Bought our first camper in April ..just me and the wife use it …. I’m 60 years old loving the Vanlife …. I have a van for my work so camper suits us it’s T6.1
We spent £43400 for a brand new van and professional campervan conversion ( got the van for £25K inc vat during the pandemic cheap, now £37k ) We found that it was great for 2 people going around remote places and on narrow roads etc. For stationary types of vacation taking a grandkid, it didn't have the space, so we added to our capervan with a cheap 4 berth fixed bed caravan. The campervan hasn't had a look in for 10 outings now because it is so nice having the extra space and comfort and not banging your head and drying the condensation every morning. We are getting a tow bar fitted to the campervan to tow the caravan, instead of our car, so the campervan can be used as the day van on outings, having tea and food making facilities, whilst out at attractions etc. Just so it gets used. The caravan only cost £12k and has had a few small issues that cost about £40 each to sort. I would advise anybody wanting a campervan to try a caravan first, it may save you a fortune and suit you much better, especially if there is more than two of you. We have towed the caravan 300 miles to Scotland and can still go down single track roads in the car. The only difference is you are stationed on a camp site, which we personally preferred to do for safety anyway with the campervan.
We have a fully converted T6 and last night did our first off grid camp out. We have a sink & cooker, never used never will be and a compressor fridge that I love when on EHU. Panicking about the leisure battery we took battery torches and a cool box from Aldi with reusable ice cubes and had the best night camping since having the van
Fantastic. Thats what it's all about, enjoy the experience. A solar panel is great to help with your fridge when off grid. Many people don't use the sink and cooker, seems a waste, but yet when people are buying, they expect them to be fitted
I’m in the same boat. I’ve got a 2012 California. Not as flash as a t6/6.1 but still does everything I want it to do. Had the roof converted to manual so that’s one less niggle to fret over. Its all about getting out and enjoying the freedom it brings, whatever set up you have. The only issue I’m concerned about is the rise in ULEZ’s that are popping up. Being an older van I’m subject to those charges. I don’t drive in London much so its not a game changer at the moment. Cheers for the vid. Good stuff. Keep em coming mate. 👍🏻
Thank you. That’s right, any van can give the experiences. The ULEZ and CAZ are becoming wider spread and dependant on area of country people are from the worry is greater for others. If I remains in cities only, then they can be avoided. It’s the greater Manchester one that is blanket over a large area that could be a problem for some
I bought a t6 in October to replace my t4, it’s great and it’s reliable, it has aircon, but apart from that, I really miss the care free like of the t4
Just buy any of them according to your own budget, you’ll enjoy it much more if it’s not emptying your pockets. I run a T5.1 former builder van with basic conversion completed myself and we love it, plus I was able to get a little extra space by opting for a lab.
🤣 I read your first comment initially and was trying the figure out how opting for a Labrador gave you more space 🤣 A LWB gives more space than people realise.
It sure is. The T4’s in the car park had exactly the same experience as the newer vehicles and the seriously expensive motorhome that was there. I’m improving, thank you
@@StaycationLifestyle I think there's a form of inverted snobbery being expressed here. Obviously a 20 year old van will fulfil the same function as a new van, but will those 2 vans still be fulfilling the same function in 20 years hence? Somehow, I doubt it. When spending a huge chunk of cash, IMO it's valuable to *know* that a van hasn't been abused or neglected by a previous owner; to have a manufacturer's warranty; and to have the reassurance that (all things being equal) the trouble-free miles lay ahead, rather than in the dim & distant past.
The 20 year old van obviously won’t be as reliable and have the modern creature comforts. I would absolutely love a new van, but cant. The point is for those who don’t own a van and can’t afford a new van, they can have the same experiences with a much older van.
Hi all!! New to this campervan scene and wondering about the benefits of having or not having a fixed toilet? T6.1 would be my prefered option but partner is very concerned about going to toilet during night, lack of privacy etc. Thoughts would be appreciated :)
The Transporter is quite a small van for a fixed toilet. Some layouts do have them, but not many. They take up space that could be used for other things. Many people will have a Thetford Porta potty facility, usually placed in an awning or toilet tent. Others prefer to only use camp sites with services on site
You are correct regarding the holidays, but you still need a vehicle. These vans are daily drivers also. I completely agree £60k I a lot of money for a van, but the residual will still be there. It’s a lifestyle choice as much as a vehicle choice. Everyone one makes different choices
Hire one for a week and carry out any tasks you would be doing if it was your own. Going to work, shopping, plus a few days away. That’s the best way to see if it’s the right van for you
You can't (shouldn't) conclude that "a camper is not required" purely on the basis of someone whose use-case suits a kombi, confirming that a kombi suits their use-case. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
You just re made the point. You don’t need a camper to enjoy the outdoor experience. Nor do you need a New van. Therefore it’s doesn’t matter what van you have, it’s about getting out and enjoying it. As I said in the later part of the video, what is best for me, might not be best for you, what I like, you may not like.
Really enjoying these new Fire Pit conversation videos, great format.
