Reply With QuoteSome of these T6's have had a hard previous life in the building trade. Important to know who also did the conversion. Sign up to the T6 forum as it is a wealth of knowledge.
i am looking at a vw camper on ebay, i have been to see it and looks ok not driven it yet, i know nothing about vw transporters, i
is there anything about this van i should be aware off, would the remap put you off or the hi top conversion what would be a guestimate of the mpg on a Run
Many thanks
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284843542...UAAOSw09tijiQj
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Some of these T6's have had a hard previous life in the building trade. Important to know who also did the conversion. Sign up to the T6 forum as it is a wealth of knowledge.
I’d go for a pop top as those high top will not go in many height restricted car parks.
I have a T5 camper, one of the best things I have ever bought. We have had great use from if.
looks nice. I have a T4 and on long runs can get upto 45mpg. I dont use it now as i bought a high top vauxhall movano which ive part converted to use as a camper and work van. Not finished it yet but its getting there. Personally i would go high top every time. Its great being able to stand up all the time without messing with a pop top. The height restriction hardly ever comes into play. I also wouldnt want to go back to transporter size. They are ok but everything is such a squeeze all the time.Originally Posted by mav112
On the fuel side my T5 gives about 36mpg. 2.5 TDI. I can get more if I go easy and long but that’s a fair average.
Transporters are snug but that’s the beauty of them.
They drive pretty much like a car and can go anywhere. Bigger vans obviously give more space but they are more unwieldy to drive and park.
I would expect the high top to be worse on fuel.
It looks good but a T26 is the lowest weight rating for a T5 and when full of gear and people will probably be over weight limit. I used to have a T28 and that cut it fine. As far as conversions go it looks like it’s been done well and has loads of the expensive stuff done.
My van is a T30. As above I’d suspect a T26 is on the weight limit.
As stated, T26 a bit on the lightweight side of things especially for a fully blown camper
IN 2013 VAGNOSTICS OF SCUNTHORPE DID A RE-FLASH WITH ECU WITH PENDLE
PERFORMANCE SOFTWARE, ECONOMY AND POWER BOTH IMPROVED (FROM 84-140BHP)
CERTIFICATE PROVIDED
I would be very cautious of this as it'll only be a 5 speed box and there have been lots of issues with gearbox's and clutches over time with the added torque/5 speed box, however being remapped back in 2013 it could easily have survived the test of time
PS it does look immaculate though, just tread careful, maybe worth getting a professional VW mechanic to check over if seriously interested
many thanks for the replies guys, i dident even consider the weight rating , i think it would be getting close or over with 2 of us and bikes etc, the previous owner to the ebay seller carried out the conversion and had owned it for 10 years, and it is in lovely condition, we had agreed a price of 15k but i think i will pass,
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What's the difference between T26 and 30? Would it not just be an upgrade of springs and shocks?
I owned a t26 camper until last year. It was a pop top with three quarters rock and roll bed and full length side kitchen unit. It was a professional conversion with all the correct certification, I can't remember the figures but it came in nowhere near the weight limits. Remember, even with all that stuff in it, 80% plus is still empty space and they are designed to be full of cargo.
I’d be more concerned with remap and 5 speed box
This would concern me as well.
Might be a big late to the party seeing as the van auction has ended but my two pence worth:
1.9TDI upgraded from 84bhp to 140bhp - no big deal to my mind. Pendle Performance stuff is good. Five speed box - again no big deal- T5’s I’ve driven mostly had five speed box either 1.9 or 2.5 engines. Maybe the lower output ones are geared lower which might mean economy is compromised a little.
T26 variant: a T5 kerb weight is around 1850kgs, with a 1.9 engine, so you’ve approx 750kgs load to play with inc driver and passengers. You’ve still enough headroom before you’ve overweight. Heaviest item in the camper being R n R bed at circa 100kgs assuming it’s pull tested.
