ADVICE: Camper- Buy or Convert?

jamesbond Casual Dubber

25 posts · joined Feb 2011 · 30 Dec 2014, 10:05 pm

#1006064

ADVICE: Camper- Buy or Convert?
Whats the best option? Should I buy an existing factory/converted camper or do we get better value to buy a transporter/van and pay to convert it? We can spend to about 15-20K. While we love the idea of the old T2 shape (like we traveled through Europe in 25 years ago) But they seem way too expensive ATM, so happy to consider T3 and T4. I guess these models also offer more practical floor plan and extra space (please confirm). We are a family of two adults and 10 YO daughter. We want to do trips between weekends and week long trips and we also want to all sleep within the van. So what should we consider? is a T3 or t4 Better? to buy existing camper or pay to convert? Any advice or suggestions or experience really appreciated. THANK YOU Pls comment

h fractals - an ever changing lifestyle

7,671 posts · joined Feb 2005 · 31 Dec 2014, 5:00 am

#1006066

Hi!
If your not too mech minded n enjoy creature comforts get a T4 diesel n convert that for camping
They are reasonably priced from the get go and are fairly reliable
Older bus models need work n upkeep compared to newer ones
T4s have a flat cargo area n LWB has room a plenty
I had a T4 for many years n now my daily drive is a T5, I've had plenty if T2s but yes getting up in price as are T3s
enjoy your search 🙂
my 2c

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Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 31 Dec 2014, 6:39 am

#1006068

Be careful if buying interstate. Especially T2's.
Most pop tops are "modified vehicles" and registration issues may arise when re registering.

If you can find a Westfalia camper they were original VW.

T3 is my pick

Futue te ipsum!!!

jamesbond Casual Dubber

25 posts · joined Feb 2011 · 31 Dec 2014, 8:46 am

#1006077

Any idea what a conversion might cost? can you also get pop top with small cot upstairs? I like the idea of a diesel also. Just seems a lot of work and expensive to convert to full featured camper.

Governor Wolfsburg Wizard

414 posts · joined Nov 2008 · 31 Dec 2014, 8:53 am

#1006078

Look for a T4 or T5 diesel already converted

karmann141 Wolfsburg Wizard

485 posts · joined Aug 2009 · 31 Dec 2014, 8:53 am

#1006079

Have a chat to Frontline Campers - $ depends on what you want. They do an excellent fitout and much cheaper than Trakka.
http://www.frontlinecamper.com.au/campervans/vw-transporter/

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jamesbond Casual Dubber

25 posts · joined Feb 2011 · 22 Jan 2015, 7:53 pm

#1007213

Thanks folks, So looking like doing a convert, might be the way to go. Not many good T3 or 4 campers around that I can find. So I suppose try to find a tidy van/transporter and get it converted. Any other camper conversion place recommendations? Maybe the camping and 4x4 expo in Sydney might discover some?