VW Campervan Ownership 1 Year On
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2023
- Hi and welcome to another video.
Today we are discussing our campervan, the conversion and whether we are happy with it, over a year on.
We talk about suitability of the conversion, the base vehicle and if we have any regrets about the decisions we made.
We hope you enjoy the video and find it insightful. If you do don’t forget to drop us a like.
You can also follow us on Instagram @van_vibes_and_sibes
#campervan #transporter #camping
That’s was great. So glad you are enjoying your van. I have to say ; I’m struggling for comfort in the pop top even on Frolis so I would persevere until you find the solution that’s right for you on the mattress front.
Hi thanks for commenting again 😊 Sorry to hear you’re struggling even with the Frolis. Yes I think we’ll definitely have to persevere until we find the right thing 👍🏻
I can also highly recommend Duvalay!! We also have the Duvalay sleeping bags and we have light silk duvets in them. Absolutely love them!! Well worth every penny!!
Thank you, it seems Duvalay is a popular choice. It’s definitely a contender and one we’ll definitely consider👍🏻
Can I ask what you got, is the Duvalay just the sleeping bag with memory foam or is it a mattress type thing? We’ve just bought a t6.1 and wondering what to do. We see people with big mattresses taking up lots of room and others with nothing like that. We want comfort.
Also if it’s ok can I ask what you put in the pop top? We’ve had a mattress supplied but it looks quite thin.
Thanks
Brian
Jerba campervans did a whole peice on the best topper duvelay & calfornia were obsessed with a comfortable SLEEPING arrangement . Some good points made good video
Thank you, we’ll definitely check this out 👍🏻
This was such a great video. Really informative and a great review. We have a Vauxhall Vivaro with a similar internal conversion but no pop too. We wish we had a long wheel base as it’s cramped when the bed is out for our dogs. Like you, we slightly regret the manual gear box. I drive an auto car so it’s a big switch when I drive the van. We bought the same awning as you after watching your review. I think you are two of the best van vloggers as you keep it real and honest. Keep them coming and may you enjoy your van to the fullest. X
What an awesome comment! Thank you so much! Hearing that people enjoy watching our content makes it even more fun to make. It’s great to hear that our awning video helped you to make a decision on one 👍🏻
Yes, what you see is what you get with us 😂 We agreed when we started making the videos that we’d always try to keep it real. Thanks again for a lovely comment 😊
I've got Renault trafic Campervan lwb. I don't understand why so many choose the swb.
Makes an enormous difference the extra 400mm.
They say it's for parking. Ive never had any problems with parking. And it's my day van as well.
@@daviddring8692 Glad to hear that the LWB works well for you 👍🏻 Louise Clark was saying that she regrets getting a SWB, whereas we’re really happy with our SWB. I think it’s each to their own isn’t it. We couldn’t fit a LWB on our drive even if we wanted one 😂
Thanks for commenting 👍🏻
Yes I remember you saying lwb wouldn't go on your drive
Absolutely recommend the duvalay it's an expensive outlay but you know buy cheap buy twice. Happy travels.
Hi Sharon, thanks for the recommendation 😊 We’ve actually gone with panda in the end. It was significantly cheaper and they offer a 30 day trial. If we don’t like it we could send it back and get something else so we figured we’ve got nothing to lose. If the panda solves the problem it’s win win. Thanks for commenting 😊
We've been following your channel since you got your campervan, we also have a campervan and two dogs so have been following to see how get on. It's nice to still have channel which likes a Transporter campervan and not sell it for a crafter or equivalent! Interested in what make your alloys are and size as our van is the same colour and in need of a wheel refurb or new
Looking forward to your NC500 trip as we will be doing the same but next year. Take care guys.
Hi Matt, thank you so much! It’s great to hear that you’ve followed the channel since the start.
Haha yes everyone seems to be going bigger at the moment don’t they! We have no plans to go bigger as I (Lou) would not want to drive anything bigger on the daily.
Our wheels are 18 inch VW Palmerston wheels.