Thank you. Will keep them coming 👍🏼
Bought our first camper in April ..just me and the wife use it …. I’m 60 years old loving the Vanlife …. I have a van for my work so camper suits us it’s T6.1
excellent - really enjoying your channel. - nice to get the differing takes - keep it simple is the key for me.👍
Thank you. Over the next few months there will hopefully be something for everyone 👍🏼
We spent £43400 for a brand new van and professional campervan conversion ( got the van for £25K inc vat during the pandemic cheap, now £37k ) We found that it was great for 2 people going around remote places and on narrow roads etc. For stationary types of vacation taking a grandkid, it didn't have the space, so we added to our capervan with a cheap 4 berth fixed bed caravan. The campervan hasn't had a look in for 10 outings now because it is so nice having the extra space and comfort and not banging your head and drying the condensation every morning. We are getting a tow bar fitted to the campervan to tow the caravan, instead of our car, so the campervan can be used as the day van on outings, having tea and food making facilities, whilst out at attractions etc. Just so it gets used. The caravan only cost £12k and has had a few small issues that cost about £40 each to sort. I would advise anybody wanting a campervan to try a caravan first, it may save you a fortune and suit you much better, especially if there is more than two of you. We have towed the caravan 300 miles to Scotland and can still go down single track roads in the car. The only difference is you are stationed on a camp site, which we personally preferred to do for safety anyway with the campervan.
We have a fully converted T6 and last night did our first off grid camp out. We have a sink & cooker, never used never will be and a compressor fridge that I love when on EHU. Panicking about the leisure battery we took battery torches and a cool box from Aldi with reusable ice cubes and had the best night camping since having the van
Fantastic. Thats what it's all about, enjoy the experience.
A solar panel is great to help with your fridge when off grid.
Many people don't use the sink and cooker, seems a waste, but yet when people are buying, they expect them to be fitted
I’m in the same boat. I’ve got a 2012 California. Not as flash as a t6/6.1 but still does everything I want it to do. Had the roof converted to manual so that’s one less niggle to fret over. Its all about getting out and enjoying the freedom it brings, whatever set up you have. The only issue I’m concerned about is the rise in ULEZ’s that are popping up. Being an older van I’m subject to those charges. I don’t drive in London much so its not a game changer at the moment.
Cheers for the vid. Good stuff. Keep em coming mate. 👍🏻
Thank you.
That’s right, any van can give the experiences. The ULEZ and CAZ are becoming wider spread and dependant on area of country people are from the worry is greater for others. If I remains in cities only, then they can be avoided. It’s the greater Manchester one that is blanket over a large area that could be a problem for some
I bought a t6 in October to replace my t4, it’s great and it’s reliable, it has aircon, but apart from that, I really miss the care free like of the t4
Just buy any of them according to your own budget, you’ll enjoy it much more if it’s not emptying your pockets. I run a T5.1 former builder van with basic conversion completed myself and we love it, plus I was able to get a little extra space by opting for a lab.
LWB😂
🤣 I read your first comment initially and was trying the figure out how opting for a Labrador gave you more space 🤣 A LWB gives more space than people realise.
Great to have you back.
Thank you. I’m improving 👍🏼
I have a set of standard suspension with delivery miles from a t6.1 t28 free to collect near Manchester will fit all t26,8,30 models
Great video as always, hope your recovery is going well. 👊
Thank you. Yes I am improving 💪🏼
Lovely setting for a video 👍
Sure is. Not sure I will better that one. oh, actually I will 😂
Classic law of diminishing returns. Great topic and chat as always.
Hope you're on the mend 👊
It sure is. The T4’s in the car park had exactly the same experience as the newer vehicles and the seriously expensive motorhome that was there.
I’m improving, thank you
@StaycationLifestyle good to hear! 🤙
@@StaycationLifestyle I think there's a form of inverted snobbery being expressed here. Obviously a 20 year old van will fulfil the same function as a new van, but will those 2 vans still be fulfilling the same function in 20 years hence? Somehow, I doubt it.
When spending a huge chunk of cash, IMO it's valuable to *know* that a van hasn't been abused or neglected by a previous owner; to have a manufacturer's warranty; and to have the reassurance that (all things being equal) the trouble-free miles lay ahead, rather than in the dim & distant past.
The 20 year old van obviously won’t be as reliable and have the modern creature comforts. I would absolutely love a new van, but cant. The point is for those who don’t own a van and can’t afford a new van, they can have the same experiences with a much older van.
Hi all!! New to this campervan scene and wondering about the benefits of having or not having a fixed toilet? T6.1 would be my prefered option but partner is very concerned about going to toilet during night, lack of privacy etc. Thoughts would be appreciated :)
The Transporter is quite a small van for a fixed toilet. Some layouts do have them, but not many. They take up space that could be used for other things.
Many people will have a Thetford Porta potty facility, usually placed in an awning or toilet tent. Others prefer to only use camp sites with services on site
Camping as and never will be worth 60k for your camper set up ! That’s at least 12 quality Holidays.
You are correct regarding the holidays, but you still need a vehicle. These vans are daily drivers also. I completely agree £60k I a lot of money for a van, but the residual will still be there.
It’s a lifestyle choice as much as a vehicle choice. Everyone one makes different choices
Do you know of good places to buy a camper from around Yorkshire?
Are you buying a new or used van?
@@StaycationLifestyle unsure, either cheap older to test it out or new investment
Hire one for a week and carry out any tasks you would be doing if it was your own. Going to work, shopping, plus a few days away.
That’s the best way to see if it’s the right van for you
You can't (shouldn't) conclude that "a camper is not required" purely on the basis of someone whose use-case suits a kombi, confirming that a kombi suits their use-case. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
You just re made the point.
You don’t need a camper to enjoy the outdoor experience.
Nor do you need a New van.
Therefore it’s doesn’t matter what van you have, it’s about getting out and enjoying it.
As I said in the later part of the video, what is best for me, might not be best for you, what I like, you may not like.
Great stuff! Kombi all the way for me too!
Thank you. Kombi certainly is do it all 👍🏼