Hello all. I don't yet have a van but I've been looking at campers for a few months now (hundreds online and 2 or 3 in real life) but cannot decide what to concentrate on. My intended use is travelling around Europe, with my bike - staying few days in a campsite while I do some cycle rides, then moving on, for perhaps 3-4 weeks at a time. Mostly just me but sometimes with a partner. Budget around 20k, max 25k - to include any work that needs doing on whatever I buy. I know it's a 'head/heart' decision really but I'd like some info from you experts if possible. Design wise I definitely prefer the late bays to the new T5s, but for reliability I guess the T5 will win hands down. In the past I've had experience with maintaining a car (stripped down and rebuilt my Triumph Herald engine in the early 70's) so doing maintenance on an old vehicle doesn't worry me particularly. But two things I need to know (or get more advice about): Firstly, one guy I saw (who was selling T5's not T2's) alarmed me by saying T2's can catch fire easily. I also see on this forum that one of the most prominent (and longest?) posts is about how to prevent such fires. So, is it the case that as long as the various fuel lines are regularly checked this aspect needn't concern me? Secondly, is it wise to take a 70's vehicle on long trips across Europe (as far as Croatia, Southern Spain, Italy...?) - how difficult would it be to get spares? Do many of you owners do such things, or is it wise to stick to UK touring? Thanks in advance for any advice.
The T2 is a classic vehicle and most over 40 years old now. They are quirky to own and demand a fair amount of regular maintenance to keep them running. Like most classics they are fuel thirsty and over a high mileage could cost you a lot in fuel. As owners, we like our vans but looking around the forum you will see we do get a variety of problems from time to time. Ownership of a T2 is easier and less costly if you do your own maintenance. Spend time looking at camper vans, not just vw and hang on to your money until you are certain. You could try hiring a T2 for a week end at small cost. Some folks on here also have a T5 so would be able to offer a first hand comparison.
Welcome! There are a few guys off here who head abroad annually with no issues, likewise, the odd ones do have the odd breakdown, its not uncommon. I think they key thing, if you do go down a T2 route is to get a good solid bus and learn how to maintain it and get confidence in the bus itself by going on local runs (when I say local, a long enough run around the UK). You will soon get to know what the foibles are and sort the little issues out which you feel need sorting and improve reliability if needed. Be aware of the fuel costs of a T2 compared to a T5 if travel abroad is what you want to do, as mgbman said they are not economical! Good luck
How about a T4? Bit cheaper than a T5 and fabber . We've just done a 3,000 plus miles in our T4 to southern Spain and back. I've also got a T2 that I would have been happy driving down in but as we were on time constraint the T4 is quicker, also cheaper on fuel.
I would recommend watching Hasta Alska on YouTube, it'll put your European ideas into perspective. You'll have a better time in a T2 because the vehicle will be much more part of the adventure. At your budget seriously consider getting a T2 and having a Subaru engine conversion or buy one ready done .
Hi, from sunny Barnsley. I'm just getting used to driving the t2, its a different experience and you get alot of interest from the general public. A t5 will get you there quicker and cheaper but it's just another van, depends what you want. If you just want something to get you there and back, there are cheaper options than a t5 with the same options. Some say they won't have anything other than a vw which I find strange given there recent bad deads.
Many thanks for all the replies so soon! Great to see an active forum. The HastaAlaska site (and KombiLife) looks very useful, I'll do a bit of homework there. I value the comments about other makes besides VW. If I decide not to go for a late bay, I'll definitely look at Transit etc. as well.
Hello and Welcome from The Colonial Contingent As a T2 and a T4 owner I prefer the Bay, it's slower, less fuel efficient but note fun to drive. The T4 is more practical for hauling the dogs around but to me it's just a van.
Get yourself a T2 - we have taken ours to Spain, Monaco, Italy, France, Belgium and Germany without issue. Its much more fun cruising around in a Bay - whatever the model, than just another van that is reliable quiet and ultimately boring. Regular maintenance and sensible driving will ensure you always arrive wherever you are going with a smile on your face. Big trips become a proper event and I look forward to a long journey into Europe. Just make sure you get a decent bus - and if your not sure what exactly your looking at take an expert with you. Its just what we did 6 years ago and paying someone for a morning of their time saved us buying a rotter. Best of luck with whatever you decide
The transit custom is a lovely van. I’ve got a couple of mates who have recently changed vans, both have had numerous vw’s, both now swooped over to customs. When I chop in my current transit, I was giving serious consideration to a t5, but having seen theirs I’m getting a transit custom. The cabs nicer and you get loads of spec for a lot less money. I think in a few years you’ll see loads of these as campers rather than vws.
Ive Hi We've a T2...a beautiful bus. Been across France to and from Italy 4 times. ..down to Spain. Aswell as around UK. I look after her and she's never given me any worries. I say go with your heart...it always rules over the head.