Yes stay tuned for the NC500 trip, I’m sure there will be some content coming. 😊 Thank you so much for your continued support. 👍🏻
Thanks for the interesting video. We purchased a Duvalay mattress that was made to fit the van and found for the extra comfort it brought us was not worth the room it took in the van to store due to its size. It was always in the way when we travelled and took up to much room when not in use. Hope this helps while you decide. 👍
Hi Thanks for commenting. It’s really good to hear a different view on the duvalay. It will really help us to make an informed decision on which option to go for. Thanks so much for watching👍🏻😊
What an enjoyable VLOG. Thank you for your insights.
Hi Alan 👋🏼 Welcome! Thank you so much for your kind comment 👍🏻
Definitely invest in duvalay! The reason you are not comfy is because you are not spending much. It is definitely worth while in the long run! 😊
Thanks your comment :) Like we said in the video, we’ve been thinking for a while that we need to bite the bullet on something like a panda or duvalay. It’s great to hear the opinions of people who have used them so thank you for your recommendation 👍🏻
Totally agree!
Great candid chat, you pretty much reaffirmed my thoughts pre-campervan aquisition. We are going for an auto, and we're going to look VERY carefully at options for sleeping at the top. I sleep on my side, so I need more support, or i'll wake up with a dead shoulder! :P
We hope you find the van you are looking for, and that you have the best time travelling in it when you do :) Thanks for watching 👍🏻
Love your van, looks like ours, but we went down the Cali route. I’m finding it a little claustrophobic but love it. Duvalay is always the mattress answer on the Cali groups but Jules still wanted a topper even on a 6.1🤷♂.keep em coming
Hi Andy 👋🏼 Thank you! I thought from your picture that your van looks very similar to ours! Have you got the same wheels as us? Duvalay certainly seems to be a popular choice 👍🏻
@@VanVibesandSibes Hi. Yep, it’s,the same alloys , 18” Palmerston, Cali upgrades.
Exactly same here had my converted T6.1 nearly a year love the van and the DSG automatic gearbox.it's no slower changing gear than manual and great in slow moving traffic jams no relentless clutch on/off...BUT always a negative and that's MPG can never achieve more than 32mpg!.Only other regret is the lack of panoramic in the poptop canvas apparently will be 1.5k now to change for that option apart from that the froli springs with matress works a treat
Hi thanks for commenting! So good to hear that you love your van 😊 We actually forgot to mention this on the video, but I (Lou) kind of regret not getting a panoramic canvas as well. It was just an expense too far at the time unfortunately. Thanks for watching 👍🏻
Before getting my cali I had vw transporters, started with a swb then had lwb then a beach now a ocean. I prefer the swb. The long wheel base was more ackward in parking spaces and country lanes!!! We wish we had gone down the route of a campervan sooner. Money was the decision maker. We love the lifestyle it gives us. So glad u have no regrets and it’s enabling you both to enjoy and relax and have a reason for working. 😂😂😊 thanks for your blogs
Have you finally got your new van now Cathryn?? I know you’d been waiting ages! Hope its been worth the wait! We love the swb. Because we sleep in the poptop, there’s plenty of room for the dogs downstairs 😊
It really is awesome how having a campervan changes your life for the better isn’t it!
Thanks so much for the support 👍🏻
Hell yes well worth the wait. I think vw have slowed the production to ensure their reputation of quality and finish. Yeah we do the same, sleep upstairs so the 2 labradors and cocker spaniel can have their room. Everything’s spot on. Did worry a bit after hearing other peoples little issue’s. Loving the foley springs. My hubby no longer wakes me up when he moves around. It suits me because I prefer a firmer mattress. Mattresses are difficult because what’s great to one person may not be for another. Hope u find a solution soon. I sleep better in my van than my bed…..
Glad to hear you’re pleased with it 😊👍🏻
Same van as you two dogs and two adults great nights sleep love our Duvalay yes expensive but would not be without excellent comfort better than on our boat ❤
Thanks for sharing, it seems the Duvalay is a popular option 👍🏻
Just to let you know that my T6 has cruise control, not sure if they had it on the T5’s and earlier models. I sleep down stairs on a Duvalay and it’s so much better.I’ve got 2 singles and each were about £100 each. If you are a camping and caravan club member you can get an extra 10% off. I’ll even give you the discount code for gooutdoors if it helps. Not cheap but so much better. I also some times have a double camping sim mattress underneath. Which makes it that bit better. I’ve had my van for 4 years now and absolutely love it!
