joining after browsing for what seemed like ages. I've gone and took the plunge and hopefully pick up my van tomorrow. It's a 16 T30 Kombi High line. Team black. Suggestions on what essentials I need to buy??
Oh dear, you’ve opened Pandora’s box with that last question….brace yourself for a huge list of suggestions of essentials incoming!!! And keep an eye of @Eli , as he’ll be buying most of them and then selling them on here cheaper the following week!!!!

And welcome too. You’ll find an answer to just about any question, problem or conundrum on the forum……and possibly some van related stuff too
 
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Welcome to the forum! Plenty of inspiration here:


 
Hi all. Finally got round to joining after browsing for what seemed like ages. I've gone and took the plunge and hopefully pick up my van tomorrow. It's a 16 T30 Kombi High line. Team black. Suggestions on what essentials I need to buy??
Team black way to go for start....welcome
 
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Hello all, am new to this forum, and super pumped to have found it! Wealth of information on here and good vibes from other owners. :):cool:

I've attached a pic of our pride & joy which we purchased in April.......I've been brave enough to lower the springs by 30mm and then swap the original tyres (235/55/r17) for a set of Wolfrace alloys (255/35/r20).

having read things on this forum, everyone seems to have extremely helpful opinions, and it very welcome to a newbie owner with little yet growing confidence :)

IMG-8693.jpg

IMG-8701.jpg
 
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