This one looked a good build having a tailgate rather than barn doors and a hi top with full head height access (some don’t). Motor caravan on V5c is good (hard work done with DVLA). Not been to the moon and back mileage wise (although well maintained they’ll run to Jupiter and back easily)
Just as a by the by I’ve had T4 2.5TDI (still owned and have had since 2008), T5 2.5 TDI 130 and 174 versions, T5.1 140TDI and 180 BiTDI versions and LT35 2.5TDI 109. Would thoroughly recommend joining the Transporter Forum if you’ve doubts and questions.
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Thanks for replying, i didnt buy it in the end , still on the look out for one, is there any engine variant to avoid ,
Cheers
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The 1.9tdi engine in my old Touran wasn't especially happy towing a caravan, and the clutch was very unhappy about it. I'd probably avoid a 1.9.
Are the dual mass flywheels still a concern?
Some stay clear of the 180PS BiTDI.
Some have experienced premature wear of pistons and excessive oil consumption. Two explanations I've heard of are (1) manufacturing defect of piston liners (2) breakup of aluminium fins of EGR oil cooler sending metal pieces into the oil stream and stripping pistons.
Started with Norwegian ambulances, some say it's restricted to earlier engines or earlier coolers and was solved. Some not convinced.
VW deaf ears.
Mine is a later 180PS BiTDI, engine has been the least of my problems although I do have the vehicle serviced and oil changed every year. It's a poky engine.
Not impressed by quality of VW engineering or build. The VW emissions scandal speaks for itself.
Googled it
https://www.vwt4forum.co.uk/threads/...ailure.252697/
The 2.5TDI is pretty much bullet proof provided it’s been serviced regularly: oil change annually and Cam belt / water pump regularly (we’ve had them changed three times since 2008 in the T4). EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve blanked off. MAF (mass airflow meter) working properly and the N75 solenoid pipes all air tight.
I had a 2.0 180 BiTDI in 2011 - 2014 as a company carI did 90k miles in it with no engine faults. Had quite a few niggly faults though generally. Drove a few other, less powerful, 2.0 TDi vans as courtesy vans. The 140 hp was very competent and frugal. The 84 up version is an avoid.
2.5TDi is the best engine in my opinion. Great torque in any power output and good economy. The 2.0 engines have more power and possibly torque but it’s generally higher up the rev range and does impact economy and drivability. The 1.9 TD is ok, but a little pedestrian. Some folks do really like them though.
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I had to get the clutch / DMF changed in my T4 a few years back. Total cost was £900+. In a T4 it’s engine mounts undone, various special tools required and a lot of labour hours. I had the work done by a VW specialist rather than main dealer or “Mr Clutch” type of place. They felt the old clutch was probably the original and had done 160k miles.
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I’m no mechanic but I’m pretty sure the T5 2.5TDI does not have a cam belt as it’s gear driven. I’m guessing the T4 must be a different engine design.
Last edited by Montello; 15th June 2022 at 20:55.
The 2.5TDI is pretty much bullet proof provided it’s been serviced regularly: oil change annually and Cam belt / water pump regularly
That's going to be an interesting conversation with the garage.
I've been doing an oil change in between the official yearly ones.
Going to see a california this evening its a 2.5 tdi. I have asked about the roof corrosion issue says its ok , anything else i should be wary about, are these sought after or should i avoid like the Plague is its 2008 100k and 23k ono
Thanks
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I'm not good on mechanics, but check:
Driver and passenger seats swivel
Bench seat/bed slides back and forward and folds up and down as it should
Check electro-hydraulic roof goes up and down evenly, condition of canvas
Cabin Eberspacher heater works
Both cooker rings work.
Condition of hoses from gas bottle.
Control panel, knobs, display pixels.
Fridge works.
Cupboard doors and windows slide freely.
Water comes from tap.
Clean and grey water valves and drains.
Camping seats and table present and condition.
Ok thanks for replying.
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Hi
How did you get on with the viewing last night?
it was ok bit of wear and tear but generally ok , liked the layout,
but a bit wary of the electric/hydraulic roof , seemed to work ok , but imagine it would be costly if it went wrong, theres also a roof corrosion issue with the calis, this seemed ok but was a small bit of blistering about the size of a 50p.