Hi, thanks for watching 😊 In the video we were referring to adaptive cruise control (where the van brakes for you and keeps you at a safe distance from the vehicle in front). We believe this specific cruise control wasn’t available until the T6.1 😊
That’s another recommendation for Duvalay. We really do think this might be the way to go for us now. So many people swear by Duvalay. We are members of the caravan and camping club so we’ll definitely check that out, thank you! It’s great to hear that you love having your T6, we absolutely love having our van as well. Thank you so much for your comment 😊
Thanks for the interesting video
Hi guys - I've just bought my first VW Camper like you I couldn't stretch to a DSG even though I have driven an automatic car for years, hoping I can live with the manual gears, ours is a T6.1 73 plate conversion, I've been told it drives more like a car rather than a van. To get the one I wanted was almost 8k more on some conversions !!
To be honest that is the only real regret we have about the choices we made on our van. The automatic gear box would have been nice, but like you mentioned, they drive really well and we both still enjoy driving it without the DSG. We just couldn’t justify the extra money in the end. Fingers crossed that you can see past the manual gear box and enjoy your new van when it arrives 🙂 Happy travels! 🚐
Just need to add from last comment bought the thickest mattress bottom on duvalay with the thinner top summer weight in Scotland urgently on Skye and plenty warm enough if you have a partner thick top would be too much enjoy if you get one x❤
I’m coming up to the end of my first year of full time VanLife in a VW Transporter. Not been how I had hoped and planned… but no choice right now… definitely have a few regrets…
Hi Nick, ah sorry to hear that. What do you regret? The size? The conversion? Or is it because it’s full time?
Definitely don’t think we could do full time in our campervan. Just not enough space with 2 big dogs. Having said that we love going away for holidays in it.
Great video we have an outdoor revolution campstar sim for our r & r bed but they do for the pop top as well, we love ours and it’s very comfy
Ok thanks for the suggestion 👍🏻 We’ve never looked at those so we’ll definitely check them out. Thanks for your comment 😊
Comfort is definitely an issue with pop tops in general. You’re on a solid bed base with a very thin mattress. There is no give or spring in it. No matter what you put in it will not be comfortable. The thicker pop top gives a thicker mattress which will take froli springs. I fear Duvall’s will not solve your issue, improve it yes, but solve it no! I’m sure you’ll find your way through it, good luck and enjoy.
Yes unfortunately it’s the nature of the beast especially when you’ve got a pop top like ours. We could have had a pop top with the frolli springs, but as we’re not the smallest people, we went for the one which would tolerate more weight. As it was a slimline pop top, the frolli springs weren’t an option. We got a panda mattress topper in the end and the comfort levels are a lot better now😊 Thanks for watching 👍🏻
We bought berghaus self inflating matrons on top of the thin memory foam. Great
Hi 👋🏼 Glad you found something that suited you. Thanks for watching 😊
Thanks for a really useful review. I assume that you dont use the pop up in the winter as it's just like being inside a tent?
Hi 👋🏼 Yes we use the pop top all year round. We’re both really warm sleepers so we never get cold once we’re in bed. Some people buy thermal covers for their pop tops which gives a little more insulation. We haven’t found this necessary for us, but it’s an option if you feel the cold and want to use the pop top all year round 👍🏻
Hi Great video. Just about to order a new T6.1 Kombi. I notice that your Captains front seats can swivel are they factory fitted or an after market type?
I hear there can be lot of problems with some of the swivel bases eg losing the height and lumbar adjustment features of the seats and the comfort and driving position can be affected by having the swivel feature. Can you confirm any of this and what’s your opinion of them. Many thanks and keep up the great vids.
Hi, thanks for commenting. Good work on ordering a Kombi, the transporter is such a good bit of kit. I’m sure you won’t regret it.
Because our van wasn’t spec’d by us it didn’t come with factory fitted swivel seats. We therefore got Newwave Conversions (the people who converted the van) do add these. Ours are aftermarket swivel bases. I can confirm though that the height and lumber adjustment both remains fully working.
