Nice to meet you at the show and glad you are on the mend health wise. We found the show underwhelming and reaffirmed that my 2016 Transporter is a keeper, yes it would be nice to have a DSG but not worth the extra 40k to change the van. Keep up the good work.
Thank you. Lovely to meet you also. The show was set to be a little underwhelming regarding the Transporter as it’s an outgoing model, hence there were a lot of Crafters/MAN. Hopefully the New model will be out for next year and it will be far more interesting.
The cooker in the Jerba Campervan you mentioned is not an induction cooker, it is a Wallas Hob which is a diesel cooker (not induction) and is also the heater in the van. You don’t then need to carry gas and it means a single fuel source.
@@StaycationLifestyle agree, it’s a fantastic piece of kit which we love. Gives you a lot of additional storage space when you don’t need to store gas.
I've got an Automatic Ford Transit custom Devon Firefly hightop swb with 2 single beds and a toilet with a privacy door. Best layout I think, much better use of space, and easy to get to the loo with 2 single beds.
The colour of the Hillside camper that you don’t know is called Stein blue. Mine is 5 yrs old and I get compliments on the colour every time I go out .the best colour IMHO Nice video and info .Keep up the good work
Funny that after seeing all of the different layouts, I have not seen one with the same layout as mine! (With a 129cm RIB bed and microwave) Great video as always!!
@@StaycationLifestyle @oceanblue2023 we find the 2 single seat layout works really well and means you get the full use of the length of the van. It also means you can stand and cook at a normal height. It also means you can access everything in the van without having to step outside.
At 07:55 you mention something about regulations re: storage cupboards over the sink/hob. Could you elaborate as I am thinking of installing something similar on my T5
The hob must be fitted according to the manufacturers instructions. The instructions will give the clearances from units above and it’s this that can often be ignored (obviously not by these NCC approved conversion companies) 👍🏼
I don't want the bodykit. If you don't know why then I suggest that you've never tried to pull up or pull away from a piece of rough verge. Similarly I wouldn't thank you for low profile wheels because they are less resistant to kerbing. Yes to lowered suspension, not only for improved ride but the possibility of sneaking under height restricting barriers. I liked the twin single bed option because you could get a bike in the passageway (I have to go to bed with mine if I want it inside)!
Many people don’t want them, but people have different uses for them. The car parks I go to and the beaches I visit are no good for the body kits if the suspension is to the floor. Yet some don’t have that problem and want them kitted out and low as they can. It’s all personal choice. It’s surprising we don’t see more of that layout, it certainly has its benefits
You saved the very best till last theres no doubt eco wagon plus,the craftsman ship and attention too details makes it top choice for me but i would spec it under 100k
I have a very similar layout to the Jerba with single beds but mine slide together and make a double. It feels so roomy as there is plenty of elbow space either side of the bed. I have a portapotti in a slide out draw. I do not like a toilet on display.
All.of the vans that have ungraded wheels still have the factory spare wheel underneath. I spoke to the chaps at hillside and asked if the swampers they build do they come with a full size spare and they said no .i couldn't find anyone fitting an adapted enlarged spare wheel carrier. Same again i couldn't find any tailgate spare wheel carriers.some needs to manufacture these at a sensible price as im desperately in need of one
interesting BUT no mention about campers for a single person. i have a campervan by Sussex campervan Campers need to be special for single travellers. i love my van cos there is so much space with a small bed. why dont manufacturers produce vans for singles ??
These vehicles are “Type approved” which costs tens of thousands of pounds in testing and development. The market for a single sleeper would be extremely limited and therefore not cost effective for these type approved manufacturers. A van conversion company, like you have mentioned would be the best way to achieve that layout. Converters who will make a bespoke product exactly to your requirements would be needed.
Most beds in these vans are not wide enough for two normal people. Weight distribution is a problem, all the weight is on the offside which affects handling.
They sell extremely well and have done for many years. They may not be the ideal choice for permanent living, but they are comfortable enough for leisure. Weight distribution is not a problem. If there was an issue with these vehicles they wouldn’t beable to obtain whole vehicle type approval.
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen would be proud of this YT Review, it's all about Fabrics, Colours, finish & Wheels. No new functional improvements to make the vans better in everyday use. (Bit like owning a Range Rover)
Its not a review of the vans, they are al NCC Approved, Whole Vehicle Type Approved vans, they all have the usual fittings. There is nothing new as the Transporter is end of lifecycle and there aren't any new Transporters yet. The point of the video was dispelling the "all Transporters are the same" showing that there are different layouts and styles available. New vans with new products and new tech will follow when the new model is released and these converters create their models and go through the very expensive process of crash testing them and obtaining the required certificates.
The show is ran by the NCC and the majority of conversions are approved having gone through the strict regulation and safety criteria. These approved vans are mostly VW’s. I included the Ford I saw (there will be more of these I think next year) There were no small Mercs, but there was a bigger one which is in my video next week 👍🏼
Lowered suspension and extra lumps of tacky plastic don't make any sense. Speed bumps potholes rough ground and ferries are going to damage that shit. Plus they make the vehicle look like a tarts handbag. I used to have a jobl kampa which was brilliant with an adequate 5speed manual, great wee holiday wagon👍
Strangely though, you will find that many converters will add body kits and wheels because it’s the “eye candy” that people buy. There are many different types of buyer, different tastes, preferences. Some like the crazy colours and others prefer more neutral colours. I like the DSG and wouldn’t even consider a 5 speed manual 🤣 Everyone is different 👍🏼
@@StaycationLifestyle I do like a nice rare colour but the more basic the less to go wrong or fall off. Wouldn't touch an automatic with a bargepole as I like changing gears (makes the journey less boring) and they cost a fortune to service/repair compared to a manual box. I did like that Swift Ford Tourney a nice wee change from the obvious VW T6.
@@andrewstevenson6540 I like the Bay Leaf Green 🫣 That is a good point regarding the DSG, just personal preference. It is nice, will be interesting to see what the new model will look like
I think £53k for a brand new Campervan (not registered until bought) which has been built properly within regulation, including kitchen, poptop, rib bed etc is good in the current market. Can you point me in the direction of better value for money? (Considering these will have good residuals) I agree it’s a lot of money for a small van and for a little more you can buy a much bigger motorhome, but they are different vehicles.
They aren’t for everyone, but they sell extremely well. Partly due to the versatility of them, they can be daily driven, whereas a similar priced motorhome with a bathroom is much bigger and can’t be
Hot and cold water system with a shower is what’s in my van, what does it matter if you pee in a porti potty or a fixed loo, still needs to be emptied.
you're missing the point . after a certain age just the concept of squatting in the corner of a little van crapping on a little Porta Potti is absurd and frankly laughable when you're handing over 100 k for the privilege . @@williamclark3572
I have the same William, absolutely superb eh. Hired motorhomes, caravans, campers and for us the camper was the best option. I park it at the house, can use it to campsites or nip to Tesco, so versatile and looks ace. Price doesn’t matter if it works for us.
