VW Campers

[The Ken]

VW Campers - I've decided I want one and mainly to use for camping

I don't want to spend the earth on a concourse one so does anyone have any pointers for me?
I know to look for rust around the windows and on the floorpan - but that is about it.
I have heard that Bay versions are better for camping than the splits but that it about the limit of my knowledge.

Do they all have 4/5 seats with belts? I would need 5.

 

[suburbanreuben]

The first thing you should do is replace the fuel pipe above the exhaust manifold. Due to the heat, this has a habit of decomposing and splitting.
You can guess the rest... :roll:

 

[legrandefromage]

Ssssstreuth!

 

[lewis1641]

splits are rather small and very expensive and trendy.

bays are rather small and very expensive and trendy

t3's (wedge) are getting there but fetch strong money

t4's are great, mainly because the engine is in the front so get more space in the back

t5's mega bucks.

seriously, the bay isnt much bigger than a split. i found mine awkward as a camper - really needed an awning.

best bet is a t4 van/caravelle and create your own.

swivel front seats help creats a lot of space.

 

[The Ken]

I'm put of a T4/5 as I am currently the owner of a Touran and don't rate the recent mechanicals/electrics - to add to this because they have an ECU, I can't fix them if they go wrong. Classic status/looks is a major attraction.

I am expecting to use an awning and or tent for the bigger family outings as I don't expect to sleep more than 2 inside the van.

 

[djoptix]

Type 25 then? Or some other camper with classic looks? Scene tax is gigantic on VW campers.

 

[magas]

Ssssstreuth!

you scared me - I have one of those T2 and want to go for vacation with the familiy :shock:

 

[al]

splits are rather small and very expensive and trendy.

bays are rather small and very expensive and trendy

t3's (wedge) are getting there but fetch strong money

t4's are great, mainly because the engine is in the front so get more space in the back

t5's mega bucks.

seriously, the bay isnt much bigger than a split. i found mine awkward as a camper - really needed an awning.

best bet is a t4 van/caravelle and create your own.

swivel front seats help creats a lot of space.

What he said!!

If you realy are going down the split/bay road then http://www.thesamba.com/vw/ is a great resource. also it pains me to say that VZI is another good place to ask questions.

Talking of aircooled stuff, my notch is in bens workshop pages in Ultra vw this month,sorry! :roll:

al.

 

[legrandefromage]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1978-bedford-cf25 ... 500wt_1154

I had the opportunity to buy a minter :roll:

 

[lewis1641]

t4 is fairly barn door technology. my 1.9 td didnt have an ecu.

i dont have personal experience of the split but the main issues with them is 6 volt electrics (most will be converted by now) , rot - basically the bottom 6 inches is rot prone, mechanicals - king and link pin front suspension, reduction boxes on the rear axles - low top speed, poor economy. but they are very very cool.

bays - have had 2. better brakes, suspension, gear box and engine. and still look cool. later models all have disc brakes. minimum 1600 engine happily cruise at 60 all day long and expect 25 mpg. fairly robust engines and gearboxes. main issue is rot. sills, arches, floor, chassis. take a good look under any prospective purchase. some bays have "belly pans" under the chassis - steel sheets attached to the under side of the chassis rails and outriggers. these can hide a rotten chassis really well. dont assumt that if the van has them that the chassis is rotten though. some had them, some didnt.

the t25 is the squarer one and out of the 3 is the best value at the moment. they are not the coolest but are still pretty cool. easier to lower the suspension and fit decent wheels too though. again check for rot!