That said if we were choosing our own specification we would definitely opt for factory fitted swivel bases- and I’m pretty sure it doesn’t effect any seat adjustment. Hope this helps.
Love this video , just purchased a converted transporter highline new only 6 weeks ago , just wondering I thought the upper bed in the pop up only holds 1 and a half adults or 2 children any response would be appreciated
Hi 👋🏼 Thank you! Glad you like the video 😊 It all depends on the pop top. Different pop top manufacturers have different guidelines for weight limits on the roof beds.
We hope you are enjoying your new Transporter! Thank you for watching. 😊
Try a couple of sheepskins, its worked a treat for me. They can be stored on the seats during the day.
Thanks for sharing 👍🏻
Hi just watched your video. Did you find a better solution for your mattress? I’ve been using the exact same inflatable you showed underneath the original foam mattress and find it’s super comfy. Hope you managed to get a better option
Hi 👋🏼 We went for a panda mattress topper in the end. It’s definitely made the pop top bed more comfortable 👍🏻 Thanks for watching 😊
Hi great video cheers. I have two questions you may be able to answer from your experience. 1, is the pop top noisy when you try to sleep if it’s windy? . 2nd , what is the most economical heater for a vw camper? Thanks again. 👍🏆
Hi 👋🏼 Yes it can definitely be noisy in the pop top when it’s windy. If it gets really windy, it can sometimes keep us awake. Normally at that point we decide it’s not worth risking it getting damaged so we drop the pop top down. This means we have to sleep downstairs with the dogs which can be cosy lol
In terms of heating the van, we can only really comment on what we have, which is a Webasto diesel heater. It works great for us. Warms the van up really quickly and doesn’t seem to use too much diesel either. Thanks for watching 😊👍🏻
I noticed your base van had 16" Clayton wheels, but you upgraded to some 20" Palmerston alloys the same as I have fitted. I'm thinking of swapping buying some 16" wheels instead with the hope of improving the ride comfort. What was your experience of the switch and did you notice much difference?
Hi 👋🏼 Yes our base van did have the 16” Clayton wheels. We actually swapped them out for 18” Palmerston wheels. To be honest we didn’t notice too much difference between the 16” and 18” wheels, however when we had the new wheels fitted, we did have the van lowered on comfort coilovers, so this could also be a factor when considering ride comfort. Thanks for commenting 😊
Great video! Out of interest, what made you choose a converted SWB over a California?
Hi James, thank you 😊 We did consider a California but ultimately the decision came down to the sliding door being on the drivers side on the California. With having the two dogs we thought it better to have the door on the passenger side so that it doesn’t open into the road when you pull up at the side of the road. The other thing about the conversion we went for was the curved cupboard behind the drivers seat which means when the seat is turned it’s not restricted by the cupboards. We also realised that it would be really nice to be able choose exactly how the interior looked which we wouldn’t have been able to do with the California. Thanks for commenting 😊
Have you thought about not sleeping in the pop top, but on that very comfortable looking bed system! If your dogs are massive, could they sleep in a tent outside? Or on the floor in front of the bed?
Hi, yes we thought about it a lot before we got the van, but we came to the conclusion that sleeping in the pop top was the best option for us. Using the downstairs bed would create too many logistical issues with the dogs. (I won’t bore you by listing them😂)
They are huskies so they are definitely not a small breed.
We actually really enjoy sleeping up in the pop top, we just need a simple solution for some extra comfort and we’ll be sorted. Thanks for the suggestions anyway 👍🏻
Did the conversion company change the DVLA documentation to a motorhome ? Or is it still classed as a commercial? I drove manual for years, never bothered me either until I went with an auto. I think I couldn't go back to stick now. I would like a camper without the sink and hob as I'd probably prefer doing any of that on a table outside.
Hi 👋🏼 No it’s still a commercial. We could send photos etc to the DVLA, but since they changed the rules in 2019, they would just come back and say it is a “van with windows” Our van instantly fails their new criteria because it has a poptop.