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Roof corrosion has been a problem on Californias. 50p on an older vehicle doesn't seem too bad. My understanding is that it is cosmetic rather than structural. The roof panels are aluminium and the paint did blister on vehicles of this age.
People love the electro-hydraulic roof. Mine has failed twice (1) hydraulic valve, (2) hydraulic pump, both times whilst away. Perhaps unlucky, but I'm now wary. It's not hard to pop a manual roof up and down on its gas struts. I find the top bed very comfortable though.
We have a manual roof, easy to use. The only fiddle is making sure the canvas doesn’t get caught in the hinges and cuts … did it once and now I’m careful when dropping the roof to make sure it’s all tucked away from getting caught.
I have seen some roofs have shockchord to pinch the roof in where it would get caught.
One of these.
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/shop/pr...bellows-bungee
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That’s it, does it work? Does it restrict the roof going up?
I put in on from the get go so don’t know if it does any good. It doesn’t do any harm and hasn’t caused any restriction.
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Last edited by BillyCasper; 1st July 2022 at 07:30.
I tell you high top vans make your life so much easier.
I haven’t yet seen one that looks good though, and bet you have sweat on entering multi-storey car parks.
Some look ok but your right transporters look a bit odd with high top. That's why your better off with a van that's built to be a high top. Something like this is not that much bigger than a transporter but gives you so much more room and comfort.
Regards the height restrictions it hardly ever comes into play. I would much rather have comfort and room then be able to park in a multi story. The van above can park in a normal parking space also.
I still have my T4 but could really do with selling it. I won't be going back to it after buying the vauxhall movano which I'm converting.
Hi op.
How are you getting on with your search?
Bigger vans obviously always give more space and that is a road with almost no end with some huge motor homes on the market. But the bigger you go the harder they are to drive on small roads and to park.Some look ok but your right transporters look a bit odd with high top. That's why your better off with a van that's built to be a high top. Something like this is not that much bigger than a transporter but gives you so much more room and comfort.
Regards the height restrictions it hardly ever comes into play. I would much rather have comfort and room then be able to park in a multi story. The van above can park in a normal parking space also.
I still have my T4 but could really do with selling it. I won't be going back to it after buying the vauxhall movano which I'm converting.
We like to get to remote places and some of the narrow roads we find ourselves on would be a trial with a bigger van.
For us the T5 is perfect but they are tight on space and you need to be on a campsite some of your nights for showers etc.
Bigger vans are more self contained but are far less nimble on the road.
Horses for courses.
still looking but prices are stupid high, may hang fire now and wait until winter , see if prices come down
The prices have went crazy over the last few years. It may calm down a bit now that people can holiday abroad again. I noticed that there are quite a few for sale on ebay. Worth a look for research purposes if nothing else.
Last edited by johny; 1st July 2022 at 14:18.
My mate is a Director of a big motorhomes dealership in the SW. Speaking with him earlier this week, he said that a high number of used VW campers and other motorhomes were now coming back into the trade. They're currently holding about a dozen smaller VWs themselves, and they want to move them on quickly, as they are fully expecting prices to really tumble by year end.
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The op might be interested in your friends company details.
Toyota alphard.
Just digging this up, as considering a T5 or similar at the mo.
£25k-ish, needs to be a daily driver as well as a chuck it all in and go camping/day out with the bikes etc.
Would like bigger HP but read the comments above on the 180 BiTurbo probs.
Don’t need it to be a proper camper, just a simple Kombi - as not planning to sleep inside it much if at all but flexibility with the seats would be useful and opportunity to convert to camper maybe if I get inspired.
Any new thoughts or folks running similar?
Or what about a pick-up (Hi-lux/Ranger) with a good bit of camping gear??
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You mean a HiLux Surf? A friend has an old one, bought from another friend who'd had it second hand for a long time as well and despite high mileage is still going strong and much appreciated to ferry us round the Lakes and Lakes trails when we go camping there. Only downside is it is a bit thirsty I believe.
'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.
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