What base for a camper..?

[A100man]

I currently have an old VW T2 'bay Window' based camper, had it donkey's years but not driven in much in the last 5 because its too small and slow, and thirsty.
In a couple of years I hope to do some more travel with the A100 strapped to the back of a camper so I'm considering what base vehicle is best once I sell the VW..

Current thinking is to buy a s/h diesel Transit minibus, hi-top if possible to convert. This because all windows and head linings etc.. are already in place - some even have rear chair lifts that would suit a small bike..

..anyone else got any experience to pass on, on this kind of thing?

Cheers
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Now: A100, GT250A, XJ598, FZ750

Then: Fizz, RS200, KL250, XJ550, Laverda Alpina, XJ600, FZS600

[stinkwheel]

Ones registered as a minibus get around some of the low emissions zones about the place which is a consideration.

I agree avoid VW because the prices are stupid. But all the prices are stupid just now. Not being fussy about what exactly the base vehicle is and looking out for a stalled lockdown project might be a good plan, you might find something where they've bought a load of the stuff but not got round to fitting it. There must be thousands of them sat on driveways.

I've seen a couple of nissan NV vans converted. Not a popular van to convert and they are a super simple diesel engine in them, minimal electronic fuckwittery.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[WD Forte]

I've done and worked on a few but another consideration is that
most big vans will be deisel and depending on the age of the vehicle you get, it may be locked out of these damned ULEZ zones as time goes on
or have you pay through the nose to enter them.
You could just buy a new Euro whatever vehicle of course .

Petrol/lpg conversion might be an option but lpg doesn't have as high an energy density as petrol so miles/gallon or Kg of gas will differ and I'm not sure of the comparative running costs.
Currently ther is no exemption for lpg in that London os it nor ven be wirh considering as others will probably follow suit

Then there are exceptions
Showman vehicles get a discount
Historic or pre 73 vehicles get a pass
(get a 1979 LWB tranny and fit a modern deisel lump in it)
miltary vehicles get pass
specialist agriculteral vehicles get a pass
mobile cranes

I'd fancy one of these 407's with a newer more fuel efficient lump in it
or even a bigger 608D
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/fa/ae/0d/faae0d7de66108137a9b17377a4654d8.jpg
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bikers smell of wee

[stinkwheel]

[A100man]

Thanks both.. Will have about 8-10k to play with for base vehicle I reckon.. Not sure I'd want to get involved in motor swaps though just interior fit out..

ULEZ hopefully not too much of an issue.. not intending to visit the smoke and foreign cities will get the two fingers should I fall foul there, probably.

Cheers.

Ps That Nissan looks quite small Transit Connect kinda size.. no?
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Now: A100, GT250A, XJ598, FZ750

Then: Fizz, RS200, KL250, XJ550, Laverda Alpina, XJ600, FZS600

[WD Forte]

Converting a van to a camper takes a surprising amount of time and money.
It can be interesting and enjoyable if you're into that thing and have the time and budget but not everybody has.

Buying a camper version of a van new or SH is eye wateringly expensive
DIY campers go from very good to utter shite but still command a hefty price so buyer beware.

Some look pretty but are water traps and quietly turn into rot boxes so careful inspection is a must.
Dont get dazzled by knitted cushion covers and folk art
crawl underneath and poke about.

Wiring will also go from pro quality to dangerous bodges
especially when they have mains hook ups.
If you see a rats nest, walk away!
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bikers smell of wee

[The Artist]

I have owned a couple of converted campers. A Sprinter and a Transit. Both MWB high tops as I wanted to be able to park in normal spots and also stand up inside. I also wanted it to look like a regular van so I could stealth camp without attracting too much attention if needed.

The '08 sprinter handled and drove far nicer than the '14 transit. Turns out more reliable but I think if you go with any of the big names, the reliability is pretty much the same.

I still have the transit but if I was looking for another, any mechanically sound MWB high top would be fine. I am not sure how people survive with vans they can't stand up in unless they are just using it for the odd day or 2 away.

[Polarbear]

A friend who is well into this says that at the moment DVLA are refusing to re register vans as campers which can get you falling foul of insurance and ferry prices. He said the ferrys regard vans as commericial vehicles and charge accordingly.

I have no idea how true any of that is but he has converted a few in his time. At present he is doing a Ford Tourneo connect as it is registered as an MPV.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Copycat73]

[WD Forte]

[Nobby the Bastard]

I slept in the back of an escort van for 6 months....
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Sprint ST 1050

[virus]

plenty of transit minibusses around that are now 'worthless' cause of ULEZ so if you dont give a shit about going to london then they are a bargain. Also come with a fuckton of captive nuts welded into the floor for mounting a bed frame etc into once youve got rid of the seats. MY mates just picked up one thats even got working rear air con.

Another benefit of the mk5/6 transit is theres an absolute shit ton of spares around for cheap unlike the robbing bastards in the VW clique.
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own: 81 xs1100g...
owned: 85 rat CG (sold), 91 GS500e (stolen), 84 gsx400f (scrapped), 81 z250 (siezed, siezed, scrapped), 83 cb250rs (sold), 84 gpz750r ratfighter (killed) 84gpz400 (sold), '80 cb650 ratfighter (wrote off) 95gsx6/12f ratfighter (killed) 91 xj900 (sold)
stinkwheel Well I just had my hands up a pigs fanny. Which makes your concerns pale into insignificance.

[stinkwheel]

[Xero]

I would strongly recommend a Sprinter or maybe a Transit. In abundance, and low prices for higher mileage ones.
I have a Sprinter. Traveled around Europe and North Africa in mine for 3 years and the only problem I had was a flat battery once. Super reliable if basic maintenance oil water etc. are carried out weekly.
There are loads of YouTubers doing UK VanLife, which may help as this forum isn't so active. You may also check https://van2b.com/the-10-best-vans-for-van-life/ to find the biggest van for van life