I’m sure you could get a camper without the sink and hob. I know some people have taken theirs out because they don’t use them. You would end up with loads more worktop space! Personally, we like to have the sink and hob inside the van, especially for winter camping when we’d rather not cook outside. That’s the beauty of having one converted, you can have it exactly as you want it 😊 Thanks for watching
Like the video 🎉. Who did your conversion? Thanks 🙏
Hi 👋🏼 Glad to hear you liked the video, thank you! Our conversion is the Verso by New Wave Custom Conversions. 😊
Just for info the DPF burns extra diesel not lubricating oil when being ‘cleaned’
Thanks for sharing 👍🏻
Hi, what wheel /suspension upgrade did you go for, does it drive ok..everyone seems to go for 20inch on 275 /40 tyres …I want some style and comfort
Hi, thanks for your comment. We went with an 18 inch wheel with lowering being done via a comfort coilover kit. For us we thought this would give the best compromise between aesthetics and ride comfort. As you mention we hear a lot of people say the ride is a bit rough on 20 inch wheels especially if its been lowered on lowering springs. In our van the ride is smooth without being harsh and body roll is kept to a minimum. Hope this helps.
Our T5 had 20” wheels when the previous owner bought it and he changed them for 18” wheels as the ride was too harsh with the 20s, it’s still a bit harsh with 18” wheels but we’re experimenting with tyre pressures to find a decent compromise.
Ours is a T32 so may have stiffer springs than a T28 due to the greater carrying capacity. Hope this is of some help.
Just wondering how you managed to 'sleep' in the van in summer as you will not be able to run the aircond?
Hi 👋🏼 We haven’t really had too much of a problem with sleeping in the van in the summer months. We find opening up the poptop windows really helps us. The downstairs of our van stays really cool at night which is great as that’s where the dogs sleep. We sleep fine in the poptop, but the only problem is the next morning. As soon as the sun comes out it’s like an oven up there so we sometimes have to get up a tad earlier than we would like 😂
@@VanVibesandSibes thanks.
How much did the conversion cost? Great video 😊
Hi Robert, thank you 😊 We’re actually thinking of doing a video about that so stay tuned! In the meantime, I believe New Wave Custom Conversions do show their prices on their website if you wanted to check them out. Our van conversion is their Verso conversion. Thanks for commenting 😊
@@VanVibesandSibes thank you!
What coasters do you use in this video?
Hiya, they are just some silicone ones we found on Amazon. I think they come in various colours. I’ll drop a link down below.
Drink Coasters by Barvivo Set of 8 - Tabletop Protection for Any Table Type, Wood, Granite, Glass, Soapstone, Marble, Stone Tables - Perfect Blue Soft Coaster Fits Any Size of Drinking Glasses. amzn.eu/d/abZhJvn
Can't recommend Duvalay enough..... not cheap but worth every penny...
Hi! We are seriously considering getting a Duvalay so it’s really helpful to hear the thoughts of people who have tried them. Thank you so much for commenting 😊
@@VanVibesandSibesI'll be keen for a video all about Duvalay and how comfortable it is
@@JoolsUK Aww sorry, we ended up going for a Panda in the end. It’s definitely made a big difference to our comfort. If you want to see a video about Duvalay, I’m pretty sure Professional Moochers did a video about it on their channel. 😊
UA-cam Life is to short, they bought a wool based topper
We’re subscribed to life is too short but we may have missed this one. We’ll check it out 👍🏻 Thanks for your comment :)
You sleep those 2 big dogs in the campervan as well?!
Hi, yes they sleep in the van with us. We sleep up in the poptop and the dogs sleep downstairs. Dallas sleeps on his bed on the floor, and Sabre sleeps on the back seat. It only becomes a problem if the poptop needs to come down due to bad weather 😂 We always make it work though. Thanks for your comment 👍🏻
@@VanVibesandSibesi heard you say that in another video of yours. Hats off for that!
Inflatable under mattress
Why on earth would you let your dogs inside?
Our dogs are part of our family. They live with us in the house so of course they are allowed inside the van too.
@@VanVibesandSibes Weird!
i think you would love auto try you never know and had van all my life in my opion change oil every year engine love oil
Thanks for your comment Colin 😊 I’m sure I would love driving an auto. I’ve just never had one so I don’t know what I’m missing 😂