VW Campervan Buying Guide

August 6, 2020

Combining vehicle & accommodation, VW campervans are the leading choice for camper enthusiasts around the world. The tried and tested model is an absolute favourite British camping experience, providing the means to drive, cook, dine, wash & relax on board. So, how to choose? Read more as we explore the different options to look for when searching for a VW campervan for sale!

The Basics

There are several different layout options for Volkswagen campervans, so make sure the model has these basics on board…

Basic Equipment

Bed | Hob | Table | Heating | Running Water | 4 Travel Seats | Fridge | 12v & 230v Sockets | Electric Hook Up | Leisure Battery | Storage Space

Base vehicle

The history of the VW campervans dates back to 1950 from the original Type 2 VW transporter to the modern transporter we have today (and lots of models in between!).  A lot depends on personal preference here, you can choose from the nostalgic vintage to the modern T6 campervan.

For your money…

You can get a more streamlined bodywork, more efficient engines and greater comfort in the modern VW. That’s why, at Camperco you’ll find a range of specially produced VW T6 campervans for sale, built with you in mind. Models are low cost, low mileage, reliable and cost effective, the perfect way to see the world.

LWB (Long Wheel Base) vs SWB (Short Wheel Base)

This describes the distance between the centre of the front wheels and the centre of the rear wheels. In short, the SWB is shorter than the LWB.

To choose which suits better, factor in if you want a more mobile vehicle better suited for the UK road network (SWB) or something that maximises living and load space (LWB).

Specification

VW’s come in Shortline, Trendline & Highline specs. This refers to the VW’s additional extras. Startline is the standard and Highline is the more spec’d vehicle with a range of additional pack extras.

The higher spec the higher the cost. Make sure to explore the different options available and decide if it’s worth the extra.

Top Tip: We recommend a Tailgate over a barn door rear door, as this provides shelter when open and allows you to use a range of additional accessories including Tailgate tents & Bike racks for up to 4.

Engine/GearBox- Power

The main test of power is in the Brake Horse Power (BHP) of the engine. Essentially this is how the engine is tweaked / set up at the factory.

Our T6 campers come in 102 BHP or 150 BHP.  The T6 have increased in power from the T5.1 making them more suitable to convert to a camper.

The 150BHP is the more powerful of the 2 options but will increase the price of the camper as a result.  

Conversion

There are many different fitters for VW campervans so it’s important to trust the converters. Make sure you watch out for vans that have just had a shiny set of wheels put on and a bit of a half done paint job.

It’s worthwhile shopping around for a layout that suits your circumstances. The options range from a rear kitchen layout to a galley option. For us, the Galley option provides a practical kitchen layout and maximises on storage space.

Nomad Campervans convert our T6 campers for sale exclusively for Camperco, creating stylish, functional campervans for people with varying interests and hobbies. Smart craftmanship includes LED lighting, tamba doors for easily accessible storage space, swivel captain seats and a Webasto diesel heater.

Campervan Conversion Experts

As UK agents for Reimo, Vohringer and Webasto we only use robust, quality assured materials from leading German TUV approved manufacturers in our campervan conversions. 

Conversions have been awarded 5 stars for our build quality and 4 stars overall for the quality of our campervans by Which Motorhome.

Roof Options

One the most important aspects of VW is the roof options. Here are your options:

Fixed Roof- Keep the original roof if you are travelling solo (and you aren’t particularly tall), if you want to use this mostly as a car that can double as a quick accommodation, or if you have to deal with height restrictions such as a garage or a multi-level car park to store it or take it to work.

Pop top Roof- Add space to your camper without the worry of additional height while driving. Find a pop top roof option that provides enough head room when cooking, room to get changed, and a double bed option.

High top Roof- The fibre glass high top roof affords more protection from the elements of the pop top roof. The height provides the option for a comfy bed for 2 people in the top of the camper.

Approved Reimo Fitters

At Camperco, our VW campervans are built exclusively for us. We are an authorised Reimo UK agent and converter for the German campervan specialists. With over 40 years experience, Reimo are one of the most trusted names in the industry and we are proud to be one of the few UK manufacturers to be directly associated with them!

Seat- Bed Options

There are plenty of Seat-Bed options. So, make sure you do your due diligence before you choose and think twice before you sacrifice comfort for price. We fit our VW campers with the following seat beds:

Titan Fixed Seat Bed System- A 2 person seat bed with a versatile design allowing maximum luggage space, removable after fitting. Low 480mm seat height, single leaver operation, multi recline, no support legs.

Reimo Variotech 3000 Sliding Seat System-  3 person sliding seat bed with multiple locking points for maximum flexibility between living and load space. Slides the full length of the camper leaving a massive load area in the rear to carry everything you need. Then when you arrive at your destination – simply offload the gear and slide the seat to its fully rear position to give you a spacious living area.

Why us?

We’ve combined our knowledge from sales, rental (our sister company Bunk Campers), and motorhome accessories to bring you a high spec campervan built from miles and miles of experience.

VIEW RANGE >>

Have you any questions about one of our VW conversions? Email our sales team or call us at 0330 0552 504 for more information and assistance!

VW Campervan Accessories

We are dealers of Fiamma, Reimo, Thule & more.  Browse our range of VW campervan accessories online and chat to our sales team about kitting your camper out!

Wind Out Awning | Drive Away Awnings | Tailgate Tents | Campervan Bike Racks